About Melissa DeCicco

Melissa is a wiz at crazy facial expressions, often suffers from singing tourettes, and loves super uncomfortable shoes. A dedicated Dolly Parton fan, she purchased Dollywood season passes several years in a row (it’s 500 miles away) and finally met her in 2004 – she ROCKS!
Author Archive | Melissa DeCicco

Taste of Maplewood 2012

By on May 18, 2012 in Central St. Louis County, Events, Featured, Good Eats, The Weekender

Calling all Foodies – It’s time for Taste of Maplewood! This is one of my favorite food festivals (mostly for the deep fried twinkies from last year) because of all the different types of food, the Schlafly beer selection, all the cute dogs that attend, and the unique shops in the area that also participate. I love that the main strip in Maplewood offers so many locally owned boutiques with fabulous offerings.  This weekend they are showing off their stuff.

Here are the details:

When: Saturday, May 19th

Where: Sutton Boulevard (just South of Manchester)

Time: Noon – 9:00pm

Click here to see all the participating venues.  And now for the entertainment…

Main Stage Entertainment

12:30-1:45 p.m. The Blue Devils Rhythm & Blues Band

3:30-5:30 p.m. The Funky Butt Brass Band

6:30-8:30 p.m. Hudson and The Hoo Doo Cats

Community Stage

12:15-1:15 p.m.  Studio Forte

1:45-2:30 p.m   Piwacket Theatre for Children

3:00-3:45 p.m.  Three Rivers Aikido

4:00-6:00 p.m.  Focal Point

Make sure to  bring your sunscreen and your dancing shoes – it should be 90 degrees and sunny on Saturday!

Brought to you by Mills Properties
Photo courtesy of Maplewood Chamber of Commerce
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Bluesweek 2012

By on May 17, 2012 in Events, Featured, Music Scene, St. Louis City

When you think music in St. Louis, you immediately think Blues. For the next 9 days we are going to celebrate that very music that makes our city, with the 3rd annual Bluesweek festivities, from May 19 through May 27.

Festivities kick off with the Crown Royal Soulard Blues Cruise on Saturday, May 19th from 9:00pm – 1:00am. This event includes 9 Soulard hot spots that are hosting some of the best musicians in the St. Louis area.  You can buy your $10 wristband (cash only) at any of the participating venues listed below.  You must be 21 and the shuttles will be running every 20 minutes between locations.

Soulard venues include: 1860′s Saloon, Hammerstone’s, The Old Rock House, Joanie’s Pizzeria, Great Grizzly Bear, Nadine’s Gin Joint, The Shanti, Johnny’s, and BB’s Jazz, Blues, & Soups. Check the link above for the great musicians performing.

 

All-star Blues Brunch

When: Sunday, May 20th

Location: The Great Grizzly Bear

Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm

Admission: $15 at the door includes brunch and an all-star jam session.  Make sure to come early and get your spot!

 

Pearl Vodka St. Louis Blues Awards – This event gives recognition to St. Louis musicians who have made an impact in St. Louis with their contribution to the Blues community.

Date: Thursday, May 24th

Location: BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups

Time: 7:30 Cocktails – 8:30 Awards – 9:30 Annie Raines, Rich McDonough, & Rough Grooves

Cost: $5 with 2 complimentary beverages and light appetizers

 

Now for another fun-filled Blues weekend!  The Mid America Chevy Dealers’ Bluesweek Festival.  The festival will host 40+ bands and tons of food and drink! Make sure to bring a chair and/or blanket, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a good attitude with a hunger for some great Blues, Brews, and BBQ! Click here for a full schedule of music.

Dates: May 25-27

Location; Soldiers Memorial (12th & Market)

Friday: 4:30pm – 11:00pm

Saturday: 11:00am – 11:00pm

Sunday: 11:00am – 11:00pm

Cost: Free for all ages!

