Life + Culture

Canoes, Time-Honored Traditions and a Seedling

Northland Visions’ Owner Shares the Story of Hand-Harvested Wild Rice Article by Sarah Knieff At Northland Visions, owner Greg Bellanger proudly offers hand-harvested wild rice sourced exclusively from the lakes and rivers of northern Minnesota. Northland’s wild rice is not just any rice; it is a connection to Greg’s roots, a reflection of the natural world, and a commitment to preserving the traditions of his ancestors. Unlike cultivated varieties, this wild rice is picked with care, ensuring...

Food + Beverage

Switch Things Up

Check Out These Four Incredible Restaurants for Delicious Bites, Cocktails and Desserts Article by Sarah Knieff Let’s face it, humans are creatures of habit. If we find something we like, we’re going to stick with it. But this fall, the Minneapolis Lakes Lifestyle team challenges you to switch up your weekly restaurant choice and check out one of the following four incredible options (if you haven’t already). These restaurants are sure to delight everyone from the kids to the grandparents. ...

Food + Beverage

The Boardroom

Office Golf: Much More Than Golf Article by David Scheller I’m in Bloomington, just off 494, watching deer taking turns sipping from Nine Mile Creek. They look discontent on this dour, drizzly autumn evening. I’m sure it would comfort them to know how cozy The Boardroom is keeping me.   You seldom associate warmth with the phrase “30,000 square foot facility,” yet The Boardroom glows in its own hospitality. It is Office Golf’s full-service restaurant, which serves elevated American fare and...

Home + Design

Designing and Building Homes for the Modern Owner

Sherri and John of Masa Modern Homes Share Their Journey From “The Shack” to High-End Estates Article by Sarah Knieff Six years ago, when couple Sherri Beier and John Nyagaka first crossed paths, they were immersed in vastly different careers. Sherri was working in events and operations at the Walker Art Center, while John thrived in the tech industry. However, beyond their professional lives, they shared a passion for real estate that would soon become the cornerstone of their journey...

Home + Design

Custom-Made Works of Art

Beautiful Wood Designs That Stand the Test of Time Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Alyssa Lee Many things change over the years when it comes to home designs, but one thing that stays consistent is people’s desire for beautiful wooden cabinetry, doors and furniture that last.  Since 2003, Ingrained Wood Studios has been doing just that by taking rough hardwoods and turning them into works of art designed by architects and constructed by experienced artisans. “We have people at our...

Style + Beauty

Every Level of Fun

Three Floors of Carefully Curated Style Article by Sarah Knieff | Photography by Andrew Vick Serge + Jane, a lifestyle boutique in Edina, is starting the fall season off right with a selection of clothing trends and accessories that are full of character.   Owners Casey and Jamie Carl created the store in honor of Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin. Serge being a famous French musician, and Jane an English actress, singer, and Hermès muse for the Birkin bag, together the iconic duo created...

Home + Design

Transforming Clutter Into Calm

Co-Owner Theresa Williams of Closet Factory Chats Home Organization Trends and How to Start a New Custom Project Article by Sarah Knieff | Photography by Andrew Vick What’s trending in home organization right now?    People are spending more time in their homes and they are looking to create an oasis of comfort. That might mean adding a pop of color, specialty lighting, glass inserts and other personal touches. At Closet Factory, we recently did a pantry in ivory with all backing in a...

Education

A Method for Mathematical Success

Help Your Child Catch Up, Keep Up and Get Ahead Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Lucy Hawthorne The consequences of the pandemic are still with us, especially when it comes to children and academics. Studies show that math scores in particular have dropped dramatically, and although there has been a partial recovery, with students only making up about a third of what they lost, it’s not enough. Schools are doing their best, but additional help and tutoring cannot always be provided due...

Shopping

Toys for the Whole Family

A place Where Children and Adults can Indulge in Fun and Games Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Lucy Hawthorne As a mother of three young children, Amy Saldanha had a vision of the perfect toy store for her kids. In 2006, she decided to turn that vision into reality by opening kiddywampus.  Today, her children are all grown up and on their own, but she still enjoys watching other children’s faces light up as soon as they walk into one of her stores in Hopkins, Chanhassen and St. Louis...

Arts + Culture

Meet Ham, Finn and Stan

Three Insta Famous Pets From Minneapolis Article by Sarah Knieff Introducing Ham, Finn and Stan: Three adventure loving pets living and thriving in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Whether they are climbing up trees, boating or racing at Canterbury Park, these guys sure know how to enjoy life to the fullest. All us humans can do is cheer them on through Instagram, where they share all their escapades and have racked up quite a following.   So without further ado, here are their stories.   Ham Ham...