FALL 2 0 1 4
This special publication brought to you by Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate
www.STLHandHMag.com
EDITOR IN CHIEF Wade Brewer
DESIGN Josh West
FEATURES EDITOR Andrew Brewer
A note from the editor... Fall is finally in the air in the St. Louis area, and along with it comes all of the great activities and events that make St. Louis the great place that it is. Please make sure to check out the “Happenings” section of this issue to find some great fall events.
WEBSITE & FEEDBACK www.STLHandHMag.com Editor@STLHandHMag.com
In this issue we have included some great tips for fall lawn care to help you to prepare your yard for the cold winter months ahead, some DIY ideas for increasing the storage available in your home, some great tips to assist you on moving day, and some great ways to help make chores easy for children. As always, we have some delicious recipes for this time of year. To help to feed all of the ghouls and goblins in your life we have some Halloween treats sure to satisfy the spookiest of appetites and we have some great S’Mores recipes - no campfire needed. I hope that you enjoy this issue of St. Louis Home and Happenings and this great time of year in our area.
Self published by Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate. All material herein is copyrighted and all rights are reserved.
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Wade Brewer Editor-in-chief
CONTENTS 4
Moving Day - DIY Style
6
Brew Up a Frightfully Fun Halloween Party
8
Everyday Chores Made Easy
10
DIY Ideas for Every Room
12
Fall Lawn Care
14
Pain 101
18
Happenings
16
A New Take on Classic S’mores H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 3
MOVING DAY - DIY STYLE Whether you’ve bought a new house or are renting an apartment, you know that finding the perfect place to call home is just the beginning. Before you can settle in and begin enjoying your new surroundings, you have to actually get all of your stuff packed and moved. In today’s tightened economy, more and more people are opting for DIY moves. Not only can personally overseeing your move save money, it can give you a sense of security from having a hands-on role in managing how all your possessions are handled. “Do-it-yourselfers are becoming the norm for residential moves, and with the right planning, managing a move yourself can really pay off,” said Don Mikes, Senior Vice President of Rental for Penske Truck Leasing. Selecting the right truck is a critical first step. A clean, safe fleet of trucks to choose from is just the beginning. Other services such as towing equipment, storage space and even moving labor may help make your moving day run a little smoother. You can save time by buying boxes ahead of time, and some companies even offer the ability to purchase boxes and other supplies online. Be sure to label all boxes so it’s easy to put them in the right room when you arrive. 4 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com
Above all, plan ahead. Reserve your truck early and begin packing nonessential items as soon as possible. Give yourself time to sort items for donation or a garage sale. Prepare a moving-day kit, including directions, map, GPS, checkbook, credit cards, IDs, eyeglasses, sunglasses, prescription drugs, flashlight, water, snacks, games for kids, and old and new house keys. With the right preparation, you can turn the daunting task of a DIY move into a done deal and get on with enjoying your new digs. For additional moving tips and information to make your moving day run smoothly, visit www.PenskeTruckRental.com. And, for businesses who wish to relocate their employees or place new hires, some truck rental companies, such as Penske, offer a complete relocation service. Whether the employee wants to move themselves, or has bigger requirements, such as packing, unpacking or storage needs, this relocation service has it covered. Access www.employeemoves.com for more information.
Packing 101 You can set yourself up for a hassle-free move and keep your possessions safe by carefully and properly packing your belongings. The experts at Penske offer these tips to get you started: Major Appliances Check with the dealer for any special moving instructions. Remove loose fittings and accessories, and pack them separately. Tie down, tape or wedge all movable parts and doors, and pad the exterior well. Books Use small boxes so they won’t be too heavy. To protect the spines, pack books flat, alternating bindings. Fill empty spaces with wadded paper and reinforce the box bottoms with extra tape.