Stages: 14th & Chestnut, Clear Showcase Stage (between Chestnut & Market), and 13th & Pine Stage – see site map below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also each day, the U.S. Cellular Kids Blues Shack will be hosting a fun area for kids from 11:00 – 6:00pm. All activities are free.

Click here for Metrolink schedules

What a great way to spend Memorial Day weekend – and good news, hopefully you get a day off on Monday for recovery :)

Brought to you by Mills Properties
When you get a chance also check out the National Blues Museum that will be right here in St. Louis!
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Mother’s Day 2012 in St. Louis

By on May 8, 2012 in Events, Featured, Good Eats, The Weekender

Mother’s day is almost here (hopefully you are not surprised, it’s May 13th)! Time to thank one of the most important people in your life for everything they have done for you.

One of my favorite things about Mother’s Day are the amazing buffet options in St. Louis, oh, and the mimosa’s. When looking for a great place to go this weekend I noticed many traditional places are already booked like the Zoo, the Boathouse, and the Botanical Gardens.  So, I thought I would help and give you some options so you can make your reservations now.  Here are some of my favorite Mother’s Day eating excursions…

The Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows – Located in Belleville, IL.  The Shrine has breakfast (8-11:30), lunch (11:30-3:00), and dinner (3:00 – 7:00) covered for a perfect mother’s day. Great buffet options available all day and a cool place to visit in general. Kids 4 and under are free all day, kids eat for $6.99, and adults range from $11.99 – $15.99 – can’t beat that!

Eckert’s – Super tasty and you can make a whole day fun at Eckert’s during their festival weekend with lots of activities and live music happening outside. And, their custard shop is now open and strawberries are in season, so get to pickin’! The restaurant is open from 7am – 9pm and they are taking reservations from 7:30am – 6:45pm. Make sure to get your reservation in fast – 618-233-0513 x3, and don’t forget to try their amazing biscuits and apple butter – delicious!

Bixby’s at the Missouri History Museum – A great way to spend mother’s day is to head out for a Champagne Brunch and live music at the history museum.  Bixby’s is located on the 2nd floor of the museum and is seating for brunch at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm. Adults are $32, kids 4-12 are $15, and kids 3 and under are free (price includes tea or coffee).  For reservations: 314-361-7313. After breakfast (or before), from 1-2:30pm, skip on over to the MacDermott Grand Hall in the museum for a free concert by the Landolfi Quartet.

Ari’s – Opa! One of my favorite Greek restaurants and a great place for their breakfast buffet.  The breakfast buffet is open from 8am-10am and the brunch buffet is from 10am – 2pm.  Breakfast (includes tea or coffee) costs $6.95 for adults and $3.95 for kids (amazing) and brunch costs $14.95 (kids $7.95).  They will also have mimosa and bloody mary drink specials all day. The only bummer is they offer mostly Italian items on their brunch buffet instead of their tasty Greek.

Cielo – Located downtown in the Four Seasons Hotel next to Lumiere is hosting 2 Mother’s day brunch options. The Ballroom brunch offers 50 buffet items for $48 per person and the Cielo brunch offers over 75 buffet options and beautiful views of the Arch and costs $78 per person.  Both include free mimosas and/or bloody marys and free valet parking at the hotel.  In addition, they have great arts and crafts activities for children and a fun gelato station!  Reservations: 314.881.5759.

Pietro’s – I went here last year for mother’s day and it was decent.  The brunch buffet is from 9am- 2pm.  Adults $18.95 and children $9.95.  They have a good mix of breakfast items, Italian favorites, and desserts.  Make reservations – 314-645-9263.

Salt – Looking for a unique experience for mom? Accompany your meal with some great eye candy…not the traditional eye candy, but amazing artwork within the restaurant. They will have brunch from 10am – 2pm and are located in the Central West End.

Bristol Seafood Grill –The Creve Coeur location is hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch from 8:30am – 3pm.  Adults pay $28 and kids $13. Dinner will be served from 4:30 – 8:30pm.

