St. Charles County, MO March 2024

HOME

HOME + DESIGN THE WHITE HARE WITH SARAH CORRIGAN

BATTLING CLUTTER

FOOD + BEVERAGE

SUSAN BREWER’S STUFFED FRENCH TOAST

Come support your local boat dealership with over 15,000 square feet of indoor showrooms!

Monterey Runabouts | Sea Port Boats | Crestliner Bass Boats | Phoenix Caymas | Barletta Pontoons | Bentley Pontoons | Sylvan

Home. So much contained in that little four-letter word. Home is our grounding. Our base. Our launchpad. It’s where we start and end each day. And while the particulars look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable.

Author Wendy Wunder said, “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back. “As we thought about home - we wanted to highlight what makes it special to our readers. That of course includes the food and drinks, the aesthetics and design, but most importantly - the people.

We feel like the lucky ones as we got to learn more about the businesses and individuals that comprise this city and hope the small lens into their lives and work brings people in this community together.

As you flip through the pages of this issue, we hope you’ll feel encouraged and connected to the people around you - in your city, neighborhood and most all of - your home.

Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover. They say they hold onto it for months as coffee table art or an accessory in their home. We feel proud to create a resource that is valued in our community and strive every month to deliver the value you expect. Thanks for letting us be a part of your home.

With Gratitude from our home to yours!

March 2024

Gordon Montgomery gordon.montgomery@citylifestyle.com

Kelley Lamm kelley.lamm@citylifestyle.com

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

Casey Pierce | casey.pierce@citylifestyle.com

Robin Seaton Jefferson, Julie Brown Patton, Chelsea Haynes, Susan Brewer

Mike Winslow, Carol Green The Graceful Lens, Liz Sloan

Evan Deuvall

Steven Schowengerdt

Matthew Perry

HR Janeane Thompson

Jennifer Robinson

MARKETING, ADVERTISING, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION AND TRAINING VIDEOS

We offer Full Service Corporate and Commercial video solutions.

Besides our world class studios located in St. Louis, we bring expert video production to you with our talented crew. We can capture everything you need in the field, in your offices, or at your retail or service location. You name it, we can do it! Plus, we offer professional lighting, sound, and editing to all of our clients.

ELEVATE YOUR MESSAGE, YOUR BRAND AND YOUR EVENT WITH

VUE 17 & OUTREACH STUDIOS

WEDDINGS

REHEARSAL DINNERS

CORPORATE EVENTS

TRAINING EVENTS

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

ANNIVERSARY PARTIES

BAR OR BAT MITZVAH, BABY & BRIDAL SHOWERS

city scene

business monthly

Congrats To Grow Saint Charles Award Winner Business

Black's Carpet Discount is the company whose team was awarded a recent Grow Saint Charles Award. This family-owned business has been helping customers with flooring needs for 50-plus years. Potential businesses are nominated and selection criteria for this recognition include innovation, community contributions, employee recognition and support and environmental initiatives. The next set of nominations are due by 5 p.m. on March 29. The form is online and should be emailed to: Economic.Development@ tcharlescitymo.gov.

Mid Rivers Mall Library Branch Is Open As Temporary Location

As a temporary new location and part of the Destination 2027 overall library strategic plan, the Mid Rivers Mall Branch of the St. Charles City-County Library opened. The location offers a browsing collection, public computers, WiFi, printing and copying services, classes and events for adults, teens and children. This location is next to Dillards on the second floor and above Maurices. The Spencer Road Branch is receiving interior renovations worth approximately $2.1 million.

DiAnne

Mueller

Celebrates 30-Year Career As Crisis

Nursery CEO

Saint Louis Crisis Nursery CEO DiAnne Mueller, MS, LPC, concludes her 30 years of service and passionate advocacy at the Nursery during March. Under DiAnne's stewardship, the Nursery became one of the premier resources for families in crisis in the St. Louis metropolitan region. The Nursery provides a short-term, safe haven for nearly 5,000 children a year, birth through age 12, whose families face emergencies caused by illness, homelessness, domestic violence, or overwhelming parental stress.

