The Ingram's Lifestyle

Welcome to the Ingram’s Lifestyle section, where this month our editorial team
will present informative and exciting articles featuring up-scale outdoor living
trends, innovative ways to relax and unwind, as well as an assortment of topics
geared toward the finer things in life.

With the advent of spring, attention turns to the great outdoors—whether for relaxation, recreation or renovation projects that enhance your lifestyle. In this month’s feature article Outdoor Living, Jamie Jo Thaemert discusses up-scale outdoor living spaces, one of the hottest trends in backyard entertaining. With amenities that include high-end
cook tops, dishwashers, refrigerators and pizza ovens, these new “outdoor kitchens” are turning the typical family barbeque into far more than hot dogs on the grill.

For those seeking an active approach to relaxation, Dale Garrison, a self-proclaimed biking guru, uncovers one of Missouri’s hidden jewels in Recreation and Entertainment. As the premier location in Missouri for biking and hiking enthusiasts, The Katy Trail offers a wealth of beauty and amenities, such as B&Bs and other trail services. Additionally, in our Health and Wellness section, Garrison examines an exercise option for busy executives. With the help of personal trainers and “training suites”, many advantages can be found in training studios, where distractions are minimal, equipment is accessible, and the workout is time-efficient. Spring can also remind us to be kind to our surroundings, and as environmentally conscious consumers, business professionals can choose to make a statement towards “green-living”. With the variety of hybrid and energysaving vehicles available today, Thaemert introduces the new luxury hybrids available by manufacturers such as Cadillac and Lexus, as well as the Smart Car by Mercedes-Benz. Going “green” doesn’t always offer the same level of luxury but the options are growing.

Margaret Cashill reports on a variety of spring activities in Arts and Culture, where opportunities abound for our philanthropic-minded readers to support charities that intersect with the arts. And finally in our Wining and Dining article, Chris Becicka searches for—and finds—a corporate cozy spot in the heart of Westport.