All Entries Tagged With: "Bel-Ridge"

25 Ways to Shop NoCo for the Holidays, pt 2

Judging from the emails I’ve gotten this week, many folks were both surprised and elated to read about so many great North County retailers. Hooray! Mission accomplished. So without further ado, here’s the second half of my 25 ways to shop NoCo for the holidays:

13) Generations Antique Mall, 729 rue St. Francois, 63031, (314) 831-6070

Fifty different dealers converge in this small but packed-to-the-gills antique mall in Old Town Florissant, where you can score everything from 1800s primitives to 1960s housewares. If you’re itching for a vintage-themed Christmas this year, Generations is a great place to find aluminum trees and 1950s holiday décor. It’s also the first of six stops on the North County Antique Trail, which includes antique shops in both Florissant and Ferguson. Just ask for a map at the desk. (Mike Finley’s 309 Antiques at 309 S. Florissant, which is on the trail and only open Thursday through Saturday 10-2, has been known to yield some very interesting finds. Mike has been in the antiques business for decades.)

14) You’re Fired, 1121 Howdershell, 63031, (314) 837-8250

The last time I visited You’re Fired, the paint-your-own-pottery studio in Hazelwood, I rolled out of there with a brutally ugly striped vase resembling a clown’s pant leg. My husband actually gasped when he saw it. So did the guy at Goodwill. But that’s ok. Because the thrill of You’re Fired is not just the destination; it’s also the journey. And what a fun, relaxing trip it is. The folks at this cozy, laid back shop will coach you through any project you choose, or simply let you create in peace. Just pay for the item you wish to paint (bowls, ornaments, serving dishes, etc) and they’ll provide all the supplies and the firing. And yes, they offer gift certificates…for one artist or groups of up to 30. Sounds like the perfect family holiday outing to me.

15) Anna Buechter, Golden Needle Design Studio, (314) 522-9830

At a time when so many things are mass produced, my friend and Ferguson neighbor Anna Buechter is an especially rare gem. An artist and designer who specializes in meticulously handcrafted pillows and lampshades, this whirlwind mother of four learned to sew with her grandmother in Russia (at age five!) and gradually became a master of detailed handwork. Now she uses her exquisite taste and Old World talent to make beautiful objects with a vintage flair, including her latest collection of altered art jewelry, which is absolutely gorgeous! If you’re looking for something extra special this holiday season – maybe a unique custom piece – give Anna a call.

16) El-Mel, 6185 N. US Hwy 67, 63034, (314) 741-2117

I love El-Mel so much that it was one of the first businesses I wrote about here on NOCO. An old-timey lawnmower shop and all-around farm and garden supply store, it’s my favorite place for buying wild bird seed and all manner of dog treats. It also offers an awesome selection of bird feeders, including many that are made in the USA and a handful that are produced from recycled materials. If you’ve got a wild bird lover on your holiday shopping list, you absolutely must visit El-Mel! Between now and Christmas Eve, all bird feeders (and wind chimes) are 10 percent off.

17) The Fantasy Shop, 8232 N Lindbergh, 63031, (314) 831-5211

Though not really my scene, I totally understand why millions of people are absolutely nutty about comic books and fantasy role-playing. The opportunity to step outside of yourself and inhabit other worlds is very enticing. And not only that – it’s fun! Since 1981, the owners of The Fantasy Shop have been celebrating that fact, providing St. Louisans with all the action figures, card decks, graphic novels and adventure games they could handle. Their Florissant location is the NoCo headquarters for all things fantasy related, offering a mind-numbing assortment of comics and other items that would make most boys swoon. Why not reward your favorite young super hero with a gift certificate?

18) Blitz & Bling, 18 Patterson Plaza, 63031, (314) 830-0111

Much to my family’s chagrin, I usually like to snazz up the holidays by wearing a classic gem sweater on Christmas Eve. (Here’s the gem sweater queen!) But this year, I plan to glam out in another way, nabbing some super sparkly Christmas jewelry from Blitz & Bling. Open just two months, this sweet little Florissant boutique is a girly girl’s dream come true. Stocked with a fanciful and affordable array of scarves, purses, sunglasses and glistening costume jewelry, the store easily delivers on its name, offering every accessory a gal needs to feel like a million bucks. Shop there for someone special or treat yourself!

