Home and Happenings February 2014

Febr u a r y 2 0 1 4

Happy 250th St. Louis!

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...

This is an exciting year for the city of St. Louis. 2014 marks the 250th birthday for the city, and there are several wonderful events planned to commemorate. In this issue we shared with you some fun events in and around the area where you can join in on the fun.

WEBSITE & FEEDBACK www.STLHandHMag.com Editor@STLHandHMag.com

As always, we offer some great information for your home and of course some delicious recipes for you to enjoy.

As we near spring, I think we all can agree that we have all had a long, hard winter in St. Louis and look forward to the warm days ahead. I hope that you enjoy this issue.

Wade Brewer Self published by Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate. All material herein is copyrighted and all rights are reserved.

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Editor-in-chief

CONTENTS 4

Healthier Sweets for your Sweetheart

10

Shedding Light on Replacement Windows

12

Beating the Winter Blues

14

Home Decor Trends

16

Personalized Design

17

Struggling to Find Financial Advice

18

Happenings

6

Happy Birthday, St. Louis!

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It’s easy to share in the fun of Valentine’s Day by serving those you love sweet treats that are a healthier alternative to ordinary, heart-shaped confections.

Forget the expensive flowers, wines and chocolates. To really show you care, be a cupid and give your sweetie healthy, delicious treats that feature juicy water­melon. Naturally dressed in the holiday’s hue of vibrant red, using this fabulous fruit in recipes adds color to the spread of any Valentine’s Day party, whether large or intimate.

Mouthwatering watermelon treats For an elegant, upscale treat, serve Watermelon Petit Fours, which feature sweet watermelon, candied almonds and is topped with your favorite decadent frosting. Get the kids in the kitchen with Watermelon Cupcakes for a new take on the beloved classic.

Served with pineapple cream cheese frosting, kids will love helping you decorate these darling delights.

If you really want to make their hearts skip a beat, carve an adorable Lips and Love Basket. Fill it with all of your sweetie’s favorite fruits for a fresh, flavorful display they’ll devour in a heartbeat. Remember, nothing shows your love more than edible gifts crafted by hand. For more sweet ideas, visit www.watermelon.org.

Lips and Love Basket

1 to 2 long, oval-shaped seedless watermelons Cutting board Green dry erase marker Kitchen and paring knives Melon baller Assorted cookie cutters (X, O and heart shapes), if desired Wooden skewers Toothpicks Strawberries Fruits to make fruit salad filling Large bowl and spoon Wash watermelon under cool run­ning water and pat dry. On cutting board, place watermelon on its side and cut off 1/4 to 1/2 inch from stem end being careful not to cut too deep into white part of rind to provide sturdy base.

With marker, draw scalloped line around width of middle of water­ melon. Use paring knife to cut along marker line, then separate the two halves. Use melon baller to scoop out watermelon for your base.

use dry erase marker to draw large set of lips on one half. Use paring knife to cut out lips. Once you have general shape, carefully carve away rind. Use paring knife to shape lips into more finished look.

Cut remaining 1/4-inch-thick slices and cut hearts, X’s, O’s or other shapes, discarding rind.

Attach lips to top of base using wooden skewers and toothpicks.

Slice strawberries lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices, keeping straw­ berry tops on for decoration, if desired. Attach slice of strawberry with green top to center of each scallop using toothpick. Use rest of straw­berry slices in fruit salad for fruit bowl.

Place fruit bowl on serving platter, fill with fruit salad and garnish with slices of fruit cut into hearts, X’s and O’s, if desired.

Watermelon Cupcakes

8 cupcake liners 8 cupcake shaped pieces of seedless watermelon 2 cups pineapple cream cheese frosting Sprinkles for garnish Place liners in 8-cup cupcake tin. Cut 3-inch-thick slices of seedless water­ melon. Cut round cupcake-sized pieces from slices. Put watermelon cupcake in each liner. Place dollop of frosting on each cupcake. Decorate as desired with sprinkles.