Lamps Disassemble and pack small bases in dresser drawers surrounded by loose clothing. Pack large bases in boxes stuffed with wadded paper. Box shades individually in boxes with plenty of tissue paper; avoid newspaper — it will smudge. Always pack light bulbs separately. Mirrors, Paintings and Prints Wrap small items in paper and pack in boxes. For larger glassfaced frames and mirrors, use bubble packing and corrugated cardboard to create a case and tape well to secure. Mark “glass” or “fragile” on the box, and always load and store on end. Paint and Flammables Don’t move paint and flammables, such as alcohol, solvents, lighter fluid and greasy mops or rags. Dispose of them properly instead.
Bureaus and Dressers Fill drawers with small breakable items, and cushion them with loose clothes. Secure drawers with a pad or blanket (tape can remove the finish) and tie with rope. Do not overload drawers with heavy items.
Radios, TVs and Computers Box upright and make sure items are well padded on all sides, with extra layers on TV and monitor screens. Surround console-size equipment with furniture pads; move and load upright.
Dishes and Glasses Individually wrap each piece in plastic before protective newspaper to minimize dishwashing later. Place saucers, plates and platters on edge — not stacked flat. Place cups and bowls inside each other; wrapping three to four in a bundle. Fill empty box space with wadded-up newspaper.
Tools and Gardening Equipment Drain hoses, coil and pack in boxes. Fill remaining space with lawn sprinklers, small garden hand tools and so forth. Tie rakes, shovels and other long-handled tools together with rope or tape.
Quick Tip:
Handling Your Valuables During any move, you need to take special care to protect your valuables. Set aside jewelry, important papers and safe deposit box contents in a small container that you can keep with you throughout the move. Among the less obvious but important items you may want to include:
Transporting Your Treasures Choosing a moving truck for your DIY move is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. When weighing your options, bear these tips in mind: Look for a reputable company with a strong track record of customer satisfaction, flexible reservation and cancellation policies, and emergency-friendly services such as 24-hour roadside assistance. Choose the right size of truck to accommodate your possessions. Too small, and items may be shoved in too tightly; too big leaves room for items to shift during transport. Either way can result in preventable damage. Determine what truck features you’ll need: flat floor, loading ramp/lift, towing equipment or other amenities. Don’t forget cruise control, climate control and seating options to ensure a comfortable ride.
Vehicle registration and title Children’s school records Insurance policies Bank statements and credit records Medical and dental records Irreplaceable photographs Tax return records
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Brew Up a Frightfully Fun
HALLOWEEN PARTY
Haunted with the thought of a ho-hum Halloween? Never fear — trick-or-treaters will want more than just candy once they see your party table. Throw a fabulous Halloween party fit for little goblins or grown-up monsters with some devilishly good sweets. Try these easy party ideas from Wilton to make your Halloween spook-tacular: Add some “pop” to popcorn: Trick out ordinary popcorn into a sweet-and-salty party pleaser. Drizzle on Candy Melts® candy for festive flavors, and then capture the Halloween spirit by adding fun sprinkle mixes. Masquerade cookies: Who says you can’t play with your food? Create edible masks with decorated shaped cookies 6 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com
and attach them to cookie sticks with melted Candy Melts candy. Set up a photo station at your party, so guests can take pictures with their cookie mask creations before eating them. Jack-o’-lantern cakes: It wouldn’t be Halloween without carved pumpkins. Make yours edible by baking a delicious pumpkin spice pound cake shaped like a pumpkin. Increase the fun by adding silly icing facial features. Midnight potions: Spice up the night with candy corn drinks served in containers guests can devour, making cleanup easy and delicious. Or, toast the night with the Witch’s Brew Mocktail. For more Halloween ideas and inspiration, visit wilton.com.
Masquerade Cookies Servings: 2 dozen cookies 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 egg 1 1/2 teaspoons Imitation Clear Vanilla Extract 1/2 teaspoon Imitation Almond Extract Royal icing Orange, Black, Green, Lemon Yellow, Brown and Violet Icing Colors, as desired Orange, Yellow, Orange, Lavender and Black Colored Sugars, as desired Halloween Jimmies, Nonpareils and Icing Decorations, as desired Candy Melts candy Cookie sticks Preheat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, mix flour, baking powder and salt. In second large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and extracts. Add flour mixture to butter mixture 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Do not chill dough. Divide dough into 2 balls. On floured surface, roll each ball into a circle approximately 12 inches in diameter by 1/8 inch thick. Dip eye and glasses cookie cutters in flour before each use. Arrange cookies on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8–11 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned. Cool completely on cooling grid. Decorate as desired using tinted royal icing, colored sugars and Halloween icing decorations. Use melted candy to attach sticks to backs of cookies; chill until set.
