Home + Design

Anatomy of a Man Cave

Unearth your ultimate man cave with function and design by Permanent Coating Solutions Article by Emily McKeever | Photography by Maria Claire Photography Everyone has heard the term man cave, but what started in the late 20th century with a couple of average joes, Bob and Stanley, sitting in an unfinished basement on an old ratty couch under a couple of neon beer signs has evolved into so much more. Throughout history, men have searched for spaces to retreat to for male conversation and...

May 2024

Food + Beverage

Ale’s Well that Ends Well

Local craft beer companies that are brewed with boldness and poured to perfection Article by Alison Lee It’s no secret that craft beer companies are thriving. They’re more than just a place to drink beer. They're a destination. They feature local artisans, food trucks, game nights, and live music. They release seasonal brews, offer innovative flavor combinations, and often source local ingredients. If you’re a craft beer enthusiast, you’re probably no stranger to the breweries in our...

May 2024

Life + Culture

From Basketball to Business

The journey of friendship, success, and hoops at Edward Jones Article by Emily McKeever | Photography by Maria Claire Photography In 2012, Ryan Pederson began his career with Edward Jones in Waconia, a city that, at the time, was new to both him and his new wife, Jamie. He started by walking door-to-door, introducing himself and the services he offered to community members. Now, in 2024, his business has grown significantly thanks to his diligence, passion, and commitment to his clients. With...

May 2024

Life + Culture

Life Minded

Father's Day Article by Jen Fortner Flipping the calendar to June always makes me think about the end of the school year. Graduations, tournament games and final performances, big tests and me releasing my useless grip on micromanaging kid homework, closing out of one rhythm and beginning a summer rhythm. And somewhere in the middle of all that, our household needs to jam in a meaningful Father’s Day.   It’s not easy.  If I put myself in my husband’s shoes and imagine an ideal day from his...

May 2024

Life + Culture

What's New in Waconia

Out with neck ties, in with self-care. Help Dad get a little TLC this Father’s Day with these local picks Article by Emily McKeever He’s strong. He’s sweet. He’s protective. If you’re lucky, the dad in your life is a perfect combination of these and so much more. And this guy. He just  knows  things. Sometimes, it’s exactly what you need (can we get an amen for all the car genius dads out there?), and sometimes, it’s a random fact coming entirely out of left field. Did you know that the...

May 2024

Life + Culture

Life Minded

Sisterhood of the Traveling Plans Article by Jen Fortner In my experience, traveling with children isn’t relaxing. If you have very young children now and cling to the hope that it will be so much better in five years when you don’t have to remember sippy cups, packets of squeezable applesauce, and extra clothes to tote around…you are lying to yourself. Those items get replaced with trendy water bottles, a giant tumbleweed of charging cords, and extra clothes to tote around. I’ve been carrying...

April 2024

Life + Culture

Lessons from Leaders

Gain insight into the words of wisdom these local trailblazers would give to their younger selves Article by Emily McKeever | Photography by Maria Claire Photography If you’re looking for a bit of inspirational wisdom this season by way of advice from exceptional leading women who empower, impact, and elevate, you don’t have to look very far. If you call Waconia home, you’re well aware, but if you’re new here, welcome and allow us to introduce you to just a sampling of the fuel that propels...

April 2024

Life + Culture

Gifts from the Heart

A guide to heartfelt Mother’s Day gifts for every mom Article by Emily McKeever They say it’s the thought that counts, and that’s true… for the most part. Gifts that acknowledge what truly moves a person go a long way as well. This year, put extra thought into Mom for Mother’s Day, you know, like she’s done for you for a million years, by buying her a gift that aligns with her passions and interests. Not all moms are created equal, so why would your gift be? There’s the outdoorsy mom, the...

April 2024

Shopping

She Means Business

How local women entrepreneurs cultivate a landscape of leadership together Article by Emily McKeever We live in a vibrant community of promising youth, hard-working families, and strong local business owners; all of whom contribute to elevating our little corner of the world to its full potential. This successful combination of elements makes Waconia just that, successful. They also make it strong and mutually supportive, creating ample space for all who contribute. One of those spaces that’s...

April 2024

Local Services

Hitting Like a Girl

Why Dr. Jessica Radtke Maltez decided to step into the ring Article by Lutie Ronglien | Photography by Graham Payne Miller “You run like a girl.”  “You hit like a girl.” Remember when that was said as an insult? Today, Dr. Jessica Radtke Maltez would say, “Thank you.”  She’s been running and hitting for years, and she’s proud of it.  Jessica, owner of Victoria Veterinary Hospital, is a multifaceted woman. She is not only a busy veterinarian, business owner, mother, and wife but also...

April 2024