Handh issue4 fall

Fal l 2 0 1 3

Improving Your Personal Finances p.16 Host an Extraordinary

Volunteering Changes Lives p.14 This special publication brought to you by Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate

Outdoor Bash

p.4

www.STLHandHMag.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Wade Brewer

DESIGN Josh West

FEATURES EDITOR Andrew Brewer

A note from the editor...

Fall is here and we are all looking forward to the fun activities the season brings with it. The cool weather of autumn means pumpkin patches, apple picking, football games and so much more.

Inside you will find some interesting articles on outdoor entertaining which is always fun this time of year, home maintenance and decorating ideas, and even an article on some great volunteering opportunities for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity.

As always, we offer some great recipe ideas and this issue offers up some “Ghoulish Treats” for Halloween.

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

Our area is known for great activities for fall, and this year is no exception. Be sure to check the “Happenings” section for a list of some great events from the Oktoberfest in Soulard to our annual Pumpkin Patch. We hope that you are able to join us on October 12th for a fun time with games and activities for the whole family along with free pumpkins.

If you have a great idea for a story, or have an upcoming event you would like us to mention I can always be reached at Editor@STLHandHmag.com.

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

2 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Wade Brewer Editor-in-chief

CONTENTS

8

4

Host an Extraordinary Outdoor Bash

5

Add Digital Fun to Your Outdoor Space

6

Transforming Your Bedroom

10

6 Ways to Optimize Your Morning

12

Over Age 50?

14

Volunteering Changes Lives

15

Rethink the Way You Pay

16

Improving Your Personal Finances

18

Happenings

Deliciously Scary Treats H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 3

Host an Extraordinary

Outdoor Bash!

What do you get when you combine great food, good company and a beautifully set table?

One truly memorable party!

No matter what the reason for the gathering, find your inspiration from the splendor found outdoors. Picture a rustic table set under the olive trees in the Italian countryside or warm, gentle breezes rustling through a gorgeous garden in the South of France. Nature draws you in, invites you to sit down and encourages you to savor special moments.

Create the same experience for your guests at your home. Set a wooden table under shaded trees or a covered patio then gather several chairs around. Keep decorations simple and let the natural elements set the mood.

Let the season determine your decorations.

Draw your inspiration from the colors and textures of nature and your surroundings.

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There is something about flowers that instantly makes any gathering feel special. Place several large sunflowers into a vase for the center of the table or trim the stems off your favorite blooms and float them in a large serving bowl. For another simple centerpiece, line several glasses or small bowls down the center of the

table and place a single blossom in each. No flower arranging skills required.

Carry out the alfresco theme with dishes inspired by nature, such as Pistoulet dinnerware from Pfaltzgraff.

Reminiscent of the light and colors of Southern France, the collection features colorful renderings of flowers, vines, and vegetables set against wide watercolor washes.

Easy Ways to Add Digital Fun to Your Outdoor Living Space

Here are few more easy tips to make your next outdoor party a charming and memorable event: Choose music that is light and uplifting. Make sure it isn’t so loud that guests canít carry a conversation.

If you use a tablecloth or runner, strategically place small bowls or serving pieces, such as a Pistoulet Le Petite Platter, around the table to keep the cloth secure.

Slip sprigs of green inside the folds of the napkins for a decorative touch. Tuck flatware inside the napkins to help keep the linens from blowing off the table.

Mix earthy elements into the table decor.

Make your party a winner, naturally, by adding pinecones, moss, or small flowers to decorative Pistoulet bowls.

Select several smooth stones and write each guest’s name on them. These organically chic place cards make a memorable party favor.

Serve a signature drink named after the theme or celebration of the party.

Place votive candles in clear containers or glasses for a casual, romantic glow.

The secret to great entertaining is keeping things simple. Parties should be uncomplicated, easy and just as much fun for the hosts as it is for the guests. Start with a simple menu and then get everyone outdoors to enjoy the splendor of warm breezes, lush trees and colorful flowers.

For more information, recipes, and table setting ideas, visit www.Pfaltzgraff.com.

Adding sound and audio systems is a great way to liven up outdoor kitchens and living spaces, patios and even screened porches. If you’re looking to outfit your outdoor spaces with the latest in digital fun, here are a few ideas to get you started: No more super-long extension cords and wheeling the TV in and out of the house. Wireless technology allows you to mount a TV outdoors and access content from your digital cable, satellite TV feed, DVD player or even indoor game console. Be sure to safely mount your television using a mount made for outdoor use, like the Sanus HDpro Series VXF220.

