Issuu

AU G U S T 2 02 1

YOU HAVE BIG GOALS. Make sure you make them a reality with personal financial management tools. All located within your online banking platform and mobile banking app, these tools offer you insights to stay within your budget and practice debt management. • •

View all of your accounts, debts and investments in a single place. Track your progress, utilize simulators and understand where every dollar is going.

With personal financial management tools from Enterprise Bank & Trust, you are in control of your money and your goals.

Learn more at enterprisebank.com/personal/personal-finance-management

Don’t miss your chance to see ALWAYS... PATSY CLINE AUGUST 6 - SEPTEMBER 5!

Get your tickets today! 314.821.2407 | StagesStLouis.org

Coming Up Next:

Broadway Star and American Idol Alum

DIANA DEGARMO as Patsy Cline

STAGES St. Louis Favorite

ZOE VONDER HAAR September 24 - October 24

as Louise Seger CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

LIFESTYLE LETTER

AUGUST 2021 PUBLISHER

Renee Moore | renee.moore@lifestylepubs.com

Kids and Pets

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Jordan Moore | jordan.moore@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Miranda Read

DOES YOUR FAMILY HAVE A TRADITION?

L AYO UT DESIGNER

Emily Lisenbee

For the past 20 years, my entire family has rented a house on 30A for a week in August. It's my whole family - my parents, my kids (pictured), sisters, brother, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and life partners. It's a packed house. And it is absolutely my favorite week of the year. This issue is all about celebrating the kids, pets, and families that bring us joy. My favorite thing about this issue was chatting with readers about their kids and pets.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Joan Pace, Dr. Abigail Owens, Beth Glennon CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dr. Abigail Owens, Erin Stubblefield Weddings and Portraiture, Danny Zofness, Kate Meyer, Megan Temple, Sally Richman, Kelly Laramore Photography, Lauren Cappell, Josh Lenhardt, Clare Zilch Wuesthoff, Emina Seevers, Sarah Pitt Kaplan, Melissa Pahde

They shared so many super cute pictures of their kids and pets. Shout out to Kate Meyer for sharing her photos. Nothing said "Kids and Pets" more than the cover picture of her son Rory sharing his Cheez-Its with Lucy, the dog. Check out the rest of our favorite photos from our readers on page 8; good times and great memories. That's what it's all about, right? Making memories. There are great stories behind those memories. I would love to hear your stories and memories. Please feel free to connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, or by email. I welcome the opportunity to meet you in person.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

In fact, please stop by and say, "Hi" on Thursday, August 26th, at the Downtown

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

Kirkwood Summer Concert Series at Station Plaza. Kirkwood Lifestyle magazine is

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

sponsoring a concert from Matt Jordan as a fundraiser for The Historic Kirkwood

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Train Station Foundation. It's going to be a great night for a great cause. This summer concert may be the start of a new Kirkwood Lifestyle magazine tradition. Everyone is welcome - especially kids and pets. 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Renee Moore Publisher 314-223-7960 Renee.Moore@LifestylePubs.com

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood ON THE COVER Rory Meyer and Lucy the Dog PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHERINE MEYER, MS, LAT, ATC 4

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2021

Proverbs 3:5-6 Kirkwood Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Kirkwood area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Kirkwood Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Cereal box drive for Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis all week long!

blue dahlia designs turns 2 ! Celebrate with us during our week long event! Saturday, August 21th-Sunday August 29th

Saturday 8/21 Bring a friend and you both receive 25% off your entire purchase

Sunday 8/22 Grilled cheese sandwiches catered by Grilled Cheese, Please!

Monday 8/23 Online gift card scavenger hunt

Tuesday 8/24 The first 25 customers will receive a free gift bag valued up to $85

Wednesday 8/25 Take home a free candle with a $50 purchase

Thursday 8/26 Charcuterie Board Demonstration by St. Louis Cheese Boards at 6:00pm, wine and cheese provided

Rolling out our new loyalty program! Free chances for Raffle Baskets all week!

