I’m a trusted top agent committed to helping you and your family achieve your real estate goals. Whether your move is happening soon or later, I’ll design a customized, strategic plan to maximize your home’s value and ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.
As a consistently recognized Janet McAfee top agent, I welcome the opportunity to represent you with precision, professionalism, and trusted expertise.
I asked my boys, ages 28 and 24, “Describe one thing about our house that you wish you could have in your own home?”
T he 28-year-old granola kid living in a studio apartment in the heart of San Francisco said, “The backyard.” The 24-year-old, on a constant quest for adventure, said, “The roof was great to climb on. And the street light next to the driveway was clutch.” The 28-year-old immediately agreed, saying, “Yeah. The street light was great. But the driveway and the garage were awful.” (Even with a three-car garage, we never had enough room for their kayaks, street hockey nets, ten thousand hockey sticks, skateboards, scooters, balls, clubs, bikes, rock climbing gear, Kan Jam, camping equipment… I mean, really - if the garage was cluttered - that’s on you two.)
But I thought it was interesting that they didn’t mention a favorite room in the house. In fact, they didn’t mention anything INSIDE the house at all. It’s quite remarkable to think that we try to create spaces for our home to feel “homey” for our family, and you just never know what resonates as our kids start to imagine their own homes. I’m actually looking forward to seeing them create their “first home” and then transition into their “forever home.” I thought about that as I walked through Valerie Treichel’s home in Kirkwood. Every wall in her home holds some cherished childhood memory or family treasure. Her house is a statement piece blending a beautiful renovation by Roeser Home Remodeling with a bright, bold style that honors family, neighbors, and community. The result is an entirely new house that radiates the warmth of a well-loved home.
Ultimately, home is a place where you can live your best life. The spaces we create inside our house are as important as those we create outside. And if you are lucky, there’s a light out front to welcome you home.
RENEE MOORE, PUBLISHER @KIRKWOODCITYLIFESTYLE
March 2026 Visit our Instagram
PUBLISHER
Renee Moore | renee.moore@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kate Berry | kate.berry@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION MANAGER
Sydney Taylor
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sydney Taylor, Lucy Rogers, Sydney Rasch, Jeff Balleau, Andrea Maddock
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Danny Zofness, Carey Campbell, Natasha McGuire Photography, Monica Ryan
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
THERE’S A HOUSE WE CAN BUILD. EVERY ROOM INSIDE IS FILLED.
“We can live in a world that we design.” Those lyrics from “A Million Dreams” (The Greatest Showman) echo through Cindy Roeser’s heart every time she walks into Valerie Treichel’s home.
Every room is filled with cherished artifacts; bold colors and vibrant patterns set the backdrop for her mother’s paintings, her father’s vintage sleigh bells, family heritage photos, and tokens of special memories.
Roeser Home Remodeling worked with Valerie to completely remodel her home. Walls were removed, and square footage was added. The result is an extraordinary craftsman-style house with a gourmet kitchen, a sun-filled reading nook, spaces for family work/life balance, a fireplace, a front porch, and a back deck. It’s a beautiful house. And it instantly feels like home. Valerie’s home personifies the song “A Million Dreams.”
“There’s a house we can build. Every room inside is filled. With things from far away. The special things I compile. Each one there to make you smile. Through the door. Through where no one’s been before. But it feels like home.”
My unforgettable journey to Reynosa, Mexico.
ARTICLE BY SYDNEY RASCH
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BENCHMARK CUSTOM HOMES
The day after Christmas is usually for relaxing in pajamas, eating leftovers and enjoying new gifts. For me, it has become so much more. Every other year, I leave behind the comfort of home and travel to Reynosa, Mexico — a city many Americans have never heard of, home to a community, or colonia, built in a trash dump.
“The houses we build are 12-by-20 feet, about the size of a shed. But inside those walls, lives are transformed.”
I was 13 the first time I made the trip. My parents wanted me to see what others live without, especially during a season when we receive so much. I didn’t fully understand it then, but that first trip changed me.
