...it was the merriest of days! After college quarantine and several virus tests, we were blessed to have our little foursome safely under one roof this year. "All I want for Christmas is you", indeed. So thankful! Happy Holidays, friends.🎄❤️
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Friday, December 25, 2020
Friday, December 4, 2020
Deck the Halls in the CWE
Hey St. Louis...
The holiday Window Walk in the Central West End is a fabulous way to get in the holiday spirit and celebrate the season safely in 2020. Decorated holiday windows as far as the eye can see! Barrett Barrera Projects knocked it out of the park this year with Window I spy and Santa selfies for the kids.
Learn more about the fabulous Central West End Scene window walk here: https://cwescene.com/.../window-walk-in-the-central-west.../
Monday, November 25, 2019
Winter Curb Appeal matters!
With Thanksgiving so late this year, I have been admittedly slow to shifting our curb appeal to Winter mode. I am happy to report that as of this afternoon, Winter has officially kissed the front porch of Casa de Nenonen...
Nothing punches up drab winter curb appeal like the warm touch of birch and pine?! As a member of Team WhyOverComplicate, I prefer to steer clear of holiday-specific themes in lieu of items of longevity that can appropriately remain up throughout the season until we are blessed with Spring.
Nothing punches up drab winter curb appeal like the warm touch of birch and pine?! As a member of Team WhyOverComplicate, I prefer to steer clear of holiday-specific themes in lieu of items of longevity that can appropriately remain up throughout the season until we are blessed with Spring.
Saturday, November 16, 2019
Sycamore, Illinois architecture never disappoints!
I have admired this 1886 Queen Anne style mansion for more than 20 years in my husband’s hometown...
I was surprised to find it on the market during our recent visit. 8000sqft and ready for it? Only 450k. 3 finished stories, original silk wallpaper, untouched woodwork in pristine condition, pocket doors galore, 9 functional fireplaces, a carriage house, and gorgeous grounds. So many lovely original architectural goodies that I had to share!
I was surprised to find it on the market during our recent visit. 8000sqft and ready for it? Only 450k. 3 finished stories, original silk wallpaper, untouched woodwork in pristine condition, pocket doors galore, 9 functional fireplaces, a carriage house, and gorgeous grounds. So many lovely original architectural goodies that I had to share!
Friday, November 1, 2019
Monday, December 25, 2017
Seasons greetings, from our family to yours...
“Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.”
– Peg Bracken
Amidst the Christmas carols, eggnog, and mounds of presents, may your heart be filled with contentment and the unique feeling of joy that the season brings. Merry Christmas, friends. ❤️
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Hidden Gem: Holiday Libations at Miracle StL in Benton Park
Miracle StL, the popular kitschy Christmas pop-up bar, is BACK this year and the clock is ticking! Only 10 more days before the doors close.
Last night, we threw on our ugly Christmas sweaters and enjoyed holiday cheer under the tinsel with a group of friends. It was all that it was cracked up to be and then some... holiday overload in the absolute best way!
MiracleStl is one of over 50 Christmas pop-up bars around the US that participate in the tradition. While it is super tricky to get a reservation, the craft cocktails by the talented folks at the Planter's House are amazing and the intentionally-tacky holiday decor would make Clark Griswold proud. We had a holly jolly time and left merry and bright, indeed.
It isn't too late to try to sneak in, St. Louis!
NITTY GRITTY:
Miracle STL
#2800 Indiana Ave. in Benton Park
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MiracleSTL/
Reservations:
https://www.exploretock.com/miraclestl
Last night, we threw on our ugly Christmas sweaters and enjoyed holiday cheer under the tinsel with a group of friends. It was all that it was cracked up to be and then some... holiday overload in the absolute best way!
It isn't too late to try to sneak in, St. Louis!
NITTY GRITTY:
Miracle STL
#2800 Indiana Ave. in Benton Park
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MiracleSTL/
Reservations:
https://www.exploretock.com/miraclestl
Check out my other St. Louis Hidden Gems here:
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Just For Fun: The Gingerbread Shoppe is OPEN
Oh happy day, St. Louis! The Kirkwood Farmer’s Market Gingerbread Shoppe is finally open for the holidays! 🎄❤️
Nitty Gritty:
Kirkwood Farmer's Market
Summit Produce Gingerbread Shoppe
150 East Argonne Drive
Kirkwood, MO 63122-4308
info@summitproduce.com
Web: http://summitproduce.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/summitproducekirkwood/
Holiday Hours:
November 20th through December 24th:
Open Every Day 9am - 9pm
Closing at 5 pm Christmas Eve
Nitty Gritty:
Kirkwood Farmer's Market
Summit Produce Gingerbread Shoppe
150 East Argonne Drive
Kirkwood, MO 63122-4308
info@summitproduce.com
Web: http://summitproduce.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/summitproducekirkwood/
Holiday Hours:
November 20th through December 24th:
Open Every Day 9am - 9pm
Closing at 5 pm Christmas Eve
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Just For fun: Decking our halls.
The Nenonens made our annual pilgrimage to Meert's Tree Farm for a lovely Norway Spruce today. One of my favorite family traditions! A teeny peek at the fun...
