The Mozzie Factor
Jerry Seinfeld was talking with Jim Gaffigan about being a parent. Jerry said to Jim, “Parents see their kids almost every day for the first 18 years of their lives. After the kids move out on their own, the total number of days parents will see their kids for the rest of their lives will equal one year. You will only see your kids for a total of 365 more days. Does that upset you?” Jim, straight-faced, said, “No.” The good news is that I attempted to verify the statistic Jerry quoted, and I couldn’t find any empirical evidence to support it. That bad news is that, based on my anecdotal evidence, Jerry’s statistic feels spot on. And it’s not funny.
Five years ago, one kid moved to San Francisco and the other moved to Chicago. People say, “Well, those are both great places to visit!” No. Do you know where a great place to visit is? Kaldi’s in Kirkwood. That’s a great place to catch up with your kid. Walking around the Farmer’s Market sounds so much better than hopping on a flight to catch up with your kid while walking around Pier 39 or the Navy Pier. It’s not that I want them to move back, I don’t. They are truly living their best lives. Maybe I should get another dog? I used to say, “No Dogs. No Way.” When our boys were very, very young, they wanted a dog. I got them each a Pound Puppy. They said they wanted a “real” dog. I caved in and got them each their very own Tamagotchi. Many, many years later, our oldest son brought home a tiny Golden Retriever named Mozzie. (Awww…you say? No… The stories I could tell you about this dog.) Within a matter of months, our oldest kid moved to SF (no… he didn’t take “his” dog.) Then the second kid left for Chicago, saying that living on his own in Chicago was easier than taking care of our Golden Retriever. Which brings me back to Jerry’s statistic and something I call the “Mozzie Factor.” After they move out, do kids seldom come home because they don’t want to deal with the dog? This issue is dedicated to my boys and Mozzie. I miss all of you.
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Renee Moore | renee.moore@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kate Berry | kate.berry@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION MANAGER
Sydney Taylor
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sydney Taylor, Lucy Rogers, Katie Elizabeth, Lorilee Cummings
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Danny Zofness, DTK Studios
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL
Leimkuhler
Where
This little cutie is the daughter of Adam and Melissa Betz, owners of Family Golf and Learning Center in Kirkwood. Look for Riley on the PGA at some point.
Animals
The
Two Lives Saved, One Unbreakable Bond
Dogs
Danny Zofness, owner of DTK Studios.
FAMILY FIRST,
golf forever
WHERE MEMORIES ARE MADE, CONFIDENCE IS BUILT, AND GOLF BECOMES A LIFELONG BOND FOR FAMILIES.
ARTICLE BY LUCY ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANNY ZOFNESS
When Adam Betz walked through the grocery store with his infant daughter Riley in his arms, watching other young families navigate the aisles, he had an epiphany.
“I said to my wife, Melissa, I want every young family in the community to know and think about Family Golf and Learning Center when they are ready to introduce golf to their kiddos. Even before they are ready to hold a club,” he recalled.
That moment crystallized everything Adam has built at Family Golf and Learning Center in Kirkwood - a revolutionary approach to making golf accessible to families of all backgrounds and skill levels.
It’s a mission that earned him the Youth Player Development Award from the Gateway PGA, but more importantly, it’s changing how families experience the sport.
CONNECT WITH THE BALL
Adam recalled being seven years old and tagging along with his dad to a golf course. While the adults played the main course, Adam and the other kids learned how to play on a nine-hole course under the guidance of PGA professionals.
“I can still remember my first shot,” Adam said. “I hit the ball and watched it fly. I said, ‘Woah. That was fun.’ I was immediately hooked. A short time after that, I told my mom I wanted to be a golf professional, and I never turned back. I credit my parents for allowing me to play various sports to figure out what I enjoyed most, and golf certainly won in that regard.”
That early connection with the game of golf became a lifelong journey that included college opportunities, world travel, experiences in national tournaments, and countless meaningful relationships. “Almost every one of my relationships has some connection to golf,” Adam said.
CONTINUED >
THE MULLIGAN
After college, Adam pursued a career in professional golf for five years, competing on mini-tours in South Florida. After coming close to qualifying for the PGA Tour in 2008, Adam moved back to St. Louis. “I was kind of broken, like a puppy dog with its tail between its legs. Like, I failed. I didn’t make it,” Adam said.
