Showing posts with label Brianna Arps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brianna Arps. Show all posts

On The Rise: Muse Clothing


These days, taking a stroll through downtown Columbia, Mo., (better known and referred to as “The District” by both students and residents) has become just as much of a routine for me as attending classes at MU. Every shop, bar and restaurant that calls the area home aids in the cultivation of its unique charm and immerses everyone who visits in the culture created and maintained by a diverse array of talented individuals.

Nickie Davis, one of those talented individuals, is the owner of Muse Clothing. Although a newcomer to “The District,” Muse prides itself in being “Columbia’s only alternative street fashion boutique for men and women,” according to its website. After stopping by on multiple occasions and checking out the merchandise available for purchase (brands such as Lip Service, DimePiece, Kings of Cole, Cheap Monday, Kill City and Burger and Friends), I’ve come to the conclusion that Muse has all others in town beat on providing urban-esque statement pieces and the bare necessities for those who are looking to put together a noticeably trendy, yet cohesive look.

Besides the clothing and accessories, I’m even more a fan of Nickie’s “Monthly Muse” feature. Every month, Muse selects a shopper and conducts an interview, which includes a brief photo shoot of the person in styles the boutique carries. The purpose is simple: to highlight locals and encourage others to converse about what Columbia’s own fashion icons are wearing.

If your closest is in need of revamping, Muse Clothing can help to get the job done on Mondays through Fridays between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Muse Clothing
22 South 9th Street
Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 222-0687

Be sure to stop by Muse this Sunday, November 17 at 8 p.m. for a fashion show, "What's Your Muse?," presented by College Gloss Mizzou. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are only $5! Join the Facebook event group here: https://www.facebook.com/events/172927269567914/.

By: Brianna Arps | Image: Muse Clothing

CGM's Exclusive Interview with Phillip "DJ Homicide" Owens


The beginning of the 2013 school year was marked by a celebration with the presence of popular entertainer Phillip “DJ Homicide” Owens. DJ Homicide has been involved in more than 50 events on campus, ranging from themed parties, cookouts, talent shows, probates, pageants and benefits, all of which have had large turnouts (approximately 2,500 guests at his 2009 Homecoming Bash) and have been the recipients of rave reviews from numerous attendees.

DJ Homicide sat down with CGM's Brianna Arps to discuss what he had in store for MU Tigers this fall, specifically "Project Zou 2," the sequel to fall 2012's premier occasion.


For those who are unaware, explain the motive behind “Project Zou.”
DJH: Because the guys from HUE (also known as Hands Up Entertainment, the promotions team behind many favorable events hosted at Mizzou) were set to graduate, I took it upon myself to do something memorable and on a much larger scale. The motive behind “Project Zou” came from the movie “Project X,” where three high school seniors threw the most outrageous party in the history of parties.

I noticed that on this year’s flyer, there seems to be a host of individuals involved in the “Project Zou 2” production. Explain the process of planning/branding and what party-goers can look forward to upon arrival.
DJH: I have multiple hosts on this year’s flyer to bring out as many people as possible. Last year, we had students from as far as Purdue and Tennessee State University show up, and we are looking to have another big turnout. For those students that stay on-campus, they can look forward to free transportation, but everyone can look forward to a night of good dance music and a chance to meet their peers. My whole branding process is much more different: I choose to focus on the quality of an event rather than the quantity of events I produce. Unfortunately, this means that there will be less events that I produce at Mizzou this year.


Why should incoming students, freshmen in particular, make it a priority to attend “Project Zou 2” on Aug. 23?
DJH: Freshmen are the most important class when it comes to collegiate parties because they have not yet gotten to experience a true sense of independence. Also, they are more eager to go out than upperclassmen who can go out to a bar any day of the week.

Could you spare giving readers a few deets on any of your other upcoming projects and where they can go to remain updated?
DJH: My company Tru Entertainment Group is involved with the men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. to throw another event together on August 24. “TRU NIGHT OWT” will be held in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall at 9 p.m. Also, Tru Entertainment Group plans on having my third annual breast cancer awareness party soon. All proceeds from the event will go to the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center in Columbia, Mo. Also, throughout the fall, I will be working with other organizations both on and off-campus. Since I disk jockey all over the Midwest, I love meeting new people and getting paid to party. People can stay updated by following me on Instagram and Twitter @thebestdamndj.