Learn more about the farm HERE at my previous post.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Hidden Gem: Askinosie Chocolate
Most will agree that there is an immense difference between chocolate and amazing chocolate? This post could not be timed better with Valentine's Day right around the corner!
Several months ago, I saw this particular piece on Feast TV regarding a small batch bean-to-bar chocolate factory in Springfield, MO...
Askinosie Chocolate is at the height of the craft chocolate movement, directly sourcing their cocoa beans from farmers all over the world and then completing the entire chocolate-making process IN HOUSE, from scratch.
Needless to say, I was intrigued. I was also actively shopping for holiday stocking-stuffers so the timing was ideal. On Christmas morning, my entire family opened luscious goodies from Askinosie including this crazy-delicious peppermint bark that I ordered for the boys...
It was all that and then some. While a little pricey, it was well worth it as you could taste the love in every morsel of their product. So special. Since then, I have sung their praises on my Instagram and Twitter, to anyone who would listen.
Well yesterday I was at my local Whole Foods picking up a few items and what did I stumble upon?
That's right folks, Askinosie products have finally hit the shelves in St. Louis. If looking for a special Valentine's Day treat for your honey, pick up one of these special goodies. I promise, you won't look back! Friends don't let friends eat cheap chocolate...
Nitty Gritty...
Aksinosie Chocolate
514 East Commercial Street
Springfield, MO 65803
(417) 862-9900
See more of my Hidden Gems HERE.
Monday, December 8, 2014
Hidden Gem: Meert's Cut-Your-Own Tree Farm in Festus
We always cut down our own Christmas tree...
I grew up with the tradition and it is now my most cherished December activity with my family. For the Nenonens, a visit to the tree farm officially kicks off the holiday season!
Over 17+ years of marriage, Steve and I have visited almost EVERY tree farm within a 2 hour radius of St. Louis, I kid you not. That being said, we have never found a farm that we felt compelled to revisit year after year. Often times, area farms boast WAY overpriced trees with little variety and overwhelming crowds. In addition, they are often located in remote rural areas with roads difficult to navigate in less than ideal weather.
In 2009, we found the perfect tree farm per the recommendation of a friend...
Meert's Tree Farm and Nursery is located in Festus, approximately 1 hour outside of St. Louis off of Highway 55. It boasts a lovely setting, an excellent layout, timely shuttles to the fields, a cute little shop, holiday goodies like hot cocoa, custom wreaths and greenery, and excellent tree variety.
I would say that the shaping of the trees is perhaps not as pristine as other area farms we have visited, which can equate to a slightly longer search for "the one". That being said, they offer far more types of trees to cut fresh than the traditional pine. In fact, we found the perfect spruce for only $7/linear foot. It is full, lush, and smells AMAZING in our living room! NOTE: if searching for a very LARGE tree- THIS IS THE PLACE! Their fields made me dream of a room with vaulted ceilings.
A peek at the 2014 fun...
You can also see a fun little video of our day HERE.
The older the boys get (now in 7th and 10th grade), the more I grasp on tightly to our annual holiday traditions. If seeking holiday fun, I highly recommend a visit to Meert's! Wonderful day, friendly people.
In addition, due to the Highway 55 location, it only makes sense to hit Historic Kimmswick on the way home. We always stop and stroll through all of the adorable holiday shops in Kimmswick after lunch at the famous Blue Owl- home of the famous mile-high levee pie.
NITTY GRITTY:
Meert's Tree Farm and Nursery
4560 Dry Fork Rd, Festus, MO 63028
636.931.3901
Open Daily from 9-4
Web: http://albesm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Meert-Tree-Farm/208775665860518
I grew up with the tradition and it is now my most cherished December activity with my family. For the Nenonens, a visit to the tree farm officially kicks off the holiday season!
Over 17+ years of marriage, Steve and I have visited almost EVERY tree farm within a 2 hour radius of St. Louis, I kid you not. That being said, we have never found a farm that we felt compelled to revisit year after year. Often times, area farms boast WAY overpriced trees with little variety and overwhelming crowds. In addition, they are often located in remote rural areas with roads difficult to navigate in less than ideal weather.
In 2009, we found the perfect tree farm per the recommendation of a friend...
... and now return every year.
Meert's Tree Farm and Nursery is located in Festus, approximately 1 hour outside of St. Louis off of Highway 55. It boasts a lovely setting, an excellent layout, timely shuttles to the fields, a cute little shop, holiday goodies like hot cocoa, custom wreaths and greenery, and excellent tree variety.
I would say that the shaping of the trees is perhaps not as pristine as other area farms we have visited, which can equate to a slightly longer search for "the one". That being said, they offer far more types of trees to cut fresh than the traditional pine. In fact, we found the perfect spruce for only $7/linear foot. It is full, lush, and smells AMAZING in our living room! NOTE: if searching for a very LARGE tree- THIS IS THE PLACE! Their fields made me dream of a room with vaulted ceilings.
A peek at the 2014 fun...
You can also see a fun little video of our day HERE.