Check out our Facebook Event Page for more details!

Find out more at www.bluedahliadesigns.net

7930 Big Bend Blvd. Webster Groves, MO 63119 314-274-8747

Friday 8/27 Receive 10% off your purchase and 10% of your purchase will be donated to Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis

Saturday 8/28 In store gift card scavenger hunt, new gift cards put out hourly

Sunday 8/29 Bring a friend and you both receive 25% off your entire purchase

INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2021

FEATURES 14 Access For All The Magic House is partnering with PBS to create access for all children.

18 Summer Pup-ket List Tips and treats your dog will love from local veterinarian Dr. Abigail Owens.

22 Meet.....Officer Gary Baldridge Officer Gary talks about the value of making new friends.

14 22

26 Creating Mom Connections Meet local mom and KTVI Channel 2 reporter Molly Rose.

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Our Town

Animal Kingdom

22 Hometown Hero 26 Local Limelight 30 Locally Owned

GOOD TIMES 1.

Kids and Pets This issue is dedicated to some of our cutest readers. Here are some of their smiling faces from super-fun places. Tag us in your pics on Instagram @KirkwoodLifestyleMagazine and Facebook @KirkwoodLifestyle. We love sharing pictures of wonderful memories and good times.

10.

11.

12.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2021

AROUND TOWN any other place I have worked at, including outside the mortgage industry.” Fairway is passionate about its employee’s experience and being involved in our community.

LIVE LOCAL, SHOP LOCAL In search of a safer alternative to her favorite scented candles, Kirkwood resident Ellen Mazur set off to create her own. After tremendous feedback from friends & family, Everyday Fancy Candle Co. was born in the fall of 2020. Everyday Fancy candles are created using only safe, clean ingredi-

I HEAR THE TRAIN 'A COMIN Monday,

August

from

9:00

9:30

ents: 100% soy wax, lead-free cotton wicking, tox-

a.m., Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014, will pull

in-free fragrances and essential oils. Shop, join the

into the Kirkwood Train Station. "The Big Boy

Candle of the Month Club, or see where they are

2021 Tour" celebrates the railroads heritage

popping up locally (like Moonbeams in Glendale)

and the communities Union Pacific serves.

www.everdayfancycandleco.com

"Weighing in at 1.2 million pounds, the Big Boy makes a big impression in communities it visits, reminding us of bygone days and the important role the railroad continues to play in our global economy," said Scott Moore, SVP and CAO at Union Pacific Railroad.

FAIRWAY MORTGAGE ST. LOUIS IS NAMED TOP WORKPLACE Mike

Swaleh

and

his

team

Fairway

Independent Mortgage have been named one of the Top 10 Places to Work in St. Louis by the St. Louis Post Dispatch. One Fairway employee said, “Fairway is the first place that I have worked at

Little Patriots Embraced is a local non-profit

where I truly do not feel like a number. I feel at

that serves active and reserve Military families and

home here, which is something I cannot say for 10

LITTLE PATRIOTS EMBRACED

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2021

veteran families with young children. Their Youth Development Program is made up of several programs including Project Bear Essentials, Military Kids Fit for Life, the Military Youth Tour, Bikes for Military Kids

Montessori for Life

and Military Babes Program. They appreciate and welcome collection items (bikes, school supplies, toys, books, games and gift cards for children age newborn to 17 years old) from local businesses, churches, organizations and sports teams. Visit www.littlepatriotsembraced.org

AMI Accredited Education Ages 14 Months Through12 Years Tours by appointment, 314-822-2601

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ Kirkwood using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

1280 Simmons Ave. | Kirkwood, MO 63122 www.villadimaria.org CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

Fairway Independent Mortgage 12213 Big Bend Rd., Kirkwood, MO 63122

SHACKSHINE.COM | 1-888-808-7751 Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2021

