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...

Health + Wellness

Key To Independence For Seniors

Advice Editorial: How Custom Exercise Program From Team Of Aging Specialists Helps Seniors Live In Homes Longer Article by Dr. Beth Templin | Photography by Katie Lentini What are people most thankful for as they age? "In my experience, people are most thankful for their health and independence as they age. Many people want to live in their homes as long as possible. When people start to lose their independence, this can be harder to achieve." Why do people lose their independence with...

Entertainment

Unique Gifting

Advice Editorial: Alternate Gift Ideas For The Holiday Season Article by Mel Boban The holiday season is officially on, and gifting is top of mind. We're all used to scrolling online, browsing the malls or hitting the local boutiques, but sometimes it's fun and unexpected to switch it up. If looking to surprise and delight recipients this year and to bring a new tradition to the season, offbeat gifting can be a great way to turn a new leaf on stale routines. 1. Pre-holiday surprise . For...

Arts + Culture

Local Libraries Are Page-Turners Themselves

Thank Goodness For Decades Of Literacy, Information, Inspiration, Community Connections Article by Julie Brown Patton More than half a million people have St. Louis County Library cards.   Library cards these days get cardholders more than just items to read and watch. Organizations across the state, including the Missouri Department of Conservation and St. Louis Astronomical Society, provided the libraries with outdoor equipment, musical instruments and technology that patrons can check out...

Education

She Lift Project

Podcast Regarding Stories, Struggles, Survival Tips From Successful Professional Women Article by Julie Brown Patton Podcast host Cynthia Kirkpatrick, CPA, CFP, hoped to put a microphone in front of positive-minded people to infuse the world with more wisdom, empathy and support, so she started the podcast 'She Lift Project' during July 2023. "I wanted to help talented women reach the top of their fields," she recalls. "If a ski lift takes people to the top of the mountain, then maybe a 'She...

Life + Culture

Annie's Hope

Assisting Those Grieving Via Non-Judgmental Atmosphere Filled With Compassion And Gratitude Article by Julie Brown Patton The Annie’s Hope organization is a legacy to a former patient of pediatric oncology nurse Becky Byrne, founder/executive director of the nonprofit. Becky says Annie was a young lady who never lost hope for her future, despite the health challenges imposed upon her by acute leukemia at the age of 12. When Annie eventually passed on during 1991, Becky says she knew she had to...

Arts + Culture

Helping Hand-Me-Downs

Foster Mom Helps Families Go From Surviving To Thriving Article by Robin Seaton Jefferson Thirteen years ago, Stephanie Suljak says she saw a need, well, another need. She already had been serving as a foster parent for several years, and had adopted two children. But then she started talking to social workers to find out where gaps in services to families existed, and what she could do to fill them. What she discovered turned into her founding her own social service agency that today serves...

Food + Beverage

Intimate Dining, Lodging

Harmonic Hospitality Partners: Oak Street Inn & Lounge Plus Pink Willow Café Article by Julie Brown Patton | Photography by Mike Winslow "We prepare fresh foods we love and brew coffee we love for the community we love," pledges Terry and Allison Tonsing, owners of Pink Willow Café, an eatery specializing in chef-prepared foods and ethically sourced handcrafted coffee in historic Cottleville at 5523 Oak St. Terry says they partner with locally owned and operated Grillo Chop & Barrel for fine...