Clayton, MO May 2023

ARTS + CULTURE

LET’S GET TOGETHER MUST-HAVE SPRING STYLES

A s m i l e i s t h e u n i v e r s a l l a n g u a g e t h a t c o n n e c t s p e o p l e o f a l l c u l t u r e s E v e r y o n e w a n t s a b r i g h t , b e a u t i f u l s m i l e t o p r o u d l y s h a r e w i t h t h e w o r l d B e f o r e y o u s t a r t w h i t e n i n g y o u r t e e t h , h e r e a r e s o m e t h i n g s y o u n e e d t o k n o w

I D E N T I F Y Y O U R S M I L E G O A L S T h e f i r s t s t e p i n t e e t h w h i t e n i n g i s d e t e r m i n i n g y o u r s m i l e g o a l s H o w b r i g h t d o y o u w a n t t o b e ? D o y o u w a n t t o b e i n s a n e l y w h i t e l i k e R o s s f r o m F r i e n d s ? D o y o u s i m p l y w a n t t o b a l a n c e t h e s t a i n i n g f r o m y o u r d a i l y c o f f e e ? O r a r e y o u s o m e w h e r e i n b e t w e e n ? K n o w i n g y o u r g o a l s i s i m p o r t a n t a n d w i l l s h a p e y o u r e n t i r e t e e t h w h i t e n i n g g a m e p l a n

C O N S I D E R Y O U R L I F E S T Y L E W h e n d e c i d i n g w h a t t y p e o f t e e t h w h i t e n i n g y o u w a n t t o d o , c o n s i d e r y o u r l i f e s t y l e I t w i l l n o t o n l y i m p a c t t h e h o w y o u c h o o s e t o w h i t e n ( i n - s t u d i o v e r s u s t a k e h o m e , f r e q u e n c y , t i m i n g , e t c ) , i t c a n a l s o b e a d a p t e d t o p r o l o n g y o u r w h i t e n i n g r e s u l t s

H E A L T H I S P R I O R I T Y

M a i n t a i n i n g e x c e l l e n t o r a l h e a l t h i s t h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t t h i n g y o u c a n d o t o a c h i e v e a b r i g h t s m i l e G e t r e g u l a r c h e c k - u p s a n d c l e a n i n g s w i t h y o u r g e n e r a l d e n t i s t t o p o l i s h y o u r s m i l e a n d k e e p i t h e a l t h y C a v i t i e s , g u m d i s e a s e o r o t h e r d e n t a l p r o b l e m s c a n a l s o c o n t r i b u t e t o s e v e r e d i s c o m f o r t a n d p a i n d u r i n g w h i t e n i n g s o m a k i n g s u r e t h e r e a r e n o a c t i v e i s s u e s i s i m p e r a t i v e t o a l l o w f o r c o m f o r t a b l e s a f e t e e t h w h i t e n i n g

N O T A L L S T A I N S A R E T H E S A M E T h e r e a r e m a n y t y p e s o f t o o t h d i s c o l o r a t i o n w i t h v a r y i n g e t i o l o g i e s , m a k i n g a p r o p e r p r o f e s s i o n a l d i a g n o s i s c r i t i c a l t o a c h i e v i n g a b r i g h t s m i l e S o m e " i n t r i n s i c " ( i n t e r i o r t o o t h s t r u c t u r e ) s t a i n s a r i s e f r o m o t h e r c o n d i t i o n s a n d d o n o t b e n e f i t f r o m t e e t h w h i t e n i n g , r e q u i r i n g a l t e r n a t i v e d e n t a l t r e a t m e n t s t o c o r r e c t

O N E S I Z E D O E S N O T F I T A L L F o r t h e m o s t e f f e c t i v e r e s u l t s , t e e t h w h i t e n i n g s h o u l d b e c o m p l e t e l y c u s t o m i z e d Y o u r d e n t a l p r o f e s s i o n a l s h o u l d p e r f o r m a c o m p r e h e n s i v e s m i l e a n a l y s i s a n d d e s i g n a w h i t e n i n g p l a n s p e c i f i c t o a m u l t i t u d e o f f a c t o r s , i n c l u d i n g y o u r u n i q u e s m i l e g o a l s , c l i n i c a l f i n d i n g s , d i a g n o s i s , d i e t , l i f e s t y l e , b u d g e t a n d h i s t o r y o f s e n s i t i v i t y E v e r y s m i l e i s a u n i q u e w o r k o f a r t a n d d e s e r v e s t o b e t r e a t e d t h a t w a y , e v e n w h e n i t c o m e s t o s o m e t h i n g a s s e e m i n g l y s i m p l e a s w h i t e n i n g

