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...

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...

Arts + Culture

Saint Nicholas, Sankt Nikolaus, Sinterklaas or Sviatyij Mykolai?

St. Nicholas Day: How Families Celebrate Article and Photography by Stacey Collins-Dixson More than two millennia ago, the real Santa Claus lived in the area now known as Turkey. Orphaned after an epidemic claimed the lives of his parents, Nicholas reportedly used his inheritance to fulfill the commandment of Christ to help the poor. Because of his faith and works, Nicholas was made Bishop of Myra. Nicholas died on Dec. 6, AD 343, the day now known as Saint Nicholas Day. How did this bishop...

Style + Beauty

Hair Styles For Holidays

Rob Govero Provides Tips, Trends And Transformations Article by Julie Brown Patton | Photography by Iris Schmidt This year's top trending winter hair colors include vivid hues, such as fireside red, snow blonde and auburn copper. From the Strands hair salon at 706 De Mun Ave., Apt. A, in Clayton, master stylist Rob Govero performs hair magic, especially for holiday gatherings or photos. Rob and his team rely on varied experience, having been commissioned to do New York and LA Fashion Weeks...

Health + Wellness

Conquer Your Pain And Move Freely Again

Aging adults have a harder time recovering from injuries, old and new, due to having slower healing rates than younger adults. Your body’s ability to heal itself is influenced by several factors, many of which decline with age. One of the main changes that happens with aging is our ability to repair and regenerate cells drops significantly. This is due to many changes on a cellular level and results in slower or even incomplete healing. A second factor leading to reduced speed of...

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...

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...