The Gallery Collection sign from Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate accomplishes more than just informing buyers that your home is for sale, it lets them know that your home meets the standards of luxury that few homes can achieve.

Whether it is architectural excellence, design elements that are second to none or breathtaking views unmatched in our area, Gallery Collection homes are the homes that make you stop and take notice when searching online. They’re the homes that have the “it” that you are looking for in your next home.

Contact Susan Brewer today to discuss how your home can become part of the Gallery Collection or how you can become the next proud owner of one.

BATTLING CLUTTER

St. Louis Closet Co. Teams Change Lives Through Home Organization

“I love what I do every single day; it makes such a difference in people’s lives.”

Jennifer Q. Williams founded Saint Louis Closet Co. as the first locally-owned, floorbased closet company in St. Louis. She did so during 1991, during her first semester of graduate school. She says she made a decision to “do what she loved: change people’s lives through home organization.”

With a bachelor's degree in communications and public relations from Saint Louis University, dedication and a load of tenacity, Jennifer says she approached the Small Business Administration 33 years ago for a crash course on starting a business and soon after, a start-up loan.

Today, Jennifer says Saint Louis Closet Co. is not just about where one hangs clothes. “It’s a custom closet and home organization company that brings solutions to peoples’ homes and their lives,” she says. “It’s not just closets. It’s pantries, laundry rooms, mud rooms, garages, home offices, craft centers, Murphy Beds, wardrobe closets and entertainment centers. It’s total home organization. People are looking for organization everywhere in their lives. We all have too much stuff. Organization saves time and reduces stress. And it allows your belongings to stay in better condition. For example, your shoes are not all scuffed up, because they’re thrown at the bottom of your closet.”

Jennifer says Saint Louis Closet Co. helps its clients “battle the clutter” and “transform their closets and spaces from disorganized disasters into havens of blissful organization.”

The secret? Custom closet and home organizational systems produced at the company’s own on-site manufacturing closet facility. “We are one of the only companies in the Midwest that can make this claim,” Jennifer says. “Even more importantly, our 30,000-square-foot showroom and manufacturing facility are all housed in our refurbished, fully green building. Your custom closets are manufactured in-house totally custom to your home and your needs.”

Jennifer says custom closets can “work magic in turning cluttered chaos into organized bliss” by:

1. Maximizing every inch of closet space, making use of vertical space with shelving, hanging rods and drawers, and ensuring that no area goes to waste.

2. Creating a sense of order by designating spaces for every item in a wardrobe, from shoes

to ties, including shelves, cubbies and drawers that can be customized to fit specific needs.

3. Providing easy accessibility through pullout shelves, sliding tie and belt racks and other features that help users reach those hidden items in the back of closets, bringing belongings within easy reach.

4. Enhancing aesthetics through a variety of finishes, materials and designs to match styles and complement a home’s decor.

So, whether someone has a walk-in closet that resembles a small boutique or a compact reach-in closet, Saint Louis Closet Co. offers a range of custom closet systems that can transform a cluttered closet into a well-organized and stress-free room in a home. Jennifer says Saint Louis Closet Co. provides free in-home consultations with experienced designers who work with clients to create a custom system, from initial design ideas to installation, that maximizes space and suits various lifestyles.

314.781.9000

StLouisClosetCo.com

Giving Back To The Community

Jennifer Q. Williams’ hometown connections make a difference in St. Louis, especially when it comes to her concern for her community and charitable spirit. Jennifer and St. Louis Closet Co. have installed closets at The Magic House, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Forsyth School, Our Little Haven and Friends of Wings. They also have supported Stray Rescue, Toys for Tots, Children’s Hospital, Fontbonne University, Forsyth School, John Burroughs School, The Kirkwood Public Library, Girls on the Run, The Susan G. Komen Foundation and The Leukemia Foundation.

FABRICS, ENERGY EFFICIENCY, MOTORIZATION NEVER BEEN BETTER: TWO BLIND GUYS

Quality Window Coverings With Pizzazz

““Clients are asking for window coverings that leave wide open views and disappear in headrails.”