T O O T H P A S T E S W O N ' T D O T H E T R I C K W h i t e n i n g t o o t h p a s t e s e m p l o y a m e c h a n i c a l w h i t e n i n g t e c h n i q u e t o r e m o v e s u r f a c e s t a i n s t h r o u g h t h e u s e o f a b r a s i v e i n g r e d i e n t s T h e y a c t l i k e s a n d p a p e r t o p o l i s h t h e e x t e r i o r o f t e e t h B e c a u s e t h e y d o n o t u t i l i z e c h e m i c a l w h i t e n i n g , t h e y a r e u n a b l e t o b r i g h t e n t h e i n t e r n a l c o l o r o f y o u r t e e t h I n f a c t , w h i t e n i n g o r c h a r c o a l t o o t h p a s t e s m a y m a k e t e e t h d a r k e r o v e r t i m e d u e t o t h e i r a b r a s i v e p r o p e r t i e s a n d l o n g t e r m w e a r a n d d a m a g e t o e n a m e l a n d g u m t i s s u e

IT'S NOT ONE AND DONE

Just like skin care, smile care requires commitment Your teeth are constantly exposed to staining substances, making a proper maintenance protocol imperative to keeping your smile sparkling So when you start your teeth whitening journey, make sure to not only plan for how to brighten your smile, but how you're going to keep it bright over time

HOW TO STRETCH OUT YOUR RESULTS

While you will have to repeat any type of teeth whitening, there are things you can integrate into your daily routine to help maintain your bright smile Having a great at home oral care routine including the use of an electric toothbrush, water flosser, floss and mouthrinse will help combat daily stains Additionally, lifestyle changes like decreasing, avoiding or sipping acidic beverages through a straw, chewing gum after eating and making flat water your chosen drink will all help aid in expanding the time your whitening lasts

Schedule your Smile Consultation at BOCA with Dr Erin today to customize your teeth whitening and start your journey to a brighter smile

Women Who Enrich Our Lives

I don’t know about you, but we love any opportunity to recognize the women in our life who just make life richer and more beautiful. The wives, mothers, sisters, daughters and best friends are some of the most influential women in our lives.

And, of course with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on mom... whether that’s our biological mother or the mother figures in our lives who have made an indelible impact on us. It’s the family members, teachers, friends and neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, pouring into our lives—making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.

While it’s always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to patronize businesses owned by women in our communities, and those who we’re profiled in this issue.

That’s one of our favorite parts of this publishing role - connecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to women in our cities, such as Susie Busch-Transou, and two other successful females featured in this issue—attorney Tonya Page, and local author Shelly Snow Pordea.

They are all movers and shakers, builders and makers. They are both seen and unseen. Their service, dedication and attention to detail show us something about beauty that can’t be seen or understood any other way.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on Facetime with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love and appreciate them.

Happy Mother's Day

May 2023

PUBLISHERS

Gordon Montgomery gordon.montgomery@citylifestyle.com

Kelley Lamm kelley.lamm@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Casey Pierce | casey.pierce@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Robin Seaton Jefferson, Judy Peters, Julie Brown Patton, Kara Savio, Mel Boban

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Carol Green The Graceful Lens, Casey Pierce

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

Original, yet timeless. Edgy, yet sophisticated. Modern, yet classic.

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Hearth & Soul Boutique Hosts Book Launch

Andy Way, founder of Always Adventure, held a book launch celebration at Hearth & Soul store. He signed copies of his book, Always Adventure, which outlines five powerful practices for living happier, fulfilling lives. Andy also is a speaker and former real estate agent who served in the U.S. Navy. He says of the book: "I'm on a mission to use my experience to help others overcome challenges. It's real. It's honest. It's entertaining."

Annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Conference

Webster University recently hosted its 8th annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Conference, with keynote speaker Michelle Zauner, best-selling author, Crying in H Mart, and lead vocalist, Japanese Breakfast. The sold-out kick-off conversation was led by Michelle Li, 5 on Your Side news anchor and last year's DEI Conference recipient of the Game Changer of the Year Award. Shown here are DEI keynote speaker Michelle Zauner with Chancellor Elizabeth Stroble.

