Home Services

Kinetico® Water in the New Year

Another year is coming to a close. Most of us take time to reflect on the year, our progress, and reassess our priorities. I personally get lost in the minutiae and hone in on little pieces of the puzzle to solve, often missing big picture things that have a trickle effect. I get overwhelmed and disappointed when my efforts do not create the impact of change I was hoping for. If you are like me, you may just need your next decision to be focused on larger impact. That's why I love working for...

Life + Culture

Life Minded

Shot in the Arm Article by Jen Fortner Last August, I sustained a shoulder injury. It wasn’t caused by something heroic. I was not preventing a puppy from running into traffic. Nor was it caused by something athletic. I did not have a standout performance on a perimenopausal rugby team. It was the classic middle-aged injury story, which are common and always quite pathetic. I was driving down the road and did what one is never supposed to do. I reached my arm behind me into the backseat and...

Home + Design

Built for Every Life Chapter

How Lindee Construction’s specialized remodeling experts help families stay in the homes they love Article by Lauren Beaubaire Your home should be your refuge. A place of comfort. Of safety. A place that feels well… like home. But when injury, health changes, or aging make getting around harder, and that beautiful bathtub or basement washer and dryer turn into daily obstacles, that sense of ease and safety can slip away. Lindee Construction knows this all too well, and they’ve been helping...

Beauty

Where Confidence Begins

From personalized treatments to hands-on education, The Institute of Advanced Aesthetics & Finalé Med Spa put people first — every step of the way. Article by Hannah Harms When Barbara Baruth opened Finalé Hair Removal and Skin Care Med Spa in 2013, she did so with a clear purpose: to give clients real results and genuine care in a space where they felt supported and understood. What began as a single med spa has since grown into two complementary businesses: Finalé and The Institute of...

Fitness

Make Strength Your 2026 Priority

Sam Topping of Top Training shares how to incorporate strength training into your health and wellness routine for the new year. Article by Sara Hoeman | Photography by Emily John Photography Strength training might get a bad rap — if you picture complicated gym equipment, heavy weights, endless protein shakes, or hours spent in the gym to get results, you aren’t alone.  “Over the years, I’ve noticed a few common misconceptions and myths that clients will bring up when chatting with me for...

Wellness

Mindful Mornings

Small habits that make a big difference Article by Kendra Johnson I think it’s safe to assume that many of us hit snooze on our alarms at least once — probably more — in the morning before we reluctantly slide out of bed. Then we’re inevitably in a rush to get ourselves and the kids ready for the day. That hustle and stress to get out the door on time often doesn’t set a good precedent for the rest of the day, and especially not for our kids. But did you know that taking even five extra...

Food + Beverage

Mac and Cheese Made Healthy(ish)

All the cheesy goodness with a veggie-packed upgrade you'll love Article by Lauren Beaubaire We’re giving this comfort food classic a little makeover. Say hello to a healthier Mac and Cheese! You’ll find this version is even creamier and more flavorful than the original. And with extra veggies and nutrients packed in, this crowd-pleaser lets you and your kids have your cake (or rather, your favorite cheesy dish) and eat it too!  Ingredients: 3 tablespoons avocado oil or butter, divided ...

Life + Culture

Life Minded

Holidaze Article by Jen Fortner I used to pore over the Martha Stewart Living magazine. I even preferred the magazine to the show. I loved the beautiful photos of her elaborate tablescapes. The layers of rich colors. Mustard-toned velvet napkins tucked into copper napkin rings on burlap placemats with terracotta dishes. Tiny place card holders made out of pinecones she gathered from the yard. I loved the step-by-step instructions on how to make a spring wreath, a summer table runner, and...

Local Services

A Little Tree, A Big Difference

How "The Giving Tree Project" in Excelsior is delivering holiday cheer to veterans and families in need Article and Photography by Rebecca Hahn It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, especially now since Excelsior’s main street has between 20 and 25 new residents, each of them waiting anxiously for a visit from you and a few ornaments that you won’t be needing. I am talking about the small, 3-to-5-foot balsam trees that “with your help” will be decorated by the public, bagged and tied up...

Shopping

Holiday Gift Guide

We've rounded up perfect picks for everyone on your list Article by Lauren Beaubaire The holidays are here, and to make sure your season stays merry and bright, we’re helping out with the gift list. So, forget the stress of holiday shopping. We’ve rounded up fun, festive ideas for every personality. And the best part? These gifts are local finds, so not only are you supporting the community, you don’t have to go far to score the perfect gift for everyone on your list. From lake-life essentials...