H and H Magazine July Issue

Jul y 2013

Tackle Home Maintenance p.8

Summer Backyard Enjoyment p.6

Great Lunches for Your Kids p.16

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...

Believe it or not, Back to School time is fast approaching. In this issue, we not only wanted to give you ideas for preparing your home for the fun of summer and fall but also to help to prepare you for the Back to School season. There are some fun projects to help children get ready for the school year and nutrition advice and recipes for both breakfast and the lunchbox.

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

As always, we also discuss home maintenance tips with advice from Mike Holmes from HGTV as well as an article that discusses how you can help your pet to live a long and healthy life.

Any issue of the magazine would not be complete without some fun activities you can do in and around St. Louis like the St. Charles County fair that starts on July 23.

I hope that you enjoy this issue, and please don’t hesitate to contact me with any great story ideas that you may have.

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 4

Create an Outdoor Space that Wows!

8

Tackle Home Maintenance

10

Help Your Pets Live a Long Life

12

High Tech Devices

14

Breakfast Bounty

16

Turn Good Lunchboxes into Great Lunchboxes

17

Crafty Back-to-School Projects

18

Happenings

6

Summer Backyard Enjoyment H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 3

Create an Outdoor Space That Whether you own a cozy cottage or mega mansion, as a homeowner, you likely embrace the outdoor living trend. But when you look at your deck or patio, does it leave something to be desired? By taking a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach, you can affordably create outdoor spaces that enhance the style and functionality of your home, plus add to the overall value of the property.

Here are a few of the leading trends that the DIY homeowner can use to cost-effectively create an outdoor space that “wows:” 4 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

WOWS! Rent rather than buy Upgrading or adding a deck or patio can feel overwhelming unless you have the right equipment to do the job. Renting what you need saves money, plus helps you maximize your time so you can enjoy your new outdoor space sooner. From power washers and saws for cleaning and cutting, to utility loaders and tampers for digging and compacting base materials, you’ll find everything you need at your local American Rental Association member rental store. Visit www.RentalHQ.com for locations near you. Not sure what you need? The pros at the shop are specially trained and can help you choose the best time-saving tools for your project.

Use pavers for patios Whether you’re looking to refresh your current patio space or are starting from scratch, patios are great ground-level entertainment spaces.

More homeowners are opting for pavers to level and define the space, which adds elegant detail, rather than a bland concrete slab. Find pavers in varying shapes, sizes and colors at your local home improvement store. Remember, by digging and installing a base layer, your pavers are less likely to shift over time. Dig down and compact base material with a rented plate compactor or a tamper before laying the pavers in the desired pattern.

Define your deck If you’re adding a new deck, composite decking material is the way to go. While it costs a bit more than lumber, it lasts longer and is virtually maintenance-free, which will save you time and money in the long run. It’s just as easy to work with as wood and can be cut and assembled in a similar manner. If you simply want to refresh an existing wood deck, rent a power washer to quickly clean off dirt, grime and paint chips. Replace gray and tan paint with deep brown hues, which adds a subtle upscale appearance. Modern exterior paint lasts years and some options even fill cracks in wood, so look for a brand that best suits your needs.

Go native with greenery Adding plants to your outdoor space helps the area feel cohesive with nature. Not sure what to add? Whether for pots, containers or the surrounding landscaping, consider native lawn and plant materials. Not only will they look great and add color and depth to your outdoor space, but they are typically lower maintenance and many require less water. Explore options at your local garden center or state extension service’s website.

Create an outdoor kitchen Homeowners want to enjoy more time outside and that means cooking and dining al fresco.

While a basic barbecue grill will do, outdoor kitchens are in high demand. Building your own outdoor kitchen space is simple. Install countertops surrounding your grill and consider incorporating features like a small fridge, gas burners for side items, smokers or built-in storage spaces for spices and cooking tools. Stainless steel continues to be the go-to material for outdoor kitchen features, blending modern style with the organic look of Mother Nature.

Light the night The right lighting can take a good outdoor space and make it great. Solar lighting is trending for outdoor spaces, and this eco-friendly option is also affordable. Light pathways with solar landscape lighting - eliminating the need for electrical cords. Jazz up deck posts with post caps that provide a gentle glow. Finally, a string or two of white garden lights adds a twinkle to the beautiful ambiance of a summer evening.

