Finance + Legal Services

AskSusan - November Column

This month's question: "Dear Susan: How do I shift my mindset from wealth accumulation to appreciation? Or can I achieve both?" Susan dives into what is more important than the amount of wealth accumulated and how to give yourself permission to enjoy and create meaningful memories that leave a legacy behind and enrich your life in ways that money can't achieve. Give it a listen, it just might give you some ideas to make your life a little happier, more satisfying. And make sure to subscribe to...

Home Services

Tis the Season to Tidy Up and Give Back

Very Organized by Valerie shares simple ways to declutter, cut holiday chaos, and spread a little joy through giving back Article by Kendra Johnson As we head into the holiday season, taking the time to declutter and organize your home can do more for your mental health and stress levels than you may realize. It can also be a huge boost to your local nonprofits. But finding the time and willpower to clean out parts of your home isn’t always easy, and deciding what stays and what goes can be...

Life + Culture

The Store on the Shore That Does So Much More

How Claudia Lacy turned a lakeside cabin into a place of giving Article by Jen Fortner | Photography by Kate Ann Photography This season brings out philanthropic energy in all of us. Giving typically spikes this time of year, and there is better awareness of how we can work to meet the needs of our family, friends, and neighbors. For Claudia Lacy, director of The Langdon, and a small group of dedicated volunteers, there is no such season. Their season is 365 days a year.  The Langdon opened...

Life + Culture

Life Minded

Let's Talk Turkey Article by Jen Fortner I had a childhood friend who always went out for Chinese food on Thanksgiving Day. My twelve-year-old brain couldn’t imagine restaurants being open that day, and I really couldn’t imagine not having what I considered ‘real Thanksgiving food.’ I found their tradition wildly exotic. They were British, and the fact that they were eating cream cheese wontons on Thanksgiving while having witty banter in charming accents was an embarrassment of riches...

Professional Services

From Humble Beginnings to Heartfelt Impact

The Story of Andrea Cruz-Babcock and The Art of Cleaning Article by Sarah Knieff | Photography by Kate Ann Photography When Andrea Cruz-Babcock arrived in the United States in 1999, she came with a dream shared by many: the hope of building a better life. But her journey didn’t follow a straight path, nor was it handed to her. Instead, Andrea carved her own way: one that started in a tiny shed in Mexico and led to the creation of The Art of Cleaning, a standout cleaning service in Minnesota...

Health + Wellness

A Spa Doing Good

At Spavia, relaxation is just the beginning—they've made it their mission to give back and inspire others to do the same. Article by Sara Hoeman | Photography by Anna Ko Photography Treating yourself or a loved one to a day of pampering this holiday season can be beneficial for both you and the community. “Supporting our community is at the heart of Spavia. We regularly contribute to silent auctions, local school fundraisers, and nonprofit initiatives by donating spa packages and gift cards,”...

Local Services

Season of Service

How Lake Minnetonka residents are giving back—and how you can too! Article by Lauren Beaubaire The Bond Between At The Bond Between, there are countless ways to volunteer: assist with the Pet Food Shelf, welcome animals as an Intake Volunteer, take dogs for walks as a Let Out Volunteer, or even become a Puppy Party Volunteer, attending events where guests can cuddle the puppies. There are always activities going on throughout the week that need volunteer support. Learn how you can become a...

Style + Beauty

Strands of Hope

How the non-profit Angel Hair is helping cancer patients feel like themselves again Article and Photography by Rebecca Hahn It’s nearly impossible to feel great about wearing a new outfit if one’s hair is misbehaving. And let’s be honest, we’ve all experienced such a bad haircut that going anywhere in public is the last thing we want to do! At times like these, reaching for a wig just could be the answer. I recently met a woman named Carolyn Anderson. She not only knew everything about wigs...

Life + Culture

Life Minded

Magic Beans Article by Jen Fortner In 1912, my grandma started elementary school in the Prospect Park neighborhood of Minneapolis. As the sixth of seven children, her older siblings were charged with bringing her to school and were given one very specific instruction. When school asks what beverage she drinks at home, they were to answer — milk.  It seems school registration was a wee bit simpler back then. No dozens of forms and dozens of fees. Her siblings dropped her off, told the...

Food + Beverage

More Than a Tavern

Red Cow evolves with new brunch and catering menus Article by Sarah Knieff Red Cow, the family-owned local favorite that’s been redefining the modern tavern experience in the Twin Cities since 2013, is ushering in a new era with the launch of an all-new brunch menu and expanded catering. Both menus are now aligned with Red Cow’s recently refreshed main menu – bringing together bold flavor, thoughtful presentation, and community-focused hospitality under one cohesive vision. “We’ve always...