@fairwaystlouis

NMLS#1609357

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE

•

Window Washing

•

Gutter Cleaning

•

Power Washing

•

Roof Cleaning

•

Christmas Lights

Inspired by Community

locally It’s time to think

ADVERTISE WITH US to deliver your message to the most affluent families in our community.

lifestylepubs.com/advertise

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

OUR TOWN THE MAGIC HOUSE PRESIDENT BETH FITZGERALD TALKS ABOUT PARTNERING WITH PBS CHILDREN'S TELEVISION NETWORK TO PROVIDE ACCESS FOR ALL CHILDREN

ARTICLE BETH GLENNON PHOTOGRAPHY DANNY ZOFNESS

AC C E S S F O R A LL “IF YOU THINK BACK TO YOUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL YEARS, IT’S USUALLY A BLUR EXCEPT FOR THE DAY YOU WENT ON A FIELD TRIP OR THE DAY YOU VISITED A MUSEUM,” SAID BETH. “Those days are very clear in your mind. We know that when a child comes here, it’s a memory for a lifetime.” HOW

DOES

PARTNERING

WITH

PBS

NATIONAL FIT WITH THE MAGIC HOUSE’S ACCESS FOR ALL INITIATIVE? PBS National has asked us to be their official partner for developing traveling exhibits based on their new shows. PBS sees this as an alliance between educational children’s television and educational children’s museums. The Magic House develops

HOW AUTHENTIC ARE THOSE EXPERIENCES?

nationally traveling exhibits; therefore, this partner-

We want to be a museum that is full of joy and discovery, but

ship will create more collaborations between chil-

we come from a serious place. When designing exhibits, we try

dren’s museums and local PBS affiliates. This new

to change children’s perspectives about themselves and their

partnership comes from the St. Louis PBS station

lives. We work with the Mosaic Project in St. Louis to guide us

being so strong and collaborative with us.

because we want to make sure we are representing cultures authentically. Our cultural exhibits are an opportunity to build

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE YOUR EXHIBITS?

new relationships with immigrant communities. Betsy Cohen

We are committed to creating cultural exhibits.

with the Mosaic Project noted that the Indian population in St.

St. Louis is becoming a more diverse community.

Louis is our largest immigrant group. That is unique to St. Louis.

Children are growing up in a more global world. Our

The entire fabrication for Namaste India was the work of

strategic planning committee is constantly think-

one man - David Busch, who lives in Kirkwood. He brought

ing about how we can help children prepare for

this exhibit to life.

that future and what is essential in children’s lives at this moment. We have an education advisory

WHAT ARE THE UPCOMING CULTURAL EXHIBITS?

committee made up of many key educators in the

With the new PBS opportunity, our next cultural exhibit is on

region who give us advice. We want children and

native Alaskans. A top-rated PBS show is called Molly of Denali,

families to develop empathy and interest in other

about a young and adventurous native Alaskan girl. Her whole

cultures. We’ve celebrated cultures with a series of

family is native Alaskan. Her mom is a bush pilot, and her dad

exhibit experiences: Children’s China, Kenya’s Kids,

runs a trading post and is a wilderness guide. That allows us to

Argentina’s Ninos, and now Namaste India.

talk about the geography and history of Alaska.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2021

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)

The other exhibit coming up is Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. It’s a time-traveling show where children are transported back to important moments in history. They meet historical figures as young children and learn what influenced them to grow up and become historical heroes. The message is that every child can be a hero, and every child can make a difference. HOW DOES THE MAGIC HOUSE PROVIDE ACCESS FOR ALL CHILDREN IN OUR COMMUNITY? We look at the areas of the community that may have the most challenging time bringing children here. Any school that is a title 1 school can come for free. We will find the money. We have a program where all foster families in the entire state of Missouri can come for free. Any active-duty military

For older kids, we added the Bayer STEM Pathway, our first total

family visits for free. And all schools in Kirkwood can

technology exhibit. The idea is for children to envision themselves in

take field trips for free.