While windows set the stage for a home's interior design, window coverings harmonize the overall mood and appearance. That's why Debra Kinsinger, owner of Two Blind Guys with a location in Chesterfield and another in Des Peres, specializes in providing a full 360-degree window covering experience for clients.

Whether one is seeking Roman shades, sheer shadings, blinds, plantation shutters or drapery, Debra says she and her team have it covered, figuratively and literally. More than just adding to décor, window treatments also can boost energy efficiency, comfort, visual appeal and privacy.

"Openness is widely popular now, with higher ceiling rooms and clean-cut lines," explains Debra. "We can complement the overall, more simple minimalist looks or add a bit of intentional detail to window coverings. Textured fabrics are great for this. Hunter Douglas Pirouette Window Shadings alter light in a magical new way while providing a soft shutter look."

Anchored by 25 years in the window covering business, she says she provides complimentary design consultations, measuring and installations. She's joined in the business operations by her son, Rob Kinsinger. Extra beneficial is that her team has specialization in automated motorized window treatments.

Debra says while plantation shutters were about 75 percent of their business in 2017, now shutters are about 19-20 percent. She explains, "People like the diversity of window coverings that allow for disappearing into a headrail. With many of new windows being black, we can match the fascias or fabrics also with black, so clients still have them out of sight when they want to."

Through dedication to one-on-one coordination with custom home builders and their clients, Debra says they handle many custom-build homes or renovations. "It's best

if we can be brought in during the blueprint stage, so we can budget and adjust along with the construction phases."

Two Blind Guys carries exclusively Hunter Douglas Window Coverings. Debra says they service locations within a 1.5-hour radius of Chesterfield, basically stretching to Columbia, Rolla, Troy and Parkland areas. She says clients can plan typically for a five-week lead time from the point of deposit to installation.

Hunter Douglas provides a quarterly rebate on a variety of products in the form of direct brand-name credit cards. Debra says Two Blind Guys sends annual birthday cards to clients on the year anniversary date of their window-covering purchase; this includes a repeat customer discount that can be used by friends and family as well.

With spring around the corner, Debra says they've been busy assisting clients who are preparing with solar screen shades to block sun, UV and heat. Energy efficient or eco-friendly options include natural wood components, grasslike textures, honeycomb shades with tax rebate options and solar screen shades.

Two Blind Guys also offers a full-service repair center in Chesterfield where they can repair about any type of blind, whether it has been purchased with them or not. Debra says most repairs can be serviced in one week's time, depending on the need for ordering select parts.

"We also provide for three-season rooms and service window coverings for boats and RVs, especially for new buyers who are updating them," Debra adds.

Additionally, she says she's in the process of fine-tuning the company's drapery line with window covering manufacturer Carole Fabrics, a Hunter Douglas-owned company.

636.537.8008

TwoBlindGuys.com

“ ”

We also provide for three-season rooms and service window coverings for boats and RVs, especially for new buyers who are updating them. ~Debra Kinsinger, owner, Two Blind Guys

PERSONALIZED INTERIOR DESIGN

Three French Hens Provides Complete Mix Of Furniture, Fabrics, Florals, Lighting, Rugs, Colors, Textures, Tips

Interior design expertise and corresponding home decor items from A to Z await at Three French Hens, a Wildwood-based destination infused with unique furniture, decor, florals and gifts.

Creating client mood boards and serving as a dedicated design partner is the self-professed 'happy place' for the store's general manager and designer, Rae Sutton. "As a onestop, full-service design business, we help clients design custom looks for their homes, opening their eyes to new ideas throughout the process. We even work on renovation projects from interior finishes to custom furniture for new or existing spaces," she adds.

"Your style needs to be you; otherwise you won't feel comfortable. For our clients, I love placing pieces that are authentically them throughout their home," Rae proclaims.

Located at 16935 Manchester Road, Rae says clients come in-store with photos for design assistance, or the store's interior designers can provide in-home consultations.

