Town & Style 11.16.22

ATTRACTIONS/ ENTERTAINMENT

Lemon Cherry Photography

The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum

Missouri Botanical Garden

Play Street Museum

Union StationSt. Louis Carousel St. Louis Mini Golf St. Louis Wheel

EATERIES

1818 Chophouse 1818 Offshore

The Art of Entertaining

Babbo’s Spaghetteria

Bartolino’s Osteria

Bartolino’s South Beach and Brew Howse

Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolatier

Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company

Crushed Red

Culver’s of Ellisville

Culver’s of Manchester

Cyrano’s Café

Deer Creek Coffee

Del Pietro’s

Espresso Yourself Coffee & Café

Fallon’s Bar and GrillEllisville

Favazza’s on the Hill

I Love Juice Bar - Rock Hill

Il Palato

Kirkwood Pop Co.

Loaded Elevated Nachos

Maggiano’s Little Italy

Maypop Coffee & Garden Shop

Narwhal’s Crafted

Nothing Bundt CakeFairview Heights

Nothing Bundt CakesSt. Peters

Nothing Bundt CakesTown & Country

The Pasta House Co.Ladue

Peel Wood Fired Pizza

Pickles Deli

Sisters Sandwich Shoppe

StackHouse Pub and Grill

Sugo’s Spaghetteria

Sweet Fee Bakeshop Treats

Trainwreck Saloon Trainwreck West

The Weingarten Zia’s on The Hill

RETAILERS & SERVICES

Abby Keough Custom Creations

Abigail’s Gift Boutique

Addi Lu’s

The Aesthetics Center at Parkcrest Plastic Surgery

Affton Lawn Equipment

All About Skin

The Alley Clothing Co.

Alpine Shop

Amelia’s Fine Linens

American Institute of Architects (AIA) St. Louis

Bookstore

Amini’s Galleria

Arch Apparel

Arco Lawn Equipment

Arhaus Furniture

Artmart

Attic Salt

AUDRA

B Ann’s Boutique

B. Davis Design

The Back Store

Baked T’s

The Bar MethodBrentwood

The Bar MethodTown & Country barre3 Des Peres

The Bedroom Store

Bella Chic Home & Gift

Bella Gente Salon and Boutique

Big River Running Company

The Bike Center

Birkenstock & More

Blown Away Blow Dry Bar

Blue Dahlia Designs

Boheme Boutique

Brick City Yoga

Brody’s Lamps & Accessories

Calihoo

Carol House Furniture

Cassie’s

Cat’s Meow Personalized Gifts

Caution: Elderly People

Celsius Cryotherapy

Checkered Cottage

Chesterfield Antique Mall & Marketplace

Chesterfield Jewelers

Christopher’s Home Accents

Circle of Knowledge Toys

City Sprouts

Clayton Jewelers

Clementines Boutique

Coach

The Container Store Crate & Barrel

Curio Press

Curse Breaker Apparel Company

Daffodilly daph.

David Kodner Personal Jewelers

Dominic Michael Salon Dotdotdash

HOLLAND INJURY LAW LLC

HOLLAND INJURY LAW LLC Tested. Trusted. Tenacious. 314.888.7888

Eileen Fisher Elephant Spirit

Erker’s Fine Eyewear

The Eye Bar

Eye Candy Boutique

Eye Roc Eyewear

Eyewearhaus Fabletics

The Flavored Pickle Bar

The Flower Petaler

Forest & Meadow Herbal Shop and Clinic

Forever Tennis

Forget Me Not Boutique

Front & Market Gifts

Garden District STL

Gearhead Outfitters

Genovese Jewelers

The Gifted Gardener

GIN & KIN

Gina Graphics

Glenn Betz Jewelers

Gold Bee

The Great Cover-Up

The Great Frame Up of Clayton

Happy Up Inc.

Heels Boutique

Identity Salon + Boutique

Imagination Toys

The Initial Design

IV Nutrition

Ivy Hill Boutique J. McLaughlin

J.A. Whitney Gift Boutique

JAC Designs

Jeans, Jackets & Jewels

JGDetail Stationery & Gifts

Joya

Ju Ju B’s

Junction Orthodontics

K. Hall Designs

K.Ferrara Color

Kalei Jewlz

Ken Miesner’s Flower Shoppe

Kendra Scott

Kimmswick Korner General Store

KIND Soap Company

Kirkwood Florist

Klutch Boutique

Koho Boutique

Ladue Pharmacy

Lalo Salon

Larita Fashion Lass & Laddie

Laurie Solet Laurie’s Shoes

Lavender Finch

Legacy Appraisals and Consignments

Leopard Boutique Lilly Pulitzer Little Lemon Candles Lusso

Lux and Nyx

Madewell

Mark Anthony’s Gifts & Spa

Marketplace at The Abbey

Marmi

Marta’s Boutique

Mary Tuttle’s Flowers Michelle’s

Mildred Dot

Millbrook Pharmacy

Mister Guy Men’s Store

Mister Guy Women’s Store

MOD ON TREND

Moonbeams

MOss Boutique

mud + rose

Mueller Furniture & Mattress

Muttley & Me

My Hygge Jacket

Namaste Yoga Studio

Never Enough Boutique

NewSpace Home Organization

Noorfit

The Normal Brand

Official Tea Times

Olive Tree Marketplace

Orangetheory FitnessChesterfield

Orangetheory FitnessLadue

Paisley Boutique

Paperdolls Boutique

Papillon Press

Peace by Piece Co.

Pleated Boutique

Pure Perfection Candles Racketman

Rawlings Sporting Goods

Relax The Back Roadside Runway Boutique

Roaming Druggist Shop

Rungolee

Rusted Chandelier

Saint Louis Succulents

Sallie Home

sammysoap Sasha Nicholas

Scrubs & Beyond

Series Six Company

The Service Bureau Fine Stationery & Gifts

Shana Watkins Photography

Shoemaker Books

Sign of the Arrow

Simply Chic Jewelry

Simply Unearthed

Sitting Lotus Gems

So

Stonewater Spa & Salon Story Seven Summit Rejuvenation Centers - Ladue Sweet Boutique Synergi Facial Surgery & MedSpa TERRA

There She Goes Boutique Three French Hens Thro’s

Tommy Bahama

Tommy’s Express Car Wash Tory Burch

Treats Unleashed tru candle studio

TruFusion STL TUMI

Tweet Dreamzz Sleep Consulting

Two Pink Elephants

Unique Boutique Design

Urban Candle Company

The Vault Luxury Resale

Vera Bradley vineyard vines

Vom Fass St. Louis

Walking Cradles Webster House Vintage Jewelry

What to Wear

The White Hare

The White Rabbit

White Stable Farms

Wild Birds UnlimitedChesterfield

Wilson Lighting

The Woman’s Exchange of St. Louis

Woodard Cleaning & Restoration

Woody’s Mens Shop

YLANG YLANG

ZIENA Boutique

Brigette and Tom McMillin

Amy and Eric Holland Charitable Fund

Dana and Tim Bacich Peggy and Kevin Lorenz Sarah and Jerry Dow

Glennon Kid Emily (right), with her big sister, Natalie

COVER DESIGN BY JULIE STREILER COVER PHOTO BY KELLY JOHNSTON, RELIC PHOTOGRAPHY

by stephanie wallace

angad arts hotel

In celebration of its fourth birthday, the hotel opened 12” x 12.” The exhibit features 159 works from 81 local artists—the largest gallery showing the hotel has featured since its opening in 2018. All artwork will be on display through April 2023.

st. luke’s hospital

The hospital welcomed newborn boys and ghouls at the maternity ward this Halloween. Families received special baby buntings created by volunteers and nurses.

mitchell wall architecture & design

The firm’s Cascade Mausoleum in Bellefontaine Cemetery was recognized by the 2022 Architecture Awards. The $5.3 million structure is the first mausoleum to be built in the cemetery in more than 70 years.

bank of america

The bank is celebrating the 175th anniversary of Boatmen’s Savings Institution. To mark the milestone, it partnered with the Saint Louis Art Museum to release a Masterpiece Moment video of The County Election by Missouri artist George Caleb Bingham, which can be viewed on YouTube.

THE FUTURE OF CAR SALES

t. Charles Hyundai is nearing construction completion on the St. Louis Metro’s first Hyundai Global Dealership Space Identity (GDSI) 2.0 design.

GDSI is the unified retail design concept developed for Hyundai showrooms worldwide. The chic, environmentally-based retail/service center will allow the nationally-ranked St. Charles Hyundai to better serve the growing populations of St. Charles and St. Louis counties. The debut of the 35,000 square-foot facility will also mark the region’s first Ioniq-qualified dealership, selling and servicing Hyundai’s much-anticipated line of all electric vehicles (EV).

Nature inspired the dynamic design. The defining feature is the building’s Shape Sky, a bronze ALUCOBOND® fascia cut and pieced together jigsaw puzzle-style, that reflects varying shades of bronze in different light. Vast expanses of glass also provide direct connection between outdoor and indoor spaces. Guests will immediately notice how the Shape Sky rolls from the exterior into the bright and inviting showroom. Inside, columns, arranged in threes, suggest tree trunks reaching to the canopy ceiling above. The neutral palette of the dealership visually connects all departments for a transparent customer experience.

In addition to its welcoming and serene environs, the dealership will be outfitted with the most advanced technology for sales, service and repair. One technology highlight is

electronic paperwork. According to President and General Manager Kevin Maher, Jr. finalizing negotiations and necessary documentation via iPad is expected to streamline the amount of time new owners spend in the dealership during the purchase process. Additionally, the Service Department, which will feature a three-lane service drive and 22 service bays, will be equipped with ground-breaking diagnostic equipment capable of assessing customer vehicles more rapidly. St. Charles Hyundai will also offer the area’s greatest EV charging capacity. Level 3 charging stations, the fastest type of charging, can produce an 80 percent charge in under twenty minutes.

The dealership’s investment in next-level technology and facility upgrades means St. Charles Hyundai will also be the first Metro Hyundai dealer to receive allotments of the highly anticipated electrified Ioniq model line-up. These premier EVs are characterized by a sense of refinement combined with innovation and driving power. A digital experience planned for the showroom promises shoppers a unique interaction with these superior vehicles. The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 compact crossover is expected early next year.

