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Mazda has some exciting new models in store for the 2019 year. Whether you're looking for a beautiful new SUV or a powerful sedan, the future of Mazda has something you'll love. Here are some of the new models featured in Mazda's 2019 lineup and what you can expect from them. 2019 CX-3 The updated 2019 Mazda CX-3 offers three trims: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. If you go with the base trim, you certainly won't be stuck with any basic features. The Sport trim comes with great perks like the Mazda Connect infotainment system, all-wheel drive, 16-inch alloy wheels, ambient temperature, and much more. Taking a step up to either the Touring or Grand Touring trim will add luxury perks like leather interior accents and seating options, additional technology features, and LED lighting. All trims are equipped with a 2.0-liter engine that creates 148 horsepower and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Mazda's vehicle dynamics system with G-vectoring control gives drivers peace of mind even in poor driving conditions. more 2019 CX-5 For those looking for a little more size and space, the 2019 CX-5 is a bigger version of the CX-3. This crossover SUV brings luxury and convenience together to create a high-quality vehicle. A step up to the CX-5 will also offer you two additional trim levels — the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims. Choose the Signature trim for some seriously amazing features like Nappa leather seating, an advanced keyless entry and remote start system, beautiful interior wood trim, and much more. A 2.5-liter engine comes with the top two trim levels and offers up to 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. A turbocharger works with the accelerator to provide seamless responsiveness and eliminate any lag. 20 19 CX-9 The 2019 CX-9 adds a third row, which is great for families and weekend adventurers alike. This is a great model for families who need space but still want the perks that come with a luxury vehicle. With both the second and third rows folded down, you'll enjoy 71.2 cubic-feet of cargo space. With a 3,500-pound towing capacity, you'll be able to bring your favorite oversized toys along for relaxing getaways. 2019 MX-5 Miata With three different trim levels, the 2019 MX-5 Miata offers drivers plenty of great options for their perfect fit. Whether you choose the Sport, Club, or Grand Touring trim, you'll get a powerful 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine that pumps out 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. This power is a serious upgrade from previous Miata models and it's well-handled with a lightweight SKYACTIV chassis designed to deliver a stable but exciting ride. You'll surely turn some heads in this new Miata with its sporty look inspired by the classic 1960 roadsters. Go with the newly available brown paint color for a smoky, unique look. Active safety features are available to keep you and your new 2019 MX-5 Miata well protected. Stop by Bommarito Mazda West County to see our wide range of new Mazda vehicles. Get out for some test drives and see which model is right for you. Image via Flickr by SoulRider.222 | CC BY-ND 2.0.

Car insurance information is important to keep updated. You never want to run into a situation where you need coverage, but inaccurate information causes issues. Here are five circumstances that would require you to update your car insurance details with your provider. When You Buy a New Car The most obvious situation for changing your car insurance policy is when you purchase a new car. Many drivers forget to do this, or they wait a while after the purchase to make the change. Your insurance should be updated before you even drive your new car off the dealership lot. Most car dealerships will help you with this step, but it's always a good idea to call your agent and double-check that your new vehicle is properly covered. New Licensed Driver in the Family Any time a new person starts driving your car, you'll want to update the insurance policy. Don't get caught up in the excitement of one of your kids passing their driver's test and forget to add them to your policy. You should even contact your insurance provider when your teenager gets their learners-permit. Having a young, new driver behind the wheel can change the price of your coverage, so you want to make sure you know what's changing. more Decreasing Value of the Car As you drive your car around, the value is constantly decreasing. Even if you take good care of your car, any added mileage will decrease its value. Regularly updating your insurance policy to match the current value of your car can save you money. Certain types of coverage additions aren't necessary for older cars, so you'll want to make sure you're not still paying for the same collision coverage you purchased eight years ago when your car was brand-new. Basically, you never want to pay to insure a more expensive vehicle than the one you actually drive. Change in Marital Status Whether you get married or get a divorce, the regular drivers for your vehicle will change. Newly married couples should make sure they both contact their car insurance carriers to add their new spouse to their coverage. You never want someone regularly behind the wheel who isn't insured with your policy. Some policies actually offer lower premiums to married couples, so you might also save money. In the event of a divorce, it's a good idea to remove your former spouse from your coverage. An added driver may have increased the price of your policy. Change in Home Ownership Homeowners can sometimes benefit from policy discounts, so if you buy a new house, make sure you alert your carrier. Some home insurance and car insurance policies can even be bundled together. If you move to a new house in a different location, your premiums might change based on where your new home is. Staying on top of your car insurance coverage is a great way to avoid any sticky situations in which you aren't properly covered. Don't get stuck without coverage or paying for more than you need, follow these tips for good practice. Image via Flickr by angrykarl | CC BY 2.0.