The families we serve live in an active dump that’s been operating since 1993. People first came searching for anything useful. Eventually, they stayed, building shelters from scraps of tin, wood and discarded materials. These structures aren’t homes — they’re survival. No doors. No windows. No security. No dignity.
That’s where our church, Grace Church in Maryland Heights, comes in. We partner with Strategic Alliance’s Homes for the Homeless program, led by Roland and Carolyn Ashby, a couple in their seventies whose lives radiate unconditional love. With help
from former Cardinals pitcher Jaime Garcia, who grew up in Reynosa, they’ve helped build more than 3,000 homes.
Families are selected by Alma, the local leader we call the “mayor” of the colonia. She manages a waitlist and chooses based on need, work ethic and circumstance — an impossible job that she carries with strength and compassion.
The houses we build are 12-by-20 feet, about the size of a shed. But inside those walls, lives are transformed. We build a loft so kids have their own sleeping space, a simple kitchen counter, locking windows with curtains and, most importantly, a real locking door — something many families have never had.
When we arrive, a concrete pad and lumber are waiting. Volunteers from our church bring a range of skills. Some have never picked up a hammer;
others are experienced builders. My dad, Mark Rasch, owner of BenchMark Custom Homes, leads our team. We divide into roles — cutting, framing, painting — and get to work. The first day is a blur of sawdust and organized chaos, but by the end, walls are standing and hope is already taking shape.
By the third day, the roof, door and windows are installed. Then comes shopping day — one of my favorites. With translators, we take the family to buy essentials and give them donated coats, blankets, shoes and kitchen supplies. People don’t realize how cold Reynosa nights can be.
The final day is the reveal. Before the family enters, we gather to pray and explain why we’re there — not to feel good about ourselves, but to share the love of Jesus and remind them they matter. Then we step back and watch them see their home for the first time.
On our last trip, we found an old school desk, painted it bright pink and set it up with crayons and books for the family’s six-year-old daughter. When we opened the door, she ran straight to it and wouldn’t leave. Watching her claim that tiny space as her own is a moment I’ll never forget.
This year’s father worked all night at his job and still came to help us build during the day — the first time in five trips a recipient worked alongside us. My dad shared a verse that’s engraved on our own porch: To whom much is given, much is expected. He told him that whatever he has to spare, he should pass along. Watching him understand that generosity creates a ripple effect — that’s what this is really about.
Each year, we also visit families from previous builds. Despite language barriers and limited time together, they remember us. Their faces light up. They invite us in to show how they’ve made the space their own.
“For me, this is no longer just a mission trip. Every hammer swing and every nail driven is a declaration that every person deserves dignity, safety and hope.”
Beyond housing, Benchmark sponsors Strategic Alliance’s Escuela Viva program, which helps children attend school. We’ve seen incredible outcomes, including one former student who is now a doctor. When we visited our sponsored student this year, her mother told us she calls my dad “Papa.” Seeing him process what it means to be a father figure to a child on the other side of the border was something none of us expected.
On the final day, Jaime Garcia hosts a fiesta for the entire community. There’s music,
food, bounce houses for kids and joy that fills the soccer field — a celebration of resilience and hope.
Leaving is never easy. We haven’t just built houses; we’ve built relationships.
For me, this is no longer just a mission trip. Every hammer swing and every nail driven is a declaration that every person deserves dignity, safety and hope. When I return home and lock my front door, I don’t just hear the click. I hear a promise — to never forget, to always give and to keep building hope, one home at a time.
Just Around The Corner Flooring honors 370 years of service.
For over 370 years, the Sisters of St. Joseph have lived a simple but radical mission: to serve the dear neighbor without distinction. Their story—rooted in courage, humility, and an unwavering commitment to community—has shaped St. Louis in ways both seen and unseen.
The Sisters’ story begins in 1647 in France, where a small group of women envisioned a community devoted to serving others without fanfare or recognition. Nearly two centuries later, six young sisters boarded a ship bound for St. Louis—a seven-week voyage into the unknown. Three of them settled in Carondelet, where they lived in a humble log cabin and immediately began caring for orphans and teaching local children.