H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 5

SUMMER BACKYARD ENJOYMENT Savvy Tips for a Get-Together to Remember

T

here is nothing better than gathering family and friends for a fun, outdoor get-together. With a few decorat­ing tricks and entertaining ideas, anyone can become the “host(ess) with the mostess.”

Whether your outdoor space is a sweeping, lakeside veranda or a tiny balcony with parking lot views, embrace it. To help Americans get the most out of their outdoor spaces and enjoy the summer season, OFF! has partnered with lifestyle and entertaining expert Katie Brown. Together, they have the tips and tricks to help ensure you’re prepared this summer for any outdoor gathering — be it a casual family dinner or a summer party with the neighbors.

First, a little preparation goes a long way. In the recent Summer Savvy 6 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Survey conducted by the makers of OFF!, 80 per­cent of respondents said getting a bug bite and running out of food are the two most annoying things that could ruin an outdoor party.

Before heading outside, spot treat your backyard with a product designed to protect it from a variety of insects like mosquitoes, ants and fleas, such as the OFF! Bug Control Backyard Pretreat.

Simply attach it to a garden hose and apply to your trees, shrubs, ornamen­ tals and structures. Once applied, OFF! Bug Control Backyard Pretreat kills 110 types of insects for up to eight weeks on non­porous surfaces.

When it comes to prepping your outdoor living space for summer gatherings, remember that the tricks you use inside your home to make a space more cozy and inviting also work well outside. Cluster seating around a coffee table then add side tables for plates of food and glasses. Anchor the grouping with a beauti­ful outdoor rug. Then amp up the fun factor with vibrant hues that mimic the colors in the surrounding landscapes. Why not poppy red pillows or a sunflower yellow tablecloth? Keep the decor light, bright and festive.

For a welcoming atmosphere, Brown always suggests incorporating flowers.

Loosely arrange cut flowers in vases or salvaged bottles to enhance the ambiance of any summer gettogether. Potted plants are inviting and can serve many purposes, such as welcome signs, house numbers and bird feeders, so get inspired and have fun getting creative.

Lighting is another key consideration.

Make sure there is plenty of lighting in the areas where your guests will gather as well as along walking paths or driveways. Lighting can also create a special festive feeling at any party.

There is something truly magical about thou­sands of tiny white lights surrounding an out­ door space. For ambiance, string several strands of

lights through trees and bushes or along wooden decks.

Clusters of candles should also be placed on small tables near where the guests will be lounging. Make sure to include an OFF! Citronella Candle or two. They add several hours of ambiance and style.

If you’re hosting a planned event, prep­aration for any type of weather is impor­tant. Try to anti­cipate things your guests may need to be com­fortable during the party. Fill up wicker baskets, or “pamper pots,” and set them near various seating areas. It’s a thoughtful touch guests will really appreciate.

Items to consider are: Sunscreen: Even if the day is cloudy, both kids and adults will appreciate having an extra bottle of sunscreen on hand.

Mosquito repellent: The OFF! Clip-On gives your guests personal protection against mosquitos so they can stay comfort­ able throughout the event.

Keeping Your Guests Entertained When planning outdoor gatherings, don’t let your guests lounge for too long. Get them up and inter­acting with a few fun games and activities provided by Katie Brown. Plan an assortment of activities designed to engage all ages with these tips: A bubble refill station: Engaging activ­ities are fun for kids — they can blow big bubbles in the yard while the parents watch and mingle.

A cookie decorating station: Create a theme for the party and have guests color­fully decorate cookies to reflect the party theme.

Classic picnic games: What outdoor gathering is complete without a round of croquet, horseshoes or bocce ball?

Consider a classic race game, such as the three-legged

race, potato sack race or wheelbarrow race.

Photobooth fun: Hang a large vintage picture frame from the branch of a sturdy tree. Supply a bucket of props and dis­pos­ able cameras so guests can create a memento that will last a lifetime.

Water balloon toss: Have guests take turns throwing water balloons in bowls set up at varying distances. The winner is the person who lands the most unbroken balloons in the bowls.

If you plan to give guests more than just the thrill of victory as a prize, aim for a fun summertime theme. Give out beach towels, pool toys, side­walk chalk, bubbles, kites, coolers or beach bags. These also make great party favors.