Eclipse – Located in the loop within the Moonrise Hotel, this one-of-a-kind restaurant will offer a brunch buffet with a wide variety of options from breakfast to seafood.  Adults pay $45 for food and drinks (non-alcoholic) – moms get a free mimosa and kids pay $22.50.  The buffet is open from 9am – 2pm.

Sqwires – This Lafayette Square favorite has 2 Mother’s Day options for you!  The Champagne Brunch buffet in the annex has 3 seating times – 10, 11:45, and 1:30.  Cost is $32 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under. The second option is the Ala Carte brunch where you can just order off their menu.  You must make reservations by calling 314-865-3522.

Top of the Riverfront – Take mom to the only revolving St. Louis restaurant located on the 28th floor of the Millennium hotel. Buffet open from 10am-4pm and costs $49.95 for adults and $17.95 for kids (5-12).

Triumph Grill – Located on Olive in Mid-town.  Brunch Buffet – $30 for adults and $10 for kids. They are open from 9am – 2pm on Mother’s Day. Great mix of items on their buffet.

Also, don’t forget the gift and card – mom’s like that.  Did I miss any great places to visit?  Please share your favorites in the comment section below!

Photo courtesy of Ari’s
Brought to you by Mills Properties
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St. Louis Microfest 2012

By on May 3, 2012 in Events, Featured, Good Eats, St. Louis City, The Weekender

This weekend, the best beer city (in my opinion anyway) is hosting our 17th annual Microfest in Forest Park at the Upper Muny parking lot.  St. Louis is known for our Budweiser but we are also home to a ton of great local breweries. This is your chance to check them out in addition to dozens of other craft and international beers during this 2-day event.  Here is the breakdown:

Friday evening - May 4th (Session I), will feature international beers

Saturday afternoon - May 5th (Session II) beer from American microbreweries.

Saturday evening - May 5th (Session III) will be craft and international beers.

All the VIP tickets have been sold, however, you can still purchase general admission Tickets (via this link or at the event).  Online pre-sale tickets are only available until midnight tonight, otherwise you will have to pay an increased fee at the box office the day of the event – so get them now.  A general admission ticket will get you tastes from over 75 breweries and 100 international and craft brews, a tasting glass, access to cooking demonstrations and brewing discussions in the Demo Tent, live music, silent auction items for bid, and food available for purchase.  Food vendors include Henrick’s BBQ, Michelle C Catering & Events, Pointer’s Market, and Steamroller Bagel and Deli.

Now for the music schedule:

Friday, May 4th 8-10:00pm – Billy Barnett Band
Saturday, May 5th 12:00-1:30pm – Social Distraction
Saturday, May 5th 2-4pm – The Melissa Neels Band
Saturday, May 5th 6-7:30pm – Foggy Memory Boys
Saturday, May 5th 8-10 pm – Aaron Kamm and the One Drops

For more information check out the St. Louis Microfest website.  All proceeds from the event go to the Lift for Life Gym.

 

Photo courtesy of St. Louis Microfest
Brought to you by Mills Properties
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Earth Day 2012

By on April 18, 2012 in Apartment Living, Events, Featured, The Weekender

Saving the planet, one person, one ‘green’ act at a time. Earth Day is this Sunday, April 22, 2012 at Forest Park from 11:00 to 6:00. Mills is participating and will be located in the Homes section.  We have fabulous t-shirts, koozies, and bags to give away and a great new Lovin the Lou contest that will be starting that day – so stay tuned for that! On the back of our t-shirts, we are asking earth day-goers to tell us what they are personally doing to help be a superhero for the planet and it got me thinking…what are some easy things that we could slip in to our daily routines that can really make a difference?  After all, we only have one planet Earth and I would like to keep it :)  So I have found a few products that I will begin to purchase to start my green transformation (and hopefully yours)- here they are in no particular order:

gDiapers Covers& gDiapers Refills

Baby products have recently consumed my life and I am not the type to use cloth diapers because I get a little grossed out.  This is the perfect solution!  These are 100% biodegradable and you can even flush them if you so choose – AmAZING!  And, they are super cute – double bonus folks.  (I am accepting donations :) )

BioBag Tall Kitchen Compostable Bags

These little beauties are 100% certified compostable. And it is a super easy way to go a little more green! So for $20 you get 48 bags…not a bad deal.