The older the boys get (now in 7th and 10th grade), the more I grasp on tightly to our annual holiday traditions. If seeking holiday fun, I highly recommend a visit to Meert's! Wonderful day, friendly people.
In addition, due to the Highway 55 location, it only makes sense to hit Historic Kimmswick on the way home. We always stop and stroll through all of the adorable holiday shops in Kimmswick after lunch at the famous Blue Owl- home of the famous mile-high levee pie.
NITTY GRITTY:
Meert's Tree Farm and Nursery
4560 Dry Fork Rd, Festus, MO 63028
636.931.3901
Open Daily from 9-4
Web: http://albesm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Meert-Tree-Farm/208775665860518
See my other "Hidden Gems" HERE.
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Hidden Gem: Polar Express Train Ride to the North Pole via Union Station
Once upon a time, I had two little train fanatics...
When the boys were little, our days and weekends were spent exploring the train car graveyard at the Museum of Transportation, walking the abandoned tracks of Union Station, taking in the Meramec River view aboard the mini railroad, and enjoying ice cream at the Kirkwood Custard Station in hopes that an Amtrak would race by.
That is why, when I heard that this was coming to town...
... I felt compelled to share!
Bundle your kiddies up in their fuzziest jammies and take them on a magical train journey to the North Pole via Union Station. The classic children's book (and movie), the Polar Express, comes to life on this 6 mile holiday railroad journey around St. Louis. Chef characters serve hot chocolate and fresh-baked cookies to all passengers onboard the trains, and lead holiday carols until the "big guy" enters the train car himself ...
A unique holiday experience that your kids are destined to remember forever. Magical indeed!
For more information....
St. Louis Union Station
1820 Market Street
St. Louis, Missouri 63103
CALL: (314) 621-5262
WEB: http://www.stlpolarexpressride.com/
FACEBOOK EVENT: https://www.facebook.com/events/1545667705667840/
FAQ: http://www.stlpolarexpressride.com/faq.html
See more of my "Hidden Gems" HERE!
"Pin It" HERE.
When the boys were little, our days and weekends were spent exploring the train car graveyard at the Museum of Transportation, walking the abandoned tracks of Union Station, taking in the Meramec River view aboard the mini railroad, and enjoying ice cream at the Kirkwood Custard Station in hopes that an Amtrak would race by.
That is why, when I heard that this was coming to town...
... I felt compelled to share!
Bundle your kiddies up in their fuzziest jammies and take them on a magical train journey to the North Pole via Union Station. The classic children's book (and movie), the Polar Express, comes to life on this 6 mile holiday railroad journey around St. Louis. Chef characters serve hot chocolate and fresh-baked cookies to all passengers onboard the trains, and lead holiday carols until the "big guy" enters the train car himself ...
A unique holiday experience that your kids are destined to remember forever. Magical indeed!
For more information....
St. Louis Union Station
1820 Market Street
St. Louis, Missouri 63103
CALL: (314) 621-5262
WEB: http://www.stlpolarexpressride.com/
FACEBOOK EVENT: https://www.facebook.com/events/1545667705667840/
FAQ: http://www.stlpolarexpressride.com/faq.html
See more of my "Hidden Gems" HERE!
"Pin It" HERE.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Famous Barr French Onion Soup Recipe- a holiday tradition in St. Louis
For decades, the Downtown location of the Famous Barr Department Store was THE holiday destination in St. Louis. Thousands of families, mine included, dressed in their holiday finest to head Downtown to visit Santa Claus, enjoy the magical automated window displays, shop until they drop, and enjoy lunch in the Famous Bar restaurant which almost always included this...
If you grew up in St. Louis, you just salivated. If you didn't grow up here- this is simply the best french onion soup that you will ever eat!
Big thanks to my client Chelsea for emailing me this prize last night...
While Famous Barr and the local holiday tradition is long gone, the recipe still exists! It instantly makes me reminisce about our annual holiday trek Downtown to Famous Barr with my Grandma Dee Dee, who has sadly been gone since 2001. So tasty, such memories. Enjoy!
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Friday, January 4, 2013
A peek at our New Year...
2013. Unbelievable, isn't it?
Happy New Years, my friends! I hope that you welcomed 2013 in style. Our family headed up North to my husband's home town of Sycamore, Illinois for a belated Christmas/New Year's Eve celebration with family at our sister-in-law's family restaurant...
.
(Parker and Reed with our niece, Rebecca.)
I have been meaning to do a post about Sycamore and its small town charm/ architectural goodies for YEARS. Nestled among farm land, approximately an hour West of Chicago...
... sits Sycamore, Illinois. While only boasting a population of approx. 18K, Sycamore wears a sizable hat acting as the county seat of DeKalb County.
What Steve views as lack of progress, I see as a magical time capsule.
Sycamore boasts an adorable downtown area with lovely mid-19th century properties that have barely been touched by the hand of time. I will let my photos do the talking. Small town perfection...
Magical, isn't it? *sigh* I will never grow tired of it.
Regardless of the landscape and peaceful small town pace, the best part of our visit was obviously spending quality time with family. As Old Man 2012 passed the torch to Baby New Year 2013, we hope that you enjoyed the same level of solitude and folly...
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