KIRKWOOD CITY LIFESTYLE™
SCAN TO FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
Inspiration for your best local life.
Exclusive giveaways.
Hidden gem alert!
Good news in your neighborhood.
Local content by local creators.
Inside scoop on all things local.
Locally-inspired food & drink recipes.
In early May, I posted an invitation on Instagram @KirkwoodCityLifestyle for readers to DM pictures of their favorite summer vibes. "We'd love to include your pictures in our summer issue," I wrote.
Then my favorite thing happened. Readers I have never met sent me pictures that reflected their favorite summer memories. One photo so perfectly captured summer in St. Louis that it had to be on our cover.
Catie Corwin sent me four pictures of her girls and friends and said, "Summer Vibes" in her DM. Here's why one of her pictures is on the cover and one is at the top of this page; they represent a timeless summer vibe. Baseball has been synonymous with summer in St. Louis since the Cardinals established the National League professional team in 1882. And the picture of the three girls above could have been taken last summer or in the summer of '69. Those outfits and that summer-hair-don't-care call back to a childhood that every reader can remember.
I love this issue because readers from Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Warson Woods, Glendale, and Des Peres shared their favorite summer outdoor activities, adventures, and experiences with us. Thank you to everyone who shared their summer story in this issue.
Follow Kirkwood City Lifestyle Magazine on Facebook and Instagram @KirkwoodCityLifestyle. We love hearing from you. If you'd like to receive Kirkwood City Lifestyle Magazine at your home or office, email your name and address to our editor Beth at elizabeth.nowakowski@citylifestyle, and she'll add you to our mailing list. Cheers to making timeless summer memories.
July 2023
PUBLISHER
Renee Moore | renee.moore@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Elizabeth Nowakowski
elizabeth.nowakowski@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Chris Hayes, Lucy Rogers, Chef Lydia Gwin, Trisha McConkey
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ryan Johnson, Chris Hayes, Sara McCarty, Hibbs Homes, NJL Custom Homes
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
RENEE MOORE, PUBLISHER @KIRKWOODCITYLIFESTYLE
AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
Where neighbors can see and be seen.
1-7: The 2023 Kirkwood School District Foundation gala was a huge success as seen by all the smiling faces.
Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your
There are many ways to spend time outdoors, whether basking in the sun, playing in the shade, roasting S’mores while gathering around the fire pit, or grilling and lounging with family and friends on the patio. A few readers shared their favorite ways their families enjoy their outdoor living spaces.
ARTICLE BY LUCY ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Custom designed outdoor spaces offer an opportunity to spend time together in the fresh air and can provide a much-needed break for the summer. “There is a growing trend for families looking for ways to make the most of their outdoor living spaces,” said Brian Pfotenhauer, Kirkwood resident and owner of Timberline Landscapes. “Patios, decks, and gardens have become popular destinations for family gatherings, meals, and activities. Beyond beautiful greenery and blooms bursting with color, outdoor landscaping can completely transform the form and function of your home and your quality of life.”
Webster Groves family Pete and Kelly Sadlo, wanted an outdoor space big enough for their three daughters to hang out with friends, complete with an outdoor kitchen and built-in gas grill. "It was Pete's idea to include the gas lamps around the patio wall," noted Brad Furfaro, landscape architect at Timberline, who designed three distinct conversation areas perfect for entertaining large groups or sweet conversations with Kelly and her girls.
After Brian's team helped Justin and Elizabeth Rancour expand their outdoor living space with multiple entertaining areas, Justin became inspired to build wooden Adirondack rocking chairs to welcome friends and family around their new fire pit.
When Lou and Amy Fehr wanted to connect with the lush natural landscape surrounding their historic home, Brad created an award-winning backyard design that complemented the home's architecture and neighborhood characteristics while customizing a natural backyard oasis.
It's all about the kids, the neighbors, friends, and family for Kirkwood residents Ed and Joy Hennessy. A large outdoor kitchen flanks their expansive landscaped patio wall on one end and a cozy fire pit conversation area on the other, offering endless entertaining options.