Bonus benefits

Your sweetie will love that they can indulge in the sweetness of the holiday without the guilt or inflated waistline caused by traditional Valentine’s Day treats. A naturally low-calorie option, watermelon also boasts the following benefits: n Vitamin A: Known to enhance eye health and boost immunity by enhancing the infection-fighting actions of white blood cells. n Vitamin B6: Helps the immune system produce antibodies which fight diseases. n Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system’s defenses against infections and viruses. It also protects the body from harmful free radicals which accelerate aging.

Hearts love watermelon

Beyond adding color and variety to your family’s diet, watermelon has other great benefits. Here are a couple of these heart-healthy reasons: n Fresh watermelon is certified by the American Heart Association’s Heart Checkmark program as being low in saturated fat and cholesterol. n Watermelon is the primary source of an amino acid called citrulline found in fruits and vege­tables. Citrulline can help maintain blood flow within the heart and cardiovascular function.

Watermelon Petit Fours

12 (3-inch) cubes of seedless watermelon 3/4 cup frosting 12 candied almonds Sugar in the Raw, for sprinkling Arrange watermelon cubes on serving platter. Place frosting in zipper bag and trim off bit of one bottom corner. Deco­ratively pipe frosting onto each water­ melon cube. Place almond at top of frost­ing on each petit four. Sprinkle with raw sugar and serve immediately.

Cut top half of watermelon in half and H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 5

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

SAINT LOUIS! 6 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Burnin’ Love Festival

February 14, 2014 – 4:30-10:30pm Art Hill in Forest Park PUBLIC EVENT

I

Pierre Laclede, founder of St. Louis

n February of 1764, a French Trading Company led by Pierre Laclede and Auguste Chouteau established the settlement of St. Louis. Due to it’s location as a trading post on the Mississippi River, the city soon grew in population.

That location also helped St. Louis to become a virtual melting pot of cultures – a trend that continues to this day. To commemorate the 250th birthday of our wonderful city, a group called Stl250 that was established as a volunteer non-profit group composed of people and businesses from across the region who are helping to promote and celebrate the momentous occasion. The 2014 celebration year is co-hosted by City of St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay and St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley. Ameren Chairman, President and CEO Tom Voss and his wife Carol serve as stl250 co-chairs.

“Stl250 provides all of us with opportunities to reflect on who we are, where we came from and the bright future ahead of us. Over the past 249 years, countless people have worked, learned and played in our region that is rich with history, culture and the promise of opportunity,” says Mayor Slay.

Events will be held throughout the year by both Stl250 and thousands of other organizations and communities. Stl250 is planning a big splash for the 250th birthday weekend (February 14 – 16, 2014) which includes:

An outdoor event with live performances (Elvis, Pokey Lafarge, Royal All-star Rhythm & Blues Review), heated refreshment tents, fireworks, 250 couple engagement ceremony (register online www.stl250.org), videos of St. Louis, family friendly activities, temporary public art installation of a 25 foot heart on fire. Special sweethearts’ dinners and programming hosted by Forest Park’s institutions.

Couples registering have a chance to win a diamond ring donated by Moritz Reusch Jewelers, a romantic dinner for 2 at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and a custom wedding cake from Wedding Wonderland Cakeshop.

dors from Spain and France, an envoy from Quebec and the Principal Chief of the Osage Indian Nation.

Biggest Birthday Ball

February 16, 2014 5pm-9pm Missouri History Museum

TICKETED EVENT sold via stl250.org

A cocktail party to celebrate the founding weekend. 700 attendees expected. St. Louis food and beverage stations, reenactors mingling with attendees, commissioned short performances featuring St. Louis history and entertainment with local musicians.

Biggest Birthday Bash

February 14, 2014 3:00pm-7:30pm February 15&17, 2014 10am–5pm Missouri History Museum PUBLIC EVENT

Reenactment of the Founding

Free family programming featuring activities, exhibits and performances highlighting St. Louis’ history.

