The Rise of Pumpkin Spice

Real estate - now, pumpkin spice flavored! Not really, but it could be pumpkin spice scented via candles and air fresheners (though we don’t recommend it). Fall has become pumpkin spice season and these days it seems to be showing up in everything. With so many pumpkin spice options, we had to ask ourselves, how did pumpkin spice get so popular?

In 2004, coffee brand, Starbucks, premiered the pumpkin spice latte in their stores. That year, sales grew by 11%, much attributed to the new drink. It was so popular that they have continued to offer it every year since with earlier and earlier start dates. In fact, 2018 is the earliest that the pumpkin spice latte was made available, back on August 28. 

The pumpkin spice latte has become a hit around the world and is currently available in 50 countries. The pumpkin spice latte even has it’s own twitter channel. In 2014 @theRealPSL debuted on Twitter and now has 110,000 followers.

Starbucks didn’t even create the first pumpkin spice beverage. It had been offered for years at other small coffee shops. But their particular blend and marketing power definitely contributed to the pumpkin spice craze. Numerous other companies took notice and have attempted to harness the revenue-generating popularity of pumpkin spice as it has proliferated in consumer goods. Nielsen data shows pumpkin-flavored food, personal and household goods have gone up almost 80 percent since 2011 in pumpkin-flavored sales.

We can thank the spice company McCormick for making pumpkin spice its own singular spice. In 1934 McCormick offered the pumpkin spice blend as a shortcut to flavoring the pumpkin pie desserts that are ubiquitous with Thanksgiving. Funny thing is, pumpkin spice doesn’t even have pumpkin in it! 

According to BettyCrocker.com you can make your own pumpkin spice with:

• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground allspice
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cloves

When trends get this big, detractors and trend weary consumers soon follow. There are plenty of rants and memes by people who have grown to disdain pumpkin spice season. But the popularity of the flavor has grown to encompass many different brands, foods, beverages and other items.

For a list of pumpkin spice flavored items and where to find them in the St. Louis area CLICK HERE. 

Some of our pumpkin spice favorites include: Schlafly Pumpkin Ale, Panera Bread Pumpkin Muffins, and Dairy Queen Pumpkin Pie Blizzard. Some other pumpkin spice items we want to try: Williams Sonoma Pumpkin Spice Hand Soap, Kahlua Pumpkin Spice Liqueur, and Godiva Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles.

Happy pumpkin spice season! What pumpkin spice items will you try?

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The Boehmer Team serves St. Louis and St. Charles County, Missouri with a focus on residential real estate. Our members are experienced in new construction and buying and selling pre-existing homes. We can help you find a reputable mortgage loan officer, repairmen, or other real estate related services. Do you have a real estate questions? Contact us or visit www.TheBoehmerTeam.com.

 

St Charles County Fall Events 2018

As the weather cools and harvest begins, St. Charles County comes to life with fall festivals, exhibitions, historical events and haunted fun. Made up of Augusta, Cottleville, Dardenne Prairie, Flint Hill, Foristell, Lake St. Louis, New Melle, O'Fallon, Portage Des Sioux, St. Charles, St. Paul, St. Peters, Weldon Spring, Wentzville, and West Alton, there are plenty of communities, establishments and businesses with events to choose from. The Boehmer Team members live, work, and play in St. Charles County and really enjoy the area, especially in the fall. So we’ve put together a list of fall events specific to St Charles County, Mo for 2018.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS IN ST. CHARLES COUNTY

Centennial Farms Apple and Pumpkin Picking
Weekends Now through October
199 Jackson Street, Augusta, MO 63332
http://centennialfarms.biz
This is the 49th year of selling fruit and veggies on this farm that has been in operation for 197 years.  Pick your own apples or pumpkins and enjoy a “taste of history” along with seasonal fruit and good things made in the farm kitchen. Visit the market in the 160-year old timber framed barn, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

MOSAICS Fine Art Festival
September 14, 2018 - September 16, 2018
100 N. Main St., St. Charles, Mo
www.StCharlesMosaics.org
Several blocks of North Main Street in Historic St. Charles will play host at the 24th Annual MOSAICS Missouri Festival for the Arts on September 14-16, 2018. This free Arts Festival is a much anticipated fall event in historic St. Charles.