Seventh Generation Products

This company works really hard to help the environment. Great mission and values and their products seem reasonable in price.  Everything from cleaning to baby stuff available.

PUR Water Filters

Most people are concerned with how healthy tap water really is and in the interest of going green, always purchasing water in the plastic bottles is not super Earth-friendly. So one of my favorites is the PUR water dispenser. You can always refill your favorite logo water bottle with this clean water and help the environment too. Why not, right?

Belkin Conserve Power Switch

This I just thought was cool. You can keep your counter top or other items plugged in all the time but just flip a switch on this power switch so that the items don’t draw power all day and waste energy.  And, it keeps your counter looking organized. Pretty easy solution.

These are just a few of my recent finds to start me off on my green kick.  Do you have any favorite items that you use to help save the planet?  Please share!

Check out our affiliate links above or the Earth Day Store!over at amazon to get your green on!

 
Brought to you by Mills Properties
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Golf…for Women

By on April 9, 2012 in Guts, How To, Retail Therapy

This has bothered me for a while but I thought maybe I was overreacting. I am pretty sure I am not. I understand that traditionally golf is a man’s sport.  I have played for a little over 10 years sparingly but more consistently over the last year. I have often felt uncomfortable on courses because I am not a seasoned golfer. I am very careful not to slow the game down or bother anyone which are common male complaints of women golfers. I think golf is the hardest sport for women to really get involved in. I should note here that it is not only the men that create a barrier for new women golfers. Seasoned women golfers can also make things difficult.

A recent article in Golf Digest really confirmed my thoughts about how differently women are treated in the sport. Here are my complaints/observations in regards to the barrier to entry:

1. It starts with gear.  I am really over the color pink. I am not sure if any other women golfers feel this way, but it looks like the womens section has been hosed down with pepto bismol (line from Steel Magnolias but applies here too). I have noticed so frequently that I took some pictures a few months ago to back myself up. I for one do not want a pink bag, pink shorts, pink top, grandma hats, or  - believe it or not – a pink sparkly ball to play with. They wonder why women get a bad reputation – give us some serious equipment, please.

2. Treatment in stores. Golf Galaxy is the worst although I think they generally dislike all women and males who are not scratch golfers – that is just my opinion.  Every time I go there to test a club I feel like I have to prove that I am good enough to even be trying a club in their store. I have learned that Golfsmith is a much more women-friendly, laid back store so I recommend going there instead.  Disclaimer – they still have an overwhelming supply of pink but I think that is unavoidable.

3. On the course. I am often filled with anxiety when my husband and I go out to play as a twosome because we will mostly likely have to be paired with other golfers. It has come to the point that I actually feel like we shouldn’t golf unless we have 4 people. We have gotten blown off by male golfers completely or they will start without us and act like they didn’t know they were paired with us.  Or, they will politely tell the workers ‘no’ and then we have to wait. It is hard for me not to take it personally and it really hurts my confidence when playing. Lastly, especially when you are paired with 2 other male golfers, they always forget to stop at the women’s tee box. I understand if it happens once but that is generally not the case.

I still love golf and won’t stop because of the items listed above but I feel like it shouldn’t be so hard. Golf is a fantastic game and I think more women would play if it were encouraged a little more. First step…anyone want to help me start a line of women’s golf gear without the color pink?

What are your thoughts? Did I miss anything?

Photo courtesy of Golf Digest
Brought to you by Mills Properties
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