Fitness

Be Feral. Play Roller Derby.

St. Chux Derby Crew Team Competes From St. Charles Article by Julie Brown Patton | Photography by Provided Roller derby skaters can excel at the sport regardless of body shape or size, declares Deb Janik, president of St. Chux Derby Crew. "You can come with no skating skills, and with practice, become a great player." She says team members are committed to authenticity on and off the track. "If we had to pick between winning or having fun at every game, we'd pick fun." Being part of a roller...

Life + Culture

Gitzell Fair Trade:

Zellipah Githui Presents Style With Substance, Woven By Hand And Driven By Purpose Article by Kristi Sellers In a world where so much of what is bought feels disconnected from its origin, Zellipah Githui is building something intentional and rooted in pure tradition. As the founder of Gitzell Fair Trade, she has transformed a deeply personal journey into a global movement, one that begins with a single thread and stretches across the world. Zellipah’s story starts in Kenya, where she learned...

Arts + Culture

The Dollhouse Project

A Community Movement Redefining Financial Safety, Power And Legacy For Women Article by Mel Boban | Photography by Empowering Portraits and provided After two decades in the nonprofit trenches, Tracie Hulbert is building something different to make a positive impact in the St. Louis community. She uprooted her own modern financial services firm that puts family protection, financial literacy and real results at the center of everything it does. Tracie, founder of The Dollhouse Project, hit...

Health + Wellness

Wellness Within Reach

SUPERWELL: Small Daily Shifts To Move Out Of Survival Mode Into Sustainable Wellbeing Article by Stacey Dixson | Photography by Jeff Huser In a culture that often rewards exhaustion, Lauren Pronger advances a different paradigm: wellness as a deliberate and sustainable practice. The founder of SUPERWELL and author of the international bestselling book SUPERWELL: Your Blueprint for Wellness & Wellbeing , published in September 2025, Lauren has developed a framework intended to help individuals...

Real Estate

What Is a "Lock and Leave" Lifestyle?

Did you know that homeowners in the U.S. spend an average of 42 hours per month on home maintenance? One of the many benefits of life at Viva Bene St. Peters is the freedom that comes with our lock-and-leave lifestyle. Whether you're planning to travel, visit family, or simply want less to worry about, our community is designed to make it easy.Here’s what lock-and-leave living looks like at Viva Bene:Landscaping, exterior upkeep, and repairs are fully managed for you so you can spend more time...

Real Estate

Making Friends After 55 Is Not Easy

Making friends after 55 can be harder than people expect.Not because you don’t want connection but because it doesn’t happen as naturally as it once did. Work routines change. Neighbors move away. Everyone gets busy in their own world. And suddenly, building new friendships takes more effort than it used to.That’s one of the things that makes Viva Bene St. Peters so special. For residents who choose to be active in the lifestyle program, they have a built-in social life waiting for them.We...

Real Estate

Introduction to Our Team

At Viva Bene, a lot of what we do comes back to helping people “live the good life”. It’s also about creating a place where life stays active, connected, and where people feel like they belong from the start.For many residents, Donna (pictured far left) and Mathilda (pictured far right) from our sales team, are the first people they meet. They take their time getting to know each person and what they’re really looking for, because finding the right home here isn’t just about floor plans, it’s...

Home Services

When Everyday Life Demands Extra Support

How Mom’s Extra Hands is Helping St. Louis Families Thrive Article by Kristi Sellers In the heart of the Midwest, where family ties run deep and everyday schedules can feel overwhelming, many parents are seeking more than just a break. They crave support that feels personal and genuinely helpful. Enter Mom’s Extra Hands, an organizing and concierge service that’s quietly becoming a go-to resource for households.  Extra Hands Owner Emily Dyall says, “I like to say Mom’s Extra Hands is an...

Home + Design

2026 Marble Trends

A Timeless Investment in Your Home Article by Kelley Lamm When we think of investment, we often picture financial portfolios, yet some of the smartest investments are the ones we live with every day. Marble has long symbolized refinement and permanence, and in 2026, its evolution proves timeless materials never truly fade, they appreciate. While soft greys and creamy neutrals remain classic, designers are embracing richer finishes. Deep reds, inky greens, warm browns, and bold veining are...

Real Estate

Spring Into Something New

Fresh Beginnings With Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate Article by Kristi Sellers As tulips push through the soil and trees along Main Street begin to show, spring feels like a fresh invitation. Patios fill with grills and furniture, yards get a tidy refresh and “For Sale” signs start popping up like seasonal blooms. For clients of Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate, this time of year represents more than a busy market; it signals beautiful, new beginnings. Beyond fresh paint colors...