Light blankets:The success of a party is often judged by how late people linger. Roll up a few light blankets and tuck them in the basket in case evening brings a chilly drop in temperature.

Umbrellas: Whether guests use them for an unexpected rain­ shower or to shield themselves from the sun, umbrellas are a thoughtful touch.

Flashlights: A little extra illumination may come in handy during late night festivities. The kids might find flashlights make for a great game of tag.

If you’re hosting a planned event such as a birthday party or holiday BBQ, consider offering a fun take-home treat. As the party winds down, fill a small beach bag with any extra supplies, such as flash­lights, sunscreen, insect repellent, bubbles and sidewalk chalk, for each family. Your guests will go home with great memories, lots of pictures of your spectacular soiree and a few goodies for their next outdoor adventure.

For more information about OFF! products, and more of Katie Brown’s tips, visit www.keepbugsoff.com and www.

Facebook.com/OFF.

H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 7

Quick Fix Checklist Short on time but looking to make a few quick and easy healthy home fixes?

Complete each of these tasks in 20 minutes or less.

Hot water heaters Set hot water heaters at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below to avoid potential scalding.

Stove Remove and wash stove grates, burners and coils with warm water and soap.

Over time, grease can build up around the stove, increasing the chances of a fire.

Fire extinguishers Check the expiration dates on your fire extin­guishers.

You should keep one on each floor of your home.

Cracks Inspect the floor, walls and foundation of the home for cracks. Jot them down on your home to-do list, and fix them before they lead to deterioration and wood rot.

Regular cleaning isn’t enough to help keep your home safe and healthy.

Take Time to Tackle

HOME MAINTENANCE Follow the “SAFETY” Checklist from Trusted HGTV Contractor Mike Holmes Trusted contractor Mike Holmes advocates safe and healthy homes.

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K

eeping a healthy home for your family means more than daily chores and the occasional deep cleaning. It’s important to add routine inspec­tions of often overlooked areas and regular main­tenance to your list of tasks.

“Every home can have unhealthy, harmful, or even hazardous areas,” said Mike Holmes, renowned contractor on HGTV and healthy home expert. “It’s important to check them out, especially during regular maintenance.

Address­ing these ‘hidden hazards’ helps create a healthy home and keeps your family safe.” Holmes recommends following his “SAFETY” checklist to ensure your home is safer and healthier for your family.

S Seek out lead in the home.

If your home was built before 1978, it could contain lead. Your family could be exposed to it through the air, drinking water, contaminated soil, deteriorating paint and dust in and around the house. If you disturb any material that con­tains lead, tiny lead particles could become airborne at home. Talk to a profes­sional to test the entire house, and take the neces­sary steps to ensure your family’s safety.

A Address indoor air

quality and change your air filter.

F

E

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollution levels can be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor levels — some­ times even 100 times higher.

Your lungs shouldn’t be cleaning the air inside your home. Use an electrostatically charged Filtrete Brand air filter to help capture odors and airborne particles, such as mold spores, dust mite debris, bacteria and viruses.

Plus, changing your filter at the start of every season helps protect and maintain your system.

Fix leaks to prevent mold and mildew.

Mold spores need moisture to grow and thrive in warm, humid conditions.

When mold is disturbed, its spores can get into the air you breathe. Inspect your home for excess water and moisture build-up from leaky roofs, faucets, basement drains, dishwashers and wash­ing machines, and fix them immediately. Also, reduce your indoor humidity to 30 to 60 percent, and use vents and exhaust fans whenever possible.

Exercise caution around appliances.

Before using appliances such as space heaters and toaster ovens, make sure they are working properly. Never

Change your Filtrete Filter at the start of every season to breathe cleaner air at home.

drape an electrical cord over a sink, as electricity should never come into contact with water or any other liquids. Also avoid overloading wiring or plugging too many appliances into a single wall socket because it can cause electrical sparks, leading to an electrical fire. Be sure to unplug appliances when they’re not being used, and cover sockets with outlet protectors.

T Test for dangerous gases.

