St. Charles County, MO February 2024 by City Lifestyle

LOVE LOCAL

E NTE R TA I N M E NT

PLE A SI NG PO P-U P PI CN I C E XPERI ENCES A R T S + C U LT U R E

AWAKEN I NG SOU L EN ERGY WOAH, N ELLIE

F E B R UA RY 2 02 4

YOUR PLANS. YOUR POSSIBILITIES.

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Love Local Love is in the air, and the enticing aroma of chocolate and roses signals the arrival of a season topped with sweet excuses to savor life's pleasures. Embracing the mantra of "Love Local" extends beyond supporting community businesses; it also beckons us to cherish the treasures close to our hearts, including those within the walls of our own homes. Picture sipping coffee with friends at the charming local coffee house or losing yourself in the pages of a beloved book. Consider exploring organizations worthy of your support, savoring the delectable flavors at your favorite restaurant, or opting for a cozy game night around the fire with your family. As we navigate the delicate balance between the lingering chill of January winter and the anticipatory excitement of spring, we encourage you to pause and connect with the people who share your journey. From those residing under your roof to the friendly faces on your street, in your neighborhood, and throughout your community, there's a wealth of meaningful connections waiting to be fostered. Month after month, the stories shared within these pages showcase the heart and beauty of collective endeavors and shared experiences. We're grateful for the privilege of being a part of the life you're crafting, whatever shape that may take. Our aspiration is to inspire you to embrace and love it just a bit more than you did before. With love,

February 2024 PUBLISHERS

Gordon Montgomery gordon.montgomery@citylifestyle.com Kelley Lamm kelley.lamm@citylifestyle.com C O PY E D I TO R

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Robin Seaton Jefferson, Julie Brown Patton, Mel Boban, Amalia (Amy) Loli C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R

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Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 St. Charles County City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the St. Charles County area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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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 St. Charles County City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue FE B RUA RY 2 0 2 4 | LOV E LO CA L

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Featured

Woah, Nellie!

Alison Arngrim (Little House On Prairie) To Appear At Working Women’s Show

On the Cover

Departments

One of a kind art piece of created out of CDs, album covers and vinyl records of Nelly.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Must See ARTS + CULTURE

Local Limelight LIFE + CULTURE

Artist’s Palette ARTS + CULTURE

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

Party Planning ENTERTAINMENT

Events

Realty Report REAL ESTATE

Hot Spot ENTERTAINMENT

‘For The Love Of The Show’

Wrestling Massive Fans Tell Their Stories Of “The Main Event” In New Book By Jeremy Housewright

Awakening Soul Energy

Pleasing Pop-Up Picnic Experiences

Lindsay Wanner Evolves From Sketchbooks To In-Demand Sports/Music Visual Artist

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FEBRUARY 2024

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

7 4

1: Economic Development Council of St. Charles County members collected food items at annual gathering to be donated to the Saints Joachim and Ann Care Service Food Pantry. Photography provided by EDC.

C I T Y SC E N E

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8: Jennifer Ferry owner of Enchanted Events with as Guests on the IN YOUR CITY Show. 9: LBB Boogi Woogie BrrrBASH benefitting Toys For Tots featured dinner, live music and dancing. 10: LBB BRRRBASH 2023 celebrated as 41,000-plus toys were collected for Toys for Tots Foundation. 11: Angel Magasano, president of The Little Black Book: Women in Business Organization at 2023 BRRRBASH. 12: Guests enjoy a Boogie Woogie Night at LBB BRRRBASH 2023 at Ameristar Casino for Toys-For-Tots. 13- 14: Economic Development Council of St. Charles County members collected food items at annual gathering to be donated to the Saints Joachim and Ann Care Service Food Pantry.