The all-weather wall mount can support TVs 42 to 84 inches, and features a rust-resistant coating and stainless steel hardware to stand up to the elements. A cable channel inside the mount conceals and protects power and connection cables, but never inhibits the movement of the mount so you can tilt it for the perfect viewing angle.

When choosing a TV for outdoor use, keep in mind positioning and concerns like sun glare.

If you want to go with a plasma TV, it will be important to protect the set from sun and rain, and you’ll need to mount it in the shade. A weatherproof LCD can be a better option if you won’t be able to avoid sun glare and exposure to the elements. LCD images are less likely to look washed out in the sun.

H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 5

Emily Henderson

TRANSFORMING YOUR BEDROOM Into a stylish, functional retreat Designer Secrets to Enhance the Master Suite

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I

n today’s busy, on-the-go world, having a haven to come home to is a must. And for many people, that sanctuary is the bedroom.

In fact, a recent study by Leggett & Platt Adjustable Bed Group found that 90 percent of people surveyed want their master suite to be a tranquil retreat.

“Today’s bedroom is for more than just sleeping,” says Emily Henderson, host of “Secrets from a Stylist” and HGTV’s Season 5 “Design Star” winner. “From work­ing and engaging with media to reading, relaxing and watching TV, we are doing more in our bedrooms than before. But that doesn’t mean we have to compromise great style and comfort. I like to help create spaces that are comfortable and exude warmth no matter their use.”

Henderson recently shared a few of her designer secrets to help anyone create a peaceful and luxurious haven.

Choose the Right Color Palette Color really sets the mood for a room. While soft, cool colors and neutrals create a soothing mood, strong colors add drama.

Henderson says that some colors, such as red, yellow and hot colors like fuchsia and orange, can feel aggressive.

“As much as I love a bold color, I often work with blues, grays and creams as the dominant colors for a bedroom,” says Henderson. “Go for a neutral like taupe or ivory if you want it to feel warmer, or a cooler neutral like light blue or grey if you want it to feel more calming. Then you can add hits of a stronger accent color.”

A good rule of thumb when choosing colors is 60-30-10.

Sixty percent of the room should be the dominant color (walls), 30 percent a secondary color (uphol­stery) and 10 percent an accent color (accessories.)

When choosing your colors, start with something you love as your inspiration. It can be a painting, a pillow or even your favorite vase. Use that item to build out the perfect color palette for your bedroom.

Beautify Your Bed and Bedding The Better Sleep Council says that, in general, a mattress set that has been in use for seven years should be replaced in order to give you the best comfort and sup­port possible.

“If it’s time to replace your mattress, think about upgrading your whole bed,” says Henderson. “An adjustable bed can offer not only customizable comfort but a chic look, too. I have one from Leggett & Platt’s Designer Series that lets me adjust the head, knees and feet — and I have massage options. It’s made a big difference in my life, and it looks great, too!”

She recommends considering an upholstered bed for a look that is softer and more cozy; a simple platform bed for something more modern; or an ornate iron bed frame for something more antique and old world.

To get the designer look you see in magazines and on websites for your bed, Henderson says you need to choose great bedding, and learn how to layer it.

“Make sure you have tons of textures and layers,” she said.

“More than any other room, upholstery is important. In your bedroom, you want everything soft. You don’t necessarily need a lot of patterns or colors. The key is to contrast tex­ tures like wools, linens, cashmeres and knits to make it feel inviting. Remember to keep everything in your color palette to avoid it looking messy or feeling busy.”

Here is her step-by-step guide to layering bedding like a pro: Start with sheets — Make sure you have comfortable sheets that feel good against your skin. Sheets with some detailing on the end, such as lace or embroidery, add a nice decorative touch. You can choose a solid color or a pattern that complements your bedspread.

Add a blanket — The next layer is a soft blanket.

Depending on the season and the climate in your area, you can go with a lighter cotton or fleece blan­ket, or a heavier wool one.

Top it off — A quilt, duvet or bedspread is the top layer of your bedding and has the most visual impact. It needs to pull together all the layers of your bed and complement the colors of your room.

Accent each layer — Fold the top layer back about a quarter of the way down the bed. Follow with the blanket and the sheet, leaving each layer visible.

