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LIFESTYLE & COMMUNITY JANUARY 9, 2026

LOST 110 POUNDS LOST 70 POUND S

Olympic Hopes AT FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Healing Skincare for New Mothers

MISSOURI’S MOST TRUSTED NAME IN REAL ESTATE NOW PROUDLY SERVES ST. LOUIS.

CURIOUS WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH? CHECK HERE:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Family & Education 10

Lessons Learned

Story Time

Health & Science 14

Kids MD

Home 19

The Reset

20 Design Elements

Style 22 The Look

24 How to Host

Arts & Culture 25 Taste of the Town 26 Bookmarked 27 Crossword Puzzle

Out & About 28 The Salvation Army of Greater St. Louis

Features 30 Figure Skating

Championships

32 Centenarian Insights 34 Wonderwhim

Cover Partner

Having embarked on his own weight loss journey more than 20 years ago, lifestyle coach Charles D’Angelo has created lasting change for clients across the world. Learn more about his methodology and success stories on p. 8. Photo by Christina Kling-Garrett

JANUARY 9, 2026 | laduenews.com

Independence Center’s

Who will be St. Louis’s next

Dancing Star?

Katie Drew

Muscle Up Fitness

Brad Liebman Adam Marles Stephanie Oliver Jeff Wade Anth Anthony ony Galloway HOK

EverTrue

Dielmann Sotheby’s

AACC STL

Independence Center Member

Cast Your Vote Today and Support Independence Center’s Life-Saving Work Visit DancingWithTheSTLStars.com to VOTE NOW and watch live on January 24th!

Presenting sponsor

PUBLISHER Ian Caso

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Amanda Dahl | adahl@laduenews.com

SENIOR EDITOR Emily Standlee | estandlee@laduenews.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Drew Gieseke, Alecia Humphreys, Karen Jacobi, Brittany Nay, Sheila Oliveri, Nancy Robinson, Andrea Smith, Mabel Suen

READERS, HERE’S YOUR CHANCE…

SALES VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Kevin Hart | khart@stlpostmedia.com

Share your favorite St. Louis metro spots and services that make the Gateway to the West so wonderful.

SENIOR MEDIA STRATEGIST Katie Ray | kray@laduenews.com

MEDIA STRATEGIST Michelle Brown | mbrown@laduenews.com

SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER Maggie Peters | mpeters@laduenews.com

Visit laduenews.com to make your nominations from January 26 through February 8.

CLASSIFIED ACCOUNT MANAGER Lisa Taylor | ltaylor@lee.net

CREATIVE ART DIRECTOR Laura De Vlieger | ldevlieger@laduenews.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Christina Kling-Garrett, Bryan Schraier PRESENTED BY

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up for our newsletter on the laduenews.com homepage. A LEE ENTERPRISES PUBLICATION

January 9, 2026 | laduenews.com

Jill & Jacque Real Estate 70 Homes Bought & Sold | $89 Million in Total Sales #1 Team now at Janet McAfee | #2 Small Team in St. Louis

Jill Azar 314.616.8836 | jill@janetmcafee.com

In a year marked by record-breaking results, our greatest achievement remains the trust of our clients. Thank you

Jacque Mileusnic 314.795.7371 | jacque@janetmcafee.com

for allowing us to guide you home. -Jill Azar & Jacque Mileusnic

janet mcafee inc. I 9889 clayton road I saint louis, missouri 63124 | 314.997.4800 I www.janetmcafee.com

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

WYNTON MARSALIS with the JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA The legendary jazz trumpeter is bringing the New York-based orchestra to

2026

, it’s nice to meet

you. How is St. Louis ushering in the new year? As the go-getters you’ll meet in this magazine will

The Sheldon and serving up Duke Ellington for our ears. Marsalis has earned nine Grammy awards and a Pulitzer Prize for music, so this show ought to be a treat. Tickets for the Jan. 30 performance can be found at thesheldon.org/events.

tell you, with gusto. A champion mindset is taking hold of the Gateway to the West,

‘THE FAVORITES’ by LAYNE FARGO

as the nation’s top figure skaters

The Webster Groves

compete this weekend to be

bookshop Novel

named a 2026 U.S. Olympian in

Neighbor hosted

the upcoming winter games. We

author Layne Fargo

catch up with the St. Louis sports

earlier this week – and

commissioner as well as returning

could there be a timelier

victor Bradie Tennell on Page 30.

book to read while St. Louis plays host to

Ashley Obradovits is likely to enchant you with her latest business venture, Wonderwhim.

the 2026 U.S. Figure

The entrepreneur paired up with one of the most successful and prolific illustrators in the

Skating Championships? The story follows a

U.S., Mary Engelbreit, a fellow native St. Louisan, to roll out a line of colorful, nostalgic-

pair of Olympian skaters who captivated the

inspired rugs. Step inside Obradovits’ new showroom in Maplewood on Page 34.

world during their rise to glory. We revisit their appearance on the world stage and tragic

Experience imparts many valuable lessons, and we all have much to learn from the past 100

downfall through a documentary-style

years. Get to know the women on Page 32 who have lived through the last 99 years-plus, and

telling in this novel by Fargo.

listen to their takes on the evolution of dating and gender roles, what’s at stake in the race to advance technological tools, and how to navigate today’s geopolitical climate. 2026, here’s hoping you’re good to us! For our part, dear readers, let’s aim to be good to

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each other.

Interact with the magnificent draught horse at the JFP Equine stables in Waterloo, Illinois. Thanks for reading Ladue News.

Three unique encounters allow you to get to know Clydesdales, from photo sessions and meet-and-greets to grooming the iconic horse breed. Small groups and private bookings

Amanda Dahl, editor-in-chief

enable each experience to be memorable. Visit jfpequine.com for details.

Editor’s photo by Christina Kling-Garrett; book cover image supplied

JANUARY 9, 2026 | laduenews.com

COVER FEATURE TURE | LN PARTNER PROMOTION

Beyond the Scale: A Natural Approach to Lasting Weight Loss By Maggie Peters | Photos by Christina Kling-Garrett

or Charles D’Angelo, lasting change doesn’t begin with viral weight-loss trends or medication — it begins with examining one’s life and patterns. The transformation coach asks clients “Who do you want to become?” and provides them a framework for lasting change. “If you’ve lost weight before and regained it, the issue isn’t effort or intelligence; it’s that most systems solve for short-term behavior, not longterm living,” he explains. “Any approach that doesn’t address identity, emotional patterns, and decision-making under pressure will eventually fail — no matter how promising it looks at the start. Sustainable change is built, not forced.” D’Angelo developed this identity-based, mindsetdriven methodology during his own weight loss journey more than 20 years ago. Weighing 360 pounds in his teen years, he felt he was stuck in a constant cycle of disciplining himself only to slip back into emotional eating and starting from square one again and again. His breakthrough? Realizing weight itself was not the core issue. The problem was in his line of thinking or ‘mindset’ as he calls it, in both how he viewed himself and food. This insight wasn’t just what helped him get over his endless cycle and lose 160 pounds — it became the foundation of a coaching practice that’s now helped people for more than two decades all over the world. “Charles offers truth; his plan is realistic and maintainable over time; [and] above all, he acts as a pillar of support,” explains client Adam Kutell who dropped over 100 pounds with D’Angelo’s help. “If I am struggling with an issue, he helps me get to the bottom of why it is affecting my health. It isn’t therapy in a traditional sense, but rather a way to assess how to improve your mindset and the physical health that comes with it.” Kutell reached out to D’Angelo after noticing his regular gym visits were neither resulting in the weight

JANUARY 9, 2026 | laduenews.com

Charles D’Angelo now (above) and before (below) his weight loss. Photo above by Emily Owens.