20th Anniversary St. Louis Renaissance Festival
Open Weekends September 15 – October 14, 2018
10am-6pm Rain or Shine
2577 W Meyer Rd, Foristell, MO 63348
www.stlrenfest.com
The 20th anniversary St. Louis Renaissance Festival will bring you the adventure, excitement, and spirit of the Renaissance. Watch Jousting Knights on thundering steeds. Roam the village shoppes for unique crafts as our artisans demonstrate period skills like blacksmithing and woodworking. Delight in comedy, music, magic, and more on our nine stages of non-stop entertainment! Feast on delicious food and drink from the far reaches of the globe, and interact with the colorful villagers, nobles, peasants and characters of ages past. Children will love the petting zoo, games, and daily free activities. Adults will enjoy beer, wine, and mead at our three thematic pubs.

Augusta Harvest Festival
September 21, 2018 - September 23, 2018
5577 Walnut St., Augusta, Mo
https://augusta-chamber.org/event/annual-harvest-festival/
Augusta: A Great Heritage – Explore a day in the life of a German Immigrant The Augusta Harvest Festival is held the third week in September and captures the rich heritage of past festivals held...

St. Charles Oktoberfest
September 28-30, 2018
Frontier Park, Saint Charles, MO
http://saintcharlesoktoberfest.com
Saint Charles Oktoberfest takes place in beautiful Frontier Park located off Riverside Drive in downtown Saint Charles between the Missouri River and the Historic Downtown District.
 

MICRO MACRO Art Exhibit
Through September 28, 2018
Foundry Centre Art, St. Charles, MO
http://www.foundryartcentre.org/micro-macro/
At this free exhibition, size matters.  This show will display two opposites: one half focusing on small works (micro) and the other half focusing on works larger than 48 inches (macro). 

Celebrate St. Peters Annual Community Festival
September 14 - September 15, 2018
370 Lakeside Park, Lakeside Park Drive off MO-370, St. Peters
https://www.stpetersmo.net/celebrate-st-peters-.aspx
A free two-day festival featuring live music and entertainment on three different stages, a carnival, vendors, kids’ activities, fireworks and more! Friday is Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan. Saturday is Night Ranger plus fireworks at 9pm.

OCTOBER EVENTS IN ST. CHARLES COUNTY

Daniels Farm and Greenhouse October Harvest
October 1 – 31
352 Jungermann Rd., Saint Peters, MO 63376
https://www.danielsfarmandgreenhouse.com/calenders/fall-october-harvest/
$6 will grant admission to Daniels Farm October Harvest going on throughout October. Admission includes: giant straw maze, petting zoo, unique fort maze, tube slides, pony swings, giant tire swings, corn boxes, picnic area, antique farm equipment and more.

Valley Farms Fall Festival
Weekends in October - Saturdays 9am – 2pm, Sundays 10am – 5pm
1125 Dietrich Rd, Foristell, MO. 63348
http://valleyfarms.us
Valley Farms fall events in October include live music, Valley Farms Wet Hop Octoberfest on Tap, food trucks, free minibarn hay maze and of course lots of pumpkins, gourds, mums, straw, concessions, and crafts. Come enjoy the hawk ridge hay ride, barrel train ride, Farm Land bounce house, pumpkin bowling, panning for gold and more. See the website for event-by-date details.

DUCKFEST - Annual Special Event
Saturday, October 6, 2018
Lakeside 370 Park, St. Peters, MO
https://duckfestmo.org
Duckfest is a free event that celebrates all things outdoors, with an emphasis on waterfowl hunting. The event includes live music, vendors, raffles, great food,  and drinks. There is an officially sanctioned Calling Contest that will host callers from across the region as they compete for spots in Stuttgart. Proceeds raised from Duckfest are donated to a local nonprofit that serves nearly 300 adults with developmental disabilities in the St. Louis area.

Pelican Days Festival
Saturday, October 13, 2018
The Audubon Center at Riverlands, 301 Riverlands Way, West Alton, MO
http://riverlands.audubon.org
This free event is one of the most anticipated events for local birders. The American White Pelican is one of our largest and most charismatic birds we see in the sanctuary. Their large wingspans and graceful flight paired with their strange beaks make them a very striking bird. This time of year these birds migrate through the Mississippi valley. Pelican Days will be a day of fun family-friendly activities all about Pelicans! 

Cottleville Firefighter's Haunted Trail presented by Mercy Kids
October 13th and 20th from 7:30-11:30pm
Behind Legacy Park in Cottleville MO
http://www.scarytrail.com
Cottleville Firefighters Outreach is a nonprofit with a mission to raise our community's educational and awareness levels of safety and health issues in hopes of preventing misfortune. They setup a haunted trail that ends near the former residence of Mollie Crenshaw, a well-known witch that lived in Cottleville over 100 years ago. CWS Rotary Club will have beer and other adult beverages for purchase for those 21 and over and there will be a movie and bonfires. Where shoes good for a gravel path and bring your lawn chairs and friends to enjoy a good time.