Muny President Kwofe Coleman To Speak At Clayton Chamber

On May 23, Clayton Chamber of Commerce members will host Kwofe Coleman, President/CEO of the Municipal Theatre Association of St. Louis (The Muny). He will speak at the Clarendale Clayton, 7651 Clayton Road. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m. with lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Advance reservations may be made only at ClaytonCommerce.com or by calling the chamber at 314.726.3033. Cost to attend is $30 and includes complimentary parking.

Natalie Herzberg Named Managing Partner Of The Capital Grille

Natalie has been in the restaurant industry for more than 20 years. She is an SIUE alum and long-time St. Louis Cardinals and Blues fan. Natalie is excited to serve such a close-knit community and looks forward to building new relationships as she embarks on her journey with The Capital Grille serving award-winning wines, American fare in a refined setting.

You Are Not Alone!

Many people feel a lack of knowledge and fear when it comes to investing. But don't let fear hold you back from achieving your financial goals. Start looking for trusted resources and seek guidance from an advisor who can help you navigate the financial markets. Remember, investing is a long-term strategy and requires patience and discipline.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Clayton

HOME IS WHERE HEARTH & SOUL IS

Susie Busch-Transou, Daughter Of August Busch III, Chooses St. Louis Location For Her Third Hearth & Soul Shop

Ever been in a store and imagined a shimmering set of glassware sitting on your own dining room table or a particularly fabulous outfit you see hanging in your own closet? It’s kind of like that, only with the feeling you're actually home already, when walking through the double doors of Hearth & Soul at 9640 Clayton Road in Ladue. Shoppers enjoy entering the inviting, grand foyer of the delightful, home-like shop that founder and CEO Susie Busch-Transou created.

A gathering place and shopping experience, Hearth & Soul is a place where one can have a cup of coffee and wander, discovering beautiful things for yourself, your home or someone special in your life, while meandering rooms of the warm and wonderful homeaway-from-home Susie has fashioned in an actual shopping space.

Hearth & Soul is filled with a curated collection of simple, modern and classic items, including top brands, as well as artisan goods and familiar pieces. Its floor plan was carefully designed to feature each room of the most precious of shoppers' spaces — their homes.

Standing in the grand foyer, one can look left to see a pets’ corner and mud room and everything from crinkle toys to collars. To the right are women's and men's closets, a hearth room, dining room, kitchen and bar, a library containing books for all ages and an actual patio whose furniture, pottery and accessories also are all for sale. There is a bed and bath area with fragrances, skincare and bubble baths.

The kitchen, family and dining rooms are arranged with virtually everything that would be in one's own home. There is table and barware, olive oil and an assortment of pepper jellies along with peach preserves and cocktail cherries. There is furniture, lighting, accessories and pillows, lots of pillows. There are candles, diffusers and self-watering planters, games and toys and puzzles.

The product placement was intentional, Susie shares. “You see everything in the setting you would see them in a home."

And the furniture throughout the store can go home with purchasers the same day. “We believe in immediate gratification, so this furniture can go home with you today,”

Susie says. "In fact, it can go home on approval and visit your space. If it doesn’t work, you can bring it back.”

A businesswoman, mom, volunteer and friend, Susie’s career has spanned advertising, beer distribution, brand management and creative services at Anheuser-Busch and its subsidiaries, including SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Busch Creative Services. (Her father is August Busch III). She and her husband moved to Tallahassee, Florida, in 1996 to purchase Tri-Eagle Sales, a beer and specialty beverage distributorship.

She says due to growing up in St. Louis, she's always taken to heart the Anheuser-Busch philosophy: “Making Friends Is Our Business.” After all, she saw firsthand the positive impact of Anheuser-Busch’s community involvement, and that led her to a life and career of bringing people together. “I saw the difference it made. St. Louis has one of the top 10 zoos in the country, and it’s still free. That’s because of businesses giving back to the community."

She says her father is one of the best mentors and role models in her life.