ADAM KUTELL Lost 110 pounds SAR AH ZIMMERMAN Lost 70 pounds

“Many methods help people lose weight quickly – very few help them live free from constant vigilance, fear of regain, or dependence on external solutions. My work focuses on identity, selfmastery, and permanence.” – CHARLES D’ANGELO

loss he had expected, nor preventing him from getting winded performing day-to-day tasks. With his weight and health feeling stagnant he knew he needed to do something radically different. And he is not the only one. D’Angelo has worked with countless clients from across the globe. A quick search leads to the discovery of many medical doctors, politicians, and public figures who credit his coaching for their transformations — including an endorsement from President Bill Clinton, who praised D’Angelo’s work after seeing the impact it had on several of his friends. Unlike trend-driven programs, D’Angelo’s approach has remained consistently successful for more than two decades — even as the weightloss industry has continuously reinvented itself. “That’s who I work best with,” D’Angelo explains. “People who are willing to look honestly at their patterns, feel like they’ve tried everything and nothing has worked, and are ready to commit to a different way forward. Once they understand why, everything changes.”

Having practiced for 22 years, D’Angelo notes that helping others reach that kind of stability is the most rewarding part of his job. “Many methods help people lose weight quickly — very few help them live free from constant vigilance, fear of regain, or dependence on external solutions,” he says. “My work focuses on identity, self-mastery, and permanence. Things medication cannot teach.” While medications and short-term interventions can play a role for some, D’Angelo’s work addresses what those tools cannot: the habits, identity, and decision-making that determine whether results last once the intervention ends. “The health improvements have been lifechanging,” says client Sarah Zimmerman, mom of three who dropped 70 pounds with D’Angelo. “I’ve been able to come off my three blood pressure medications, an anxiety medication, and I no longer need a CPAP to sleep at night.” She adds that his coaching also gave her deeper respect for her body and what she needs to do to take care of it. “Real change comes from consistency,

self-compassion, and choosing myself every day — and that’s what truly made me happier,” she says. “Attempting this journey without support often leads to failure because we are all experts at making excuses for ourselves,” adds Kutell, who has his goal weight in sight. “Having a true support system—and a coach to hold you accountable—is fundamental to success.” After more than 22 years in practice — and thousands of client transformations — D’Angelo believes the real promise of his work isn’t weight loss itself, but freedom from the cycle that keeps people searching for the next solution. “I’m proof that a different approach exists, one rooted in mindset, structure, and personal responsibility,” D’Angelo concludes. Readers who recognize themselves in this approach and are ready for lasting change can request a private personal consultation to determine whether D’Angelo’s coaching is the right fit. Charles D’Angelo, 314-495-3228, charlesdangelo.com

FAMILY & EDUCATION | LESSONS LEARNED

NATIONAL HONORS

for Local Students By Drew Gieseke

Photo by Itai Lerman

layton High School closed out 2025 with two significant achievements: At the National Scholastic Press Association’s fall awards convention in Nashville, Tenn., The Globe student newsmagazine earned a First Place Best of Show Award, and the CLAMO yearbook staff received an Eighth Place Best of Show. For both teams, the awards are proof positive that their efforts paid off this year — even if the recognition was unexpected. “It was honestly quite surprising,” CLAMO yearbook advisor Scott Kreher says. “The bulk of our editors were juniors, and it really speaks to the strength of that junior group [who are now seniors]. They surprised themselves because they told me not to enter the book.” Sponsored for more than 50 years by the Journalism Education Association and the NSPA, the event is the nation’s largest gathering of high school journalists, advisers, and journalism teachers. In addition to announcing award winners and recognition, the convention offers hundreds of instructional sessions, keynote speakers, and more resources for the next generation of journalists. The Globe was recognized as Best of Show in the Specialty Magazine category for covering stories about a statewide in-school phone ban and the tornadoes that swept through the region in May 2025. For magazine advisor Debra Klevens, the award represents a step in the right direction for the publication, the school’s journalism program, and the students who contribute their efforts year-round. “They are serious about holding each other

January 9, 2026 | laduenews.com

Photo by Paisley McGill

Photo by Itai Lerman

accountable and creating a professional culture, and that commitment is what drives the quality they are producing,” Klevens says. “They are super proud of the paper and can’t wait to share it with subscribers and peers. This award was a nice pat on the back, letting them know, ‘We see the great changes you are making,’ from a national perspective.” CLAMO came in eighth for Best of Show in the Yearbook category. For Kreher, the award offers a moment of perspective. “I think it reminds the community that we have something really special here,” he says. [Although] we make the book for students and get caught up in deadlines and picas, it’s great to take a step back

Photo by Itai Lerman

and realize that our hard work pays off.” Clayton High School students also earned individual awards in the Journalism Education Association’s Student Media Onsite contests. These included Itai Lerman for Superior for Sports Action Photography; Samantha Cohen for Excellent for Yearbook Cover and Endsheet Design; Landon Waldman and Annabelle Olsen for Excellent for Onsite Person on the Street Broadcast; and Paisley McGill for Honorable Mention for First Year Photo. “I think it shows they have the drive to go for greatness,” Kreher adds. “It’s easy to submit good-enough work, but it takes that extra push to go above.”

4 Ridgewood Street Ladue | $5,500,000

8 Carrswold Drive Clayton | $3,200,000

11 Chatfield Place Road Creve Coeur | $1,300,000

522 North Kirkwood Road, Unit 2B Kirkwood | $415,000

2842 Shenandoah Avenue St. Louis City | $399,900

909 Victor Street | NEW LISTING St. Louis City | $249,000

1724 Whispering, Unit A | NEW LISTING Ballwin | $180,000

janet mcafee inc. I 9889 clayton road I saint louis, missouri 63124 I 314.997.4800 I www.janetmcafee.com

FAMILY | STORY TIME

Impermanent Art, Lasting Memories By Sheila Oliveri

t. Louisans have countless opportunities to encounter art, both indoors and out. The Saint Louis Art Museum alone houses more than 36,000 permanent objects spanning several millennia. This month, you can experience art with a limited lifespan: ice sculpture. Mark your calendars for the 19th annual Loop Ice Carnival, coming to the Delmar Loop on Saturday, Jan. 24. And to get your children in the mood, check out the book “A Little Like Magic” by Sarah Kurpiel. The story’s narrator doesn’t like being outside in the cold. She doesn’t like heavy coats, itchy hats, constricting boots, crowds, cold winds, or icy roads. Most of all, she doesn’t like going to new places. So, when her mom drives somewhere new – a crowded place with loud, unrecognizable noises – our storyteller is trepidatious. Then she spies artists wielding chainsaws and drills, chisels and picks, and torches and steaming irons, all feverishly at work transforming giant blocks of ice into frozen works of art. She is mesmerized.

Photo supplied

Thinking aloud, the child asks, “But won’t it all melt?” “Yes,” her mom says. “It will.” Now dispirited, the perplexed girl wonders why anyone would create art out of ice. As the pair return home, the youngster determines that something impermanent is not worth all that effort. That evening, the family goes back to the ice exhibit to witness the frozen sculptures in the darkness. As they approach the display, both mother and daughter marvel at the glistening wonders. The child remembers: “This will all melt. It will all be gone.” But then she adds, “I think it’s worth it, though.” That night, our heroine drifts off to sleep believing the effort is worth the memory of the sparkling art. Author/illustrator Sara Kupiel’s simple, beautifully layered story features fanciful pictures portraying the enchanted creations. In a quiet nod to inclusion, Kupiel shows the main character in a wheelchair, living her life without limits. This subtle depiction is a notable highlight for all children.

Sally Goldkamp

Recognized as a Janet McAfee Top Agent

314.479.9396 sally@janetmcafee.com

a selection of my 2025 sales

I am incredibly grateful for the clients who trusted me to help them buy and sell this year. Your support means more than I can say. With buyer demand still strong, now is a wonderful time to explore selling. Let’s connect for a private consultation to see what your home could be worth in today’s market.

15 Briarcliff Road | Ladue

12371 Ironstone Road | Des Peres

1473 Mason Valley | Town and Country

506 Medina Drive | Warson Woods

Sold | Buyer

Sold | Seller

Sold | Buyer

janet mcafee inc. I 9889 clayton road I saint louis, missouri 63124 I 314.997.4800 I www.janetmcafee.com

JANUARY 9, 2026 | laduenews.com

Sold | Buyer

Photo by Diane Anderson Photography

Left to right: WOA President Cassie Strom, WOA Award Luncheon Chair Bess Wilfong, WOA Award Luncheon Vice Chair Eleanor Higgins and WOA Vice President Cynthia R. Bennett, DBA.