19) Hood’s, 9009 Natural Bridge Rd, 63121, (314) 427-2415

Santa Claus probably doesn’t field many requests for four-foot concrete tiki heads, but if he did, he could find them at Hood’s in Bel-Ridge. As part of the home improvement store’s recent makeover, dozens of interesting lawn ornaments, fountains and other outdoor accoutrements have started pouring in, and many would make wonderful gifts. I keep eyeing the giant glazed pots, envisioning a gorgeous water garden, but the tikis are definitely tempting me too. If you’re shopping for someone who can’t wait for spring, Hood’s just might have some sunshine you can use.

20) Dooley’s Florist & Gifts, 690 rue St. Francois, 63031, (314) 837-7444

First and foremost, Dooley’s is a florist, providing the Florissant community with beautiful floral arrangements since 1966. But step inside this charming Old Town storefront and you’ll find plenty more to grab your interest: home decor items, Christmas ornaments, cider and dip mixes, crackling WoodWick candles, and even one-of-a-kind stone candles made by a local artist. Owner Patty Sosa, a second-generation florist, can also handle all of your holiday greenery needs, selling super fresh pine wreaths and swags that will make your house smell like a winter wonderland!

21) Arcades-N-More, 6 Patterson Plaza, 63031, (314) 838-1210

If I had an extra thousand dollars burning a hole in my pocket, this magical shop in Florissant is the first place I would go. Lined wall to wall with vintage pinball machines and 1980s video games, Arcades-N-More sets my heart a-flutter, reminding me of the countless quarters and Friday nights I spent playing Centipede and Ms. Pac-Man (and skee-ball!) at Aladdin’s Castle in Jamestown Mall. The graphics on these old machines, especially the pinballs, is just fantastic, and the old-fashioned simplicity of the games, especially in this hectic era, is a pure joy. The fact that shop owner Rich Dion is as nice as could be – well, that’s just a bonus. Check out this awesome place today!

22) Perales Land Maintenance, 9420 Lackland, 63114, (314) 429-4829

Technically, this hole-in-the-wall store in Overland is the headquarters of a landscaping company, but every time I drive by, I fall in love with its colorful, spinning yard ornaments. Made of metal and just so cute, the spinners are part of a wee selection of fountains, flags, statuary and other garden items available at Perales. Shop now and you can also get a Christmas tree and some fresh holiday greenery. Gift certificates for landscape design and installation are available too.

23) The Chappel House, 4560 Washington, 63033, (314) 838-6242

It was Jean Chappel’s dream to open an art gallery, and that’s how The Chappel House in Florissant came to be. Featuring the work of dozens of local artists, this gallery and gift shop housed in a circa-1877 former residence offers everything from paintings and quilts to sculpture and fine photography – including local landscape images shot by Jean’s multi-talented husband, Gurry. Some of the items are quite pricey (in the thousands), but there are plenty of great buys to be found, especially in the jewelry cases. Why not spoil your best gal pal with some lovely handmade earrings?

24) C.R. Frank Popcorn, 5401 N. Lindbergh, 63042, (314) 731-4500

Since 1925, this family-run business in Hazelwood has been serving up all the confections that make you think “fun.” Sno-cones, cotton candy and of course popcorn – C.R. Frank not only sells the equipment and supplies to help you make these delights (like Hawaiian ice shavers and retro theater-style popcorn makers for your home). The company also produces its own line of gourmet popcorn in four flavors – caramel, cheddar, butter and kettle – and it’s sold in gift-ready tins ranging from two to 6.5 gallons. All of the tins are hand-packed and made to order, so before you invest in stale big box popcorn that’s been sitting around who knows how long, take a trip to the festive showroom at C.R. Frank.