From those modest beginnings grew a sprawling motherhouse, a thriving educational mission, and a community that would shape the region for generations. Amid the mission’s daily work, the building features beautiful stained-glass windows and historic treasures throughout.
One of the most striking features of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet Motherhouse is the original maple-and-black walnut parquet flooring. These floors have borne witness to prayer, education, hospitality, and the quiet, steady work of women who built a legacy one act of love at a time.
ARTICLE BY SYDNEY TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANNY ZOFNESS
More than a century later, those floors needed expert care. Time, temperature shifts, and countless footsteps had worn them thin. The Sisters sought a team that could do more than refinish wood— they needed artisans and craftsmen who understood the responsibility to preserve history.
The Sisters called upon a company that shares their reverence for service and community: Just Around The Corner Flooring, known for its meticulous craftsmanship and deep respect for the homes and institutions they serve.
Enter Kevin Claspill and his flooring experts at Just Around The Corner Flooring.
Kevin approached the project with the same spirit of service that has defined the Sisters’ work. “This is an old building,” he explained, “and the floors have been sanded and refinished over and over, so removing years of old polish and finish without damaging the original wood was a challenge.”
The team quickly realized that traditional sanding methods wouldn’t do. “Preserving the integrity of the original installation was our priority,” said Kevin. “With two different species of wood—dense maple and softer walnut—strategic sanding with precision was essential. The process we chose was slower, and our team worked deliberately to maintain the floor’s flatness and integrity. Our goal was not to sand the floor to complete re-finish perfection, but to install a perfect floor. The goal was to preserve a floor aged with beauty.”
To protect the floors for decades to come, they applied a ceramic-fortified, waterborne finish—durable, UV-resistant, and designed to enhance the wood’s natural beauty. They preserved the small gaps between boards, avoided using filler, and applied a stain that would blend well with the adjacent floors.
The result? A breathtaking restoration with an impeccably smooth finish that honors the Sisters’
“Our goal was not to sand the floor to complete re-finish perfection, but to install a perfect floor. The goal was to preserve a floor aged with beauty.”
history and Just Around The Corner Flooring’s dedication to serving their neighbors for the past 35 years. Interested in touring the intrinsic beauty that is the motherhouse? The sister tour guides would love to show you around.
For more information about touring the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, visit www.csjsl.org. To learn more about Just Around The Corner Flooring’s restoration and refinishing services, visit www.jatcwoodfloors.com.
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How two sisters are redefining the dumpster business.
ARTICLE BY LUCY ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANNY ZOFNESS
There’s a moment in every big life transition when you look around and think: How did I accumulate all this stuff? For Stephanie and Melissa, that realization led them to an unexpected place: purchasing Bin There Dump That St. Louis from the retiring previous owners. These sisters are not just continuing a successful business—they’re bringing a fresh perspective to an industry that’s often overlooked.
What makes their story so compelling isn’t just that they’re two women entering a male-dominated industry (though that’s pretty cool). It’s that they’re bringing qualities often undervalued in business—empathy, emotional intelligence, attention to detail, and genuine care.
“We are so lucky to have an incredible team already in place,” said Melissa, referring to Jeff Moore, Director of Operations, and Pam Bredenkamp, Chief Trash Talker and Dumpster Consultant. “Jeff manages the field, and Pam manages the phones. Together, with their teams, they are the heartbeat of this company. “
Stephanie acknowledged: “The real superpower of Bin There Dump That is the years of experience, expertise, and customer care that Jeff and Pam provide every day. Customers mention them by name in Google reviews. That’s not common in this industry, and it’s something we’re committed to protecting.”
Jeff beamed as he talked about Pam’s warmth, humor, and good vibes with every customer interaction. “Her positivity is contagious. She has a fierce curiosity to learn, is highly resourceful, and keeps us all on our best game. She makes our whole team better and brighter,” he said.
With over 500 five-star Google reviews, an A+ BBB rating, and a reputation for going above and beyond, Bin There Dump That St. Louis became the gold standard in dumpster rental service. The sisters are keeping everything that made Bin There Dump That St. Louis exceptional: the same team, the same five dumpster sizes (from 4 to 20 cubic yards), the same driveway-safe delivery system, the same post-pickup sweeping with magnetic nail pickup, the same compact “green” dumpsters with walk-in doors designed for projects big and small.