Nominations are now being accepted For the past 71 years, Women of Achievement has recognized and honored women of diverse cultures, roles and accomplishments who have demonstrated commitment to the betterment of the St. Louis region through significant, uncompensated volunteer contributions. Please nominate an outstanding volunteer for the St. Louis Women of Achievement Award.

A committee of community leaders will choose

Nomination forms and criteria are available now at

10 honorees to be recognized at the

woastl.org/nominate

2026 Women of Achievement Award Luncheon on

Nomination deadline is

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at

Sunday, January 11, 2026.

the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis.

For questions call 314-896-4962. PRESENTING SPONSORS

laduenews.com | January 9, 2026

HEALTH & SCIENCE | KIDS MD

Supporting Your Child’s

HEALTH JOURNEY By Dr. Karen Jacobi | Photos supplied

hen your young child or teen faces a health challenge – whether it’s managing weight or coping with a long-term condition – it can feel overwhelming for the whole family. Life may look different with new routines, medical tests, medications, changes in activity, and adjustments to eating habits. While these changes can impact everyone involved, for kids, it may feel like

they’ve lost control or are different from their friends. Feelings of worry, frustration, or sadness are common – and completely normal. Thoughts and emotions can help kids stay healthy or make the journey more complex. When children feel discouraged or anxious, it can affect how they follow treatment plans. Mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, and counselors, help kids talk about what they’re feeling, understand what’s happening, and find ways to stay engaged in their care.

HELPING KIDS FEEL EMPOWERED Proven strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy can help children recognize how their thoughts influence emotions and behaviors as well as what triggers them. For example, if a child thinks, “I can’t do anything anymore,” pediatric therapists can help them find one thing the child can do and build from there. Setting small, achievable goals helps children and youth feel more in control and confident.

SUPPORTING PARENTS Parents and caregivers play a vital role in their child’s care plan. Working with families ensures kids still get to be kids, even while managing a health condition. Understanding your child’s developmental stage and emotional needs helps you support them without adding extra stress. Helping children to thrive – physically and emotionally – can lead them to live healthy, fulfilling lives. Dr. Karen Jacobi is a pediatric psychologist with Mercy and has been caring for children and their families for 22 years. She is helping launch a new Mercy Kids Weight and Wellness program this month.

January 9, 2026 | laduenews.com

LN PARTNER PROMOTION

RETIREMENT LIFESTYLE

Get to Know

The Gatesworth laduenews.com | JANUARY 9, 2026

LN PARTNER PROMOTION

RETIREMENT LIFESTYLE | THE GATESWORTH

WINTER

Wellness By Maggie Peters | Photos courtesy of The Gatesworth

he new year is a time for renewal, but it can be hard to keep active during the sleepy winter months. That’s why The Gatesworth fills every day with classes, events and experiences so that residents can be their healthiest, happiest selves all year round. “We encourage residents to continue to be as active as possible, eat healthy, and be social,” says Carrie Montrey, executive director at The Gatesworth. “The Gatesworth makes wellness feel effortless because we have wellness-inspired activities that allow residents to attend with ease From Tai Chi to support groups to live entertainment, we offer residents many resources to thrive socially, physically, and mentally.” The Gatesworth provides a variety of group programs to help support overall wellness, including ones that emphasize strength, maintaining flexibility and a water fitness class in the heated pool for maintaining a range of motion for joint health. Additionally, these classes allow residents to keep social throughout the year, getting to know their fellow participants. “Movement is especially important during colder months; those winter days tend to make our joints and muscles stiff,” adds fitness instructor Wendy Berk. “Not only does [The Gatesworth] provide excellent options to remain physical but also promotes social interaction. Getting out and moving not only helps improve our mood but also increases bone and muscle strength.” Another way The Gatesworth combines physical and social wellbeing is through its dining experiences. The experienced and

award-winning food service team makes it easy to eat healthy by offering delicious and nutritious meals – and live entertainment several nights a week featuring musicians from all genres brings residents a sense of joy and community. “Dining is one of the most natural ways people connect,” explains The Gatesworth’s executive chef Brian Hardy. “It brings residents together, encourages conversation, and creates moments of joy throughout the day. At The Gatesworth, the dining room isn’t just about the meal—it’s about shared experiences, relationships, and feeling part of something special.”

Hardy adds that through the winter months, The Gatesworth’s menu embodies the feeling of comfort food – using warming flavors, seasonal ingredients, and creating dishes that feel familiar yet elevated. “It’s about nourishment; meals that are satisfying, cozy, and thoughtfully prepared to support both body and spirit during the colder months,” Hardy says. “Comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy to be fulfilling. The goal is food that feels indulgent but still supports overall wellness.” Dining at The Gatesworth supports wellness by providing consistency, variety, and balance.

From seasonal menus to accommodating individual preferences and nutritional needs, Hardy ensures that the meals that residents look forward to and feel good about. “When food is both nourishing and enjoyable, it becomes a meaningful part of daily well-being all year long,” he says. The Gatesworth goes above and beyond to ensure its residents are their healthiest and happiest all year – and at all levels of need. The greater family of communities creates a continuum of care that offers peace of mind for residents and their loved ones, knowing that a higher level of care is available when and if it’s needed. “We offer onsite physical therapy and higher levels of care at McKnight Place Assisted Living and Memory Care and McKnight Place Extended Care on our campus,” Montrey says. “We provide every level of care to ensure residents and their families know our culture and care level continues beyond The Gatesworth at One McKnight Place.” Montrey concludes that she is excited to see residents enjoy the classes, discussion groups, entertainment and more in the new year. “In February, the S.S. Gatesworth sets sail during ‘Cruise Week’ with ports of call in Athens, Rome, and Barcelona,” she adds. “Our program department and food service team are planning fun activities, entertainment, and dining experiences for residents to enjoy while ‘at sea!’” Go online to learn about all The Gatesworth has to offer today! The Gatesworth, One McKnight Place, 314-912-1569, thegatesworth.com laduenews.com | JANUARY 9, 2026

LN PARTNER PROMOTION

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FOR SENIORS

Friendship Village

15201 Olive Blvd., 636-898-8500 (Chesterfield); 12563 Village Circle Drive, 314-270-7700 (Sunset Hills); fvstl.com

One McKnight Place, 314-912-1569, thegatesworth.com Spa One at The Gatesworth is a welcoming retreat where residents enjoy personalized care, familiar faces, and moments of true relaxation. From soothing massages to salon services, every experience is designed to nurture confidence, comfort, and well-being – making self-care an effortless part of everyday life.

Independence Center

4245 Forest Park Ave., 314-533-4245, independencecenter.org Mental illness touches every person at some point in their lives, directly through diagnosis or indirectly, through a family member’s or friend’s own struggles. Independence Center provides the resources and community for those managing a serious and persistent mental illness to regain the independence to live a healthy, quality life.

The Gatesworth photo by Gregg Goldman‌

At Friendship Village, “senior moments” are moments of gratitude, community, and joy. And, to celebrate 50 years, the community is enjoying extra special senior moments, like VIP hot air balloon experiences with residents! Discover the senior moments waiting for you here. Schedule a tour!

The Gatesworth

By Maggie Peters

January 9, 2026 | laduenews.com

Ethereal

HOME | THE RESET

VIBE

By Nancy Robinson | Photos supplied

With soft coloring and elegant shapes, these beautiful furnishings bathe any room in a feeling of peace and harmony.