One out of every 15 homes in the U.S. has dangerous levels of radon, according to the EPA. You can purchase a short-term home radon test for less than $20. Test the lowest lived-in level of your home, and if you have elevated levels of radon, call a qualified contractor immediately. Make

sure they have plenty of experience dealing with radon. Also, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every month by pushing the test button on the unit. Remember to change the batteries every season, and replace the entire unit every 7 to 10 years.

Y Yield healthier results with regular upkeep.

Keep up with regular home maintenance to help keep your home healthy and your family safe. Fix small problems now to avoid big repairs later. Remember, big repairs come with big price tags and can lead to unhealthy and unsafe living conditions.

For more tips on creating a healthier home, visit www.Filtrete.com.

H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 9

HELP YOUR PET Live a Long and Healthy Life

Pet parents do everything they can to ensure their dogs and cats are around as long as possible. Pets, much like humans, need a healthy diet and plenty of exercise to help them live a long and happy life.

Good nutrition is key There are many factors involved when it comes to choosing a pet food for your dog or cat. Keep in mind if your pets aren’t digesting the ingredients properly, nutrition is not being absorbed. Get maximum nutrition from every bite by purchas­ ing a natural, high quality food with a digestive health support system, such as Holistic Select Natural Pet Food. Ingredients to look for include: Probiotics — or good bacteria — help keep your pet’s immune system healthy. Holistic Select contains live probiotics that are added to the food after it has been cooked and cooled. This process assures maximum survival of the probiotics, so that your pet reaps the full benefits of their food.

Prebiotics stimulate the growth and maintenance of good bacteria, like probiotics, in your pet’s diges­tive tract.

Fiber plays an important role in human digestive health, and it also plays an integral role in your pet’s digestive health. Look for foods with fiber-rich ingredients, such as oatmeal, flaxseed, pumpkin and papaya to promote digestive regularity.

Digestive enzymes help your pet’s body break down proteins, fiber and carbohydrates. This ensures your pet is getting the nutrients from their food, while reducing stress on their organs. This is especially crucial for aging pets.

Get pets moving every day Dogs and cats used to have to work for a living. Many were bred to be mousers, hunters, herders or protectors. Most pets today have a much more sedentary lifestyle. They spend their days lying around, waiting for their human companions to come home and are rewarded for their patience with a big bowl of food. However, regular exercise supports healthy circulation of both nutrients and waste and is essential for a pet to have a happy and long life.

Experts recom­mend cat owners plan a daily play session.

Toys that mimic the actions of their natural prey — birds, mice or bugs — should get them up and moving. Dogs need to be walked for 20 to 30 min­utes each day, while larger breeds often need much more. At your next veter­inarian visit, ask if your pooch is healthy enough for an exercise program and ask for recom­mendations based on breed.

Adequate exer­cise is an important step toward good health.

It’s also a great way to reduce such unwanted behaviors as chewing, digging, scratch­ing or whining.

To learn more about the importance of digestive health for your pet, visit www.HolisticSelect.com.

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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

LOST LUGGAGE TRAKDOT Anyone who has ever lost luggage or simply won­dered what happens to their bag after leaving it at the checkin counter will want this gadget available at www.trakdot.com. The device, priced at $50, con­stantly monitors the cellular network to determine its city location. It sleeps while in flight but wakes up and emails your cell phone when it lands.

Tuck it into your checked luggage and know immediately if your luggage landed in the same city. It also sends a friendly greeting when you are within 30 feet of your luggage — very handy for finding your black wheeled bag among all the others. There is a small one-time activation fee and an annual service fee.

PACKAGES THAT WON’T OPEN WITH A GOOD YANK SWISS ARMY KNIFE

Must-have gadgets designed to eliminate pet peeves Companies are rolling out hot new technology to keep you connected, organized and entertained.

Yet, many create pet peeves. Whether you are hanging out at home or travelling on vacation, here’s a round-up of tech gadget must-haves that get rid of top gadget pet peeves.

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CALLS GOING STRAIGHT TO VOICEMAIL zBOOST SOHO Nothing is more annoying than drop­ping or missing a call because of a weak signal. zBoost SOHO cell phone signal booster kit increases signal up to 3000 square feet, making it perfect for your home or office. Priced at $399, yet available and heavily discounted at most e-tailers, the device supports multiple users simultaneously with increased voice and data trans­mis­sion.

Check it out at www.wi-ex.com.

