O'Fallon Lifestyle Magazine - December 2018

EXCLUSIVE: O'FALLON LIGHT THE CHRISTMAS TREE ROUNDUP

O'FALLON LIFESTYLE

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Inexpensive 5 Easy Home Family Improvement Staycations Projects this month!

EASY Y A D I L O H S T R E S DES ! ! !

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Christmas Decorating Hacks for a Less Stressful Holiday!

Issue No. 3 / December 2018

O'FALLON LIGHT THE CHRISTMAS TREE ROUNDUP

Mayor Bill Hennessy invited the town to the O’Fallon City Hall for a wonderful event to start the holiday season with the annual lighting of the Christmas Tree. There was even a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

13 Easy Inexpensive Family Staycation ideas over Winter Break When the kids are out of school it can be a challenge to find things to do in order to avoid the “I’m bored” syndrome.

When the kids are out of school it can be a challenge to find things to do in order to avoid the “I’m bored” syndrome. Oftentimes we don’t want to fill our children with just television or junk food. Here are a few great ideas for inexpensive and fun ideas to fill the time with your kids.

O'FALLON LIFESTYLE

13 Easy Inexpensive Family Staycation ideas over Winter Break 1. Go to the Zoo A winter trip to the zoo can be a completely different experience than a summer zoo excursion. For one thing, zoos are much less crowded during the colder months, so you won't have to fight the crowds to get a good view of the animals.

Many zoos have indoor pavilions to explore. These buildings can be stifling hot during the summer, but are a welcome reprieve on a cold day. Although some of the outdoor exhibits may be closed in the winter, there are many animals that actually prefer cooler temperatures.

You are likely to catch them being much more active than they are on hot summer days.

2. Have a Movie Marathon While you probably don't want your kids glued to the TV for the whole school break, a planned afternoon or evening of movie watching can be fun. Choose a theme or a genre for your movie marathon, or just have everyone pick their favorite movie. Make some popcorn, grab a few other favorite movie treats and some cozy pillows and blankets, relax and enjoy!

3. Visit a Museum A trip to a museum is both educational and fun. Depending on the interests of your family, you could visit an art museum, museum of natural history, science center or any number of museums in your area.

4. Go Bowling 5-pin bowling is a fun family activity. For young children or beginner bowlers, many bowling alleys offer bumper bowling, where the gutters are covered so that the ball stays in the lane.

This allows the kids to focus on having fun instead of getting frustrated by having their bowling ball continuously roll into the gutter.

Some bowling alleys also offer glow-in-the-dark bowling, which kicks up the excitement level a notch.

5. Go to the Library If the weather outside is frightful, but you still want to get out of the house, the library can be a great destination. Kids can read books, look for movies to borrow or use the computers at the library, and you can find some new reading material as well. Many libraries offer special kids programs during school breaks, so be sure to check your local library's website for any programs your children may enjoy.

O'FALLON LIFESTYLE

13 Easy Inexpensive Family Staycation ideas over Winter Break 6. Make a Family Scrapbook If you have a digital camera or a smart phone, chances are you have hundreds, if not thousands, of photos on your computer that you have never printed off. It's a nice idea to get some of them printed and spend some time organizing them into photo albums or scrapbooks. You can work on this project with your children, or give them each a stack of photos of them with family and friends and have them make a memory scrapbook or album of their own.

7. Have a Craft Day If your children like to do crafts, this can easily keep them busy for hours. From painting or drawing to making jewelry or collages, the possibilities are almost endless. Provide them with an assortment of supplies, and see what their creative minds come up with.

8. Redecorate the Kids' Bedrooms If it's been awhile since your kids' bedrooms have been updated, they might appreciate the opportunity to give their room a bit of a makeover. Whether you repaint, rearrange the furniture, or purchase new bedding or a few new accessories, this can be a perfect project to undertake during the school break.

9. Play Indoor Mini-golf Indoor mini-putt is fun for kids of all ages. For the younger ones, keeping score is usually not necessary - nor often a good idea! You can also find glow-in-the-dark mini putt facilities, which is always a big hit with the kids.

10. Make a Snow Fort Building an igloo or snow fort is a fun project that can keep your kids busy for hours on a winter day. If they need a little help getting their creative building juices flowing, the book "How to Build Igloos and other Snow Shelters" is sure to inspire them.

Although not necessary, a snow brick mold can make building a snow fort much easier.

