Education

Notes From the Heart

Explore how Waconia Music Studios inspires, teaches, and uplifts through music Article by Emily McKeever Waconia Music Studios is a place where chords are taught and vocal techniques are honed, but it’s also where the love and energy of music are shared and celebrated. Guided by their shared passion for teaching music, Jay Downie and Scott Brose opened the warm and welcoming doors of this creative space in February of 2015, and the journey so far has been a humbling and gracious one. “We...

Life + Culture

Valentine’s Day Done Right

Explore this love-filled list of local gifting and dining ideas (and an easy, delicious recipe to make in case you decide to celebrate at home) Article by Emily McKeever It feels like you  just  decked the last hall, and here comes Valentine’s Day, tearing around the corner in its red glittery heart sweater and with a box of overpriced chocolates. And you thought holiday shopping and planning was tough – at least Santa was there for the assist! Getting creative for Valentine’s Day can...

Fitness

Blooming with Love

This Valentine’s Day say I love you with blooms and gifts from Main Street Floral Article by Emily McKeever There’s just something about a small town, isn’t there? A familiar face on every corner almost always accompanied by a kind hello and a cozy sense of community. When you walk into your favorite local shop for your favorite local treasure, you more than likely feel that warmth of familiarity and connection. But when you step into one neighborhood establishment that offers cheer and...

Life + Culture

Life Minded

You've Got No Mail Article by Jen Fortner Two of my college besties and I once had a discussion (in a long series on this topic) about finding “the one.” We were young and naïve and romantic. We were raised on Disney princesses and John Hughes films. You really can’t blame us. We were women who would be wooed. My friend’s father, George, weighed in.  George was a professor. Calm. Wise. Intellectual. I liked George right up until he explained to us prattling, twenty-one-year-olds that there...

Entertainment

What’s New in Waconia

Ridgeview Opens Urgent Care in Waconia Article by Emily McKeever When it was announced that Ridgeview was opening an urgent care in their Professional Building on the Waconia campus, collective cheers could be heard echoing through the streets. Ridgeview has been caring for the community since 1963, and so, with the introduction of another way for them to provide treatment and support, it’s understandable that the news was received with excitement and gratitude. With its dedication to...

Education

A Visit That’s Overdue

See how the Waconia Public Library stacks up Article by Alison Lee Shhhh! If you didn’t know, February is National Library Lover’s month. It’s a celebration that highlights libraries and the important role they play in communities. The library is a safe space that fosters lifelong learning and allows children and adults to tap into new interests and ideas. If you’re not already familiar with the local library in Waconia, then you should check it out.  Partnerships The Waconia Public Library...

Home + Design

Healthy Living Starts in the Home

How Highmark Builders is designing spaces that inspire fitness, wellness, and an active lifestyle Article by Kendra Johnson | Photography by Landmark Photography As we jump into the new year, many of us will also be jumping into New Year’s resolutions. And while living a healthier lifestyle is a resolution many of us make every year, 2025 could be the year we finally accomplish it with the help of Highmark Builders. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, office space was a must in the home. That...

Style + Beauty

Revamp Your Wardrobe

Building a happier, healthier wardrobe with Nice Shirt Co. Article by Emily McKeever It’s January, and everything feels a little new (and cold) except for your wardrobe. As you pour new life into your overall wellness, how about doing the same for your closet, you know the one, with the same t-shirt in every color? After all the holiday indulgences, you’re not the only winter couch potato who could benefit from some soft new duds, unique color combinations, and a ton of versatility. As you...

Health + Wellness

What’s New in Waconia

Challenge yourself to a healthy New Year Article by Emily McKeever It’s 2025. You did it! Look at you go! As you celebrate this shiny New Year, don’t forget to give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back for all the ways you’ve grown and what you’ve accomplished in 2024. Yes, you had fun, but you also worked hard… and it shows. It’s time to start fresh and gear up for another trip around the sun, and that can mean different things for different people. January is often referred to as...

Life + Culture

Life Minded

Watch Out 2025! Article by Jen Fortner Happy 2025!  Cheers to fresh starts and new things in a New Year. In 2025, though, instead of adding to my soul-crushing to-do list, I’ve decided to be controversial and get rid of something this year. Something big.  I broke up with my smartwatch. We are done. And I don’t think we are ever, ever, ever getting back together. I have always been a watch person. Even in high school, I loved a good watch. I had a Fossil watch with a pretty mother-of-pearl...