Food Trucks In The Park
Tuesday, October 16, 2018, 5-8pm
Frontier Park, 500 South Riverside Drive, Saint Charles, MO
http://www.stcharlesparks.com/programs/parks-holidayspecial-events/food-trucks/
Rev up your taste buds and enjoy tasting delectable foods from multiple food trucks. Enjoy live entertainment as you indulge in a variety of delicious food options.  The event is free other than the cost of food. It is recommended that you bring your own lawn chair or blanket.

Halloween Spirits From The Past – Annual Historical
Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, 6–10:30 p.m. Daniel Boone Home, 1868 Highway F, Defiance, MO
https://www.facebook.com/events/668356836864625/
Walk the lantern-lit paths and explore an early 1800’s pioneer village. Listen to murder ballads and tales of the 1800s and if you dare, hear the eerie Legend of Sleepy Hollow by renowned story teller Anne Williams. Limited tickets are available. Reservations are highly recommended. Pre-Registered Admission: $6; Children 4 and under are free and do not need to register; At-the-Door Admission: $10

Legends & Lanterns Annual Special Event
Saturday, October 20: 11 am - 6 pm; Sunday, October 21: Noon - 5 pm; Friday, October 26: 5 pm - 8 pm; Saturday, October 27: 11 am - 8 pm; Sunday, October 28: Noon - 5 pm
230 South Main Street, Saint Charles, MO
https://www.facebook.com/legendsandlanterns/
On the last two weekends in October the Historic Main Street in St. Charles will be invaded by a plethora of playful paranormal poltergeists from parts unknown. Finding its inspiration from the past, Legends & Lanterns offers the vintage charm of Halloween in the 1910s-1930s, to the historical rituals and customs brought to the holiday by the Druids and Victorians, to the ethereal atmosphere depicted in American ghost stories and Brothers Grimm fairy tales. As you explore every mysterious nook and cranny of Main Street, you’ll unearth various activities that will bring to “life” the back stories and origins of All Hallow’s Eve. It’s a little bit silly. It’s a little bit macabre. But it’s all fun. Free event.

Fort Zumwalt East High School Grad Night Craft Fair
Saturday, October 27, 2018
Fort Zumwalt East High School, 600 First Executive Avenue, St. Peters, MO
https://www.facebook.com/FortZumwaltEastCraftFair/
Get a jump on your holiday shopping with over 50 vendor and crafters. Awesome gift and craft items include: candles, quilts, jewelry, music boxes, pet items, purses, beauty & bath items, fashions, custom bears, holiday craft items and more. There will also be concession stands, vendor demonstrations, a bake sale, and raffles. This event benefits the Fort Zumwalt East High School Grad Night event for seniors.


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Don’t forget to share with your St. Charles County neighbors!
From all of us at The Boehmer Team, we hope you have a wonderful fall. If you have a St. Charles County event you would like to add, please email details to Kelly@TheBoehmerTeam.com. If moving is on your mind, please contact The Boehmer Team.

Preparing A Home To Sell

If you have a St. Louis or St. Charles County, Missouri area home to sell, you’re probably thinking of how to get the most value for your home. While the current sellers market is beneficial for home sellers looking to get the most from their home sale, there is more you can do to ensure your home brings top dollar. We’ve put together a list of things to do to improve the condition of your home so that it looks its best in pictures and brings the most interest and offers when your home is listed for sale.

Create A Plan

Imagine you are a homebuyer and walk through your home. Write down anything that needs cleaning, fixing or updating. Consider any items that need to be sold, donated or thrown away to make your home feel more spacious. Get advice from a REALTOR who can see your home with fresh eyes through the lens of experience.

Prepare The Home Exterior

The front exterior of your home and its curb appeal will be the first things potential homebuyers see. So you must make a good impression to elevate the value of the home in the eyes of homebuyers.

• Touch up the paint on the home's exterior, including trim, doors and shutters.
• Inspect the roof and make repairs as needed.
• Check that the gutters and downspouts are free of debris.
• Wash the windows.
• Repair any cracks in the driveway and sidewalks.
• Make sure the lawn is mowed and that landscaping and trees are trimmed.
• Remove any debris, clippings, toys, trash, or pet droppings from the yard.
• Check front door, doorbell, address number, welcome mat and mailbox.
• Add color with seasonal flowers or shrubs if time allows.