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FEBRUARY 2024

business monthly A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

e v o L

f l e s r u

o Y

St. Charles Model Railroad Club Receives Historic Signal Donation St. Charles Model Railroad Club members recently acquired and installed a Union Switch and Signal model H-2 searchlight signal. This historic piece, formerly in service at control point West Niangua on the Frisco railroad from 1943 to 2019, was generously donated by ZCG Scrap Utility in collaboration with BNSF Railway. Paul Molitor, St. Charles Model Railroad Club president, worked with O’Fallon city officials to find a suitable location for the signal in Ft. Zumwalt Park. Photography Courtesy of St. Charles Model Railroad Club

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St. Charles Regional Chamber Of Commerce Designates New Board Chair St. Charles Regional Chamber of Commerce members named John Dawson, general manager of Brian Dawson Roofing Company, chairman of the group’s board for 2024. John replaces Joe Schneider, whose term had concluded. Joe is a director with Cushman & Wakefield, a company that specializes in commercial real estate services. During 2023, St. Charles Regional Chamber members hosted 49 groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings.

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Ms. Missouri Senior America Pageant Contestants Sought Missouri Cameo Club representatives will hold the annual Ms. Missouri Senior America Pageant on April 28, 2024. The Pageant celebrates dignity, maturity and beauty of women who’ve reached the age of elegance. The current reigning queen is Christy Wilson-Smith, a resident of O’Fallon, Missouri. Christy graduated from William Woods University with a degree in vocal music, and has received Teacher of the Year Award seven times. Email Susan Pellegrino at msmosenior@ gmail.com to interview for 2024.

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Woah, Nellie! Alison Arngrim (Little House On Prairie) To Appear At Working Women’s Show ARTICLE BY ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON

LITTLE HOUSE ON PRAIRIE Alison Arngrim

M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULT U RE

She was the young, blonde-haired girl with a big, bad attitude. Manipulative, selfish and thoroughly unpleasant, Nellie Oleson is likely one of most recognizable literary and television figures of the 20th century. So much so, in fact, the actress who played Nellie on “Little House on the Prairie” is still making headlines well into the 21st century. Alison Arngrim is making appearances across the United States and Europe this year, as fans and cast members celebrate the 50th anniversary of Little House on television. St. Louis is no exception. Alison is scheduled to appear at the St. Louis Working Women’s Show during Feb. 16-18 at the St. Charles Convention Center. Many of the little girls who loved to hate Nellie in the 1970s have grown up to find comfort in the show that has become an American treasure. An adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder's best-selling series of Little House books by the same name, “Little House on the Prairie,” premiered Sept. 11, 1974, and last aired on May 10, 1982. Alison came from a show business family. Her mother, Norma MacMillan, voiced numerous characters in animation and claymation, including Casper the Friendly Ghost and Gumby. “I thought everyone was on TV until I was six,” she confides. In the 1960s, Alison’s family lived on the fifth floor of West Hollywood hotel. She remembers her parents sitting on their balcony drinking wine and looking down over the Sunset Strip Curfew or 'Hippie' Riots. “I thought: ‘I live in a castle. I am Mary Antoinette, and the peasants are revolting,” she quips. Alison’s father, Thor Arngrim, an actor and producer, managed musician Liberace. She says Liberace’s was the best house to go for trick or treating, as his butler would meet kids at the door with a tray of beautiful plastic pumpkins filled with specialty candies.

AS N] W HAT C AEL W H C E I B W, T [M ILL EHO E W UGH L M O P O H S T EO E .’ NE , ‘P GON AID RYO S E E V R E E H E A “. . . HEN R W Y W FTE .” Z A A G NEW CR LON E K H S I TH ING DO LAN