PUBLIC EVENT

Many other celebration events will run all year including:

February 15, 2014 10:30am St. Louis City Hall

Notable moments in St. Louis’ founding portrayed with narration including arrival of Auguste Chouteau, welcoming by and partnership with Osage Indians, return of Pierre Laclede, migration of French military and settlers and arrival of Madame Chouteau. Distinguished guests include the U.S. Ambassa-

Cakeway to the West

February 15-December 31, 2014 250 locations throughout bi-state region PUBLIC EVENT

Standing at 4ft each, two-tier ornamental birthday cakes will

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mark 250 locations of importance in our region -- 200 chosen by Stl250 and 50 selected through a public vote through Jan. 3, 2014.

Locations will be unveiled at Feb.14 press event. Also debuting will be the Stl250 app developed

by Arch Grants recipient Candy Lab. The App will share facts about each location and allow “check ins” for a sweepstakes featuring great St. Louis prizes.

A great individual or family activity while learning all about St. Louis’ rich history!

Candles on the Cake

K-12 Education – Throughout 2014 In School Learning – St. Louis Kids Curriculum & lesson plans about St. Louis’ history will be available for educators via download starting January 2014. In the Fall of 2014, a student community-research project and contest will launch to encourage students to learn about local communities and submit a

project. The top 250 submissions will be revealed in Dec. 2014

My St. Louis

Throughout 2014 Online Story Gathering Collecting the stories, observations and hopes for our region through a social media app. Input will be mapped across indicators of community attachment created by the Knight Foundation and presented in a dashboard format highlighting our efforts to increase our civic pride. Input will be stored in a database for use in planning future services for our region.

St. Louis Serves

Throughout 2014 Volunteer Opportunities

Official Celebration Partners. Project listing and volunteer registration is available at the United Way’s Volunteer Center at www.stlvolunteer.org.

Approximately one million hours of service will be invested in the St. Louis and surrounding communities. All volunteers recording 25+ hours will receive a commemorative certificate of service.

“St. Louis has a long history, current momentum and a promising future,” said Erin Budde, Executive Director for Stl250. “It’s important that we mark this major milestone in a way that engages our entire region.”

Information and photos courtesy of Stl250, stlouis-mo.gov

With United Way of Greater St. Louis and Americorps St. Louis, 250,000 volunteers will be matched with hundreds of Stl250 volunteer opportunities with our

Cakeway to the West Locations

Visit the first 50 Cake locations, determined by the citizens of St. Louis!

Anheuser-Busch Brewery Barretts Elementary School Basilica of St. Louis, King (Old Cathedral) Bellefontaine Cemetery Brightside St. Louis Broadway Oyster Bar Busch Stadium Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis (New Cathedral) Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis Christ Church Cathedral Chuck-A-Burger Drive-In City Museum Crown Candy Kitchen Daniel Boone Home & Heritage Center Edward Jones Endangered Wolf Center

Fox Theatre Gateway Arch Grant’s Farm Jefferson Barracks Kirkwood Train Station Left Bank Books Luvy Duvy’s Café Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park Manchester City Hall Missouri Botanical Garden Missouri Civil War Museum Monroe County Welcome Center Rigazzi’s Saint Louis Art Museum Saint Louis Zoo Sappington House Serendipity Homemade Ice Cream

Shrine of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Southern Illinois UniversityEdwardsville St. Anthony’s Medical Center St. Joseph’s Academy St. Louis Children’s Hospital St. Louis College of Pharmacy St. Louis Public Library Central Library St. Louis Union Station Sweetology Ted Drewes Frozen Custard The College School The Magic House The Muny The Sweet Divine Tower Grove Park World’s Fair Pavilion YMCA of Greater St. Louis

The Remaining 200 cake locations will be announced the birthday weekend (Feb 14-16) 8 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

To view all of our current listings or to try our Lifestyle Search, please visit

www.Service1stHomes.com

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W

indows can bring new life to existing homes by letting in fresh air, flooding rooms with natural light and opening up beautiful views. They also come in all shapes, sizes and materials. Important considerations for selecting the right window are type, material, style, climate and budget.

Type

A pocket window is perfect in situations where the home’s existing window frame and surrounding wall are in good condition, but the sash is in need of improve­ment. Install­ ing a complete replacement window is a good choice for projects involving more substantial renovation.