It's tough to figure out exactly how much car you can afford. You always want to be smart about budgeting for major purchases, which means spending only what you can realistically afford and being knowledgeable about financing options. Here are five tips for figuring out your budget for a new car. Know the Worth of Your Current Car There are many online resources for figuring out what your car is worth. Kelley Blue Book is a great place to research the value of your current car. Whether you decide to trade in your current vehicle for the new car you purchase at the dealership or sell it yourself, it's good to know what you can expect to get for it. Selling your car on your own can give you cash for a good down payment on your new car, which is always nice to have. Figure Out What Monthly Payment You Can Afford When deciding on your budget for a new car, you'll need to know what you can afford to pay monthly. You don't want to end up stuck with a regular monthly payment that you can't keep. Don't forget that this payment amount will include both the principal amount of the loan and your interest. There are three main factors to a car loan: the term length, down payment, and interest rate. Do some research to figure out what kinds of rates and terms are available before heading into the dealership. more Be Prepared for a Good Down Payment Whether you use some savings or the cash from selling your previous car, putting up some money for a good down payment will help lower your monthly cost and can sometimes lead to better interest rates. Ideally, you'll want to be able to put up at least 20 percent of the price of your new car. Understand Your Payment Timeline You might find a loan option that offers really low monthly payments, but be aware of its term length. A longer-term car loan may give you low payments, but it means that the bank will own your car until you've paid it off, and you'll be paying interest for that whole term. If you can afford a higher monthly payment, it's better to own the car faster and get away from having a monthly payment at all. Decide on a Price Range Understanding interest rates, loan terms, and monthly payments will lead you to decide on a realistic price range for your new car. No matter which type of car you want, you'll need to start looking in the right price brackets. Don't waste time shopping for a $60,000 luxury vehicle if you can only afford a $15,000 car. Be careful to keep in mind other costs like insurance coverage, registration, maintenance, and more as you figure out what you can afford. Once you've decided on the right budget for you, head to Bommarito Mazda West County to check out our great selection of new vehicles. Our staff will be happy to work with you on financing to get you behind the wheel of the car you want. Image via Flickr by free pictures of money | CC BY 2.0.

St. Louis is a wonderful place in the springtime. The weather is starting to warm up, and there are all kinds of things going on. Whether you want to get out with friends or you need to keep the kids busy, check out these can't-miss spring events in St. Louis, Missouri. Wizard World Comic Con From April 5 - April 7, the Annual Wizard World Comic Con will take place at America's Center in downtown St. Louis. The event runs from Friday afternoon until Sunday afternoon and celebrates everything comics. You can check out comics, graphic novels, TV shows, and gaming at this fun event. There will also be celebrities from moves and TV along with writers and artists. Gamers can watch or join in the gaming tournaments, and anyone can take part in the costume contest. General admission tickets are $49.99 per day or you can get a VIP package for $99.99. more Go! St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend Each April in downtown St. Louis, can take part in the Go! St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend. This family-friendly event features races for people of all ages and fitness levels, including a marathon, a half marathon, a 5K run/walk, and even children's fun runs. For 2019, the Go St. Louis Weekend will take place from April 5 - 7. Racers will get to enjoy St. Louis-themed food at the finish line, get race T-shirts, and take part in a post-race party with a local band. St. Louis Earth Day Festival Head to Forest Park in late April for the annual St. Louis Earth Day Festival. This event gives the community a chance to celebrate the Earth and learn all about the resources and products they can use to help the earth every day. There will be three different stages with entertainment, food from local restaurants, and over 200 different booths. The whole family can take part in this event with hands-on activities for all ages. Shakespeare Festival St. Louis Head to Forest Park in late May to watch Shakespeare under the stars. The main stage production is always fantastic, and each year brings something special. Guests can bring chairs and blankets for lawn seating and even bring a picnic for dinner. There is a caterer on sight if you want to get a box dinner. If you arrive early, you can see the traditional Green Show which starts the night off for even more entertainment. This early show includes dancers, jugglers, and musicians that interact with the audience to keep you entertained while you wait for the main performance. Laumeiers Annual Art Fair From May 10 - 12 the annual Art Fair will take place at Laumeier Sculptor Park. This event will feature live music, hands-on activities for the kids, food and drinks from local vendors, and over 150 juried artists from all across the country. Stroll through the exhibits showcasing work from many different media including ceramics, jewelry, painting, photography, and glass. Check out these St. Louis events happening this spring. Image via Flickr by TFDuesing | CC BY 2.0.