Pumpkin Spice Popcorn Servings: 6 cups 6 cups popped kettle corn 2 cups mini pretzel twists 1 package (10 ounces) Pumpkin Spice Candy Melts candy 1 bottle (2.5 ounces) Pumpkin Mix Sprinkles Spread popcorn and pretzels on parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. In disposable decorating bag, melt candy in microwave at 50 percent power for 1 minute; remove bag and knead. Continue melting candy for 30-second intervals at 50
percent power until completely melted. Snip off end of bag and drizzle melted candy over popcorn mixture; immediately add sprinkles. Let stand until candy has hardened, about 20 minutes. Break into pieces to serve.
Caramel Apple Popcorn Servings: 6 cups 6 cups popped popcorn, buttered and salted 3/4 cup roasted salted peanuts 1 package (10 ounces) Caramel Apple Candy Melts candy 1 bottle (2.5 ounces) Spider Mix Sprinkles Spread popcorn and peanuts on parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. In disposable decorating bag, melt candy in microwave at 50 percent power for 1 minute; remove bag and knead. Continue melting candy for 30-second intervals at 50 percent power until completely melted. Snip off end of bag and drizzle melted candy over popcorn. Immediately top with sprinkles. Let stand until candy has hardened, about 20 min utes. Break into pieces to serve.
minutes in pan. Turn onto cooling rack. Cool completely before serving.
Witch’s Brew Mocktail Servings: 6 3 cups ginger ale, chilled 1 1/2 cups pineapple juice, chilled 1/3 cup sweetened lime juice, chilled Green gel food color or green icing color (optional) Black Colored Sugar Gummy Eyeball Skewers In large pitcher, combine ginger ale, pineapple juice, sweetened lime juice and, if using, gel food color. To prepare glasses, dip rims of martini glasses in water, then in black sugar. Fill with drink mixture; add eyeball skewers.
Candy Corn Drinks
directions 1 cup (half of 12-ounce package) Orange Candy Melts Candy, melted according to package directions 1 package (12 ounces) Yellow Candy Melts Candy, melted according to package directions Orange flavored fruit drink, orange, peach or mango juice or other favorite drink Fill disposable decorating bag with melted bright white candy. Divide evenly among cavities of 8-cavity silicone shot glass mold, taking care to not get any candy on sides of mold. Repeat process with orange and yellow candy. Refrigerate until candy is set, about 30 minutes. Carefully remove candy glasses from mold and set aside. Fill with orange drink.
Servings: 8 1 cup (half of 12-ounce package) Bright White Candy Melts Candy, melted according to package
Pumpkin Pound Cake Servings: 16 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened 2 cups granulated sugar 4 eggs 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 1/4 cups canned 100 percent pumpkin (not pie filling) Preheat oven to 325°F. Prepare Dimensions Large Pumpkin Pan lightly with vegetable pan spray with flour. Place on baking sheet. In medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg. In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition; beat in vanilla. Add flour mixture alternately with pumpkin; mix well. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 70–80 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 15 H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 7
EVERYDAY CHORES made easy Chores are an important part of teaching children about responsibility. By encouraging kids to be accountable for completing everyday chores, even at an early age, you might be surprised at their willingness to share in the household duties. Here are some tips from the Walgreens Ology(tm) team on how to get the kids involved in creating a happy, healthy and clean home.
Stick to a routine: Consistency is a key component in motivating children to follow through with chores. Make sure to stay on schedule so your kids don’t get into the habit of procrastinating until the following week.
Keep expectations reasonable: Go in knowing that your kids aren’t going to clean in the same way you would. Be sure to encourage them along the way for their efforts and resist the urge to criticize or redo the chores they’ve completed.