As Kirkwood moms who’ve managed everything from family schedules to last-minute school projects, Stephanie and Melissa know a thing or two about coordinating chaos. They joke that they should add “Professional Mess Managers” to their resumes, but there’s truth beneath the humor. Their entire lives have been about creating order from disorder and making the overwhelming manageable.
“We’ve both spent years cleaning up after other people—in the best possible way,” Stephanie said with a warm smile. “We understand what it feels like when you’re standing in the middle of a big project, and you need someone who just gets it.”
When a customer calls Bin There Dump That, Pam and her team don’t just quote a dumpster price. They listen. They understand that this might be the hardest week of someone’s year. They make it easier and more efficient. They understand why driveway protection matters to families, and Jeff’s team ensures every dumpster is delivered exactly on schedule.
“Pam and Jeff have developed this sixth sense for what people need before they even ask,” Stephanie explained. “They anticipate problems. They think three steps ahead. Their goal is to be the easiest part of a residential clean-out or a commercial project.”
“We understand what it feels like when you’re standing in the middle of a big project, and you need someone who just gets it.”
As Stephanie and Melissa look ahead, they’re excited about innovations that will make service even better—from enhanced online booking to flexible rental terms to same-day delivery, which has become a company hallmark. “Someone recently told us, ‘You’re taking a boring business and making it interesting,’” Stephanie laughed. “But honestly, it’s not boring to us. Every call is someone starting something new. Those are big moments in people’s lives. And we are honored to be a part of it.”
From expanding services to focusing on commercial partnerships, these two women are ready to roll. They’re working with real estate agents on estate cleanouts, connecting with contractors who need reliable partners, and even exploring partnerships with senior move managers who help families navigate downsizing.
As they settle into their new roles as co-owners, the sisters have coined a phrase that perfectly captures their approach: “We’re not just hauling your debris; we’re opening doors that create positive change.” (A nod to the walk-in French door feature of all Bin There Dump That dumpsters and the all-inclusive pricing model that makes it easy to budget.)
“At the end of a project,” Stephanie reflected, “we want people to say, ‘Wow. Pam, Jeff, and the Bin There Dump That team made that so easy.’ Life is complicated enough. Getting rid of the stuff you don’t need anymore? That part should be simple.”
For St. Louis homeowners, contractors, and business owners, that’s very good news. With Bin There Dump That, your project—and your property—are in the best possible hands.
Meet Stephanie Swearingen and Melissa Hardage, the new co-owners bringing heart, humor, and a whole lot of organization to Bin There Dump That St. Louis. Their commitment to transparency ensures you receive a detailed estimate with no unexpected charges, enabling you to plan your project budgets with confidence. With over 500 fivestar reviews, homeowners trust the signature driveway-safe dumpsters, delivered clean and fit neatly into tight driveways without cracking the concrete. Contractors and property managers appreciate how easy it is to order a dumpster for any size project, with same-day or next-day delivery, rolled off with care and on time. Give the Bin There Dump That team a call if you want to talk trash.
As an estate planning attorney, I’m often asked about the differences between common estate planning tools such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. I also give educational presentations to the public and other professionals, and questions about these documents often arise. Those are important questions, and I’m always happy to answer them. But the truth is, wills, trusts, and powers of attorney are simply tools. What really matters is what those tools are designed to accomplish: preserving your and your family’s lifestyle and dignity, and protecting your legacy.
The most important conversation in estate planning isn’t about the documents themselves. It’s about what you want. Who needs to be protected? From what? Under what circumstances? What are your goals and concerns?
A helpful analogy is building a new deck for your home. As the homeowner, you care about how the deck looks, whether the materials and colors are right, whether it fits your furniture, your grill, maybe even a jacuzzi. You want it to be safe, durable, and built to handle your family’s use. What you don’t focus on are the specific tools the builder uses. You care that the builder has the experience to construct it properly and safely, and that the finished product meets your needs.
