Professional Services

A Legacy of Giving Back

How The Canopy Group is making a meaningful impact in our community through compassion and generosity Article by Lauren Beaubaire | Photography by Emily John Photography Helping others is second nature to The Canopy Group. They’re a team deeply rooted in giving back to the community, not only being there as an insurance broker for their clients when they’re experiencing the worst moments of their lives but also as a huge supporter and participant in countless important causes, organizations...

Education

Light of Hope

How one local nonprofit is empowering girls to change the world Article by Kendra Johnson “When women and girls rise, their communities and countries rise with them” (Michelle Obama). That’s true of the girls in Naivasha, Kenya, where Light of Hope Kenya, based out of Plymouth, Minnesota, has been working to provide a loving home and quality education since 2005. When co-founders Boni and Sandy Karanja met in 1998, they quickly discovered a shared calling for helping oppressed, abused, and...

Arts + Culture

Giving Your Time, Treasure, & Talent

Three ways to give back this season Article by Lauren Beaubaire Looking for ways to give back?! The great news is there are countless ways to make an impact through your time, treasures, and talents, and we share a few great local opportunities where you can get involved! Give Your Time Spend an afternoon with the Lake Minnetonka Excelsior Morning Rotary Club, volunteering your time tutoring, meal prepping, gardening and maintaining our beautiful parks, and more! You’ll also find great...

Local Services

From Lemonade to Leadership

The Sunshine Stop is reshaping summer jobs for students with disabilities, one shift at a time Article by Hannah Harms The Sunshine Stop is a non-profit that employs students with disabilities in the Minnetonka area. The business first came to fruition in March when Ty Bricker met with special education teacher Bailey Hanson to discuss her business idea. A few months later, the idea came to life, and nearly 20 students were employed for the summer.  “After our first meeting, it was full speed...

Life + Culture

Life Minded

Gratitude Article by Jen Fortner November often inspires an attitude of gratitude. As we sit around the table and think of what we are grateful for, the lists are long. It’s easy to pick out the big things. Many would say they are grateful for family and friends. Some would say health. Food. Shelter. Safety. Then, we can drill down on the specifics. Personally, I am grateful for almond croissants, the newest season of Only Murders in the Building , and TSA PreCheck. Those three things...

Entertainment

Gathering with Gratitude

Your guide to planning an unforgettable Friendsgiving with your chosen family Article by Kimberly Blaker | Photography by Janie Jones Even if you don't have family around for the holidays, you don't have to spend it alone. In fact, many people opt to spend the day with friends to avoid the hot political climate that all too often erupts at family Thanksgiving gatherings.   Chances are, you're not the only one without family plans for Thanksgiving. Your friends, co-workers, neighbors, or...

Finance + Legal Services

Financial Flash #209

This week it's a sit-down with the Dynamic Duo of Finance, Mark and Paul. They will cover the oft-forgotten relationship between investors and a companies stock valuation and therefore the economy. It's sort of like the "Butterfly Effect" but with finances and corporations. Maybe that's a bad description, but if actions have a relationship to stocks and financial trends, you can bet that Mark and Paul are already on it and have weighed it from all angles. Each week we create a new Financial...

Health + Wellness

Get that Radiant Winter Glow

Dr. Laurel Martini shares the best foods and nutrients for happy and healthy skin all winter long Article by Lauren Beaubaire You likely have already swapped out your summer wardrobe for your fall ensembles, but while you’re storing away your sandals and digging out your boots, you might want to also make sure you’re changing up your skincare practices.  Low humidity, wind, extreme cold exposure, dry indoor heating, more hot showers, and winter fabrics like wool and synthetic materials —...

Home + Design

Indoor Winter Gardening 101

Your guide to growing great veggies & herbs this winter Article by Kimberly Blaker Even when the snow is falling, and it’s a winter wonderland outside, a green oasis indoors provides its own special warmth and… lots of veggies!  Herbs, leafy plants, and microgreens are the most common edible plants for indoor growing. They generally do well with shallow soil because they're smaller and don't need as much space inside. They also don't need as much sun and are easier to grow if you're just...

Home + Design

Designing the Heart of Your Home

The experts at Sawhill Kitchen share how to incorporate chef-inspired designs into your own kitchen Article by Kendra Johnson Why does every important conversation seem to happen in the kitchen? According to Matt Cook, president of Sawhill Kitchens, it’s because the kitchen is the heart of the home.  “I think any of us can look back at the memories we’ve made with our families in our homes, and it really always comes back to the kitchen. It really is the heart of the home. It’s kind of the...