Use family-friendly cleaners: Fight everyday household messes with a cleaner that’s safer for your family and paper towels that are better for the environment, like Ology All-Purpose Cleaner and 100 percent tree-free paper towels. The cleaner’s plant-based formula is free of harsh solvents, dyes, ammonia and artificial fragrances. Even if your child is too young to clean the countertops themselves, you can feel good about using these cleaners that contain no harmful chemicals when you children are close by.
Use a reward chart: For kids, especially the younger ones, a visual reward chart is a great motivational tool and helps children to feel a sense of accomplishment. Purchase a set of gold stars or fun stickers, and allow them to mark off each chore on the chart once finished. After a certain number of chores are completed, offer a small reward for their hard work, such as a movie of their choosing or a special dessert.
Give ample praise: Request specific actions: Make sure you give them clear and specific tasks to complete. For example, rather than telling your kids to put their clothes away, ask them to fold their clothes and put them in the dresser drawers or hang them in the closet.
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Even more important than material rewards, is the satisfaction of a job well done. Make sure to give lots of encouragement along the way as well as positive feedback once the chore is complete.
As children grow older, their abilities change and their responsibilities should adjust accordingly. Here are some examples of chores that are appropriate for each age group. Children 2 to 3 years old: * Put toys away * Stack books and magazines * Place dirty clothes in hamper * Fold washcloths Children 4 to 5 years old: * Feed pets * Make the bed * Water houseplants * Empty wastebaskets Children 6 to 7 years old: * Sweep floors * Set the table * Replace toilet paper roll * Rake leaves Children 8 to 9 years old: * Load dishwasher * Put groceries away * Walk the dog * Vacuum Children 10 and older: * Mow lawn * Prepare a simple meal * Clean countertops * Do the laundry For more information on Ology household, cleaning and personal care products, available exclusively at Walgreens, visit www.walgreens.com/ology.
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www.Service1stHomes.com
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DIY IDEAS For Every Room
Simple Steps to Update and Organize
From simple storage solutions that freshen up messy rooms to projects that enliven a space, do-it-yourself options are a popular choice among many homeowners. Try out some of these ideas to make every room in your home feel new again, without having to empty your pocketbook or call a handyman.
Organize Your Work, Living Spaces In order for personal style to shine, it’s important that your home is organized and clutter free, especially in the rooms where you work, play and relax. Whether it’s the pile of paper in the office or a heap of stuffed animals in the living room — these are the rooms where so much family life takes place, so keeping it clean is essential. Luckily, there are various solutions you can add without the need of a professional, from small space savers to large statement pieces that improve the function and design of a room. Living Room When it comes to your living room, do you long for a space to stash toys, books and all the other random trinkets that pile up? Enjoy the benefits of versatile storage with 10 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com
ClosetMaid’s new Premium Cubes, available exclusively at The Home Depot. With a full back panel, these six- or ninecube organizers are offered in two distinct looks. Choose the style that complements your decor, from traditional Mahogany to the contemporary styling of Weathered Teak. Work Space Improve your efficiency with the proper tools for the job. The Home Depot Premium Cubes are also a great addition for those who want to add sleek, upscale elements to a work space or office. These stylish storage options offer a professional look and feel and can keep any work environment properly organized. Bedroom Closets While many homes are complete with bedroom closets to keep the clutter from view, it’s what’s inside those
helpful storage areas that count. When looking for organizational solutions to keep your clothing and accessories tidy, look for those that offer flexibility, such as ClosetMaid’s ShelfTrack®. These wire shelving units are available in kits and open stock, which can be cut to size, with shelves available in a variety of depths and finishes, including options like White and Nickel. For more ideas for keeping your living spaces orderly, visit www.closetmaid. com.