The 2019 Mazda Miata MX-5 RF is right for any driver who not only wants a convertible but also wants a quiet ride when the top is up. The RF or retractable fastback gives the Miata a sleeker look and blocks out more of the road noise than the soft top version. For 2019, the RF has an updated engine with some extra power, some added safety features, and the steering wheel will now telescope. Options The RF comes in two different trim levels. The Club comes with LED headlights, and if you choose the manual transmission, it has Bilstein dampers, the option for upgraded Brembo front brakes and BBS wheels. Bumping up to the Grand Touring model gets you adaptive headlights, and removes the performance features that come with the Club. If you want to add the performance features back, get the manual transmission and opt for the GT-S package which also comes with a black painted roof. more Performance The 2019 Miata MX-5 RF has an updated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that now gets 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque and will now rev up to 7,500 rpm. It comes with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. This roadster shines when you take it on twisting back roads, it is fun to drive, and it has a surprisingly comfortable suspension. It is also quieter than previous Miatas and most other convertibles. Technology The Miata has a 7-inch display screen for the infotainment system which comes with a console-mounted rotary control knob. It also has a nine-speaker Bose stereo system that includes speakers in the headrests so you can still hear the music when you put the top down. The Club comes with satellite radio, and both trims have two USB ports along with cruise control and audio buttons mounted on the steering wheel. It also comes with voice controls so you can place phone calls and choose your music without taking your hands off the wheel. Cabin The Club model comes with heated cloth seats, while the Grand Touring model will get you heated leather seats. This higher trim will also add a cloth-lined top, and automatic climate control. If you add the Brembo/BBS/Recaro package to the Club, it comes with heated Recaro bucket seats. New for 2019, both models now have a tilt and telescoping steering wheel. Safety Both the Club and the Grand Touring models come standard with a rearview camera. The Club trim offers the option for the i-ActiveSense package which adds lane departure warning and a forward collision warning system with low-speed automatic emergency braking, while these come standard with the Grand Touring model. You can also get a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert with the Grand Touring. The 2019 Mazda Miata RF is fun to look at and fun to drive. The bump up in horsepower adds to the fun, while the upgraded clutch and shifter make this an excellent choice for drivers who enjoy the feel of a manual. Image via mazdausa.com.