It was on a retreat with friends eight years ago that Susie came up with the idea for Hearth & Soul. “It was a crazy idea born out of a life-coaching, soul-searching and fulfillment retreat,” she says. “I asked the 15 women there: ‘What feeds your soul? Not only things, but experiences that feed your soul.’ Many of the women said their home is a gathering place. It’s a part of who we are. We feel happiest and at peace in my home,” Susie says, adding that all of the answers for the store she would create came from those questions — answers that led her to create “a unique concept in retail that is a haven within this fast-paced world where friends can connect and an inviting place to acquire carefully curated items from near and far.”

Ten months later, she opened her first Hearth & Home in 2015, in Tallahassee, Florida. The second store opened in Austin, Texas, in 2018. The Ladue store is her third.

Hearth & Soul also hosts community events, provides design services and offers a modern wedding registry.

The shop showcases a variety of partners from local communities each month including fitness, artists and CONTINUED >

nonprofits. The Hearth & Soul Summer Artist Series promotes a variety of artists in a month-long partnership each summer, offering an in-store gallery experience of their work, called a “Sip & See.”

Hearth & Soul also features established, as well as emerging, fashion designers in its closets, promoting their work and bringing awareness to them and their apparel lines.

Library partners are celebrated with in-store literary events, including book signings, clubs, sales and readings.

All of these events are promoted through Hearth & Soul’s weekly emails, website postings, social media posts and online event promotions.

Throughout the year, Hearth & Soul also partners with a number of area charities. Susie sells a candle each month honoring the

organization and donating the funds from the candle to the shop’s nonprofit partner of the month.

The Hearth & Soul Wellness Partner Program runs from March through October, with a different partner each month highlighting the business or individual’s workouts, wellness routines or mindfulness practices. This program provides an opportunity for the community and friends of the store to take part in a complimentary wellness experience both virtually and in person, Susie says.

Susie wears a bracelet with the letters “MTD” on it. She says it stands for Hearth & Soul’s motto. “You can’t bring joy to others, if you’re not positive yourself. It’s all about connecting with friends to make their day.”

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“Home is a gathering place. It’s a part of who we are. We feel happiest and at peace in our homes.”

~ Susie Busch-Transou, Hearth & Soul founder and CEO

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Legal Power Player

Page Law Attorney Genuinely Wants To Resolve Other’s Legal Issues

When it comes to qualities most admired about great lawyers, seven attributes rise to the top: compassion; attentive listening skills; clear communication; assertiveness; noteworthy organization; creativity; and perseverance. Family law attorney Tonya Page, founder of St. Louis-based Page Law firm, is known for these qualities, along with getting equitable results.

As a partner of this full-spectrum law firm, Tonya practices exclusively in the area of family law and domestic relations. Some say she’s paved the path when it comes to regional family law matters.

Tonya handles complex legal matters such as prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, divorces, division of marital properties, child custody, child support, alimony,

spousal support, paternity disputes, guardianships, grandparent visitation, domestic violence and orders of protection.

Clayton City Lifestyle got the opportunity to ask Tonya about personal skills that make her a truly successful lawyer and what constitutes rewarding achievements.

Being a bartender/server during college and law school provided cash to help pay for education, while she says also surprisingly practicing invaluable, on-the-job skills in dealing with difficult people. The best lesson? To listen and empathize with people from all walks of life. “I had to deal with customer complaints, and often acted as a quasi-therapist for regulars who came in after tough days and needed to vent about work, relationships and life,” she recalls.

“My former boss and mentor recognized my ability to deal with challenging situations, and said I was wise beyond my years. I jokingly told him it wasn’t hard to be wise beyond my age since I was only 25 when I started my career as a family law attorney working at his firm,” she says.

She says operating within a bartender environment also helped her be more “thick-skinned” and not take things too personally.

“As attorneys, especially in family law, we often see people at their worst, or when they’re going through one of the most difficult, traumatic times of their lives. When clients are frustrated or upset, I remind myself most of the time they aren’t angry or frustrated with me, but the situation they’re going through or sometimes the system, which doesn’t usually move as fast as litigants would like, and which they oftentimes don’t fully understand,” she says.

Yet, helping people and making positive differences in their lives is still the most rewarding part of being an attorney for Tonya.

“I keep my cards and thank you notes in a drawer to pull out once in a while when I feel like I’m getting fed up. It’s the truly appreciative clients who keep me going. One lady I represented over 15 years ago still sends me notes, stating she prays for me and thanks God that I came into her life and helped save her children from a horrible situation,” Tonya shares.

