H and H Magazine June 2014

J une 2 0 1 4

This special publication brought to you by Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate

www.STLHandHMag.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Wade Brewer

DESIGN Josh West

FEATURES EDITOR Andrew Brewer

A note from the editor...

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

The warm weather is finally here and it’s time time enjoy all that summer in St. Louis has to offer. In this issue we look at some summer home maintenance tips from celebrity contractor Mike Holmes, great warm weather recipes, and some tips for enjoying your swimming pool.

As always, St. Louis will be hosting Fair St. Louis which has a change of venue this year due to the project at the arch grounds. We also offer some great ideas to help to spend a summer afternoon or weekend in our wonderful area.

We hope that you enjoy this issue, and a fantastic St. Louis summer!

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

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Editor-in-chief

CONTENTS 4

Tips for a Healthier Home

6

Bringing Indoor Comfort Outdoors

8

Modern Masala

10

Summer Snacks that Pop

12

Make Summer Sensational

16

Budget Friendly Travel Tips

18

Happenings

14

Family Pool Fun H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 3

Tips for a Healthier Home Follow the Four C’s from Trusted HGTV Contractor Mike Holmes

E

very household has its honey-do list, but inevitably you’re not always going to have time to cross off every project on the list. Rather than setting lofty goals that make it easy to procrastinate, the key to a productive and effective list is to be realistic. Start with the projects that will have an immediate effect on creating and maintaining a safer and healthier home.

“Keep your ‘honey-do’ list manageable. Move long-term projects to the end and bump up the jobs that will help make your home healthier,” said Mike Holmes, renowned and trusted contractor on HGTV and healthy home expert. “When you know you’re making a positive impact on your family’s health and safety, doing those jobs is easy.”

The Four C’s Holmes also recommends following the four “C’s” for a healthier honey-do list: 4 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

CHECK Exhaust Fans

Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans play an important role in reducing moisture in the home. Conduct a simple test by turning on the exhaust fan and placing a tissue up to the vent to check the strength of your vent fans. The fan should be strong enough to hold the tissue in place.

Fans not working properly are ineffective at controlling smoke and humidity, and allow fumes, moisture and pollutants to circulate and settle throughout the home.

Flue Pipes

Inspect flue pipes — also known as stove pipes, smoke pipes and chimney connectors — on a quarterly basis for cracks or holes. Cracks in the pipes allow fumes and gases like carbon monoxide to enter the home rather than be funneled outdoors. If the pipes are cracked or corroded, call a professional to inspect them and possibly replace the pipes, as it may be a sign of a larger problem.

CHANGE Air Filters

Use a Filtrete Ultra Allergen Reduction Filter to help clean the air in the home by removing airborne particles, such as mold spores, dust mite debris, bacteria and viruses from the air passing through the filter.

Remember to change it at least every three months or more frequently if you have pets, burn candles often or are doing home improvement projects. The American Lung Association says that, poor indoor air quality in the home can cause headaches, dry eyes, nasal congestion, nausea and fatigue.

Batteries

Test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors every month, and change the batteries at least twice a year. Don’t wait until the detectors are chirping, as that sound usually means the batteries are about to die and your family will no longer be protected. Remember, you can sometimes see smoke in the home but you can’t see or smell carbon monoxide.

CONTROL Moisture

Inspect your home using a moisture meter to locate hidden areas containing moisture that you can’t see with the naked eye. Mold thrives in areas of the home where moisture is present and can cause hay fevertype symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rashes, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Unwanted Guests

Install weatherstripping around doors to seal gaps and repair or replace damaged window frames to protect the home from rodents, insects and other unwanted guests. Rodents and cockroaches, for example, may trigger allergy symptoms and even asthma attacks in those that are sensitive to them, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The bonus is that by getting rid of gaps you will also improve the energy efficiency of your home.

