Life + Culture

Life Minded

Bang for My Buck Article by Jen Fortner When my daughter was born, there were a lot of comments directed at my husband, like, “Oh wow, a girl. That will be expensive. Get ready for a lot of drama. Now you are outnumbered!” Dumb comments, as we have learned, all children are expensive in their own special ways, all provide unnecessary drama, and this household isn’t helped one bit by balancing by gender. It’s five people and a dog who ALL want their own way. If anyone has a simple remedy for...

Arts + Culture

Elegance Etched in Glass

Discover the artisanal craftsmanship and enduring beauty of Simon Pearce glassware now at Five Swans Article by Sara Hoeman | Photography by Anna Ko Photography Five Swans boutique in downtown Wayzata is adding the timeless style of Simon Pearce glassware to their collection. Head buyer, Jeni Wojahn, shed some light on what makes these pieces so special and how you can bring them into your home. Valued for their legacy of artisan design and the finest materials, Simon Pearce started his...

Home + Design

Design That Feels Like Home

Union Place blends high-style interiors with smart tech integration for homes that work as beautifully as they look Article by Kendra Johnson | Photography by Emily John Photography Have you ever walked into a room and wished you could style your home in a similar way? Maybe it’s the furniture that pairs so well with the wall colors, or the decor that perfectly accents the rest of the space. The good news is that interior design is very intentional, and Union Place is the best in the game at...

Auto + Marine

Smooth Sailing into Winter

The experts at MarineMax share what every boater needs to know for cold-weather prep and how they can help winterize your boat Article by Lauren Beaubaire We Minnesotans know that when September hits, the countdown begins on how many more days we can enjoy getting out on the water without a layer of long underwear and a parka. But before the winter weather creeps in, you’ll want to make sure your boat is also ready to face the cold. We sat down with the experts at MarineMax Excelsior on how to...

Beauty

Self-Care is Always in Style

Bella on the Bay’s Missi Davis shares easy, effective ways to elevate your hair and skincare routine. Article by Kendra Johnson | Photography by Anna Ko Photography In today’s world, it’s important to take a few minutes every now and then to prioritize self-care. For some, that means reading a book or going for a walk, but for others, self-care is more about finding ways to feel good in your own skin. Bella on the Bay’s Missi Davis has some tips and must-have products for diving deeper into...

Home + Design

Elevating Outdoor Design

How Landscapes Unlimited and Granite Co. bring vision, craftsmanship, and lasting beauty to create exceptional outdoor living spaces Article by Lauren Beaubaire Elevating outdoor spaces is what Chris Holmgren does best. For 20 years, as the owner of both Landscapes Unlimited and Granite Co., Chris and his team have been helping homeowners add their own personality and style to their outdoor living spaces.  “We’re a family-owned and operated, full-service design and build landscaping company...

Style + Beauty

2025’s Top Fashion Trends for Her & for Him

Our experts break down the pieces everyone should have in their closet this season Article by Lauren Beaubaire | Photography by Emily John Photography Skinny jeans? Wide leg? Golf-style fabrics vs tailored tees? We go straight to the fashion experts at Amore & Fede and J.H. & Sons to learn about the latest looks for both the ladies and the guys, and the must-have pieces for this season. For the Ladies Let’s start with the ladies. Debbie Slusar, owner of Amore & Fede boutique, and her...

Auto + Marine

Ready, Set, Sail

Explore the Summer Cruise Offerings from Paradise Charter Cruises Article by Sarah Knieff Set sail this summer with Paradise Charter Cruises and embark on an unforgettable excursion with the whole family across two of Minnesota’s most beautiful waterways: the mighty Mississippi River and the scenic Lake Minnetonka. Whether you're chasing adventure with your little ones or kicking back with your college-age kids, these cruises offer something for everyone. Soak in the sun, enjoy the views, and...

Life + Culture

Life Minded

The Kids Are Alright Article by Jen Fortner There is a wide range of opinions on when a child is a child no longer. Some say eighteen years old. Some think twenty-one. Minnesota has selected twenty-six for insurance purposes. But I’ve watched mothers in their eighties with sons in their sixties fussing over if they are getting enough to eat and enough rest. So it’s hard to say when full adulthood sets in.  My eldest just moved out for real this past spring. She is an adult on paper but yet...

Home Services

The Hows and Whys of Finding a Family-Friendly Home

Lakes Area Realty’s Chris Dennis shares how to find the perfect family-friendly home Article by Graham Johnson | Photography by Kate Munson When seeking a home for a growing family, there are some basics that most are looking for. Buyers care about the school district, access to parks and trails, and often having multiple bedrooms on the same floor.  For Chris Dennis, a Broker with Lakes Area Realty, however, just as important as finding a house that matches a family’s specifications is...