O'FALLON LIFESTYLE

13 Easy Inexpensive Family Staycation ideas over Winter Break 11. Bake Cookies There's nothing like the smell of cookies baking in the oven to put a smile on everyone's face, so gather the crew and get baking. If you're feeling ambitious, now's a great time to bake some extra cookies or muffins to stock your freezer up for school lunch treats and snacks.

12. Have a Dance Party Have the kids invite a few friends over and host a dance party. Either play some tunes on the stereo, or they can play one of those dance video games if you have one. Dancing is a great way to get some exercise and have fun at the same time. Don't be afraid to join in the fun you may want to warn your kids first though.

13. Do Some Volunteer Work Just because the kids are out of school doesn't mean their learning should come to a halt.

Teach them about compassion and helping others by volunteering together over the holiday.

Volunteering at a food bank is a popular choice for families looking for volunteer work they can do together, but there are likely lots of organizations in your neighborhood that could use a helping hand.

As you can see, you don't have to travel far to keep busy during your kids' winter break. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can all have lots of fun and the kids will be back at school before you know it!

O'FALLON LIFESTYLE

What does it look like when a community comes together with over 1,700 volunteers over 5 days? Absolute Magic. The Brass Rail Steakhouse in O’Fallon, MO did just that this past holiday weekend to accomplish a feat of feeding 9,948 people. The greatest part of the event was the community coming together to help, support, and work together. There were even a few bbq food trucks that came from all over the Midwest to help prepare the food.Â

THE BRASS RAIL STEAKHOUSE A

Blessing

to

be

Thankful

for!

CHRISTMAS DECORATING HACKS TO MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY LESS STRESSFUL

CHRISTMAS DECORATING HACKS TO MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY LESS STRESSFUL 1. Store your fragile ornaments in an egg carton rather than trying to shove them in a box.

2. You know those long aluminum foil boxes? They actually make perfect boxes for cookies. Decorate them to give them a festive flair.

3. Elf donuts are a super cute gag gift idea. All you need is some Cheerios and frosting.

4. Take two candy canes.

Glue them together. You now have a very easy and festive place card holder.

CHRISTMAS DECORATING HACKS TO MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY LESS STRESSFUL

5. Everyone loves fudge.

Everyone loves Christmas fudge even more. Use festive cookie cutters to create some holiday Christmas fudge.

6. Rice Krispie treats are a great treat all year round.

For a festive holiday treat, you can add green food coloring. Cut them into the shape of trees and you now have a fun holiday treat.

7. When you want to make your wrapping jobs look professional, use double sided tape. Your friends and family will think you paid someone to do it.

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O'FALLON COMMUNITY EVENTS

STOp by & visit santa's workshop saturday, december 15 krekel civic center 9:00am - 9:45am 10:15 - 11:00am visit government website to register.

celebration of lights

DECEMBER 10 & 11 STARTING AT 6PM TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH GOVERNMENT WEBSITE.

December 8 from 11am - 12:30am o'fallon municipal centre visit ofallonlifestyle.com for more information

DECEMBER 2018 | ISSUE 03

PIZZA WITH SANTA

EASY HOLIDAY APPETIZERS EVERYONE WILL LOVE!

01: PIZZA DIP Ingredients: 1 cup ricotta cheese 1 cup sour cream 1 cup shredded mozzarellaparmesan cheese blend 1 envelope knorr’s garlic and her sauce mix 3 ½ ounces sliced pepperoni, diced Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Transfer to an oven-proof baking dish.

3. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

02: PARTY MEATBALLS Ingredients: 4 lbs frozen mini meatballs 18 ounces barbecue sauce 12 ounces jelly 1 20 ounce can pineapple tidbits, drained Directions: 1. Put meatballs into crockpot and cover with barbecue sauce and jelly.

2. Cook on high for 1-2 hours 3. Stir meatballs and top with drained pineapple. Cook on low for 4-6 hours longer before serving.Â

03: LOADED BABY POTATOES Ingredients: 15 small red potatoes (about 1 and ½ lbs) 5 to 6 slices of applewood smoked bacon 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces) 1/3 cup of sour cream 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives Directions: 1. Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. 2. Pierce the potatoes all over with a fork or the tip of a sharp knife. Place the potatoes directly on the center oven rack and bake until the skins are crispy and a knife easily slides into the potatoes, about 40 minutes.

3. While the potatoes are cooking, put the bacon slices on a wire rack on a baking sheet and cook until crispy, 30 to 35 minutes.

4. Set the oven to broil. Slice each potato in half lengthwise and use a melon baller or small spoon to scoop out the inside flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch rim intact.