Maher is excited about what the future holds for current and future customers of St. Charles Hyundai. “We are doing this to provide our customers and employees with the most state-of- the-art facility in the area and we are confident the project will drive increasing business opportunities.” A December completion is anticipated.

He added, “We are very proud to be Missouri’s #1 Hyundai volume dealer and we’ve held that title since 2015.” Maher further credits employee professionalism and tenure with the dealership’s high customer retention rate. He noted the employees of St. Charles Hyundai seek to daily create exceptional customer experiences and promote exceptional automotive value for both first-time guests, repeat buyers, and generational customers.

ST. CHARLES HYUNDAI

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

KIRK DAY SCHOOL

by stephanie wallace

PEARLS ARE THE TRADITIONAL gift for a 30th anniversary. It’s a fitting symbol for Kirk Day School, which is celebrating the milestone this year. Located in Town and Country, the independent, coeducational preparatory school serves students in preschool to grade six with its mission to provide a strong educational foundation grounded in Christian values. Each graduating class leaves a shining mark on the school, building a chain of excellence that represents Kirk Day’s continued success.

Since its founding in 1992, Kirk Day has not wavered in its original mission. The school has continued to strive for rigorous academics while also providing students with a strong biblical foundation. “When we established Kirk Day, we felt it was important to create a place where children could be known, nurtured and valued,” founding head of school Sue Pitzer explains. “We equip children so they can engage with the world while remaining anchored in God’s word.” The students and graduates of the school demonstrate the effectiveness of this educational philosophy. Many of Kirk Day’s graduating classes produce a valedictorian or salutatorian at their high school, 98% of alumni are admitted into private high schools, and 75% graduate from high school with academic honors.

After Pitzer retired, Taylor Clement took over as head of school in 2015. “It was clear that he understood the foundations of Kirk Day School and was uniquely equipped to embrace our ethos,” she says. “Taylor has done a great job transitioning the school for future success.” Now in his eighth year, Clement has enjoyed watching Kirk Day grow and learning about the success of graduates. “We’ve seen alumni entering the workforce, and now, many are returning to Kirk Day as parents,” he notes. “It’s most rewarding to witness multiple generations of students and faculty fulfilling the mission of the school by engaging with the world in an effective and thoughtful way. I’m excited to continue that legacy.”

To keep its level of academic excellence, Kirk Day also seeks to provide innovative learning experiences. Clement explains that over the past three decades that has meant incorporating more technology and improving the learning environment, ensuring classrooms are flexible spaces that can accommodate hands-on activities and collaboration. “We have a fixed academic foundation, but our methodology has evolved,” he says. “We’re not replacing traditional skills with technology. Instead, we want to ensure our students can use these tools as resources in their educational development.”

To commemorate its anniversary and honor its Scottish heritage, Kirk Day is throwing a ‘Tartan and Thistle’ themed gala April 22 at Hilton St. Louis Frontenac. The event supports the school’s annual fund. In a nod to Kirk Day’s 30-year history, the goal is to raise $300,000. While proud that the school has reached this milestone, Clement is looking toward the future. He hopes the school continues to challenge students to grow academically and spiritually. “Kirk Day has been blessed with a faculty, administration and community that is dedicated to furthering its mission,” he says. “It’s because of them that Kirk Day will be able to serve future generations of St. Louisans.” &

The Future of Senior Living Has Arrived

“I was comfortable in my home in the Central West End and really had no desire to move. But now that I’m here, I have a new lease on life that I wasn’t even looking for—truly a pleasant surprise.”

With 5-star hospitality and boutique hotel-style residential amenities at Clarendale Clayton senior residences, it’s where you want to be. CALL 314-789-8173 TO LEARN MORE. Independent Living ■ Assisted Living ■ Memory Care Clarendale Clayton 7651 Clayton Road Clayton, MO 63117 ClarendaleClayton.com 8-22

“I just can’t imagine any place I’d like more.”

—John Drew

KIRK DAY SCHOOL FOSTERS A JOYFUL AND COLLABORATIVE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELLY JOHNSTON, RELIC PHOTOGRAPHY COVER

hazelwood

The winter holiday season is coming up after Thanksgiving, so it’s nearly time for a few egg-noggy shenanigans. There are holiday pop-up watering holes planned all over town, but when considering what the heck to do besides shop on Black Friday (perish the thought) why not head up to the former Mills mall in Hazelwood for some pinball, darts, ice skating and a custom toddy or two? Tickets are on sale for Dasher’s Dive Bar at POWERplex, the second annual iteration of a unique interactive StL holiday pop-up. An immersive experience includes themed cocktails and snacks, seasonal classics playing on a state-of-the-art sound system (not the tinny speakers overhead in any department store or big box) and wall-to-wall sparkly red and green decor. Anyone who takes a dive gets a welcome cocktail and a picture with a jolly old elf, appetizers and live entertainment from a host who’ll emcee wintry game shows, karaoke and comedy. Dasher’s will be open from Nov. 25 through Dec. 23, only during two-hour time slots Fridays and Saturdays. For ticket prices and other details, visit powerplexstl.com/dashers-dive-bar.

OF THE TOWNS talk

by bill beggs jr.

clayton

The closest I might come to a religious denomination is ‘Presbyterian, lapsed.’ Still, I sense that “Thou shalt not steal” is a pretty clear commandment. Then, whenever we doth mess up, we shalt own up to it. As far as I can tell from my Catholic friends, including my lovely wife, Cate, confession involves more than making a simple apology. It involves making amends; you promise to change the behavior that necessitated the apology in the first place. And this concludes the Religion 101 portion of our program. Anyhow, it helps introduce this sordid tale about a greedy wine aficionado accosted for pilfering eight bottles of premium wine from the Wine Merchant in Clayton. We’re not talking ‘Two-Buck Chuck’ here, Trader Joe’s iconic, and famously cheap, Charles Shaw label. Fruit of the vine is a touch pricier at the Wine Merchant, where management says the eight bottles of top-shelf wine, which were returned in perfect condition, retail for more than $1,000. Yes, they came back—and the shoplifter even attached a wordy handwritten note explaining how remorseful he felt. Are your eyes getting a little moist here? Weep not … he apparently did not feel guilty enough to return the vino himself. A man of the cloth, a priest, did that instead! Yes, the knucklehead fessed up. But even an agnostic can see that this miscreant isn’t anywhere near in the clear with the Big Guy, especially considering this: As he fled, in a stolen car, the wine thief allegedly steered the vehicle threateningly toward a store employee. And it wasn’t this wine-store cowboy’s first rodeo, either. As identified by witnesses and seen in surveillance videos, the same oenophile hit the Wine & Cheese Place store in Clayton last August; several thousand dollars’ worth of wine snatched up in that caper were not returned. He also struck Straub’s in Town and Country and the Schnucks on Clayton Road. Once or twice, he loaded up his cart, then abandoned it. But he’s not the only somewhat embarrassed crook in this scenario—other shady wine-lovers purchased some of his ill-gotten gains.

the metro

CVS and Walgreens, two of the nation’s three largest pharmacy chains, recently set aside about $5 billion each to satisfy government lawsuits. The third, Walmart, has agreed in principle to the payouts. None has admitted wrongdoing. A U.S. addiction crisis has linked opioids to more than 500,000 deaths in the country over the past two decades. Most of the deaths involved prescription drugs, at first. But as governments, doctors and companies took steps to make opioids more difficult to obtain, people with opioid use disorder increasingly switched to heroin, which proved even more deadly. In recent years, opioid deaths have soared to record levels—around 80,000 a year. Most of those deaths involve illicitly produced versions of the powerful lab-made drug fentanyl, which is cropping up throughout the U.S. supply of illegal drugs in much greater quantities. Manufacturers such as Oxycontin maker Purdue Pharma had taken the first hit, with a plan for the Sacker family-owned company to pay out as much as $6 billion in cash, with the company reconfiguring such that future profits go toward fighting the addiction crisis. A court has put that decision on hold. Meanwhile, it appears the feds may be getting a better handle on illicit fentanyl trafficking, what with the DEA seizing 671 pounds of the powerful opioid in Missouri, Illinois and Kansas alone this year. That’s more than 40% above the total weight of the synthetic opioid diverted in 2021; it’s also two times the two previous years, combined. That’s a lot, considering a) fentanyl is between 50 and 100 times stronger than morphine, and b) traffickers may mix it with other illicit drugs without the purchasers’ knowledge. The big picture: Lawsuits against opioid makers, prescribers and other involved entities total more than $50 billion.

Letting one tiny reindeer loose two nights early should give Dasher time to hook up with his seven colleagues for their mad overnight quest to circle the earth and squeeze down chimneys worldwide to reward good little girls and boys.

BILL BEGGS JR. HAS WORN MANY HATS AT NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES AND IN MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS SINCE BEFORE THE ERA OF THE FLOPPY DISC. NOW HE JUST WEARS A HAT TO KEEP HIS BALD SPOT FROM GETTING SUNBURNT. YOU CAN REACH HIM AT WRTRS.BLCK@GMAIL.COM

TT trivia

LAST ISSUE’S Q & A

Who were the stars of the 1995 post-apocalyptic thriller Waterworld?

Kevin Costner, Jeanne Tripplehorn and Dennis Hopper were the big stars in Waterworld, the 1995 post-apocalyptic thriller in which sea levels have risen thousands of feet. The movie may have been roundly panned at the time, but reality seems to be getting up at least around our ankles these days.

WHAT ARE THE SEVEN OTHER REINDEER NAMED, AND WHO DREAMED UP THOSE EIGHT TIRELESS CRITTERS, ANYHOW?