Alison was 12 when she got the part of Nellie. She says she initially read for the parts of both Laura and Mary Ingalls, but got neither. Then they asked her to read for Nellie. She read the famous “My Home” speech from the first episode, “Country Girls.” She says when she and her father arrived at the audition, and she read the script, she was shocked. “I turned to my father and said, ‘This girl is not normal. She is a bxxxx.’” “My home is the best house in all of Walnut Grove...” And on it went. As she auditioned for Michael Landon (Charles Ingalls), and producers Ed Friendly and Kent McCray, “they couldn’t stop laughing. By the time we got home, my agent was on the phone. I had been hired on the spot.” And all these years later, the world still sees Nellie. “Everyone still hates me,” she says. “I really thought when the show ended, people would move on. But they didn’t.” Alison grew up in the public schools of Los Angeles, including Hollywood High School, where most people understood fantasy versus reality. Not everyone did, though. She recalls a time at Bancroft Junior High, when a girl shouted, “You bxxxx!” from the second-floor landing. CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STC H A R L E S C O UN T Y

“

A N D A L L T H E S E Y E A R S L AT E R , T H E W O R L D S T I L L S E E S N E L L I E . “ E V E R Y O N E S T I L L H A T E S M E , ” S H E S A Y S . “ I R E A L LY THOUGHT WHEN THE SHOW ENDED, PEOPLE WOULD MOVE O N . B U T T H E Y D I D N ’ T.”

Still, she thought it was all par for the course, and interestingly enough, in some ways, it boosted her confidence. “In television, people suspend their disbelief. If you’re me, they go crazy and hate you. I had no confidence [before playing Nellie]. I was pathologically shy. Suddenly people were afraid of me. Now I would go to a party, and people would back up. I realized making new friends was going to be kind of impossible. So, I stayed in public school and kept the friends I made at a very young age.” Ironically, she and Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls) were the best of friends in real life. “We would beat each other senseless all week and then have slumber parties on the weekends.” Today, Alison is a New York Times best-selling author with Confessions of A Prairie Bxxxx: How I Survived Nellie Oleson and Learned to Love Being Hated. Her one-woman show “Confessions of a Prairie Bxxxx,” has packed houses from New York to Los Angeles to France. Alison has headlined at nightclubs across North America and has entertained on countless television and stage shows. But it was her return to the spotlight through social media in 2020 that brought so many fans back and turned a new generation on to those innocent days on Plum Creek. She says it started when her husband, musician Bob Schoonover, an essential worker at the time, asked her what she was going to do with her time in quarantine. She decided to reread the Little House books. “But then I thought, ‘What if I read them live on Facebook?’ It was insane,” she says. “I did 600-plus readings in a bonnet for two-and-a-half years and got over 50,000 hits. I had guest stars. People bought books. I started selling bonnets and prairie-oriented swag. I swear everyone was watching, because whatever was happening with the pandemic, the Ingalls had it worse.” And for those who think she is anything like the heartless Nellie Oleson, think again. Alison has a long history of donating her time for others. She began volunteering at the acquired immunodeficiency

M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULT U RE

syndrome project Los Angeles in 1986, when her friend and 'Little House husband,' co-star Steve Tracy, passed away due to this chronic immune system disease. “I thought he was going to live forever. But as soon as he was diagnosed in 1991, he was so sick.” She worked on the Southern California immunodeficiency syndrome hotline, developed workshops and provided education to doctors, nurses, prison inmates, service clubs, churches, department stores and schools and was honored by the Los Angeles City Council for her contributions. Alison fights against child abuse as California chair, national spokesperson and founding board member on the National Advisory Board of The National Association to Protect Children, or PROTECT.org. She told the world about the physical abuse she suffered in her own life on “Larry King Live” in 2004. Alison currently lives in Tujunga, California, with Bob, her husband of 30 years, and their “evil cat,” Clarice. She says she takes pride in the fact so many people enjoyed hating her as a girl and is “more than happy to give them the opportunity to do so in the future.” Addressing what she describes as “huge plot holes” in Little House, Alison says what has probably surprised her the most is something neither fans nor producers of the show saw coming—all except for Michael Landon, that is. For example, after Albert kicks his morphine addiction, the show states he goes on to become a doctor in Walnut Grove. But later he returns and is presumed to die from leukemia. Then Walnut Grove is destroyed before Albert ever becomes a doctor there. “But at the time, they thought, ‘Who’s going to notice?’ There wasn’t even cable when Little House came out, let alone video or streaming,” Alison says. “We never had any idea people would be watching this show again and again. But Michael knew. Everyone thought he was crazy when he said, ‘People will be watching this long after we are gone.’ Somehow, he knew.”

