Latest News

The Soda Ban: It’s a Sticky Situation

If you’re anything like me, when the nights are short and the days grow long, sometimes you just want to head to your neighborhood joint for a drink. The one where everybody knows your name and they hook you up with the good stuff.
 
That's why, at least twice a week, I burn off steam at my local QT where I have a multitude of icy-cold, high fructose corn syrup beverages at my disposal. My go-to is a 22-ouncer, packed with caramel color and caffeine, served on the rocks.

As with any vice that gives us pleasure – like street gambling or talking smack about a Kardashian – The Man is attempting to curb our fun through legislation. And this time, they’re on track to put the kibosh on our soda fix. 

In New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposed a 16-ounce limit on any sugar-filled drink, including sodas, sweetened teas, and energy drinks, that contains more than 25 calories per eight ounces and is sold at a restaurant, movie theater or other food service outlet. That means New Yorkers will have little more than one can of soda to sustain them through Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, and even crazier, no free refills! 

Continue reading »
How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love the Game

I’ll probably get hate mail for saying this in a town like ours, but I've never been a big baseball fan. 

In St. Louis, that’s pretty much the equivalent of saying I hate America and apple pie. 

Don’t get me wrong – I have respect for baseball and even greater respect for the St. Louis Cardinals. There are so many elements of the sport I’ve loved since childhood – the history and the tradition and the camaraderie. I love the energy as the fans pour into the stadium and the good-natured ribbing of the Cubs fans who enter our midst. 

But the game itself, ehhhh. 

Continue reading »
Wrapping New Parents with TLC

The stork has been busy around here lately! From my North City friend who delivered a perfect baby daughter (at home, sans drugs, you go, girl!) to a South City couple who welcomed the cutest twins ever (via the beautiful generosity of a surrogate mother), my Facebook feed has been full of baby news.

The timing has me in a reflective mood, because five years ago this month − about a year after my youngest son was born − I realized I had postpartum depression.

Continue reading »
How One Little Cow at the Saint Louis Zoo is Teaching Kids Self-Confidence

In life, it’s inevitable – one’s head tends to be turned by the new and the exciting. At the Saint Louis Zoo, it’s no different. Families are flocking to see the baby lion cubs and get their hands on the visiting stingrays, perhaps not making time to visit the Zoo’s more established inhabitants. 

Well, not anymore!

Continue reading »
Singing the Praises of St. Louis' Youngest Composers

The perfect window of opportunity for kids to start music lessons is between the ages of 3 and 10. I’m not sure if the neuroscience research holds up for composing songs during this age too, but there is definitely some anecdotal evidence of it – elementary school students Menea Vladi Kefalov and Ande Celeste Siegel of Reed Elementary School in Ladue recently won first place in the elementary song with words division of the COMP (Creating Original Music Project) contest put on by the University of Missouri-Columbia for their piece titled "War." 

You can hear the repeat winners’ performance on "Show Me St. Louis" here.

Continue reading »
Teen Author & YouTube Sensation Headed to St. Louis for Book Signing

Just a little over a year ago, Zach Wahls stood before the Iowa House Judiciary Committee, introducing legislators to his family, which includes his two moms, Terry and Jackie. Through his three-minute, heartfelt testimony against a proposed amendment which would reverse the right of gay couples to marry in Iowa, the 19-year-old honored his parents’ commitment, became an icon in the fight for equality, and changed how people define the word “family.”

Wahls' testimony quickly became an Internet sensation, with more than 16 million views on YouTube. While his speech touched millions, it particularly resonated with children of same-sex parents whose message of tolerance was now broadcast worldwide.

Continue reading »
Would You Name Your Baby Katniss?

Is Adele the new Emma? Is Grayson the new Jason? The ladies at Nameberry, who track popular baby names for a living, think so.

Continue reading »
Our Daily Things to Do email is the easiest way to plan your day.
Follow Us
 
Things to Do

Bubble Bus at the Library
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Friday, August 1, 2025

Get ready for tons of free, soapy fun! Come to the library to play with tons of bubbles with the Bubble Bus.

View this event »
Sea Lion Shows at the Saint Louis Zoo
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Wednesday, July 2, 2025

See the Zoo's California sea lions perform acrobatic and athletic feats, including Olympic-style dives on a high-diving platform, flipper walks, frisbee tosses and plenty of surprises. While on stage with the sea lions, the Zoo's trainers explain sea lion behavior and positive-reinforcement training, in addition to the need for conserving the sea lion's ocean habitat.

View this event »
Want daily ideas of things to do? How about special offers & giveaways? Sign up and we’ll handle the rest.
Popular Stories

Festivals & Fireworks to Celebrate July 4th in St. Louis

It's time to celebrate Independence Day in St. Louis, and because this year July 4th falls on a Friday, your family can look forward to a full weekend of festivals and fireworks. Check out these family-friendly celebrations that include carnivals, fantastic fireworks and lots more.

Continue reading »
Summer Fun in St. Louis Starts Now! Your Guide to Family Fun this June

For many St. Louis families, the start of June represents the real start of summer. That's when the summer fun really starts to kick in, and the fact that so many activities and attractions are free is just a bonus!

Continue reading »
Why Summer Camp is Great for . . . Parents

Being able to focus on yourself, your partner, and other people in your life who mean a lot to you is no small matter. As parents, we’re used to being responsible providers and caregivers. However, there’s so much more to a person: we’re also partners and friends. These are important parts of our identities that we need to cultivate. Sending your kids to summer camp may bring out your more playful side that you haven’t shown for a while.

Continue reading »
7 Signs Your Kids Are Ready For Their First Sleepaway Camp

It’s time to decide whether to send your kids to sleepaway camp, but how do you know that's the right thing to do? How can you tell whether your kids are ready for their first extended stay away from home? Here are 7 important signs that experts say should inform your decision.

Continue reading »
Want Your Kids to Learn? Teach Them It’s Okay to Make Mistakes

It’s normal for parents to want to protect their children from failure. It’s also normal to want them to achieve, win, and do their best. But here’s the truth: We don’t learn anything new without making mistakes. I’ll say it again. Making mistakes is a crucial step in learning. If we’re fearful of making mistakes, learning comes to a screeching halt.

Continue reading »
You Might Also Like...

From Our Sponsors
Follow Us