But what seemed like failure became the foundation for something greater. During his seven years as a Golf Pro at Meadowbrook Country Club, Adam became a PGA Professional. He immersed himself in every aspect of the golf industry, including merchandising, retail management, tournament operations, and course management. Most importantly, he discovered his gift and love for teaching.
“I was running the entire player development program and managing about 60 junior golfers,” Adam said. “I noticed something interesting about those kids; nearly half were grandchildren of club members. I began to think to myself, ‘Where would these kids go if Grandma and Grandpa weren’t members?’ There was no program for kids to discover golf if they weren’t connected to a county club.”
DRIVEN BY VISION
After a life-changing health scare in 2017, Adam knew it was time to take a leap.
“I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease, and the doctors were convinced it was cancer; that’s when I realized how short life could be,” Adam recalled. “At that point, I decided to do something more with my passion and try to make a bigger impact with my life; for me, that meant creating a space where golf could be shared with the entire community.”
TURNING THE COURSE AROUND
Before Family Golf and Learning Center became the topranked public golf facility it is today, it was, in Adam’s own words, “a very dilapidated, rundown, under-managed property.” But where others saw weeds and worn turf, Adam saw the best place to develop his vision.
Adam had a chance encounter with Stan Shaver, the former owner of Family Golf. When Stan mentioned he was selling Family Golf, Adam immediately became interested in purchasing the property.
Adam first recruited RJ Villafuerte, a former golf professional at Old Hickory and Meadowbrook Country Clubs, to become
the General Manager of Family Golf and Learning Center. Adam remembered the first time RJ drove onto the property. “RJ looked at the property and said, ‘What is Adam thinking? This place is a dump.’” Adam laughed. “I just kept telling him, ‘This is what St. Louis needs, trust me.’”
“The reason why Family Golf made sense more than any other property I looked at is that the nine-hole golf course was perfect for learning and family golf. It fit my vision to create a firstclass practice facility with all the resources for a golfer to reach their goals,” Adam said.
Adam bought the property in 2018 and began the extensive renovation. The entire facility underwent an upgrade, including a brand-new building featuring state-of-the-art training and indoor practice spaces, which opened in December 2020.
BUILDING A FAMILY AT FAMILY GOLF
After Adam had established his core team with RJ and Blake Sharamitaro, PGA Teaching Professional and Director of Golf, also a Gateway PGA Teacher and Coach of the Year, as well as a recipient of the Youth Player Development and Player Development Awards, they began searching for golf instructors.
“We wanted to create a place that was positive, encouraging, and fun,” Adam said. “Whether someone’s picking up a club for the first time or aiming for a college scholarship, we’re here to help them reach their potential.” The instructors — nine in
total, including two women — teach “the Family Golf way,” a well-rounded approach built on camaraderie, encouragement, and continuous improvement and learning.
One of the instructors to join the Family Golf team was Melissa, a fellow golf professional and now Adam’s wife. Their love story, in true Family Golf fashion, began with golf.
Melissa recalled joining the team at Family Golf and Learning Center (FGLC). “I was happy working and teaching golf at Old Hickory Golf Club. RJ invited me to interview for an assistant professional position at FGLC. I recognized the significant potential of FGLC for the St. Louis community, and I was excited about the unprecedented opportunity to shape the learning environment from the ground up.” What she didn’t expect was to fall in love with and marry Adam. A little over a year ago, Adam and Melissa welcomed their baby girl, Riley Jo, into their family. “Family Golf and Learning Center was the foundation for my family,” Adam said.
MORE THAN A GAME
While Family Golf and Learning Center has been recognized continually for the past seven years as one of the Top 50 Stand Alone Ranges in the country by the Golf Range Association of America, Adam was quick to note that this isn’t a place you just hit a bucket of balls and leave.
“We want to create the type of community experience found at private clubs. We have music on the patio where you can
hang out with a friend and grab a drink from our bar. We have leagues for couples, ladies, families, and indoor Trackman Simulators,” Adam said. Most importantly, Adam and his staff have built FGLC’s PGA Junior League into one of the largest in the country.