A fine Italian wine—not ‘Two-Buck Chuck’

frontenac

Dawn Smith was at her wits’ end. Her drug and alcohol abuse had landed her in prison, and it seemed her prospects were dim, if not stark, once she was released. But two things happened in quick succession: One, she was able to put the drugs and alcohol behind her by starting to work a 12-step recovery program. Two, she completed high school by passing an equivalency test similar to the G.E.D. Still in her teens, she had to wait awhile for the stars to align, if you will, for a bright future to become a real possibility. Somewhere along her path she encountered Darcy Glidewell of Frontenac, president of The Next Step, a local education nonprofit developed to award scholarships to recovering people who abandoned their education. Smith qualified: She had at least a year of sobriety under her belt. The Next Step awarded a scholarship to help her through St. Louis Community College at Forest Park. The financial aid continued as she completed her bachelor degree at UMSL, and the grants followed her all the way to earning a master of social work with a minor in psychology in 2018. Smith’s no slouch … she carried a 4.0 GPA! Besides being her elderly mother’s primary caregiver, her first ‘real job’ as an adult was house

manager of Hilljack House, a sober-living home in the city for six women in recovery. Fast forward to today: Smith is executive director of the organization, which encompasses two homes for men and three for women, serving 38 recovering residents altogether. “I’d never be where I am today if I’d never completed my education,” says Smith. “The Next Step was a huge part of that.” Glidewell has seen hundreds of miracles unfold in people’s lives. Before recovery, “every single person was a drain on their families, and society at large,” she notes. Successful recovery requires completion of 12 steps that have been essential to a program in operation since the 1930s, working side by side with a mentor and being accountable to that person, and applying the principles of recovery from alcohol and drug abuse to all aspects of daily life: Becoming full-fledged, responsible adults, that is. “Let us help you work the Next Step,” Glidewell says with a smile, then gently shakes her head. “It’s amazing how many don’t finish what they started.” Their self-esteem is low, and they lack hope until they see how others around them are making it work, day to day. “You just don’t know what you don’t know,” she notes. For instance, few realize that being

of service to others can be as simple as volunteering to help out at the annual dinner for students and donors. From small beginnings, big dreams can unfold, as they have for Dawn Smith—or Mark D., a young man with dreams of becoming a lawyer, but not the financial wherewithal. Plus, he became addicted to heroin, and spent 30 months in prison. Once well into his 12-step recovery program, however, he took the Next Step. “The Next Step has helped me to get closer to my dream of becoming a lawyer and helping those who struggle in the same way I did,” he says. Visit thenextstepstl.org. &

From our family to yours! Happy Thanksgiving

Dawn Smith & Darcy Glidewell

5 On Your Side

took home 10 Mid-America Emmy Awards last month. Among the accolades, the President’s Award was presented to news director Art Holliday for his dedication to serving St. Louis.

Talented teens won’t want to miss their chance to perform on stage at The Fabulous Fox Theatre. Registration for the 13th annual St. Louis Teen Talent Competition is open until Jan. 2 at foxpacf.org. The competition is open to students in grades nine through 12, and the winner will receive $8,000 toward a college scholarship.

PATTY

by patty hannum

THE INSIDER

CALLING ALL ARTISTS!

The Kirkwood Public Library is accepting applications for artwork to be shown in its gallery for 2023. Artists 16 and older can submit their portfolios via mail, electronically or in person. For more information, visit kirkwoodpubliclibrary.org.

Congratulations to the Saint Louis Zoo! Its WildCare Institute was awarded the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums conservation award for the Center for Avian Health in the Galápagos Islands. The center studies the unique bird populations of the islands to protect them from extinction.

good brews

It’s not too late to participate in Schlafly Beer’s Cans for Cans food drive. Through Nov. 30, St. Louisans can donate two cans of non-perishable goods at Schlafly brewpubs to receive a can of beer. All food donations will go to the St. Louis Area Foodbank.

TODAY, I AM GOING TO HELP SPEND YOUR MONEY! Don’t stop reading. I have useful information, and I’ve never been anything but honest. Maybe a tad crazy or a bit of an embellisher, but here we go.

I have a love-hate relationship with Facebook. I hate it when it’s a platform for misinformation. I love it when I get to see what my friends are doing. My friend John posted about a business his daughter-in-law Kimmy Sauer started. The company, 2 + 3 = WE, creates fantastic activity boxes for kids personalized with their name and filled with age-appropriate items.

I met Kimmy for coffee and found out she recently left her career in human resources to be a stay-at-home mom. She wanted to generate a little income. The easiest thing would have been to take on some HR consulting gigs, but in her heart, there was a crafter needing to be let out! She started by selling Halloween bags and Christmas boxes on Facebook. Through Etsy, she now sells more than 15 kinds of activity boxes. I plan on giving a Big Brother one to Robbie when the newest Hannum arrives! These are perfect holiday presents—whether you’ve got travel planned or need a stocking stuffer. Not so sure about using Etsy? Then look at her Facebook page. You also can email Kimmy at 2plus3equalswe@gmail.com. She has shipped her boxes to 47 states and as far away as Australia. Shop locally when you can is my motto, and it doesn’t get much more local than Webster Groves!

At year end, some people (i.e. those with hearts) decide they would like to make contributions to organizations that make a difference in their communities. I’ve written about the Pink Ribbon Girls (PRG) before, but I can’t stop myself from doing it again. Their mission is to serve every person and family affected by breast and gynecological cancers by providing free healthy meals, rides to treatment, house cleaning essentials and peer support so no one is alone in their fight against cancer. PRG has been in St. Louis for only three and half years, but I cannot tell you the number of women I personally have referred to them. In that time, they have provided more than 100,000 meals and 10,000 rides to treatment. Last year alone, they provided 36,390 meals, 3,487 rides, 295 house cleanings and offered 54 peer events. Now, I know there are so many charities that are worthy of your donations. But PRG is my favorite because it really is a ‘boots-on-the-ground’ organization. They are working directly with people who need help now! So, if you are so inclined, send a check to Pink Ribbon Girls St. Louis, PO Box 50253, St. Louis MO, 63105.

I must say writing this gave me a little head rush! I wonder if this is how I would feel if I could get a gig on one of the Home Shopping Networks. Actually, since The View didn’t hire me to co-host, maybe that’s where I should look for my next gig. Peace my Peeps! &

get ignited

by beth chesterton

MONICA BLACK ROBINSON

I LOVE THE DOS EQUIS

“Most Interesting Man in the World” campaign. The ads always end with the tagline, “Stay thirsty, my friend.” That’s something Monica Black Robinson understands. Her thirst for life is why she is one of the most interesting women in my world. On any given day, Monica might be hopping on a plane to consult with Princeton University or heading to Yale to lead a workshop. She might be delivering etiquette training to aspiring young professionals or to a troop of local Girl Scouts. She loves her work as a career development specialist at Washington University, and she also loves giving back through the celebrated Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and serving as associate president of Jack and Jill of America, an organization dedicated to nurturing future leaders. But, her most beloved role of all is being “Mom” to the vocal talent Brianna Elise Brown. Cheers to Monica and her thirst for leading, learning and making a positive impact.

Favorite Place Listen to Music: Jazz Fest & Wineries

Great Place to Grab A Bite: Bait STL (baitstl.com)

Favorite Place to Go With Your Husband: Out on a bike trail on our E-Bikes

Proudest Moment: Earning my graduate degree from Washington University

How You Recharge Your Battery:

I am curious so I love to travel and to learn—anything!

Great Overnight Escape: The Four Seasons

Book on Your Nightstand: The Mountain Is You by Brianna West

Best Entertainer in St. Louis: Brianna Elise Brown—of course! She has the ability to sing opera, jazz, R&B and neo soul. (bebetheneosoul.com)

Favorite Place to Watch Your Daughter Perform: Any and everywhere but most recently in San Francisco &

BETH CHESTERTON BETH HELPS PEOPLE COMPEL AND CONNECT IN PRESENTATIONS, INTERVIEWS AND LEADERSHIP.

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Because where you get your mammogram makes a difference.

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Schedule your annual mammogram starting at age 40.

Make your breast health a priority. Call 800-600-3606 for a Siteman Mammogram near you or visit SitemanMammogram.wustl.edu

SCHOOL DIRECTORY

ANDREWS ACADEMY

Andrews Academy offers children, age 4 through grade six, an exceptional private education. Curiosity and creativity are inspired as students develop a strong academic foundation as they become lifelong learners and global citizens.

888 N. MASON ROAD 314.878.1883

ANDREWSACADEMY.COM

COMMUNITY SCHOOL

At Community, children flourish in an environment of experiential learning and personalized support. Faculty engage students age 3 through grade six with a challenging curriculum that integrates academics, the arts, physical education and interpersonal skills, all on a beautiful 18-acre campus.

900 LAY ROAD 314.991.0005

COMMUNITYSCHOOL.COM

FORSYTH SCHOOL

Forsyth School fosters a spirit of curiosity and joy, empowering children age 2 through grade six to pursue challenges with confidence. The challenging and engaging curriculum promotes age-appropriate independence and prepares students to thrive in secondary school and beyond.

6235 WYDOWN BLVD. 314.726.4542

FORSYTHSCHOOL.ORG

JOHN BURROUGHS SCHOOL

Burroughs brings the liberal arts model to secondary education, with a core curriculum that supports a broad base of knowledge in the humanities, STEM, the arts, athletics, health and wellness, global awareness and cultural competency, and service and sustainability.

755 S. PRICE ROAD 314.993.4040

JBURROUGHS.ORG

KIRK DAY SCHOOL

Kirk Day School is an independent Christian preparatory school for students age 3 through grade six. With a mission to partner with Christian families to nurture, educate and equip children, KDS graduates are given the foundation necessary to excel at the secondary school level and beyond.

12928 LADUE ROAD 314.434.4349

KIRKDAYSCHOOL.ORG

PRINCIPIA SCHOOL

Principia School is a place where possibilities unfold. The independent, co-educational college-preparatory school offers innovative, future-focused programs for students in preschool through grade 12. Grounded on the teachings of Christian Science, we welcome students from a variety of faith backgrounds.

13201 CLAYTON ROAD 314.514.3134

PRINCIPIASCHOOL.ORG

ROSSMAN SCHOOL

An education from Rossman is designed to prepare children for their next steps in life and let them explore the limitless possibilities ahead. Rossman is a small community that embraces childhood and brings out the unique strengths of each child.