St. Louis has many unique and interesting museums. Each one has its own atmosphere and content with exhibits that range from all kinds of transportation to fine art and sports. With so many different museums offering a number of different displays, choosing where to visit can be a challenge. Here are some of the must-see St. Louis exhibits. City Museum City Museum in St. Louis was voted one of the best family attractions in the world. It is a 600,000 square-foot space filled with hands-on activities for kids. All the exhibits contain stuff from the city such as castles made from reclaimed stone, fire trucks, and church pipe organs. There are both indoor and outdoor exhibits and all kinds of things to do. The kids can pretend to fly a plane, sit by a fire, find treasures in a cave, and even see a show. more Missouri Civil War Museum The Missouri Civil War Museum on Worth Road allows visitors to explore Missouri's role in the Civil War. It contains artifacts and memorabilia from the war, and the famous Jefferson Barracks is still there and still in use. Some of the new exhibits include the "Hollywood and the Civil War" exhibit. This showcases some Civil War-themed films including costumes from "Gone with the Wind," "North and South," and "The Undefeated." The Jefferson Barracks exhibit includes a 10-minute film about the history of the barracks, and the display includes uniforms and equipment. Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum Baseball lovers should make sure to visit the Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum. There are artifacts here from not only some of the greatest Cardinals teams but also from the old St. Louis Browns team. You can see exhibits dedicated to some of the great baseball players including Dizzy Dean, Bob Gibson, Curt Flood, and even the Gas House Game teams from the 1930s. Make sure you check out the World Series rings before you leave, and you might even be able to try one on. The National Museum of Transportation The National Museum of Transportation is a fun stop for visitors both young and old. There are all kinds of exhibits including a toy train display and train ride for the kids. The rail and transit collection encompasses over 190 major exhibits including a Boston & Providence Railroad Passenger Coach from 1833, and a Providence Union Pacific, also known as a Big Boy. This was the largest successful steam locomotive ever built. The Earl C. Lindburg Automobile Center is also part of this museum with an automobile collection featuring rare and classic cars. This display is where you can see a 1901 automobile built by the St. Louis Motor Carriage Company and the only Chrysler turbine car on display. There is also a Bobby Darin Dream Car. This one-of-a-kind custom car is the work of Detroit clothing designer Andi Di Dia. Stop by these St. Louis museums to see unique exhibits that the whole family can enjoy. Image via Flickr by andresmh | CC BY-SA 2.0.

The Mazda CX-9 is a standout in the 3-row, 7-passenger crossover segment. The 2019 arrives with some changes including the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the Touring trim and higher. The Grand Touring model gets a new 7-inch configurable gauge cluster along with ventilated seats up front and a 360-degree surround-view camera. The Trim Levels The 2019 CX-9 comes in four different trim levels. The entry-level Sport comes with 18-inch wheels and LED headlights, while the Touring trim adds automatic headlights, a power litigate, and heated side door mirrors. Choosing the Grand Touring model gets you 20-inch wheels, LED fog lights, a sunroof, and it adds roof rails. The Signature model sits at the top of the lineup with LED accent lighting on the outside, and premium trim elements on the inside. more The Power All four of the CX-9 models come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This will generate 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque in most cases, but if you use premium fuel, it can get up to 250 horsepower. It comes with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive offered as an option in all the models. The Technology You'll get the latest technology in this newest CX-9. The base model has a 7-inch touch-screen display and two USB ports, while just a step up to the Touring adds an 8-inch touch screen, which is where you interact with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Grand Touring comes with a digital gauge cluster, navigation, and it has an upgraded 12-speaker Bose stereo system. All the models also come standard with Mazda Connect which includes voice commands, and it has Bluetooth along with an auxiliary input. The Comfortable Cabin The entry-level Sport comes with cloth seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel while just a bump up to the Touring adds heated front seats and leather along with power-adjustable front seats. The Grand Touring will get you retractable sunshades for the middle row, and it comes with ventilated front seats. This model also adds a heated steering wheel and heated second-row seats. Safety Features Mazda added some extra safety features for 2019. All models come standard with a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. The Touring adds automatic high beams, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with an upgraded automatic emergency braking system. Choose the Grand Turing to add a surround-view camera, both front and rear parking sensors, and a head-up display that can read some traffic signs. Utility The CX-9 can hold up to seven passengers in its three rows of seats. Behind the third row, you'll find just over 14 cubic feet of cargo space, and if you fold both the second and third row down, it opens up to over 71 cubic feet. The 2019 Mazda CX-9 is an excellent choice for growing families and for drivers who enjoy a midsize vehicle with a comfortable ride. Image via mazdausa.com.

