Health + Wellness

Unlocking Longevity

Did you know that regular sauna use can slash your risk of heart disease by up to 66%? Or that a quick dip in a cold plunge could reduce inflammation and boost your mental resilience, helping you live longer? These aren’t just wellness trends—they’re science-backed therapies that can enhance your health and longevity. At Optimum Health in Inver Grove Heights, MN, we’ve brought these transformative treatments together in one state-of-the-art, private wellness center.In this blog post, we’ll dive...

Professional Services

Breaking Barriers: Women Lifting Women Higher

How Two Women Are Changing the Networking Scene in Minnesota Article by Ann Schreiber | Photography by Nicole Engstrom Creating Community, One Conversation at a Time For years, Lisa Carmichael felt like something was missing. Despite living in the Eagan area for over three decades, she found herself searching for local connections in her field. As a fractional CMO and founder of lisarcarmichael.com, she wanted to get deeper into local SEO but couldn’t find others nearby who shared her...

Life + Culture

Breaking Barriers & Building Success

Sama Ali-Berchem balances family, business, and creativity leading Portkey SEO Solutions. Article by Ann Schreiber | Photography by Nicole Engstrom Sama Ali-Berchem never saw herself as someone who would follow the traditional corporate path forever. With a degree in Economics from Macalester College and a background in IT Security and Medical Devices, she had all the makings of a technical expert. But deep down, she was always a creative at heart.  When she discovered search engine...

Arts + Culture

Senior Portraits You’ll Actually Love

Capture your personality and style with expert photography by Lisa Cline. Article and Photography by Lisa Cline Hey Class of 2026, your senior year is coming up fast, and that means it’s time to book your senior portraits! This is your chance to capture you—your personality, your style, and this exciting milestone. Whether you want something natural and relaxed or bold and stylish, I’m here to make sure your session is fun, easy, and totally you! Summer is the perfect time for senior...

Food + Beverage

Mother's Day Breakfast

Delight Mom with Homemade Belgian Waffles Article by Matthew Sousa Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to treat Mom to a special homemade breakfast, and nothing says “I love you” like a plate of warm, fluffy Belgian waffles. These waffles are crispy on the outside, light and airy on the inside, and perfect for a delicious morning celebration.   Classic Belgian Waffle Recipe Ingredients: • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 tbsp sugar • 1 tbsp baking powder • ½ tsp salt • 2 eggs, separated...

Local Services

Printing with a Personal Touch

Faith, Family, and Print: A Business Built on Passion and Relationships Article and Photography by Matthew Sousa For many, printing is just ink on paper. But for Maria Caram, owner of Minuteman Press in Mendota Heights, it’s a way to connect with customers, solve problems, and bring ideas to life. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Maria never imagined owning a print shop one day—but her journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and a love for learning.   The Journey of...

Life + Culture

Women on the Frontlines

Meet the Women of the Eagan Fire Department Article by Ann Schreiber | Photography by Lisa Cline & Steve Lucas When the alarm sounds in Eagan, a team of highly trained firefighters rushes into action, ready to handle whatever the day—or night—brings. Among them are three remarkable women who have turned their passion for service into a career: Assistant Chief Jessica Hoffman and firefighters Danielle Fasching and Natalie Holter. Their paths to the fire station may be different, but their...

Fitness

Eagan parkrun

A community that runs together Article by Matthew Sousa Set against the backdrop of Thomas Lake Park, Eagan parkrun is more than just a weekly 5K event: it’s a global phenomenon with a local heart. Every Saturday, runners, joggers, and walkers of all ages and abilities gather to participate in this free, timed event. The Eagan parkrun is part of the international parkrun movement, which originated in the United Kingdom. Today, it boasts over 2,000 events worldwide, with Eagan being one of...

Arts + Culture

Frozen’s Brody Breen Takes the Stage

Eagan High School Sophomore Steps Into a Magical Production Article by Ann Schreiber At just 16, Brody Breen has already found his rhythm on the stage. Whether performing in Eagan High School’s productions, competing in speech tournaments, or preparing for a thrilling run at the Children's Theatre in Minneapolis, he always has a script and a story to tell. This spring, Brody will participate in Frozen , running April 15 - June 15, 2025, at the Children's Theatre. He’ll be part of the...

Finance + Legal Services

Insurance: Part of Financial Readiness

Strategies to protect your future and prepare you for life's changes. Article by Ann Schreiber | Photography by Amanda Stamm Financial readiness often starts with stocks, bonds, or real estate, but many people forget that insurance can be part of a balanced plan. Recently, I chatted with Mike Theisen from State Farm, to talk about how different forms of coverage can protect what matters most, all while helping build a stronger financial foundation.  Mike works out of the Woodbury office on...