12660 CONWAY ROAD 314.434.5877

ROSSMANSCHOOL.ORG

WHITFIELD SCHOOL

Whitfield’s student-centered academic program combines a liberal arts curriculum with preparation in 21st-century skills like critical thinking, leadership, creativity and communication. Students balance academics, athletics and activities to prepare for the rigors of college and the responsibilities of citizenship.

175 S. MASON ROAD 314.434.5141

WHITFIELDSCHOOL.ORG

THE WILSON SCHOOL

Since 1913, The Wilson School has excelled in reaching every student. Our deliberately small class sizes, accelerated curriculum, and nurturing, inclusive community allow our students to build the academic and social-emotional skills they need to succeed in secondary school and beyond.

400 DE MUN AVE. 314.725.4999

WILSONSCHOOL.COM

whitfield school

Congratulations to Lai Jeon Williams! The junior was the second place winner in the 2022 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis Youth of the Year competition, receiving a $3,500 scholarship. Lai Jeon and three other finalists were honored Oct. 26 at the nonprofit’s Great Futures Gala. She was recognized for her dedication and service to the Mathews-Dickey Boys & Girls Club and her academic achievement at Whitfield.

HEARD IN

THE

HALLS

by stephanie wallace

▲ nipher middle school

For Hispanic Heritage month, students learned about the ingredients and spices used in Latin cooking by making salsa. At the end of the unit, students held a party, bringing in various ingredients and preparing different types of salsa. A panel of judges, including superintendent Dr. David Ulrich, judged the five salsa varieties prepared. The class also presented a mural they created with the saying “Todo el mundo sonrie en el mismo idioma,” which translates to “Everybody smiles in the same language.”

spoede elementary ▶

Fourth-grader Nevaan Singh received the Global Award 2022 from Climato Reformers, a nonprofit dedicated to educating people about the effects of climate change. The award recognizes students between the ages of 5 and 15 who help raise climate change awareness. Nevaan was honored for creating educational videos on the subject that were shared on social media and YouTube.

◀ micds

Students in the lower school got into the autumn spirit with pumpkins. The cross-curricular activities included reading activities, pumpkin carving and investigations into how many seeds pumpkins of varying sizes have inside. Pumpkin Week wrapped up with a science demonstration, where teachers demonstrated the force needed to pop a pumpkin with rubber bands, used a chemical reaction to create a jack-o-lantern face and made a pumpkin erupt with “elephant toothpaste” (a mix of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap).

by dr. tim jordan

QUESTIONS FOR THE DINNER TABLE

HOW MANY OF YOU HAVE HAD A CHILD stomp past you upon returning from school with a scowl on their face and the only line you could come up with was, “How was your day?” Which elicited a response of, “Fine!” as they ran upstairs and slammed their bedroom door, not to be seen nor heard until dinner. All parents wish to be an influence in their children’s lives, but sometimes, it’s tough to know how to get into their minds and hearts. I want to help you gain entry.

First, context is key. Every child has their own individual needs that allow them to be more open and vulnerable with you. The safest context for one child might be to sit and look into each other’s eyes and share, while another might do better sitting shoulder-to-shoulder while driving in the car with you. Some kids will open up while on a walk, tossing a football in the backyard or with the lights out during extra-long tuck-ins. Choose the entry that best suits them.

I also created a list of questions to ask kids around the dinner table that will elicit deeper, more insightful responses. In my book, She Leads, I discussed ways that girls can be courageous and lead. I incorporated those behaviors into questions to allow kids to talk about meaningful things they did that day that showed courage and leadership. These are the conversation starters: Were you able to: Not let words bother you? Avoid peer pressure? Handle a conflict directly and peacefully? Set a boundary? Take a risk and get out-of-your comfort zone? Stand up for yourself or others? Advocate for yourself? Let others know your needs? Make another person successful? Serve as a confidant? Bring a group together? Help another person in need?

Not only will you get entry into their day, you’ll also be helping your kids identify themselves as being brave leaders. Too often we notice and celebrate the student council president, team captain and popular kids much more than those who exhibit these types of qualities and behaviors. If you aren’t affirmed for being brave and a leader, you may never see yourself in that light. And the school and the world need more kids and adults who live out the behaviors in my conversation starters.

These questions could also be great conversation starters around your Thanksgiving and holiday tables. How refreshing would it be to discuss these deeper questions than the latest gossip or politics. So, when your child comes home from school, give them some time to relax and reset, and then use my questions to draw out more meaningful aspects of their day. And don’t forget that mom and dad also can participate and share how they may have lived out these behaviors in their day. Enjoy your holidays. &

TIM JORDAN, M.D., IS A BEHAVIORAL PEDIATRICIAN WHO WORKS WITH GIRLS IN GRADE SCHOOL THROUGH COLLEGE. CHECK OUT HIS NEW ONLINE COURSE, PARENTING GIRLS: THE CHALLENGES GIRLS FACE TODAY WITH THEIR FEELINGS AND FRIENDSAND WHAT THEY NEED, AT DRTIMJORDAN.COM.

GIVING BACK

Thompson Foundation for Autism

by carrie edelstein

THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL and Prevention estimates that autism spectrum disorders (ASD) impact 1 in 44 children in the United States. Nationwide, more than 1 million families must face the hurdles of dealing with these neurodevelopmental conditions. It is the mission of the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders at the University of Missouri in Columbia to improve the lives of those affected by ASD and similar conditions through research, clinical services, training and education. The Thompson Foundation for Autism is an active partner in supporting the center’s initiatives.

The Thompson Center sees roughly 13,000 patient visits annually, representing 5,000 individuals. That still leaves many families on the center’s waiting list for diagnostic services and treatment. The Thompson Foundation works to generate resources so the center can expand its reach to even more families in Missouri. T&S spoke with Katie Lentz, the foundation’s director of donor relations, to learn more.

How does the Thompson Foundation for Autism serve the community?

The Thompson Foundation for Autism strengthens children and families affected by autism and neurodevelopmental disorders through raising awareness and education, advancing public policy and, most significantly, funding the Thompson Center at the University of Missouri in Columbia.

What types of services do you offer for individuals?

The Thompson Foundation supports the work of the Thompson Center, which is a national leader in autism and neurodevelopmental disorders through its top-in-the-nation clinical services, world-class collaborative research and best-in-practice training and education.

How is the Thompson Center active in the St. Louis community?

In October, the Thompson Center hosted the 17th Annual Thompson Center Autism Conference in St. Louis. The conference was attended by more than 400 professionals who work with individuals with autism and neurodevelopmental disorders. In addition to bringing economic impact to the region, the conference provides education and training with presentations by regionally and nationally recognized researchers and practitioners in the field of autism.

What is your greatest need and what challenges do you face?

Our greatest need is to hire psychologists, physicians and staff to support the demand for clinical services. Developmental delays affect one in six children, so the waitlist to see a specialist at the Thompson Center can be long. By hiring providers, more children will receive faster access to the care they need. &

THE THOMPSON CENTER’S

LOCAL IMPACT

::: In 2021, 166 patients from the St. Louis region received clinical services at the Thompson Center.

::: Since 2013, 233 patients from the St. Louis region have received diagnostic evaluations.

::: The Thompson Center provides parent and teacher training in schools across the St. Louis region, including St. Louis Public Schools and the Fort Zumwalt School District.

::: The Thompson Center’s signature fundraising event, the AMAZE Gala and Auction, hosted by the Thompson Foundation for Autism, has raised $6.7 million in St. Louis since 2007.

ONLY St. Louis Children’s Hospital could offer Lowen the most comprehensive team of neurocritical care specialists in the region. Today, she’s a happy, healthy 5-year-old who still keeps in touch with her friends in the pediatric intensive care unit.

Join us in helping more kids like Lowen by donating today at StLouisChildrens.org/Give

Make a Gift

©2022, St. Louis Children’s Hospital. All rights reserved.

NONPROFIT

5.

Realty Shop

Saint Louis Ballet

St. Louis’ most popular holiday tradition

The Nutcracker returns to the Touhill performed and presented by Saint Louis Ballet! The joyful dancing, beautiful sets and colorful costumes are perfect for families continuing or starting a new holiday tradition.

ONE UNIVERSITY BLVD. | 314.534.1111 STLOUISBALLET.ORG

TREEOFHOPE.ORG

7. The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital

Evelyn’s House, located on the campus of Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital in Creve Coeur, is celebrating five years of providing compassionate, supportive end-of-life care in a warm, home-like setting. The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital commemorated the anniversary with a gathering of health care and community leaders, families and donors who made it a reality.

1001 HIGHLANDS PLAZA DRIVE W., STE. 110 | 314.286.0600

FOUNDATIONBARNESJEWISH.ORG

8. Lafayette Square Parlor Tour & Winter Fair

The Historic Lafayette Square neighborhood will host its 53rd Annual Parlor Tour on Dec. 4. The festivities start on Saturday with the Holiday Market and Holiday Pet Parade in memory of Jim King. The market continues Sunday during the parlor tour, making for a fun-filled weekend in Lafayette Square.

LAFAYETTESQUARE.ORG

9. The St. Louis Children’s Choirs

Congratulations to The St. Louis Children’s Choirs artistic director, Barbara Berner, 2023 Lifetime Achievement in the Arts award recipient from the A&E Council of St. Louis! Join us for “Sure On

This Shining Night” Holiday Concerts on Dec. 10 at 2 and 7 p.m.