Add pillows and accessories — Don’t overdo it with layers and layers of pillows. Use larger, European style pillows and shams for a backdrop, your sleeping pillows in front of those, then an accent pillow or two. Add a textured throw or silky quilt folded at the end of the bed for a finishing touch.

Put the Accent on Style Accent pieces really finish off a room and give it a complete look. Henderson says she likes to use mirrors on the wall instead of big, bold art. “Mirrors expand the space and fill the wall, but they don’t add a lot of contrast or busyness.

Other ideas for stylish accents include: A tray on the nightstand that holds a dish for jewelry, scented candle and lamp.

Small throw rugs for either side of the bed. Rugs add color, texture and a luxurious feel to a room.

A collection of small vases or frames in the same color with various shapes.

For more tips from Emily Henderson on creating the perfect bedroom haven, visit: www.lpadjustablebeds.com.

H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 7

T

his Halloween, throw a wickedly wonderful fete for family and friends. With help from the Wilton entertaining experts, you’ll have all the tricks to treat your guests to a spooky celebration that will leave them howling with delight. Halloween’s not just for the kids anymore, so before you put on your costume, grab your baking and decorating supplies and get ready to let the creepy crawlers loose.

“Halloween is the one time of the year that you can take your decorating skills to the dark side,” said Nancy Siler, vice president of consumer affairs at Wilton. “From finishing pumpkin cookies with ghastly grins to creating creepy cakes decorated like graveyard skulls, it’s the perfect holiday to have some fun in the kitchen.”

Try these tips from the Wilton test kitchen for tasty and terrifying treats: Creepy Cupcakes: Transform tradi­tional cupcakes into other worldly creations by decorating with eyeballs, spider webs or candy corn. Set up a decorating table during your Halloween party and let kids make their own creepy creations.

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Trick the Treat: Swap out the standard packaged treats for homemade sweets. Wrap cookies, pumpkin cake pops and lollipops in decorative party bags for a fearfully fun take-home treat.

Mummy Wrap: Dress up your Halloween treats with themed baking cups. Pumpkins, mummies and ghosts are an instant way to give your party extra personality.

Stack the Skulls: Turn the crouque-en-bouche, a popular French dessert, on its head by replacing cream puffs with mini-skeleton skulls. To increase the scare factor, mix in bone-shaped cookies and antique the treats with Candy Melts candy and Color Mist food color spray.

Try these recipes for Pumpkin Cake Pops and Graveyard Crouqueen-Bouche for a spook-tacular Halloween party. For more unique decorating ideas and recipes visit www.wilton.com.

Tower of Horror Treats Skull Cakes:

Cookie Bones:

To decorate and assemble:

Makes 8 skulls

4 cups all-purpose flour 2 2/3 cups granulated sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves Pinch ground nutmeg 1-1/3 cups vegetable oil

4 eggs

2 cups applesauce Buttercream icing Preheat oven to 325ºF. Prepare Dimensions Mini Skull Pan with vegetable pan spray.

In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cloves and nutmeg. In small bowl, whisk together oil, eggs and applesauce. Add to dry ingredi­ents, stirring until well combined. Fill each cavity about 2/3 full with 1/3 cup batter.

Reserve remaining batter.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 15 minutes. Remove to cool­ing grid and cool completely. Bake remaining batter as above.

To assemble, cut the domes off of fronts and backs of skulls and sandwich with buttercream icing.

Makes about 3 dozen cookies

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 egg 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray Bones Cookie Pan cavities with vegetable pan spray.

In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer at medium speed until well blended. Beat in egg and extracts; mix well. Combine flour and salt; add to butter mixture. Beat until well blended. Press dough into pre­ pared pan cavities, filling 2/3 full.

Bake 9 to 10 minutes or until light brown around edges. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Turn pan over; lightly tap pan to remove cookies. Cool completely on cooling grid.

Yellow candy color from Primary

Candy Color Set, optional

3 (12-ounce) bags White Candy Melts

Candy, melted

1 (12-ounce) bag Black Candy Melts

Candy, melted Large Candy Eyeballs Brown Color Dust, optional Place assembled cakes and cookies on cooling grid posi­tioned over cookie sheet. If desired, add yellow candy color to melted white candy; pour over cakes and cookies until well coated. Chill 10 to 15 minutes or until set. Repeat if needed.

Using disposable decorating bag, pipe melted black candy face details on skull cakes; chill 5 to 10 minutes or until set. Attach candy eyeballs to skulls with dots of melted candy. If desired, brush Color Dust highlights on candy-covered bones and skulls.