There are plenty of places within easy reach of Ellisville where you can see our native animal species in the wild. You can also see more unusual or endangered animals at centers where the staff work hard to protect and, where possible, reintroduce them into their natural habitat. Here are four of the best locations to check out the wildlife. Castlewood State Park Less than five miles from Ellisville lies the Castlewood State Park, once a popular party resort for people escaping the city of St. Louis in the early 1900s. The park is now a natural haven of almost 2,000 acres, where you can follow the 26-miles of trails which take in the park's ridges and valleys and the banks of the Meramec River. The park is a great place for bird watching with 191 species recorded, including many waterfowl, vultures, hawks, kingfishers, great blue herons, wild turkeys, and bald eagles. You may also be fortunate enough to spot mink, river otters, beavers, skunks, and white-tailed deer, among others. more Lone Elk Park During WWII, this area was used for the storage and testing of ammunition. After the war, it became a county park and herds of bison and elk were established. However, during the Korean War, the park was taken back by the government and the herds were destroyed. A single bull elk survived and the park's name was later changed to Lone Elk Park. In the 1960s, the herds were re-established and still thrive. Designated as a wildlife management area, the park is home to elk, deer, bison, wild turkey and many bird species. The best time to see the herd animals is before 8 a.m. when the staff feeds them. World Bird Sanctuary Next door to Lone Elk Park is the World Bird Sanctuary set up in 305 acres of forest. The mission of the sanctuary is a combination of rescue, rehabilitation, research, and education. There are large enclosures for non-releasable birds, and you'll see bald eagles, peregrine falcons, red-tailed hawks, pelicans, a variety of owls, and more. Other animals at the sanctuary include snakes and bats. The sanctuary runs free family-friendly seasonal shows where you can meet some of the animals close up. Endangered Wolf Center Around 14 miles from Ellisville is one of St. Louis' best-kept secrets, the Endangered Wolf Center, which was set up more than 40 years ago. The dedicated staff at the nonprofit wildlife facility want to see a world in which endangered wolves can exist and thrive in their natural habitat. At the center, you'll find Mexican wolves, red wolves, and maned wolves, as well as other canid species, such as African painted dogs, swift foxes, and fennec foxes. You can symbolically adopt individual animals or an entire pack in return for membership of the Endangered Wolf Center and additional benefits. A visit to these parks and animal sanctuaries enables you to enjoy Missouri's native animals in their natural habitat and contribute to the conservation of endangered species. Image via Flickr by pasa47 | CC BY 2.0.

The 2018 Mazda3 is the manufacturer's most affordable new car, and there are plenty of reasons for having a closer look. It's a great looking car with nimble handling capabilities. Available in Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trim levels, it is available as a sedan or hatchback. You also get a choice of two engines. Here are four reasons not to underestimate the Mazda3. Performance The engine in Sport models is a 155 horsepower 2.0-liter 16-valve unit giving you 150 pound-feet of torque. You'll get up to 28 mpg in the city and an impressive 37 mpg on the highway. Higher spec models are powered by a sporty 2.5-liter 16-valve engine producing 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. With this engine, you'll be rewarded with 26 and 35 mpg for city and highway driving. A six-speed manual transmission is standard or there is an optional six-speed automatic. more Trim Levels Whichever Mazda3 model you choose, it will be well equipped. The Sport trim features 16-inch wheels, body-color door mirrors, daytime running lights (DRL), rear camera, cloth seating with 60/40 split folding rear seats, steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, remote keyless entry, and push-button start. The hatchback model is upgraded with alloy wheels, rear spoiler, and bright-tipped dual exhaust. The Touring trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights and wipers, and heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals. Inside, you'll find simulated leather upholstery with a six-way power driver's seat and heated front seats, leather steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. Many of the Touring features can be added to Sport models with the Preferred Equipment Package. The Grand Touring is the top-of-the-line and offers LED headlamps, DRL, taillights, and fog lights. The interior features perforated leather upholstery, an upgraded instrument panel with digital speedometer, and a glass power-sliding moonroof. A navigation system is available and paddle shifters are an option on Grand Touring models with automatic transmission. Technology All Mazda3 models have the Mazda Connect multimedia system with a multifunction commander control. It features a full-color 7-inch touch-screen display, Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, auxiliary and USB inputs, a 12-volt power outlet, and six-speaker audio with HD radio. With the Touring trim, you get infotainment voice command and integrated internet radio. Grand Touring adds a premium Bose nine-speaker surround sound system with satellite radio and a full-color active driver information display in the instrument cluster. Safety Features Standard safety features include side impact beams, front, side and overhead curtain air bags, traction control, electronic stability control, and forward collision warning with automatic low-speed braking. On the Touring and Grand Touring trims, you also get a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. Optional safety features include adaptive headlights with auto high beams, adaptive cruise control with high-speed automatic braking system, lane keep assist and lane departure alert, traffic sign reading system, and auto-dimming rear-view mirror. Not sure which Mazda3 model is for you? Come to Bommarito Mazda West County and we will get you taken care of! Image via Flickr by cardiffcarshopcollections | Public.