2842 N. BALLAS ROAD | 314.993.9626 SLCCSING.ORG

SSM HEALTH CARDINAL GLENNON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL glennon gallop

by bill barrett

The event benefits Danis Pediatric Center at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, which provides outpatient pediatric primary care services for children regardless of their family’s ability to pay. Originally designed to accommodate 5,000 patient visits annually, Danis Pediatrics has grown into two locations in St. Louis and is now home to more than 22,000 patient visits every year. Along with an exciting polo match, guests enjoyed two experiences, a field-side party and a VIP luncheon. guests: SSM Health president Laura Kaiser, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon president Steven Burghart, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s

ROSEMARY AND CHRIS NAZARUK

EARL STRAUTHER, ANISSA HARRIS

MARGA AND MARK FRONMULLER

ANNA AND MATT BUKHSHTABER, ADRIAN AND ALISON HARTMAN

DR. JEROME DWYER, TINA SAPPINGTON

GENA OTTO, KRISTINA BEALKE

ANNA AND JEFF TEGETHOFF

by bill barrett

The event honored the Endangered Wolf Center’s five decade legacy of supporting the future of endangered wolves. Guests enjoyed an elegant cocktail hour, a storytelling program and a menu of foods inspired by the native habitats of the center’s pack.

guests: Executive director Mark Cross, event committee chair Marguerite Perkins Garrick

Office

646-4973

ALICE GOLTRA, MARY ELLEN COTSWORTH, BILL SIEDHOFF

MARILYN AND CHARLIE HOESSLE

JULIE HARDEMAN, SALLY KRIEGEL

ELIZABETH GREEN, JOAN BERKMAN

JEREMIAH DELLAS, MARK CROSS

by bill barrett

The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum is an inclusive organization committed to all children. Through its Access for All initiative, the museum strives to provide free field trips, family nights and other educational programs for children, families and schools in need. The Magic Ball plays an integral role in funding the initiative. Guests enjoyed an auction, comedy by Ryan Beck and entertainment from D.J. Reggie.

guests: President Beth Fitzgerald, event chair Betsy Toney, host Tim Convy

BETSY TONEY, ANNA TEGETHOFF

VIVIAN AND MARK DARRELL

STEPHANIE AND JEFF AIELLO

BROCK AND BETH FITZGERALD

TRAVIS KEARBEY, SARAH AND JOE SHERWOOD

‘TIS THE SEASON OF GIVING

by stephanie wallace

Some of the best things about the holidays are the wonderful meals and an endless variety of tasty treats we share with family and friends. However, for people facing food insecurity, winter presents its own challenges. For many local food pantries, the colder months are their busiest time. It’s the perfect opportunity for St. Louisans to extend a helping hand to those in need—whether they’re donating much-needed items, money or their time. Here are just a few local organizations dedicated to feeding the hungry. &

Circle of Concern Food Pantry

112 St. Louis Ave. | 636.861.2623 | circleofconcern.org Food Outreach 3117 Olive St. | 314.652.3663 | foodoutreach.org

Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry 10601 Baur Blvd. | 314.513.1672 | 314.993.1000 | jfedstl.org

Loaves and Fishes for St. Louis 2750 McKelvey Road | 314.291.3857 | loavesandfishes-stl.org

Operation Food Search 1644 Lotsie Blvd. | 314.726.5355 | operationfoodsearch.org

St. Louis Area Foodbank 70 Corporate Woods Drive | 314.292.6262 | stlfoodbank.org

St. Patrick Center 800 N. Tucker Blvd. | 314.802.0700 | stpatrickcenter.org

Bi-State Pet Food Pantry 4015 Papin St. | 314.596.2128 bi-statepetfoodpantry.org

MOST-NEEDED ITEMS

• Rice and dried beans

Light tuna and salmon (cans or pouches)

Canned chicken

• Canned soup and chili

• Canned fruit in natural juices

Canned tomato products

Pasta sauce

Cereal

• Pancake Mix

• Snack packages

Boxed potato mixes

Peanut butter

• Jam and jelly

• Over-the-counter cold and flu medication

Body wash

Incontinence briefs and pads

Liquid dish soap

• Shampoo and conditioner

• Diapers

Diaper wipes

Feminine care products

• Deodorant

• Toothbrushes and toothpaste

Visit bachsociety.org for more information. Powell Hall Box Office 314-534-1700.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT OUR FURRY FRIENDS!

REDEFINING THE REAL ESTATE LANDSCAPE

FIGHTING CYSTICFIBROSIS

REALTY SHOP STL

by stephanie wallace

WHEN YOU ARE THINKING about working with a real estate agency to help buy or sell a home, it’s crucial to consider how it invests in the community it operates in. While you can tell a lot about a company’s ethos by how it treats its clients, you can learn just as much by looking at how it responds to local needs. For Realty Shop STL and its parent company Vue Enterprises, philanthropy and community support are woven into their DNA.

For its annual fundraising initiative, Realty Shop STL recently made a $10,000 donation to the Gateway Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Cystic fibrosis (also known as CF) is a progressive, genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas and other organs. The foundation estimates that there are currently around 40,000 children and adults living with the condition in the U.S. It’s a cause that has a personal connection for Realty Shop STL president and owner Amanda Alejandro and her husband, Vue Enterprises CEO Jay Steinback. “My younger sister Julia was born with cystic fibrosis,” Steinback says. “The disease has drastically impacted our family and continues to do so. We’re always looking for ways we can help the people who are affected by this lifelong condition.”

Julia passed away in 2018 at the age of 35—more than doubling her initial prognosis of only living to 16. Even though his sister lost her fight, Steinback is grateful for the work the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has done to promote innovation in treatment. It’s the nonprofit’s mission to cure the disease and provide all people living with it the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives. “Thankfully, cystic fibrosis is a disease that impacts thousands, not millions,” he notes. “We’re lucky to have such a wonderful organization dedicated to services, education and research. It’s inspiring to see the breakthroughs being made, and Realty Shop STL is excited to support that work.”

Even without Steinback’s personal connection to cystic fibrosis, he says that philanthropic initiatives like this are a natural fit for Realty Shop STL and Vue

Enterprises. Since both companies are rooted in the St. Louis community, it only makes sense that they share a focus on giving back. “As business leaders, we have a civic responsibility to the communities we serve,” he explains. “It’s always been a core mission of Vue Enterprises and Realty Shop STL to ensure we invest back into St. Louis by supporting the amazing organizations that are doing important work in our community.”

Realty Shop STL is challenging the community to match its $10,000 donation by Dec. 16. Steinback notes that support is more important than ever for individuals with cystic fibrosis. “Whether you know someone affected by cystic fibrosis or not, we’ve all been impacted by the pandemic,” he says. “Since cystic fibrosis damages the lungs, COVID-19 has made the world a significantly more dangerous place for CF patients. Offering support is something we can do to help people like my sister. We hope that St. Louis will donate to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation so that they can work toward a cure for this disease.” &

Look in our Charity & Culture section for a link to donate to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

JULIA STEINBACK

PHOTO COURTESY OF REALTY SHOP STL

OFF the cuff claiborne bob lattinville w/

It’s hard to imagine a better connected St. Louisan than Bob Lattinville. As a sports agent and lawyer, he’s represented iconic athletes, coaches and even universities. Last year, he grew his influence by joining William Morris Endeavor—a global leader in sports, events, media and fashion. T&S checked in with Lattinville to learn more about his illustrious career and why he continues to call the StL home.

YOU HAVE BEEN IN THE AGENT BUSINESS FOR A LONG TIME. HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START?

I wish I could tell you I had a plan, but it started by accident. The summer after my first year of law school, I’m sitting on the rail of the infield at the Kentucky Derby with a good buddy and former teammate of mine, and he convinced me to represent him over a handful of mint juleps. Months later, I signed him with the Denver Broncos. I was still in law school and thought it would be really cool if it could be part of my job.

YOU’VE BEEN IN THE ROOM WITH SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN SPORTS. HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT, “HOLY COW, LOOK AT THE PEOPLE AROUND ME?”

A couple times I was kind of pinching myself. Ozzie used to stop by my house, and I’d think to myself, “Wow, he’s a friend of mine.” I had the absolute honor of working with Sean McVay this spring. He’s 36, and the wisdom and energy from that guy really impressed me. When I finished out in California, I was excited to get back to work.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ESSENTIAL ITEMS IN YOUR CLOSET? Our coaches turned me onto performance wear shirts by Mizzen+Main. I love them! When I was a young lawyer, it was suits. My dad had a really good buddy who was a tailor, so every year I would get a suit. It’s a lot more casual now.

WHERE DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO TRAVELING TO? I have several players on the San Francisco 49ers. I usually get up there a day early. It’s so much fun, and I love taking a day trip up to Napa.

WHAT’S THE ONE PLACE YOU’D TAKE A PASS ON? The coldest I’ve ever been in my life was in Syracuse, New York, for a hockey game.

GIVE ME THREE PLACES IN ST. LOUIS YOU WOULD TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWN CLIENT. If you’re not from St. Louis, you’ve got to go to one of our Italian restaurants. I’d probably take them to Cafe Napoli. If somebody enjoyed drinking wine, I’d take them to Truffles. If I was going to do something more casual, I’d go with Grassi’s.

WHY HAVE YOU CONTINUED TO MAKE ST. LOUIS YOUR HOME?

Just this week I’ve talked to three or four of my high school buddies. There are friendships and relationships here that I’ve had for decades. People stay here because there’s a comfort about it.God knows, we don’t stick around for the weather. I think there’s a vein of authenticity to St. Louisans. Wherever you are in the world, if you bump into someone from St. Louis, there’s an instant connection that you don’t get with other cities.

WHAT ARE THE THREE KEYS TO MAKING THE DEAL? Preparation is No. 1. Two, you have to understand what your clients’ priorities are. I break it down into needs, wants and extras. Everybody is unique, and no best or worst case scenario is going to look the same. Three, I would say, is humility. Whoever you’re negotiating against, they’re also experts in their field, and you’re never too old to learn something.