5. Arrange the potato halves skin-side down on a baking sheet. Brush the exposed insides of the potatoes with the melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Flip the potatoes and brush with the remaining butter, then flip them back over. Fill each potato with some of the Cheddar and a pinch or 2 of the bacon. Cook until the cheese is bubbly and melted, about 2 minutes.

6. Top each potato with 1/2 teaspoon of sour cream and a sprinkling of chives.

Serve immediately.

04: PULL-APART CHRISTMAS TREE Ingredients: 1 lb. refrigerated pizza dough Egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tbsp water) 7 mozzarella sticks 1/4 c. melted butter 1/2 c. finely grated Parmesan 1 tbsp. Thinly sliced basil 1 tbsp. chopped parsley 1 tbsp. chopped rosemary Marinara, warmed (for serving) Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 450°. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cut mozzarella sticks into 1” pieces and set aside.

2. On a floured surface, divide pizza dough into two pieces. Stretch and roll each piece of dough into a long rectangle, then cut dough into 2” squares (you’ll need 33 total).

3. Wrap a dough square around each piece of mozzarella, forming a tightly sealed ball. Place balls seam-side down on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree (they should be touching). Brush egg wash on dough balls and bake until golden, 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, whisk together melted butter, Parmesan and herbs. Brush on baked pizza balls. Serve warm with marinara for dipping.

EASY HOLIDAY DESSERTS

Easy Peanut Butter Blossoms

Ingredients: 1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker peanut butter cookie mix 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 tablespoo water 1 egg 2 tablespoons of sugar 36 Hershey’s Kisses Brand milk chocolates, unwrapped (might want to get 40 in case you eat a few) Directions: 1. Heat oven to 375°F. In medium bowl, stir cookie mix, oil, water and egg until dough forms.

2. Shape dough into 36 (1-inch) balls; roll in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Immediately press 1 milk chocolate candy in center of each cookie. Remove from cookie sheets. Cool completely, about 20 minutes.

Store cookies in tightly covered container.

Snickerdoodle Cookie Truffles

Ingredients: 1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker snickerdoodle cookie mix Butter, water, and egg called for on Cookie mix pouch 4 oz cream cheese, softened 14 oz vanilla-flavored candy coating (almond bark) Directions: 1. Heat oven to 375°F. Set aside 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar mixture from packet. Make drop cookies as directed on pouch. Cool completely, at least 15 minutes.

2. In food processor, process half of the cookies to fine crumbs. Remove and set aside; continue to process remaining cookies to fine crumbs. Mix all of cookie crumb mixture in food processor. Add cream cheese. Process until well combined and mixture can be pressed into a ball, 1 to 2 minutes. Shape cookie mixture into 42 (1 1/4-inch) balls; place on cookie sheet lined with waxed paper. Refrigerate 15 minutes.

3. In medium bowl, microwave candy coating uncovered on High 60 to 90 seconds or until it can be stirred smooth.

4. Remove half of the cookie balls from refrigerator. Using 2 forks, dip and roll chilled cookie balls, one at a time, in coating. Return to lined cookie sheet; immediately sprinkle top with reserved cinnamon sugar. If coating has cooled too much, reheat. Repeat with second half of cookie balls. Store covered in refrigerator.

Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

Ingredients: 1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker chocolate chip cookie mix Butter and egg called for on cookie mix pouch 1 cup Hershey’s premier white baking chips 1 cup Hershey’s semi-sweet or special dark chocolate chips Assorted candy sprinkles or hard candies crushed Directions: 1. Make Cookies as directed on pouch; cool completely.

2. In Small microwavable bowl, microwave white baking chips uncovered on medium for 60 to 90 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, until chips can be stirred smoothly. Take half of the cookies, and carefully dip each cookie halfway into melted chips; wipe off excess. Place on cooking parchment paper-lined tray and sprinkle with desired decorations.

3. Repeat melting and dipping steps with semi-sweet or Special Dark™ chocolate chips and remaining cookies. Let stand until coating is firm, 1 to 2 hours.

Mint Thumbprint Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Ingredients: 1 pouch (1 lb 5 oz) Betty Crocker double chocolate chunk cookie mix. Ÿ cup vegetable oil 2 tablespoons water 1 egg 1 package (4.67 oz) Andes crème de menthe thins Directions: 1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. In medium bowl, stir cookie mix, oil, water, and egg until soft dough forms. If Dough is too stiff, stir in addition 1 to 2 teaspoons of water.

2. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Using thumb or handle of wooden spoon, make indentation in center of each cookie.

3. Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until edges are set, remove from oven.