CLEAN Roof Gutters

Regularly check gutters for leaves, pests and other excess debris and clean them out using a rake and hose at least twice a year. (Be careful not to push water underneath your shingles.) Neglected gutters may not drain properly and pose a risk of detaching and leaking water into the home. In addition to struc­tural damage, the leaks provide breeding grounds for mold to grow in areas like ceilings and basements.

Four Professional Tests Every Home Should Pass

Radon tests identify traces of radon in the home that may have entered from cracks in the floors and walls, water supply or pipes.

Carbon monoxide tests check for signs that the gas may have been emitted by fireplaces, wood, coal, gas stoves or heaters and not properly removed from the home.

Water tests assess the water quality in your home and determine if there are high levels of contaminants in your drinking water.

Visual septic dye tests inspect your septic tanks for signs of slowdrainage or back up.

Garage and Basement Clutter

Remove trash and clutter from around the home and be sure not to let it build up for more than a few days.

Unattended trash can be a breeding ground for pests and parasites that carry bacteria and viruses into the home.

For more tips and information on maintaining a safer and healthier home, visit www.Filtrete.com.

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MAKE OUTDOOR SPACE AN EXTENTION OF YOUR HOME

Bringing Indoor Comfort

OUTSIDE

T

he arrival of summer, along with its sunny skies and beautiful weather, beckons homeowners to create a space to entertain guests and enjoy the great outdoors. Design an outdoor living room that merges style and function, and incorporates elements of indoor comfort.

Whether entertaining for two or 10, the warmer weather provides an abundance of opportunities To lounge in peaceful, open-air surroundings.

New offerings in decor and design breathe indoor inspiration into your outdoor spaces, creating a beautiful extension of your home for all to enjoy.

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“It’s easier than ever to bring the comfort and style of your favorite indoor spaces into your porch, patio and other outdoor areas,” said Aimee Beatty, in-house stylist with Pier 1 Imports. “From comfy throw pillows to trendy rugs, colorful artwork and cheery curtains, new outdoor products boast durability and so much style that your patio will be the neighborhood’s go-to summer hot spot.”

Beatty shares some of her stylish secrets to make your outdoor space an elegant living space worth sharing.

Arrange away Treat your outdoor area as you would your living room. If space is limited, use sectionals to create seating in whatever arrangement fits best. If there is more room, add an investment piece, such as the Echo Beach Dining Table from Pier 1 Imports. This high-quality piece is made from handcrafted, all-weather synthetic rattan and offers plenty of space to arrange chairs just as you would in your dining room. Finish the look by layering your favorite accessories, such as handcrafted trays, detailed lanterns and a colorful floral arrangement to create a cheerful centerpiece that makes your guests feel welcome.

and more. A smart combination of accessories really transforms an outdoor space from simple to fabulous.

Tie it all together To let you in on a little secret — outdoor rugs tie everything together and really bring a space to life. Simply layer a rug, such as Pier 1 Imports’ chic Wavy Geo Rug, with a beautiful seating collection, colorful cushions and pillows, and you’ve got an outdoor area that makes everyone comfortable and happy.

Serve in style Al fresco entertaining always focuses on food, drinks and friends. A selfservice food station or bar enhances the casual tone, freeing guests to grab refreshments whenever they please. This also allows you, the host, to focus on the fun at hand. Look for serving and drink carts that maximize space, such as the Rania Serving Cart from Pier 1 Imports, which has three levels so there’s plenty of room to stash an ice bucket, drink dispenser, snacks, lawn games and more.

Embrace the bold Some might be afraid to create a statement outside because — it’s outside.

But an outdoor living space lends itself to adventures with color and pattern, providing the opportunity to be bold and to go beyond your comfort zone. When shopping for the outdoors, remember — anything goes.

Make it uniquely yours Mix and match with color and patterns, and personalize your space with accents such as outdoor artwork, planters, umbrellas

Be bright, all night The sun may still be shining when the guests arrive, but you’ll need something to light up the night and keep the party going all evening long. Create a delightful, welcoming atmosphere with a variety of outdoor lighting options, such as string lights, paper lanterns or floating LED candles placed around the patio.