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‘For The Love Of The Show’

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Jeremy Housewright, author, "For The Love Of The Show: Wrestling Fans Tell Their Stories"

WRESTLING MASSIVE FANS TELL THEIR STORIES OF “THE MAIN EVENT” IN NEW BOOK BY JEREMY HOUSEWRIGHT Welcome to the world of marks and smarks, typical categories of professional wrestling enthusiasts, per a new book debuted by Jeremy Housewright titled For The Love Of The Show: Wrestling Fans Tell Their Stories. Professional wrestling is the most fan-centric sport around, declares Jeremy, a St. Louis native and fan since he was 5 years old of these entertaining, athletic bouts, along with his grandfather. "Everything that happens in the ring is meant to generate a reaction from attendees. Professional wrestling is bigger than it’s ever been right now, and my book shows why fans love its artform," he says. He adds he remembers crying when King Kong Bundy crushed Hulk Hogan in a steel cage for a WWF Saturday night match [1986].

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

Sports fanatic, middle school English teacher and music editor for ReviewSTL Jeremy says his book covers wrestling fans who claim their lives were transformed by the sport. "Some have modified their bodies, while others have decided to venture into the artform. You've heard the stories of wrestlers we all love to cheer and hate, but what about the fans? These stories are for the fans by the fans." Part of the appeal and dedication to pro wrestling comes from the fact that like talented stunt performers, wrestlers execute feats of strength, fly, perform acrobat moves and collide dangerously with each other and the floor, all while staying in character. However, unlike stunt performers, wrestlers perform these contests in one take, before live audiences.

"What attracts fans to a predetermined, choreographed form of entertainment? Why is pro wrestling now one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the world?" poses Jeremy. "Some of the stories in the book are outlandish. Some are inspiring. Some will surprise readers." Fans interviewed for the book, says Jeremy, include a longtime pro wrestling fan, Jon Gray, who shares his story of wanting to referee pro wrestling matches. Jeremy says 16-year-old Izzy Moreno has been a wrestling fan her entire life but is now becoming a pro wrestler. Kyle Scarborough is a well-respected tattoo artist from Washington, Missouri, who turned his fandom into an opportunity to design one of the more memorable wrestling masks in the last 25 years. Curt Gannon, also a fan of pro wrestling, talks about the drive to succeed on the independent scene. Justin Deming shares his story about getting a lifesize replica tattoo of the WWF winged title belt. And finally, read about the story of Derek Baker, a 26-yearold wrestling superfan with Down Syndrome who has become a social media sensation from St. Louis with more than 3 million followers on TikTok, due to his passion for pro wrestling. Jeremy received his doctoral in education leadership in 2019 and has worked in area schools for the last 16 years. He now lives in St. Clair, Missouri, with his wife, Sarah, and their English bulldog, Gertrude. His book is available locally at Barnes & Noble stores, as well as online from Amazon and Kindle. "Coming up with a title for the book was a struggle because with that title, you think of baseball. The title kinda' came to me because it's a show, and it's about putting on a good show. So many fans have a strong love and passion for wrestling, it sets the tone," Jeremy concludes. No self-respecting professional wrestling article from this metropolitan area would be complete without mentioning Wrestling at the Chase, a pro wrestling television series of local and national historical importance. It was recorded in St. Louis for KPLR-TV, Channel 11, and aired from May 23, 1959, to Sept. 10, 1983.

Jeremy says the book was an honor of telling other people's stories that otherwise might not be told.