The John Richard Itadori credenza features modern floating lotus leaves in the company’s new “lotus silver” finish. The credenza is encased in smoked eucalyptus wood, with four doors that open and close using push latches and European hinges. (kdrshowrooms.com)

The Felino vase is a delightfully rounded vessel that sits on a small base and opens into a narrow mouth. At 12.5 inches tall, it is beautifully proportioned with contemporary decorative applications in mind. The glossy beige vessel shines in the light and reveals complex tonality when viewed close up. (flowdecor.com)

Part of Century Furniture’s Carrier and Company collection, the Bee chair was originally designed for Vogue. Tall and lanky, the wingback chair is detailed with long slim arms, tapered sides, and a tight seat. (threefrenchhenswildwood.com)

laduenews.com | January 9, 2026

HOME | DESIGN ELEMENTS

Raising the Bar By Alecia Humphreys | Photos by Karen Palmer

hen Karen Korn Interiors was tasked with creating a bar area in an outdated kitchen, the design firm’s namesake instead asked her clients to look at the room in a new light. “They gave us permission to reimagine the space completely and show them how it could look,” Korn says. “In the presentation, they were blown away at the possibilities, and after some consideration, decided to move forward with the entire renovation.” The interior designer began by rearranging the kitchen’s current layout. “The appliances were originally stacked on the back wall, and there was a downdraft cooktop on a very small island,” Korn describes, noting that a large, unused desk was taking up valuable space. “The most impactful change was moving the refrigerator and wall ovens to where the large desk [previously sat], which presented the opportunity to create a focal wall with tall cabinetry, a beautiful Wolf Range, and a custom vent hood.” That custom vent hood became Korn’s favorite component of the kitchen: “The vent hood demands attention and serves as the focal point of the entire space,” she says. The interior designer also lowered and leveled a tall arched opening to create a bar vignette in which she added custom iron shelves, refrigerator drawers, and custom cabinetry to house liquor. “The space functions beautifully now,” Korn adds. “There is plenty of room to prepare food, cook, and entertain. The kitchen feels open and grounded at the same time. The rich colors provide warmth, and the natural quartzite anchors the space with nature. The space feels soothing, calm, and inviting.”

Karen Korn Interiors, St. Louis, 636-675-6150, karenkorninteriors.com

January 9, 2026 | laduenews.com

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

People who train at 20 Minutest to Fitness are here for a reason. For Mark Bremer of Chesterfield, that reason became clear in 2017 following a heart-to-heart conversation with his son, Jonathan. “My wife was pregnant with our first daughter, and I told my dad that I wanted him to be around for our children as long as possible,” Jonathan recalls. That moment changed everything. “I had been a weekend warrior,” Mark says. “To be the active grandfather we both wanted, I needed a more rigorous way to build and maintain my strength.”

He heard it on the radio

Mark decided to try 20 Minutes to Fitness after hearing KMOX radio host Charlie Brennan rave about the 20-minute, once-a-week workout for years. He scheduled a free consultation to learn more. “I have been a believer ever since,” he says. Now in his 50th year of practicing law, Mark says he has the strength and energy he had as a young attorney. “As you get older, you develop joint issues and other aches and pains,” he says. “I love that the staff at 20 Minutes to Fitness includes physical therapists and other professionals who can help you work around any concerns and build strength safely.” “When I tell others about this workout, many don’t believe me. They say that 20 minutes a day isn’t nearly enough exercise for anyone,” says Mark. “Then I tell them I got this fit from JUST 20 MINUTES A WEEK. ”

“I didn’t just want to keep up with my grandkids.

I wanted them keeping up with me.”

MARK BREMER

Mark Bremer and his son, Jonathan, train once a week at 20 Minutes to Fitness in Clayton.

Like father, like son

An attorney and father of two young girls, Jonathan, age 38, had concerns about his own long-term health and fitness. “The law can be a stressful career that doesn’t leave much time for a consistent workout,” he says. “But 20 minutes of exercise a week? I can commit to that.” Like his dad, Jonathan was soon hooked. “It doesn’t matter what is going on with my kids or my job, I take this time for myself each week,” he says. “It’s been a game-changer for my strength and energy.”

Got 20 Minutes?

Without strength-training, adults lose about five to eight pounds of muscle per decade after age 30. We can help you build it back with just one 20-minute session a week. Our protocols can be tailored for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Your first session and consultation are FREE. Why not see what 20 minutes a week wjth us can do for you?

For more information on 20 Minutes to Fitness, call its studios in Clayton (314-863-7836), Chesterfield (636-536-1504), Sarasota or Tampa, or visit 20MinutesToFitness.com.

Just 20 minutes. Just once a week.

STYLE | THE LOOK

Mother

NEEDS BEST By Amanda Dahl | Photos by Ann White

a’Crassia Wilderness may not be a mother herself yet, but she knows mothers, and she hears her customers when they lament the immense changes their skin experiences in early motherhood. “Products you use while carrying and during post-natal care are so important,” the owner and maker of Butter Love Skin says. So, she got to work in the kitchen of her Cherokee Street storefront, mixing plant-based ingredients to figure out what can address these unique skincare needs. In-depth research equipped Wilderness to build a better balm with oils that soften stretch marks and scents that help with nausea while promoting relaxation. “I was really intentional with the oils and scents we use,” she says. “[The final product’s] texture is chef’s kiss. I really love what I created.” The Belly Butter is comprised of shea, which offers deep hydration; oils from coconut and beeswax to target stretch marks; and chamomile extract to support calmness. The Boobie Balm comes unscented and is safe for a child to ingest. Calendula serves as one of the main ingredients, due to its medicinal properties which hydrates chafed skin. “Vitamin E is a powerhouse – it’s

January 9, 2026 | laduenews.com

really healing,” Wilderness says of the other ingredients, which include oils of sunflower, beeswax, and coconut. A few mothers personally known by Wilderness as well as some longtime customers offered to test the new products and gave both glowing reviews. Now on shelves, the products are proving a hot commodity, Wilderness reports. After experiencing a recent personal loss during family planning, the entrepreneur has found the process of creating products specific for a mother’s needs to be therapeutic and in itself healing. “I am excited to be in this space, and I really wanted to help. I know how stressful and dangerous [building your family] can be,” she says. “I wanted to make something safe and loving for moms.” Shop the line at Butter Love Skin or exclusively at Urban Matter. “Butter Love has been cooking up [another] recipe – a body butter for babies that is nourishing, safe for their skin, and plant-based,” adds Wilderness, noting that hydration will be the primary concern addressed by this new line. Look for the first release to come out in March. Butter Love Skin, 2608 Cherokee St., St. Louis, butterloveskin.com

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laduenews.com | January 9, 2026

STYLE | HOW TO HOST

In Remembrance By Andrea Smith | Photo courtesy of Sineta Marie Events

hen a loved one passes, the funeral might feel like the last chapter of a favorite book. You grieve the story coming to an end and wish for more. St. Louisan Barry Shelton passed away at 79 last February, and his family hosted a funeral days after yet kept the book open. It needed an epilogue – a celebration of life planned over a few months by the thoughtful Sineta Bailey. Her business, Sineta Marie Events, is based in the St. Louis area and often designs baby showers, birthday parties, and other milestone events. This request was unique but not her first celebration of life. She drew inspiration from her own father’s passing a couple years prior, asking herself, “If someone were planning this for him, what would my family want?” “[Shelton’s daughter] reached out wanting to do something that was meaningful. It obviously was a sad occasion, but she still wanted to make it memorable and somehow joyous,” Bailey explains. A military veteran who loved his family, music, and the outdoors, Shelton’s favorite color was green, and his favorite desserts were sweet potato pie and banana pudding. The family shared hundreds of photos with Bailey, who studied each of them and printed a selection for the memorial. “I never met him, but I feel like I got a chance to know him,” she says. The event in June intentionally reflected his life and personality. About 200 family members and friends showed up at the Forest Park Golf Course clubhouse, which welcomed

