Home Sweet Home Productions

homesweethomeproductions.com

It is time to do some work on our old house. 

Well, it is always time to do work on this house, 

but it takes a while to save the money to do it.

Save we have and the work has begun.

 We take it one side at a time and this time it's the east wall.

When it comes to remodeling there is one extremely significant player: 

the general contractor.

Let me introduce you to Mr. Mark Bisig,

owner of Home Sweet Home Productions, 

our friend and one of the finest men I've ever known.

 Choosing a contractor is not a place to cut corners. 

 With the cost of wood and materials, mistakes are very expensive, so finding someone with experience whom you can trust is essential.

 A few wrong cuts can cost hundreds of dollars.

And if the contractor isn't trustworthy, these errors can easily be hidden to cost you more or create huge problems in the future when the unreliable contractor is long gone.  

Believe me the horror stories are frightening.

Once again we find this truism of shopping locally and small: 

it is about developing relationships,

 knowing each other well enough to trust and respect one another.

A part of this is understanding the need for these folks to make a living wage.

  An independent contractor has no insurance-retirement benefit package, no paid vacation, no paid lunch hour and break. 

They are responsible for the purchase of van, tools, uniform, office equipment and space. They handle all marketing, paper work, customer service issues AND know how to fix or build most anything. 

Oh, and I haven't even mentioned keeping up with the ever changing government regulations that dog their every step. 

A quick example: next week during a contractor's busiest season, it is necessary for Mr. Bisig to take two "vacation" days (unpaid, of course) to drive to Chicago (all expenses are his, of course).  While in Chicago he will attend classes to keep him apprised of the changed government regulations since he attended the class last year.  Things such as: the $700 vacuum we required you to buy last year is no longer safe enough, so you'll need to buy this new $800 machine, or if you would rather not spend every penny you earned this last week,  we will need to fine you $10,000 dollars.

So if their hourly rate seems high, these are good things to remember.

 On the other hand, you are trusting your home to this person, so it is essential to protect yourself by doing your homework and finding someone who is both capable and honorable.  Once you've found this person, appreciate them....for they are rare. 

And don't worry if the bill is a little higher; what you save by avoiding problems later is definitely worth it.

 You might take a few minutes to visit Mark's website posted at the top of this page. 

 There is a great story about him that will introduce him better than I ever could.

Whether you need remodeling work or not, it is just nice to know there are people like 

Mr. Bisig in the world.

Mark offers a fringe benefit that is hard to beat...my personal favorite.

Since our sons have been big enough to hold a plastic hammer they have been along side Mark, learning the many things he has to teach them: 

how to drive a nail, 

how to treat customers fairly,

how to paint a wall, 

how to work long and hard to fulfill a commitment, 

how to hang a ceiling,

 and most of all the knowledge that honesty is a basic human virtue

 and if it is missing not much else matters.

Michael's Bar &Grill

314-644-2240

Helen had her Annie,

Plato his Socrates,

Arthur had Merlin,

Jack, the "Old Knock,"

and we have Mr. Martel.

Mr. Martel is a teacher. He lives with his books and loves them; reads them, grapples with them, they become a part of his being and with that knowledge, he challenges us with the great thoughts of the centuries.

He cares about his students truly, and yearns to instill in them a passion for learning and thinking.  Not every student recognizes the value of such a teacher and when they have a bad day, their 'whatever' attitude can be quite discouraging.

Today was such day for Mr. Martel.

What to do for a disheartened teacher and

 dear friend?

Take him out to eat for some quiet time to talk and listen...

at a locally owned restaurant, of course.

Michael's was just the place, only a few blocks away.

Whether you are in the mood for Greek-

hummus and pita,

a gyro,

my favorite spanakopita or

good ol' American comfort food 

all can be enjoyed at Michael's. 

And on this perfect autumn evening at Michael's patio we did savor every bite of delicious food and every moment of conversation.

I don't know a whole lot about Michael's Bar and Grill, except it has been there a really long time and is always really good.

I've also learned it was originated by John Shaffer's father-in-law and is managed now by John's wife (you know John, from the Maplewood Mattress company, remember?)

Michael's has achieved neighborhood restaurant perfection. Whether you need a quiet patio and rathskellar for visiting, or a vivacious bar for gathering with friends, the food is always great and the price is reasonable.

I think I really must go back to do more research, just to be able to tell you more about this neighborhood favorite.

Cotton Babies

www.cottonbabies.com

www.bumgenius.com

My neice, Johnna and her husband, Andy are expecting a baby.  With such a reason to celebrate, a party was planned!  

Johnna's friend, Sarah, invited our far flung family for a day of festivity.  From Texas, Arkansas, Illinois, Colorado, and Missouri we all gathered in Nashville to share stories, good food, 

our love,

 and gifts for little Mariam Grace who will be joining us in November.

 With so many of us living in different places Johnna registered with a national chain, a practical solution....but not very local.

What was I to do? 

First of all, I would have to be a bit daring.

Well, not *that* daring, but buying something not on the official registry is a risk, 

I know that.

 Was I prepared for the possible shame of choosing something no one liked?

 I had a little talk with myself, bolstered my confidence, and said, "OK, I can do this! I can boldly step forth and buy an unsanctioned gift for a baby."

Once convinced the rest is just fun.

I decided to check out Cotton Babies. 

The origin of Cotton Babies is a great story in the lore of St. Louis entrepreneurship.  Of course, disposable has become the diaper of choice. However, about 9 years ago an innovative young mother preferred cotton for her baby's behind, but she soon recognized a need to improve the age old diapering routine.  A routine that probably hasn't changed since Walter Hunt invented the safety pin in 1849. 

So this mother, Jennifer Labit, decided to make a better cloth diaper.  She started in her small St. Louis home with an idea, a sewing machine, and $100 of inventory in a little green crate. Today this simple idea has grown to become quite a successful business.

