Parenting Generation Y Kids: More is Not Always Better

We are raising kids known as "Generation Y" . We want them to be happier and more successful and more privileged than we were at their age. But maybe we shouldn't want that for them. Here's why.

The Ultimate Garden Field Trip- The Gardens at Versailles

I was lucky enough to visit the gardens at Versailles earlier this month. It's a garden like no other and one that will just knock your socks off!

The Cancer that Killed Steve Jobs and My Mother: Silent, Deadly, in the Background

Pancreatic cancer is that dreaded 'c' word. It is one of the most deadly cancers, claiming the life of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, my mother and many more.

The History Behind Manchester's Veterans Memorial

Manchester's Veterans Memorial is just over a year old. It is a high quality tribute to the many who have served our country. Make it a point to visit this new gem in our city.

Change The Way You Light up Your Life!

Energy efficient lighting options may be easier than you think.

Gardening 101: How to dig, Divide and Replant Perennials

When the weather cools is the best time to dig and divide your perennials. It's easy! I'll show you how!

Volunteering in the School Community

Volunteers are needed for PTO events, in the classroom, field trips. The list is never-ending. Have you considered the message you're sending your child by your (lack of) involvement?

Marriage and Molehills

How dealing with the issues that do damage to our marriage is like dealing with moles that do damage to our yards.

Manchester Homecoming - Behind The Scenes

It takes a village-and a lot of hard work and laughter-to plan Manchester Homecoming!

Our Final Field Trip to Ahner's Nursery- Closing After 64 Years

After 64 great years, Ahner's, the family run nursery in Des Peres, is closing

Plant Bulbs Now for Color in the Spring!

Fall is the perfect time to be thinking about the spring garden!

How to Help a Friend in Crisis

My family went through a crisis last month. How friends and family responded impacted my life in a profound way. What will you do if you have a chance to be someone's 'hero'?

Manchester Homecoming - A Chance to Reflect And Celebrate

Nine-eleven gives us a chance to reflect, but also a chance to celebrate our community and to look to the future.

Manchester is Growing

With responsible Board of Aldermen, Manchester is once again looking to the future.

Gardening 101: How to Dig and Divide Bearded Iris

If the thought of digging, dividing and replanting your iris make you uneasy, check out my easy "step-by-step" instructions.

Another Field Trip - Three Nurseries in Three Hours

A Sunny Sunday was the perfect opportunity for another field trip!

Summer is Almost Gone And Time is Picking up Speed!

It's September already...where did the time go? And who is that middle aged woman in the mirror?

Celebrate!

Family celebrates Don Krieg's 80th birthday at MAC West. Includes inspiring story of Ray Waton, who passed on August 26, 2011.

Sometimes Being Green is Only Easy For Kermit the Frog!

Two great green resources for people who want to learn more about going green.

Crossroads of Life: Crossroads of Parenting

Ever feel like you want to rescue your child but you know you can't? When our kids hurt, we hurt. But sometimes it really is about letting go. And letting God.

Heavenly Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas have so much to offer in the garden. Big, beautiful flowers in shades of pink, purple, blue and white. No garden should be without them!

Back to School - A Noisy Tradition For Parents Everywhere

Some mothers are sad, others are happy, but all of them are affected by the first day of school!

What is the Master Gardener Program?

Do you love to garden and would like to take it to the next level? Why not become a Master Gardener!

Another Field Trip- Driving to Defiance!

A stunning Sunday and some free time means only one thing..time for a field trip!

Moms In Touch

Moms In Touch International is a prayer group whose mission is to have every school in every nation covered in prayer. Is your child's school one of them?

Gardening with Your Children

Few activities are more rewarding than gardening with your children. Neither of my children had an interest in perusing my passion until a few years ago.

For the Love of a Tree

We all have our favorite trees. Mine is a 100 year old Cottonwood behind my house and I went to bat for its survival when Ameren UE wanted to take it down.

Good Deeds And Good People Are Good News For Manchester

Successful spaghetti dinner benefit for the family of a late Manchester Police Officer is good news for all of us.

Does This Explain America's Downgrade?

This article explains in simple language the thought process leading to the Standard & Poor's Credit Rating Agency decision to downgrade U.S. Government Debt. Read it and decide for yourself.

Orchids- They're Easier Than You Think!

Just because they're beautiful doesn't mean that orchids are hard to grow. There's an orchid for every gardener, novice or experienced

Voices of Excellence

"Voices of Excellence" - a new language arts enrichment program launched at Loyola Academy.

What To Wear on Holiday

Is there anyone out there trying to squeeze one last get-a-way in before the kids go back to school? Read this for ideas on vacation dressing.

Beat The Heat, Enjoy Great Eats And Help Family of Late Detective

This Friday night, let Manchester's finest serve you dinner, and help benefit the family of late Detective David Prouty.

Find Out What Energy Efficient Home Improvements Will Save You Money

St. Louis County offers low-interest, energy-efficient home loans, but even if you're looking to borrow money you can find out how what your home needs to become more energy efficient.

A Grim Reminder of The Need For CERT Training

A trip down south reminded me of how important disaster preparedness can be, and how glad I am I have CERT training.

It's Time for a Field Trip - Off to Bowood Farms!

Over the next several months, I will visit nurseries near and far. Join me as I go to Bowood Farms in the Central West End.

Feeling a Little Bit Under the Weather

Between the heat and cicadas, summer of 2011 has been a bit of a bummer for me. What will you take away from this summer? For me, it's the summer to forget!

Missouri Botanical Garden's "Plant of Merit" program

Missouri Botanical Garden has a great program to steer you in the right direction when purchasing plants. It's called "Plants of Merit" and it will be your new best friend!

Sleepless in Manchester?

Establishing a regular sleep routine for ourselves and our children is imperative to good emotional and physical health. Do you know how much sleep your child should get? Read about it here.

The Best Plants for Hazy, Hot, Humid St. Louis

Did you return from vacation only to find your hanging baskets in dire need of some CPR? Don't fret; I have some suggestions for you!