Another instance she says stands out is the message she receives every Christmas from a former client thanking her for helping save his marriage by referring him to a marriage therapist and convincing the opposing attorney to dismiss the divorce case so the parties could attempt reconciliation.

“Being an attorney satisfies my competitive side and it’s never boring. Although I’m certainly shocked less often than when I was as a young attorney, the stories of people’s lives never cease to amaze me,” she adds.

Tonya verifies that analytical skills are critical in practicing law. “One of the most important roles we take on as family law attorneys is that of problem-solver. Analytical skills are used every day in every case.”

Regarding how to balance being assertive versus being too aggressive, Tonya says there’s a time and place for both.

“While it’s important for clients to know they have someone on their side who can, and will, fight for them, that doesn’t always mean battling it out in the courtroom,” she says, as a proponent of mediation in most cases.

One of the silver linings of COVID-19, she says, is many jurisdictions adopted a mandatory mediation rule. “While this doesn’t guarantee a case will settle, it forces both parties to at least attend mediation in an effort to resolve some or all of the issues. That being said, not all cases are appropriate for mediation, such as where there’s been abuse. However, I find most cases can be settled when the time is right.”

Tonya assures, “When cases aren’t settled, I have no problem going into trial mode and being aggressive when it’s necessary to fight for my client. Even after 20 years of practicing, I still really enjoy trying cases when they need to be tried,” she says.

How staying passionate and knowledgeable comes into doing her best job: “Life is too short to devote as much time and energy into a career if you’re not passionate about it. I try to put 110 percent into everything I do, including family law cases. Clients deserve attorneys who are knowledgeable and passionate about their case’s specific issues,” she says. “Focusing on one or two practice areas is key to being at the top of your field. That’s why I’ve continued to devote my career exclusively to family law. I also don’t hesitate to consult with experts and attorneys in other practice areas when necessary.”

Her motivation comes from really enjoying what she does. “However, the practice of law in general, and certainly family law, can be emotionally taxing on attorneys. After all,

we’re taking on the problems of our clients and trying to ‘fix’ or problem solve and fight for them. We hear and see some really heart-wrenching situations, especially in highly contested custody cases and certainly cases involving physical or emotional harm,” she says.

Taking time for vacation and family, she says, is crucial for her not getting burned out.

“Family law is a highly emotional area of law, so it can be difficult to shut off because I’m constantly thinking about my clients’ cases, especially custody matters or cases involving mistreatment. This aspect is always a work-inprogress, so when I feel like it’s taking a toll on me emotionally, I try to implement new ways to deal with the stress,” she says.

She enjoys reading self-help books, such as Finding Gratitude, which was full of ideas for inspiring joy and appreciation.

Tonya also applauds contributions of female attorneys as a whole in the St. Louis/St. Charles region. “There are so many amazing women in the local legal profession, including two other family law attorneys in my firm, Alexandra Kohlfeld and Julia Dillow, along with our experienced support staff, all of whom are also women!”

She says she appreciates consulting with female attorneys at other firms when she needs another opinion, or happily refers cases when Page Law has a conflict.

PageLaw.com

314.274.9640

“Life is too short to devote as much time and energy into a career if you’re not passionate about it. I try to put 110 percent into everything I do, including family law cases. Clients deserve attorneys who are knowledgeable and passionate about their case’s specific issues.” -Tonya Page

Treat Mom to a Spa Mother’s Day

Being a mother is a tough job. Show Mom your love and appreciation this Mother’s Day with a massage and facial to relax and revitalize!

“Definitely

best in St. Louis”

A SPECIAL MOM Date With

“MOTHERHOOD: ALL LOVE BEGINS AND ENDS THERE.”

~ROBERT BROWNING

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is one of the most sentimental and nostalgic holidays of the year. Although mothers are treasured year-round, this special day is set aside each year to say thank you for all she has done for us and to show her just how very much we care.

For this Mother's Day, let us reflect on, and celebrate, the extraordinary women who have made such a profound impact on our lives. These are the women who have nurtured us, the women who have protected us, and the women who have made us who we are today.

Our mothers helped us with our homework, baked us our favorite cookies, took care of us when we were sick, hugged us when we were feeling down, inspired us in our careers, made us laugh, and most of all helped make us better people.