the future by creating their own “STEM-oji.” Interactive video games

We opened a second location in the city of St.

help them discover careers they might want to explore, like robot

Louis in June 2019 to expand our reach in our region.

repairman, vertical farmer, and drone pilot. The STEM Pathway also

We positioned this maker space on 5127 Delmar

features contemporary STEM Hall of Fame scientists who have

Boulevard to help bridge the gap along the Delmar

developed important technologies for children. For example, Hedy

divide. We were fortunate to have some wonderful

Lamar, a famous actress, created Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

partners – Cortex, Jim, and Anna McKelvey. Jim’s

We just opened Wonder Why, a new area for early childhood

vision is to create an entire maker’s district. It’s a

parents that provides parenting tips and activity ideas that par-

wonderful vision, and we are fortunate to be part of

ents can do at home with their children.

this new maker’s district. WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON FOR 2022? WHAT IS NEW AT THE MAGIC HOUSE IN 2021?

We are excited because, in May of 2022, we will be hosting the

We partnered with local artist Peat “Eyez” Wollaeger

Association of Children’s Museums’ national conference. There is

for our EYEZonTRAIN exhibit. We’ve created a

an award called the Great Friend of Kids Award given to a national

3-dimensional train decorated with Peat’s famous

person or organization that significantly impacts children. PBS

“Eyez.” The exhibit is a piece of art and a fun experi-

will be receiving this award and we will showcase the two new

ence for children who want to pretend to drive a train.

PBS Show exhibits during the national conference.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

ANIMAL KINGDOM EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Summer Pup-ket List LOCAL VETERINARIAN, DR. ABIGAIL OWENS, SHARES TIPS ON FUN AND SAFE WAYS TO SPOIL YOUR PET THIS SUMMER!

Kirkwood has so many amazing parks. Check out a few of my favorites: Greentree

Park,

Emmenegger

Nature

Park,

Treecourt Unleashed Dog Adventure Park (pre-registration required via website). SAFETY TIP Check the temperature of the pavement. Place your palm on the pavement and hold it for 3 seconds – if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your pet’s paw pads. Choose a route on the grass or shaded trail instead of a paved walkway.

Not all dogs are great swimmers. Get creative! Fill up ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY DR. ABIGAIL OWENS

a kiddy pool on the deck, run through the sprinkler in the backyard, or check out dog-tested-and-approved splash pads that easily hook up to your hose. SAFETY TIP Always introduce the safe entrance and safe exit to

I’VE COMPILED A LIST OF WAYS FOR THE

the pool. Use treats to guide them to the exit from differ-

WHOLE FAMILY TO DISCOVER NEW LOCAL

ent parts of the pool so they know how to get out safely.

ADVENTURES, TRY NEW THINGS AT HOME, AND PROTECT YOUR POOCH DURING THESE

MAKE A SPLASH AT HOME

HOT SUMMER DAYS! For each bucket list item, I’ve included few small tips to help keep your four-leggedbaby healthy, happy, tail wagging, and hopefully out of the veterinary office. For dogs, the heat AND the humidity pose a dangerous threat during the summer. Heatstroke is a condition in dogs where they become overheated and cannot regulate their body temperature. As a veterinarian, I hope all pet parents know about heatstroke because it is avoidable. But if it happens, identifying the signs and acting quickly can save your pet’s life.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2021

PLAN A RELAXING SPAW DAY

Dogs love to be pampered and Kirkwood has many wonderful professional groomers and do-it-yourself dog wash stations. SAFETY TIP Choose a pet-specific gentle shampoo or my favorite option, tear-free baby shampoo. Avoid using dish soap as it is overly drying and strips natural oils from the skin. Dry your pet’s fur thoroughly and wipe out their earflaps with soft cotton (never Q Tips) to help prevent skin and ear infections from developing.