The Junior League programming is structured using a team format that emphasizes cooperation over individual achievement. Birdie Bandits begin around age four or five, then advance through clinics, leagues, and even competitive training as they grow. “If your kid has never picked up a club — or if you’re not sure which hand they’ll swing with — Family Golf will help you figure it out together,” Melissa said.
“We’re developing players from first swing to college recruitment,” Adam said. “But our real goal is to help every golfer reach their personal best, whatever that looks like.”
He added, “There’s no pressure to be great right away. Some of the best golfers don’t shine until they’re teenagers or adults. Our message to parents is: just expose your kids to golf and see if there’s interest. Golf is a journey; oftentimes, the best golfers in this game are the late bloomers.”
“Even if your child never goes pro, the game teaches valuable life skills: patience, resilience, integrity, and self-management,” said Adam. “And it’s a game they can play for the rest of their lives. It’s one sport where mom, dad, the 10-year-old, and the eight-year-old are all out there together.”
A HOLE IN ONE
The facility actively works to eliminate the barriers that keep families away from the sport: cost, time, and intimidation factor among them.
“Cost is the number one barrier in this game. Time is another big deterrent,” Adam explained. FGLC’s nine-hole course can be played in about an hour, and driving range sessions take even less time. They offer complete junior starter sets for under $150, individual clubs for $30, and even loaner clubs for families just testing the waters.
The dress code barriers are gone, too. “Families that are members of clubs come here saying, ‘Our kid didn’t want to put on a collared shirt. He wants to come to Family Golf because he can wear his hat backward and wear his athletic shorts,’” Adam noted. “We’re making golf fun for the whole family.”
When renowned instructor Stan Utley visited, he praised it as the most impressive public facility he’d ever seen.
The results speak for themselves. Over 600 people walk through the doors of Family Golf on a typical summer day.
“It’s really cool to see a vision come to life and actually work out like you thought it might,” Adam smiled. “Oftentimes in life, that’s not how things work. You might think it will go one way, and it goes a totally different way. I’ve been lucky. Golf has always been the thing I’ve centered my life around. It has given me so much. It’s fun to share my love for the game and allow the community to enjoy it as much as I have.”
TALK OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Animals appreciate art at the Webster Groves Art Fair.
ARTICLE BY LUCY ROGERS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WEBSTER ARTS
Murray, belonging to Executive Director Jenny Donaldson, positioned himself like a furry docent in front of a collaborative community weaving at the Webster Art Fair.
One unnamed canine had a keen eye while another needed a break.
Deluca, Holly Smith’s dog, showed remarkable artistic preferences.
Cliffy the bird put finishing touches on a painting by board member Connie Heavey.
Beyond the fair, Louisa, Kathie Cahoon’s dog, posed at the Josephine Sculpture Park in Kentucky.
Murray in front of a collaborative community weaving.
Cliffy
Art overload break.
This dog has discerning taste.
Deluca
Louisa
"The Transitions For Senior Living team was instrumental in helping me find a community that is perfect for my mom. They helped make connections to tour communities and worked with me throughout the process. They also followed up regularly to make sure that the fit was good after my mom was placed. As an OT, I have recommended using Transitions for Senior Living to my patients and their families looking for unbiased resources and recommendations."
-Jennifer
THE DEMPSEY FAMILY’S HOME EVOLUTION: INDOOR TO OUTDOOR
ARTICLE BY LORILEE CUMMINGS, LR REALTY | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
As a realtor, nothing compares to watching a family truly flourish in their forever home. Several years ago, Mike and Jessica Dempsey began searching for the perfect space to accommodate their growing family, with one toddler and another baby on the way, they needed room to grow.
What started as an exciting adventure quickly became a lesson in patience and persistence. In a fiercely competitive market where every desirable property attracted multiple offers, house-hunting proved more challenging than expected. After an extensive search, we discovered the ideal home in Kirkwood, featuring a finished basement that is perfect for active toddlers.
The competition was intense, but our strategic approach, combined with Mike and Jessica’s determination, created a winning formula. Once settled, Mike transformed the basement into every child’s dream playground, complete with a climbing wall, monkey bars, an indoor trampoline, and a slide.