When you get the urge to eat out but you don't want to break the bank, Ellisville has a great choice of inexpensive restaurants. And cheap doesn't mean you have to settle for poor quality. Here are five of the best restaurants for dinner on a budget. Boardwalk Pizza This pizza restaurant gets consistently good reviews for the friendly owner and staff and the quality of the food. The menu isn't huge, but what they do, they do well. Appetizers include wings with a choice of four sauces, toasted ravioli, and Land Shark Pork Bites. The specialty pizzas are freshly made with hand-tossed dough and feature names like Shark Attack, Hurricane, and Big Kahuna. You can get $5.99 lunch specials with a three-topping pizza, calzone, sub, or wings, along with a side salad or chips and a 24-ounce fountain beverage. more Clancy's Irish Pub & Grill The friendly, family-run Clancy's on Old State Road prides themselves on being an established part of the community. It's a great place to meet with friends and have an ice-cold beer or a crafted cocktail. They offer casual dining with traditional American dishes and an Irish influence. The starters menu features a good choice, including a pile of fresh homemade Irish Chips for $5.99. Burgers start at $7.99, while you can get entrees like Nick's Kickin' Chicken for $9.49 or a fried shrimp dinner for $9.99. Watch out for the special $1 burger nights! Peppers Deli & BBQ Peppers Deli is an unassuming place that serves great food at low prices. It's counter service, but you can sit inside or, weather permitting, on the outdoor patio. They slow smoke meat over a hickory fire and the place always smells amazing. For extra flavor, they have their own line of sauces — not that they're needed. You can get freshly made salads and different gourmet homemade soups each day. From the barbecue, you can choose the chopped Angus brisket, which is smoked for 16 hours, pulled pork or chicken, or handmade burgers. Or you could opt for one of the unique combos, like the Garden Grinder, Screwy Schue, or Smokin' Gobbler. Asian House Restaurant The Asian House is a small, family-run business offering freshly prepared Chinese and Japanese cuisine. The pleasant, clean decor creates a lovely atmosphere. There is an excellent selection of sushi rolls, including signature rolls, the chef's specials, and nigiri sushi. The main menu has plenty of meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes to choose from. You can also get lunch specials ranging from $6.75 to $7.75. Yiro Gyro For a taste of Greece, Yiro Gyro hits the spot. The small menu features freshly made gyros, doner kebabs, meat and falafel combos, and veggie options, and the portions are generous. You can add some authentic Greek sauces to your meal. The Classic Gyro is $7.95 and the veggie version is $7.25. Whatever food takes your fancy, you can find a good quality, budget-priced restaurant in Ellisville, MO where you eat in, get takeout, or have it delivered. Image via Flickr by pizzamasetti | CC BY 2.0.