Using melted white candy, secure four decorated skull cakes to cake base or serving platter, hold until set; insert decorated bone cookies between cakes. Add second row of skulls, posi­tioning between the skulls below and securing with melted candy; hold until set. Add bone cookies between skulls. Secure final skull to top of tower with melted candy; hold until set.

Arrange remaining bone cookies around base of cake tower.

Spirited Pumpkin Cake Pops

Happily Haunted Lollipops

Jolly Jack-o-Lantern Cookies

Each pop serves 1

1 package (15.5 to 18.25 ounces) yellow cake mix Water, eggs and oil to prepare mix Orange, Black and White Candy Melts Candy Black/White Colored Lollipop Sticks Candy Eyeballs Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare 12-cavity Silicone Petite Pumpkin Mold with vegetable pan spray.

Each lollipop serves 1 White, Light and Dark Cocoa, Yellow, Black and Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice or Orange Candy Melts Candy 11.75 inch lollipop sticks

Makes about 2 dozen cookies

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 egg 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional) 2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt Light Green, Black, Red and Orange Sparkle Gel

Prepare cake mix following package instructions; fill silicone mold cavities 2/3 full with cake batter. Bake 8 to 12 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from mold and cool completely.

Melt orange Candy Melts candy following package instructions. Dip lollipop sticks in melted candy; insert into bottom of cakes. Using spatula or butter knife, spread melted candy onto backs of cakes; chill in refrigerator 5 to 10 minutes or until set. Place cooled cakes on cooling grid positioned over cookie sheet, candy side down; spoon or pipe melted candy over cakes until well coated. Chill in refrigerator 10 to 15 minutes or until set.

Repeat if desired.

Melt black Candy Melts candy in disposable decorating bag; cut small hole in tip of bag and pipe mouth, nose and eyebrows on pumpkins. If desired, pipe melted white candy teeth. Attach candy eyeballs with dots of melted candy.

Melt Candy Melts candy as needed following package instructions. Pipe or brush details of Candy Corn/Pumpkin Lollipop Mold with melted candy; chill in refrigerator 5 to 10 minutes or until set.

Fill candy mold cavities with con­trasting melted candy. Place lollipop stick into mold, rotating the stick so it is completely covered with melted candy. Chill in refrigerator 10 to 15 minutes or until set.

Remove from candy mold.

NOTE: For simpler preparation, lolli­pops can be molded using a single candy variety.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray Easy Decorate Pumpkin Cookie Pan with vegetable pan spray.

In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer at medium speed until well blended. Beat in egg and extracts; mix well. Combine flour and salt; add to butter mixture. Beat until well blended.

Press dough into cavities, filling 2/3 full.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until light brown around edges. Cool in pan 10 minutes.

Turn pan over; lightly tap pan to remove cookies. Cool completely on cooling grid.

Decorate cooled cookies with Sparkle Gel, using light green for stem; black for eyes, mouths and mustaches; red for tongue; and orange for remaining pumpkin areas. Let set, about 1/2 hour.

H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 9

6

Simple Ways to Optimize Your Mornings

E

ven the most chipper of morning people can sometimes wake up groggy and tired. And if their children wake up feeling the exact same way, mornings can definitely drag. There are, however, little things you can do — from scheduling exercise at optimal times, to packing protein into breakfast, to planning daily goals — that will make a big difference.

The following tips will help put that zing in your family’s step.

Wake up and work out: Do you start your morning with a healthy dose of exercise? The time you begin your workout matters more than you may think. A study shows that those who work out before eating in the morning burned approximately 20 percent more than those who wait until after breakfast.

Rev up your metabolism: Allow a little

extra time in your morning to rev up your metabolism. A short, 20 minute weight lifting session can get your blood pumping and help you burn calories throughout the day. Of course, if you’re busy managing the kids in the morning, you can still

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increase your metabolism just by adding more protein to your morning meal while making sure it’s low in calories and carbs.

Make time for breakfast: Never skip

breakfast — not only will that deplete your energy, but it can also negatively impact your health. In fact, recent studies show that those who opt out of breakfast time are at a 27 percent higher risk of having a heart attack. The same study also finds that those who eat breakfast are likely to be healthier eaters overall. This is especially important for children as they develop habits over time. So, help them establish a healthy breakfast habit early. If time is an issue, make breakfast a priority (and a convenience) by filling your pantry with quick, healthy. low-fat options, such as Vi Crunch™ cereal, which provides 12 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. For more information, visit www.ViCrunch.com.