Did you attend "Project Zou 2" this fall? Share your experience in the comments below.

By: Brianna Arps | Images: DJ Homicide

Dive into Dessert: St. Louis' Top 5 Picks


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Cakes, cookies and pies, oh my! Who doesn’t love dessert? It’s the tastiest and most enjoyable part of any meal, and it rightfully deserves to be saved as the best for last. Chocolate wears the crown as my go-to sweet, while cupcakes come in at a close second. Do you fancy my top picks, or are you just looking to indulge in something sugary? My advice is to fill up at one of these St. Louis favorites —they’ll make you scrape your plate and put a smile on your face.
1401 St. Louis Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63106
(314) 621-9650


Open since 1913, Crown Candy Kitchen is “one of St. Louis’ oldest and most popular attractions,” according to the Kitchen’s website. Here you’ll find a host of homemade goodies ranging from toffee bricks to the beloved “Fire Chief Special,” which is made with two scoops of ice cream (blended in the shop’s antique copper candy kettle, of course), drizzled with chocolate sauce and topped with strawberries, sliced bananas, crushed nuts, whole pecans, whipped cream and a cherry. Savor the love that has been added into every confection offered on Mondays through Thursdays between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays between 10:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. and on Sundays between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

4224 South Grand Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63111
(314) 352-7376

6726 Chippewa
St. Louis, MO 63109
(314) 481-2652


Have you tried an infamous yellow cup of Ted Drewes? Differentiated from traditional ice cream by its use of less air, the smooth and creamy texture of frozen custard makes for the perfect way to end any warm day. Made customizable with a variety of flavors and toppings, Ted Drewes pleases the masses. You can even choose from a menu of specialty items if strawberry shortcakes and cookie sandwiches are more your thing. Whatever the case is, two locations are open daily to satisfy your cravings.

2641 Cherokee Street
St. Louis, MO 63118
(314) 932-5758


Prepare to say goodbye to any preconceived ideas of what an ice cream cake ought to look and taste like because I Scream Cakes has been challenging the status quo for quite some time now. The bakery prides itself on incorporating only natural flavors, organic eggs, milk, sugar and butter into their products, so what you see not only appears to be better, but it’s also better for you. Stop settling for your grocer’s rendition of cake and ice cream – place your order now!

6483 Chippewa
St. Louis, MO 63109
(314) 352-2253


Every city has its staple foods, and for St. Louis, gooey butter cake, well, it takes the cake. The legend of this unique treat states that “a baker put too much sugar in a regular butter cake [and] not wanting to waste the cake, he simply mixed in additional ingredients,” explains Gooey Louie’s official website. Just one bite, and you too will become a fan of Mr. Gooey Louie, the cake that was voted as the best “Goo in the Lou” and featured on the Food Network. Go and witness firsthand how a St. Louis classic is crafted. Both stores are open Tuesdays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

8509 Delmar Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63124
(314) 993-5455


There are so many great things to say about Jilly’s! Even before its win on the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, I was a frequent admirer of the bakery’s gourmet creations. If how the miniature cakes are presented isn’t amazing enough, just wait until the moment your fork splits into one of their stuffed centers. In addition to cupcakes, Jilly’s new ice cream flavors are said to send you over the moon into euphoric delight. But it gets better: if you’re not near Jilly’s flagship location, they deliver! For more information, check out www.S2YD.com, or give the folks at Jilly’s a call.

By: Brianna Arps

Decorating Diva: 6 DIY Decor Ideas

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We are well into the school year, and fall fever has begun to cast its spell. Between ordering this semester’s books and stocking up on #2 pencils, I almost forgot about one of the main priorities on my collegiate checklist: finalizing my living arrangements. Although I am staying on campus alongside three suitemates, I didn’t have the slightest clue on how to decorate my dorm. Luckily, with the help of several pinned DIY ideas, Pinterest has become my go-to guide on enhancing my home away from home. Don’t leave yours bare; have fun personalizing your space with six tricks of the trade.



