Eye Opener

Back to school means earlier mornings, though not necessarily earlier bedtimes (yeah mom, we know, we know). The way we see it, you've got two choices: Hit the hay before Real Housewives, or hide under-eye circles with a smoky eye. MAC cosmetics’ Leopard Luxe eye kit has warm coppery and caramel shades for your lids and a smoky dark black to line your eyes
... so people will notice you and not your circles.

Sauce pick: MAC’s eye kits for fall
Where to find it: Available at any Macy’s, Nordstrom or MAC retail store
Info: maccosmetics.com

Williams-Sonoma Has the Technique

And you will, too, once you take one (or more) of the cooking store's classes in September. Want to make risotto like a pro? Show up Sept. 12. Need to prepare for a winter of indoor grilling? That’s Sept. 19. Fall baking is just around the corner and our inner urge is stirring. Indulge that baking urge on Sept. 26. Classes are free, run about an hour and focus on seasonal foods and entertaining. Hmm, free classes means we can pick up a new pie tin, or maybe a cookbook, or a new roasting pan ...

Sauce pick: Technique Classes
Where to get it: Times vary, please call for details. Williams-Sonoma, Plaza Frontenac, Frontenac, 314.567.9211; Chesterfield Mall, Chesterfield, 636.536.4370.
Price: Free
Info: williams-sonoma.com

Weekend Planner

Giggle
What: Barnyard Olympics
Why: Bring on the chicken plop bingo.
When: Sat., Sept. 4 to Mon., Sept. 6 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Eckert's Country Store and Farm, 951 S. Greenmount Road, Belleville
Cost: Free
Info: 618.233.0513 or eckerts.com

Listen
What: Big Muddy Blues Festival
Why: Both local faves and national acts demand our presence.
When: Sat. and Sun., Sept. 4 and 5 – 1 to 11 p.m.
Where: Laclede's Landing, St. Louis
Cost: Free
Info: lacledeslanding.com

Play and learn
What: Japanese Festival
Why: Tea ceremonies, a little anime, and sumo to boot.
When: Sat. and Sun., Sept. 4 and 5 – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Mon., Sept. 6 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis
Cost: $15 adults, $10 seniors, $5 members and children ages 3 to 12 (free for members’ children)
Info: 314.577.9400 or mobot.org

Spectate
What: Gateway Cup
Why: Explore St. Louis neighborhoods as athletes whiz by.
When and Where: Fri., Sept. 3 – Lafayette Square; Sat., Sept. 4 – St. Louis Hills; Sun., Sept. 5 – The Hill; Mon., Sept. 6 – Benton Park (Visit gatewaycup.com for specific times and routes.)
Cost: Free for spectators
Info: gatewaycup.com

Watch
What: Stages St. Louis presents State Fair
Why: The Iowa State Fair travels to Kirkwood.
When: Sat., Sept. 3 – 8 p.m., Sat., Sept. 4 – 4 and 8 p.m., Sun., Sept. 5 – 2 and 7:30 p.m. (The show runs through Oct. 3.)
Where: Robert G. Reim Theatre, Kirkwood Community Center, 111 S. Geyer Road, Kirkwood
Cost: $49 for adults, $46 for seniors, $28 for children
Info: 314.821.2407 or stagesstlouis.org