Imagine being moments from a huge pre­sentation and needing to clip a loose thread from a suit jacket, scan notes with an emergency flashlight and move your notes onto a backup computer. Now, imagine doing it all with the Victorinox Swiss Army with flash USB. It features all of the tools that you see in the little red classic, includ­ing knife blade, scissors and flashlight, plus an integrated 32G flash USB. See every­thing this little $220 device can do at www.swissarmy.com.

NEEDING A PEN AND PAPER SKY WIFI SMARTPEN This $200 high-tech pen records every­thing you write and hear then automati­cally transfers it wirelessly to your tablet, laptop or smartphone.

The 4GB smartpen can hold more than 400 hours of audio and thousands of pages of notes. It can also give you the answer to any addition, subtraction, multi­plication or division problem you write down.

Livescribe smartpens do require the use of special paper printed with a unique pattern of tiny microdots. This tiny pattern acts like a map for the smartpen, allowing it to capture the exact location of every­thing you write or draw. Learn more at www.livescribe.com

DEAD ZONES WHILE DRIVING

OUR SECOND OFFICE IS NOW

OPEN!

zFORCE Hate dropped calls or those dreaded dead zones? The zForce YX240 signal booster by zBoost captures outside signals and ampli­fies it on the inside of your car. The result is increased reliability and an improved signal for voice and data and no more dropped calls. The zForce works with your cell phone or smartphone, such as iPhone, Android or BlackBerry.

Priced at $99 to $129, the device comes with a cradle for hands-free operation and promises to extend battery life. Check out www.wi-ex.com for more information.

TRYING TO SEE PICS, DOCS OR VIDEOS ON SOMEONE ELSE’S PHONE POCKET PROJECTOR Compact, portable and rechargeable, the HDMI Pocket Projector takes you from business presentations to game time with friends to family movie night. Priced at $300, it connects to most smartphones, tablets, computers, video players, game consoles and digital cameras. It delivers an incredi­bly sharp, clear image up to 60 inches diagonal on any flat surface. So, those movies you have stored on your smartphone can be viewed by the whole family at once. Find out more at www.brookstone.com.

At the entrance to Historic Main Street Saint Charles

406 Boones Lick Road 636.493.6500

High-tech and fully wireless with a coffee house style atmosphere.

Come see the future of real estate and discover the Service First Difference.

www.Service1stHomes.com H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 13

BREAKFAST BOUNTY Send Kids Back to School Well Fed 14 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Getting kids back to school each morning can be exhausting and feeding them a good, hot break­fast often gets put on the back burner. Start them out right with easy, wholesome meals full of the protein nec­essary to fuel their day.

A protein-rich breakfast — one that includes lean ham or pork sausage — reduces daily hunger, increases daily fullness, improves morning blood sugar control and leads to less latterday snack­ing, according to a recent study by the University of Missouri. That means teen­age boys and girls who chronically skip breakfast have a new, tasty weapon in the fight against obesity.

Studies show as many as 20 to 30 percent of adoles­cents in the United States skip breakfast, which is a habit associated with excess body weight.

Keep breakfast well-balanced by pack­ing it full of protein; using only egg whites; reducing fat intake with Johnsonville’s breakfast chicken sausage with 50 percent less fat; and rounding out the meal with whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

Think you have no time for breakfast? Try recipes that can be prepared ahead of time, served as grab-and-go, or stored in the freezer and microwaved as needed. Use a slow cooker to prepare dishes before bedtime and your family will wake up to house filled with the deli­cious aromas of a freshly-prepared breakfast.

For more great breakfast ideas, visit www.johnsonville.com/ recipes.

Amazing Muffin Cups

Breakfast Taco Bar Servings: 7 to 10 14 6-inch Mission® Super Soft Tortillas flour tortillas

2 12-ounce packages Johnsonville breakfast sausage links, cooked 12 eggs 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

2 medium tomatoes, chopped Other toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, chopped avocado Warm oven to 200°F. Prepare all condiments of your choice for the tacos: cheese, tomatoes, avocados, etc. Cover and set aside. Wrap tortillas in foil, place in oven to warm through. Cook sausage according to package directions. Trans­fer to baking dish, cover and keep warm in oven.

