Life + Culture

What's New In Waconia

Your guide to slowing down and savoring the season with these five fun excursions Article by Emily McKeever Warning, you are now approaching the busy zone. Secure a constant flow of caffeine, try to keep your head on straight at all times, and follow each safety protocol (you’ve seen those intense parking spot face-offs. Stay safe out there, folks). Sounds easier than it is, right? The truth is, at the heart of all the flurry that is this season, we all just want to enjoy it, but sometimes, if...

Life + Culture

Gathering for Good

Heather Reichenberger’s dedication to community and cause Article by Emily McKeever There’s no shortage of festivals this time of year. Just hearing the words ‘pumpkin’ or ‘apple cider donuts’ instantly snaps us into prep mode. We assemble our finest fall ensemble for the occasion (boots✓ flannel✓a sweet suede fedora✓) and plan to head out with friends and family to partake in all the activities we enjoy most during this maple-candle-smelling, leaf-peeping season. Last month, one such affair...

Life + Culture

Winter Wellness

The experts at Waconia Women's Health share how to manage your mental health this holiday season with traditional Chinese medicine Article by Amanda Wagner The holidays are one of the happiest times of the year. But the holidays and winter months can also adversely affect your mental and emotional well-being. Less sunlight means more time indoors and, in turn, more fatigue. The holiday season can add pressure to our already stressful lives.  Caring for your mental health during the winter...

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...

Life + Culture

Life Minded

What's for dinner? Article by Jen Fortner Aretha Franklin was once interviewed about her biggest challenges. She replied, “The biggest challenge is, for me, figuring out what to cook for dinner. Nightly, you know, just night after night.” R.E.S.P.E.C.T Aretha. I feel that.  I am a sufficient home cook. I might be on the edge of being considered a good home cook. I’m a well above-average baker, but we can’t subsist on cookies and cinnamon rolls alone, which is disappointing for so many...

Food + Beverage

Winter's Coming. Got Your Vitamin D?

We ask the experts at Ridgeview how to keep your Vitamin D levels up as the days get shorter Article by Lutie Ronglien Ah, fall. The days are shorter than a month ago, the kids have somewhat settled back into their school routines, and the Halloween decor is up. We've swapped out our shorts and Birkenstocks for cozy sweaters and boots. These crisp fall mornings are beautiful, especially if you're up early enough to watch the sun come up, showing the beautiful shades of pink and orange. This...

Food + Beverage

What’s New in Waconia

Wickedly good Halloween treats from Bakery on Main Article by Emily McKeever | Photography by Jamie Joos Photography This month, you might think the most excited humans live in  your  house, planning costumes and cobwebbing up the front yard, but perhaps you haven’t met Courtney Blount, pastry chef at Bakery on Main. Over the years, Halloween has gone from homemade costumes (white sheet ghost, anyone?) and the trusty pillowcase-turned-candy-bag to high-tech decorations and themed parties...

Food + Beverage

Savor the Flavors 

Bring the joy and essence of home-cooked meals to your table with The Wooden Skillet Article by Emily McKeever | Photography by Erin Jensen Cable knit sweaters and crackling fires aren’t the only snug pleasures required for this cozy season. A dish made from savory ingredients to indulge in when the sun sets earlier than we’d like or a soothing cocktail rich in everyone’s favorite fall flavor–apple–will heat even the coldest of autumn-weary hearts. Erin Jensen, owner and founder of The Wooden...

Food + Beverage

Where's the Beef?

Explore three local meat markets that are a cut above the rest Article by Emily McKeever Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. We meet three passionate and committed meat providers in our community, each with a dedication to quality that sets them apart. Once you hear their storied histories and plans for the future, you’ll know the answer to the age-old question, Where’s the Beef? It’s in our community. And it’s really, really good.    Gongoll Beef Father and son team Fred and Dave Gongoll not...

Food + Beverage

Feast Your Way to Winter

Fall’s best cookbooks for perfect cold season prep Article by Emily McKeever Crisper air and shorter days call for cozy nights, whipping up a homemade meal in soft slippers and your favorite robe. Staying home on a Friday night in the fall doesn’t mean you’re giving up — quite the opposite! Think of it as carb loading before the championship game or a prep session before that major test. You’re practicing your winter hibernation skills, stretching those lounging muscles, and getting ready to...