Life + Culture

Your 2024 Holiday Gift Guide

Perfect picks for everyone on your list Article by Emily McKeever Do away with all of the holiday, “I wonder if she’ll like it,” “Do you think it’ll fit,” and “I hope he doesn’t have one of these already!” These uncertainties will be obsolete when you put our local 2024 Gift Guide to use. Has the main man in your life been naughty or nice? He’ll be made well aware of his status when you choose one of these unique options. And that standing, if it’s not obvious by now? Santa’s numero uno. For...

Health + Wellness

OBGYN West

Compassionate Health Care for Women of Every Size Article by David Scheller Judgment. Patronization. Knowing that their very real symptoms might be dismissed entirely. Concerns like these deter countless clinically obese women from seeing the doctor. It’s one of many reasons why they are at higher risk of abnormal bleeding, infertility, incontinence, liver disease, sleep apnea, and a host of other medical conditions. Matthew T. Bigos, MD is determined to retire this terrible reality for good...

Life + Culture

What’s New in Waconia

The new Waconia Fire Station is open for service Article by Emily McKeever | Photography by Waconia City Government & Waconia Fire Relief Association As you drive down 10th Street these days, you might notice a significant something new. A space that once occupied an open field and an old farmhouse is now home to the new Waconia Fire Station, a grand (29,000 square feet to be exact), state-of-the-art, fittingly fire-engine-red headquarters for those we hold in high esteem and endless gratitude...

Life + Culture

Life Minded

Holiday Super Shooter Article by Jen Fortner For years, I had a very gruff man from the local appliance store come to our home to fix things. He made many trips. He expertly diagnosed and repaired everything but was also quite vocal about my dumb choices. He often asked the same rhetorical question, “Tell me the last time you set this washer to wash clothes at two in the morning. I’ll tell you, never.” He felt I purchased appliances with “too many bells and whistles” and, therefore, more...

Food + Beverage

Holiday Food Hacks

Make holiday entertaining easy with these styling food hacks that look impressive but are simple to create Article by Angela Broockerd | Photography by Janie Jones @uncommon.jane Holiday Charcuterie Board Why not create a unique holiday charcuterie board in the shape of a Christmas tree or snowman? It looks impressive and is a quick assembly. For this look, a few trimmed evergreen clippings from the backyard served as a great edging for the board. With a variety of cheeses, berries, nuts, and...

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...