Read the entire interview on townandstyle.com. >

holildaygift guide

FOR THE HOST

1 LOUISE CUNNINGHAM MERRY & BRIGHT 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS ADVENT PUZZLE CALENDAR BY GALISON, $23.99 from Nordstrom at West County Center

2 WILD & WOLF GAMES ROOM POP CULTURE QUIZ, $12 from Hearth & Soul

3 BARR-CO. SOAP SHOP BERRY BARREL CANDLE, $38 from K. Hall Studio

4 HIMALAYAN ROCK GIFT SET, $54 from Hearth & Soul

5 DOTTY TREE BOTTLE STOPPER BY MARIPOSA, $34 from Sallie Home

6 COSMO BAR SET WITH WOOD BASE BY MARY JUREK DESIGN, $85 from Sallie Home

7 SQUARE BOTTOM MUG BY PAUL ESHELMAN, $52 from Craft Alliance

1 | GENOVESE JEWELERS

These 14kt. yellow gold hoop drop earrings feature round pavé diamonds at 0.71cttw. 12460 Olive Blvd. 314.878.6203 genovesejewelers.com

PUR-ONE MEDISPA

Botox Cosmetic smoothes dynamic lines and wrinkles to the forehead, glabella and crow’s feet. Gift cards available at Pur-One Medispa. 12990 Manchester Road, Ste. 201 314.909.0633 puronemedispa.com christinebrows.com

3 | FABULOUS FOX THEATRE

Give the gift of live entertainment or a commemorative Fabulous Fox ornament. 527 N. Grand Blvd. 314.534.1111 fabulousfox.com

4 | JOHN BURROUGHS UNIQUE BOUTIQUE

Shop from more than 70 artists at the Unique Boutique, Nov. 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at John Burroughs School. Featured here is an original hand screen-printed towel by Sprouted Designs made from 100% natural unbleached cotton, flour sack material. 755 S. Price Road 314.993.4040 jbs-unique-boutique.square.site

5 | THE DIAMOND BAR

This open-concept cocktail ring is handmade from 14kt. rose gold, natural diamonds and colored enamel.

13360 Clayton Road, Ste. 103 314.548.5100 thediamondbarstl.com

6 | ALBARRÉ

This 18kt. yellow gold diamond bracelet also is available in rose and white gold. 9711 Clayton Road 314.997.1707 albarre.com

7 |

FINE PORTRAITURE

IN CHARCOAL BY ELIZABETH MAYER

Keepsakes are beautifully rendered in classic black and white, conveniently drawn from photographs taken in the studio or provided by clients. Gift certificates available. 314.962.4953 portraitsbyelizabethmayer.com

8 | K. HALL STUDIO

Barr Co. Holiday Travel candle gift set comes with a giftable box and premium gifting hangtag. The Holiday Trio includes Original Scent, Holiday and Fir & Grapefruit travel candles that are made in the U.S.

8416 Manchester Road 9831 Clayton Road 314.963.3293 khallstudio.com

9 | CRAFT ALLIANCE

Artisan-made and handcrafted gifts in home decor, jewelry, textiles and more. Shop more than 150 local, regional and international artists. Craft memories this season with gifts from the Craft Alliance Gallery Shop.

5080 Delmar Blvd. 314.725.1177 craftalliance.org

10 | DREAM PLAY RECREATION

Dream Play Recreation has been building childhood memories for more than 31 years. We offer the absolute finest in residential basketball equipment. Visit dreamplayrec.com and let the adventure begin.

17373 Edison Ave. 636.530.0055 dreamplayrec.com

11 |

RP EXOTICS

RP Exotics is pleased to present this stunning 2017 Porsche Turbo S! This twin-turbo, 580-horsepower will send any driver to peak ecstasy through its ferocious acceleration and explosive launch.

1155 N. Warson Road 314.463.0758 rpexotics.com

Find the perfect gifts for your loved ones this holiday season at K. Hall Studio. From festive candles to beautifully packaged perfumes, our products cover all of your gifting and stocking stuffer needs.

Designed with gifting in mind, our Eau de Parfums are packaged in a decorative gifting bag and tied with baker’s twine. Available in large and mini sizes, these fragrances fit easily into a bag to keep you fresh while on the go!

Shop Black Friday specials in-store & online!

K. Hall Designs

Brentwood

8416 Manchester Rd. Brentwood, MO 63144 314.963.3293

K. Hall Designs Ladue 9831 Clayton Rd. St. Louis, MO 63124 314.254.7378

The author of this book has followed Donald Trump for decades, but as a journalist for The New York Times, she had unique access to him during his presidential runs and four years in the White House. I downloaded this book on the first day of publication, I was that excited to read it. Sadly, it was a slog to get through. I learned no new information, and it didn’t contain insightful perspectives from someone who had so much access. Disappointing.

HOOKED BOOKS

by patty hannum

Good Company: A Novel by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney

What a great book and fast read! This story is about marriage, family and friendship and what a tangled mess they can be. It is told from different points of view and at different points of time. I so wanted to make someone the villain, but I couldn’t.

Essays on Wilderness and Risk by Jon Krakauer

Why would a self-declared ‘non-nature’ person pick up a book by a man who puts his life at risk in nature for no good reason?

I am still trying to figure it out. Krakauer has written many books, and I’ve read all of them, but this compilation of short stories published in magazines like Outside was new to me. I might think what he does is crazy, but he sure can write.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR BOOK REVIEWED, PLEASE CONTACT ME AT PHANNUM@TOWNANDSTYLE.COM.

This young adult novel had a lot going for it. The main character is named Tess, like my beloved daughter, and it is a crime thriller— we all know how much I love those. Tess is an exchange student in Italy when things take a very strange turn while she is on a call with her parents. Tess is forced to do some things she shouldn't in order to keep her parents alive. It’s an enjoyable read even if I am not the target market.

Need a gift for the bibliophile in your life? We've got you covered!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

by carrie edelstein

11/25-12/23

dasher’s dive bar

december

12/3

12/10 & 12/11

Due to the ever-changing COVID-19 situation, please check with organizer websites closer to the event dates.

12/22 & 12/23

Enter an adult winter wonderland with this interactive Christmas pop-up bar in Hazelwood. The immersive experience includes themed cocktails and snacks, Christmas classics playing on the state-of-the-art sound system and wall-to-wall Christmas decor with a host to emcee Christmas game shows, karaoke and comedy.

POWERPlex | $19.95 Fridays and Saturdays | 314.528.2020 powerplexstl.com/dashers-dive-bar

11/17-12/30

anheuser-busch

brewery lights

Pestalozzi Street lights up again this holiday season for a fantastic display featuring more than a million lights. New family-friendly activities include a 10-minute light show and a nightly parade of the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales and decorated floats.

The Anheuser-Busch St. Louis Brewery $5-$10, children under 5 free 5 -10 p.m. | brewerylights.com

12/1-12/4

kimmswick christmas festival and cookie walk Come see carolers and participate in other activities while luminaries light your way through Kimmswick during the annual Christmas Festival. Horse drawn carriage rides, Santa Claus and the Rivertown Quartet will be featured. Kimmswick | Free | Various times gokimmswick.com

hanukkah hullabaloo Brothers Lazaroff return to The Grandel for their 12th Annual Brothers Lazaroff Hanukkah Hullabaloo. Rabbi James Stone Goodman and the Eight Nights Orchestra will be back for the yearly recitation of the experimental spoken word klezmer piece “Eight Nights.” DJ Boogieman and Anita Jackson will perform. The Grandel | $18-$50 | 7p.m. brotherslazaroff.com

12/8

a gift to the city: “christmas in st. louis” concert Enjoy the sounds of the season with a night of holiday music performed by the St. Louis Christmas Carols Association, the gospel group the Lesters and special guest jazz vocalist Erin Bode.

Missouri History Museum | Free | 5:30 p.m. 314.746.4599 | mohistory.org

winter celebrations

This family-friendly festival is inspired by holiday traditions from all over the world.

Saint Louis Art Museum | Free | 10 a.m.-4p.m. 314.721.0072 | slam.org

12/11

rudolph the red-nosed reindeer: the musical

The holly jolly cast of classic characters hits the stage for one day only.

The Fabulous Fox Theatre | $25-$80 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. | 314.534.1111 fabulousfox.com

12/14-12/18

etienne charles’ creole christmas

Celebrate the season with unique interpretations of pieces from the Caribbean, American and European holiday songbooks.

The Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz | $37-$42 | Various showtimes 314.571.6000 | jazzstl.org

home alone in concert

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents John William’s entire score live as the 1990s classic appears on the big screen in front of the audience.

Powell Hall | $40-$65 | 7 p.m. 314.534.1700 | slso.org

12/23

dr. zhivegas

The band performs the music of Prince and the Revolution.

Delmar Hall | 8 p.m. | $20-$25 314.726.6161 | thepageant.com

12/31

margaritaville night with the blues

Ring in the new year with the St. Louis Blues. Special offerings include live music and blue margaritas. Attendees with theme night tickets will receive Blues Hawaiian shirts.

Enterprise Center | $69-$161 5 p.m. | nhl.com

Fabulous Holidays at Fabulous Holidays at

Senior

1. Advanced Nursing Services of St. Louis

We have served the St. Louis area with quality nursing care since 1984. We provide private duty nurse aides, licensed practical nurses and registered nurses for patients. We work as a team, so you will always speak to a team member.

PICTURED: OWNER MAGGIE HOLTMAN, R.N., BSN

141 N. MERAMEC AVE., STE. 102 | 314.863.3030

ADVANCEDNURSING.ORG

2. Clarendale Clayton

The Westwood Terrace offers a stunning view of the city. Residents enjoyed the Great Balloon Race, and the fall foliage was spectacular this month. Come visit us for a personalized experience.

7651 CLAYTON ROAD | 314.390.9399

CLARENDALECLAYTON.COM

3. The Gatesworth

Rated as a Best Independent Living by U.S. News & World Report, The Gatesworth offers extensive amenities, including wellness, social and educational programs to enrich residents’ lives. Should your health needs change, you have the added security of on-site advanced care options.

ONE McKNIGHT PLACE | 314.993.0111 | THEGATESWORTH.COM

4. Air Comfort Service

Air Comfort Service now offers insulation services! Did you know nine out of 10 homes are under-insulated? Increase your energy savings, comfort and indoor air quality with better insulation.

314.814.8454 | 636.345.9044 | AIRCOMFORTSERVICE.COM

5. California Closets

Now through Dec. 31, save up to 15% off any custom storage solution by donating one or more items to Home Sweet Home to help provide basic household furnishings to under-served families.

17676 CHESTERFIELD AIRPORT ROAD | 636.793.6868

CALIFORNIACLOSETS.COM/ST-LOUIS

6. Immerse

Introducing Kast concrete basins, in 28 hues, from bold to subdued. Let your imagination run free with this line. On display soon, at Immerse!

836 HANLEY INDUSTRIAL COURT | 314.375.1500 | IMMERSESTL.COM

Take Note

7. Clayton Financial Group

Kelly Richert guides successful families with a robust financial plan and exceptional service.