As the kids grew, Mike and Jessica envisioned new possibilities for outdoor living. They partnered with Terra Nova Builds to create a stunning three-season space addition
The Dempsey Family with Lorilee Cummings in the middle back row and Clyde the dog..
featuring vaulted ceilings, a built-in stone fireplace, heaters, and ceiling fans. The large 600-square-foot addition seamlessly connects four distinct areas: a cozy fireside seating area, a hightop conversation bar, a large dining table, and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen.
“We wanted somewhere to hang out regardless of the weather,” Mike explained. “Our previous deck was small with no sun protection. We used to grill maybe twice a year—now we grill every Sunday while watching the kids play soccer or do crafts.”
“This space has transformed our family time,” Jessica added. “The kids actually prefer hanging out here instead of playing inside.”
Helping the Dempseys find their dream home and watching their family thrive reminds me why Lorilee Realty, powered by Keller Williams, is more than business.
Michael (Age 5), Sophie (Age 1), Anna (Age 3)
Two Lives Saved, One Unbreakable Bond
DOGS FOR OUR BRAVE HELPS KIRKWOOD
VETERAN GABE REBUILD HIS LIFE WITH SERVICE DOG ALLIE.
ARTICLE BY SYDNEY TAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Gabe Heefner with his dog Allie and Bryan Pieschel, Director of Veteran Services at Dogs for Our Brave.
In Iowa City, a gentle black Lab named Allie does more than retrieve dropped items; she’s helping Marine veteran Gabe Heefner rebuild his life one day at a time after a life-changing injury.
In October 2021, the then-20-year-old Kirkwood native had completed Marine basic training and was preparing to ship out to Okinawa, Japan. Before leaving, he returned to Iowa City for a quick visit with family, where an unexpected injury derailed the young Marine’s military career.
“Gabe was in the ICU at the University of Iowa Hospital for a month,” his father, Nile, shared. “Then, he went to Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago, where he learned to talk, eat, and walk again.”
Shortly after Gabe’s injury, Nile dis covered Dogs For Our Brave (DFOB), a St. Louis-based nonprofit that provides professionally trained service dogs at no cost to veterans who’ve suffered physi cal injuries during military service. The organization rescues shelter dogs when possible and trains them in-house.
“I noticed paw prints and names on a wall at Helen Fitzgerald’s in St. Louis County,” Nile explained. “They told me it was Dogs For Our Brave. I got in touch with Jim Schutte, the president, and shared Gabe’s story.”
Founded by Andy and Marylynn Gladstein, DFOB’s mission is to provide service dogs and cover all lifetime expenses for the dog.
Following a new matching process, Gabe received Allie, a black Lab with a calm spirit and big heart. Together for about a year now, they’ve built a strong bond supporting Gabe’s physical and emotional recovery.
“I’m obviously not the most balanced now after my injury, so if I bend down to pick something up, there’s a 50/50 chance I’ll either get it or end up on the floor,” Gabe explained. “She’ll grab it and hand it to me. And if I do end up on the floor, I can tell her to come over and ‘brace.’ She stands still, and I can push myself up using her support.”
Beyond physical help, Allie provides emotional stability. “She’s always looking for attention and is always so happy. It’s just a great fit,” Gabe said.
Gabe wishes more people understood that service dogs on duty shouldn’t be
distracted. “If a dog is inside and has a vest on, then it’s a working dog. It has a job: taking care of one person. Petting isn’t part of that,” he explained.
“DOTB provides a dog, but also ongoing support,” Nile said. “These veterans have both physical and emotional needs. These dogs are part of their healing and purpose.” DOTB also hosts monthly Zoom calls for veterans focused on nutrition, fitness, and mental health.
Inspired by this spirit of service, Gabe now volunteers weekly at his local animal shelter. Recently, he began cycling again using a recumbent trike: something that once felt impossible.
Through it all, Gabe stays grounded in what Allie brings him: motivation, companionship, and love.
“I have more of a purpose now; she’s a friend that I help, and she helps me,” Gabe reflected. “I feel more motivated, and it’s nice to feel that way again.”
You can support DFOB by visiting dfob. org to learn more. From monthly giving to volunteering and fundraising, there are many ways to join their mission and make a lasting difference for veterans like Gabe.