De-clutter the Kitchen From spices to coffee filters to cooking oils, those kitchen cabinets have a way of filling up fast, and keeping these culinary tools in order can be a daunting task. Use these five tips to get your pantry and kitchen cabinets in order: 1. Empty Each Shelf Go through each shelf to properly wipe out dust and crumbs, and to sort through outdated food. Before you put the items back on the shelves, clean the base thoroughly and line each one with a nonadhesive shelf liner, such as Duck® brand Smooth Top Easy Liner, which will create a protective, cushioned barrier on your surfaces. 2. Survey Food Items Go through food items and donate or dispose of those you won’t use. Seal boxes for donation with an easyto-use packaging tape, such as Duck brand EZ Start packaging tape. Its Frustration Free special release technology makes it easy to start with every use and ensures you never lose the tape end. 3. Group Similar Items Move common items together to help you keep track of your inventory. For further organization, sort based on expiration so you can use up food while it’s still fresh. 4. Create User-Friendly Spaces Make your pantry more ergonomic and easier to access by placing commonly used items at eye-level.
5. Utilize Organization Tools Maximize the space in pantry and cabinets with turntables for spices and other storage solutions. Add a pop of personality to these areas with a lining product such as Duck brand Smooth Top Easy Liner, which is available in an assortment of trendy colors and patterns to complement any design. For other ideas for keeping your kitchen tidy, visit duckbrand.com.
Finishing Touches Here are a few other ways to enhance the rooms in your home with stylish and useful updates: Dim the Lights: Install light dimmers throughout your home for an extra touch of ambiance and improved energy efficiency. The dimming function is especially perfect for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Add a Pop of Color: Perk up a neutral room by giving an old chair, mirror or side table a new paint job. Simply spray your decorative item with quality paint, such as Krylon Dual Superbond Paint + Primer, which sticks to virtually any material, bringing life to your favorite household items. For information, visit www.krylon.com. Hang It Up: Add a row of hooks to your walls for extra function. Perfect for use in the bathroom or kitchen for hanging towels or pot holders. A hook installed in an entryway or mudroom is a great spot for keys, jackets and backpacks.
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FALL LAWN CARE Taking time in the fall to prepare your lawn for the colder months ahead will pay dividends come spring and allow you to enjoy lusher, greener grass when temperatures rise again.
Fertilizing
Providing nutrients to your lawn before cold weather strikes is good for strengthening roots and increasing the nutrients stored for an earlier spring green. While the top growth of grass stops, grass plants are storing nutrients and energy for the following season. To determine the best ratio of fertilizer for the soil in your yard, you should utilize a soil test. Otherwise, look for fertilizer with a nitrogen-phosphatepotassium (NPK) ratio of 3:1:2 or 4:1:2. When applying the fertilizer, make sure that you follow the application instructions and rate information on the package and use a calibrated spreader to apply the correct amount. It is also a good rule to apply the fertilizer in the fall about 2-3 weeks before the ground freezes so the plant can start to take up some of the nutrients. Instead of pacing the yard with a push spreader, consider a tow-behind spreader attached to your riding lawn mower or garden tractor. An attachment, such as a pull-type spin spreader from John Deere, can quickly distribute fertilizer evenly across your yard. 12 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com
Aerating
Aerating, the process of removing plugs of soil and thatch from the lawn, is ideal in cooler months. It encourages deep rooting, improves water and nutrient penetration, and promotes growth of beneficial soil microorganisms. There are a variety of techniques you can use to penetrate the soil such as spiked shoes or spray-on liquids, but to most effectively aerate soil, attach a dethatcher, or a plug aerator behind a riding mower or tractor to remove plugs of soil from two to three inches deep.
Mulching
If you prefer not to rake or bag grass or leaves, mulching with a mower is an ideal alternative. Be sure to mulch leaves only when they are dry to avoid damp and wet leaves clumping or building up under mower decks. Remember that grass needs sunlight in the fall to help store food for winter, so don’t wait until your lawn is completely matted down with leaves to mulch. A thin layer of mulched leaves is ideal and helps add nutrients to the soil, reducing the need for fertilizer. Selecting the right mower with mulching attachments or features can save a great deal of time and help ensure a consistent layer of mulch across the yard. For example, John Deere 100-Series lawn tractors have three-in-one
mowing decks, which allow you to choose to mulch, bag or allow sidedischarge.
