When Annie Seal’s daughter was 15, she was diagnosed with an eating disorder. After intensive, comprehensive treatment, she has fully recovered, and is now a junior in college. But there is not always a happy ending for those with this complex illness. For 20 percent of them, it’s a fatal disease, Seal says.

With spring weather finally upon us, kids and adults alike are anxious to experience the great outdoors. Lucky for us, St. Louis abounds with family-friendly ways to enjoy natural beauty.

You voted, we listened! Ladue News readers know what they like; and with this year's Platinum List, you've made your voices heard. This list compiles the best of St. Louis. 

Patty and Tim Ivey and their two children, Lucas, 13, and Emma, 11, have enjoyed living in Ballwin for nine years. Wally, a mixed breed dog adopted from St. Louis County Animal Control, and Cosmo, a guinea pig adopted from Petco, also are part of the family. Patty, originally from Edwardsville, Ill., works at Rodgers Townsend;, and Tim, a Clayton native, is part of Wells Fargo Advisors. Patty told us more about what she and her family like about living in Ballwin.

Katie Marie Corey and Daniel Robert DiLeo

James Beard award-winning chef MICHAEL MINA will be in St. Louis soon to host St. Louis Community College's (STLCC) annual benefit dinner, ‘Falling In Love...in Five Courses.’ The event will be held Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Four Seasons downtown, and will also feature the talents of the hotel's executive chef FABRIZIO SCHENARDI and CASEY SHILLER, executive pastry chef at STLCC culinary program, as well as some of the program's students. The cost is $295 per ticket, with proceeds going to benefit students and programs at STLCC. For info, call 539-5358.

Proceeds from the Ladue News Show House will go to four St. Louis nonprofits: Angels’ Arms, Animal Protective Association of Missouri, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center and Shakespeare Festival St. Louis. Dozens of volunteers from the nonprofits, as well as the National Charity League’s St. Louis Chapter, have donated their time to help prep the home and will serve as docents during the tour. “They will really help bring to life the vision of the designer for each room,” says volunteer chair Lisa Malone.

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis has named MELISSA LEE as its new executive chef. Lee has been with the company since 2004. She replaces chef AZHAR MOHAMMAD, who is now at The Ritz-Carlton in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Clayton favorite Oceano Bistro has debuted another location at 16125 Chesterfield Parkway West in Chesterfield, while the space at 2001 Park Ave. that once housed Arcelia’s is now the home of Laredo on Lafayette Square, which is serving up both classic Mexican and Mexican-fusion cuisine.

As the economy continues to reveal signs of recovery, some local entrepreneurs have decided that now is the time to grow and expand their businesses. We’ve spoken to three business owners whose hard work and determination are paying off.

SATURDAY, MAY 12

Jeffrey and Conna Battram of Ballwin are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Lauren Elizabeth Battram, to Wheeler Rand Compton, son of Robert and Catherine Compton of Kirkwood.

Shannan Sue Swiney and Kevin Christopher Kellogg were married Sept. 9 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in a ceremony officiated by the Rev. Gerard Garrigan. A reception followed at The Franklin Room where guests enjoyed a cocktail hour, dinner, dancing and a late night snack of Lion’s Choice.

Ronald and Ann Kozminske of Chesterfield are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Kristen Nicole Kozminske, to Ryan O’Donnell Muck, son of Lawrence Muck of Kansas City, Mo., and Judith Sabbert of St. Joseph, Mo.

You wake up exhausted and struggle to stay awake throughout the day. Your loud snoring often keeps your spouse up all night, and sometimes you wake up gasping for air. These symptoms are often indicative of sleep apnea, a potentially life-threatening disorder that affects more than 18 million Americans. “Some studies say that it affects 20 percent of the population, but less than 1 percent has been diagnosed,” says Dr. Kevin Postol. “Without treatment, you have seven years taken off your life and higher risk for heart attack, stroke and diabetes.”

The Trowbridge family has lived in Ballwin for 18 years. Robert is originally from University City, while Lisa hails from Chicago. Lisa says the best thing about the area is its convenience to all the activities that her four children participate in. And between Taylor, 18; Courtney, 16; Matthew, 14; and Kate, 11, that’s a lot of activities!

Catherine Morgan GARDINER