Wellness

Cool Treats for Hot Dogs

Local veterinarian suggests the best summer dog treats and ones to avoid Article by Terry Schuster When summer temperatures soar, many families look for ways to keep their kids and dogs cool. While slurping that popsicle is a fun way for the kids to unwind and cool off, sharing it with your dog can be dangerous for furry friends. Dr. Kate Self Ludwig, associate veterinarian at Brookfield Veterinary Wellness and Urgent Care (and owner of three dogs), offers healthy treat suggestions and...

Arts + Culture

Award-Winning Imagination

Brookfield Academy Scholastic Art winners take pride in creative expression Article by Terry Schuster | Photography by Provided Many people see cardboard as something destined for the recycling bin. But for one talented student, cardboard became the foundation for a national award-winning work of art.  Omotola (Tola) Oladeji, who in May graduated from Brookfield Academy, won a Scholastic Art national award this past spring for her cardboard sculpture, “Smile” and was invited to Carnegie Hall...

Life + Culture

From Flooring to Farm Life

Matt Werner balances business ownership, family life, and a thriving hobby farm. Article by Erin Treder | Photography by Abbie Miller Matt Werner has always been drawn to home construction and improvement, so when the opportunity to own Floor Coverings International came his way in 2010, he was eager to take it. “I always had a vision for running a home improvement business,” Werner says. While attending the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, he operated a CollegePro Painters business...

Travel

How to Travel With Kids

A seasoned traveling parent shares tips for smoother family adventures Article by Jillian Gibas, founder, JLJ Travel | Photography by Provided   Nonstop flights are your best friend. More flights mean more waiting for takeoff, more waiting to deplane after landing, and more opportunities for delays and cancellations. If possible, start the trip-planning process by narrowing destinations with nonstop flight options. You don't need to bring as much as you think. Unless you're traveling to...

Education

The Future Starts Here

Elmbrook's LAUNCH program connects high school students with real-world career experiences and industry professionals Article by Erin Treder | Photography by Provided What if high school students could gain real-world experience before they even graduate? That's exactly the vision behind LAUNCH, an innovative program within the Elmbrook School District that is redefining what education can look like. LAUNCH is a program for high school juniors and seniors in the Elmbrook and Wauwatosa School...

Local Services

Designing a Backyard Paradise

Swimming Pool Services creates custom pools and luxury outdoor living Article by Erin Treder | Photography by Abbie Miller Imagine a backyard retreat designed around the way your family relaxes, entertains, and spends time together. Along with a custom pool, it might include a lounge and gathering space, fire features, or even an outdoor kitchen—creating a private getaway just steps from home. Bringing those visions to life from start to finish is what Swimming Pool Services specializes in. ...

Beauty

A Smarter Way to Sun

Summer skin care advice from Skiin Anti-Aging Lounge owner Chris Zajdel Article by Erin Treder What is the most common skin concern you see after summer? The main one we see is pigmentation caused by sun exposure. Changes in seasons can also affect skin oil production so many people may experience increased dryness as they transition in and out of the summer months. What are your favorite simple ways to keep skin looking refreshed during summer? You should always protect your skin with an...

Life + Culture

Rooted In History

How one Brookfield family is preserving the legacy of Bradee Farm Article by Terry Schuster | Photography by Abbie Miller Brandon Tschacher was living the city life as a busy executive. Although he and his wife, Samantha, both had roots in rural Wisconsin, the couple had spent the previous seven or eight years living in downtown Milwaukee. On a whim, Samantha asked if he wanted to tour a farmhouse that was for sale in Brookfield. She teased him about not being able to “make it” in the...

Home + Design

The Buzz About Bees

Why bees matter more than you think—and how to help Article by Terry Schuster The next time you pop an almond into your mouth or bite into a crisp apple, take a moment to thank a bee. While some people fear them or dismiss them as pests, bees are among the most essential contributors to our food system. “If they aren’t around, we simply don’t have food,” says Charlie Koenen, a beekeeper, advocate and president of the Milwaukee Waukesha Beekeepers Association in Brookfield. In fact, he is...

Sports + Recreation

Driven Beyond the Course

Wisco Carts are built for everyday adventures Article by Erin Treder | Photography by Abbie Miller What began as a nights-and-weekends hobby—buying and refurbishing golf carts—has grown into a full-fledged golf cart dealership for George DeGraffenreid and his  brother-in-law, Dan Sweeney. Today, the pair is celebrating more than five years in business. Wisco Carts, with two locations in Wisconsin: one in Muskego and another in Milton, offers everything a golf cart owner could want, including...