Jeremy Housewright is a former lifestyle editor for The Alestle at SIUE and freelancer for the sports department of the Suburban Journals. He's reported on the St. Louis Rams, Blues, STL SC and Battlehawks while also covering concerts, comedy shows and various other forms of entertainment for ReviewSTL.com.

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STC H A R L E S C O UN T Y

AWAKENING SOUL ENERGY

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CU LT U RE

LINDSAY WANNER EVOLVES FROM SKETCHBOOKS TO IN-DEMAND SPORTS/MUSIC VISUAL ARTIST

Artist Lindsay Wanner

"I like to create things that no one else has created before." During December of 2017, St. Louisan Lindsay Wanner set up a studio space in her garage so she could develop her innate craft from simple colored pencil drawings of upcycled sports equipment to one-of-akind works of art. Her results caught the attention of fine art collectors around the world. "I first dabbled in many artforms before finding my niche in vinyl portraits, which became my signature. I really enjoy creating likenesses of trailblazers, top dogs, hard workers, especially athletes and musicians," explains this former corporate manager. "Now, my hands simply cannot keep up with the wheels spinning in my head as I try to pour out every idea I conceptualize so other people can enjoy something new and interesting." CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STC H A R L E S C O UN T Y

As a self-taught, multidisciplinary artist, Lindsay says she relishes being able to now create luxury sports, music-themed and Americana contemporary art. But hers are not the average type of paintings. They are 3D, life-sized or larger, and with most of them made entirely out of vinyl records. "I create portraits by hand-cutting, painting and layering old records. Every new color, every new shade of paint, is a new layer of records," she explains. For the sports pieces, she sometimes turns to skateboards, baseball gloves, bases, punching bags or discarded sports equipment. For others, she's added CDs. This full-time artist now takes requests for commissioned works. Just during this December, Lindsay's bold, orange creation of a special edition Lamborghini was featured in Miami Beach, Florida, at Art Basel, a for-profit, privately owned and managed, international art fair staged annually in Basel, Switzerland; Miami Beach; Hong Kong or Paris. Lindsay's version of the Lamborghini Revuelto, 60th Anniversary, was commissioned by Holman Motorcars in Chesterfield. "Lamborghini Revuelto, 60th Anniversary, is my second Lamborghini piece made entirely out of vinyl records. The first one is owned by Lamborghini themselves. To my knowledge, these are the only 3D artworks in existence of Lamborghini made entirely out of hand-cut, layered and painted vinyl records," she states. Her handiwork also was commissioned to create the image that will be the movie poster for On Fire, an upcoming film produced in St. Louis. Additionally, Miss Lindsay Books are music-themed children’s books written by Lindsay. She combines her love for music with the importance of communication to help children learn life’s most valuable lessons. To hear more about this now-international entrepreneur's tips and adventures, catch her on her 'Listen to Lindsay' podcast, available on platforms such as Spotify, iTunes and Anchor. LindsayWanner.com

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CU LT U RE

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STC H A R L E S C O UN T Y

Salad Recipe To Love FOUNDER OF AMALIA CULINARY ART SHARES RECIPE FOR GORGEOUS, FRESH AND SIMPLE DISH

ARTICLE BY AMALIA (AMY) LOLI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY LOLI

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Pear/Prosciutto/ Burrata Salad IN GR E D IE N T S • • • • • • •

Ripe Pear Prosciutto Burrata Lemon Zest Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dried Figs Red Pepper Flakes

DIRECTIONS 1. Slice the ripe pear into thin slices. 2. Arrange pear slices on a plate, creating a base for the salad. 3. Nestle slices of prosciutto in-between pear slices, a perfect combo of sweet and savory. 4. Tear the burrata into bite-sized pieces and scatter them over the salad adding a velvety creaminess to the ensemble. 5. Grate fresh lemon zest over the entire salad, infusing it with citrus flavor. 6. Top with fresh basil, figs and pepper flakes. 7. Finish by generously drizzling extra virgin olive oil over the salad, creating a silky texture that ties it all together.