Material

The most common materials used for windows are vinyl, wood, clad-wood and aluminum. Your choice depends on what factors are most important to you.

Vinyl — A strong PVC material that is used for its durability, energy efficiency and ability to stand up to 10 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

the elements. This material resists fading and won’t flake, peel or rot.

Wood — Wood comes from trees with a range of characteristics, such as grain, color and sap content.

Cladding is a strong layer of metal over the wood, providing extra protection and low maintenance benefits with no exterior painting required. Look for windows, like the JELD-WEN® W-2500 clad-wood windows, that com­bine the beauty of real wood with high-tech energy efficiency. JELD-WEN’s wood windows, patio doors, exterior doors, door frames and trim boards made with solid pine AuraLast wood are protected from wood rot, termites and water saturation.

Aluminum — A lightweight and strong material that is a cost effective alternative to wood. This material is corrosion-resistant and performs well in most climates.

Style

Awning, bay, bow, casement, double-hung, fixed, garden, single-hung, sliding and tilt and turn — windows are

available in many shapes, sizes and combination units.

Budget

When it comes to budget, it’s important to factor in long term value beyond the initial purchase price. Energy effici­ ency and a longer warranty can all help save main­tenance and replacement costs over time. Resale value is also a key consideration — beautiful, more efficient windows are a big selling feature.

Climate Considerations

Wet, humid, hot, severe storms, salty air — different climates have different window needs when it comes to material and glass choices. Talk to a reputable contractor or window dealer in your particular area to help select products that may work best for you. He or she may recommend hard­ware for a coastal environment, rotresistant wood or another of the following materials or options: Coastal climates, wet and damp and/or high humidity — Specially treated wood windows or vinyl windows offer good moisture protection. Because these conditions can require more main­tenance, includ­ing regular repainting and touch-ups, windows that require less maintenance and won’t need painting, such as vinyl, and clad-wood windows, are a good choice.

Energy efficiency — With more homeowners look­ing for ways to save energy and money with build­ing and remodeling projects, the demand for energy efficient windows grows. The W-2500 window from JELD-WEN, www.jeld-wen.com, can meet ENERGY STAR® criteria in all four climate zones in the U.S. and comes with an industry-leading warranty against wood rot. There are several criteria that must be met for a product to receive the ENERGY STAR desig­ nation. It is given in North, North Central and South Central climate zones with the standard glass pack­age of Low-E270 with argon, and in the Southern zone when grilles are used. Without grilles, Southern zone ENERGY STAR criteria are achieved with Low-E366 and argon.

Exceptionally hot/harsh sun exposure — Rather than window material type, glass and window location is key.

The right glass can help protect against UV exposure and keep interior furnishings from fading. Choose insulated Low-E glass, which reduces the amount of heat entering the home and lowers cooling needs.

It also blocks up to 85 per­cent of harmful UV rays that cause interior fading. Look for the ENERGY STAR label suitable for your region. Pay attention to window labels including the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), which indicates the ability to block heat generated by sunlight. The greater the protection, the lower the SHGC. U-factor is also important, which is the amount of heat flow­ing through a product. The lower the number, the more energy efficient it is. Proper overhangs and location of windows are also important. When building a home in a sunny region, place larger windows facing north.

Severe, hurricane-force storms — In hurricane-prone regions, look for windows designed to meet local building codes. These windows come with options that resist impacts from wind borne debris and keep windows intact during storms.

Depending on location, new windows can save you money year after year. They can also increase your home’s value.

Most importantly, new windows enhance the entire look of your home and add to priceless curb appeal — a must when it comes time to sell your home.

Don’t Let Money Go Out the Window

Windows have a significant impact on your heating and cooling bills. So, it’s extremely important to make the most energy-efficient choice for your home.

Replacing old windows with ENERGY STAR qualified windows can lower household energy bills by 7 to 15 percent, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Lower energy consumption also reduces greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and shrinks a house’s carbon footprint. With thou­sands of ENERGY STAR qualified windows and doors, JELD-WEN can help improve the comfort and energy efficiency of your home while also providing style and long-lasting durability.