What you’ll need:
  • Wiffle balls
  • Faux flowers
  • Hot glue gun
  • Ribbon

How you’ll do it:
  • Pluck any stems off of a single flower, making sure not to pull apart the flower itself.
  • Hot glue a circle around an opening in the wiffle ball.
  • Press the flower onto the hole until glue hardens.
  • Keep going until the ball is full of flowers, but make sure to leave room to tie a ribbon onto the ball.
  • Hang it up and enjoy.



What you’ll need:
  • Elmer’s glue
  • Pencil
  • White canvas
  • Watercolor paint
  • Paintbrush

How you’ll do it:
  • Sketch out a design of your choosing on the white canvas.
  • Use the glue to trace your design.
  • Let glue dry completely.
  • Paint over your design and the canvas until satisfied.
  • Hang it up and enjoy.


What you’ll need:
  • Mirror with hanging hooks
  • Wide ribbon
  • Chalkboard spray paint
  • Chalk
  • Newspaper

How you’ll do it:
  • Lay down newspaper in a well-vented area, and position mirror.
  • Refer to the directions on the can of spray paint to ensure an even coat.
  • Let dry.
  • Test out the paint job with the chalk.
  • Tie ribbon onto the mirror’s back hooks.
  • Hang it up and enjoy.


What you’ll need:
  • Pre-made wooden plaque
  • Wood stain (optional)
  • Tiny nails
  • Embroidery floss
  • Ruler
  • Scissors

How you’ll do it:
  • Use wood stain to finish the pre-made wooden plaque. Let dry completely.
  • Place nails two-and-a-half centimeters apart, and nail down a pattern, initial or shape of your choosing. TIP: When placing nails, use your judgement, and make sure not to nail them down too close together because the wood could split.
  • Wrap embroidery floss around the nails in a diagonal and/or criss-cross fashion until satisfied.
  • To finish, tie the ends of the floss around a nail.
  • Hang it up and enjoy.


What you’ll need:
  • Styrofoam
  • Glue
  • Quilt batting
  • Pencil
  • Pins
  • 2 fabric patterns
  • Ribbon
  • Scissors

How you’ll do it:
  • Draw your letter on a piece of styrofoam.
  • Apply glue on one side of styrofoam surface.
  • Glue some quilt batting in the shape of your letter onto the styrofoam.
  • Cut out your letter twice, using each fabric pattern once. TIP: Make sure to leave at least an extra half-inch of fabric on all sides when cutting out your letter.
  • Start wrapping the letter by pinning the fabric on the sides.
  • When one side is done, do steps 1-4 again on the other side using a different fabric pattern.
  • Cover the edges with a ribbon to hide imperfections.


What you’ll need:
  • Patterned pillowcase
  • Embroidery hoop
  • Ribbon
  • Scissors

How you’ll do it:
  • Place the top of a pillowcase in an embroidery hoop.
  • Attach a ribbon to the hoop’s fastener for hanging.
  • Hang it up and enjoy.
  • TIP: Not only can this bag be used for laundry, it’s also a great catch-all for anything you can come up with!

*Before hanging, make sure to ask if your specific dormitory or apartment complex allows for any nailing or taping to avoid damage or those pesky fees.

By: Brianna Arps

8 Great Ways to Paint the Town Red


As a native of St. Louis, I thought I had done and seen it all when it came to going out and spending time with my significant other. Finding alternative ideas in and around the city seemed almost impossible until my eyes were opened to several spots positioned off the beaten path. Let your search for the perfect date end here. Listed below are eight great ways to paint the town red.

The Romantics

 Baileys’ Chocolate Bar
1915 Park, in Lafayette Square
St. Louis, MO 63104
(314) 241-8100

Break the rules by skipping dinner and diving fork first into a delectable dessert at this posh pastry palace. As the recipient of a host of rave reviews and awards, Baileys’ Chocolate Bar is highly regarded for its spin on everyone’s childhood favorites in addition to a list of unconventional treats intended to cater to even the most mature palette. Stop by between the hours of 4 p.m. and 1 a.m. on Mondays through Saturdays or between 4 p.m. and midnight on Sundays to satisfy your sweet tooth and your date’s chocolate cravings.