A mother's love is like no other. It knows no boundaries or limitations and is as unconditional as it is unwavering. It is a bond that cannot be broken, a love that is not easily explained, and a feeling that lasts forever. From the moment a child is born, a mother’s role is a mix of patience, kindness, tolerance, understanding, discipline, sacrifice, virtue and of course, lots of love. It is not an easy job.

Have you ever noticed how a mother has the amazing ability to be everywhere at once? She can somehow manage to juggle more than seems humanly possible. Our mom is our superhero and our No. 1 cheerleader. So let's honor and celebrate our mothers, grandmothers, and all the mother figures who have made a difference in our lives.

How can we make Mother’s Day especially special this year? We can always buy gifts for mom—a new outfit, a new fragrance, or a pretty piece of jewelry. But what could be a better Mother’s Day gift than you spending the day with mom? Here are four memory-making ideas that mom is sure to love.

1) Pamper mom with an all-day spa adventure. There are many good ones to choose from in St Louis. Book a relaxing day for the two of you together in cozy robes, comfy house slippers, fancy face masks, and her favorite wine or cocktail. Tell mom she can get any treatment she desires. She might enjoy a facial, some waxing, a massage, a mani-pedi, or all of these options.

2) A farmer’s market is a lovely place to spend the morning, and St. Louis has the oldest farmers market west of the Mississippi in the Historic Soulard Market. Picture you and your mom browsing a world-class bakery and spice shop, all the while sampling yummy farm-fresh snacks. Then on to a little shopping from the vendors who sell flowers, shirts, jewelry, incense, sports memorabilia, soaps, photography and handmade crafts.

3) How about taking mom for a lovely afternoon stroll through a beautiful sculpture garden with a couple of lattes in hand? Laumier Sculpture Park in St Luis County might be a

IN CONCLUSION

Whatever you decide to do for that special mother figure in your life, she is bound to love it…just like she loves you!  A mother's love is the sun that warms our hearts, the rain that nourishes our souls, and the wind that carries us forward. — Unknown

Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing moms out there!

perfect place to take mom. There are more than 70 works of large-scale outdoor sculpture in this beautiful 105-acre park. There are benches and picnic tables located throughout the Park, so you might even bring a picnic basket.

4) If your mom has an artistic flair or even if she doesn’t, a paint party could be a lot of fun. Usually, a professional artist is on hand to provide step-by-step instructions to help you reproduce a pre-selected work of art while enjoying cocktails and appetizers. At the end of class, you and mom get to keep your creations, making for a nice memento of your special Mother’s Day together.

Let’s Get Together

IDEAS FOR THE NEXT GIRL GATHERING

The holidays came and went; it's time to get that special group of ladies together again! The hustle and bustle of the school year usually has everyone all missing friends. What is the occasion, though? If longing for an excuse to get together or a party theme, here are fun ideas and inspirations for that next soiree.

Fun Things To Do With The Girls!

DIY FLOWER BAR

Bring spring to the gathering by putting creativity to the test. Each attendee can bring one bunch of one flower type, or you can provide 8 to 10 different varieties of florals (be sure to include greenery and baby's breath, too). Place each of the flower options on a long table with tissue or paper to wrap the bouquet, as well as some thin twine to tie it up. When guests arrive, enjoy cocktails while arranging the varieties together, sharing ideas and giving each other pointers. This not only creates fun conversation, it also gives each friend a chance to show off their skills. Plus, everyone leaves with a takeaway as a reminder of a fun day to keep in their home.

BRUNCH BUNCH

Bring back brunch. Get-togethers often happen in the evenings, and Sunday morning goes overlooked. A brunch with a theme will get everyone intrigued and excited to bring their favorite dish to the hostess' home. Theme ideas could be based around an area, such as Southern foods or fiesta favorites. Or, a build-your-own brunch could take place with options for decking out waffles or creating one's own parfait bowl. If you're up for a mix, ask everyone to make their favorite family breakfast recipe and take a trip down memory lane as a group.

SOAP MAKING

You can never go wrong with an event centered around treating yourself. With a spa theme, creations could include making soap, bath bombs or bath salts. Essential oils can take center stage and the creativity is all about the unique combination that everyone builds. To go along with the relaxing theme, cocktails or snacks could include embellishments such as lavender and mint.