PATIO DINNER DATE Check out these local restaurants that offer dogfriendly patio dining; Cafe Provencal, Billy G's, 612 Kitchen and Cocktails, Kaldi's Coffee House, Mike Duffy's, PJ's Tavern, One 19 North, Sunset 44 Bistro, Global Brew, Frisco Barroom, Llywelyn's Pub, Weber's Front Row, The Barn, Boardwalk Cafe - and so many more. SAFETY TIP Avoid sharing bites of your meal with your pet as some foods are dangerous, and prepared/seasoned/ fried foods can be too rich and cause tummy upset. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

ANIMAL KINGDOM (CONTINUED)

WATERMELON PUP-SICLES

Unlike humans, dogs cannot rely on sweating to cool down because they only have a few sweat glands in their paw pads. Dogs rely on panting to dissipate body heat. If a dog's natural cooling systems become overwhelmed, heatstroke can quickly progress into an emergency life-threatening situation. SAFETY TIP + Move animal indoors or to a cool shaded area + Offer small amounts of cool (NOT COLD) water to drink + Direct a fan on your pet to provide a cool breeze + Soak fur on the body, especially on paw pads and with cool (NOT COLD) running water + Place cool towels on hairless areas of tummy Visit Dr. Abigail Owens at www.veterinarygroup.net

Invite the neighborhood dogs over for this simple 3-ingredient recipe. Ingredients:

cubed

watermelon,

plain

Greek

yogurt, honey Step 1: Combine cubed watermelon, plain yogurt, and a drizzle of honey in a blender or food processor to purée. Step 2: Pour mixture into silicone ice cube trays and freeze for 2 hours or until set. Step 3: Pop out of the tray and enjoy! SAFETY TIP Unsafe foods to avoid – Xylitol containing sugar-free products like sugar-free peanut butter, grapes, raisins, avocados, onions, garlic, chocolate, caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. If your pet consumes any of these products contact your veterinarian.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2021

for more helpful tips. KEEP COOL

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

HOMETOWN HERO

ARTICLE BETH GLENNON | PHOTOGRAPHY OFFICER GARY AND KATIE MACKENZIE

Meet...Officer Gary Baldridge OFFICER GARY TALKS ABOUT HOW IMPORTANT IT IS FOR ADULTS TO MEET NEW PEOPLE AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS.

ABOU T:

WHAT I DO:

“Every day looks different,” said Officer Gary. He has served as the Kirkwood Police Department’s Community Services Officer since 2016. “My job is to represent the city and the department in a positive light. I strive to be a resource for the department, city hall, and people in the community. Creating positive relationships with the community, residents, and businesses is key.” One of the police department’s goals is to interact with elementary-aged children. “We want kids to know that we are 100% approachable. Parents, please don’t tell your children that we will haul them off to jail if they are bad. We want them to run to us if they are scared, not fear us. We want to show kids we are the good guys.” Kid-focused community outreach programs like Hot Dog Dayz and Shop-witha-cop have grown because of Officer Gary’s creative vision and knack for being a natural conversationalist. “I have two young kids ages 11 and 8. I’ve watched how easy it is for them to make new friendships. They go to a playground, meet a similar-aged kid, and 30 minutes later have a new best friend. I wish more adults would strike up conversations. You never know who your new best friend could be.”

+ PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER + DEPARTMENT LIAISON TO PUBLIC ENTITIES + STATION TOURS AND PRESENTATIONS + TRAFFIC ISSUES AND TRAFFIC ANALYSIS + SHOP-WITH-A-COP PROGRAM DIRECTOR + HOT DOG DAYZ PROGRAM DIRECTOR + SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT MANAGER

Officer Gary talked about meeting one of his new best friends, Katie Mackenzie, owner of GymGuyz. “My first year running Hot Dog Dayz, Katie approached me about getting GymGuyz involved with the event,” he said. Katie offered to have the GymGuyz personal trainers create fun obstacle courses and physical activities like yoga for the kids. “Katie and I became fast friends, and now our families hang out all the time together. So many great things have come from meeting Katie. I don’t like asking people for things, but I’ve learned that if they offer, it’s perfectly OK to accept.” Officer Gary and the Kirkwood Police Department are beyond grateful for the donations, collaboration, and participation from individuals, families, and businesses who participate in Hot Dog Dayz and Shop-with-a-cop. “It gives our

