Need Last-Minute Valentine's Day Gift Ideas Around Ballwin and Ellisville?

For those looking for a little-something to add to a Valentine's Day gift package, or still seeking "something," following are a few creative suggestions that are available from a variety of West St. Louis County retailers.

(For instant news updates follow Patch on Facebook and Twitter.) If anyone is still scrambling for clever and/or practical Valentine's Day gift ideas, the following local merchants likely are eager to help. Call ahead to confirm supplies before making a quick dart to any retailer over lunch hour! And simply use the hyperlinks provided to go to the Patch directory listings for quick directions. A variety of name-brand vases, pink fuzzy socks, perfumes, after-shave fragrances, tights, chevron desk accessories and other personal items can be pursued at area Tuesday Morning locations—all at 50 percent to 80 percent off retail prices:  For shoppers looking for children-related Valentine's Day gifts, Tuesday Morning stores have quite a selection…

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Mike K

7:33 am on Friday, February 15, 2013

At least now we'll know where there might be good sales of excess inventory due to poor execution of their advertising strategy.   more ›

It's an Entrée For a Kiss at Ballwin's Qdoba on Valentine's Day

One smooch is all a second entrée will cost you on Thursday.

Qdoba Mexican Grill® is again, this Feb. 14, offering two-for-one entrées for lovers, or at least, for kissers. Customers at Qdoba restaurants across the country, and here in West County, get free food on Thursday, if they don't mind a little PDA. The Qdoba on Manchester Road in Ballwin is participating in the free food for a kiss promotion. The first entrées is the regular price, and the second entrée of equal or lesser value, is yours for the price of a kiss. No coupon is needed, and they say it doesn't matter who you kiss. What are you doing for Valentine's Day? Tell us by clicking on the "comments" button below.

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Health & Fitness

Ballwin and Ellisville's Guide to a Healthy Valentine's Day

Health & Fitness Columnist Dawn Runge gives some local tips on how to keep your expressions of love from turning into love handles.

Whether you've recently sworn off unhealthy foods or perhaps still have a sweet tooth, Valentine's Day may seem like an affront to your senses, second only to Halloween. You may have steered clear of the 3-tiered boxes of chocolates and mounds of cupcakes at office parties. Still, here are a few reminders on what to avoid while still being able to enjoy good food and company. 1. Organic doesn't mean healthy. While it may be free of pesticides, the chocolate, cream, and flour in the cake has just the same amount of saturated fat as its conventional counterpart. Don't take "organic" as a license to down a whole cake. 2. Think quality, not quantity. Americans are trained to think, "bigger is better". Instead spend a little more for artisan …

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Ballwin's Walter Knoll Florist Back-in-Business After Fire

As one of the year's busiest holidays for his business approaches, store owner Walter Knoll is optimistic about the year ahead.

The sign on the front of the store at Walter Knoll Florist in Ballwin is still partially damaged, though thankfully for the store’s namesake and owner, that may be the only remnant of last year’s damage. A fire occurred on Nov. 22 after a fluorescent sign inside the store overheated and sparked a flame on the surrounding flower arrangements. A passer-by alerted 9/11, which prevented the fire from consuming the store. However, owner Walter Knoll said the smoke and soot made the store inoperable. “Florist do about one third of business between Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Knoll said. “The family got together and decided to rebuild the store from scratch as soon as possible.” And they did. The walls, tiles and furniture were replaced, as the …

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PatchCast: 'Crazy Chemo Lady' Keeps Everyone Smiling

Also meet Missouri's newest Assistant Principal of the Year and get tips on last minute Valentine's Day gifts.

Kirkwood Pledges 20 Trees to Sunset Hills Post-Tornado The Kirkwood mayor and two urban forestry commissioners return a favor. From Sunset Hills-Crestwood Patch. 'Crazy Chemo Lady' Keeps Everyone Smiling Jodi Allen dresses up in costumes and cheers up herself and other cancer patients. From Chesterfield Patch. Bierbaum Assistant Principal Selected for State Award Jeremy Booker, currently in his second year at Bierbaum Elementary, was selected as an Assistant Principal of the Year by the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals. From Mehlville Patch. Patch Picks: Five Last Minute Valentine's Day Picks Make your sweetheart swoon with these quick, easy ideas from Maplewood-Brentwood Patch.

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