The goal was for guests to feel comforted, uplifted, and connected, and for Barry’s spirit to be felt throughout the space. – SINETA BAILEY

natural light and pops of green with fresh white flowers arranged by Ashley MacDonald Floral Designs. “I wanted to bring the outdoors in, so any signage was made of wood, acrylic, and stone,” Bailey says of the signs fabricated by Netteworks Designs. An elegant memorial wall featured his portrait alongside luxe white draping cloth, photo collages, and candles, providing a centerpiece for the event and a backdrop for eulogies. A jazz duo led by Greg Lewis Jr. filled the space with Shelton’s favorite music, and Gourmet Soul Restaurant and Catering served his favorite desserts. “These familiar comforts sparked conversation and shared memories among guests,” Bailey adds. When hosting an emotional event, it’s important to minimize stress and allow room to grieve. Bailey encourages seeking help from an attentive professional who understands the story being told. “The goal was for guests to feel comforted, uplifted, and connected, and for Barry’s spirit to be felt throughout the space,” Bailey says. “My advice, both personally and professionally, is to focus on creating an experience rather than simply assembling décor. Sacred events deserve intentionality, personalization, and space for people to feel. When you design for emotion, everything else aligns.” Sineta Marie Events, St. Louis, sinetamarie.com

January 9, 2026 | laduenews.com

ARTS & CULTURE | TASTE OF THE TOWN

Yapi Scoops Story and photos by Mabel Suen

ocal students and residents can sate a sweet tooth while enjoying house specialties such as gyros and cevapi at Yapi Mediterranean Subs and Sandwiches. Yapi Scoops debuted last June, and like its parent concept, the colorful on-site ice cream parlor features all halal products. St. Louis native Lisa Grozdanic and her husband, chef Armin Grozdanic, originally opened Yapi Mediterranean Subs and Sandwiches nine years ago, and in their business’ current Midtown home, they’ve established their most steady following yet. “The atmosphere here on Vandeventer with students and office workers is tremendously different than our previous locations,” Lisa says. After years of serving casual savory fare to their local Muslim community and beyond, Lisa and her son, Aallen, had the idea to add sweet options into the mix. “We sat down and chose what each member of our family would order from an ice cream shop,” she says. The Prince is dedicated to the memory of Lisa’s late youngest son, with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, fruit gummies, and sprinkles. Aallen’s ideal combination – The King – comes with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, pistachio cream, hazelnut cream, and crushed pistachios. The shop stocks 15 different flavors of ice cream by the scoop with your choice of more than 25 toppings, and smoothies and soda floats come in a variety of fruity flavors. For a decadent dessert special that riffs on Dubai chocolate bars, the International cup layers vanilla ice cream with pistachio cream, hazelnut cream, strawberries, bananas, toasted kataifi, and whipped cream. Lisa also makes desserts in house including cheesecakes. To drink, a cooler comes

stocked with canned beverages – imported juices, boba tea, and more. “Many Muslim students told us they do not have any place to hang out later in the evening that doesn’t serve alcohol, so we decided to keep Yapi Scoops open late to give them a place to come,” Lisa says. “Having all the toppings for them is huge for me. It’s great to offer these toppings instead of hearing, ‘You can’t get it,’ for Muslim kids,” she adds, explaining that common ingredients such as marshmallows and gummy bears often contain pork products, which are prohibited in the Islamic diet. Yapi Scoops is yet another way the Grozdanics have contributed something wholesome to St. Louis. This past year, they donated their time preparing more than 5,000 Iftar meals in 29 days, delivering them directly to homes in need during Ramadan. For Lisa, who comes from a

background in local nonprofit work, their latest endeavor is one more way she can provide a gathering place for her community while sharing her family’s passion for food with others. Yapi Scoops is open Tuesday through Saturday from 2 to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. Yapi Scoops, 15 S. Vandeventer Ave., St. Louis, instagram.com/yapi.scoops

laduenews.com | January 9, 2026

ARTS & CULTURE | BOOKMARKED

Bookish A

New Year By Brittany Nay | Photos courtesy of Left Bank Books

ancy cozying up with a good book and then sharing your love of literature? Join fellow bookworms at these St. Louis-area book clubs.

Left Bank Books Longtime independent bookstore Left Bank Books offers a variety of in-person and virtual book clubs that meet monthly, including the Gay Men’s Reading Group, Lesbian Reading Group, and the Well-Read Black Girl Book Club. The store also hosts reading discussion groups for fans of book genres, such as horror and sci-fi. Check out the shop’s website to find your novel niche.

Host a book club with your very own Book Discussion Kit from the St. Louis County Library. Every kit, which can be checked out for up to eight weeks, includes multiple copies of the book and a discussion guide. Check out available titles and reserve your kit to be picked up at any county library branch at slcl.myturn.com.

399 N. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, 314-367-6731, left-bank.com

Multiple locations, 314-994-3300, slcl.org

The Novel Neighbor | Open Door Romance

St. Louis Public Library

The beloved Webster Groves bookstore and its attached romance room host an endless array of book clubs, including The Novel Neighbor’s namesake book club, which meets on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. The shop welcomes those passionate about romance, mystery, sci-fi/fantasy, young adult novels, nonfiction, and other genres. And to satisfy both bibliophiles and foodies, the Dinner Book Club, co-hosted with nearby local restaurant and brewery Perennial on Lockwood, includes a curated meal based on the book selection.

If you’ve ever wanted to start your own reading discussion group, St. Louis Public Library’s Book Club in a Bag makes it easy. Each bag includes 15 copies of the same title – a copy for every group member to read before the club meeting, as well as a list of discussion questions, author information and suggested titles. With more than 200 titles available, from provocative tales to classics to movie tie-ins to riveting nonfiction, every avid reader can find a favorite. Go online to make your selection and reserve a bag to be delivered to the public library location of your choice. Kits check out for six weeks.

7905 Big Bend Blvd., St. Louis, 314-738-9384, thenovelneighbor.com

St. Louis County Library

January 9, 2026 | laduenews.com

Municipal Library Consortium of St. Louis County If your local library is a member of the Municipal Library Consortium of St. Louis County, as many central corridor libraries are, visit mlc-stl.org and peruse your location for upcoming book club meetings.

Multiple locations, 314-539-0396, slpl.org

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laduenews.com | January 9, 2026

OUT & ABOUT | PROMOTION

THE SALVATION ARMY OF GREATER ST. LOUIS

Red Kettle Campaign Kickoff 2025 Photos and Story by Bryan Schraier

he Salvation Army kicked off its 2025 Red Kettle Campaign with a thanks-for-giving parade downtown on Nov. 22, followed by a kickoff event at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark. Guests enjoyed mocktails and hors d’oeuvres before sitting down to dinner and a program featuring live music by recording artist Blessing Offor. Guests raised around $170,000 for the Red Kettle campaign and watched as the tree was lit in Kiener Plaza across the street, a symbol of the holiday season in St. Louis. Trina and Andy Bundesen, Chelsea Haynes, Monica Kriegel

“We’re so very blessed that the Salvation Army has been woven into the fabric of celebrating Christmas here in St. Louis for the last 78 years. We’re kicking off the Tree of Lights Campaign and the Red Kettle Campaign right here in St. Louis, looking to generate $5.2 million. For us, it’s not really about the money but about the lives that will be transformed. We say that dollars go in but change comes out of our kettles as we’re creating lasting change in the lives of people.”