ENERGY STAR divides the U.S. into four climate zones, each with its own unique set of energy performance requirements. Energy efficiency for windows and doors is compared by using two important measurements: U-Factor: U-factor measures insulating value and indicates how much heat or cold transfers through the window or door. The lower the U-factor, the more energy efficient the product is.

SHGC: Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) measures a window’s ability to block the sun’s heat. The more solar heat it blocks, the lower the SHGC number. Where air conditioning is prevalent, ENERGY STAR requires a lower SHGC. Where heating is more prevalent, opt for a higher SHGC so the sun’s rays can stream in on cold winter days In the northern zones, U-Factor and SHGC requirements focus on helping reduce the need for heating. In the southern zones, requirements generally aim to reduce the need for air conditioning. Special glass coatings help control how much of the sun’s heat enters and how much of the controlled air temperature inside escapes.

To earn the ENERGY STAR label, windows must meet rigorous energy per­formance levels. Qualified products must also have third-party certification based on testing in recognized laboratories.

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Winning Ideas for Beating

the Winter Blues Nearly 150 days separate the last day of the winter holidays from the first unofficial day of summer - Memorial Day. After holiday decorations get packed away, and winter sets in, it’s not uncommon to experience a touch - or more - of winter boredom.

Some people may find themselves in a rut during those long 150 days. Fortunately, a number of tactics can help perk up your spirits. Here is a handful to consider as you enter 2014: 12 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Escape the routine Traveling during winter has many benefits. In many areas of the country, winter months are slower business times for hotels and resorts, and you may find great deals. What’s more, breaking up the routine and going somewhere new and exciting - or relaxing - may help alleviate

winter blues.

Immersing yourself in relaxation and pampering could be just what you need to release winter tensions. Places like The American Club resort in the quaint Village of Kohler, Wis., offers luxurious accommodations and the opportunity to step outside the winter routine.

The newly renovated Carriage House sits above the five-star Kohler Waters Spa. Owned by Kohler Co., the leading manufacturer of bathing products, it’s no surprise the spa is renowned for its cutting-edge bathing and hydrotherapy services.

Such destinations offer you the opportunity to immerse yourself in luxury and do absolutely nothing, or get your blood pumping with all the exciting attractions, activities and culinary experiences at the resort and surrounding area.

despair; even small changes like new shower heads, faucets and accessories can give a room a spirit-lifting new look and feel.

Doubt the power of a shower head to transform a bath? Consider the KOHLER Moxie Showerhead + Wireless Speaker.

Its wireless speaker pairs with devices enabled with Bluetooth technology, offering a delightful and energizing showering experience. Available in four new colors (Chartreuse, Retro Blue, Navy Blue or Cherry Red), this showerhead will not only provide new decor but also an upgraded showering experience.

you happy, why not choose one day a month and have everyone over? Decorate for a theme that you enjoy - such as the beach or even the Fourth of July in January.

Make your own holidays

The days between New Year’s and spring don’t have to drag.

Just step outside the routine whether through travel or innovation at home - to help beat the winter blues.

Who says you have to limit spirit-lifting celebrations to specific days of the year? If gathering with family and friends around the dinner table makes

Celebrate each family member with a special outing. Perhaps in January, your first-grader will choose a trip to the local indoor playground. In February, your husband might opt for a family bowling night. Allowing each member of the family to choose a destination gets everyone involved and excited. Plus, unusual family outings are a great way to brighten winter days.

Refresh your environment Travel isn’t always possible, but you can still experience a change in perspective when you make changes in your home environment. Kitchen and bathroom renovations are top choices and winter is a great time to tackle those projects.

If you have the budget, by all means - go big. But if your budget is more modest, don’t H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 13

Home Decor Trends for 2014 Renew. Rejuvenate. Reinvigorate.

The same objectives people have when making their personal New Year’s resolutions can be just as easily be applied to their homes.