In a large bowl, whisk eggs, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat add oil. When oil is hot add eggs and allow to cook until the bottom is just set. Pull edges to center and allow uncooked eggs to flow to bottom and continue cooking until done but still moist.

Transfer eggs to a baking dish, cover and keep warm, until ready to serve.

To assemble, fold warm tortilla in half and fill with a spoonful of scrambled eggs, two sausage links, top with cheddar, and toppings of your choice.

Chipotle Monterey Jack Cheese Sausage Quesadillas Servings: 6 12 8-inch Mission® Super Soft Tortillas flour tortillas

1 package Johnsonville Chipotle Monterey Jack Cheese Chicken Sausage, chopped

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

3 green onions, chopped

3 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded Salsa, optional Place three tortillas on large, greased baking sheet. Sprinkle each with sausage, red pepper, green onion and cheese. Top each with a tortilla.

Place baking sheet on center oven rack. Broil for two minutes on each side or until golden brown. Cut into wedges.

Repeat with remaining ingredients. Serve with salsa, if desired.

Servings: 12

3 cups shredded hash browns, thawed

3 tablespoons butter, melted 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper

1 12-ounce package Johnsonville original breakfast sausage links

6 eggs

2 cups shredded 4-cheese Mexican blend cheese 1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped Fresh chives or green onions, chopped In a bowl, combine hash browns, butter, salt and pepper. Press mixture onto bottom and up sides of greased muffin cups. Bake at 400°F for 12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Meanwhile, cook sausage according to package directions; cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Divide sausage among muffin cups.

Combine eggs, cheese and bell pepper.

Spoon over sausage. Sprinkle with chives or green onions. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until set.

Slow Cooker Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Easy Sausage Roll-ups Servings: 14

1 12-ounce package Johnsonville breakfast sausage links

2 8-count containers refrigerated crescent rolls 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoons sugar Warm maple syrup, honey, jam or preserves, optional Prepare sausage according to pack­age directions. Drain and set aside.

Unroll crescent roll dough according to directions on pack­age. Place one cooked sausage onto one end of dough triangle.

Roll dough around sausage according to directions on dough package and place on pan with seam side down. Repeat with remaining sausage and dough. (You will have two extra rolls. Bake and enjoy with jam.)

Mix cinnamon and sugar together and sprinkle evenly over roll-ups.

Bake according to directions on croissant package.

Serve hot. If desired, warm up maple syrup, honey, jams or preserves for dipping.

Servings: 12

2 24-ounce packages Johnsonville Vermont maple or original breakfast sausage links

1 cup green onions, chopped

1 medium red bell pepper, chopped

1 4-ounce can diced mild green chilies 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 30-ounce package frozen shredded hash browns 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 12 eggs

1 cup milk 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper Cook sausage according to package directions; cut into 1/2-inch pieces and set aside.

In a bowl, combine green onions, bell pepper, chilies and cilantro; set aside.

Spray a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Layer a third of hash browns, sausage, green onion mix­ture and cheese.

Repeat layers twice.

In large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt and pepper; pour over casserole.

Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or until a thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F.

H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 15

Turn Good Lunchboxes

Into GREAT Lunchboxes While moms want to make sure their kids eat a healthier lunch at school, it’s not always easy packing lunches that are good for them.

Food and lifestyle expert Evette Rios has five easy tips to help families pack a healthier lunch, and turn a good lunchbox into a great lunchbox: 1. Subtract the fat. Remove unnecessary fat with fat-free deli meats - your kids won’t know the difference.

2. Avoid temptation with snacks. Children who eat a poor quality breakfast or lunch may give in to temptation, so offer healthier snacks like nuts and dried fruit, or sneak 20 percent of your 16 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

kid’s daily fiber into the lunchbox by packing a Nature Valley granola bar or Fiber One bar.

trail mix with low-salt nuts and dried fruits, and portion it into single serving bags.

3. It’s not juice if it’s not 100 percent. If you are going to serve juice make sure its 100 percent fruit juice.

When shopping for healthier ingredients to feed your family, Rios recommends looking for the Great for You seal on Walmart produce available in stores now and on select Great Value and Marketside products beginning this fall. “As part of their healthier food initiative, Walmart is making it easier than ever to make healthier food choices. This seal lets you instantly identify food options that are both great for you and affordable,” said Rios.

