The Brick Bistro & Brew in Festus, MO
With Twin City days happening this last weekend, I wanted to highlight one of my favorite local restaurants, and how supporting our local people and
With Twin City days happening this last weekend, I wanted to highlight one of my favorite local restaurants, and how supporting our local people and
With a fresh new month and all this fresh back-to-school energy, most of us know how good it feels to have fresh new supplies as
Have you ever thought about being on stage or helping behind the stage? Is there an itty-bitty part of you craving a creative outlet? Perhaps
It’s back to school time for many. Regardless if you are active in a school, or not, you are likely familiar with this kind of
SHARE: Senior Care Solutions, privately owned and operated, provides temporary or long-term services to Elders in a setting that looks and feels like their own
Ohh the summer temperatures are elevating again in OurFESTUS area! To elevate your outdoor adventures and COOL off, OurFAMILY recommends an itty-bitty drive to De
The time that we have all been waiting for is here! The Contrarian Concert Hall & Theater on our charming and historic Festus Main Street
This last Saturday, our family had so much fun volunteering at the Back To The 80’s themed, family (and dog) friendly 5K run at Jefferson
If you are craving being outdoors to finally enjoy this gorgeous weather, the Grind Coffee Company in Crystal City, Missouri has got you covered! Literally,
As the weather warms up, we feel fresh and are able to incorporate aspects of freshness in our life by getting outside to explore. The
While this particular event has now passed, here were the details on what it was all about, who was involved, and why: The Hillsboro Chamber
While the informational meeting has passed, if you are still interested in learning more about this exciting new women’s group coming to Festus, please contact:
Hello! My name is Sara. I am the creator of MyFESTUS.com, a storyteller, and a big fan of living in Festus, Missouri. I help our
Throughout this sweet summer, as my children and I are exploring and experiencing all there is to love in OurFESTUS area, we have intentional conversations
SHARE: We are a non-profit organization in Hillsboro, Missouri, dedicated to helping young girls and teens to become confident and empowered young women through equine
I am beyond honored to be the recipient of the RE/MAX Best Choice Missouri Real Estate iCare Award. Thank you to this incredible team! Here
Camels and birds and sloths, Oh My! It is incredible to think that animal lovers of all ages can take a short, scenic 25-minute ride
SHARE: Animal Shelter and Adoption Services: We offer a safe, loving environment for nearly 1,400 dogs and cats each year, ensuring they find permanent, loving
SHARE: Our customers desire to decorate their homes with unique home decor and furniture. By sourcing items from several local artists and small American businesses,
I woke up feeling bright and blessed, and a bit buzzed, from the connections I felt yesterday, on July 13th, 2024. My 13-year-old daughter and
“Four Brothers Mead produces a Viking Era Honeywine (Mead) created by four Veterans from Missouri.” They recently hosted their 3rd Annual Pirate Party on July 13th. People
SHARE: Granite Pros has a personal approach for your next project. We specialize in granite & quartz countertops for kitchens, baths, outdoor grills, fireplaces –
Sometimes we feel stuck in situations that feel heavy. Whether we feel like our legs are trudging through quicksand, or we have bulky bricks on
SHARE: We are a local lawn and landscape service that does a bit of everything, from mowing lawns, to full landscape design and installation! We
Ooh La La… Just saying those itty-bitty words and letting the luxurious sounds roll off your tongue create a fancy feeling of love and exquisite
SHARE: We offer self-storage options for people or businesses who need a place to store their items. This industry is centered around people who are
When the weather is glorious, eating outside adds an element of delight for our senses to experience. Different sounds, air, temperature and energy can enhance
The Jefferson County Firefighters Association Presents the Thirtieth Annual Jeffco Fire Engine Rally on Saturday, September 28, 2024 APPARATUS PARADE at 9:00 AM + FESTIVITIES from
Some combinations just make life better when they are blended together: Vanilla Oreos + Sour Patch Kids (my kiddos are obsessed!) Will Farrell + John
Save the Date! You are invited to a Women Empowering Women – BUSINESS WOMEN’S GROUP OF JEFFERSON COUNTY on: ~ October 24, 2024 ~ **
✨Are you someone who likes to be “in-the-know” and included? ✨Do you love hearing insider-information first? ✨Do you become energized when you are around other
This summer, many people are looking for outdoor adventures, particularly with their teens, while they still have summers together. If this sounds like you and