Fashion an elegant glow with lanterns in various sizes, such as the Scroll Trim Lanterns from Pier 1 Imports.

So let the warmth of the season bring many memorable moments to your life and stylish elements into your outdoor spaces.

For more great decorating ideas, visit www.pier1.com.

Outdoor-Friendly Materials

Have you ever wondered how some products are suitable for the outdoors while others can only be kept inside? Various processes and materials give outdoor furni­ture and decor durability and weather-resistant appeal.

Synthetic Fibers

Ever think about all the abuse from the elements outdoor pillows, seat cushions and umbrellas suffer? Between the sun, rain and everything in-between, fabrics made for outdoor use are designed to withstand the elements, keep­ing your newly designed patio fresh for all the parties to come.

Synthetic fibers used in these fabrics are designed to bead water, resist stains and maintain their color.

With this in mind, you can lengthen the lifespan of such materials by covering them when not in use and avoiding prolonged exposure to rain or sun.

Acrylics and Melamine

Outdoor drinkware and dinnerware made of acrylic and melamine provide much of the same great style as their glass counterparts with­out the breakability. A nice set of acrylic drinkware and melamine dinnerware, such as Summer Quench Turquoise Goblets and Trellis Dinnerware, both from Pier 1 Imports, will keep your outdoor soiree safe and fun throughout the evening.

Synthetic Rattan and Wicker

Wicker may be the traditional material for outdoor furni­ture, but this new generation of synthetic wickers and rattans is not your grand­mother’s porch furniture. All-weather chairs, tables and more are woven of synthetic rattan or wicker over durable, rust-resistant frames, making them durable and easy to clean.

This approach offers the flexibility to incorporate a woven look into furniture of all styles — from traditional to global, modern to whimsical — without sacrificing durability and longevity.

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

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W

hether you’re gathering the neighborhood kids for a backyard celebration or going on a weekend hike with family, you can make fueling up for the fun easy with snacks the whole family can enjoy.

Everyone loves popcorn, and this tasty treat is easy to incorporate into a wide range of nibbles perfect for summer. Popcorn’s wholesome taste makes it an excellent partner to ingredients that tease your taste buds with flavors that are sweet, salty or even zesty.

Creating a delicious trail mix to carry on an adventurous hike is a cinch when you combine fresh popcorn with your favorite sweet dried fruits and lightly salted nuts. Or, if you’re staying closer to home, use popcorn treats as a more nutri­tious alternative to traditional party desserts.

Each of these recipes features freshly popped popcorn paired with common ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults for summery snacks that are big on both flavor and fun.

Chili Lime Popcorn Snack Mix

Yield: 1 quart

1 quart popped popcorn 1 teaspoon brewer’s yeast powder 1 teaspoon lime juice 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon salt Preheat oven to 300°F. Spread popcorn on baking sheet. Sprinkle yeast powder, lime juice, chili powder and salt over popcorn.

Heat about seven minutes and toss just before serving. Serve warm.

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Sweet N Salty Popcorn Pretzel Sticks

Yield: 6 sticks

6 tablespoons peanut butter 6 large pretzel rods 3 cups popped popcorn Sugar sprinkles 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips t(optional) Spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter over each pretzel, leaving a two-inch “handle” without peanut butter.

Press and roll popcorn onto peanut butter to coat. Sprinkle with sugar sprinkles.

For optional chocolate drizzle, place chocolate chips in small sealable plastic bag and seal.

Popcorn S’mores

Yield: 20 pieces

1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine 1/2 cup corn syrup 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 10 cups freshly popped popcorn

1 package (10 1/2 ounces) miniature marshmallows

2 cups mini graham cookies (teddy bears)

1 cup chocolate chips Combine brown sugar, butter and corn syrup in medium sauce­pan. Cook over high heat for five minutes; remove from heat and stir in baking soda.

Combine popcorn and marshmallows in large bowl. Pour sugar mixture over popcorn to coat.