F U N FAC T S ABOU T OF F ICE R G ARY:

+ HUGE FAN OF 80’S MUSIC – SPECIFICALLY “HAIR METAL BANDS” + SERIOUS COLLECTOR OF GI JOE ACTION FIGURES

department a feeling of positivity,” he explained. “We never became police officers to be appreciated, but it certainly is nice.”

CONTAC T ME :

email: baldriga@kirkwoodmo.org | phone: (314) 822-5868 | fb: @KirkwoodPD

WOR DS I LIV E BY:

“You can’t do this job if you don’t talk to people. Having a conversation with adults can create change and accomplish so much. I consider myself blessed to meet new people in this community at so many different levels. Some of my best friends, like Katie Mackenzie, are people I have met through this job.”

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2021

Officer Gary Baldridge

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

HOMETOWN HERO (CONTINUED) Officer Gary and Katie Mackenzie

The Baldridge and Mackenzie kids hanging out

COME SAY “HI” AT HOT DOG DAY Z:

+ AVERY PARK Gary doing yoga with GymGuyz

+ AUGUST 6TH – 11:00 A.M. TO 1:30 P.M. + MEACHAM MEMORIAL PARK + AUGUST 13TH - 11:00 A.M. TO 1:30 P.M.

HOT DOG DAY Z:

EVERY YEAR I STRIVE TO MAKE THIS EVENT 1% BETTER THAN THE YEAR BEFORE. MY GOAL IS TO HAVE HOT DOG DAYZ BECOME A FORUM FOR THE COMMUNITY WHERE ANYONE CAN COME AND HANG OUT WITH OUR TEAM. WHETHER YOU BRING THE KIDS TO PLAY CATCH OR KICK A BALL WITH US, OR JUST WANT TO GO FOR A FREE HOT DOG – WE’D LOVE TO SAY, “HI.”

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2021

GET INSPIRED

EAT + DRINK

SHOP LOCAL

City Lifestyle YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

STUBBLEFIELD WEDDINGS AND PORTRAITURE

ARTICLE BETH GLENNON | PHOTOGRAPHY ERIN

LOCAL MOM AND KTVI CHANNEL 2 REPORTER MOLLY ROSE TALKS ABOUT CREATING CONNECTIONS FOR MOMS.

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

CREATING MOM CONNECTIONS

Molly Rose

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2021

STL Moms segment

WHETHER YOU ARE A NEW MOM OR A MOM NEW TO OUR COM-

As the morning traffic reporter for KTVI Channel 2 news, Molly is

MUNITY, IT CAN BE CHALLENGING TO FIND OPPORTUNITIES

home from work and able to spend most of the day with her almost-

TO STRIKE UP CONVERSATIONS AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS.

one-year-old daughter Hattie.

“Working for the morning show means I go to the office in the mid-

Molly decided to create her own meeting. She jumped on a local

dle of the night and spend the day at home, so I feel like a working

Facebook mom’s page and posted that she would love to meet up

mom and a stay-at-home mom. It’s made me want to get out of the

with other moms for playdates at the Kirkwood pool this summer. “I

house during the day and meet other new moms in our area, and it’s

received some really great responses from moms with babies around

made me wonder, where are moms meeting other moms?”