4. Don’t be afraid to give them a sweet treat. Instead of a candy bar or cookies, try packing Go-GURT(r) Portable Lowfat Yogurt. With a fun tube and smooth, creamy texture, these treats are specially made to freeze and thaw by lunchtime.

5. If kids help select it or cook it, they’ll eat it. Give them a choice and involve them, but guide their choices. Let them cruise the produce aisle and pick out the fruit they want to eat. Show your children how to cut veggies into bite-sized pieces that they can dip into a favorite sauce. Also, have them make

Get more ideas for great school lunches at www.walmart.com. You can also download the free Walmart mobile app that lets you create grocery lists and get coupons at www.walmart. com/mobile.

Crafty Back-to-School Projects for Kids Bookmarks With Personality Crafting Time: Under 1 hour Skill Level: No experience necessary

Back-to-School time is one of the busiest of the year. Kids love the excitement of catching up with friends, learning new things and meeting new teachers.

Teachers and moms see this time as hectic. Both have to buy supplies, organize and get kids back into a routine.

And routines can be the biggest challenge. Some kids finish work fast, leaving them bored and waiting on their siblings or classmates to finish up. The experts at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores suggest creating a box of simple craft projects to keep kids busy during these downtimes.

Whether done at home or at school, crafts are a fun way to teach kids important life skills. Kids learn to share, socialize and take pride in their work. They also learn to embrace creativity, make choices, explore their own curiosity and express their thoughts and emotions. Dexterity and coordination are also developed as kids manipulate various tools, such as scissors, pottery wheels, needles and hooks.

Complex crafts can also teach perseverance and build concentration.

Combine a love of reading with crafting by making a oneof-a-kind bookmark. Kids can complete the project then use it all school year long.

You can find more ideas, project guides and supplies at www.joann.com.

Supplies and Tools: Colorbok stamps: 4-inch by 8-inch Borders 4-inch by 8-inch Leaves 4-inch by 8-inch Christmas 4-inch by 8-inch Travel Colorbok papers: 12-inch by 12-inch Travel Chitchat 12-inch by 12-inch Jolly & Bright Mini Dots 12-inch by 12-inch Harvest Strip Acid-free ink pad Hole punch Ribbon Acid-free adhesive or tape Scissors 1. Cut the base for bookmark to size and shape.

2. Using a separate piece of paper, preferably solid or with a subtle pattern, cut pieces to layer onto the base sheet.

3. Cut pieces slightly smaller than the first shape, so the base of the bookmark can be seen.

4. Stamp images firmly onto paper cut-outs.

5. Adhere stamped pieces to the bookmark base. To make a bookmark of conjoined circles, tape ribbon between large bottom circles and small top circles.

6. Punch a hole 1/2 inch from the top of the bookmark.

7. Run ribbon through the top. Secure with a knot.

Kids’ Bookmarks

Crafting Time: Under 1 hour Skill Level: Some experience necessary Supplies and Tools: Assorted colors of felt scraps Assorted buttons Scissors or pinking shears Fabric glue 1. Cut bookmark background piece to desired size (approximately 8 inches long x 2- 1/2 inches wide).

2. Cut bottom into fringe, a point, or straight across. If desired, cut two, one slightly larger than the other, and glue together.

3. From other scraps, cut various shapes and designs such as hearts, flowers, apples, leaves, geometric shapes.

4. Arrange shapes on bookmark and glue in place. Decorate as desired with ribbon, buttons or beads.

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SAINT LOUIS

HAPPENINGS JULY 2013

Wartime Escape, Margaret and H.A. Rey’s Journey from France Through August 12

Chesterfield Arts Gallery chesterfieldarts.org This free traveling exhibition chronicles the journey out of war-torn France of “Curious George” creators, Margaret and H.A. Rey. The exhibit features 33 artifacts including original sketches from the books, from the DeGrummond Collection of Children’s Literature. This exhibit is a St. Louis debut, courtesy of The Kranzberg Foundation.

Les Misérables July 15-21

Muny at Forest Park www.muny.org The nation’s largest and oldest outdoor theatrical venue under the stars in Forest Park presents the enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption. All performances begin at 8:15 p.m.