Create a checklist: Think of your entire

day as a series of small goals and write them down in the morning or the night before. Then cross out tasks as you complete them. Not only will you reduce stress from having a better visual of your family’s day,

you will feel more productive as you progress through your list.

Shake up the morning: Get out that blender and toss in healthy foods. Breakfast smoothies and shakes are a fast way to get the essential nutrients to jumpstart your day. Plus, they’re easy to pour, and they’re mobile — throw in a straw and sip while you walk. Recruit your children to help, and let them have fun mixing up their own tasty creation with fresh fruit like pineapple, banana and blueberries. Amp up your shake with nutritious additions, such as chia seeds, natural peanut butter or Vi Crunch™ Fusions, which come in two delicious flavors, Chocolate Macadamia Granola and Tri-Berry Puffs. Each makes a crunchy topping for your favorite breakfast foods, especially for the young, picky eater.

Pause: Before you leave the house, take one minute to breathe. Feel good you ate breakfast and warmed up your body with exercise. And don’t forget to take your todo list with you. You never know what opportunities the day will inspire.

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

www.Service1stHomes.com

H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 11

Over Age 50?

The best time to make decisions regarding long-term care is well before it’s needed. An unexpected illness or injury may force you or a loved one into making hasty decisions. Longterm care is a set of services and supports for people who are unable to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). ADLs are self-care activities, such as getting in and out of bed, walking, bathing, dressing, eating, and bowel and bladder management. About 70 percent of people turning 65 can expect to need some kind of long-term care services as they age. Experts encourage everyone over age 50 to take the time, while you have it, to research options and make important choices. Long-term care planning means developing a personal strategy now for how things should be handled later when you or a loved one is in need of care. Important considerations include the following: 12 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Make Long-Term Care Plans Before They Are Needed

Staying In Charge An important part of long-term care planning is outlining how you would like things to be handled. Expressing preferences clearly about how any declines in ADLs should be handled, what financial resources are available, and who should provide needed care is a good way to retain control. All adults over age 18 should execute legal documents that appoint one or more individuals to make health care and finan­cial decisions for them in the event they become unable to make decisions for themselves. Adults who lose the ability to make decisions before executing these documents must have the court system appoint someone to make decisions for them. An attorney can also prepare an advance care directive, which is a set of written instruc­tions detailing what medical care you want or do not want.

Housing Those who would prefer to stay at home for as long as possible should make a plan to do so, and consider making modifications as needed. Home modifications are often intended to allow maximum self-care, and to help avoid a fall. Avoiding a fall can help delay or avoid the need for long-term care. Typical modifications include widening door­ways, adding wheelchair ramps, improving lighting, mounting stairway chair lifts, installing medical alert systems and adding hand­ rails or safety grips. An important consideration for any­one planning to stay home is to ensure the bath­room can be used safely. Ideally, your residence should maximize your ability to continue perform­ing ADLs, and help you avoid a fall.

Primary Care Maintaining a good relationship with a primary care physician is key. Regular check-ups can lead to early diagnosis of any physical, mental or emotional decline. Be honest and open about symp­toms, daily habits or changes in appetite. Be sure to have the primary care physician review all medications. Ongoing medication management is an important part of staying healthy and avoiding a fall.

Family Care Unpaid family members are the most common source of long-term care help. But, they may not be able to provide all the care you need, or be there every hour of the day. If you intend to rely on family members for long-term care services be sure to involve them in your long-term care plan­ning. Make sure they are willing and able to be caregivers for you.

Paid Care As part of your long-term care plan, look into caregiving services in your area, including in-home care providers and elder daycare centers. Find out about elder shuttles, meals on wheels and other low-cost services offered in your community. Several types of housing come with support services for people who cannot fully take care of themselves due to aging and/or disability.

Public housing is available for low-to-moderate income elderly and persons with disabilities.

Assisted living homes are group living set­tings that offer housing in addition to assis­tance with ADLs and other services, such as meals. Generally, they do not provide medical care.

Continuing care retirement communities provide a range of housing options, including independent living units, assisted living and nursing homes, all on the same campus.

Nursing facilities, or nursing homes, are the most service-intensive housing option, provid­ing skilled nursing services and therapies as needed.

Take the time to familiarize yourself with the different types of facilities available in your area. Ask family and friends for any recommen­dations they may have and take advantage of information available on the Internet. Visit www.longtermcare.gov to find out more informa­tion about each type of facility and costs associ­ated with long-term care. Your local Area Agency on Aging office also offers a list of resources available to the elderly in your area.