Hattie’s age,” said Molly. “I need to put myself out there more often. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

Molly and Hatti

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2021

I’ve learned that if you don’t, no one is going to come to you.” “I think moms need more ways to become connected with each other. I think there’s a lot of that happening on social media, but it’s more meaningful if those connections can take place in person.” Creating mom connections is one of Molly’s passions. As a journalist, Molly is enthusiastic about researching and writing the STL Moms segments for KTVI. The segments cover everything from health, activities, and education for moms with kids of all ages. “I started contributing to the segments while I was pregnant during COVID,” explained Molly. “I was researching everything related to Covid and pregnancy. I was terrified at the beginning of COVID, but the more I interviewed local doctors, researched articles, and discovered data, the calmer I became.” Now, Molly’s segments are centered around local day camps, activities, and summer fun. “I’m constantly searching for topics that moms would find interesting and helpful. It’s fun to report on topics that I am researching as a mom anyway.” Molly’s best advice for new moms: “Learn to accept that once you become a mom you have less control over your day-to-day schedule and to-do list, and stop trying to fight it. For months I kept wondering when we were going to get into a routine. Things got a lot easier for me once I let go of that idea... and just learned to go with the flow and enjoy the special moments that pop up each day at the most unexpected times.” That is actually great advice for anyone. STL MOM segments can be found on the FOX2 Now website fox2now.com/am-show/stl-moms/ Viewers can also watch the segments around 8:15 each morning on FOX 2. Molly is always looking for segment ideas and can be reached at MoRose@Nexstar.tv or on Instagram @MollyRose.

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

LOCALLY OWNED MEET THE INSPIRATIONAL MOTHER-DAUGHTER OWNERS OF BLUE DAHLIA DESIGNS WHOSE DREAMS ARE AS BIG AS THEIR HEARTS.

ARTICLE JOAN PACE PHOTOGRAPHY BLUE DAHLIA DESIGNS

Dreaming of Design HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS. There is no better description of Blue Dahlia Designs. Owner Angie Mangan had dreamed of opening her own home décor store. As sometimes happens with dreams, Angie set her dream on hold to stay home and be with her family. Since family is everything to Angie, imagine her surprise and delight when her daughter Alyssa offered to join Angie to help make her dream come true. Alyssa, armed with her design degree and experience, said to Angie, “I’ll help you build your dream, Mom.” The mother-daughter

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2021

Frank the Doorman

team started their business plan in 2018, connected with business mentors, and studied ways to finance their endeavor. Blue Dahlia Designs opened in August 2019 with the help of their entire family. Three generations of moms and dads, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, sons and daughters, nieces and nephews jumped in to help build the store. They demolished, then rebuilt; they encouraged and supported. Today, it’s common to see Angie’s mom or mother-in-law helping in the store. And there was Frank. Angie’s late father Frank was affectionately known as Frank the Doorman. Blue Dahlia Design customers could feel the pride Frank had for his daughter and granddaughter as he tipped his top hat, opened the door, and smiled with a twinkle in his eyes. Frank made Blue Dahlia Designs feel like customers were part of the family. Blue Dahlia Designs, located at 7930 Big Bend (previous home to Scholarshop) in Webster Groves feels like home. The flaming faux fire serves as a warm backdrop to the various vignettes displayed around the store.

Angie and Alyssa Mangan

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2021

Farmhouse, contemporary, urban, casual, beautiful, bold, whimsical, wedding, fun, and fashionable describe the furniture, florals, and gifts decorated around every corner. “This store is for our customers,” said Angie. And it is. The spacious setting allows one to look, examine, consider, imagine, and dream comfortably. Visit Blue Dahlia online for interior design styles and tips to refresh a room with color, furniture placement, or choosing and hanging the appropriately sized artwork. Look for occasional workshops (including floral arranging) and frequent events (wine and food tastings, holiday celebrations, and charity days on their Facebook page. As designers, Angie and Alyssa welcome the opportunity to help customers make their design and décor dreams come true. To learn more about Blue Dahlia Designs, visit their website at www.bluedahliadesigns.net.

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2021

Retire in Style

Call us today at 636-861-3200 or visit us online at www.capealbeon.com to schedule your tour of our beautiful Lakeside Retirement Community, and to learn more about our summer move-in specials. 3380 Lake Bend Dr. St. Louis, MO 63088