These diapers aren't just diapers they are part of a whole diapering system,

making cloth diapers more economical and as simple to use as paper! 

So much so, many young mothers are recognizing the wisdom of the cloth alternative.

They come with their babies to relax and learn in this cozy, comfortable space.

The folks at Cotton Babies are available to answer all sorts of questions about diapering, breastfeeding, and babies in general. 

But back to Johnna, although she isn't using cloth diapers, I knew the store was filled with all manner of other practical and fun things for babies:

vibrant clothes,

with cute patterns,

vivid colors,

polka dots,

and stripes 

 all made of softest cotton.

But not just clothes,

 a few excellent, award winning toys are abundant, but not overwhelming in number.

(I know it's a little soon for a backpack but are these the cutest bags or what?!)

What to choose for Johnna and Andy's little Mariam?

After having a really good time shopping, these colorful blocks won my vote.

At Cotton Babies you will find great service, everything a baby could possibly need,
and the real bonus,

you'll probably see some adorable babies.

So if there is baby in your life, go pick out something at Cotton Babies, or register for lots of somethings at Cotton Babies and swaddle your little one in wondrous cotton softness.

.

Nick and Elena's Tonight

phone: 314-427-6566

The Cabin Fever Band will be playing

at Nick and Elena's Pizzeria tonight (6:30-9:30).

Pizza,

salad,

good music, no smoking 

and great company.  You should come on down!

It will be a mighty fine time.

Bradburn's Parent Teacher Store

www.bradburnspts.com                                           

                  Make new friends but keep the old,

                        one is silver the other gold.

For those of you who have been following Isabel's progress, her recovery continues to astound us!  Improvement has been a wonder to behold as she works diligently through the weeks of rehabilitation.

Our friend Anne Z, who is an occupational therapist, recommended a game which can be as simple or as strategic as one likes. It sounded like a perfect activity for people of all ages and one that will be fun for Isabel now and as she gets better.

 I placed a quick call to Bradburn's Parent Teacher Store.  The game is called Goblet and yes, they had it.You may remember reading about this versatile store a few months ago when I was seeking to find some office supplies. 

A short drive to Bradburn's and Goblet was in my hand to take to the Rehab Center for an evening of fun play.  

On the way to Bradburn's Parent Teacher Store I thought of the childhood song about old friends and new, silver and gold. It is great delight finding new locally owned businesses and meeting the people who make them possible.  But equally satisfying is having reason to go back again and again for their great service and products.  

Euclid Records

www.euclidrecords.com

We haven't been watching many movies at home lately.  With our discovery of the Hi-Pointe Theatre, 

we've remembered the old-style fun of actually going to a motion picture show

with people to share the experience...and real popcorn.

However, tonight Nona and Sarah were coming to our house and we were in the mood for a classic flick.  Since there are no locally owned places to rent a movie, I had wondered what to do when struck by the inevitable yearning for a pizza and movie at home. I wasn't sure how to arrange this cozy night.

.

Well, if I can't rent a movie I could buy one.

This is a sign I've driven by many times.  Records...hmm...they might have DVDs also.

I decided to check it out.

First impressions mean a lot, I love old doors and this was a beautiful door!

 I felt a nostalgic kinship with the thousands of people who have gone in and out of these doors during the last eighty years...all the joys, the sorrows, challenges and longings;  the palms that have grasped these brass handles...old and young, weak and strong, full of hope and full of despair.

OK, I'll admit I'm being a bit dramatic but still...

isn't it a great door? Don't you want to go to 601 Lockwood in Webster Groves, open it and step inside?!

Once inside, you may need some guidance.  I was somewhat overwhelmed by the countless items of visual and aural entertainment. 

 Right away, though, two very nice gentlemen offered to help, Jim and Steve.

Yes, they do have DVDs, neatly and alphabetically arranged in this flip through bin.  

Within 20 minutes I had a stack of 20 small, flat, plastic, rectangular boxes to choose from. Some were $5.00, some were $12.00, most were $8.00.  Some I put back, some I bought to save for gifts, and one I bought for tonight.

A reminiscently good time was had by all.

  St. Louisans will recognize Euclid as a name associated with the Central West End.  

So why is it in Webster Groves?

About 30 years ago a record store on Euclid Av. was owned by Vintage Vinyl, another independently owned St. Louis record store. It was sold to Joe Schwab in 1980 and became Euclid Records. Since then it has had a few locations.  For the last 7 years it has been in the Desoto building on Lockwood in Webster. Neil, helpful manager he is, told me  originally this art-deco style building was a Desoto car dealership.  Desoto manufactured cars from 1928 to 1961. 

From decade to decade, this is what you would have seen in this building:

1930s

1940s

1950s and

Cool!  

But back to today. 

This solid old building now houses Cyrano's Restaurant, Dynamic Personal Fitness, and 

Euclid Records.

Remember those two guys, Steve and Jim, who helped me learn my way around?  They said they've never worked for a more dedicated, hard-working owner than Joe Schwab. In fact, he was down in the basement working while they managed the store upstairs.  They also mentioned, with a smile, that Joe has an outstanding ability to hire very qualified help. 

Oh, and Mr. Schwab loves music and his job.  So how many LP records are in the store?

I read he estimates half a million. Wow!

All in all, I love this new way of getting a movie for home watching. From now on this is what I will  do. For $7.00 we had a quiet evening at home with friends and family *and* supported a locally owned St. Louis business.

Another advantage over renting: If we love the movie, we have a copy to add to our collection of favorites.  If the movie isn't one we want to keep, Ted, another helpful clerk, says I can take it back to Euclid Records and trade it for cash or credit toward the purchase of another item.

What a deal!!!