Having your long-term care plan squared away and clear, so there are no misunderstandings or second-guessing, can be the greatest gift you can give to your loved ones, and yourself.

For more information, visit www.longtermcare.gov.

H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 13

Volunteering Builds Communities, Changes Lives The opportunities to help your community are endless. It’s as easy as linking your talents with causes you are passionate about or that have affected you personally.

With so many charitable causes and organizations, it’s easy to find a volunteer opportunity that’s perfect for you. According to research conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service, those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, reported more self-worth and had fewer cases of depression. And the positive benefits don’t end there. Volunteering also promotes the feelings of accomplishment and personal fulfillment rarely found in other activities.

Though the list of volunteer activities is vast, here are a few causes that can be found in most communities:

Give blood: Due to accidents or illnesses, thousands of people are in need of blood each day. Organize or participate in a blood drive at your church, social group or school. You can also volunteer at the local bank within your community.

Build homes: Do you enjoy using your hands and being outdoors? Organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, utilize volunteer labor, material donations and monetary support to build and rehabilitate houses for families in need of decent shelter. To support this cause, M&M’S Brand has created the M’Prove America movement, and will provide more than $500,000 to help build Habitat homes across the country. The brand is also ral14 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

lying Americans to donate their time and talents to help build Habitat homes.

Adopt a family: Natural disasters wreak havoc on communities, destroying homes and lives. Many organizations help families who’ve lost their homes and belongings by providing assistance with clothing, personal hygiene products and other necessities to get them back on their feet. Such organizations also look for assistance during the holidays to ensure children and parents aren’t forgotten during the season of giving. Get a group of friends together and consider adopting a family in need.

Help at food bank: Hunger has become a national epidemic, touching lives in almost every region of America. Many volunteer opportunities are available for this worthy cause. Consider helping at a food kitchen to serve the hungry directly, box up food shipments for other banks or start a food drive competition with coworkers to see who can give the most.

A simple online search will point you in the direction of the perfect volunteer opportunities that fit your lifestyle. Many sites also offer interactive ways to show your pride and involvement in the cause.

One such site has been designed for the M&M’S Brand partnership with Habitat for Humanity. To learn more about how you can get involved and pledge hours to volunteer, visit www.mproveamerica.com.

Rethink the Way You Pay

Switch to a No-Contract Wireless Phone Plan:

Today’s consumers want lower cost wireless phone services, but don’t want the long-term contract commitments that come with postpaid wireless service providers. Many are making the shift away from traditional postpaid contracts and instead are utilizing reliable no-contract wireless service providers, such as Cricket Wireless, a communications leader offering prepaid no-contract wireless plans for more than 14 years. Making such adjustments can save up to half on your wireless phone bill (compared to a similar plan with a postpaid wireless service provider) while maintaining unlimited and nationwide service.

Test Before You Buy: Have you ever bought a new product, such as cosmetics or skin care items, only to realize you don’t like it? That’s money wasted. Today, there are new online services that send you test size samples of products before you buy, ultimately saving you money by trying the products first.

Save on Gas: Take advantage of your local grocery

store’s gas rewards program. Many stores offer discounts on gas if you buy from their service station or participating gas stations in the area. It’s as simple as signing up for the program and then earning points or money toward gas while you shop for other everyday needs.

Scale Back on Entertainment Spending: An

Today’s consumers are finding new ways to get the goods and services they want for their lifestyles. Using savvy, money-saving tactics, these shoppers are getting more for less, eliminating services they don’t need and using comparative shopping.

These new power consumers challenging the trend of “more is more” are confidently declaring “half is more” when it comes to paying for what they want. Here are some tips to help adopt better spending habits while searching for the perfect deal.

Cut Insurance Costs: No longer subjected to cook-

ie-cutter insurance policies of old, more versatile options exist today, allowing you to name exactly what you need. The insurance industry is a prime example where you can carefully determine exact needs and price comparative shop for the best provider. Many online tools exist that will provide side-by-side pricing of insurers for your consideration.

evolution has occurred in the movie and music industry that can save you a considerable amount of money. Instead of purchasing individual DVDs, Blurays or CDs, consider taking advantage of digital services, such as Netflix or Hulu, that provide access to thousands of movies at a relatively low monthly rate. In addition, downloading music to your phone, instead of streaming, won’t use up your data allotment. Cricket Wireless offers Muve Music, free with compatible smartphones, which lets you choose from millions of songs that you can download right to your phone.