Shawn Estep, Principal (636) 233-2017 | info@esteplawfirm.com
16020 Swingley Ridge Road, Ste. 360 Chesterfield, MO 63017
Depending on your situation, your plan may address: Federal and state estate taxes, asset protection, special needs planning, Medicaid pre-planning, Medicaid crisis planning, and veterans’ asset protection planning.
Don’t just buy the “tools”. Design a plan that is thoughtfully built, properly implemented, and ready to serve your family when the time comes.
Estate planning works the same way. Yes, you can buy legal documents online just like you can buy lumber and tools at a hardware store. But unless you have experience designing and building decks, it’s difficult to create a structurally sound, durable deck. The same applies to estate planning.
As an estate planning attorney — and builder of estate plans — my job is to first learn about your family. I want to understand your goals, your concerns, and the needs of the people you love. Then I help you understand your options and work with you to design a plan that preserves your family’s lifestyle, protects your legacy, and maintains dignity in difficult times.
If you’re ready to build something that lasts, I’m here to help.
Contact me at The Estep Law Firm, LLC at (636) 233-2017 to schedule a complimentary 15-minute discovery call and start building a plan that protects what matters most.
Why I started Transitions For Senior Living.
ARTICLE BY JEFF BALLEAU | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATASHA MCGUIRE PHOTOGRAPHY
The phone call came on a Tuesday afternoon.
My father had fallen again; this time he hit his head. The rehab social worker was polite but firm: “He and his wife can’t go back home, even with care. You have 72 hours to find a care facility.”
Seventy-two hours. Three days to make one of the most important decisions of my father’s life.
I lived over 1,000 miles away. My father had been battling Parkinson’s disease for more than a decade, and we learned of his wife’s Alzheimer’s after the fall. The fall
changed everything; what had been manageable at home suddenly wasn’t anymore.
I did what most people do: I panicked, then I googled. I wrongly picked an internet service first, then a franchise to “guide me”.
Within minutes, I was drowning in options. Senior communities. Assisted living. Skilled nursing. Rehab. Memory care. Residential care facilities. The terminology was foreign. The websites all looked the same—smiling seniors, gardens, beautiful lobbies, promises of “compassionate care.”
I made and was flooded with phone calls. I asked questions I thought were important: “What’s the cost?” “Do you have availability?” “Are they nearby?” “Would they have to move again?”
I didn’t ask about staff turnover rates. I didn’t ask about transfer requirements. I didn’t know about individual evacuation plans. I didn’t know the license level was only half the story. I didn’t meet the nursing manager. I didn’t ask about how they handle cognitive decline or what happens when a resident’s needs change.
I was flying blind, working against a deadline, and making decisions based on gut feelings and glossy brochures.
Three days later, my father moved into a facility that seemed perfectly adequate on paper.
Within a few months, I knew I’d made the wrong choice.
The staff was overworked and undertrained. The promised activities rarely happened. The food was institutional at best. My father, a former D-1 collegiate athlete, an auditor, a manager, and a devoted husband, seemed to shrink in that environment. He wasn’t thriving. He was just... existing.
But moving him again felt impossible. He’d already been through so much upheaval. How could I tell him I’d gotten it wrong, and put him through another transition?
I sat with that guilt for months. Every time I visited, I saw what could have been different: communities with more engaged staff, better programming, and a culture that treated residents with dignity rather than just managing them.
I had done my best, but it hadn’t been good enough. They moved back home for a while, but eventually, we went through it again: back into the revolving door.
CONTINUED >
“We recommend communities where we would feel comfortable placing our own parents because we remember what it felt like to get it wrong.”
Here’s what I learned: Finding the right senior living community is about having the right local knowledge, the right questions, and someone who’s been through it before and knows what is behind the glossy, colorful marketing.
After my father’s situation stabilized, I couldn’t shake the feeling that other families were making the same mistakes I had. They were googling in panic, trusting websites and brochures, and ended up making long term decisions with temporary information.