Gently stir in graham cookies and chocolate chips.

Spread mixture evenly into greased 15-by-10-inch pan. Let cool completely, then break into pieces. Store in airtight container.

Microwave 30 seconds or until chocolate is melted. Clip small corner from bag and squeeze to drizzle chocolate over popcorn.

Sprinkle with additional sugar sprinkles. Allow chocolate to harden before serving.

Cut into 12 bars.

Dip bottoms of bars into melted chocolate. Place on wax paper-lined pan. Store in tight covered container in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Blueberry and Pomegranate Power Bars

Yield: 5 cups

1 quart popped popcorn (air popped)

6 ounces diced, dried fruit (apricots, apples, etc.)

8 ounces raisins Place freshly popped popcorn in large bowl. Add diced fruit and raisins. Toss popcorn and fruit until combined thoroughly.

Note: Add whatever fixings your family enjoys: dried fruits, seeds, nuts, etc.

Yield: 12 bars

8 cups popped popcorn 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 1 cup dried blueberries 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds 1/2 cup toasted and coarsely chopped whole natural almonds 2/3 cup honey 2/3 cup light brown sugar 2 tablespoons butter or margarine 6 ounces melted bittersweet chocolate Line 13-by-9-inch pan with foil; spray with cooking spray.

Combine popcorn, oats, blueberries, pomegranate seeds and almonds in large bowl.

Combine honey, brown sugar and butter in small saucepan. Cook over low heat to boiling; boil two minutes.

Pour over popcorn mixture and mix thoroughly.

Using damp hands, press mixture firmly into prepared pan. Refrigerate until firm, about two hours.

Popcorn Trail Mix

For more creative recipes that give some pop to your summer, visit www.popcorn.org.

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Make Summer

Invite their buddies along so you can have a whole team, or just practice catching, pitching or batting with a couple of players.

Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, drinking water, hats, baseball gear and a cooler packed with delicious treats, such as Bomb Pops, the official sponsor of Little League Baseball and Softball.

Make it memorable by creating your own cheer section. Some kids may be too young to play, but they can still participate as cheerleaders for their brothers or sisters. Make sure your squad is complete with handmade cheer signs and pompoms for them to wave about proudly.

Create a Family Masterpiece

SENSATIONAL Kid-approved activities

The summer fun experts at Bomb Pop serve up these awesome, fresh ideas to bring loads of memorable moments to your family all season long.

Go on a Park Crawl

Research all of the parks in your town and visit each one. Your kids will love pointing out their favorite attractions at each location. When the activity is over, have each child pick their favorite park so you can visit regularly.

Be sure to load up on sunscreen, drinking water and bug spray.

Also, make sure you have a map or smartphone handy to help you navigate to the next park.

Make it memorable by taking a picture at each stop. Those treasured moments can be printed and pieced together into a summer scrapbook they’ll cherish for years.

Make a Splash

Backyard water games are synonymous with smiles. Enjoy the classic warm weather activities of water balloon fights, squirt gun wars, playing on a slip and slide and, as always, swimming in an outdoor pool. Younger kids will love ice excavating, too. Simply freeze plastic toys in a large bowl and let them chip away at the ice.

Be sure to have everyone wearing swimsuits and plenty of sunscreen.

Backyard fun also means your freezer is just a few steps away, so stock it with cool treats, such as the six fins of 12 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

fun in Bomb Pops frozen treats. Your kids will love the waves of flavor in the Original Bomb Pop, or the new Watermelon flavor.

Make it memorable by making a game of your water activities. Whether it’s a water balloon toss or squirt gun tag, kids will be more involved when you throw in some friendly competition.

Be sure to have a lot of summer-themed prizes, such as cool beach towels, sun­ glasses or splash balls.

Catch a Cool Movie by Car

Relive the nostalgia and simplicity of seeing a movie at a drive-in theater.