Shop Discount Websites: Subscribing to dis-

counted apparel and home decor websites’ lists can keep you from overpaying at retail stores. From throw pillows to watches, sites like Gilt, Hautelook and Fab.com provide some of the trendiest designer items for less. Some sites also have timed sales for specific items, and taking 15 minutes to browse can equate to hundreds in savings.

For more information on Cricket Wireless, visit www.mycricket.com.

H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 15

Simple Ways to Improve

PERSONAL FINANCES

s more Americans make strides towards A responsible spending and debt management, there are still ways to improve the control of family finances.

According to a survey recently conducted by Bank of America, which asked respondents about their credit card usage, balance and rewards, less than half of cardholders always pay their entire credit card balance. With more than half of individuals carrying credit card debt, Jason Gaughan, card products executive for Bank of America, said to think about personal spending before taking on a credit card.

“Credit cards provide consumers an efficient and protected way to make purchases,” said Gaughan.

“They are more convenient than cash and they are incredibly useful in an emergency. The key to successfully managing your credit card account is to understand your budget and stick to a plan that works for you when borrowing. You want a card with a rewards program that fits your lifestyle and how you manage your finances. If you typi­cally carry a balance, look for a card that has low interest and reinforces good payment practices.”

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Along with these practices, there are other ways to promote good spending and personal finance habits, such as:

Limit Number of Credit Cards According to the survey, three out of 10 respondents carried four or more credit cards. Limiting the number of cards you own can help limit your spending and increase the likelihood you can pay above the minimum balance. Before you start cutting up your plastic, remember having more than one credit card can have merits. If you need money for an emergency, the immediate buying power of a credit card can be a lifesaver. Try a card with no annual fee and a generous credit line to cover unexpected expenses. One idea is to have three cards: one in a safe place at home for emergencies and two with you at all times.

Reap the Rewards With so many rewards programs available for credit card holders, it’s important to do your homework so you can cash in on things your family really needs. While some credit cards will offer rewards to use at your favorite hotels and airlines, others will give you special discounts for the purchases you make on a frequent basis. The most popular of these programs is cash back for spending.

Some cards, such as the BankAmericard Cash Rewards credit card, let you earn more cash back where you spend the most money, like gas stations and grocery stores. The BankAmericard Better Balance Rewards credit card helps customers responsibly manage their credit card balance.

Whatever rewards you are seeking, there is likely to be a card suitable for you.

Track Spending Habits Now If you’ve been lax about keeping track of your spending, take the first step towards tracking as soon as possible. Include info on where you spend, when you spend and how much you spend.

Making note of all of those little purchases — a cup of coffee here or a gift store trinket there — will help you see how quickly they add up. Whether you’re the old-fashioned, pen-and-paper type, or if you prefer a more modern, digital form of tracking, the impor­tance is in the act itself.

Evaluate All Debts Many carry debts beyond credit cards, including student loans, car payments and mortgages.

While some may consider these types as necessary debts, it is important to keep track of the balance due for each as well as the interest rate you are paying. According to the survey, when respondents were asked what they would do with $1,000, nearly half (44 percent) revealed they would pay off debt. Evaluate your debts and decide which ones have the highest interest rates.

Making it a priority to pay down these debts first will save you more money in the long run.

Create a Budget It’s never too soon to put yourself in control of your money and stop letting it control you. A budget will give you financial peace of mind and it can help you stretch the income you have. First, write down the financial goals you want to achieve in the next few years and the ones you want to accomplish for the long term. Then, gather all of the purchasing information for the household and categorize each type of spending. Divide your expenses into fixed expenses (those that stay the same from month to month, such as a mortgage pay­ment or cable television bill) and variable ones (those that may change, such as fuel bills or entertainment). Be sure to also set aside some money for personal savings and an emergency fund. Once you’ve calculated your income and expenses a month ahead of time and set your budget, you can focus on the most important part — adhering to the plan. Find ways to decrease spending. Adopt just one new way of trimming expenses each week and you’ll find your overhead shrinking fast. Though you may not be on-point every month, the simple act of tracking and com­municating your family’s finances will be a huge step for­ward in your quest towards responsible spending.