My wife Sharon and I started talking. She’d watched our struggle from a different but supportive perspective. She’d seen how the healthcare system rushed families through these transitions. She’d seen how facilities marketed themselves versus how they actually operated.
We realized there was a huge gap between what families needed and what was available to them.
That’s when Transitions For Senior Living was born.
We’re not a website. We’re not a call center. We’re not salespeople with quotas.
We’re a family who made mistakes with my own father and now make sure other families don’t have to.
When you call us, we don’t start by asking about your budget, ZIP code or your timeline. We start by asking about your loved one. What did Mom do for a career? What brings her joy? Is she social or more introverted? What’s her care history? What are her fears about this transition?
Then we meet you in person—at your parent’s home, at a coffee shop, or wherever you’re comfortable. We build an individual understanding that goes beyond just medical needs to include personality, preferences, faith, and values.
Here’s the part that surprises families: We don’t send you a list of 20 communities and wish you luck. We narrow it down to three to five communities that we believe are the best fit; communities where we know the staff, understand the culture, and trust the care.
And then—this is crucial—we tour them with you.
We ask the questions you don’t know to ask. We point out things you might miss. We help you look beyond the beautiful lobby to see the reality of daily life. (The crown molding doesn’t answer your call button!)
We’ve been doing this in St. Louis for nearly 14 years. We’ve helped hundreds of families. And we think about my father with every single one.
People are sometimes surprised when we tell them there are communities in St. Louis we won’t recommend.
“But they’re so close to my house,” a daughter will say. Or, “my brother’s neighbor’s mom liked it,” or “they have such nice marketing materials.”
Here’s the truth: Some communities are excellent. Some are adequate. And some don’t meet our standards.
After 13 years, we know which is which. We know where staff turnover is high. We know where promised activities don’t happen. We know where corners get cut. We know where residents thrive and where they simply exist.
We recommend communities where we would feel comfortable placing our own parents because we remember what it felt like to get it wrong.
If I could go back to that Tuesday afternoon, here’s what I wish someone had told me:
You’re not supposed to know how to do this. This isn’t a skill people naturally have. Don’t beat yourself up for feeling lost.
Senior living used to be just nursing homes. We didn’t have all these options.
They are all the same, and even the same level of licensed care does NOT mean they are that similar. The license only mandates maximum limits on the care they can provide, not minimums.
Slow down if you possibly can. I know the hospital is pressuring you. I know there are deadlines. We can move quickly, without rushing. Extra focus and expert effort upfront can mean years of better quality of life for your loved ones.
It’s not about the building. The lobby doesn’t matter. The crown molding and massage beds don’t matter. What matters is the people, the leadership, and the staff who will care for your loved one every single day.
Ask to visit during a meal. Sit in the dining room. Watch how staff interact with residents. Is there genuine warmth or just efficiency? Are residents engaged with each other or eating in silence?
Trust your gut, but educate it first. That uncertain feeling you get during a tour? Pay attention to it. But make sure you’re comparing that feeling across multiple communities so you can distinguish between general anxiety and genuine red flags.
You don’t have to do this alone. There are people like us—local people who’ve been through it, know the landscape, and can walk beside you.
People ask us all the time: “How can you offer this service for free?”
Most senior living communities pay us a placement fee when we successfully match a family with their community. It’s built into their marketing budget, not added to your costs.
We’re not paid more to recommend one community over another. We’re not incentivized to rush your decision. Our service and actions are consistent regardless of which community you choose from our recommendations.
This means we are truly unbiased. We don’t have a franchisor directing our opinions. We can tell you when a community isn’t right and to wait if the timing isn’t perfect. We can connect you with other
resources—home care agencies, adult day programs, support groups, resources—even if it means you won’t need senior living right away.
Every time I meet with a family in crisis, I see myself on that Tuesday afternoon so many years ago.
I see the panic, the guilt, and the weight of making decisions that will shape someone’s final chapters.
And I think: I can help them avoid what I went through, and get it right the first time.
If you’re reading this and you’re in that place right now, I want you to know something:
You’re not alone. This is hard. And you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
That phone call you’re nervous to make? Make it. Whether you call us or someone else, reach out to someone local who’s been there and understands that this isn’t just a housing decision—it’s about preserving dignity, maintaining quality of life, and honoring the person your parent has always been.