Mayor Cara Spencer, Blessing Offor

Majors Adam and Deannie Moore

Ken and Missie Grapperhaus

Shawn Schukar

– MAJOR ADAM MOORE, GENERAL SECRETARY AND GREATER ST. LOUIS AREA COMMANDER FOR THE SALVATION ARMY

VISIT LADUENEWS.COM TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT

JANUARY 9, 2026 | laduenews.com

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John Wright Sr., Jacquelyn Creighton, Lisa Mueller

Brandt Rocha, Rebecca Amos, Evan Kraus

laduenews.com | January 9, 2026

Gold

FEATURE

THE ROAD TO

By Emily Standlee

Welcome to the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships Evan Bates and Madison Chock | Photo courtesy of Danielle Earl

Staci Wood and Claire Levinson with figure skater Bradie Tennell (far right) | Photo by Emily Standlee

JANUARY 9, 2026 | laduenews.com

he 2026 Winter Olympic Games. Milan, Italy. Who will compete for the title of the world’s best athletes? The 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, going on now through Jan. 11, bring the nation’s most talented skaters to St. Louis – and they’re all vying for a chance at a glowing gold medal. This isn’t the first time St. Louis has played host to an elite group of figure skaters. Twenty years ago, the city welcomed the likes of Sasha Cohen, 2006 Olympic silver medalist, and Johnny Weir, 2008 World bronze medalist. And we can’t forget the 1904 Olympics, which ran concurrently with the World’s Fair at Forest Park. These were the first Olympic Games to ever take place in the U.S., and Chicago was originally tapped to host. However, St. Louis won out when we “ambitiously…threatened to hold a competing international sports

tournament,” according to the Chicago Tribune. Figure skating was the first winter sport to be featured in the Olympics and one of the first to include women competitors, debuting in 1908. One local nonprofit is behind the return of the national championships to St. Louis: the St. Louis Sports Commission. “It’s significant because there’s only one place in the country that gets to see these athletes compete at the peak of their careers – and right before an Olympic Games,” says Tim Ryan, SLSC director of communications. “St. Louis celebrates its distinction…by hosting events that [connect] to the Olympics as a way of [paying homage to] our past and providing inspiration for our future.” And, Ryan adds, now is a very good time to watch U.S. figure skating, even as a casual fan. “U.S. skaters are collectively the strongest competitively that they’ve ever been,” he says, “as evidenced by the Americans’

Amber Glenn | Photo courtesy of Sharon Sipple

Ilia l Malinin | Photo courtesy of Danielle Earl

history-making showing at the 2025 World Championships in Boston, [where they won] three of four disciplines for the first time ever.” Defending their spots in the four skating disciplines are U.S. champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates (ice dance), Ilia Malinin (men’s singles), Amber Glenn (women’s singles), and Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov (pairs), alongside more than 180 other skaters. Chock and Bates are gold medalists who married in 2024 after skating together for 15 years. Malinin is the only skater to land a quadruple axel in an international competition – a feat that earned him the nickname “Quad God.” Glenn is a back-to-back reigning U.S. champion with strong Olympic hopes. Another one to watch, Alysa Liu, was the first American woman to land a quadruple axel – the rarest, hardest move – in competition.

Ladue News caught up with another gifted Olympics hopeful, Bradie Tennell, whom Ryan is excited to see after her “perseverance through injuries.” The two-time U.S. champion from Illinois earned an Olympic bronze medal in 2018 and is making a comeback after a fivemonth break following a broken ankle. “It’s going to be an exciting event – we’ve got a lot of talent,” Tennell says. She spoke with us at Winterfest in downtown St. Louis, where she was meeting fans at Kiener Plaza’s seasonal skating rink. “I’m proud of the programs this year; they’re really personal to me. And I’m going to have a lot of people in the crowd, which is incredible. It just feels like there are more people to share my joy with.” Tennell says she’s converted several lessons learned on the ice into mantras for everyday life. “How to fall and get back up again…resilience, determination, work ethic, everything.

Alysa Liu | Photo courtesy of Danielle Earl

[These virtues] are so applicable to real life. I owe a lot to skating.” At a high-stakes event like this, winning matters, but every performance tells a story, and this year, St. Louis gets to be part of it. “It’s an exceedingly exciting opportunity to witness these incredible athletes and their stories in person – before they become household SCAN THE QR CODE names during the Olympics TO DISCOVER WHICH in February,” Ryan says. SPORTING LEGENDS Stay tuned for the results HAVE ALREADY on Jan. 11. Ladue News is going to the championships! Find more coverage of this event at our Instagram page, @laduenews, and purchase tickets at usfigureskating.org.

COMPETED IN ST. LOUIS – AND WHICH STARS TO WATCH THIS YEAR.

FEATURE

The Human Experience: What 100 Years Can Teach Us By Amanda Dahl | Photos supplied

Ladue News talks dating, today’s geopolitical climate, technology, and life lessons with two St. Louis women who have lived through WWII and experienced an enormous shift in gender roles.

Ruth Schwartz | Photo courtesy of The Gatesworth

holars, poets, and even conquerors agree: The root of knowledge is most often found in experience. To tap into this learned wisdom, we sat down with two local women who fall within just 0.03% of the overall U.S. population in age, according to a 2024 Pew Research Center article. Ruth Schwartz, age 102, and Virginia (Ginger) Tomlin Larsen, age 99, share their observations below on the human experience over the past century.

DATING DIFFERENCES

Ginger Larsen | Photo by Amanda Dahl

JANUARY 9, 2026 | laduenews.com

Larsen, born Nov. 15, 1926, started dating in her sophomore year of high school – in the early 40s during World War II. “We double-dated because gasoline was rationed,” she says, recalling that a date consisted of

going to a movie theater and socializing at a drive-in diner after. Schwartz, born Feb. 9, 1923, describes her early years of dating as more platonic friendships. “When the war started, things eased up a bit,” she says. “You were concerned about cousins and brothers. You did a lot of writing [to the soldier you were involved with], and you went to dances, but you were very faithful to this one person who was off fighting the war.” Although her relationship broke off after the war, Schwartz soon found and married the man she’d be with for 58 years. “The war took such a chunk of our younger lives that we did not have the normal dating period most young people get in their 20s – I was 30 and my husband was 38 when we married.”

when weighing the benefits of technology used in everyday life, she comments, “Today, things are made too easy. There’s something to be said for facing your problems, working through them, and accomplishing what you set out to do.” Schwartz echoes this sentiment: “A feeling of accomplishment – of sticking to some kind of skill until you become really good at it – is going to be washed away because it’s [now] so easy to get results.” As an artist, seeing apps that can produce art within minutes has been disheartening for Schwartz. “I worked years to get this skill going…And I thought, these people are robbed! They don’t have the joy of achieving something that is important to them. Creativity is going to be shoved under the rug.”

EVOLVING GENDER ROLES Larsen showed athleticism from an early age: “I could outrun all the boys in grade school, and the coach wanted to send me to the county track meet. My mother said, ‘definitely not’ and that I needed to learn to be a lady.” Larsen’s male classmates also did not appreciate her talent and diverted their attentions to other girls. “When I deliberately lost one race, I was in their good graces again,” she says. Seeing women’s sports in the spotlight today is something incredible to Larsen, and within her family, a legacy of female athletes has succeeded her. “I graduated from high school in 1944...and went to college. Women primarily selected one of three [fields at that time]: Be a teacher, be a nurse, or be a secretary.” For Larsen, “there was no question about it.” She took the secretarial path. Schwartz says gender roles were clearly defined in the male-dominated society. “A fellow would call you up and make arrangements for a date. He had certain things to think about, like protecting a woman – walking on the [streetside of a sidewalk, for instance] – and being in charge throughout,” she says, adding that jealousy was an expected trait in men. “Also, you were very chaste. You [as a girl or woman] protected yourself from anything that…was unseemly.”

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS From the invention of the computer in 1937 to the introduction of artificial intelligence today, technological advancements have happened at a dizzying pace in the past 100 years. Do these tools enhance the human experience or diminish it? Larsen uses technology to sharpen her mind, solving The New York Times’ puzzles and games on her tablet as well as reading the entire St. Louis Post-Dispatch. However,

TODAY’S GEOPOLITICAL CLIMATE As Americans face growing political polarization and warnings that fascism is on the rise, the women offer this advice: “Get involved. Vote. Keep informed,” Larsen says. Schwartz encourages finding joy through whatever activity you enjoy best as well as giving back through service of some kind. “Make sure you [take opportunities] to travel and be [mindful] of other people,” she adds.

HOW TO LIVE A GOOD LIFE Both women have found in their later decades that the way to enjoy life is through building community and developing new skills. Schwartz, who lives at The Gatesworth retirement community in Ladue and thrives in its social atmosphere, has joined a chess club. She appreciates players’ sportsmanlike conduct: “When you’re through with a game, you shake hands with your opponent.” Larsen lives independently in a luxury apartment in downtown Clayton. She’s been sharpening her writing skills through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at WashU for the past 17 years. Through her apartment complex, Larsen has built a group of multigenerational friends, ranging in ages from their 20s to 60s, who, alongside her family, enhance her life. “The things I’m most grateful for are my good health and active mind,” she says.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO READ ABOUT THE MODERN DATING SCENE AND WHERE TO GO IN THE METRO AREA IF YOU’RE CRAVING AN “IN REAL LIFE” EXPERIENCE, COMPLETE WITH A GUIDE ON FIRST-DATE SPOTS.