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STC H A R L E S C O UN T Y

PLEASING POP-UP PICNIC EXPERIENCES Host A Creative Celebration With Alpaca Picnic, Starting With Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Encircling oneself with cheery, themed balloon igloos for a memorable Valentine's or Galentine's Day picnic celebration? Yes, please! Even in unpredictable winter weather, Alpaca Picnic founder and owner Julie Ellison says she can provide heated igloo arrangements. "We actually have several options during winter seasons, such as outdoors in sunlit, covered areas; driveways; indoor picnics at dining tables; or the heated igloos. When booking, we always discuss a weather backup date in case it's raining or the temperature drops below 32 degrees." For Valentine's Day, she says she works with red, pink and heart shapes, garnered with other romantic touches, if requested, such as lacy doilies and chocolate-covered strawberries. Upon customer requests, she's also done dark, Gothic setups with

PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | ENTE RTAIN ME N T

black and red applications. She says tea parties are extra special because she uses her grandmother's china. The former travel director for Maritz Travel and flight attendant on private jets says her grandma would be proud guests get to sip and cheer life's moments with her dishes. "Big groups of Galentine's are always fun, and it's popular to do 'Mommy and Me' Valentine's picnics, sometimes with friends and their daughters," she adds. "Some customers have crystal-clear visions of what they want and some suggest that I create things however it works best. It's helpful when customers share inspirational pictures of what they had in mind." Julie launched Alpaca Picnic during November 2020 after San Diego-based event-planning gigs were canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions and moving back to her hometown of St. Louis. She named the business that due to wanting something unique and with a little personality. "Alpaca picnic is a play on words, as in 'I will pack a picnic.' I have a very clever friend, Ross Milton, who helped me craft the name. I was tossing around STL Picnic Company, or Julie Abel Set the Table. But when Ross suggested Alpaca Picnic, I knew that was it. Its distinctiveness and playful charm perfectly encapsulated the spirit of what I envisioned for my business," recalls Julie. In general, an Alpaca Picnic accommodates two to 36 guests in private settings of one's choice, with themed décor, fresh flowers, charcuterie boards, balloons, personalized touches and Instagramworthy photo opportunities. After customers book a 2-hour time slot and make a 50% non-refundable deposit, Julie coordinates the location, details and add-ons with them. "There are basically three choices: a standard picnic, an igloo tent or a custom event," Julie explains. "I can offer our signature picnic with seating on the ground with top comfy blankets and pillows but also offer normal height tables and chairs to accommodate up to 18 guests. The igloos are only used in the colder months, but in summer we have umbrellas or cabana tents to beat the hot St. Louis summers. I can even do a tablescape by using customers' own tables at their homes. Don't see something on my list? I love the opportunity to create something new." In addition to the signature picnic, she offers styled tabletops starting at $100 for 2 hours; varied igloo experiences beginning at $289 to $319 at 2 hours; a metro med spa experience from $200 for 2 hours, which includes wrinkle filling, peels or facial services; and themed/custom picnics from $200 for CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STC H A R L E S C O UN T Y

EXAMPLES OF ALPACA PICNIC EXECUTIONS INCLUDE THEMED BIRTHDAY PARTIES, BRIDAL SHOWERS, BABY SHOWERS, BACHELORETTE PARTIES, PROPOSALS/ENGAGEMENTS, DATE NIGHTS OR BRUNCHES. OTHER POPULAR THEMES COVER EVENTS OR MILESTONES, SUCH AS THE KENTUCKY DERBY OR DEATH TO MY TWENTIES. A SIGNATURE PICNIC FOR TWO GUESTS STARTS AT $199 PLUS TAX.