Seventy-two hours. That’s all I had. You don’t have to work under those constraints. Even if it feels urgent, there’s time to do this right. We are here to help.
Jeff Balleau is the co-founder of Transitions For Senior Living, a local senior living placement service serving St. Louis families since 2012. Along with his wife Sharon, their team provides free, unbiased guidance to families navigating senior care decisions. He can be reached at (314) 606-8531 or through TransitionsForSeniorLiving.com.
The Kirkham Fieldhouse in Webster Groves just got a little more legendary thanks to Webster Groves’ mom, Ashley Obradovits, who pulled off the ultimate surprise for her daughter Piper’s big 0-8! The energy was unmatched, and the “cool kid” vibes were in full swing. DJ Kacey Mackey with Spin Society DJs kept the tracks dropping and the dance floor packed, while Fox Photo Booth caught every “fit check” and Miss Rita worked her literal magic with some seriously high-fashion face painting. Kirkham Fieldhouse owner Kerry
Steach was all smiles as the kids ran and danced across every inch of the turf. As a realtor with Janet McAfee, I spend my days helping clients buy or sell their homes. We know how to celebrate a house-closing party. But I’ll let you in on a protip: sometimes the secret to a great “house party” is actually finding the perfect fieldhouse. I know that while home is where the heart is, places like The Kirkham Fieldhouse are where the epic memories (and the confetti) belong—saving your own living room for the post-party wine!
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1-ON-1 & SMALL GROUP TRAINING
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New year, new you? Sure…but skip the part where you sign up for a gym you’ll never go to. BODY20 helps you get stronger, move better, and feel incredible. It’s safe, efficient, and ridiculously effective - especially if your body is starting to remind you of birthdays you’d rather not count!
FEEL THE DIFFERENCE. BELIEVE THE RESULTS. FEEL BELIEVE
Waiting for the perfect moment to prioritize your health is like waiting for your kids to clean their rooms—it won’t happen unless you create the right environment. The moment never comes unless you make healthy choices easy.
Our homes shape our routines more than any gym membership ever could. They’re where habits form, kids watch and learn, and small daily decisions add up. The goal is to create a home that supports you even on the most chaotic Tuesday.
Here are five strategies that transformed my home into a wellness hub:
Create a Movement Corner
Skip the unused basement. A simple setup in a high-t raffic area with a yoga mat, weights, and a kettlebell tucked in a family-room basket keeps movement intentional. Seven minutes between homework and dinner is enough when the equipment is right there.
Make Healthy Foods Convenient
We eat what’s easy, so I prep grab-and-go veggies, hummus, and fruit every Sunday. These go front and center in the fridge, while less-healthy snacks are tucked away. Water bottles at key spots—desk, counter, nightstand—make hydration effortless.
Use a Visible Planning Station
A whiteboard on the pantry door maps out weekly meals and workouts. It’s flexible, not rigid, and helps the whole family stay on track and reduce the “mental load” of daily decisions. Bonus: checking off tasks with a bright marker is oddly satisfying.
Prep for “Tomorrow-You”
Spend five minutes tonight setting up your morning self for success. Lay out workout clothes and pre-load the blender. Your evening self is much more rational than your 6:00 a.m. self—let her do the heavy lifting.
Establish a No-Phone Zone
Phones stay in a basket during meals, fostering mindful eating and real conversations. Plus, when you aren’t scrolling, you actually notice when you’re full.
Your home doesn’t need to be perfect—just set up to make the healthy choice the easy one. I can show you how easy it is!
Follow Katie on Instagram @ktelizabethwellness to claim your space for Kirkwood City Lifestyle’s “Well Balanced Lifestyle” series on Wednesday, March 11th, from 10:00 a.m.12:00 p.m. at the Kirkwood Community Center. This month’s topic is “Creating a Healthy Home for All Ages.”
ARTICLE BY KATIE ELIZABETH PHOTOGRAPHY
BY STRONG BY INTENTION
