MAY

The common wisdom is that people who love their work are those who find the most success. Here, we feature three women who prove that common wisdom right: By following their dreams, each built a business that has seen more success than most of us would dare to dream for. As John Updike once said, “The refusal to rest content—the willingness to risk excess on behalf of one’s obsessions—is what distinguishes artists from entertainers and what makes some artists adventurers on behalf of us all.”

Well, it’s another dry week at the cineplex. So if you were hotly anticipating my review of the Evil Dead remake or Jurassic Park 3D I’m sorry to disappoint. Nevertheless, if you insist on getting out of the sunshine and hunkering down in a murky movie theater here are your options:

Across

April

Across

CITY ACADEMY received a $1 million gift from the Crawford Taylor Foundation for endowment. The gift supports the school’s efforts to offer an expanded Early Childhood Program. With the help of this grant, plans to expand to a total of 175 students by 2014 are in place. Pictured: D’Niya Ammons, Chantell Johnson and Chontell Johnson of City Academy's new Early Childhood Program.

March

DATE AND LOCATION CHANGED, CATERER ADDED FOR INAUGURAL ST. LOUIS THEATER CIRCLE AWARDS

Aerodynamics seems to be shaping most cars these days. And for sedans and coupes, that means a sharply raked rear window, which, in turn, translates to a relatively small trunk opening, making it hard to insert and remove large objects. An easy solution to this problem is the hatchback. Long popular in Europe, this extremely functional body style is under-appreciated here in the U.S.

I’ve had a lot on my plate this week—not because there is more work to do at the office, or that my social calendar is busier than usual. Rather, I’ve been cramming to get ready for one of my favorite nights of the year: Oscar night. If you feast on films as much as I do, and appreciate the magic that goes into movie-making, there is no better way to celebrate the art than to enjoy the ride that is the Academy Awards.

Through Thursday 14

January

The year 2012 was tumultuous in many respects, so perhaps fittingly Wicked is the title of the production that brings down the curtain on the last 12 months. A record drought plagued the St. Louis area, temperatures sweltered in an elongated summer and the area’s economy staggered toward a slow but steady recovery. All of this took place in the face of impending doom predicted centuries ago by the Mayan calendar.

We’re all familiar with the Norman Rockwell version of Thanksgiving dinners: grandma with the turkey, grandpa ready to carve, smiling faces, and children sitting expectantly—family bliss immortalized. I’m certain that all of your holiday celebrations are exactly like that, right? On the outside chance that you’ve experienced otherwise, here are a few tips for dealing with the stress that sometimes accompanies this time of year.

I’m not going to lie to you: We are in for a strange month of movies. December is typically peppered with Oscar favorites and holiday family fun, but this year is anything but usual.

November

Saturday 3

Saturday 6

The Peabody Opera House is celebrating the first anniversary of its reopening with an exciting new season of Tony-winning Broadway shows, Grammy-winning pop artists and live comedy. Ladue News recently spoke with John Urban, Peabody’s executive VP of events and new business, about the eclectic lineup.

What better way to raise money for a worthy cause than a night out with the girls? That’s what Chris and Scott Homan have done for three years running with Ladies Night Out, a gathering they host annually in their Ladue home.

Back-to-school time can quickly become a blur of paperwork piling up in the house and leaves mounting in the yard. These tips can get your home and lawn in top shape for fall.

Saturday 8

Grammy Award-winning musicians, Tony Award-winning theater and never-before-seen art will highlight St. Louis’ fall season. Here’s a first look: