Wildwood, MO

As Halloween approaches, it is good to note, it does not need to be scary. At our Kid's Safety Day in Wildwood, our scarecrow was friendly and happy to help those needing pumpkins. The whole day was gorgeous and well attended.

Next year we hope to have even more fun and more children in attendance.

So looks out next October. The Prudential Select office in Wildwood Missouri will again have Kid's Safety Day.

For more details logon to www.SelectAnn.com or contact Ann Hayden

Have you ever had one of those days where it seemed like you spent most of the day chasing your tail? I spent the bulk of my day trying to find a gift certificate from a fund raiser I attended last year.

It is one of those certificates I knew was going to expire soon, so I continued to search and search. And of course, the last place I looked for it...there it was. ;-)

I have to say, I found many interesting items during this quest for a small piece of paper in a plain white envelope. I found a couple of cards I meant to mail, a report I needed to read, a couple of twenties and a few other items.

Was this a blatant waste of time? Or the "age issues" catching up with me? Or do I need a little more balance in my life and not so much PAPER?!?

Have you ever spent the day searching for something you knew you just had but it mysteriously relocated itself?

Wines of Widwood is hosting another great class.

Thursday, October 9th, 7-8:30 p.m. Wine 101 class

This is a casual and fun evening where you have the opportunity to learn the basics of the wonderful world of wines. The best part? You get to snack on tasty gourmet cheeses, sample creamy chocolates and enjoy eight delicious examples of fine wines from around the world. Try before you buy.

Halloween is not the only scary thing this October. Since all of us are feeling the pinch of economic uncertainty, the cost of the class has been reduced from $15 to $10, a 33 1/3% savings for you.

What other class have you taken that has:

• No textbook
• No studying
• Drinking, eating and talking during class is encouraged
• Homework is fun but optional
• Spitting is acceptable (come to learn about this!)

For reservations call 636-405-0800 and tell Karl, Ann Hayden sent you his way.

Wine is fun!

Come explore Wildwood, Missouri's wine shop. Yes, Wines of Wildwood is a wonderful little jewel tucked away here in Wildwood. The philosophy at this store is wine is fun. Do not let the wine snobs fool you. When you really consider it, wine is just grape juice or some variation thereof.

The owners and staff are helpful, easy going and very friendly. Browse their great collection of wines, ask questions and even find that special wine related gift. They have the perfect gifts for your wine lover, including the finest in wine glasses, racks, wine accessories, books and décor.

Check out the awesome baskets for your special occasion. They also carry a full line of hand crafted Bissinger's chocolates at the old fashioned candy counter. There are gourmet food items to accompany your wines, including cheeses, spreads, sausages, nuts, etc. and a selection of premium liquors, single malt scotches and cigars.

W.O.W. has a free wine tasting every Saturday from 12-4 p.m., featuring at least four different wines of all types and price points. A great chance to try before you buy and find out what you really enjoy.

They also have a monthly open house. This month it is Favorite Fall Finds, 7-9 p.m. Friday, October 17th. Come taste 15 or more wines specifically chosen to match the moods and foods of fall while enjoying some delicious light snacks from Wildwood's own Simply Sue's. Cost $10 at the door. Come early because these events do get crowded and space is limited.

So take the time to visit Wines of Wildwood located at 2418 Taylor Road, Dierbergs Town Center Wildwood, MO 63040 They are open : Monday-Friday 10-7 Saturday 10-6 If you need to call their phone number is: 636-405-0800.

When you see Karl, the owner, let him know Ann Hayden said hello.

For more information visit: http://www.winesofwildwood.com/index.htm

This is part of the Consumer questions answered series.

Home staging questions answered by Audrey Zurmuehlen of Inviting Space in St.Louis, Missouri

Question:

What is feng shui staging?

from Marilyn in Wildwood

Feng Shui is a natural partner with professional staging. Feng shui refers to creating a positive energy flow and engaging the senses.

Staging (feng shui or otherwise) has the same goals. To create that positive emotional attachment. While we may say it just feels right, feng shui may define it better as positive energy flow.

We want positive energy in the home by making it light and bright. We eliminate dark and cluttered rooms. Staging is about emotional connections. Feng Shui is engaging the senses. We use light and color to visually brighten a room. We suggest cookies baking and clean fragrances. Sounds of soft music in the background. Gentle edges and lines-even with plants (silk or otherwise) do wonders for creating a calm environment. Stagers may refer to keeping walkways open for traffic flow while by definition feng shui says it is keeping the positive energy moving throughout the home.

Feng Shui staging (and all staging) is about creating a room of first impression. Stagers will always keep toilet lids down-it is just wrong. According to feng shui, toilets draw energy from the home. Stagers instinctively know to avoid large pieces of furniture on small walls. Feng Shui defines it as support.

Whether your stager is Feng Shui certified or not, you can be sure that the goal is the same. To create a warm and inviting space that makes those prospective buyers want to call it home!