FEATURE

Wonderwhim

The Whimsical a World of By Brittany Nay | Photos by Austin Kent Photography

Roll out the welcome mat: St. Louis interior designer Ashley Obradovits invites you to her new studio and showroom.

shley Obradovits has rolled out her whimsical rugs and interiors business in a new space. The award-winning St. Louis interior designer’s brainchild, Wonderwhim Co. – previously launched as Wonderwall Rugs in September 2024 – found a familiar home last fall in the charming, creative neighborhood of Maplewood. “I never imagined I’d have a physical space right out of the gate but I truly couldn’t pass it up,” Obradovits says of the brick-and-mortar location, which serendipitously became available the same week she put in notice to leave her five-year-long, full-time interior design job with Karr Bick Kitchen and Bath to solely focus on Wonderwhim. Affectionately nicknamed the “Mule Barn,” the building was once exactly that, and the property retains its original character with exposed brick, original beams, and sliding barn doors. The space combines the best of both worlds for Wonderwhim: a showroom for by-appointment, in-person viewing of Obradovits’ unique rug line as well as a working design studio. “Clients can consult on custom rug designs and collaborate on sizing, color, and pattern refinements,” the designer explains, adding that creativity is constantly in the air as she shares the upper loft workspace with friends and fellow designers Meagan Cooperman of Cooperman & Co. Interiors and Julie Redmond of Lilac Leopard Home Staging. While her business name has changed, Obradovits says the mission remains the same: creating joyful, story-driven rugs and spaces for real life. “My interior design work is often described as whimsical, and I wanted to keep the spirit of wonder at the heart of the brand,” she details. “Wonderwhim naturally fit – playful, imaginative, and true to my aesthetic.” In the vein of Wonderwhim’s motto – ‘a little whim goes a long way’ – the company offers whimsical rugs, most of which are made from 100-percent New Zealand wool, all hand-knotted by artisans in India, with each size treated as its own unique piece rather than a scaled repeat. Designed with beauty, durability, and affordability in mind, pricing starts at $215 for a 2-by-3-foot rug to around $2,320 for an 8-by-10-foot creation, with custom sizing also available. Almost 25 novel rug designs are in the pipeline this year as Obradovits expands her most-loved collections and ventures into new creative directions. “Several designs will build on my quilt-inspired line, alongside more neutral offerings and plenty of original patterns,” she says. “Inspiration comes from everywhere – I’m constantly researching vintage tile, antique textiles, and architectural details to spark ideas.” As part of Obradovits’ efforts to collaborate with select designers and artists on rug

collections, Wonderwhim x Mary Engelbreit was recently released. Acclaimed St. Louis-based illustrator Mary Engelbreit worked closely with Obradovits’ late mother, famed interior designer Sonja Willman, throughout her career. “Being able to create this collection with her feels like a beautiful full-circle moment across generations,” Obradovits says. The capsule collection features four rug designs inspired by Engelbreit’s iconic illustrations – filled with florals, playful motifs, cherries, and her unmistakable sense of nostalgia – reimagined as hand-knotted rugs, Obradovits shares: “I had the special opportunity to explore her archives and pull from nearly 50 years of her artwork to reimagine the designs, blending that with my own signature Wonderwhim color palette. Each rug balances whimsy, craftsmanship, and storytelling in a way that feels both timeless and joyful.” Also on tap for 2026, the designer will make a milestone first trip to India for face-to-face meetings with the artisans who hand-knot her rugs. And as demand continues to grow, a Wonderwhim team expansion is in the works this year to help Obradovits unfurl even more wonderfilled rugs, she says, noting: “I truly have more designs stewing in my head than I can wait to get on the loom.” Wonderwhim Co., 2729 Sutton Blvd., Maplewood, wonderwhimco.com laduenews.com | JANUARY 9, 2026

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Brian Morris 23yrs Experience 314.276.1707 brian@imaginemulti-media.com

Automotive In accordance with the federal Fair Housing Act, we do not accept for publication any real estate listing that indicates any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, family status, or national origin. If you believe a published listing states such a preference, limitation, or discrimination, please notify this publication at fairhousing@lee.net.

Buying Cars

with Integrity 50+ yrs Will Pay Cash

Sam 314-302-2008

314-849-4666/ 636-926-0555 scrubbydutch.com Gutters Roofing

Berkel Sheet Metal Since 1917 Fabrication/Installation of Copper Gutters, Spouts, Counter Flashing, Copper Bay Roofs, Gutter Screening. Free Estimates • Licensed Insured • BBB A+ Accredited

314-781-2702 berkelsheetmetal@yahoo.com

Electrical Licensed Bonded Insured

Fielder

Electrical Services, Inc.

Commercial Residential Industrial

314-773-4955 or 314-966-3388 www.fielderelectricalservices.com Residential Fielder is highly skilled in knob & tube wiring and aluminum wiring upgrades.We are specialists in older and existing structures.

CONTACT US TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT If it can be wired, Commercial Tenant finishes, we can wire it. churches, sporting complexes,restaurants, senior care facility, and parking lot lighting, etc.

Industrial

Fielder has the skills, knowledge and equipment to handle industrial work including new industrial construction, warehouse lighting, large machinery, and data wiring.

Need An Electrician? $20.00 off Any electrical job of $75.00 or more

Gutters Roofing

L ADUE NEWS CL ASSIFIEDS

THE GUTTER GUY

...your trusted local source for merchandise, services and real estate for over 35 years.

New Installs, Clean, Repair, Gutter Guards from $9.99ft. Fabricate & Install Custom Size Window Well Covers. Professional, Reliable, Insured. Cleanup. Free Estimates.

#1 Gutter Company in St. Louis

Family Owned 50 Years

Tony 314-413-2888 thegutterguy-stl@hotmail.com

To place an ad, call: 314-269-8810 email: ltaylor@laduenews.com

laduenews.com | January 9, 2026

Gutters Roofing

Lawn and Garden

Master Roofers Of America

TOP RATED ROOFING COMPANY!

Complete Lawn Maintenance for Residential & Commercial

• Mulching • Pruning • Edging • Trimming • Mowing • Bed Maintenance • Turf Maintenance • Dethatching • Planting • Leaf & Gumball • Sodding Cleanup • Seeding • Brush Removal • Weeding • Retaining Walls • Paver Patios & Drainage Solutions Licensed Landscape Architect & Designer

• ROOFING • SIDING • GUTTERS • TUCKPOINTING

Member of BBB For a Free Estimate

Call 314-426-8833 www.mplandscapingstl.com SENIOR, VETERANS, & FIRST RESPONDERS’ DISCOUNTS!

Lawn and Garden

636-405-9513 Handyman Services

JON’S

AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIR

Electrical, Carpentry, Flooring, Windows, Plumbing, Painting, Tile & Lots More! Quality Guaranteed! Reasonable, Insured, References.

No Job Too Small!

314-205-1555

jonsaffordablehomrepair.com

Health Wellness TROSSIE CARES

Private Home Health 24hr Affordable Home Health Service. References Available. Call 314-620-3550 or tropssiecares@gmail.com

Healthcare Services HOME CARE: AVAILABLE ASAP! 36 Years Experience. Contact Deanna for loving, honest caregivers who specialize in dementia care, rehabilitation, and hospice care. Lowest rates with outstanding caregivers. Call/Text: 314-649-0058 or email deannaaltenbernd@gmail.com

HOME CARE

30yrs Exp. Available Now! Providing 12hr shifts & live-in personal care for Alzheimer, Parkinson, Hospice & Stroke Patients. Trustworthy, exceptional worker w/car & insurance. Dr's ref's, police & family check. Call Mary 314-906-4443/LM

Home Improvement REMODEL & REPAIR

Rotted wood, painting, drywall, tile, floors, electric, carpentry, plumbing, power washing, Insured. Free est. 40 yrs exp.