FAVORITE THINGS

This is by far a favorite new trend for gatherings. A Favorite Things party is simple and can be incorporated into any event, whether it's a dinner out or a night in. Simply set a dollar amount and ask each guest to bring a favorite item of theirs: one for each person. This could be their go-to lip balm, a book they highly recommend, or even a piece of jewelry they love to wear. Each guest goes home with a grab bag of goodies, all highly recommended by their friends. If your group loves to shop, this is the party for you!

PROGRESSIVE DINNER

If your group doesn't mind hopping around town, a progressive dinner is always downright fun. This could be a good way to incorporate spouses if you want to make it a couple's event. Each step of the evening is hosted by a different friend, with guests traveling between each course to a new location. This is a fantastic way to beat the cost of dining out without putting the burden on one friend or couple to do all the cooking themselves. The dinner could build as it typically does from starters to mains, or each stop could include a heavy appetizer with dessert at the end. Enjoy!

Must-Have Spring Styles

ADVICE EDITORIAL: FIVE PIECES TO EASILY UPDATE SPRING WARDROBES

It’s easy to update wardrobes for spring. All that’s needed this year are five key pieces to integrate into your current mix for maximum style points. Vibrant, saturated colors, such as kelly green, tangerine and bright fuchsia, are currently trending. Mix a bright top or blazer with loose, light-wash denim and bright, slingback kitten heels for an of-the-moment combo. Complete the look with the accessories of the season: long, sparkly statement earrings and a roomy, leather tote bag. Wear all five trending pieces together or mix-and-match with any neutral pieces in your current wardrobe, and you’ll be ready for warm, sunny days ahead.

1 3 4 5

2 Vibrant

Top

LOCAL FIND: Top and Blazer, Lusso Boutique

Wide-Leg Denim Jeans

Stylist’s own

Sparkly Statement Earrings

LOCAL FIND: Earrings, Lusso Boutique

Roomy Tote Bag

LOCAL FIND: Leather bag, Lusso Boutique

Bright, Slingback Kitten Heels

Jeans, stylist’s own

LOCAL AUTHOR SHELLY SNOW PORDEA

Having been a victim of abuse she now advocates for survivors through the online group IGotOut.org.

INSPIRING

AND ASSISTING OTHERS

IN FULFILLING THEIR DREAM OF WRITING A BOOK

Shelly Snow Pordea, 48, of St. Peters, is a novelist, screenwriter, speaker and religious cult survivor. She is using her writing and coaching talent through her online business, TheCreativU, to help other people get their books into the world. “I believe each person’s story matters,” says Shelly. “What information are you here to share?”

In her adult fiction novels, the Tracing Time Trilogy, she highlights three generations of women who find their way in the world while seeking to save themselves and those they love. The books are currently being adapted into screenplays to be produced into a movie.

Her first children’s book, The Hug Who Had No Arms, debuted on Amazon as a No. 1 Bestseller in several categories. Self-published in 2020, Shelly says it was inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when the world seemed to stop hugging. She took her love of drawing and storytelling to create a children’s tale to help families express love through the strange practice of social distancing as well as celebrating different ways to show love.

She says she wants to use her voice through the power of storytelling to promote change. Shelly speaks to groups, schools, conferences, and businesses about growing up in a strict religious sect, her experience living overseas, and the journey to becoming a bestselling self-published author. She is in the process of writing a memoir about her experiences, and is currently collaborating with her brother, actor Jon Snow, on a fictional adaptation of their personal story for a possible TV series.

But her main passion seems to be her work inspiring and assisting others who are wanting to become authors, to get their books published. She offers consultation and online courses at TheCreativU.com.

“I meet so many people who have an idea for a book, but don’t know how to even get started on publishing one. Back when self-published authors came onto the scene, there may have been an attitude of inferiority, but that is no longer the case at all. Some top-selling authors you may know and follow already are actually self-published.

“If you want to add the distinguished title of author to your career, one of the fastest ways to do it is to put your expertise into a book, and market yourself as a published author,” says Shelly. “And my goal is to make these resources

little more than a tenth of what I paid to publish my first book!”

In her courses, participants go through everything it takes to publish a book and retain all the rights and royalties of their intellectual property. They also learn some basics about book launch marketing and social media influence as an author.