165 N. MERAMEC AVE. | 314.422.6090 | CLAYTONFINANCIALGROUP.COM

8. Hindman Auctions

Trusted for 40 years, we offer appraisal and auction services for fine jewelry, fine art, furniture, decorative art property and more. We provide local clients with seasoned expertise in the global art market.

32 N. BRENTWOOD BLVD. | 314.833.0833 | HINDMANAUCTIONS.COM

9. St. Charles Hyundai

St. Charles Hyundai is nearing completion of construction on St. Louis’ first Hyundai Global Dealership Space

Identity 2.0 design. The chic environmentally-based center will also will bring the region its first Ioniq-qualified dealership, selling and servicing Hyundai’s much-anticipated line of all electric vehicles.

5701 VETERANS MEMORIAL PARKWAY | 636.441.4481

STCHARLESHYUNDAI.COM

10. edward jones

At Edward Jones, we deliver candid guidance and personalized investment strategies to help you plan for and realize the possibilities of your future— for you, your family and generations to follow. Contact us for a complimentary review.

PICTURED: FINANCIAL ADVISOR BETH LASTRINA

16215 BAXTER ROAD | 636.530.6918

EDWARDJONES.COM/US-EN/FINANCIAL-ADVISOR/BETH-LASTRINA

BY STEPHANIE WALLACE

A Brighter Tomorrow: HEALTH & BEAUTY ADVANCES

Advances in health, wellness and self-care make it clear how many of us strive to better ourselves and the world around us. Whether it’s finding ways to reduce the devastating impact of disease, creating tools to teach the health care workers of tomorrow or simply looking for ways technology can improve our daily routines, breakthroughs and new innovations are made every day.

better behavioral health

The City of St. Louis is launching a new Behavioral Health Bureau, which will focus on mental health and substance abuse treatment. According to the World Health Organization, the incidence of such disorders has increased globally by 13%, and one in five U.S. adults were living with a mental illness in 2020— accounting for almost 53 million people. In Missouri, St. Louis City has the highest rate of mental-health related emergency room visits in all age categories. The new bureau will connect St. Louisans with resources while also improving public safety and bringing together stakeholders for strategic planning in prevention and coordinated treatment and recovery efforts.

“Knowing that the prevalence of mental health and substance abuse disorders in our community is above the national and state averages and has been rising consistently over the past few years, we have a responsibility to act,” says Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, director of health for the City of St. Louis. “Our goal in addressing this public health crisis will be to ensure equitable data driven and effective interventions are in place to help our community reach a state of well-being.”

Technology and beauty have always gone hand in hand, but thanks to the pandemic, virtual beauty took a big step forward. Now, we’re reaping the benefits of that technological advancement. Brands like Chanel, Maybelline and Urban Decay and stores like Ulta and Target have created virtual make-up try-ons. These use face tracking, 3D modeling and augmented reality technology to allow people to see what products will look like without physical application—think of it as a refined version of a SnapChat filter. Virtual dentistry and dermatology also are connecting patients with doctors for remote care. L’Oreal even partnered with the period-tracking app Clue to provide skin care advice based on where

On the other end of virtual beauty, major brands are making their presence known in the metaverse. In these virtual worlds, user avatars can wear exclusive makeup looks, similar to how virtual try-on tools work. The move is a reflection of the demographics of video gamer enthusiasts. While it’s traditionally considered an interest for boys and men, in reality, around 46% of the market is female. At the end of last year, Nars and Dior Beauty partnered with South Korean metaverse Zepeto in an attempt to draw in more beauty fans, and Givenchy and Gucci have partnerships with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing.

focus on neuroscience

Saint Louis University is launching the Institute for Translational Neuroscience (ITN), which will connect experts in biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacology, social justice and community outreach to study diseases of the brain and central nervous system. “We are so energized to bring together our neuroscience expertise from many different areas of campus under a shared research umbrella,” says Daniela Salvemini, Ph.D., William Beaumont professor and chair of the department of pharmacology and physiology. “ITN will foster collaboration, enterprise and innovation by connecting our neuroscientists with their colleagues and allow us to focus our resources to support these researchers.”

Growing out of the Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, ITN will have more than 100 members from 23 departments at the university. It also will offer training in neuroscience for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Areas of focus at the institute include:

■ Researching the mechanism of chronic pain to develop safer medications

■ Investigating the pathology of dementia, genetic nervous system disorders and trauma to develop new treatments

■ Targeting molecular pathways that control conditions like diabetes, infertility and obesity

■ Developing new ways to transition research into clinical practice

■ Finding new approaches to counter the effects of stress, depression, aging and other factors on cognitive function

■ Promoting neuroscience through advocacy and outreach efforts

SARM1 is a molecule that plays a key role in damage to the wiring of the nervous system, called axons. Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified it as a target for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases defined by axon loss, such as Parikinson’s disease, glaucoma and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In healthy neurons, SARMI is switched off, but it becomes active following disease or injury. The molecule burns so much cellular energy that the axons disintegrate.

In one study, researchers studied a rare progessive neuropathy syndrome to better understand the role of the immune system in neuroinflammatory conditions. It was found that SARM1 not only contributes to axon loss, but also plays a role in driving neuroinflammation that compounds the issues. Using rodent models in a second study, the team was able to

show that blocking SARM1 stopped most of the problems associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth, a common form of inherited peripheral neuropathy with progressive loss of motor and sensory axons.

“We desperately need treatments for neurodegenerative diseases,” says co-senior author Dr. Jeffrey Milbrandt, the James S. McDonnell professor and head of the department of genetics. “With the evidence of SARM1’s central role in these diseases, we’re very interested in finding ways to block this molecule—whether with small molecule inhibitors or gene therapy techniques. Our latest research suggests we also may be able to interfere with its ability to drive damaging neuroinflammation. We’re hopeful this work will lead to effective new therapies across a range of neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases.”

PRP VS. PRF

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been a popular treatment for several years —it’s used for everything from facial rejuvenation to aiding recovery from sports injuries. It uses the growth factors in a person’s blood to stimulate cell turnover. The process works by collecting the patient’s blood and placing it in a centrifuge that separates the red blood cells from the platelets—the part of your blood that is responsible for healing damage. Platelets also are rich in growth factors, which perform several beneficial functions like boosting collagen production. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is another blood-derived cosmetic treatment. It can be used to address a number of concerns, such as under-eye bags, wrinkles, jowls and hair loss.

To create PRF, blood is put through a centrifuge at a slower speed than with PRP. The high speed involved in separating PRP means that most of the cells are kept at the bottom of the tube while the lighter platelets are kept in the top level, suspended in an external anticoagulant. With PRF, more white blood cells and stem cells are kept at the top level along with the platelets, resulting in a spongy, gel-like substance that doesn’t contain any additives because it also contains fibrin—the body’s natural clotting agent. The anticoagulant in PRP means the growth factors are released immediately. In PRF, the fibrin matrix traps the growth factors and slowly releases them over time, meaning the results take longer to appear, but they can last longer. &

by stephanie wallace

TEACHING KIDS

A member of the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Nursing faculty is helping kids better understand their diabetes diagnoses. Joshua Minks, Ph.D. wrote a book that translates the disease process into a story, Humania and the Legend of Commander Pancreator. The book’s setting, Humania, represents the human body, and different characters represent the organs that are impacted by diabetes. “The book introduces the characters at the beginning, so the child can understand the terms,” Minks explains. “The way the chapters of the book unfold describes each phase in the disease process and then how the disease is treated or managed.” He is currently in the process of publishing a second Humania book on muscular dystrophy.

STUDIES IN SLEEP

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have found new insights into how tired animals stay awake. The study looked at fruit flies, which have similar sleeping patterns to humans and small brains that make it easier to identify which neurons control behaviors. The researchers investigated whether experiences that affect sleep behavior change how 24 neurons respond to the neurotransmitters dopamine, which promotes wakefulness; glutamate, which promotes sleep; and allatostatin A, which also promotes wakefulness. The flies were found to be less receptive to dopamine after an intellectually stimulating day, making them sleepier. When alarmed, the flies produced both glutamate and allatostatin A, which kept them awake despite tiredness. The findings could lead to new approaches to treating insomnia and improving sleep quality in people.

STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH

Saint Louis University is focusing on students’ mental health. The university received a $100,000 grant from the Boniface Foundation to support mental health initiatives. The university will undergo the JED Campus program, a nationwide initiative of the Jed Foundation designed to guide schools through the development of systems, programs and policies that address student mental health, substance abuse and suicide prevention. The grant also will go toward expanding mental health first-aid training and hiring additional counselors at the University Counseling Center during high-demand times. The funds also will be used to develop a therapeutic garden and update the WellSPACE (Supporting and Promoting Artistic and Creative Expression)—an area designed to allow students to decompress and exercise creativity.

UNDERSTANDING PAIN

Thanks to a $11.7 million grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the National Institutes of Health, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine will investigate how cells transmit pain. The study is part of a mass effort to find science-based solutions to the opioid crisis. “Our goal is to learn and detail which cell types and genes transmit pain signals and how they may change in the context of chronic pain,” explains Robert W. Gereau, Ph.D., director of the Washington University Pain Center. “We’ve done similar studies in the past in mice and rats, but we’ve learned that mice are not just small people. We need to advance the research by working in human tissue to truly understand and treat chronic pain so that we can improve people’s lives and reduce the need for prescription opioids.” &

Women are not small men. As a boutique healthcare practice, Evora Women’s Health brings the first female focused, multispecialty, medical, wellness, and self-care experts together in one supportive space.

As the founder of Evora Women’s Health, Dr. Becky Lynn, a board-certified gynecologist, certified menopause physician, weight loss specialist and trained sexual counselor, has reimagined the doctor-patient relationship as one of respect, empathy, and empowerment. Here, healthcare is built on conversation, not just medication, and treatment is focused on your overall wellness, not just your symptoms.