DOGS FOR OUR BRAVE
Founded in 2014, Dogs for Our Brave provides free, lifelong-trained mobility service dogs—often shelter rescues—to veterans. Training takes 18 months. The organization supports veterans for life and is launching a local PTSD service dog program in St. Louis.
SNEEZES, WHEEZES, AND - WHAT’S THAT IN YOUR
EAR?
ARTICLE BY LUCY ROGERS
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
MEET KATIE HEITMANN, FNP-C , THE NEW NURSE PRACTITIONER AT BAILEY ENT IN DOWNTOWN KIRKWOOD.
It’s easy to treat common childhood sneezes and wheezes. However, persistent ear, nose, and throat (ENT) issues can quietly interfere with everything from speech development to sleep quality. Pediatricians are often the first point of contact, but ENT specialists offer a different set of tools and care.
Katie Heitmann, FNP-C, is the nurse practitioner and seasoned ENT professional at Bailey ENT, located in Downtown Kirkwood. She offers insights for parents regarding when it’s time to seek help from a specialist.
What are the most common ENT issues you see in kids and families?
We see a lot of seasonal allergies, ear infections, strep throat, and enlarged tonsils. Sleep difficulties—especially snoring due to large adenoids or tonsils—are common in children.
When should a parent consider seeing an ENT? Is a referral necessary?
While we do receive many referrals from pediatricians, parents can come to us directly. We encourage parents to consider the quality of life for their child and never hesitate to call us. For instance, chronic ear fluid can delay speech development. If your child has recurrent infections, ongoing snoring, or any issues with speech or sleep, it’s worth reaching out.
What other symptoms should raise red flags?
Recurrent runny noses, sneezing, itchy eyes, or signs of allergies that go beyond the typical seasonal cold. Allergies can affect the ears and sinuses and even cause chronic
Katie and Dr. Bailey
Katie and Laura Ortmann, M.S., CCC-A, Audiologist
infections. We offer an allergy treatment program for children as young as ten, including immunotherapy. Knowing what you’re allergic to—even if you don’t pursue shots—can help manage symptoms.
Can ear infections be prevented?
In many cases, yes. One of the most effective ways to prevent ear infections is good allergy management. Helping young kids blow their noses or using bulb suction if they’re little is essential to keep the nasal passages clear so the fluid doesn’t lead to a secondary infection. A humidifier or sitting in a steamy bathroom can help thin out mucus.
Is snoring a concern in kids?
Snoring alone isn’t necessarily a problem, but if a parent notices their child pausing or gasping in their sleep (apnea), that’s more serious. This can be a sign of enlarged adenoids or tonsils and is something we should evaluate.
KIRKWOOD AQUATIC CENTER KIRKWOOD AQUATIC CENTER
DOG POOL PARTY DOG POOL PARTY
Treat your pup to a DOG-GONE GOOD TIME!
Dogs must be on a leash when not swimming. Owners must bring cleanup supplies and proof of DHLPP & RABIES VACCINATIONS required at entry. Proceeds benefit the MISSOURI ALLIANCE FOR ANIMAL LEGISLATION.
SEPTEMBER 2ND TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 4TH THURSDAY
5:00-7:00 PM
All dogs welcome 5:30-6:00 PM Dogs 25 lbs & under 6:00-7:30 PM All dogs welcome
FEES: $15 for 1 dog and 1 human, $15 per extra dog, $5 per extra human
What
about nosebleeds?
An occasional nosebleed from a bump or dry air is normal. However, if a child experiences several nosebleeds a month consistently, that should be checked. A humidifier in the bedroom and applying a nasal saline gel, or even a bit of Aquaphor, just inside the nostrils, can help.
Do you treat foreign objects in the ears or nose?
Absolutely. Whether it’s a bead in the ear or a pea up the nose, we’re well-equipped to safely remove foreign objects.
Do you have any hearing advice for tweens and teens?
Hearing loss from noise exposure is real. We recommend wearing ear protection during loud activities, such as attending concerts, mowing the lawn, and even using a hair dryer. If you can’t talk over the noise, wear earplugs. Untreated hearing loss has also been linked to memory decline and dementia, so it’s worth getting tested, even if it’s “not that bad.”