During 2023, Three French Hens celebrated 20 years in business. The store features a 12,000-square-foot showroom with 12 themed rooms, displaying a revolving mix of European antiques, reproductions, home furnishings, accessories and memorable gift items. Three French Hen's late founder, Jeanie Hood, was known for her one-of-a-kind furniture, design knowledge and interior decorating expertise. Rae says growing up

working alongside her grandmother taught her it wasn't essential to strictly follow ever-changing interior design trends.

"It's more about embracing textures and colors, and combining them in new ways," explains Rae. "I pull inspiration from tons of different places and time periods."

For example, 2024 preferences are transitioning from gray-colored selections to richer palettes. "Many people already have some lighter colored sofas, so we can work in more colorful accents. And we bring in rich textures through accessories, such as new lamps, art, vases, rugs and updated floral arrangements," Rae says. "The careful blending of unique finds is what sets us apart."

She provides another example for those who would like to incorporate Pantone's color of the year, 'peach fuzz,' without having to redecorate an entire room, by offering soft peach throw pillows for spring.

Another exciting preference that Rae says is emerging is the use of more saturated tones for timeless and classic looks. Think deeper terra cotta, emerald greens, tones of black charcoal, sapphire blue, chocolate browns and stone rather than steel.

"Mixing metallics is back, too, but for me it never left," she adds.

Rae's recommendation for freshening home interiors during springtime is to update lamps, swap out artwork or update what's on one's bookshelves, such as adding greenery or layering with baskets. "You don't have to change core pieces of furniture every quarter if you make timeless selections," she reminds.

Post-pandemic, she says people are continuing to gravitate to functionality as a main driver of interior changes or adjustments. "Clients want everything to serve a purpose. Sectionals have been popular, but now they're acceptable in formal settings, too."

The Three French Hens process for overhauling a room involves an on-site, 1-hour consultation, including measurements and photographs, followed by an in-depth presentation of offerings in the studio.

One "must-have" Rae likes to incorporate into interior design projects is a unique décor piece, family heirloom, antique or special artwork from travels.

Consider joining Rae at the store for once monthly "Mondays and Mimosas" design workshops at 9 a.m. She covers a different topic each time.

Local shoppers might meet the Three French Hens clients who drive in from coast to coast. "We have clients nationwide who monitor our events calendar and plan their trips around a stop with us," beams Rae.

636.458.8033

ThreeFrenchHensWildwood.com

The White Hare

The White Hare shop is known for specializing in customer service. The mother-daughter operations team has been filling homes with unique furniture, florals and accessories since 2003.

Sarah Corrigan says the two used to shop together when her mom, Mary Kay Carapella, was in real estate, and she was doing murals and faux finishes just out of college. "We used to say: 'Wouldn’t it be fun to have a store?'" she recalls. (Sarah holds a degree in painting and graphic design.)

Today, the two own and operate a thriving home design business at 1010 Miralago Way in Cottleville,

whose growth seems to know no bounds. And they serve all needs from furniture, accessories, florals, lamps and artwork to clothing and gifts. Seasonal and holiday décor shopping is huge at the store, where each season is greeted with new and exciting themes, fun accessories and an open house to launch it all.

But shoppers can get an everyday designer look all yearlong at The White Hair as well. Customers are encouraged to bring pictures, measurements and fabric swatches into the 13,000-square-foot shop at 1010 Miralago Way in Cottleville, where staff

The White Hare in Cottleville offers 13,000 square feet of furniture, florals, decor and more. Whether looking for small add-ons to decor, buying a gift for someone else or decorating an entire house, owners, Sarah Corrigan and Mary Kay Carapella, and their trained staff can help.

experts will help them create or recreate their spaces.

After all, Sarah and Mary Kay have been doing it for 21 years.

“Bring us a picture of your space with a few angles and other shots of the room, so we can get a feel of your space, along with all essential measurements such as depth, length and height of furniture to be covered or spaces to be filled,” Sarah says.  “We will put together a beautiful space for your needs and budget.”

“I’ve done entire homes from floor plans,” Sarah says. “But it could be just a room, or even a mantle. Sometimes, it is just steps. Not everyone can afford to do an entire home. We work with all budgets.”