18 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Gridiron Glory Through September 3

St. Louis History Museum-Forest Park www.mohistory.org This exhibit features more than 200 football artifacts, rare photos, and one-of-a-kind documents from the Pro Football Hall of Fame collections. Many have never been seen outside of the Hall of Fame. Throughout the exhibit, nearly a dozen interactive displays will challenge both the mind and body, including a kiosk with bios and videos on all 273 members of the Hall of Fame, and opportunities for fans to try on vintage pads and helmets or step into an instant booth to make the right call. The exhibit will also include spectacular footage from NFL Films’ unparalleled archives.

Pet-A-Palooza July 20

Purina Farms-Event Center Purinafarms.com Bring your pet and listen to live music, eat, shop and enjoy a number of exhibitions including a “Pet Photo Booth”, Canine Agility Course, and Kids Area, plus many more attractions. Visit with over 20 different animal rescue and adoption groups. Admission is free.

St. Charles County Fair July 23-27

Rotary Park-Wentzville stcharlescofair.org Five day fair with FREE Carvival Rides (with paid gate admission), Contests, Tractor Pulls, Entertainment, Exhibits, Livestock Shows, and Yummy Fair Food!!

The Wedding Show July 28

America’s Center stlbrideandgroom.com The Largest Wedding Planning Event in the Midwest!

The Wedding Show takes the stress out of your wedding planning. In just one afternoon you will see more wedding businesses than you could visit in a month on your own. We bring you a face-to-face sampling of virtually everything you’ll need to make your wedding day perfect with over 200 wedding exhibits!

See some of the hottest designer bridal fashions, on a New York-style professional runway show and receive special vendor discounts.

47th Annual Jour de Fete August 10-11

Historic District of Ste. Genevieve saintegenevievejourdefete.com With over 100 arts and crafts booths, exhibits and special attractions the annual Jour de Fete is the premier arts and crafts fair in the Midwest. In addition to the artisans there will be a 5k run, plenty of food, music, special exhibits and displays. The Ste. Genevieve area is known for its wineries and there will be a wine tasting event with a small admission fee.

Professional European Soccer Game

Festival of the Little Hills

August 10

Historic St. Charles www.festivalofthelittlehills.com The largest festival of the year-activities include over 300 craft booths, with some demonstrations by crafts people and artisans. Also includes numerous food & beverages booths along with live music and other entertainment and Kids Corner. Times: Friday 4pm-10pm, Saturday 9:30am10pm, Sunday 9:30am-5pm.

Edward Jones Dome ticketmaster.com Two of the world’s most recognizable and successful clubs, Real Madrid and Inter will play a match at the Edward Jones Dome.

Real Madrid features some of the game’s bigger stars including Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos and Mesut Ozil and recently hired Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti.

August 16-18

H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 19

MEET OUR TEAM OF DEDICATED AGENTS Susan Brewer 314.540.0734

Susan@SusanBrewer.com

Wade Brewer 636.936.8600

Wade@Service1stHomes.com

Diane Huesgen 636.936.8600

Diane@Service1stHomes.com

Mike Lampe 636.751.4442

Mike@Service1stHomes.com

Ashley Bahr 636.373.0194

Debbie Sigler 314.973.0195

Julie Alsup 314.378.5146

Tammie Meyer 636.578.4399

Ashley@Service1stHomes.com

Debbie@Service1stHomes.com

Julie@Service1stHomes.com

Tammie@Service1stHomes.com

Lori Pisani 636.578.7781

Janice Smith 314.277.2785

Tom Budde 636.734.4414

Stacy Iffrig 636.734.1364

Our team of Independent Realtors is ready to help you achieve your Real Estate dreams!

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

Service First Difference!

Lori@Service1stHomes.com

Janice@Service1stHomes.com

Sally Lee 314.520.3331

Tom@Service1stHomes.com

Lisa Samuels 636.484.0633

Stacy@Service1stHomes.com

Steve Savory 314.604.3999

Sally@Service1stHomes.com

Lisa@Service1stHomes.com

Steve.Savory@Service1stHomes.com

Andrew Brewer 636.288.4604

Wendy Halamicek 636.634.1152

Fred Figura 314.277.1925

Andrew@Service1stHomes.com

Wendy@Service1stHomes.com

Fred@Service1stHomes.com