Tom 314-910-7458. Don

Interior Design Decorator

January 9, 2026 | laduenews.com

Tired of Slow, Unprofessional Irrigation Service?

Draperies, Bedding, Pillows, Blinds, Shades and Shutters

Pam McCane (314) 648-1511

Sell it here L A DU E N E W S C L A S S I F IE D S

· Design · Build · Restoration · Maintenance Licensed landscape Architect and Horticulturalist on staff. Premium in house nursery plants. Curating the yard of your dreams since 1970. Phone: 314-291-4700 meyerlandscaping@meyerlandscaping.net Free estimates · Fully licensed and insured

Lawn and Garden

Family owned & operated for 50 years

Hundreds of years Most certiﬁed A+ BBB Rating of combined backﬂow technicians 4.9 Google service experience in St. Louis County (400+ reviews)

Membership Highlights • Spring activation & winterization • Certified backflow testing • Priority scheduling & service discounts • Worry-free irrigation all year long

Providing practical solutions for water problems for over 50 years

Specializing in:

• Downspout Extensions • French Drains • Seep Water Drain Fields • Catch Basins • Grading • Swales • Berms • Rockline Channels

Free Estimates – Fully Licensed and Insured Phone: 314-291-4700

meyerlandscaping@meyerlandscaping.net

CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY

314-269-8810 | laduenews.com 38

Lawn and Garden

Healthcare Services

Organizational Services 314-739-0410

Greenturf.com

Serving St. Louis Since 1976

Polo’s Lawn & Landscape Inc Retaining Walls, Paver Patios, Decks, Fences, Trees, Landscaping, Lawns, Mulch & Snow Removal & More!

FREE Estimates 314-280-2779

poloslawnaol.com

*Fertilizing *Weed Control *Insect Control

TREES*SHRUBS*GRASS Licensed and Insured ISA Certified Arborists on staff

314-492-9333 info@STLoat.com free estimates

LET’S GET ORGANIZED!

I can help you DOWNSIZE, pack your house for MOVING, and ORGANIZE any area!

Call Cynthia @ 314-972-4674 to simplify your life!

Painting

JC PAINTS INTERIOR • EXTERIOR PAINTING RELIABLE REASONABLE CLEAN

CALL JOHN NOW FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

314-703-2794 jcpaints@icloud.com

Pet Services

Services

Yucko’s

Rooﬁng • Siding • Gutters • Tuckpointing

Your Poop Scoop’n Service Free Estimates No Contracts (314) 291-7667

www.yuckos.com Plumbing

LADUE NEWS CLASSIFIEDS ...your trusted local source for merchandise, services and real estate for more than 35 years.

Expert Installations & Durable Materials

Weather the Decades with Conﬁdence Talk to Rooﬁng & Siding Experts 50+ Years of Service

OVER

Unmatchable Expertise

YEARS

Lifelong Customers

1972

Free Estimates • Repairs • Backflow Devices • Water Service Lines • Remodeling • Water Heaters • Sewer & Drain • Water Softeners

See Why Homeowners Choose Allen Rooﬁng &

Financing Available

arooﬁng.net

contactus@arooﬁng.net

636-942-6956

(314) 962-0956

Services

LinekPlumbing.com

Services Family Owned & Operated Residential or Commercial

Mention Ladue News and Receive

Inside & Out, Track & Sill Cleaning.

25 OFF

Power Washing – Siding, Decks & Patios.

Any Pickup

Fully Insured. 20+yrs Experience.

Expires 3/31/26 cannot be combined with other offers

636-579-3561 Services

Brick & Stone

Specializing in Repairs

Andrew

314-623-1797 OldTvmeBrickandStone.com

laduenews.com GO TO OUR HOME PAGE, ENTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, THEN CLICK.

It’s that easy.

Buy it here L A DU E N E W S C L A S S I F IE D S

314-312-1077 www.honestjunk.com

Furniture • Mattresses • Appliances • Electronics • TV Sets Fences • Decks/Sheds • Hot Tubs • Trampolines Swing Sets • Above Ground Pools • Remodeling Debris Paint • Garage/Basement Clean Out • Estate Clean Out

Services

PRISTINE MIDWEST CONSTRUCTION LLC

BRIAN’S HAULING

• • • Free Estimates • • • pristinemidwestgmail.com

Call Brian 314-740-1659

Specialize in: Decks & Fences, Retaining Walls, Patio Pavers

(314) 575-3879

U Name It - We Haul It! 7 Days - Same Day! Brush, Appliances, Clean Outs, Demo Bsmt. & Garages, Etc.

314-269-8810 | laduenews.com laduenews.com | January 9, 2026

Situations Wanted

Trees

McGreevy Piano Tuning Technician & Guild Associate Member

314-335-9177 wrmcgreevygmail.com

Trees Trees Trimmed & Removed

GILLS

TREE SERVICE • Stone Retaining Walls • Stump Grinding • Fully Insured

(636) 274-1378

Tree trimming, removals, deadwooding, reduction, & stump grinding. Year round service. Insured. ISA Certified Arborist on Staff. Call Michael Baumann 636-375-2812 for a free estimate & property inspection. You'll be glad you called!

GillsTrees.com

Complete Residential & Commercial Tree Service

Wanted

We pay TOP PRICES and offer SAME DAY PAYMENTS! If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by or call for appointment for a no obligation quote. Or text a picture to 314-504-1999. We make house and bank calls.

• Tree Pruning & Removal • Plant Healthcare Program • Deadwooding • Stump Grinding, • Deep Root Fertilization, • Cabling & Storm Cleanup

ISA Certified Arborists Brad Meyer MW-5286A Doug Beckmann MW-5755A Teresa Hessel MW-5754A Free Estimate • Fully Insured

314-426-2911 meyertreecare.com

Complete houses, spot pointing with color match, chimney, repair/rebuilds, brick/stone repair, foundation repair.

FREE ESTIMATES 314-645-1387

‘05-’24

MIRELLITUCKPOINTING.COM 40

January 9, 2026 | laduenews.com

Frontenac, MO 63131

314-504-1999 Wanted

Moving/ Tuckpointing Downsizing? MIRELLI Always Buying: TUCKPOINTING LLC Family Owned and Operated In Service Since 1991

520

Gold en

Old Clothing, Items, 1900-1980 Antiques, Art and Records.

314-775-3595

Connect WITH

Wanted ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES

LADUE NEWS Sign up for our weekly

newsletter for exclusive content and promotions at Art - Advertising - Breweriana Vintage Cameras - Ephemera - Mid Century Modern Pieces - Military Items, - Movie Posters - Musical Instruments - Records - Sports Memorabilia - Old Toys - Etc

Call Ben

314.518.5769

LADUENEWS.COM To place an ad, call: 314-269-8810 email: ltaylor@laduenews.com

Imagine your home, totally organized! Custom Closets • Garage Cabinets • Home Offices • Pantries • Laundries • Hobby Rooms

Walk in Closet

Bedroom Closet

Garage Cabinets

Laundries

40% Off

Plus FREE Installation PLUS TAKE AN EXTRA

15 OFF %

40% off any order of $1,000 or more. 30% off any order of $700 or more. On any complete Closet, Garage, or Home Office. Take an additional 15% off on any complete system order. Not valid with any other offer. Free installation with any complete unit order of $500 or more. With incoming order, at time of purchase only. Expires 1/31/2026.

SPECIAL FINANCING for up to 18 Months! With approved credit. Call or ask your Designer for details. Not available in all areas.

314-310-0099

Call for Free Estimate

Locally Owned and Operated www.closetsbydesign.com

BY FRIENDSHIP VILLAGE

Introducing SeniorConcierge – a concierge-style membership dedicated to helping St. Louis area seniors stay connected and confident while living at home.

MOBILE APP

WANT TO LEARN MORE? Scan the QR code to request additional information.

LIVE CONCIERGE

TRUSTED PARTNERS VISIT SENIORCSTL.COM *While concierge support is included, members are responsible for additional costs of purchases and services coordinated by concierge.