Composting
Creating a compost pile allows you to turn organic material into rich soil. The fall season is a good time to create a compost pile with decaying yard matter, such as vegetables, grass clippings and leaves, which can provide nutrientrich soil for spring planting. For best results, alternate layers of “brown,� or high carbon materials, with grass clippings. Using a rear bagger with your lawn mower or tractor will help make collecting grass clippings a breeze, and adding to your compost pile is as simple as backing up to the spot and unloading. Another optional mower attachment, the lawn sweeper, brushes leaves into a hamper, much like a broom and dustpan. Taking these steps will prepare your lawn for the winter and help it come back strong, healthy and beautiful in the spring. Learn more about the tools you need to care for your lawn at JohnDeere.com/Residential.
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PAIN 101
Understanding and Finding Relief for Body Pains
Whether it’s sharp or dull, off and on or constant, pain can be a real pain at times. With the ability to interrupt time with family, lessen productivity at work and create many sleepless nights, under standing the source of your pain is essential for relief.
The ache and its sources As a source of discomfort, it may be hard to view pain in a positive light. But this natural, protective tool is used by the body as an alert of present or potential harm to tissues. While pain usually ceases once the stimulus has been removed and the damage to tissue has healed, there are many different factors involved for the amount of time the process takes. One thing is certain — whether it takes an hour or several months, relief is the main focus for those who suffer from any type of pain. According to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, approximately 100 million Americans deal with chronic pain, which is classified as discomfort lasting six months or longer. While this type of pain can range from minor to debilitating, it can disrupt the social and physical aspects of life in a major way. Those that suffer from this condition often experience headaches, backaches and neck 14 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com
Important Questions to Consider When consulting your medical professional about pain, he or she will likely ask you a set of questions similar to those listed below. It is essential to prepare before you visit the doctor so you can help pinpoint the pain for the best diagnosis and treatment: Where is the location of the pain? When did it start? What kind of pain is it? (Some descriptions include burning, dull, sharp, etc.) Do certain activities alleviate or worsen the feeling? What treatments have you used? Have you experienced any side effects?
pain, though it can aggravate other areas within the body. Due to its lengthy nature, chronic pain can often lead to emotional issues, such as depression and stress, which can exacerbate the healing process. The best way to identify chronic pain is to be aware of its symptoms. This pain is persistent and can often be described as aching, burning or shooting. The area where the pain is located is often defined by patients as sore, tight or stiff. Because this type of pain can affect so many areas of life, many in the health community recommend a comprehensive mind and body approach for its management. This can include medication, injections, acupuncture and other holistic treatments. Here are some of the common types of chronic pain and a few ways to end the discomfort, so you can get back to enjoying life.
Back and neck pain What causes nearly 40 percent of missed work days in the U.S. and is the fifth most common cause for doctor visits? Running from the top of the neck to the bottom of the spine, back pain is a common complaint among many people. While back pain is typically divided into the most common areas of neck, middle back, lower back and tailbone, its symptoms can also be felt in other parts of the body, including arms, hands, legs and feet.
eliminate swelling and eases pain on any area of the back.
Headache pain Though there are many factors that can trigger its unpleasant feeling; headaches can range from a minor sinus headache to a severe migraine. Though it may feel that your brain is the source for the pain, the discomfort is actually caused by a disturbance to the structures surrounding it, and not within the tissue itself. Some headache symptoms can be as minor as sensitivity to light or noise to the extreme conditions of fever and vomiting. While most physicians typically recommend the use of over-the-counter medica tions, there are also new natural treatments available. One natural product, the Thermal-Aid Headache Relief System provides fast, safe pain relief and is clinically proven to relieve headache pain in over 90 percent of sufferers. If you suffer from persistent body and head pains, it’s important to understand the source of the pain. For more ways to stop the pain, visit http://thermalaidproducts. com.
