|
While the prices are slightly more expensive than a traditional skating rink, the outdoor experience in Forest Park and unlimited skating time more than make up for the increased admission. The...
While the prices are slightly more expensive than a traditional skating rink, the outdoor experience in Forest Park and unlimited skating time more than make up for the increased admission. The infrequency of zamboni treatments to freshen the ice made for some rough skating though, as I went on a busy day during winter vacation. Also, seating for bystanders near the rink is very lacking, with only a couple of benches available.
Hide
|
|
Being a native of St Louis, I did not expect to learn much from the Basilica, casually referred to as the New Cathedral. I am happy to have been proved wrong. The beautiful mosaics presented not...
Being a native of St Louis, I did not expect to learn much from the Basilica, casually referred to as the New Cathedral. I am happy to have been proved wrong. The beautiful mosaics presented not only biblical subjects, but also subjects relevant to St Louis history. The small museum about the mosaics, which pales in comparison to the cathedral and the reality of the mosaics, at least provided the trivia that the Basilica has the most mosaics of any in the world. It did lead to a darker experience, as this cathedral lacks the stained glass windows the larger churches are usually known for.
Hide
|
|
A few weeks ago we had my daughter's birthday at this park. Every guest felt lost on the way there, but was happy to find it once they arrived. With my daughter going to school in the area, I...
A few weeks ago we had my daughter's birthday at this park. Every guest felt lost on the way there, but was happy to find it once they arrived. With my daughter going to school in the area, I thought some of the parents may be familiar with the park. Not a single one. The entire party I heard how it was a wonderful setting for a party and how people could not believe they hadn't discovered it before. One child's parents even scheduled her party there. So what's the big fuss? This is a small, kid-friendly botanical garden. It is very well maintained with a nice screened shelter, clean bathrooms, a nature trail, and paved walkways through the gardens. The smell of sweet olive is prevalent through a large section. There is a small waterway with a kumquat tree overhanging that entertained for at least half an hour. There are lots of small corners that feel miles away from the rest of the park and are tucked away in various spots. Now if they could only get some better signs to show you the way!
Hide
|
|
Antonio's is much better than the larger chain Italian restaurants with fresh food and attentive wait staff. It is very surprising, as the location is inconspicuous in a strip mall. Once inside...
Antonio's is much better than the larger chain Italian restaurants with fresh food and attentive wait staff. It is very surprising, as the location is inconspicuous in a strip mall. Once inside the restaurant is very spacious and inviting, Lunch was priced very comparably to other restaurants, but the portion received was twice what was expected. Fresh ground pepper and goat cheese is offered with every course, and the fresh bread is best with the olive oil plate. High quality, traditional Italian.
Hide
|
|
While I have not had great luck with the inexpensive candles at Dollar General, they have a great assortment of candle holders. I have purchased single votive holders as well as versions of...
While I have not had great luck with the inexpensive candles at Dollar General, they have a great assortment of candle holders. I have purchased single votive holders as well as versions of decorative holders meant to hold multiple candles. The best selection is of iron frames that hold multiple votives in attached glass holders. Many catalogues and chain stores that specialize in home merchandise such as Bed Bath and Beyond sell very similar sets for four to five times the price of what is available here. There is no discernable difference in quality. There are also other decorative items such as bows, gift wrap, knick knacks, ribbon and more that are all available at reasonable prices. Apart from holiday shopping, they have a great selection of very reasonably priced generic over the counter medications. Drug and department store generic over the counter drugs usually sell for at least twice the price of the medicine here.
Hide
|
|
Sweetbay has the staple variety of fresh baked goods, vegetables, fruits, meats, etc. Their deli also has a good variety of fresh ready made foods from whole rotisserie chickens, to quiche, to a...
Sweetbay has the staple variety of fresh baked goods, vegetables, fruits, meats, etc. Their deli also has a good variety of fresh ready made foods from whole rotisserie chickens, to quiche, to a variety of salads. Another favorite is their store line of frozen foods, the Corner Bistro. The appetizers include brie in phylo pastry, toasted ravioli, crab cakes, and more. Main courses include cranberry sage stuffed pork loin, a variety of pastas, and more. And don't forget dessert with cheesecakes and others that make your mouth water.
Hide
|
|
Every year I watch for the poinsetta sign and the tent to know that Christmas has finally started. I don't believe the stores telling us it starts in October. The plants here are always full and...
Every year I watch for the poinsetta sign and the tent to know that Christmas has finally started. I don't believe the stores telling us it starts in October. The plants here are always full and healthy. I have not tackled having a live tree yet, but next year when we undertake that, we will be purchasing from here. The pointsettas (which I often purchase) are full and brightly colored. The price is unbeatable in our area at 4 for $9.95.
Hide
|
|
Target is the best store all around to get what you need for almost any occasion. Many even have a grocery store, although not any that I regularly shop at. There is a wide variety of gift wrap,...
Target is the best store all around to get what you need for almost any occasion. Many even have a grocery store, although not any that I regularly shop at. There is a wide variety of gift wrap, decorations, home decor, live plants, and even a nice outfit for the host, hostess or the children. I must confess to being one of those that buys most of my decorations the year before, in the after holiday sales. The clearance at Target is legendary, and a find has often sparked an idea for an entire party. The store line of products are high quality, and always available at a reasonable price. The store is laid out much better than its competitors, and is always neat, with tidy restrooms and eateries. Also, see my other post on Dollar Tree. I usually go there first, and then go next door to Target to finish shopping. These two stores are often located within sight of each other, and are often next door.
Hide
|
|
You will be amazed how much money you can spend at a store where everything is $1. They have quality items ranging from Christmas CDs, candy, candles, tree toppers, ribbon, bells, ceramics, and on...
You will be amazed how much money you can spend at a store where everything is $1. They have quality items ranging from Christmas CDs, candy, candles, tree toppers, ribbon, bells, ceramics, and on and on. Some staples that I pick up every year include: candles in holiday scents, including peppermint and evergreen;
jingle bells on velour ribbon, which makes a great addition to a wreath on the front door;
Christmas coloring and activity books, crayons and pencils as a gift for any kids that are coming;
craft ribbon in a variety of Christmas colors and styles.
Highly recommended for many decorations and others. Shop here first, then fill in from other stores.
Hide
|
|
I love to craft, so visit Michael's often, but often do not have time to do crafts. Michael's also offers a wide variety of decorations to make for elegant holiday decorating. Great deals can be...
I love to craft, so visit Michael's often, but often do not have time to do crafts. Michael's also offers a wide variety of decorations to make for elegant holiday decorating. Great deals can be had on Christmas ribbons, and candles, artificial wreaths and other decorations are very reasonably priced. Almost every week the local paper includes an insert with the weekly sales and a 40% coupon off of any one item, making the decorations even more inexpensive. The many items often coordinate through multiple color schemes. If you do want to go the craft route, besides having all the supplies, they also have people that know how to do various crafts and classes on different projects.
Hide
|