June 11th, 2024 marked the 9th Anniversary Tuesday Night Ride (TNR). Per local leader and one of the original Tuesday Night Ridge founders, Andy Held,
With the 9th Anniversary of the Tuesday Night Ride event, and many more fun upcoming events, I wanted to shine the light on someone you
Recently Main & Mill Brewing Company declared on their Facebook Page: “Coming soon to a patio near you! We will have live music on our
My pampered pet princess, Evita, recently had her annual vet exam with Dr. Early. The ever-so-sweet and charming veterinarian proudly proclaimed that he will be
On 5/27/24, the team at Savannah’s Coffee Corral posted on social media: “Hello! I just want to update everyone about Savannah’s Coffee Corral – we have
My son’s fourth grade school year is coming to an end. This chapter of his life reminds me of my sweet summer memories as a
✨I am proud to be a member of the Jefferson County Growth Association!✨ This organization aligns with my mission and belief that we can ALL
Given the Mother’s Day holiday, SOOO many upcoming celebrations, and the START of the new season of the Herculaneum Farmer’s Market, I wanted to highlight
I am continually impressed by courageous leaders who continue to step up, show up, and give back for the greater good of our community. Andres,
Earlier this week, I posted about the Unbelievable Mystical Magic in The Mine at Bonne Terre. Reminiscing about this day brought me back to where
The word champion has multiple definitions. One can be a champion within their own identity, to persevere with strength and power. Someone can also be
Regardless if you are new to living in an area (like me), or new to a role, or position, or identity, you likely know that
NEW OWNERS FOR TANGLEFOOT CREAMERY ANNOUNCED! Yeeeaaaahhhh! How exciting that this business will continue on! May OurFESTUS-area community support these courageous and creative folks. Follow them
Y’all know I love to be in OurFESTUS. Occasionally, I travel outside of our awesome community and take a quick, 15 mile trip north to
Why choose one flavor of ice cream when you have full permission to choose FOUR flavors!?! That’s right…ice cream flights (among other amazing drinks, food,
My daughter is now a teenager. We are all learning how to navigate these unchartered waters. If you are in the same boat with teenagers,
I was sad to read the following Facebook post from Twin City Car Wash on March 30, 2024: “We are very sorry to have to
LaChance Vineyards is THE destination in DeSoto, Missouri to relax, unwind, and fall in love with your life, and serenity. I believe in creating a
We ask young children, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” We encourage youthful minds to dream about their future self and
If you are staying in the Festus/Crystal City, Missouri area for Spring Break, but craving some Mexican vibes, this is an itty-bitty, non-paid invitation for
Do you set annual or monthly “themes” goals? Do you have a word or a concept that you focus on for a period of time?
Congratulations to the Waites Financial Services team on their recent relocation. They shared on Waites Financial Services: “We are excited to announce that 1552 Natchez Dr.,
As the sun shines and you feel the seasons shift, you can also feel a shift within your soul. It’s like, as the air freshens
When I am with my children in the car, or as we are eating together, we often inquire and talk about our “favorites.” It is
Growing up in a small, rural, agricultural community in Southwest Wisconsin in the 80’s and 90’s, our local weekly newspaper was our primary source of
Brenden’s Friday Backpacks is an impressive local non-profit organization. The creation, implementation, and mission is the epitome of an itty-bitty idea making a real big
Creating a culture is much like creating a story. A culture is a collaborative collection of thoughts, ideas, personalities, talents, and specialties that move a
February Family Fun at Cactus Pete’s Family Fun Center: February in Festus, Missouri is far different than February in Wisconsin, where I grew up. Here
✨This MyFESTUS website has been up and running for over a year now.✨ ✨Whoo hoo!✨ While there are even more stories about sharing, connecting, and
Within your busy, bustling schedule, do you leave space for serendipity? Do you leave margin for mini miracles to unfold within your day? Doing so
Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day, or not, there is one lovely local establishment that is filled with love. Within a historic and charming building on
Meet Ryan Sommerfeld, Owner/Designer of Groovy Web Pages + the Technical Talent behind MyFESTUS.com (oh, and Sara’s big brother): Ryan also started working within our
Appliances are kind of like our minds and bodies. We use them, sometimes abuse them, and take them for granted…that is, until they stop working.