There’s no better time to give a home a fresh look, whether it’s incorporating a new color palette, adding accessories, repurposing furniture or putting something interesting up on the walls.

A kaleidoscope of color Residential interior designer Gary McBournie recommends happy hues such as turquoise for a kitchen, chartreuse for a dining room and coral for a bedroom. Roger Hazard, a Sharon Springs, NY designer who starred in the Emmy-nominated “Sell This House,” agrees that color palettes will 14 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

embrace a variety of bold, punchy accent colors but also notes a seismic shift in neutrals from the “brown fatigue” of browns and beiges to bright gallery whites and truly neutral grays. Purples can be paired with accents of copper and well-worn leather in a masculine den; layered with gold, gray and white for an elegant bedroom; or highlighted against subway tile and chrome fixtures for a statement master bathroom.

Every wall has a story Todd Imholte, president of Murals Your Way, predicts that wall murals will be even more popular next year as more homeowners and business owners embrace this unique, distinctive way to transform any room. Simple to install and remove, Murals Your Way’s more

than 750,000 images, along with the ability to create a personal mural from a photograph, make wall murals an attractive and affordable design trend.

It’s only natural Miami-based ASID and IIDA awardwinning interior and furniture designer Bea Pila sees natural elements increasingly created into luxurious furnishings. Look for lamps embellished with geodes and natural gems, featheradorned pillows and sharkskin as a rich table finish. Stone and stone veneers make for an interesting organic interior wall covering, says Debbie Wiener of My Designing Solutions, as do sticks gathered in groups as triptychs or propped up against the wall.

Lighten up

Accessorize the positive

What’s old is new again

Lighting can make a key difference in a home by setting the atmosphere of a room or helping showcase decor elements. LED bulbs deliver the same warm glow as traditional incandescents but use 84 percent less energy and last up to 20 years, according to

Anything goes in the world of accessories. Pila notes an African influence in lamps made of horn and Kuba cloths fashioned into pillows, rugs and blankets, while Ian Kennedy of Ruby + George touts Native American-inspired artwork, rugs and antlers passed down from generation to generation.

Wiener suggests gas-fired home “fire walls” under a wall-mounted big-screen television that can serve as a source of warmth and an art focal piece.

Los Angeles-based Linda Brettler, AIA, suggests finding creative ways to repurpose, recycle and reuse by relocating pieces from other rooms in the house or seeking out older, better-made items from architectural salvage sites. Salvaged or antique tiles can give an authentic patina to a historic home, and Brettler recommends mixing tile and stone so the look isn’t so intense.

The simple life

Maxwell Ryan, founder and CEO of Apartment Therapy. Interior design expert and InStyleModern. com executive Maria Samuels suggests multi-tiered chandeliers and other ornamental fixtures using LED lights to give a modern twist instead of traditional artificial illumination.

Internationally recognized artist and award-winning Austin designer Pablo Solomon sees a continuation of uncluttered, simple, practical, multifunctional and renewable designs. He recommends adopting

Finding your comfort zone According to Elissa Morgante, principal at Morgante Wilson Architects in Chicago, people are moving toward much more casual and interactive living.-This translates into making all rooms in the home inviting and multifunctional, to foster togetherness in comfortable spaces that will actually be used.

The furniture forecast Pila notes that 60s-inspired acrylic furnishings can be timeless when designed into a classic silhouette, with the pureness of the acrylic’s clearness creating a striking effect.

Washington, DC designer Darlene Molnar predicts that velvet sofas will be a top trend in 2014, with jewel colors or gray bringing a soft elegance to rooms after years of sharp clean lines. And furniture designer Clint Parker notes that Earthfriendly, sustainable eco-furniture is gaining steam, with new composites and fabrics such as hemp and sorghum making the concept more accessible.

the mantra “less is more” to focus on quality, not quantity, when it comes to art, rugs and furnishings.

Tie interior design with outside landscape views to evoke a feeling of openness and flow from the inside out.

Hazard adds that practicality and individuality will dominate next year, with upholstery expected to bring presence and sophistication while still delivering all-day comfort.