For more information, visit www.bankofamerica.com/creditcard

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SAINT LOUIS

HAPPENINGS FALL 2013

fun run, antique car show and, of course, beer! Bands from St. Louis and Germany provide non-stop entertainment each day. Shuttle bus will be available.

Budweiser Taste of St. Louis September 27-29

Augusta Harvest Festival September 20-21

Augusta, MO www.augusta-chamber.org Enjoy this special weekend in Missouri Wine Country with tons of activities for the entire family. View art by local artists and artisans, browse the offerings of the Augusta Farmer’s Market and food court or listen to music by local musicians. Visit the website for a list of all activities.

St. Louis Soldier’s Memorial www.tastestl.com The Budweiser Taste of St. Louis is back and it’s bigger and better than ever! Join us September 27th through the 29th at Soldiers Memorial to enjoy delicious cuisine from more than 45 of St. Louis’ best restaurants, catch free national act concerts and don’t miss the all new Beers of the World Tasting Experience featuring over 20 ales and lagers from around the globe.

Pioneer Days September 21-22

Daniel Boone Home - Defiance, MO www.danielboonehome.ocm Experience a world on the edge of promise. Walk the frontier village and meet the men and women who led to the opening of the West. Learn historic trades and skills, hear music, play games see cannon and blackpowder shoots and so much more! Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $6 for children. Free admission to Lindenwood staff and students with proper identification.

Saint Charles Oktoberfest September 27-29

Frontier Park saintcharlesoktoberfest.com Saint Charles Oktoberfest is a family friendly festival that celebrates community and German heritage. Enjoy over 50 unique vendors, tons of food, a parade, wiener dog races, children’s activities, 5k race and 18 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

“First Look Friday” at The Twenty-Second Annual Best of Missouri Market Friday, October 4

Missouri Botanical Garden www.mobot.org Enjoy an early chance to shop and dine at the Best of Missouri Market. More than 120 Missouri food producers and crafters offer fresh produce, baked goods, fresh and dried flowers, herbs, handcrafted items, baskets, wooden toys, custom jewelry and more. Enjoy live music, too! 6 to 9 p.m. Outdoors under tents, rain or shine. $12 adults, $5 children (3 to 12), $5 members. Buy tickets in advance online at www.mobot.org.

Soulard Oktoberfest October 11-13

Soulard www.soulardoktoberfest.com

Battledish - St. Louis October 5

Central West End www.dishcrawl.com/battledish

VIP tickets will get you the following: Festival Admission Soulard Oktoberfest mug 7 Drinks - any combination Oktoberfest Food - All 3 Items 1 Brat 1 Dinner 1 Large German Pretzel Seat in VIP Tent with the 12ft Screen if the Cardinals are in the Playoffs!

Private Porta Potties Secured VIP Parking (within 10 minute walk of Festival) Tickets available online.

St. Louis has been entered in an international Battledish: a competition between chefs around the world.

Six St. Louis chefs have been chosen for this battledish.

Saturday, October 5th, from 2pm-6pm, the competition grounds of the Central West End are open to the public! Vote for Most Delicious (King of Battledish), Most Creative, Best Modern, Best Cocktail, and Most Authentic. Tickets available online.

Shaw Art Fair October 5-6

4100 and 4200 Flora Place www.shawartfair.org Juried art fair featuring 135 artists from across the United States showcasing a variety of art mediums; photography, clay, glass, textiles, jewelry, painting, woodwork, mixed media, sculpture. Family friendly event with food, music, and children’s art area. Alcoholic beverages available for those 21 years of age.

Dogs welcome on leash. $7 admission - under 14 Free.

Bring one can of food for each ticket, and receive $1 off each ticket.

MO’ Cowbell Marathon October 6

Historic St. Charles, MO www.mocowbellmarathon.com The Third Annual MO’ Cowbell is going to be better than ever! This year features a Marathon, Half Marathon, Half Marathon Relay and 5K Race. MO’ Cowbell has the fastest, flattest course in the St. Louis region!

This USATF certified course takes off from the banks of Missouri River in St. Charles, Missouri, and takes runners on a winding course through the area’s most historic neighborhoods. The finish line will have LOTS of ringing cowbells to cheer runners on! Don’t miss it! Visit the website to register and for maps of the courses.

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At Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate, our goal is to help you realize your real estate goals while giving you the highest level of service possible. Our office utilizes the very latest in technology and by using our proven marketing strategies and unique concepts, we can sell our listings for higher dollar and in a shorter amount of time than our competitors - no matter what their size. Give us a call today and let us show you the

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