Scenes from the Kirkwood Farmer's Market...

I hope that you have a fantastic Halloween weekend... =)

#3968 Flad Ave - Shaw Neighborhood

This beautifully renovated 3 bedroom/ 2.5 bath historic South City two-story was just listed yesterday. This 99 year old property is in the popular Shaw neighborhood and combines historic charm and modern day luxuries, in addition to a sizable tax abatement. It boasts original architectural goodies like hardwood floors, rich natural woodwork, open entry staircase, stained glass, box-beam ceiling, and two fireplaces.

Offered by RE/MAX Suburban for $259,900

To request a showing, email me at cdnandthecity@charter.net

These are my boys...

7 and 10.

As one can imagine, the week before Halloween, particularly in a home with 2 school aged boys, is full of excitement and ACTIVITY. It also means, as somehow Halloween has evolved into a 3 days extravaganza over the past few years, I have been hurriedly preparing all week for the string of activities that kicks off tomorrow night at a "Trunk or Treat" in the school parking lot.

Late last night, however, as I hovered over the costumes in progress... I began to reminisce about the costumes of years past.

2002 ( 9 months and a little over 3)...

2004 (2-1/2 and 5)...
2006 (4-1/2 and 7)...

2008 (6-1/2 and 9)...

Cute progression, right? Perhaps I was feeling a tad nostalgic for the good ol' days last night , as I was mid Phase One of my 7 year old's 2009 costume...

Yes, I know. Gross. He wanted to be headless, holding his own head this year ala these.

Goodbye furry monkey costumes forever ... we have hit a new playing field, a bloody and gory one at that, in the Nenonen house?! *sigh*

Halloween is 4 days away and counting...

Last week, my friend Kara emailed me a link to Martha Stewart's 2009 spooky cocktail ideas.

As Halloween is on a Saturday Night this year, and plans are to enjoy a later night than usual with friends and their trick-or-treaters, I figured I would attempt at least one of these.

The main feature in each cocktail is a black vodka, that makes your drink as dark as night. Frankly, the black vodka sounds gross yet intriguing all at the same time?! Locally, your best bet is to find it here or here.

Ghost in the Graveyard
Serves 1

2 ounces black vodka
2 ounces creme de cacao or coffee-flavored liqueur
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
Pinch of finely grated nutmeg, for garnish

In a glass, combine vodka and creme de cacao, and set aside. Place a scoop of ice cream in a highball glass, and slowly pour vodka mixture over ice cream. Garnish with nutmeg; serve immediately.

Screwed-Up Screwdriver
Serves 1

1/4 cup ice
1/2 cup freshly squeezed tangerine juice
1 1/2 ounces black vodka
1 black licorice twist, for serving

Place ice in a tall glass. Pour juice into glass. Pour vodka over the back of a cocktail spoon into glass so it sits on top of juice and creates a layer of black. Slice 1/4 inch off each end of licorice, and use as a straw. Serve immediately.


Berry Scary Martini
Serves 1

1 cup ice
1 ounce black vodka
2 ounces cherry juice
Fresh raspberries and blueberries, for garnish

Combine ice, vodka, and cherry juice in a cocktail shaker; shake vigorously. Pour into a martini glass. Thread raspberries and blueberries onto a cocktail skewer, and place in drink. Serve immediately.


If you want to take your cocktails to the next level, I found these goodies at Target this AM...

Eye ball cocktail picks, Gummy toe tag glass markers, and candy bone drink stirrers.

Hidden Gem Alert: Skeeter's Custard

Steve and I randomly bumped into this little ice cream place several years ago during the month of October. Even 10+ years later, we still venture there every year for their pumpkin concrete as it is to DIE for...

Makeover time...

Recessionista

taken from Wikipedia

Recessionista is a blend of the words Fashionista and recession that describes a person who strives to remain fashionable on a minimal budget. The term originated in the United States during the economic difficulties of 2008.

"Recessionista" is a word that we keep hearing more and more in this economy. Though to some a tad silly, the concept of the term is a grim reality and sign of the times. That being said, even though times are tough, one need not compromise style for budget.

Magazines, blogs, and online articles have really started to make a push for recycling and the repurposing of items that you may already have on hand. Hitting thrift stores, freecycling, and utilizing Craigslist have become super trendy. It's not only good for the pocket book... but great for the environment.

Below are a few excellent examples taken from BHG's site of what can be done with a little bit elbow grease and a lot of creativity...

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:
AFTER:
BEFORE:

AFTER:

Good new St. Louis...

... you have been ranked by Forbes Magazine as one of the TOP FIVE recession proof cities, US wide, to retire in! St. Louis ranked third for cost of living, fourth for median monthly housing cost and sixth for median home price. Read more about it here...

Retail Fun...

It's October, the month of spooky stuff, so why not?! Peleg Design always puts out never-seen-before "conversation pieces", including this funky locked in chains wine holder...

Perfect for a Halloween tablescape! More info here.

One of our favorite Fall events is here...

... Boo at the Zoo!

My kids LOVE this event! The St. Louis Zoo is open late every evening until October 30 for this kid-friendly Halloween celebration. You get to explore the Zoo after dark during the special Halloween evenings: Boo at the Zoo Nights! This non-scary, kid-friendly Halloween experience is filled with laughs and adventure. Children are encouraged to wear costumes.

Make your way through Headless Horseman Graveyard, Creepy Cavern, Spider Alley, and Pirate's Cove. Gather 'round the bonfire fire for ghost stories. Keep your eyes peeled for the Phantom of the Zoo while you do spooky crafts at the kid's corner and wind through Frankie's Spooktacular Maze.

NITTY GRITTY:

Every night: October 16 - 30, 2009 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

ADMISSION:

$4- member

$5- non-member

Children under 2 are free

*****$1 discount for children 2 to 12 in costume*****

Enter through the temporary entrance east of the turnstiles at the South Entrance. Parking is free on the South Lot.

#615 Sanguinet Ave - Webster Groves...

Since childhood, I have had an unexplained affinity towards stone houses like this Hansel and Gretelesque 72 year old storybook stone cottage just listed in Webster Groves.

This 3 bedroom/2 bath home sits on a 1/3rd of an acre near Algonquin Golf Course. Architectural goodies include: a large stone wood burning fireplace, stained glass windows, a cozy living room with 17 foot beamed cathedral ceiling, curved archways, the original hardwood floors, and fully updated kitchen and baths renovated around the original Vitrolite glass walls in the kitchen and bathroom.

Offered for $379,000 by RealtyNET McLain