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Interior design is in a constant state of transformation, and this year homeowners are taking control. In 2014, more people will actively embrace the role of designer in order to create a home that is truly one of a kind.

Elaine Griffin, New York interior designer and author of “Design Rules,” offers a few expert tips for taking your home design into your own hands:

Research and check twice Taking the time to properly research and educate yourself is important so you get beautiful results without unwanted surprises. “You want to know what your options are in terms of price, value, quality, design and style,” says Griffin.

Customize visible features

Top 2014 home decor trend: Personalized Design 16 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

“In the bathroom, you can focus on something that’s focal-pointworthy, like the KOHLER Artifacts faucet collection. It’s a piece that just belongs to you,” she says.

Artifacts collection allows you to create a custom faucet by choosing from a variety of spouts, handles and finishes for a look that’s all your own.

Customize color “It’s all about the customization of color,” says Griffin. “It’s not just about a color palette for personality, it’s about having that shade that no one else has.”

St. Louis Residents Struggle to Find Trusted Financial Advice, According to New Survey A recent study by TIAA-CREF, a financial services provider, found that more than half of St. Louisans say it is hard to know which sources of financial advice to trust. The survey polled a random sample of 400 St. Louis area residents on their attitudes, preferences and behaviors about receiving financial advice.

Additionally, the study found that many St. Louis adults - 55 percent - turn to friends and family before seeking financial help from an advisor or consultant.

But some - including one-third of St. Louis residents - never seek advice about their finances at all.

president of wealth planning strategies. “Delivering relevant and trustworthy financial counsel is at the core of what we strive for at TIAA-CREF. Our own experience shows those who seek financial advice act on it, and those who act on it have an opportunity to create better financial futures for themselves and their families.”

Experts cite competing sources of financial information as one reason why St. Louisans find it difficult to pinpoint who to trust.

But others see a lack of personalized advice as another cause of financial uncertainty.

The survey also revealed interesting perceptions among St. Louis women, who sought retirement-related advice more than any other kind of financial advice. In fact, 69 percent of St. Louis women look for information on saving for retirement, compared to 58 percent of St. Louis men. Additionally, 70 percent of St. Louis women seek advice about making retirement savings last, 15 percentage points more than their male counterparts.

“When it comes to financial advice, trust and personal touch are key if we expect individuals to take action,” said Doug Rothermich, TIAA-CREF vice

Moreover, the survey found that women are more likely than men to act after receiving financial advice, with 87 percent of St. Louis women stating they act all

or some of the time, while only 76 percent of men say the same.

Compared to men, women also turn more to friends and family for financial advice, with 61 percent of women relying on friends and family for financial advice, compared to 46 percent of men.

To meet the financial advice needs of St. Louis women and men, companies like TIAA-CREF are offering high-quality and personalized advice at no additional cost to clients. According to research the company conducted in 2012, more than two-thirds (68 percent) of those who received in-person advice and more than half (54 percent) of those who used TIAA-CREF’s Retirement Advisor tool took action, choosing to either save more, revisit their portfolio allocation or rebalance their portfolio.

For more information about financial advice and guidance, visit TIAA-CREF’s Advice and Guidance Center.

H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 17

SAINT LOUIS

HAPPENINGS FEBRUARY 2014

Black History Heritage Month at the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Through February 28

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial www.gatewayarch.com A month-long program at the Old Courthouse and Museum of Westward Expansion featuring historical character portrayals, storytellers, concerts, special films, interactive Dred Scott Trial reenactments, Underground Railroad programs, ranger programs, education programs, and more.

St. Louis’ 250th Birthday Weekend February 14-17

Missouri History Museum www.stl250.org St. Louis celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2014 and since historians can’t agree on the actual date of the founding of St. Louis a big splash will be held for four days. Events include a Burnin’ Love Festival (14) and The Biggest Birthday Bash (14, 15 & 17).

