Fitness

Electrify Your Holidays: Gift the Joy of Adventure with Juiced Wheels!

Local Couple Discovers Untapped E-Bike Market, Find Huge Success In Offering Direct-To-Consumer E-Bike Sales And Service Article by Robin Seaton Jefferson One proverb embodies that necessity is the mother of invention. For Brett and Mandy Bartrum, it came in the form of a new business and an as-of-yet untapped market in St. Charles County. The Bartrums own and operate Juiced Wheels, an e-bike specialty and service shop, in Frenchtown in St. Charles, virtually in the center of the city’s $85...

Shopping

One Longest-Running Toy Store

Imagination Toys Still Delights Through Unique, Creative Products Plus Free Gift Wrapping Article by Julie Brown Patton | Photography by Carol Green The Graceful Lens "A great toy is like a good book. It opens up an array of possibilities and lets the imagination soar," asserts Mark Johnson, founder of Marble Genius. From superhero birthday cake candles, family games, craft accessories, books and Lego kits to puppets, nature gadgets, action figures, outdoor fun items and musical toys...

Shopping

Giving Machine Generosity

Vending Machine Allows Donors To Send Items To People In Need Article by Julie Brown Patton Merry and Bright, Make Holiday Giving Unforgettable: From Dec. 6-18, St. Louis community residents and supporters can tap into a vending machine at West County Center that allow users to donate items such as medicine, clothing, baby supplies, text books, eye exams and livestock for people in need.​  This charity 'Light the World Giving Machine' vending device, located on the center's second floor...

Entertainment

Festive Family Fun

Family-Friendly Activities For The Holiday Season In St. Louis Article by Tia Tricamo Looking for ways to celebrate the holidays with loved ones? St. Louis has the perfect holiday activities for every family. Throughout November and December, the Polar Express train ride at St. Louis Union Station transports guests into the world of the beloved holiday classic, with singing, dancing, cookies and, of course, hot chocolate. The St. Charles Christmas Traditions festival combines fairytale...

Arts + Culture

Cheers To 2025

Ideas For A Relaxing New Year's Eve Celebration Article by Mel Boban In the rush of the holidays, the last big celebration of the bunch is often left to last-minute plans. New Year's Eve, without longstanding traditions in place, can be tough to plan for or hard to secure a reservation. Restaurants often set prix-fixe menus, or sell tickets for a full evening celebration. Many choose to avoid going out for the safety of driving after midnight. For those who aren't up for a dressy, fancy night...

Arts + Culture

Rosie Finds Her Shine

Rosie Storybook Steals Hearts As She Make Her Way Into Family Holiday Traditions Article by Kelley Lamm Rosie is a little reindeer journeying through self-doubt as she navigates 'comparison.' Other North Pole reindeer know what they want to do. Rosie finds courage to follow her specific path, helping her discover she shines in her own special way. Author Megan Rogers says, “Rosie tells us we each have a special knack. We must answer the call of our hearts, and our gifts will create an...

Home + Design

Heightening The Beauty Of Homes, Holidays

The Porch: Transform Living Spaces One Accessory, Room Or Vision At A Time With Tips From Jan Coffman And Team Article by Julie Brown Patton | Photography by Iris Schmidt Journeys to elevated living are said to begin at The Porch In Wildwood home design and décor showroom at 16957 Manchester Road. Celebrating her first anniversary as the boutique's current owner, Jan Coffman, says the team is still devoted to beautiful, inspired designs. While The Porch first opened during 2013, Jan is...

Travel

All Hail, Vail!

Views, Villages And Vintage Vibes in Vail, Colorado Article by Chelsea Haynes Vail is vibrant, vast and versatile. Here are five reasons to make Vail a last-minute holiday getaway:  Heroic History  First inhabited by the Ute Tribe of Native Americans long before settlers moved West, the native inhabitants referred to Vail as ‘The Shining Mountains.’ By the 1870s, Colorado began attracting gold miners who later depleted resources but led to plans for a ski resort and first-ever US gondola...

Arts + Culture

Operation Shower

Organization Has Showered More Than 9,000 Military Moms And Moms-To-Be All Over The United States In Its 17-Year History Article by Robin Seaton Jefferson It all started 17 years ago, when it was time for LeAnn Morrissey to send her son off to kindergarten. The former lawyer-turned-stay-at-home-mom says she was looking for a way to “be of help” to other moms. “I was looking for something that would matter,” LeAnn says. At the time, LeAnn was sending care packages to her uncle, who was...

Food + Beverage

Rizogalo (Rice Pudding)

Amalia Culinary Art Recipe: A Dish That's Comfort In A Bowl Article by Amalia (Amy) Pappas Loli | Photography by Amalia Pappas Loli ingredients (serves 6): 3/4 cup Arborio rice 1-2 cups of water Pinch of salt 4 cups whole milk 1 cup heavy whipping cream 3/4 cup granulated sugar  2 teaspoons vanilla extract Zest of an orange or lemon, optional Ground cinnamon  instructions: Step 1. Combine rice, water and salt in a pot and boil...