Your kids will love the experience of catching a movie under the stars, and because many allow you to pack your own summertime snacks and beverages, you’ll love the savings. Your family can view a movie that’s just to their liking, with many venues offering blockbuster hits, while some even bring back the big screen classics from your own youth.

Be sure to bring plenty of lawn chairs, pillows, blankets and bug repellent for the whole gang.

Make it memorable with each family member dressed in their favorite 50s or 60s drive-in attire, or in a costume that represents the movie.

Score a Home Run

A visit to the local baseball field is a wonderful way to teach your little ones about America’s favorite pastime, while also encouraging an active lifestyle.

Get crafty with the kids and let them create their own giant mural — on a bed sheet. Simply lay an old one out on the lawn and let the kids paint away.

They will love to proudly hang up their creation in the basement rec room or any other place where they play.

Be sure to supply kid-safe paints, brushes, sponges and other items around the home for tracing shapes and designs. Also, make sure everyone lathers on plenty of sunscreen so they don’t get burned while making their art.

Make it memorable and encourage your kids to tell a summer story through their artwork. Allow them to draw inspiration from a recent trip to the lake, the mountains or a family reunion.

With a few kid-friendly ideas, you can create memories that will last a lifetime.

For other fun ways to enjoy summer, visit www.BombPop.com.

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With Family Pool Fun Warmer weather brings leisurely days spent poolside with friends and family. As you get ready to dive in to another season of fun in the sun, remember that safety comes first.

With more than 10 million residential pools across America, the opportunities for water recreation right at home are plentiful. But so, too, are the chances of water-related mishaps.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States. Children are particularly at risk; one in five drowning victims is age 14 or younger. However, dedicating appropriate attention to your family pool’s maintenance and ensuring you have created an environment of safety will let you enjoy swimming and splashing with greater peace of mind.

“Pools are a great source of enjoyment for families, and with proper supervision and care, the entire family can confidently dive in to hours of fun,” said Joe DeFuria, Brand Manager of BioGuard.

“Taking time early in the season to brush up on this important information will help keep everyone safe all summer long.”

The CDC cites “lack of swimming ability, lack of barriers to 14 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

prevent unsuper­vised water access, lack of close supervision while swimming” as some of the leading risks associated with drowning. Preventive efforts such as learning to swim (or teaching swimming skills), ensuring at least one person with CPR training is present when the pool is in use and having proper safety devices (e.g., life vests and preservers) readily accessible help reduce injuries and accidents.

Put these measures in place so you can enjoy the fun at hand, without the worry:

1. Designate a “lifeguard.” Always pick at least one responsible adult to monitor children at all times.

2. Know CPR: Before investing in a pool, be sure to take a CPR class. The faster CPR can be admin­istered to a person in distress, the stronger the long-term outcome.

3. Keep your water clean: Pool safety also includes keeping the water clean and sanitary for your family. Invest in the proper tools, such as the pool care systems from BioGuard, to keep your waters crystal clear.

4. Enroll kids in swimming lessons: Teach the skill

of swimming to children at a young age. Enroll kids in classes to learn the basics and avoid accidents.

5. Teach the parts of a pool: Show children where to locate the drains, pipes and other pool openings.

Explain the importance of avoiding these areas while swimming as they can cause harm.

6. Keep an eye in the sky: Storms can strike at any time in the summer. Be aware of the current weather and the day’s forecast before you jump in for a swim.

7. Don’t rely on toys: Swimming noodles, inner-tubes and other inflatable pool toys do not take the place of a life jacket.

8. Keep a phone close: Always keep a cell phone or portable phone with you while supervising kids in the pool.

9. Keep your pool tidy: Keeping your pool toys and other clutter picked up after use will not only help prevent trip-and-fall accidents, it will also be less tempting for unwanted pool guests to engage in unsafe activities on your property.

10. Fence it up: Keep uninvited guests and potential accidents away from your pool property by install­ing a four-foot or taller fence along with a self-closing, self-latching gate.