What are some lesser-known ENT issues in adults?
Adults should seek immediate help if they experience sudden hearing loss. Damage to the inner ear or nerve cells is something that can be treated, especially if caught early. We see several women with thyroid nodules or enlarged thyroids, sometimes even thyroid cancer. It’s essential to consult with your primary care doctor and follow up with us if anything seems amiss. Tonsil stones, bad breath, or recurring strep are also reasons to come in.
One last question—where do you stand on Q-tips?
No Q-tips! We always say that nothing smaller than your elbow should go in your ear. Q-tips often push wax deeper into the ear or leave behind fibers that can irritate the ear canal. Trust us—we stay in business because people keep using them.
Get to know Katie.
Katie’s father is an Army veteran, internationally known neurotologist, and researcher. Katie is grateful to be following in his specialty. Katie is passionate about caring for the whole person, especially those with fewer resources and greater vulnerabilities. She was part of a health coalition that developed a pediatric medical home for individuals from diverse economic backgrounds while living in Oklahoma. She looks forward to taking more overseas trips to utilize her skills in teaching and providing care. She enjoys walking, crafting, and not cooking, as well as spending time with her family and friends and exploring all the fun things St. Louis has to offer. She has two wonderfully talented and kind children (ages 4 and 10), and her husband, Todd, is the Lead Analytics Engineer in Baseball Development for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Katie’s favorite aspect of being part of Dr. Bailey’s ENT team is the genuine camaraderie and collaboration among the team. She is so grateful to be a part of Bailey ENT. Fun facts about Katie: She was born in Hawaii, and there is no vegetable she does not like.
Schedule an appointment with Katie or Dr. Bailey at 314-970-2770.
Katie Heitmann at the Cardinal’s game with Dr. Bailey’s team.
Katie and her family
Barks, Braces, and Big Smiles
HOW DR. DOUGHERTY MAKES BRACES FUN, STRAIGHT FROM HER BIGGEST (AND FLUFFIEST) FAN.
ARTICLE BY DESTINY DOUGHERTY | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Autumn’s dog Blu
Becca’s cat Goose
Gina’s dog Shadow
Hi there! I’m Destiny, Dr. Dougherty’s fur baby and biggest fan. When I’m not getting scratches behind my ears or sneaking an extra treat, I love listening to my mom talk about her favorite thing: smiles!
Every day, she helps Dougherty Orthodontics patients of all ages feel confident about their teeth. She offers a wide range of modern treatment options, from classic metal braces to shiny gold and ceramic braces, as well as clear aligners that are nearly invisible (much like me when my mom says I have to visit the vet).
I’ve learned that braces aren’t just about straightening teeth; they’re about giving kids (and grown-ups!) the confidence to show off their smiles. That’s why my mom and her team make each visit fun and comfortable, especially for kids, by helping them pick out colorful bands to match their favorite sports teams, like the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues. The office is stocked with yummy treats for everyone, such
as a complimentary coffee bar, lemonade, and an entire wall of snacks and candy (They need to add something for us pups because mom says retainers are not chew toys).
All my furry friends pictured here belong to the women who work in the office. They love us, but they also love all the kids and families that come to Dougherty Orthodontics.
Last November, they hosted a supply drive to help the animals at Open Door Animal Sanctuary: how paw-some is that? The donations were stacked higher than me (which isn’t saying much since I’m pretty short.) What really made my heart howl with joy was hearing how excited our patients were about helping animals in need. Kids came in with their arms full of supplies, chattering about their own pets at home.
Dr. Dougherty says our office is about creating beautiful smiles, but I think we made something even more beautiful –hope for animals who need it most.
Dr. Dougherty’s dog Destiny
Libby’s dog Josie
Becca’s dog Lola
Libby’s dog Whiskey
Autumn’s dog Banks
Natalie’s dog Marley
Jess’ cat Cheech
Libby’s dog RemiJess’ cat Junie B
Kierstyn’s dog Theo Daisy is Gina’s dog
Vanessa’s dogs Chloe (white) and Blue (grey)
DIY Lunchables
Pick-’n-Choose healthy options for back-to-school lunches or family dinners-on-the-go.