2 hours. Service includes full setup and breakdown. Pricing varies for parties of 15-plus guests or more than two picnic tables. Each choice comes standard with a low-seated table with a decorated tablescape and tableware; various seating pads, pillows and blankets; and sparkling water. Customers are welcome to bring their own alcohol and any additional food. "Our add-ons range from hot chocolate, charcuterie boards, flowers, unique cakes, custom cookies, allergy-sensitive desserts and private chef services to shade umbrellas, backdrops, mini photo sessions, bluetooth speakers, a Polaroid camera and a pizzalogist where made-to-order pizzas are done on-site," she says. Julie says her mother makes the chocolate-covered strawberries. "It's a labor of

love, but not just from me but my 'interns,' who are my brother, cousin and best friend who help at big events. I like to pay them with lunch and margaritas." However, one of Julie's most unique add-ons for private resident picnics is booking a real Alpaca appearance by Alpacas of Troy. One of the most unusual requests that Julie has handled was from the Kate Spade crew in New York, who asked her to host a bridal picnic for a local bride-to-be. She says, "They gifted her the picnic, purses, jewelry and her full china set, which we used to set the table of the picnic. The Kate Spade executive team even flew to St. Louis to be present for the picnic. I felt pretty cool they found me though Instagram and we pulled off the dreamiest picnic."

Julie says she's also looking forward to working with the local Make-A-Wish nonprofit team on an upcoming picnic. Besides backyards, Julie says she's happy to set up at any local park that permits such setups. "Our online booking system allows reservations to be made three months in advance. If someone has a certain date in mind beyond that point, they can submit the request through our generic booking form and we'll do our best to accommodate," vows Julie. "I love connections made with my clients. I get to set foundations of life's little moments. The excitement of a proposal or a surprise birthday never gets old." info@alpacapicnic.com AlpacaPicnic.com

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STC H A R L E S C O UN T Y

Stop Living With Pain:

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A SELECTION OF U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

FEBR UARY 10 TH

By: Dr. Beth Templin Chronic and recurrent pain are common issues among aging adults. This can result in unnecessary suffering, loss of independence, isolation, and high healthcare costs. Chronic pain is also a risk factor for premature death and accelerated memory loss in older adults. Pain medications and injections are the most common treatments, both of which have many side effects, and are not always effective at eliminating the pain completely. The reason is, they don’t address the underlying cause of your pain, but rather just try to cover it up. Regenerative Therapy is a new and upcoming option for those living with pain. At HouseFit we are proud to offer both EMTT and Radial Shockwave. These groundbreaking interventions are so effective because they address the main reason people are living with longterm pain - inflammation. They also work by triggering your own healing response. These options are great for: neck, back, hip, knee, foot, shoulder and hand pain, arthritis, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, muscle strains, ligament sprains and tendonitis. 38

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Ameristar Resort Spa | 5:30 PM This 'Down The Rabbit Hole' themed event and entertainment benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County. Doors to the Discovery Ballroom open at 5:30 p.m. The dinner and auction begin at 7 p.m. An after party launches at 10 p.m. All tickets include the after party. Learn more at BGCSTC.org/events/annual-gala. FEBR UARY 10 TH

Mardi Gras Parade Eco Park | 11:00 AM Head to Frenchtown for the first annual Mardi Gras Parade. This family-friendly, free celebration will have sights and sounds from local performers and businesses. The parade begins by Eco Park and will travel down Second Street to Clark Street. An After Party will be held from noon to 2 p.m. in the Foundry Art Centre parking lot. FEBR UARY 10 TH

Valentine’s Hunt For Kisses Rau Garden In Blanchette Park | 10:00 AM Bundle up and get some fresh air during a morning of exploring with little ones. Every child will go on a nature scavenger hunt through the garden and park area. Complete the scavenger hunt to receive chocolate kisses and goodie bag. Crafts and a visit with Cupid included. Cost is $15 per person; register with St. Charles Parks & Recreation.