Pool Care Doesn’t Get a Vacation If a getaway is on your agenda this summer, plan ahead to ensure your pool is as pristine and inviting when you return as the day you leave.

Work with a local pool care professional to create a vacation maintenance plan that matches your pool’s specific needs and takes into account how long you’ll be away.

Before you leave, clean the pool thoroughly, brushing and vacuuming walls and floors.

Test the water and correct any imbalances. Set the timer or enlist the help of a trusted friend or neighbor to ensure the pump runs a minimum of eight hours each day while you’re gone.

Upon returning home, have a professional water analysis performed to ensure that your pool is properly balanced and ready for swimming.

Pool Maintenance Essentials

Pool owners understand the importance of keeping it clean all season long. The experts at BioGuard provide these tips to keep your pool looking its best for family and guests: Make waves. Constant water movement helps prevent bacteria and algae from growing and ensures that the pool sanitizer is evenly distributed throughout the entire pool. Circulating pool water during the day for at least 12 hours also helps the filter catch debris.

Check that filter. Backwash filters periodically and chemically clean filters a minimum of twice a season.

Scrub-a-dub. Brush and vacuum pool walls once a week, even if you use an automatic pool cleaner, or hire a service.

Test the waters. Every pool needs to be tested for the correct pH and sanitizer levels every week. Have a thorough water analysis performed by a professional every month.

Keep that water treatment going.

The right water treatment plan will both maintain pool equipment and keep the water inviting. For instance, the SilkGuard Technology in BioGuard’s Silk sanitizer line makes pool water feel soft and smooth on skin while also preventing corrosion and protecting equipment.

For additional pool care tips and to find a local BioGuard dealer, visit www.bioguard.com.

Saltwater Pools Are Making Waves

Did you know saltwater pools are the hottest trend in new pool construction? According to an article from Pool and Spa News, today there are about 1.35 million saltwater pools in the United States.

What’s the difference between chlorine and salt­water? While both pool types clean the water with chlorine, saltwater pools also require a salt generator cell and a stabilizer to keep waters properly sanitized.

Why do customers choose saltwater over chlorine pools?

Some feel saltwater is less harsh on the skin and eyes than traditional chlorine pools.

However, saltwater pools require additional maintenance to avoid corro­sion and to ensure chemical levels are in balance.

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BUDGET FRIENDLY

Travel Tips

W

ith a winter that never seems to end, families are aching to enjoy some fun in the sun, turning their attention to a welldeserved getaway.

According to a recent Bank of America survey, 46 percent of Americans plan on hitting the road and organizing family-friendly vacations this year. But nearly half of these survey respondents, 48 per­cent, said the most difficult part of planning a trip is managing a budget.

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Fun, Affordable Vacations

Travel Channel host Samantha Brown has trekked the globe and is an ace at keeping costs low while maximizing adventure.

She shares a few budget saving tips for the millions of Americans looking to take a family vacation and ensure lasting memories.

“When you start researching vacation destinations, it’s important to keep in mind that a good rewards card can help to offset travel costs,” Brown said. “I find that using credit cards like the BankAmericard Travel Rewards credit card gives you great flexibility in how to use your points to cover travel expenses ... more than just for flights. You can book your travel whenever, however you choose so there are no restrictions or blackouts.”

Using a rewards card and following these helpful travel tricks will guarantee an unforgettable family vacation that won’t break the budget.

Destination, Destination, Destination

The majority of survey respondents said they are headed towards easy to access, family-friendly destinations like beaches, theme parks and zoos. They also said they are careful to steer clear of popular college party destinations. Sixty three percent of respondents said car trips are the preferred mode of travel because they are easier on the budget and also ensure that the vacation will be an adventure. Road trips are also ideal because travel schedules are more flexible; you can stay an extra night in a location, or if the weather is nice, consider camping or visiting public parks which are often more affordable. And don’t forget travel journals for each family member so they track the vacation and save memories.