4. Unwrap candy pieces and place on center of each cookie. Bake an additional 1 to 2 minutes, or until candy is slightly melted. Let cool 1 minute before removing from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.

Sugar Cookie M&M's™ Bars

Ingredients: 1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) betty crocker sugar cookie mix ½ cup butter, softened 1 egg 1 cup M&M’s chocolate candies 1 cup white vanilla baking chips Directions: 1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray 2. In large bowl, mix cookie mix, butter and egg with spoon until soft dough forms. Stir in 1/2 cup of the candies and the white vanilla baking chips. Press dough in bottom of pan. Sprinkle remaining candies over top.

3. Bake 22 to 24 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely on cooling rack, about 1 hour. Cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Store in airtight container.

FIVE EASY HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS & UPRADES FOR THE WINTER Here are some easy winter projects you might want to tackle before spring hits.

FIVE EASY HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS & UPGRADES FOR THE WINTER

If you’re like most people, you’ve been spending a lot of time indoors lately. Unfortunately, there are several more months of winter to get through before we start seeing signs of spring.

Before you throw your hands up in despair, why not break the monotony by working on your house? After all, you’re stuck inside anyway, and you’re probably searching for something to do that doesn’t involve watching endless reruns of Gleewhile eating any carb that will stand still. Plus, some home improvement projects will increase your property value, save money on your utility bills, and potentially prevent larger, more expensive issues from developing.

1. Repaint You’ve been staring at your neutral colored walls every day for months. Want to brighten your mood? Try repainting! Go with a bright, cheery color to liven things up. Make sure you crack open the windows to let in fresh air while you’re painting. Or, consider going with an eco-friendly, low-VOC paint so you don’t have to worry about breathing in toxic fumes.

2. Work on Your Floors Is your carpet threadbare? Are your hardwood floors freezing your feet? Putting in carpet is a great winter project because it can increase the comfort of your home dramatically. Whether you do it yourself or have it installed, remember: the off-gassing from new carpet is tremendous. Make sure you open windows to allow those toxic fumes to escape. You can also ask your carpet retailer to air out the carpet several days before they install it in your home.

If you don’t like carpeting, there are plenty of other home flooring ideas such as tile and laminate that you could also consider.

3. Declutter When Spring gets here, you’re not going to want to spend your time sifting through those piles of junk in your basement. You’ll want to be outside, enjoying the fresh air.Winter is a great time to work on getting organized (which is why January is “Get Organized Month”). So, devote time every week to decluttering in general and organizing what you decide to keep.

Tip: Don’t try to tackle the entire house at once. Do this and you’ll find yourself with a broken spirit, huddled on the couch looking for the remote. Start small, and go slow. Focus on one shelf, or one corner, and work until you’ve got that space looking exactly how you want. This way you’ll be able to see the progress you’re making.

FIVE EASY HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS & UPGRADES FOR THE WINTER

If you’re like most people, you’ve been spending a lot of time indoors lately. Unfortunately, there are several more months of winter to get through before we start seeing signs of spring.

Before you throw your hands up in despair, why not break the monotony by working on your house? After all, you’re stuck inside anyway, and you’re probably searching for something to do that doesn’t involve watching endless reruns of Gleewhile eating any carb that will stand still. Plus, some home improvement projects will increase your property value, save money on your utility bills, and potentially prevent larger, more expensive issues from developing.

4. Look at Your Bathroom Is your grout gunky with unsightly mildew? Is your sink hopelessly outdated? Are you over the pale green paint you put on the walls three years ago? Bathrooms make great winter projects because once they’re done, you can appreciate your handiwork every single day. And, there are plenty of ways to frugally remodel your bathroom. Updates like replacing a faucet, re-grouting tile, or repainting are relatively easy for the do-ityourselfer. But if you get more ambitious (like, you want to replace the tile floor or buy a new toilet) you might want to call in professional help. Your sanity will thank you.

5. Add Insulation Okay, so adding insulation doesn’t exactly make your heart pound with excitement. But it will lower your utility bills, and help make your home more comfortable and eco-friendly.Crawl up into your attic. If you can see the floor joists, then you need more insulation. Since heat rises, you could save quite a bit by adding another layer of insulation up there.

It’s easy to get cabin fever this time of year. We’re all going through it. But working on home projects is a great way to keep yourself active, add value to your home, and beautify or improve your living space. It’s a win-win!

Call Craig Calhoun 636-696-6641

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Construction Compass LLC Phone: 636-346-4335 Locally-owned family company focusing on exteriors, kitchen/bath remodels, & flooring.

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