In addition, she offers writing services and coaching for business people or anyone in a creative field where writing is involved. “I can help hone the language around your project or website copy and messaging, creating the narrative you desire,” says Shelly.

For more information about her books, speaking, coaching and online courses, visit ShellySnowPordea.com

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

MAY 6TH

St. Louis Microfest

Beer Festival

UPPER MUNY LOT | 12:00 PM

This St. Louis annual premiere craft beer tasting festival features beers from dozens of special brews, as well as great food from area restaurants. The event includes more than 80 craft beers and 50 international beers along with live music, homebrew competition, brewers’ Olympics and more. Tickets (General Admission: $45 and VIP Admission: $70) can be purchased at STLMicrofest.org

MAY 6TH-7TH

Paw Patrol Heroes Unite

STIFEL THEATRE | 2:00 PM

The PAW Patrol is yelping for help as they face their greatest challenge yet: Mayor Humdinger has dognapped Robo-Dog and cloned him, causing chaos all over the world. It’s up to the pups to catch those clones, rescue Robo-Dog and show that when the going gets “ruff." There are multiple show times on both days; for tickets, visit  StifelTheatre.com/events/detail/ Paw-Patrol-Live-Heroes-Unite

MAY 8TH

Jazzing Up The Day

For Mom

560 MUSIC CENTER | 7:30 PM

Celebrating moms with a jazzy fun work about cuisine and the jazz piano duo of Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi. Dr. James and Cynthia Coyle are concert sponsors To order tickets by phone, call 314.941.6309, or go online at:  ChamberMusicSTL.org/concerts/jazzingup-the-day-for-mom

MAY 10TH

Debby Lennon: A Musical Salute To Leading Ladies

THE SHELDON CONCERT

HALL AND ART GALLERIES | 10:00 AM

One of St. Louis’ most in-demand vocalists, Debby has wowed audiences with her powerhouse voice at venues throughout the city. In this heartfelt performance, she will pay tribute to her favorite women of the stage and screen, including Judy Garland, Liza Minelli, Barbara Streisand and more. Enjoy complimentary coffee and pastries at 9 a.m. See  TheSheldon.org/events/ Debby-Lennon .

MAY 10TH

Clayton's Parties In The Park

NORTH BRENTWOOD

BETWEEM FORSYTH AND MARYLAND AVENUE | 5:00 PM

Celebrate at St. Louis’ longest running outdoor happy hour, on the streets of downtown Clayton, during the second Wednesday of each month, starting with this one in May through September. Live music, beer, wine and libations are available, along with bites from local restaurants or food trucks. This year represents the 40th anniversary of Parties In the Park.

MAY 20TH-21ST Rocks

Rule!

PACIFIC EAGLES SOCIAL ROOM

St. Louis Rock Hobby Club of Greater Saint Louis representatives operate the show. The club was formed in 1960 and incorporated as a Missouri-based nonprofit organization in 1973 as an educational and social group of dealers of Earth Science Hobby Materials. The show spans rocks, minerals, fossils and lapidary. Saturday: noon to 7 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Clayton

Scratch-Made Mayonnaise In 7 Minutes

ingredients

• 2 cups avocado oil

• 2 eggs

• 1 ½-2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 5-10 cranks of freshground pepper

• 1-2 cloves garlic

directions

Blend eggs, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper in food processor or blender on medium-high for 1 minute. Next, gradually over about 2 minutes, drizzle avocado oil into the mixture, while continuing to blend. Just before you finish adding oil, drop in garlic and blend for another 30 seconds. Refrigerate and store in an airtight container.

Recipe Notes:

This recipe makes a double batch; the whole quantity is likely to be wanted!

Use the freshest eggs possible because the sauce keeps as long as the best-by date on egg carton.

These directions make a sauce-like consistency. For a spreadable consistency, blend for another minute.

Easily Enhance Any Meal With This Surprisingly Versatile Sauce

Why would you make mayonnaise when you can get it off the shelf at the grocery store? You’ll be delighted to find this mayonnaise is silky, surprisingly light, and deeply satisfying. In addition to the straightforward condiment use, indulge where you might use cheese or other dairy products. Top your taco or make the best potato salad you’ve ever had. Use as a dip the whole family can enjoy for fries, or for roasted or fresh veggies. Visit my blog for 17 ways to use this versatile summer sauce AlanaFravell.com .