Helping Children through Pain Whether they’re visiting a physician to receive a routine shot or undergoing treatment, it can be difficult for parents to watch their children experience pain. Here are some tips from the American Medical Association for helping your little ones cope: Stay close during the pain. Regardless of their age, your presence is comforting to your child. Make contact with your child. If you can, hold or touch your child throughout the process. Take notes from nature: Some animals, such as kangaroo mothers, carry their young close to them. If you have an infant in pain, hold your baby close to your chest wearing only a diaper. This tactic is used worldwide and research shows that it can reduce pain during a procedure. Offer distractions. Focus the attention on things your child enjoys to help them relax. Some helpful diversions include singing a song together, reading a book out loud or telling their favorite story. Or, give them a playful stuffed toy that also helps ease pain, such as the Thermal-Aid Zoo animals, which offers a 100 percent natural, therapeutic heating and cooling treatment. Be truthful. Tell your child up front the procedure will cause discomfort but you will be there for support.
Some of the common remedies for back and neck pain include everything from massage therapy, acupressure, acupuncture, back conditioning exercises and medication. Due to the controversy surrounding the last remedy, many patients prefer a more natural way to ease back pain with hot and cold therapy, such as Thermal-Aid Large Sectional Pack, which helps H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 15
DISCOVER
A NEW TWIST ON CLASSIC
CAMPFIRE S’MORES
Roasting marshmallows around the campfire with friends and family is a popular pastime. Luckily, the classic combination of chocolate, marshmallow and graham cracker can be enjoyed in so many ways whether you’re fireside or stuck inside! Try giving the sticky-sweet fall favorite a modern twist by using DOVE Dark Chocolate. As the No. 1 solid dark chocolate on the market, the never-bitter, silky-smooth taste of DOVE Dark Chocolate lives up to people’s expectations of what chocolate should taste like. Here are two ways to pair everyone’s favorite Keebler Original Grahams and DOVE Dark Chocolate to make s’mores-inspired desserts that are impossible to resist. For more information and great DOVE Dark Chocolate recipes, visit www.Facebook.com/DoveChocolate. 16 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com
3-Layer Caramel and Chocolate Marshmallow Bars Recipe provided by Real Food by Dad
15 2 16 2
whole Keebler Graham Crackers (11-ounce) bags caramel pieces ounces DOVE Dark Chocolate cups mini marshmallows
Line an 8-by-8-inch pan with foil, leaving 2-inch overhang on each side. Place five graham crackers on bottom (break crackers up as needed to fit pan). Melt one 11-ounce bag of caramels in microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Pour and spread over graham crackers. Place second layer of graham crackers on top of caramel.
Melt chocolate in microwave in 30-second bursts stirring in between. Reserve 1/3 of mixture. Stir marshmallows into remaining chocolate and spread mixture over graham crackers. Place third layer of graham crackers on top of marshmallow mixture. Heat remaining 11-ounce bag of caramel in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Pour and spread over graham crackers. Pour and spread remaining chocolate over caramel.
about 1 tablespoon of chocolate pudding and sprinkle with bit of dark chocolate pieces. Then, add about 1 tablespoon of whipped marshmallow topping mixture. Repeat layers, finally topping jar with toasted marshmallows and
another sprinkle of finely chopped chocolate. Note: To toast marshmallows, put mini-marshmallows onto baking sheet (a little stale or cold can help) and put them in oven under broiler for few seconds until golden brown.
Optional: Sprinkle sea salt on top to finish. Note: For ease of spreading, each bag of caramel should be melted separately, or else caramel for final layer will be too hard to spread.