Kitchen Conservatory
8021 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
(314) 862-2665

Interested in working side-by-side with your guy? Want to learn how to spice up both your favorite recipes and a date night or two? The Kitchen Conservatory, also known as “the premier kitchen store in St. Louis, Missouri for 28 years,” according to its website, is home to more than 800 different cooking classes that are “taught by the best chefs from the best restaurants.” Whether you choose an Asian, Italian or Cajun theme, you’ll be amazed with your plated results.

The Thrill Seekers

 Pole Position Raceway
8800 Watson Road
St. Louis, MO 63119
(314) 925-7545

If you’ve got a real need for speed, Pole Position Raceway is your perfect destination. Join in with another couple during their weekend hours (11 a.m. until midnight on Fridays, 10 a.m. until midnight on Saturdays and 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Sundays) and enjoy a friendly go-kart competition on one of their indoor tracks. With the Raceway’s “Arrive & Drive” package, kart speeds reach up to 45 mph, so buckle up and hold on tight, for this one will have you driving laps of love around your one-man pit crew.

Gateway Paintball
14510 Missouri Bottom Road
Bridgeton, Missouri 63044
(314) 298-3772

I’ve never gone paintballing, but from what I’ve heard, it’s an exhilarating experience that must be tried out at least once. It’s true that “you don’t have to be athletic to play, just let your imagination loose and challenge yourself on our custom designed fields,” explains the folks at Gateway Paintball on their website. Don’t hesitate to check out Gateway’s open play schedules; transform a mundane outing into one that promises “the ultimate adrenaline rush and lots of excitement and action.”

The Eccentrics
10907 Manchester Road
Kirkwood, MO 63122
(314) 965-2262

“Relax, have fun, be creative,” and most importantly, get your craft on at the Painted Zebra! I’m positive that I’m not the only one who’s lacking in the artistic department, and to those who’ve also raised their hand to this fact, I’ve got great news: the attendants there are helpful and are happy to show you to a plethora of idea books, stencils, brushes and paint that will bring out the pottery proficiency in all of us. It gets even better! Every two weeks on Friday evenings, the Painted Zebra offers a 25 percent discount on studio time, which allows for individuals to discover their hidden potential talents as an artist for less.

Jazz At The Bistro
3536 Washington Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 289-4030

Located in St. Louis’ Grand Center arts district, Jazz at the Bistro is where many prefer to cozy up and listen to the smooth sounds and tasteful tunes of talented musicians. Reserve your seats to an upcoming show and receive the bonus of paying student fare with a valid ID. The Bistro recommends “arriving between 6-6:30 p.m. if you would like to be finished with dinner before the show starts.” But, if you prefer to dine after those times, “the Bistro does serve tables during the performances,” according to Jazz St. Louis’ website.

The Outdoor Adventurers

 Pere Marquette Stables
15780 State Highway 100 West
Grafton, IL 62037
(618) 786-2156

Ditch picnicking, and instead, saddle up with your beau and take a horseback ride through the magnificent Pere Marquette State Park. Pere Marquette Stables leads groups down trails where local wildlife is plentiful and often seen, so prepare to witness the beauty of nature and all it entails. Although reservations are not required, they are recommended and accepted Wednesday through Monday during the months of May through October. Yee-haw!

Grafton Zipline Adventures
800 Timber Ridge Dr.
Grafton, IL 62037
(618) 786-8439

“Take a zip...it’s a trip,” exclaims Grafton Zipline Adventures on its website. If you’re not afraid of heights or are looking to finally face your fears, consider elevating your daytime plans to a higher, more extreme level. Guests will virtually fly safely atop tree-top canopies on nine ziplines during their 2-hour tour. After, replenish at the Aeries Restaurant and Winery located approximately 300 yards from the last stop. Sound’s like fun, right? Make sure to book your trip ahead of time as reservations are required.