And customer service is part of the package. “We pride ourselves on customer service including advice on decorating, selecting custom furniture, lamps, rugs, artwork, florals and gift giving. We also offer custom floral design and our very affordable and popular in-home accessory service,” she says. “Our consultants will come to your home learn about what areas you are working on and take measurements

and photos. We then schedule another day when we return with a selection of items just for your space.”

Sarah says there is always something new at The White Hare. In fact, she recommends coming in frequently “as the uniquely displayed vignettes are constantly changing. I post new things every day on Facebook.”

The White Hare essentially has quadrupled during its more than two decades in business, in size and number

of customers. “We have such a regular customer base,” Sarah says. “There are even people who have been following us since the beginning. We started in a tiny 2,000-square-foot space in Winghaven and three moves later, we now occupy a 13,000-square-foot building. It’s fun to talk to those people that have been with us that long.”

636.441.1111

TheWhiteHare.com

STUFFED FRENCH TOAST

A Family Favorite Breakfast Treat That Can Be Made Night Before

This recipe is a terrific breakfast choice for special occasions, holidays or delighting overnight houseguests.

Ingredients:

Cream Cheese Filling

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 5 tablespoons of all-purpose flour

• 1 large egg

French Toast

• 1 loaf of Texas toast, 8-10 pieces (1-inch thick slices)

• 6 large eggs

• 1 ½ cup milk

• ½ cup heavy cream (makes the recipe creamy and rich; can substitute with 2 tablespoons butter and 6 tablespoons milk)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ground

Streusel Topping

• 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup pecans, chopped, optional

• 1/3 cup butter, softened

Topping Options

• Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries or slices bananas

• Icing or powdered sugar

• Maple syrup

• Chocolate chips

• Whipped cream

Directions:

• Prepare a 9x9-inch baking dish lightly coated with cooking spray. If using a larger pan, adjust number of eggs and the amount of cream/milk so there’s enough to coat the bread.

• In medium-sized bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, egg and flour. Whisk until well blended. Set aside.

• Place slices of bread across the bottom of prepared pan. Use half slices of bread and smaller pieces to fully cover the bottom of the pan. Spread cream cheese mixture on top of this layer of bread. The cream cheese layer will be thick. Place remaining bread slices on top of the cream cheese mixture in pan. Try to overlap the bread in a different pattern for the top layer. Set aside.

• In large mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Once mixed, pour slowly over bread and cream cheese. Coat all bread as much as possible. Using

a butter knife, adjust and lift bread slightly at the outer edge, to allow egg mixture to flow between bread slices. Cover pan with aluminum foil; refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

• To bake, remove pan from refrigerator and let rest on counter for 30 minutes.

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

• In medium-sized bowl, combine brown sugar, butter, cinnamon and flour. Mix with a fork until crumbly and well combined. Once butter is totally mixed in, add chopped pecans.

• Cover bread in prepared pan with streusel topping.

• Bake 45-60 minutes, until golden brown. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into center of pan.

• Cut into slices. Enjoy with toppings, if desired.

Notes

Use thick, dense bread. Texas toast or French bread hold up better when stuffed with cream cheese filling. Use pan or casserole dish that’s at least 2½ inches deep and at least 8x8 inches. Refrigerating overnight allows egg mixture to fully soak into bread, which ensures crisp exterior and soft, custard-like interior.

The first strawberry ice cream flavor ever developed at Clementine’s returns for the year. Strawberry ice cream, a splash of balsamic vinegar, and a hint of white pepper for a sweet kick harmonized with a tantalizing balsamic glaze swirl A balance of fruity, spicy, and tangy notes for a uniquely sophisticated flavor experience Taste this masterpiece at all parlors. Available now.

CLEMENTINESCREAMERY.COM

MARCH 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 1ST-3RD

St. Charles Area Boat Dealers In-House Show

Various | 9:00 AM

St. Charles boat dealers are having IN-HOUSE shows at their respective locations. This includes Dri-Port Marine, 300 Lake Bluff Drive, O'Fallon, 636.978.9999; St. Charles Boat & Motor, 3080 MO-94, St. Charles, 636.947.0106; and Lewis Boats Inc., 4030 N. Service Road, St Peters, 636.949.9926.