In addition to gynecology, Evora offers prevention focused, primary care. Board-certified internist, Dr. Sarina Phatak, provides care integrated with lifestyle changes that treat women’s unique needs from reproductive age, to perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Phatak has over 20 years of clinical expertise in thyroid disorders, bone health, gut health, high blood pressure and a wide variety of clinical conditions. Her focus is on creating a strong doctor/patient bond with goals to improve overall wellness

We built a team specifically for you. Our services include nutritional counseling, personal strength training, marriage and family therapy, physical therapy including pelvic floor, acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, esthetics and personal styling. We also offer a customized weight loss program to help you lose weight and feel like yourself again.

If you’ve ever felt too embarrassed to bring up certain topics with your doctor, feel like your doctor doesn’t have time to talk to you, or if you just need more personalized care, make your appointment today at Evora— feel better, look better, live better.

Kenneth Ausmer, DMD, is a graduate of Southern Illinois University, School of Dental Medicine. He is committed to improving the lives of his patients through excellence in dentistry by using the most current technology and materials to deliver quality oral health, one smile at a time.

At Midwest Smiles, our primary goal is to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime while providing a high level of patient care. We want all of our patients to fully understand that regular dental visits are essential to make sure oral health problems—from tooth decay, oral cancer and gum disease—are detected and treated in a timely manner. We want to help ensure your teeth stay healthy, function well and look great!

Since more people are working from home and spending hours on Zoom, they are noticing improvements that can be made with their smiles. If you have ever wanted a smile makeover, we can provide a preview of the possibilities. Dr. Ausmer believes your smile is your signature. Services include state-of-the-art smile enhancements including veneers, implants and multiple other advanced options for replacing missing teeth and improving patient’s smiles.

Dr. Ausmer is known for his personable chair side manner, affordability and gentle touch known to ease even the most ‘dentalphobic’ patient. He and the entire Midwest Smiles team are committed to providing the highest level of care with every interaction.

CREVE COEUR

the agent »

THIS HOME IS INCREDIBLE FOR ENTERTAINING WITH A POOL STRAIGHT OUT OF HOLLYWOOD!”

by carrie edelstein

Situated on more than 1.6 acres in Creve Coeur, 17 Balcon Estates is a striking property. But for the current homeowners, it is first and foremost a place where they made many happy memories with their family. “We take pride in our home’s curb appeal as it sits prominently at the highest point of the street, but the most enjoyable part of living here is the privacy of the backyard by the swimming pool and fire pit, where we gather with friends and family,” they note. “The grandkids splashing in the pool waterfalls or running around the spacious backyard are fond memories that we will always cherish.”

What do you like about the neighborhood?

We love a quiet existence, therefore we appreciated the fact that we are next to the tranquil Covenant Theological seminary whose residents are so respectful of their neighbors. We only had good experiences with the rest of our neighbors. We enjoyed early morning walks around our neighborhood, away from traffic.

How is the home for entertaining?

There is a large, free-form designed patio with a stone walkway that leads to the inground pool, complete with water features, fire bowls and an expansive pool deck. The outdoor area is truly a private park-like setting, with plenty of green space for a play gym and pickle ball or other sport courts.

Did you make any changes to the property?

This is a custom built 1.5-story home on a 1.61-acre lot in the Balcon Estates subdivision, which is in the Parkway school district. No detail was overlooked.

Do you have a favorite room or space?

Our favorite room in the house is the sitting area of the room upstairs overlooking the swimming pool.

Is there anything you want the future homeowner to know?

There’s more than 7,200 square feet of living space, including a finished lower level and ample outdoor living space. &

PHOTOS:

Yourself in Dreams

TIP S & TRICKS

For an Easier Thanksgiving

• BY STEPHANIE WALLACE •

Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and if you’re hosting, it probably seems like you have a neverending to-do list. We’ve got some easy to implement tips and tricks to lighten your load. This year, make sure you’re spending less time counting tasks and watching oven timers and more time counting your blessings and celebrating with family and friends.

let guests be the bartender

Walk into and you’ll begin to experience kitchens and bathrooms differently. For over 10 years, we have brought the unexpected to our region. Unique brands and unlimited creative possibilities continue to make us the number one choice for designers, builders, contractors, and homeowners. What you thought about fixtures is fictional; visit us to immerse yourself in dreams.

Getting stuck mixing drinks for guests can take up a lot of your time. Instead, set up a well-stocked bar cart, and let everyone else let out their inner mixologists. To nudge guests in the right direction, print-out recipes for simple cocktails or special Thanksgiving-themed drinks like cranberry or pumpkin spice mules. Here are the essentials you’ll need for your cart: liquors like tequila whiskey, gin and rum; mixers such as tonic water, fruit juices and simple syrup—this a great way to bring in festive seasonal flavors like apple and pumpkin; and garnishes like olives and fresh fruit. Oh, and don’t forget basics like ice, napkins and straws.

give the oven a break

When you’re assembling the big feast, stove and oven space is going to be at a premium. To ease some of the burden, prepare what you can in your microwave, slow cooker or pressure cooker. With the microwave, cook vegetables like potatoes, green beans, squash and carrots in minutes, or even use it to turn your turkey drippings into quick gravy. For a dessert option, go with mug cakes in autumnal flavors like gingerbread and pumpkin. Your pressure cooker is another quick way to get side dishes done, and a slow cooker gives you a hands-off option for things like mashed potatoes and stuffing. The best part? All these options will allow you to spend more time with your guests instead of being stuck hovering around the oven.

make it ahead

A great tip for cutting out stress on Thanksgiving is to go with make-ahead options. Even if finalizing the dish has to wait until Turkey Day, there is probably at least one step you can get a head start on. Pies or other desserts you won’t serve piping hot are good options to make the day before. You’ll also want to have your appetizers ready to go so you can satisfy hungry guests while they wait for the main event. Save time by having casseroles assembled and in the fridge the day before so all you have to do is slide them into the oven. &

FROM

THE

BLOG OF...

CREATING A CONVERSATION SPACE

Autumn is all about inviting relaxation, comfort and company back into your home following the hectic summer months— and there’s no better way to make your space feel warm and welcoming than with a set of perfectly paired accent chairs and side tables. As the holiday season quickly approaches, these pieces create a designated area for you and your guests to sit down, settle in and catch up.

It’s important for your home to express your unique personality and style and your conversation spaces are no exception. Selecting pieces that are cohesive and consistent with the rest of your home's design helps impart a holistic and welcoming feeling while also showcasing your impeccable taste.

If you prefer something modern …

Modern interior design is all about clean lines, natural materials and minimalism—perfect for those who favor stylish simplicity in their homes. When creating a modern conversation space, look to armless accent chairs with sleek, plain legs and materials like leather and natural wood. Modern side tables generally adopt a similar look through simple curves, geometric shapes and materials, such as metal, marble and concrete.

If you prefer something transitional …

Transitional interior design falls somewhere in between modern and traditional and is great for using throughout your home if you want to explore furniture arrangements. When creating a transitional conversation space, focus on updating classic pieces with a modern balanced feel. Create contrast by pairing more modern textural fabrics like suede, chenille and bouclé with more traditional decorative wood accents.

If you prefer something traditional …

Traditional interior design centers around achieving a timeless classic look that appears both formal and homey—think upholstered furniture, symmetry and ornate decor. When creating a traditional conversation space, seek out larger accent chairs with carved or turned legs using high-end materials like leather, velvet and tufted upholstery. Traditional side tables often emulate the style’s classic look through dark wood tones, decorative carvings and scroll-shaped legs with ball or claw feet.

TIPS FOR PICKING THE PERFECT PIECES

Each home has its own set of unique needs, which is why it’s so important to find the right furniture for your space. Perfectly placed and coordinated pieces make your space feel more inviting while ensuring your guests feel comfortable and at ease.

PLACEMENT: Whether in a welcoming entryway, a cozy reading nook or simply as extra gathering space for your guests, a chair and table pairing is a classic way to spice up any space. Whether you’re placing a side table with a single accent chair or a single side table between two accent chairs, placement is all about finding a balance between the visual weights of the pieces. Consider mixing a chunky accent chair with a thin-legged side table or an armless accent chair with a drum side table.

MATERIALS: Different materials serve different purposes when used alongside other furniture pieces. A velvet or bouclé accent chair adds texture to your space, while a leather or wood chair can bring softness into a heavily-textured area. The same goes with side tables. A gold or bronze metal table can add a burst of warmth, while marble or wood can bring an organic feel to your space. Mixing contrasting materials is also a great way to up the visual interest in your home. For example, pair an upholstered accent chair with a metal side table to create a balanced modern space. Try mixing different wood tones, as long as they have the same undertone, to make your space interesting and cohesive.

Weight can also play a functional role. Lighter furniture opens up and expands smaller spaces, while heavier furniture adds stability and safety in homes with small children or pets. Also, make sure the depth of your side table is not deeper than that of your chair. The height of your table should be roughly in line with the arm of your chair, give or take an inch or two, so it’s comfortable to reach while you’re sitting and relaxing. &

DESIGN: MINDY GAYER DESIGN | PHOTO: VANESSA LENTINE

DESIGN: TAMARA MAGEL DESIGN | PHOTO: RIKKI SNYDER

DESIGN: LIGHT AND DWELL | PHOTO: AMY BARTLAM

DESIGN: BODINE WHITE | PHOTO: EMILY SEWELL DESIGN: JEAN STOFFER DESIGN | PHOTO: STOFFER PHOTOGRAPHY INTERIORS

DESIGN: JILL WHITE DESIGNS | PHOTO: SARAH ODEN

THANKFUL

For Our Clients and Agents

This Year, and Every Year Nothing

SPEND YOUR HOLIDAYS IN A PIECE OF ST. LOUIS HISTORY

10 Westmoreland Place, St. Louis Offered at $2,150,000

Welcome to the NABISCO Mansion, an incredible work of architectural mastery designed by John Ludewig Wees, and constructed in the late 1800s for commercial baker and generous philanthropist, Lewis Dozier

Represented By The Warner Hall Group

vision

Michael Lauren Development is the ultimate choice to turn your dreams into reality. Our full-service experience combines lot selection, architecture, design selections and construction. Each project we complete has a unique blend of sophistication, charm and elegance— all inspired and directed by the homeowners’ tastes, passions, wants and needs. Let us help bring your unique vision to life! Visit MichaelLauren.com to see our gallery of luxury homes.