By: Brianna Arps | Image: Source

6 Recipes for a DIY Spa Night


A trip to the spa is usually characterized by the nestling of one’s worries in plush face pillows and the tapping into of an inner zen. Although it may scream relaxation to the tee, if you’re like me and footing the bill at the end of a session results in sweaty palms, call up the gals and prepare to pamper your pockets because six quick and easy recipes will teach you the ways of a “kitchen beautician.”

1. Decorated Glycerin Soap

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Cute suds for some fun in the tub.

What you’ll need:

  • Clear glycerin soap
  • Food coloring
  • Coffee stirrers
  • Clean milk or juice carton (yogurt cups work great, too)
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Faux flowers
  • Scissors 
  • Bench scraper

How you’ll do it:

  • Heat glycerin in a microwave on high, stirring at 15-second intervals, until it’s completely melted.
  • Mix liquid food coloring into bowl with a coffee stirrer. Tip: Use food coloring sparingly.
  • Coat the inside of a container with petroleum jelly. Pour in melted glycerin. Add a few faux flowers and let cool completely for about two hours.
  • Cut or tear away container and slice block into individual bars with a bench scraper. 

2. Bath Fizzies

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Spice up your daily cleansing routine by adding a dash of color and excitement.

What you’ll need:

  • ½ cup citric acid
  • 1 cup baking soda
  • ¾ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ cup organic cane sugar
  • About 6 drops of food coloring
  • 10 to 15 drops of an essential oil
  • 2-ounce travel size spray bottle, plastic pipette, silicone ice-cube tray and storage jars
  • Glass measuring cup, metal spoon, flour sifter and mixing bowl
How you’ll do it:

  • Stir together citric acid, baking soda and cornstarch in a glass measuring cup.
  • Pass mixture through a fine flour sifter into a mixing bowl. Stir in sugar.
  • Fill spray bottle with water and add food coloring. Spritz mixture lightly until you can pack it with your hands.
  • Using pipette, add oil (one drop at a time) until strength of scent is to your liking. Using a metal spoon or your hands, mix ingredients until color is even throughout. Tip: When mixture begins to dry out, spritz until packable again.
  • Spoon into ice-cube tray, pressing firmly. Let dry at room temperature overnight. Pop out of tray gently. Transfer to jars. 

3. Honey Coconut Hair Milk Smoothie

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Skip the lime and add the coconut for nourished, supple tresses.

What you’ll need:

  • ½ can of pure, unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp pure honey
  • Blender
  • Spoon
  • Shower cap

How you’ll do it:

  • Combine ingredients in a blender and mix until they reach a smoothie-like consistency.
  • Part your hair into four sections and generously apply the mixture from root to tip, concentrating on the ends of your hair. 
  • Place a shower cap on your head and leave it on for twenty minutes.
  • Rinse hair under room temperature water until smoothie is completely dissolved. 

4. Sugar Lip Scrub
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Pucker up with a treatment that leaves lips irresistibly soft.

What you’ll need:

  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp essential oil

How you’ll do it:

  • Mix the brown sugar and honey together to create a paste and thickly coat your lips.
  • Leave it on for a few minutes and then start to gently scrub with your finger until all the dead skin has been buffed off.
  • Immediately dab on essential oil to moisturize.

5. Cooling Cucumber Toner

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A simple concoction that rids the skin of excess oil by clearing pores and leaving your face feeling both refreshed and soothed.

What you’ll need:

  • ½ cucumber with peel, chopped
  • 3 tbsp witch hazel
  • 2 tbsp distilled water
  • 2-ounce travel size spray bottle
  • Blender or food processor
  • Flour sifter


How you’ll do it:

  • Put all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
  • Pour the mixture through a fine flour sifter to remove all of the solids, then pour the toner into a clean spray bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
  • To use, apply using a clean cotton ball.

6. Chocolate Mud Mask

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Brighten your complexion while indulging in the sweet, yet distinctive combination of cocoa and coffee.