Prepare The Home Interior

Before we discuss to-do’s for particular spaces in a home, let’s look at items throughout the home that need to be addressed before it is put on the market.

• Completely clean your home or hire a home cleaning service.
• Stow away valuables in a safe place.
• Repair any cracks or holes in walls and clean any marks or touch-up the paint.
• Repair or replace any torn screens.
• Clean carpeting and draperies for best appearance and freshness. 
• Clean and inspect the fireplace and make any necessary repairs.
• Lubricate squeaky doors, windows, and cabinets.
• Replace any burned out light bulbs.
• Pre-pack and store extra items or out-of-season items like holiday décor and clothes.
• If the basement or attic is a functioning part of the house, make sure the area is clean and in good repair.

Prepare The Kitchen

The kitchen has become one of the most important rooms in the house. It is a place that homeowners spend a lot of time cooking and bonding with their family. So it is a place that homebuyers pay special attention to.

• Be sure cabinets, refrigerator, ceiling fans and vent hoods are wiped down and clean.
• Clear the counters of any appliances. If an appliance must remain, be sure it is clean.
• Make sure the floors are clean. . If the floor looks old and dull, consider replacing the flooring.
• Organize your cabinets because potential buyers will often open the doors. 
• Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink.

Prepare The Bathroom

Homebuyers will want to ensure any bathrooms in the home are in good working condition. Of course you’ll want to be sure that the bathrooms in your home are as clean as possible. You should also check the following.

• Replace old caulking around bathtub and sinks.
• Repair or replace any leaky faucets.
• Unclog and sanitize drains to remove odors.
• Keep the toilet seat lids closed.
• Keep fresh towels in the bathrooms at all times.

Prepare The Garage

If the home you are selling has a garage, you’ll want to prepare it to look its best for the home sale as well.

• Clean and organize items currently in the garage leaving room to store any additional items from inside the home.
• Any items stored in the garage from inside the home should be stored as neatly as possible.
• Remove any stains from the garage floor with degreasers found at your local home repair store.
• Remove any cobwebs from the ceiling of the garage and from around the doors.
• Make sure garage door openers and lights are working.

While you can’t control where your home is located, or the value of comparable properties your home will compete with when it is listed for sale, you can control the condition of your home. Using this list and talking to an experienced real estate agent like those on The Boehmer Team will ensure that you do everything possible to make the most from your home sale. Thinking of selling? Contact The Boehmer Team to make it a better experience. Still need more info? CLICK HERE to learn the Home Selling Process.

St. Charles County Holiday Events 2017

It’s the holiday season in St. Charles County, Missouri! There are so many festive events in and around St. Charles County that The Boehmer Team has put together a handy list for you in order of event start date. If we are missing any St. Charles County Christmas events, reach out to us and we'll get them added to this list.

10th Annual Treasure Chest Holiday Expo at the St. Charles Convention Center November 17, 18 and 19 
Looking for unique, often one-of-a-kind products, and fun party atmosphere? Check out the Treasure Chest Holiday Expo. They are continuing the great tradition of the Holiday Expo at the St. Charles Convention Center the week before Thanksgiving.  They'll have over 150 booths filled with one-of-a-kind arts, crafts, gourmet goodies, home decor, unique gift items, and more. Find just the right gift for everyone on your list this year. Free admission, free parking, raffles and door prizes through-out the weekend.

More information at https://www.treasurechestshows.com/
 

Christmas Traditions Festival: November 24 – December 24

This month-long festival celebrates the best traditions of the holiday season from the past in present day downtown St. Charles, Missouri. Enjoy harmonious carolers, unique historic characters and an abundance of shopping and dining opportunities. Walk along the decorated, brick-lined streets where you'll find something special for everyone.

More information at www.StCharlesChristmas.com 

O'Fallon Celebration of Lights: November 24 - December 30

Visit Fort Zumwalt Park for the annual Celebration of Lights holiday light display where local organizations, churches and businesses design and fund amazing individual lighted scenes. There are no reservations needed to drive through the exhibit. Check their website for admission fees (and the Tuesday night special rate).