Driving on busy city streets or congested highways, especially during rush hour, can be a stressful experience. However, for some drivers, the roads become a battlefield. The slightest infringement of their space, intentional or not, will see them losing their temper and looking for revenge. Road rage is now all too common, so here are five tips for dealing with it. Drive Courteously None of us are perfect drivers and we all make mistakes. But you can strive to be a good driver. Treat other road users with respect — not just drivers, but pedestrians and cyclists also. Use your turn signals at intersections and before changing lanes. Make sure that any maneuver you plan to make is not going to impede anyone else. Don't use your horn unless it's really necessary, and never tailgate the driver in front. more Stay Calm You should always try to stay calm when you're driving. Planning your route in advance and allowing plenty of time for the journey will help to keep your stress levels down. Tune into your favorite radio station or put on a relaxing playlist. If you do get held up and you're running late, getting stressed, frustrated, or angry about it is not going to get you to your destination any quicker. Try to accept the situation for what it is, turn the music up, think nice thoughts, and, above all, stay calm. It's Nothing Personal If you become aware of someone near you driving aggressively, give them plenty of space and don't antagonize them. Don't let their negative actions drag you into some kind of dispute — it's not personal. When you're being aggressively tailgated, don't change your speed or make gestures at the driver. If you get the opportunity and it's safe to do so, change lanes or pull over to let them pass. Similarly, if someone tries to cut you off, let them. What's it going to cost you? Trying to block them will only cause conflict. Smile Sometimes, all it takes to diffuse a difficult situation is a smile and a wave. If you make a mistake and cut someone off and they start pounding their horn, hold your hands up, smile, and let them know that you're sorry. They will have made their point and should be satisfied with your apology. You never know, you might even get a smile in return. Safety First If a situation escalates and an aggressive driver gets out of their car and heads toward you, try to stay calm. Lock the doors, roll up the windows, and, if you feel threatened, call the police. In most cases, the aggressor will just yell a lot. If they start to follow you in their car, drive toward a police station or a crowded place with security cameras. Don't lead them to your home or work. These tips should help you to deal with or prevent road rage incidents. If you are involved in a confrontation, allow yourself time to calm down before driving. Image via Flickr by Patrick Feller | CC BY 2.0.

Winter is a great time to have fun in Missouri, especially if you're in the St. Louis area. In fact, there are quite a few excellent entertainment options within easy reach of the city of Ellisville. Here are just some of our favorites. Ice Skating Strap on your ice skates and hit the rink. Visit St. Louis's Kiener Plaza between Nov. 17, 2018, and Jan. 1, 2019, to participate in Winterfest. In addition to ice skating, this festival has a playground and hot chocolate. You can also drive just over half an hour to get to the city of Florissant, where you'll find the James J. Eagan Ice Rink. Enjoy a selection of tasty snacks from the concession stand before getting onto the ice. Of course, if it's just too cold to be outside — or not cold enough for real ice — there are plenty of indoor rinks in the area. more Skiing or Snowboarding Ice skating is a lot of fun, but sometimes you need to up the adrenaline factor. Skiing and snowboarding are an ideal way to get a more extreme winter thrill. We recommend visiting the Hidden Valley Ski Resort in Wildwood; it's only about 15 minutes from Ellisville and has about 30 acres of slopes to enjoy. While the snow is mostly machine-made, that'll be the last thing on your mind as you're careening downhill on skis, a snowboard, or even a snow tube. Tickets are about $50 for adults and $30 for children, with additional fees if you need to rent your equipment. Bird Watching Get back to basics by going out in nature and seeing the local wildlife. We're not talking about songbirds, either — the nearby towns of Alton and Grafton are home to one of the biggest bald eagle populations in the country. A bald eagle's nest can be as big as 5 feet in diameter and 4 feet deep, and you'll have the chance to watch the birds constructing their nests if you visit during the winter. This bird is much more than a symbol of America. It's also a fascinating predator with well-documented chick-rearing behavior. Don't miss your chance to see one in the wild. Try an Escape Room Even in the worst winter weather, you'll have a blast at an escape room. These are interactive experiences where you'll be locked in a room and given a set amount of time, usually an hour, to solve a series of clues and puzzles, advancing a storyline and allowing you to claim victory and “escape.” Multiple companies offer these games in our area. Breakout Games has rooms themed after a museum heist, kidnapping scenario, and erupting volcano. Mastermind Room Escape also has elaborately themed puzzles centered around favorite Christmas movies like "Home Alone" and "Elf," which ideal for the winter season. Don't let the winter blues get you down; there's so much to do in Ellisville that we'd be tempted to call it our favorite season. Start with one of these fun activities to get off on the right foot. Image via Flickr by oskarlin | CC BY-SA 2.0.