25) GaGa’s Vintage Furniture & Gifts / Raindrop Flowers, 258 S. Florissant, 63135, (314) 522-0035 /521-9100

The only thing better than finding a neat little hidden boutique is discovering that the boutique is actually two shops in one. That’s what you get in Ferguson, where GaGa’s Vintage Furniture and Gifts shares a cozy basement storefront with Raindrop Flowers. On the GaGa’s side, you’ll find an ever-changing medley of housewares, vintage treasures, jewelry, candles and numerous gift items for almost any occasion. (Owner Cathy Frankum is especially known for her monogrammed products.) On the Raindrop side, floral designer Sarah Fletcher whips up striking contemporary arrangements, live and silk – perfect for a Christmas centerpiece! She also sells home décor and handmade greeting cards, and can make you a bouquet that any holiday hostess would adore.

So…are you ready to shop yet? If we could all buy just a portion of our holiday gifts at these fine North County retailers, just imagine all the dollars that would stay right here in our own community!

Stay tuned for next week, when I offer ideas for NoCo holiday food… YUM!  And don’t forget: If you do shop my 25, please mention that you read about them on NOCO! Thank you!

Thanksgiving cooking with a NoCo lunch lady

Though my husband and I both attended Catholic grade school in North County, our experiences with cafeteria food were drastically different. At my school, Transfiguration, lunch was similar to eating at a gas station – Landshire sandwiches “cooked” by a heat lamp and served with the Hostess dessert of your choice. At Keith’s school, St. Thomas More in Bel-Ridge, lunch was more like a home-cooked feast.

Served fresh every day by a legion of volunteer moms, the cafeteria fare at STM included meatloaf, mashed potatoes, salads, pasta, and the infamous Weiner Winks – a gooey marriage of hot dogs and American cheese.

Most of the recipes were created by Mary Louise Vitale, whose work as the school’s cafeteria cook led to 29 years as a successful catering company owner. If you lived in the Normandy area and attended any school function/wedding/party between 1970 and 1999 (when St. Thomas More closed), chances are you ate and raved about Mary Vitale’s cooking.

It’s not fancy food by any means, but man is it good! So in honor of Thanksgiving and Mary Vitale herself (who’s still kicking…and cooking), here’s a classic lunch lady recipe for all to enjoy, courtesy of Mary Vitale Catering and the Vitale Family Cookbook:

Strawberry Jello Salad

two 6oz. boxes strawberry Jello

4 cups boiling water

20 oz. frozen strawberries

4-6 medium bananas, mashed with fork

1 cup chopped pecans

16 oz. sour cream

Dissolve the Jello in the boiling water. Stir in the strawberries and bananas. Pour HALF of the mixture into a 9×13 pan and chill in the refrigerator until firm. Add the pecans to the other half of the liquid Jello mixture; set aside. Spread the sour cream over the chilled Jello in the pan. Pour the remaining Jello mixture on top. Chill overnight. Serves 24.

Hood’s: everything + the kitchen sink

North County is a land of resourceful bargain hunters and creative scrappers, so it’s no wonder that Hood’s was born here. The junk hunter’s paradise, founded by Ernest Hood (a Ritenour graduate) in 1952, opened its first location at 9915 St. Charles Rock Rd and has since expanded to multiple locations in three states.

I’m a Hood’s fan from way back, and I’ve always loved the fact that the store’s divey decor yielded fantastic prices. So initially, I was one of many customers who hated to see one of my favorite go-to spots updated by the “new generation” of the Hood’s family. Out went the mismatched carpet squares and bizarre odd lots. In came a more sanitized shopping experience, more similar to Home Depot than the local scrap yard.

But you know what? I’m ok with that.

For one, the new NoCo Hood’s is a gleaming, colorful beacon of commerce. You can see it from 170 and it looks amazing! It also has a fun and interesting selection of hardware items (tile, sinks, carpet, vanities, etc) plus a brand new addition of rugs, retro patio chairs, mirrors, furniture, yard ornaments (including tikis) and even entire kitchens.

The prices aren’t as bargain basement as they used to be, but they’re still quite competitive. And shopping at Hood’s now is now less likely to demand a tetanus shot. Which is great.

Just like North County, Hood’s isn’t exactly what it used to be. But what it is today is also pretty neat. Rather than throw your money at the big chain stores, why not try this local golden oldie?

Founder Ernie recently passed into the great beyond, but his family is still working hard to serve our community and to offer a unique array of hardware and household products.

Hood’s currently has eight locations. The NoCo store is at 9009 Natural Bridge Rd, 63121.