MARCH 7TH

Become: Women's Day Of Inspiration Summit

Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel | 4:00 PM

Experience the power of women supporting women. At the summit, attendees will gain valuable insights from industry leaders on how to grow one's self, a business and profits. Don't miss this chance to be empowered, educated and uplifted by a community of strong, ambitious women. March 7 hours: 4-9 p.m. March 8 hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MARCH 9TH

Tricks And Flicks Trivia Night

Foundry Art Centre | 6:00 PM

This Trivia Night benefits Friends of the St. Charles Animal Shelter. It will feature rounds of general knowledge trivia, raffles, 50/50 and more. Guests are encouraged to dress up and decorate their table like their favorite "flick," even better if it's an animal-themed flick. Beer, soda and water included; cash bar available; bring own food. Tables of 8 are $160.

MARCH 13TH

Bows And Blooms Senior Fashion Show

J. Scheidegger Center For The Arts, Lindenwood University | 1:00 PM

Celebrate springtime fashion at this fun fashion show focusing on residents who are 55-plus young. City of Saint Charles representatives, in partnership with the Senior Citizen Advisory Commission members, are hosting this Third Annual Fashion Show and Shopping Boutique. This year, the theme is surrounding spring fashion. The fashion show concludes at 3 p.m.

MARCH 16TH

13th Annual St. Patrick's Day Kegs N Eggs

Shamrocks Pub N Grill | 7:00 AM

Join the St. Peters-based celebration starting with Kegs n Eggs; have breakfast, drinks and giveaways. Choices include applewood smoked bacon; breakfast sausage; biscuits and sausage gravy; cheesy potatoes; green Shamrock eggs; French toast casserole; cheesy corned beef hash casserole; and a biscuit bar with assorted spreads. Email  shamrocksgrill@yahoo.com for additional details.

MARCH 17TH

St. Patrick's Day Parade

Main Street | 3:00 PM

Join a family-friendly St. Patrick's Day Parade in partnership with the St. Charles Ancient Order of Hibernians. Parade begins at 4 p.m., and the gathering raises funds for local charities, awareness of local Irish heritage and highlights St. Charles’s community. The parade is founded on the Ancient Order of Hibernians creed of friendship, unity and Christian Charity.

MARCH 23RD

Winter Jam 2024

Enterprise Center | 6:00 PM

Get ready for Crowder, Lecrae, Cain, Katy Nichole and more performers from the national tour schedule. Attendees can enjoy approximately 3.5 hours of show time. Winter Jam is a family-friendly event, so all ages are welcome to attend. All tickets $15 day of show only. No advance ticket sales. Food vendors/stands will be on concourse. For more information, visit JamTour.com.

MARCH 24TH

Moolah Shrine Circus

The Family Arena | 1:00 PM

Be amazed by gravity-defying artists in their aerial ballet. Enjoy the crazy antics of the Moolah Clowns as they jump and tumble under the "Big Top." Taste wonderful carnival food. St. Louis Moolah Shrine Circus has been a tradition since 1942 as family fun for all ages. Proceeds benefit of Moolah Temple. Tickets are $20 to $40 each.

MARCH 30TH

Community Easter Egg Hunt

Harvester Church-The Nazarene | 10:30 AM

Join others in St. Peters on the front lawn for a communitywide Easter egg hunt at 3115 McClay Road. This event is being hosted for youths aged 2-12. Or ganizers indicate they will have more than 10,000 eggs and tons of prizes. The event is scheduled to end at noon. With questions, call 636.441.7997.

Want

realty report

CHELSEA’S Favorites ROOM 4

1: ABSTRACT BOOKSHELF

As an avid reader, this is how I keep up with all my literary goods

2: A MIXER

I’m not a baker, but every blue moon I love to make cookies or cakes from scratch

3: LAMPE BERGER

My home is not complete without my signature fragrance and a clean feel.

4: SUNDAY STEMS

A Sunday ritual is buying myself a gorgeous bouquet.

THE EASIEST WAY TO SELL YOUR CAR FOR TOP DOLLAR