ARTICLE BY KATIE ELIZABETH | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
One of the biggest challenges families face is maintaining their healthy nutrition goals as kids head back to school and busy, on-the-go after-school activities take priority over sit-down family dinners. As the owner of Strong By Intention, clients often ask for help with creating healthy lunches and nutritionally balanced (and quick) dinners that everyone will love.
A Little Something Sweet
Unfortunately, we’re accustomed to having a treat with meals. Especially kids. And packaged Lunchables include a cookie. Fortunately, there are some portion-controlled sweet solutions. Greg’s Crazy Good cookies from Dierberg’s bakery are mini versions of regular-sized cookies. Including one of these pre-portioned treats in your kiddos’ DIY lunchables will make them happy without the worry of too much sugar. It’s about balance, not perfection - for your kids and for you.
Katie Elizabeth
Owner of Strong By Intention
I’ll let you in on a little secret. Not only is it possible to eat healthy, there is a strong possibility that your kids will never ask for pre-packaged meals again.
The secret to creating healthier versions of your kids’ favorite packaged meals starts with giving them some control.
Kids feel empowered and tend to eat healthier when they have a vote in what they’re eating. You’ll be shocked at what they’ll choose when they get to build it themselves.
The key is establishing basic guidelines while allowing creativity. Set one simple rule: every lunch needs a protein, a carb, and a fruit or vegetable.
Then let each family member DIY their lunch within these parameters.
Start at the grocery store’s deli counter for minimally processed proteins and cheeses. Pre-sliced cheeses from the deli make assembly easy while avoiding more processed cheese products. Skip the salami, bologna, and pepperoni in favor of whole sliced turkey or roast beef. Dierberg’s deli offers meat options without high fructose corn syrup, added sweeteners, MSG, artificial colors, trans fats, or artificial flavors.
For more information about family health and wellness, nutrition, and fitness, visit StrongByIntention. com and follow me @KTElizabethwellness.
Smart Shopping Shortcuts
Whatever your household rules are, make sure to have everyone fill up on a fruit and or a vegetable. In my household, the kids gravitate more towards fruit. I’m okay with that. Dierbergs makes it incredibly easy to grab a variety of fruits and veggies that are already prepared, cut, and ready to go. Let everyone choose what they want, like carrot sticks, celery sticks, peppers, apples, and berries, to incorporate into their lunch. They’ll be more excited about eating the things they thoughtfully chose.
SHOP
Locally Owned
Email Andrea Maddock at AHMaddock@JanetMcAfee.com to have your business listed.
ARTICLE BY ANDREA MADDOCK | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
1 - MATTRESS DOGZZZ :
Mattress Dogzzz, located in Valley Park, offers best-in-class mattresses and accessories sourced from premier industry brands. Proceeds from each sale benefit selected nonprofits, such as CHAMPS Assistance Dogs.
2 - GUS’ PLACE DOG STORE :
Gus’ Place Dog Store, located on 126 W. Lockwood Ave. in Webster Groves, is the hometown dog store where you and your dog can shop together.
3 - DAFFODILLY :
Daffodilly, located at 205 N. Kirkwood Rd., is a baby and toddler boutique owned and operated by a mom and her family.
4 - THE INITIAL DESIGN :
The Initial Design, located at 25 N. Gore Ave. in Webster Groves, offers monogrammed gifts for furry friends and family.
5 - LASS AND LADDIE :
Lass and Laddie, located at 161 W. Jefferson Ave in Kirkwood, is a baby and children’s store featuring boutique, organic, and handmade clothing, accessories, and gifts.
Gus’s Place Dog Store
Lass and Laddie
The Initial Design
Mattress Dogzzz fundraiser for CHAMPS
Daffodilly
Whether you're searching in Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Des Peres, or anywhere in the greater St. Louis area, I'm here to help you find a home that checks ALL the boxes.
In today’s fast-moving real estate market, you deserve a knowledgeable, local professional by your side. As both a buyer and seller’s agent, I’m committed to making your experience smooth, successful, and stress-free — all the way to the closing table.
As a proud Glendale resident, I’d be honored to be your trusted partner. Whether you’re ready to move now or in the future, let’s create the best plan for you and your family.