S’mores Dessert Trifle in a Jar Recipe provided by Mom Endeavors
1 6-10 4-6 1/2 1/2 1/2 6
(3.9-ounce) box of instant chocolate pudding individually wrapped DOVE Dark Chocolate Promises whole Keebler Graham Crackers tub whipped topping small jar of marshmallow creme cup mini marshmallows small Mason Jars
Start by prepping ingredients. Prepare pudding per instructions on box, finely chop up chocolate and break up graham crackers into pieces (as small or large as you’d like). Then, in small bowl, combine whipped topping and the marshmallow creme. (It may be a little lumpy.) Next, start filling jars by putting 1/2-1 inch layer of broken graham crackers. On top of graham crackers, add H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 17
SAINT LOUIS
HAPPENINGS FALL 2014
Fright Fest Presented by SNICKERS®
Boo at the Zoo Nights
Six Flags St. Louis www.sixflags.com On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Six Flags St. Louis is totally transformed into a Halloween playground. Have a ghoulish good time with hair-raising shows, electrifying street entertainment, a thrilling haunted house and much more. Plus, experience rides in the dark. Only children aged 12 & under are allowed to wear costumes. No scary/gory costumes allowed and no masks. During the day it’s fun for all ages with notso-scary thrills for little ghouls and boys. Thrills by Day activities let you celebrate the spirit of the holiday with storytelling, fun costumes, interactive shows, and musical entertainment.
Saint Louis Zoo www.stlzoo.org Come explore the Zoo after dark during the special Halloween evenings: Boo at the Zoo Nights! This nonscary, kid-friendly Halloween experience is filled with laughs and adventure. Children are encouraged to wear costumes. Children 12-and-under will receive a treat bag upon exiting.
Weekends Through November 2
The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes Through Sunday, January 4, 2015
Saint Louis Science Center www.slsc.org/sherlock-holmes Interested in solving crimes? Guests can take a journey into the mind of detective Sherlock Holmes and unlock his revolutionary investigative secrets. In this interactive experience, visitors will learn how Sherlock Holmes, a scientific expert ahead of his time, used seemingly trivial observations of clues others missed to solve some of his era’s most mysterious crimes.
18 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com
October 17-30, 5:30-8:30 pm
Not-So-Haunted House
October 17-19, October 24-26
The Magic House www.magichouse.org It’s the Not-So-Haunted House that is oh-so-fun! Kids of all ages are invited to dress in their most “boo-tiful” Halloween costumes and have a ghoulishly good time trick-or-treating and getting autographs from their favorite storybook characters. This year’s Halloween event will include a special visit from more than 15 storybook characters from favorite children’s tales such as The Wizard of Oz, Harry Potter, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland and more. Each child attending this “spooktacular” event will receive a trick-or-treat bag and an autograph book for the not-so-spooky characters to sign as they trick-or-treat throughout four levels of the more than 100-year-old Not-So-Haunted House. While the Not-So-Haunted House won’t be scary, our Electro-Static Generator will make your hair stand on end!
250 Years of St. Louis Music October 17
The Sheldon Concert Hall www.thesheldon.org Top St. Louis musicians will fill the Sheldon Concert Hall, Ballroom and Louis Spiering Room to celebrate through riveting performances and projected images - the many genres of American music, from historic roots to the present day. Ragtime, blues and jazz artists are joined by cutting edge contemporary chamber orchestra Alarm Will Sound in the Concert Hall,
featuring a world premiere performance of a new commissioned composition by Stefan Freund inspired by St. Louis’ musical heritage. The music continues in the Ballroom and Spiering Room with more jazz, rock and R&B. Pre-concert festivities begin in the lobby and Sheldon Art Galleries. It’s a music celebration not to be missed! Music has been a vital part of St. Louis for 250 years – from the folk music of the French founders and the waves of settlers who came later, to classical music at the highest level, and especially to the city’s major contributions to ragtime, blues, jazz, R&B, rock and beyond.
Kimmswick Apple Butter Festival October 25-26
Kimmswick, MO www.visitkimmswick.com Vendor booths fill the city park and line the streets of Kimmswick selling a variety of crafts and food items. Live entertainment also provided by the city of Kimmswick and Kimmswick Merchants.
The Louisiana Purchase: Making St. Louis, Remaking America October 25-April 19
Missouri History Museum www.mohistory.org Featuring loans from the National Archives and documents and artifacts from the Missouri History Museum’s collections, the exhibition will explore the complex negotiations related to The Louisiana Purchase and its aftereffect on St. Louis. A highlight of the exhibition is the Treaty of Cession (in French), better known as The Louisiana Purchase Treaty. The Treaty was first drafted in French and then translated into English, so it can be said that the French text is the “original original.” H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 19
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