My seventh grade daughter, Audrey, recently attended an entertaining teen karaoke night at the newly-opened, The Green Room, on our charming and historic Festus Main
Having choices is an astounding thing. When you have the ability to make a choice, it creates feelings of hope, revitalization, power, creativity, courage, and
I love small businesses. I really love when small businesses are creative. I really, really love when small businesses collaborate with one another. I really,
At the end of 2023, I shined the light on an incredibly talented local Music Therapist, Anne Gegg, with True North Music, sharing pictures of where we
Regardless if you create New Year’s resolutions, or just have intentions to shift your thoughts and/or behaviors, leaning into a local library can help you
Alignment of two seemingly opposite facets of life can create astonishing results. As we are engrained with traditional logic and instant facts, it can be
Food + Environment + Energy = Recipe for a Craving When we have developed a relationship where the above trifecta is nourished, a craving is
Happy Holidays From MyFAMILY and MyFESTUS to You and Yours! Audrey, Sara, Evita & Dayton in 2023. Photo by Honey & The Bee Photography. Wishing
A Brilliant Business: Boxed In Escape Rooms: MTV…the “Music” television network influenced the lives of at least three generations of teenagers and young adults. Most
Regardless of what roles you are responsible for in your life, all of us can relate with the need to create a feeling of balance
I originally published this piece on Rob in March of 2023. One year after meeting Rob, I am still connected with him. I am so
I love staying connected by exchanging Christmas cards. There is something charming and exhilarating about this old-fashioned way to stay in touch. Reconnecting in this
Within this busy, bustling moments of our lives, I invite you to take a break from reality and treat yourself to the magic of the
There is a difference in mindset when we are doing something for the short term versus the long term. It is kind of like the
Anyone who has worked with others knows and feels the difference between working with someone who manages a group of people, versus someone who leads
Somehow, someway, the world always delivers. When we think about it, even when we are in a moment of scarcity, something always, miraculously works out.
An owl is a symbol of wisdom and grace. When one winks at you, it is truly a sign of good things to come. There
Did you ride a bike as a kid? I did! When I reminisce about my childhood memories on my bike, I instantly smile and feel
I love to dine in and explore restaurants within our local community. I love to make it A THING… to experience all they have to
Puzzle pieces are unique shapes, valuable in their own right, but even more valuable when they are connected to collectively create a piece of art.
🎃😁🧡Happy Halloween from 1988! This is 4-year old me, loving my carved pumpkin, rocking my “Dog the Bounty Hunter” mullet next to my older brother,
Traditions are nourishing, comforting, and can even be transformative. Traditions are certain rituals and connections within a moment of time. They provide memories to fondly
Embracing a “beginner’s mind” is available to all of us. It means internally showing up as a student, ready to learn and participate. It requires
Sometimes we are so driven and distracted by what we “should” do – to feel or be a certain “something,” we stray away from our
I am continually fascinated by the talents, and impressed by the kindness of others. Recently, Jessica, owner of Rural Cute Creations made my daughter and
We all have partners in our life. Whether they are within our personal or professional realm, we partner with others who share similar beliefs, perspectives,
Transition into fall by treating yourself to a festive treat at The Corner Cup Micro Bakery. I had the privilege of sharing coffee over conversation
We have all charged through trauma. We all heal and recover from different things, at different times of our life. Some of us are living
✨MyFESTUS.com is now on ✨LinkedIn✨ www.linkedin.com/company/myfestus-com Please find me & follow me. This is just another itty-bitty way I can share, connect & support our
Throughout the 2023 year, I have been intentional with how I spend my time, actively connecting with both residents and establishments within the Festus area,
While living in Wisconsin and Minnesota, I always loved the consistency and convenience of Panera Bread restaurants. It was not until I moved to Missouri
The impressive thing about humanity is how varied each of us are within our skills, talents, abilities, and personality types. All humans are created differently.
The Historic Tanglefoot Association is a group of people who care about the Festus and Crystal City community. It is not just for business owners.
This is the prime time of year when many are planning fall family photoshoots for holiday cards and gifts. The coordination of all that is
There is power in sharing, connecting and supporting each other to enhance so many aspects of our life. 💪🏼 By sharing and uniting to celebrate our itty-bitty
After experiencing the loss of someone we love, the grief often makes us want to tighten, curl up and hide away. Sometimes we want to
Time is our most valuable and least renewable resource. Identifying how we spend our time, as it relates to our real priorities, helps to put
✨What a thoughtful and beautiful recap of the August 24, 2023 Historic Tanglefoot Association meeting. The meaningful words written below align with the collective energy felt
☝️🍣 🍱 Sweet and savory sushi at Kasabi Japanese Steak, Sushi & Ramen …followed by… ✌️🎶🍹A chill acoustic set by Elliot Pearson [@thepassinglanestl], accompanied by
Everyone has a need to be seen and heard. All of us. At every age. As school is approaching, it is easy to feel invisible
“Therapy is expensive. Get a haircut instead! We’re great listeners.” This was the saying on the chalkboard at the doorway of Vivian James American Beauty,
