Belleville News Democrat: Suzanne Boyle

Parents and children get the chance to work together

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:15 CST

If you're thinking ahead about how to keep the kids busy this winter, consider what a group of area youngsters did recently. Five students at Young Chefs Academy in O'Fallon won Third Place in the Group Category of the 19th Annual Gingerbread Walk in Belleville. During two baking sessions, Morgan Barnum, Anna Flath, Alex Mueth, Neal Shekar and Tiffani Volkman created -- with direction from instructor Dina Volkman -- "Young Chefs Express," a train made entirely of edible ingredients.-

Shoppers can go green by carrying bags with them

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 02:17 CST

A lot of shoppers are going green this holiday by doing one simple thing: Carrying their own shopping bags instead of leaving the store with yet another (petroleum-based) plastic bag.

Time for family traditions and contributions

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 02:17 CST

In my family, Thanksgiving is a mutt of a meal. Everyone contributes what he or she is best at, from Jell-O salad and corn pudding to Irish Potatoes and mincemeat pie.

Getting ready for the holidays

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 05:26 CST

Holiday lights: While the weather is still relatively warm, it's time to start decorating the exterior of your home. Forget the lights you string along the roofline; make it simpler by choosing "gift-wrapped" boxes that will brighten up the front lawn in bright reds and greens. Gordman's in Fairview Heights has a large supply of decorations for outdoors, with large gift boxes ($17.99), as well as medium ($14.99) and small ones ($8.99).

Turkey and cookies? Well, why not try something different

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 02:13 CST

For me, Thanksgiving isn't a holiday unless there is pie. In our families, it seems to be the only dessert to grace the groaning buffet tables on that day.

Coupons not taken at liquidation

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:19 CST

With bankrupt Linens N Things already in the hands of liquidators, forget about using any coupons at the store in Fairview Heights -- none is being honored. So far, the price reductions aren't remarkable: 10 to 30 percent. Store coupons used to be at least 20 percent.

All that glitters

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:15 CST

Beaded bag: More than holiday decorations sparkle when you carry this elegant and vintage-looking beaded evening bag ($24.80) from For Love 21, the uber affordable accessories store at St. Clair Square. There's only four at the store, so hurry if you want one to go with that New Year's Eve party dress.

Keep Christmas in mind when you head to the stores

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 02:13 CST

I'm giving my first reminder, so don't shoot the messenger: Christmas is just 39 shopping days away -- if you count frantically making purchases on Dec. 24 at 6 p.m.

Outside the box

Sun, 09 Nov 2008 04:05 CST

smag - threading (this is a canned photo): Tired of waxing and/or tweezing your eyebrows? Try threading from an expert at St. Clair Square. Threading has been used to remove unwanted facial hair and shape eyebrows since ancient times in Asia. A length of thread is twisted back and forth, trapping unwanted hair so that it is removed from the follicle. Threading is touted as less painful and more effective than conventional methods. Look for the business upstairs at the mall outside the Food Court near Orange Julius. Eyebrow shaping is $11 and up. Plus, other hair removal includes upper lip ($5), full face ($30 and up), chin ($7 and up) and sideburns ($8 and up). Henna tattoos are $6 and up. Phone for more information, 632-0322.

Santa is holding court at mall

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 08:33 CST

I'd be remiss in my preholiday duties if I didn't mention the arrival of the Big Guy in Red. Santa made his annual debut at St. Clair Square on Friday and will be in residence until Christmas Eve, when he needs to leave early and go do some important global traveling. As always, seeing Santa is not free. You'll find a variety of photo packages available to preserve the memory and with a couple of them you get a free kids meal at Olga's. ...