What you’ll need:

  • 4 tbsp finely ground espresso or coffee beans
  • 4 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 8 tbsp almond milk
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • Bowl, stirring utensil and washcloth

How you’ll do it:

  • Mix coffee and cocoa powder in a bowl.
  • Add the almond milk and stir until a smooth paste forms. Tip: Use less almond milk if you like a thicker paste.
  • Stir in the honey. Tip: Honey may be warmed in the microwave to allow for better mixing.
  • Apply the paste to your clean face and neck.
  • Let the mask dry.
  • Wet a washcloth and press it to your face to loosen the mask, then rinse with warm water. 

For more tasty facials and the guides to whipping up an array of beauty bar favs, visit http://laurenconrad.com and www.marthastewart.com!

By: Brianna Arps

Trend Alert: Dine-In Theaters


It isn’t until after we’ve crossed paths with adulthood that we learn to appreciate the luxuries of being off-campus, at home during breaks or even having a few spare hours to catch a flick. Luckily, my summer vacation has included all of the above. More specifically, I’m excited to share that I’ve opted to witness a new spin on the old classic of dinner and a show. When planning your day’s adventure or a night of entertainment, be sure to check off a two-in-one spot like an AMC Dine-In Theatre on your list of to-dos.

What is it?
The better question is, “what isn’t it?” Because convenience has become a trait that’s assumed to be rightly associated with practically everything, AMC has stepped up to the challenge and provides “movies with a menu” at 25 locations located throughout the country. Not only will you be able to have your cake (plus an array of menu items ranging from buttered popcorn to blackened salmon) and eat it too, friendly staff members who remain attentive to your needs along with plush leather seating allow for the highest degree of comfortability. And for your viewing pleasure? Limited seating held by reservation and bright, crisp visuals displayed on a screen that caters to all rows and sections ensure that every guest enjoys his or her visit.

How’s it done?
The first step is to “select your desired experience,” which varies by venue. According to the AMC Dine-In Theatres’ website, the Cinema Suites are available only for those who are 21 and older and offer “luxury recliners, an extensive menu and full cocktail bar.” Fork & Screen welcomes movie lovers who are 18 and older (as well as those who are attending with a parent or guardian) and can be described as a more casual environment, but one that’s still equipped with the same great food options and bar drinks. Need a place to kickback before or after your film? They’ve got that too! MacGuffins, the bar and lounge, is marked notable by its “modern, inviting atmosphere.” Furthermore, the bar serves lots of tasty treats and pours up a plethora of beers, wines, martinis, margaritas and specialty drinks.

The AMC Dine-In Theatres are most definitely a sophisticated take on the timeless, American pastime. Although your trip to one may be relatively more expensive than going someplace else, overall I recommend them as an opportunity to splurge a little and treat yourself to an unique way to watch the stars in style.

This article is part of Brianna's weekly entertainment column.
By: Brianna Arps | Image: Source

How to Enjoy St. Louis' Forest Park


I will admit that I’m not the most outdoorsy person there is, but like 12 million other yearly visitors, I have fallen in love with St. Louis’ beloved Forest Park. As “one of the largest urban parks in the country” and “approximately 500 acres larger than New York’s Central Park,” according to the official Park website, one could justifiably assume two things: there is never a dull moment, and there is always something to do there. Whether you prefer to catch a live show at the park’s open-air theater, The Muny, brush up on your history and the world of art at the Art and History museums or enter into extraterrestrial worlds via the Science Center, your summer will not be complete until you discover why Forest Park is considered a must-see tourist attraction.

1. Take a hike (or a light jog), pal! 
Grab your water bottles, slap on a sweatband or two and join the fitness frenzy happening year-round on over 1,000 acres of historical gathering ground. For many, maintaining a healthy lifestyle begins with a scenic bike ride on one of the park’s gravel trails and ends with the laying down of a yoga mat near nature’s finest gardens and ravines. Forest Park hosts the limitless freedom to explore everything the great outdoors has to offer, so do your body a favor this summer by trading in your car keys for a walking stick and some fresh air.

http://www.forestparkforever.org/learn/history/

2. Picnic in paradise! 
Unfortunately, with the world around us moving at a constant, rapid pace, sometimes we fail to make time to relax. One of my favorite places to visit while at Forest Park is Art Hill. Here, the park’s motto, “keep on the grass,” is actively practiced by kite-flying enthusiasts, sunbathers and families like mine who spend more time bickering over where to set up camp than on my mom’s food choices for the day.