Save on Lodging, Park Admission Fees

Families are increasingly looking for ways to stretch the dollar, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that 36 percent of men and 47 percent of women agreed that costs are extremely important when planning a vacation. Half of the survey respondents agreed that hotels and lodging generally eat up most of the budget. Search for ways to save a bit of money in other places by being flexible with your dates or traveling to locations that are off the beaten path. You can also use rewards points you’ve already accumulated towards lodging or airfare expenses.

Some travel rewards credit cards let you use your points to “pay yourself back” for any type of travel purchase such as flights, hotels, vacation packages, cruises, rental cars or baggage fees through a statement credit. You can even use your points to pay for theme park tickets and camp sites.

Plan Out Your Activities

One of the best parts about a family vacation is getting the whole family involved in the travel planning process. Hold a family meeting about a month before your trip and have each member choose and plan an activity so everyone is invested in the family vacation. This will take all the responsibility off the parents’ shoulders and make travel easier. Challenge the family to plan activities that are unique to the area — those you wouldn’t be able to do in your hometown like surfing, mountain hiking or stargazing. These types of new and unique activities will create lasting memories and strengthen the bonds of family — which is what family vacations are all about.

It’s also fun to choose activities that allow your children to see you acting like a kid. For example, go-cart racing, trampoline parks or eating ice cream sundaes for dinner are great ways for kids to see their parents lighten up and have a great time.

Have a Backup Plan

Whenever you travel, you’re likely to experience missed connections, wrong turns, long lines or unexpected closings.

One thing you can do to prepare for the unexpected is to create a plan A and plan B for your entire trip. Start two weeks in advance of your departure date by brainstorming with the whole family all of the possible routes, attractions, restaurants and hotels that you’d like to incorporate into your trip. Throughout the next two weeks, narrow down the list and create two plans for going to your destination and heading back home. In the event you run into any issues, you won’t have to waste time figuring out another option. Also, it’s always important to remember that your children may copy the way you react during a stressful situation. Travel is an ideal time to teach your kids coping skills and how to make the best of it.

Pay with Your Card

Most families (77 percent) pay for purchases during vacations with credit cards. This not only minimizes the amount of cash or travelers checks you should carry, but it allows you to offset costs. Since most places accept credit cards, think about using a rewards card for big ticket expenses like gas, theme park admission and hotels. If you use a rewards credit card for those purchases, it frees up cash for smaller expenses and also accumulates points that you can use on your next vaca­ tion. Look for a card like the BankAmericard Travel Rewards card where you can earn 1.5 points for every dollar spent on purchases, every time. Then these points can be used to get a statement credit to cover your flights, hotels, vacation pack­ages, cruises, rental cars or baggage fees. For more information, visit www.bankofamerica.com/creditcard.

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SAINT LOUIS

HAPPENINGS JUNE 2014

of Ludwig and Salome Mertz, a dye and insect repellent garden, German vegetable garden, smokehouse, outhouse and woodshed and the Davis House, which originally was a two story log cabin with its detached washhouse and smokehouse. Guides in period dress will be available to answer questions about the structures, as well as the heritage gardens. Varying number of buildings may be open due to staffing. 1:00 p.m.

- 5:00 p.m.

Prairie Farms Summer Zoo Weekends

Vintage Bliss Market

Through September 1

June 21-22

Flicks and Foodies: Free Outdoor Movie Series at the Gateway Arch

Tarzan ®

St. Louis Zoo - Forest Park www.stlzoo.org Friday through Sunday, the Zoo is open extended hours from 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Hours also apply on Independence Day weekend, July 3-6, and Labor Day, September 1. Weekday summer hours are 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily.

June 21

Gateway Arch Grounds www.gatewayarch.com Gather your family and friends and head downtown for this FREE outdoor classic movie night under the Gateway Arch! First, enjoy live music from Letter to Memphis from 7-9pm while you grab a bite to eat from food trucks from 7-10pm. Then at sunset, take in a classic film under the stars on the big screen from 9-11pm! The movie showing on June 21 is Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Faust Historic Village Open House June 21-22, June 28-29

Faust Park Historic Village www.stlouisco.com/parks/faust Experience St. Louis County as it was a century ago.