"Our home is in Kirkwood and our office is in Webster Groves, so it's important to us to create outdoor spaces that are functional for individual families and enhance the uniqueness of each neighborhood," said Brian. "Every design is different."
timberlinelandscapes.com
Erin and Bill completely transformed the entire perimeter of their home with a stone wall along the front sidewalk and a picturesque pergola that serves as a gateway to a playful private backyard. The Zimmerman's landscaping along the yard's edges provides privacy and protection from soccer balls rolling into the streets. And brightly colored flowers that adorn O'Gara's front porch welcome folks to stop in and pull up a chair.
TRISHA HELPS CLIENTS DREAMS BECOME REALITY WITH FINANCING FOR THEIR CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION PROJECTS.
ARTICLE BY TRISHA MCCONKEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY HIBBS HOMES; NJL CUSTOM HOMESTrisha tagged Kim Hibbs, Founder and CEO of Hibbs Homes and Nick Liuzza, President of NJL Custom Homes to show some stunning examples of outdoor "HomeWork."
Built for clients who love entertaining, this custom Hibbs Home features a four seasons room accessible from large sliding doors in the great room. The expanse of black framed windows gives the room a modern feel and allows for gorgeous views through all weather, while the tongue and groove ceiling and rough-hewn beams balance the glass and metal to keep the space warm and inviting.
The lower-level game and recreation room takes a surprising turn when the overhead door rolls up, allowing easy passage from inside to out. This Hibbs Homes space is perfect for parties or relaxing after a day in the plunge pool, and the heavy-weight outdoor curtains serve double duty by softening corner posts and providing privacy when pulled together.
NJL designed and built these outdoor living areas to make the most of the natural beauty surrounding their custom-built homes. Complete with outdoor fireplaces and weather-resistant television, these open and airy spaces are their clients' favorite places to entertain through three seasons and on warmed winter days.
@HomeWorkwithTrisha features stories about people, places, and things related to the home services industry. Follow Trisha on Facebook and Instagram at @HomeWorkwithTrisha and @408GillAve. Or walk by 408 Gill Ave to watch the remodeling transformation of Trisha's historic home.
Chris (CB) Hayes is a local photographer, hiker, and adventure seeker. From the islands of Greece to America’s National Parks, Chris’ photography showcases stunning summer travel destinations.
The coastal dunes at Topsail Hill Preserve Beach on 30A in Walton County, Florida, are home to 15 Coastal Dune Lakes - a unique geographical feature only found in four other places worldwide.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY CHRIS HAYES
The picturesque villages across Greece make for the perfect summer getaway. Enjoy beach life, luxury boutique hotels, and peaceful nights.
Explore America’s National Parks for exceptional summer fun. The Teton Crest Trail offers multiple hiking and camping options. With the record snows in the west, Yosemite and other parks at higher elevations find the waterfalls at their highest flows in recent history. Layers of color delight the senses at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park.
The Watchman stands guard at the South entrance of Zion National Park. Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona, was formed by millions of years of eroding sandstone to create slot canyons. Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America at 282 ft below sea level.
cbhayesphotos.com and FB / IG @cbhayesphotos CONTINUED >
TOP: Picturesque villages, Greece- Chris Hayes Photography
Grand Tetons National ParkChris Hayes Photography
Yosemite FallsChris Hayes Photography
Chef Lydia Gwin created a sweet and savory spread for the customers at Blue Dahlia Designs in Webster Groves. flowers, greenery, and other decorative elements to create a beautiful display that doubles as a conversation starter.
Grazing tables have become increasingly popular for entertaining due to their versatility and aesthetic appeal. According to BizBash, a leading event planning resource, grazing tables offer a variety of high-quality finger foods, allowing guests to mingle and keep their plates full without interrupting the flow of conversation. Grazing tables are also great for accommodating different dietary restrictions and preferences with customized offerings to include vegetarian, gluten-free, and other food-forward options. Additionally, grazing tables are visually appealing and can be decorated with fresh
THE
Your theme is set. Now comes the fun of creating a foodscape to reflect the fun. Whether it's a 4th of July BBQ, afternoon tea, baby shower, or an evening soiree, let's get your table set for an unforgettable event.
Select your table or grazing surface
Find a table that is appropriate for your party size. A table too large could make your
offering look minimal. If your surface is too small, it becomes hard for your guests to see all the sweet and savory options available for them to enjoy. Create your table space to become the show-stopping centerpiece of your event.
Create height and depth.