http://www.forestparkforever.org/

3. “Carl, how’s the water?” 
If you’re looking for an unique restaurant experience, make sure to check out the Boathouse. Located on Forest Park’s Post-Dispatch Lake, the pet-friendly eatery is famous for its boat rentals, “lakeside patio dining, cold drinks, live music” and breathtaking sunset views. Its open, rustic flair during the daytime and romantic essence at night makes for both an attractive, casual affair and a winning first-date destination.

http://www.boathouseforestpark.com/

4. Get acquainted with some unfamiliar faces!
No matter how many times I go, I always find a reason to head out to the Saint Louis Zoo. Not only do I get to flaunt my fanny pack, my binoculars receive a day’s worth of action as well. Animal lovers ought to prepare to have a field day as they make their way through the zoo’s six zones (River’s Edge, The Wild, Discovery Corner, Historic Hill, Red Rocks and Lakeside Crossing). Crowds of all ages will be awed by what they’ll spot lurking behind every liar, skating cool on the ice, flying high above, and, most remarkably, by the price of admissions – it’s free!

http://www.stlzoo.org/visit/thingstoseeanddo/
This article is a part of Brianna's weekly column on entertainment.

By: Brianna Arps | Image: Source

A Beginner's Guide to Thrift Shopping


There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I am an extreme thrift-a-holic. What’s that, you say? Well, in short, I must mention that at least 75 percent of the clothes in my closet were once owned by someone else or made before I was born. I find it rather entertaining to spend a day going through racks of printed tees, oversized cable knit sweaters, assorted blazers and high-waisted jeans. If you love rocking frocks like these or if you’re a stylista who’s new to the world of thrifting and is interested in finding out where to score some cool threads for a fraction of the cost, I know of a few places that house treasures fit for everyone.

Price Rating Key:
$ = very, very inexpensive
$ = inexpensive
$$ = way cheaper than what you’d buy new


1. Goodwill is at the top of my list of favorites for many reasons. For one, no matter my location it is highly unlikely for me to leave a Goodwill without having found anything that would make for a great addition to my collection of second-hand goodies. Its low prices (for example: shorts being priced at $2 and shirts at $3 unless specifically priced by hand) are another reason why I’d choose Goodwill over most traditional retailers.

Price Rating: $
Locations

2. The Salvation Army has been my go-to-spot for quite some time now. The ridiculously amazing promotions offered on its surprise deal days have led to my recent purchase of a pair of 100 percent wool Brooks Brothers slacks for 99 cents along with a few blouses, a hand-sewn dress and a trenchcoat for the fall, which brought my total to just 13 bucks! Despite having to utilize my patience to search through its selection, I find pieces that I’m excited about—an all too common experience at The Salvation Army.

Price Rating: $
Locations

3. Value Village, in conjunction with its counterpart Savers, offers its customers with a vast variety of inventory ranging from vintage to contemporary. For those who may not know exactly what they are looking to purchase, either Value Village or Savers make for an ideal location. Newtimers should expect to be welcomed by friendly associates, a well-lit and well-organized arena and gently worn items “for up to 90% off department store prices.”

Price Rating: $
Locations

4. Unique Thrift lives up to its name quite notably —at least for the few times I’ve been. At first glance, it may look like every other bargain basement, but believe me and check it out for yourself, that’s only momentary. This summer I’ve gone twice in one week, and I’m planning on returning soon because I have yet to find a greater selection of unconventional outerwear and costume jewelry.

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5. Avalon Exchange most definitely should be paid a visit by all those who live in or plan on visiting Pittsburgh, St. Louis or Cleveland. Its collection of previously owned, name brand apparel, handbags and shoes crown Avalon the premier hotspot for finds both chic and cheap. Its setup is similar to Plato’s Closet and others that offer trade for cash or store credit, but the Exchange is reflective of the eclectic crowd that brings its funky, urban charm to meet your wardrobe.

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By: Brianna Arps | Image: Source
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