F E BRUARY 16TH - 18TH

37th Working Women's Show St. Charles Convention Center | 11:00 AM Alison Arngrim, best known to TV audiences as Nellie Oleson from "Little House on the Prairie," will be the featured celebrity guest. The show focuses on food, fashion, fitness and fun. Show hours: Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ultimate VIP tickets are $100 each. Details: WWSonline.com. F E BRUARY 2 4TH

Trivia Night 2024 With The Hibernians

Kimberly Zander

G.I.A. Graduate Gemologist | Independent Jewelry Appraisals by Appointment Only

O'Fallon Elks Lodge | 5:30 PM Join a 4-hour night of brain-busting fun and compete against other trivia enthusiasts. Grab friends, form a team, and get ready to answer questions on a wide range of topics, from history to pop culture. Corned beef and sides including colcannon; beer/soft drinks included in ticket price. Cash bar also available. Early bird registration is $200 per table. F E BRUARY 2 9TH - MARCH 3RD

St. Charles Boat Show St. Charles Convention Center | 2:00 PM Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association members host this premiere show for boating enthusiasts all over the Midwest and certainly in the St. Louis market. They bill it as the largest recreational boat show in the St. Louis area to see the latest in cruisers, runabouts, performance boats, tritoons, ski boats, personal watercraft, docks, lifts and boating accessories.

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229 NORTH MAIN STREET | (636) 724-0132 ST. CHARLES T H R O SA N D M I C H E L L E S .CO M FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STC H A R L E S C O UN T Y

realty report A S A M P L E O F R E C E N T LY S O L D P R O P E R T I E S I N S T. C H A R L E S C O U N T Y.

NEIGHBORHOOD

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

B AT H S

Whitmoor CC - Lily Pond Ln

$1,350,000

$1,325,000

Wyndgate Village - Long Gate Ct

$975,000

$965,000

Whitmoor CC - Clifden Dr

$949,900

$929,500

Long View Estates - Longview Estates Dr

$850,000

$875,000

103

Hamptons - Sag Harbor Ct

$700,000

100

Fieldstone Farms - Cooper Way Dr

$650,000

100

Lake St Louis - Burgundy Dr

$624,000

$644,000

103

Ballantrae - Grasmere Ct

$589,900

$620,000

105

Wheeler Canyon - Canyon Dr

$585,000

$601,000

103

Stonecroft - Hesters Way

$580,000

$590,000

102

Westhampton Place - Westhampton Pl Ct

$565,000

$575,000

102

Muirfield - Cross Timbers Ln

$565,000

$557,500

Crest Over Katy Trail - Napa View Ln

$575,000

$551,000

111

Fairfield Manor - Buckington St

$550,000

100

Courtyards of Cottleville - Magnolia Blossom Ct

$550,000

$522,500

Heritage - Delaware Dr

$484,900

$508,000

105

Information is a sampling of data from the MLS from 12/5/23-1/4/24

R EA LT Y R E P ORT | REAL ESTAT E

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ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEL BOBAN

Love Is Sweet TRENDY DATE SPOTS WITH GREAT DESSERT

1. After a meal, this is THE spot. Clementine’s is nationally recognized for their excellent naughty and nice ice cream flavors, but some may call it the best in the world.

2. Pastaria in Clayton has excellent pasta, pizza and delicious risotto balls, to name a few. But, don’t skip the gelato offerings after eating; they’re delish!

3. Press Waffle Co. is a great reason to stay at The Foundry after eating to grab a sweet dessert.

Katie’s Pizza and Pasta is known for their amazing cocktail menu, in addition to, obviously, amazing pizza options. But don’t forget to ask for a dessert menu, especially the ricotta donuts.

Brasserie is last, but never least. This charming French bistro is perfect for dinner but is also a cozy, romantic stop after dinner for drinks and dessert. The floating island is a must try!

H OT SP OT | ENTERTAI NME N T