Burning Love Festival February 14

Art Hill in Forest Park www.stl250.org Burnin’ Love officially kicks off St. Louis’ 250th anniversary weekend with Art Hill transformed into “Heart Hill” where 250 couples will get engaged or re-engaged simultaneously. Live music will be provided by Erin Bode, Pokey LaFarge, the Royal Rhythm & Blues All-stars and Elvis, performing the night’s title song on the FabickCat stage. A 25-foot burning heart structure will be installed near the Grand Basin with fire dancers, cannons that shoot flame 80 feet into the air and a light show. There will also be arts and crafts activities for families and video screens will feature St. Louiscentric footage and birthday wishes. A fireworks display at 10:15 p.m. will cap of the evening.

18 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Sid the Science KidThe Super Duper Exhibit Through April

The Magic House www.magichouse.org Created in collaboration with The Jim Henson Company and based on the award-winning PBS Kids TV Series, Sid the Science Kid nurtures kids’ natural curiosity about science in everyday life. Kids will have the opportunity to become scientists in training as they join Sid on his many scientific adventures. Through fun, hands-on activities, kids will use scientific tools and thinking to explore the world around them.

Professional Bull Riders February 14-16

Scottrade Center www.scottradecenter.com the Professional Bull Riders elite Built Ford Tough Series (BFTS) heads to St. Louis’ Scottrade Center for its 17th appearance with the Top 35 bull riders in the world and the best bucking bulls in the business.

In addition to great bull riders, the series’ best bulls will also be in attendance. Bushwacker was the featured bonus bull at the 2013 event and extended his record-setting buckoff streak during the 15/15 Bucking Battle. The best bulls in the industry compete at each stop along the BFTS.

The Thompson Collection of African Art February 21-May18

Laserium: The Beatles!

February 15-17

James S. McDonnell Planetarium www.slsc.org A Cosmic Laser Light Concert performed by a master Laserist conducting a symphony of vibrant laser light set to The Beatles classic songs. This fantastic explosion of immersive sound and the purest of colors, LASERIUM brings an out-of-this-world experience to the Planetarium. Feel free to bring your pillows and blankets. A limited number of floor mats are available.

St. Louis Symphony: Casablanca February 15-16

James S. McDonnell Planetarium www.slsc.org Cozy up next to your sweetheart Valentine’s weekend for this screening of the ultimate love story. The 1942 classic film starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman will be played in its entirety with the score performed live by the St. Louis Symphony. It’s the perfect date night for any couple - Here’s lookin’ at you, Kid.

St. Louis University Museum of Art www.sluma.slu.edu This exhibition features more than 60 sculptures, oil paintings, mixed media and ceramics by celebrated African-American artists including Romare Bearden, Thelma Johnson Streat and Henry O. Tanner. The exhibition was organized by the David C. Driskell Center for the Study of Visual Arts and Culture of AfricanAmericans and the African Diaspora at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Delta Dental Winter Zoo February 23

St. Louis Zoo www.stlzoo.org Enjoy animal-related games and activities, animal biofacts, crafts and more. Activities are geared toward kids 2-10. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

No reservations are needed.

St. Louis Boat and Sports Show February 26-March 2

America’s Center www.stlouisboatshow.com Consumer show featuring the latest boats, engines, marine accessories and more in the boating industry.

Jersey Boys

February 19-March 1

The Fox Theater www.fabulousfox.com This musical is about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi and how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history featuring their hit songs “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Oh What a Night” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.”

Southern Comfort Taste of Soulard February 22-23

Participating Soulard Establishments www.stlmardigras.org Several of Soulard’s fine establishments offer samples of their signature dishes in this unique, create your own experience event. Attendees are able to stroll through Soulard using the taste tickets from the ticket booklet to sample signature dishes and one taste of Southern Comfort from the participating restaurants and pubs of Soulard.

Disney on Ice: Passport to Adventure February 27-March 2

Scottrade Center www.scottradecenter.com Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Daisy on a journey to the magical worlds of Disney’s The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan and Lilo & Stitch.

You’ll explore the Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa; voyage under the sea with Ariel and all her aquatic friends; tour London with Peter Pan and Wendy, before flying to Never Land; and travel to Hawaii to visit Lilo and Stitch.

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