When a child grows up in an underprivileged home, where money is not abundant, and they lose both their parents at a young age, this
Iguanas are a reptile creature known for their ability to adapt in environments. While the Mexican restaurant named Iguanas Mexican Grill in Crystal City, MO
A few weeks ago, I was fortunate to learn more about the nonprofit organization: Champ Assistance Dogs when their Director of Education, Jacqui Zancanta, spoke
I was born in 1984. That was the same year that President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the month of July as National Ice Cream month. While
Hello! My name is Sara and I am the Content Director & Creator of MyFESTUS.com. I am on a MISSION to shine the light on
Food, and how we nourish our body, is a starting point for so much more. When we can be real about what we need for
When someone has a bird’s-eye view, they have a perspective of observing people and places from a higher place, from a widened scope to see
L.E. may stand for the initials of Lisa Ellison, who owns the DYI ceramic paint studio in Crystal City; however, after spending time within her
Travel. What comes up within you when you hear that word? Excitement? Stress? Curiosity? Hope? Travel, and the experience of travel, can have different meanings
I originally wrote about the Festus, MO Pine Mountain Country Coffee House & Mercantile location in February, 2023 (see below). Now, I would like to
Some words, phrases and concepts just speak to me. I was originally invited to attend a Twin City Area Optimist Club meeting to learn more
Before I moved to Missouri in 2018, I spent the prior year visiting the Festus area every month to learn and explore. One of the
Imagine you are an itty-bitty mouse. You pick your demeanor…are you a sweet, sassy or snarky little creature? Feisty or shy? You are a working
Over the last couple years, I have learned that people receive IV treatments outside of the hospital, outside of dire medical requirements. It was a
With school being out, there is a liberating energy that only summertime brings. A hankering to be sassy, spontaneous, risky, daring and adventurous! As you
I write a lot about creating a balanced life. I love to learn and share tools, techniques, concepts, hacks and ideas to benefit many layers
We are worthy of feeling balance in our life. We do not have to be miserable and sick and tired all the time. Balance is
Do you ever notice how things around our home speak to us? Books are asking to be read. Shelves are requesting to be dusted. Our
I love my kids AND I love time away from them on a rare date night. Jason and I recently enjoyed a date night/dinner out
Tuesday is a good day for eating Thai food. Who am I kidding? EVERYDAY is a good day for Thai food! There are so many
I met and wrote about Lauren earlier this year. With this season warming up to be busier, many of us more active. Learning about convenient,
Last night we did not plan to go out to eat. We had the oven preheating with full intentions of dining in; however, after what
The weather can affect our moods and energy. On gloomy, rainy days, we may not feel as energetic and creative as we do on sunny,
There seems to be a communal obsession and adoration for the restaurant Main & Mill Brewing Company, located at (you guessed it), the corner of
My parents still tease me about my incessant talking as a child. I lovingly accept and honor the fact that I can be authentically long-winded
Some locally, family-owned and operated restaurants provide multiple reasons for wanting to visit them. Frankie Gianino’s, located just ten minutes north of Festus, is one
With your personality, do you identify as someone who knows what you want and need? Or, do you find yourself more curious and open to
When a locally owned business opens a second location, you know they must be doing something right! While On the Grind Coffee Company (OTG) (also
I believe in supporting our local small businesses. I believe in our brave entrepreneurs and all they represent in our community. I am also aware
Most couples getting to know each other in the early, exploration phase of their relationship ask the question, “What are your favorite foods?” When my
Spring is a distinctive time of renewal. It is a period when we observe a pure representation of the Earth, and our souls, encouraging a
I often refer to Pogolino’s as “POG’s” for short. I love a meaningful and memorable acronym. If I could put POG’s into one, I would
Despite moving into our Festus, MO neighborhood in the summer of 2020, we are just now meeting and getting to know some of our neighbors.
Our community is so fortunate to have such excellent, entertaining establishments! So many smiles at my daughter’s friends’ 12-year-old birthday party with sweet treats at
Everyone needs music in their life. Music transcends us, allowing us to access a wide range of emotions. Everyone also needs a musician in their
When I was a little girl, I had a colorful jewelry box with an itty-bitty silver crank on the back. When you would wind up
Some people coordinate all the behind-the-scenes details to make life seamless and easier for others. In an imaginary world, we would clone these people to
At 5:45 PM on a Saturday night, it was a total gamble if our party of 13 could get a single, large table for dinner
Anna Mayer with Revival INK has recently elevated her business to a new level by opening up a new space in a new location, on the
Yesterday was my daughter’s 12th birthday! She chose a birthday dinner from the Herculaneum Dairy Queen (DQ) on our way to her dance class last
Last night, my children and I had a blast bonding over an entertaining and sweet cookie decorating class. Conveniently held in the historic Heuby E.
Despite my cleaning and disinfecting efforts, I feel like living with young children is similar to living in a cesspool of germs and we are
Taytro’s Bar and Bistro is truly a triple threat for one’s dining experience as they offer: – Tasty, scrumptious food and delectable drinks – Tremendous,
Proudly CONNECTING PEOPLE and CREATING COMMUNITY One Story At A Time.