Tour the 1850s Conway House, home of Dr. Frederick and Lavinia Bates and its period herb garden and outdoor kitchen. Also tour the circa 1848 log cabin 18 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Westport Plaza www.westportstl.com A fun, one-of-a-kind shopping event at Westport Plaza Outdoor Village featuring more than 100 hand-picked vendors offering antiques, handmade items and vintage goods. Enjoy great food, drinks, giveaways and live music.

June 25-July 2

The Muny at Forest Park www.muny.org The Muny is America’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre. Featuring music and lyrics by Phil Collins, the award-winning TarzanI® is based on the smash-hit Disney film. Making its Muny premiere, the story follows an infant boy, orphaned and left alone to be raised by a tribe of apes. As an adult, Tarzan’s two worlds collide when the sudden arrival of humans, forces him to choose between a “civilized” life with the beautiful Jane and the life he knows and loves. All performances begin promptly at 8:15 p.m.

Creve Coeur Days June 26-29

DeSmet Jesuit High School www.crevecoeurdays.com This four-day festival offers a carnival midway, musical entertainment and a parade.

Celebrating Independence Day! O’Fallon Heritage & Freedom Fest

Riverfest 2014

Ozzie Smith Sports Complex www.heritageandfreedomfest.com This festival features country artists and rock bands, a carnival & midway, activities for children, crafters, food, and a parade on July 4 at 9:30 a.m. starting from the corner of Main and Third Streets, north on Main Street to Tom Ginnever Avenue turning east and ending at T.R. Hughes Boulevard. Two fireworks displays will be held on July 3 at 10:15 p.m. and on July 4 at 9:30 p.m.

Historic Laclede’s Landing Entertainment District lacledeslanding.com Celebrate Independence Day on Laclede’s Landing with St. Louis’ best bands and a variety of food and fun along the cobblestone roads. 1:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

July 2-4

34th Annual Fair Saint Louis July 3-5

Art Hill in Forest Park fairsaintlouis.org This Independence Day Celebration offers local and national entertainment; the Ameren/Purina Family Festival Zone; and spectacular, custom fireworks shows each night, sponsored by Enterprise Rent-ACar and Edward Jones. Performing will be Thompson Square and The Band Perry on July 3; Ozark Mountain Daredevils, Mary Lambert, Gavin DeGraw, Matt Nathanson, and Bonnie Raitt on July 4; and En Vogue, Musiq Soulchild, Capital Cities, The Neighbourhood and The Fray on July 5. The Fair opens at 5:00 p.m. on July 3 and at noon on July 4 and 5.

Riverfest 2014 July 3-5

Frontier Park www.historicstcharles.com This celebration along the banks of the Missouri River in Frontier Park in St. Charles, Missouri features live music, a carnival, and food & craft vendors all three days, a parade at 10:00 a.m. on July 4 and a fireworks display on July 4 and 5 at 9:20 p.m.

July 3-4

Veiled Prophet Parade July 4

Forest Park www.veiledprophet.org This annual parade is one of St. Louis’ most enduring family traditions. The parade steps off at 10:00 a.m. at the Muny on Theatre Drive in Forest Park and ends at Probstein Golf Center. Giant helium balloons, elaborate custom-built floats, a spirited competition among marching bands and more than 100 units will be featured. Following the parade is the Fair Saint Louis celebration on Art Hill in Forest Park.

City of Chesterfield’s 9th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration July 4

Chesterfield Mall www.chesterfield,mo.us Events include a free concert by Vote for Pedro on the Jim Butler Kia Main Stage from 7:00 p.m.-9:15 p.m., food trucks and food vendors, a Kids’ Zone sponsored

by Commerce Bank featuring clowns, a stilt walker, and inflatables for kids of all ages. The fireworks display will take place at 9:30 p.m.

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