Creating height will take your ordinary flat table to an extraordinary visual centerpiece. Pull out those cake stands, boxes, and wooden boards. Dust off those crates, metal baskets, and tiered stands to create different heights to display your food. Get creative!
Wheels of cheese can be stacked to look like a layered cake. Stack sandwiches to look like a pyramid. Consider how you can display your food with fun, playful pieces to match the theme of your event.
You want your guests to dig in. While you want your guests to rave about your grazing table, style your food displays carefully. Don't over-style. Guests shouldn't be afraid to reach for more food. Lay butcher paper down the middle, arrange your platters, then scatter crackers, fruit, nuts, and herbs
around the table. Don't be afraid to scatter food on the table – not everything needs to be on a platter or board. Fill spaces with a floral piece or framed photos of the honorees.
Your food should be offered in bites size portions - usually recommended to enjoy it in one or two bites. The goal is to allow your guest to have manageable and easy-to-eat items, and guests shouldn't have to use utensils. Have more oversized items cut into smaller pieces or blocks of cheese with a spreading knife available. Remember to put up a menu board or labels next to each element. Use mini blackboards, slates, or flags to let guests know what they are tasting.
Chef Lydia GwinThis savory dip is a must-have for any grazing table.
• 1 8-oz block of feta cheese
• 1 /2 cup sour cream
• 1 /2 cup mayonnaise
• Z est from 1 lemon (about 1 teaspoon, packed)
• 1 small clove of garlic, chopped
• 1 /4 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 /4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 /4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 /8 teaspoon salt
• 1 /4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 /8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more for serving
• Toasted sesame seeds
• E xtra virgin olive, for drizzling
• Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Transfer to a serving bowl and use a small spoon to create a swirl on the surface of the dip. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and crushed red pepper flakes, if using.
• To make the toasted sesame seeds: In a small pan over medium heat, cook the sesame seeds, stirring frequently, until golden, for a few minutes. Watch carefully as they are quick to burn.
A light dip that showcases the flavors of the artichoke with brightness from the lemon.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 14.5 oz jar marinated artichoke hearts
• 1 clove garlic
• 3 Tablespoon cream cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 Tablespoons roughly chopped parsley
• 1 /2 lemon, zest, and juice
• Place the artichokes, garlic, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and lemon zest in a food processor. Pulse to combine.
• Add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Add 1 Tablespoon or two of the reserved oil from the artichokes for a smoother dip.
• Serve with crackers, toasted sourdough, or a sauce for grilled meats or fish.gwinstinykitchen.com
to own a pool
It’s not too late to swim in your own pool THIS summer.
ARTICLE BY LUCY ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MERAMEC POOL AND SPAS10) The only exercise that appeals to you is lounging in your backyard oasis.
9) Two words: Drink Dock.
8) Everyone is much nicer to you once they know you have a pool.
7) You need a refreshing escape from the realities of life... and from the summer heat.
6) Because your kids are named Marco and Polo.
5) It's 100% free from shark attacks and stingrays.
4) Playing doubles on a floating ping pong table is much more fun than playing on a hot pickleball court.
3) You're pretty sure you were a mermaid in a past life.
2) You love to dive into things head first.
1) The guys at Meramec Pool & Spa can install a beautiful and luxurious pool THIS summer!
meramecpools.com
Macarons, Tarts & Cakes, Eclairs, Napoleon, Croissants, Lavazza Euro Coffees, Iced Drinks, Gelato, Fine Chocolates, & more!
of Saint Loius Reserve our Event Room!! Seating up to 36!
Old Webster Groves
111 W Lockwood Ave
314-395-6094
LeMacaron1StLouis@gmail.com
M-Sat 9am-10pm Sun 9am-9pm lemacaronstlouis
Come breathe, relax, decompress & enjoy life’s little delicacies. Café or scenic courtyard seating. Never a rush at Le Macaron!
Audi Kirkwood is now Audi Exchange Kirkwood. For over 40 years, the Exchange Auto Group has been synonymous with luxury cars in the Chicagoland area. We are excited to now serve the St. Louis area with our relentless desire to give customers an experience that exceeds their highest expectations.
Over the next few months, we will begin the process of building an all new, bigger and better Audi Exchange Kirkwood. Until then, we look forward to serving you and your vehicle where you will see the difference that experience, knowledge and top-level customer service make. Audi Exchange Kirkwood— Expect the Exceptional.