More information at http://www.ofallon.mo.us/celebration-of-lights

Foundry Art Centre Holiday Events: November 26 - December 17

One of the St. Charles Christmas Traditions events includes Sundays with Santa at the Foundry Arts Centre. From 9-11am you can enter a winter wonderland of creativity, meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and Jack Frost and see Santa Claus! Make special holiday crafts to take home while listening to carols. A small continental breakfast is also available. ($15) More info at: http://www.foundryartcentre.org/sundays/

Bring your family & friends to enjoy Elf at the Foundry Art Centre. This FREE film includes a themed art activity. Concessions are available for purchase. More information at http://www.foundryartcentre.org/film-series-17-18/

The Meadows of Lake Saint Louis Mayor Tree Lighting Ceremony: December 1

Green Tree Elementary Choir will start the evening off with holiday songs. Delight in delicious chocolate chip cookies donated by Max & Erma’s. Purchase a cup of coffee, hot chocolate or other coffee/tea specialty drinks from 11 Bravo Coffee Company. Enjoy complimentary horse & carriage rides. And watch as Lake St. Louis Mayor Kathy Schweikert starts the official countdown to kick off the holidays with the lighting of the Lake St. Louis Christmas tree. Oh and Santa will be stopping by for a special visit with the kids. Free event. 6 to 8 p.m.

More information at http://themeadowsatlsl.com/events/annual-mayors-tree-lighting/

35th Annual Augusta Candlelight Christmas Walk: December 1 & 8

Experience more than a thousand luminaries lighting the historic town of August, Missouri at the 35th Annual Candlelight Christmas Walk. Catch a ride on a free antique trolley or join in the scavenger hunt. Shop boutiques and galleries for holiday gifts including hand-blown glass, paintings and jewelry. Enjoy food vendors, restaurants, wineries & brewery decked for the season and serving traditional holiday fare.

More information at http://www.augusta-chamber.org/events/event/31st-annual-christmas-walk/

Christmas Candlelight Tours: December 1, 2, 8 & 9

Thousands of candles illuminate a world on the edge of the frontier in the historic Daniel Boone Home & Boonefield Village in Defiance, Mo. Step back into the early 1800s to experience Christmas as it was celebrated in the past with stories, music and hot cider. Limited tickets are available. Reservations are highly recommended.

More information at https://www.discoverstcharles.com/event/christmas-candlelight-walk/1117/

Santa at the Old Town Log Cabin – St. Peters: December 2

Tell your kids to rehears their wish list to tell Santa for FREE at the Old Town Log Cabin in Old Town St. Peters. Hot chocolate, tasty treats and more holiday fun for the whole family. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture some great memories with St. Nick! Outdoor event so dress appropriately.

More information at https://www.stpetersmo.net/calendar-details.aspx?eid=1401

Santa's North Pole Dash and Children's Snowman Shuffle: December 2

Watch or join 3000 Santas in this fun fundraiser for the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce. Now in its seventh year and gaining popularity. Come join the fun in historic downtown St. Charles. Children's dash as well as 5k and 1 mile walk also can be enjoyed.
More information at: http://www.gstccc.com/santa-dash

Lindenwood Holiday Events: December 3 - 9

The Lindenwood band, orchestra and choirs present an evening of holiday inspired music. The event will take place at the Lindenwood University Cultural Center. Be sure to get your tickets ($5) to reserve your spot.  More info at: https://lindenwood.campuslabs.com/engage/event/1655233
A Christmas Carol will be showing at the Lindenwood Theater on December 7, 8 and 9. Viewing this performance is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit!
Find these Lindenwood events and more at: https://lindenwood.campuslabs.com/engage/events

The Gateway Ringers Holiday Concert: December 8

The Gateway Ringers are members of the Handbell Musicians of America. See their fantastic holiday concert at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 8945 Veterans Memorial Parkway in O'Fallon, Missouri on December 8th at 7:30pm.

More information at http://www.gatewayringers.org/

Winter Wonderland on Ice Show: December 8 & 9

Celebrate the holidays as the Rec-Plex North ice rink comes to life and turns into an enchanted Winter Wonderland on Ice. The best Rec-Plex solo skaters and synchronized skating teams will dazzle audiences with the beauty and skill of their original programs. Beloved holiday characters join in the festivities to make this a delightful event for the whole family.

More information at https://www.stpetersmo.net/calendar-details.aspx?eid=1469&m=12&d=8&y=2017

St Charles Municipal Band Holiday Concert: December 19

The Concert Band will be playing at Scheidegger Center. They will open the program at 7 PM with classic and contemporary holiday music. A visit from Santa Claus eis xpected.

More information at http://www.stcharlesband.com/event/holiday-concert-at-scheidegger-center/

So there you have it! Get out there and be merry this season. Every day is a gift to make the most of. Join our wonderful communities in St. Charles County and make memories to last a lifetime. And if you're looking for a home in St. Charles County this holiday season, put The Boehmer Team to work for you. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from The Boehmer Team!