In this new release by bestselling authors Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass, the main character, Evan, knows that two things are a big deal: books and...
Noteworthy
Freeze the Day
Winter is here, and for us hearty Midwesterners that means taking advantage of the unique things to do across our beautiful region. Luckily, the...
Cheers to Cranberries
There’s a myriad of ways to enjoy cranberries this season. Here’s a look at the differences between a few favorites: Cranberry relish is raw, fresh...
You’re Invited …
… to a collective celebration for the St. Croix Valley community and its local businesses and providers that continue to serve and support us in a...
A Season for Hotdish
I’ve lived in Minnesota for nearly three decades, but I didn’t grow up here. Hotdish wasn’t part of my culinary upbringing. Sure, I knew Tuna...
Quiet Luxury With Timeless Pieces
Bold colors, prints and the logo-mania trend are on their way out, and this season we are seeing quiet luxury take over. But what exactly is quiet...
An Art Filled (Floor to Ceiling) Life
Stillwater mosaic artist Judy Sell has an unusual location in her home for a gallery—her tiny first floor half bath. The gallery began with a...
A Fun Read for Spooky Season
Bruce is back! And he’s ready to be crotchety about Halloween. Bruce dislikes all holidays and all fun things, really. His family of mice and...
Taste the Rainbow With This Colorful Salad
I don’t think anyone needs to be taught how to make a salad. It’s one of those things like toast or tea that no one needs a recipe for. Salad bars...
Recipe for the Perfect Fall Planter
Autumn is a beautiful time of year, with the leaves changing colors and the crisp air providing a refreshing change. It is also the perfect time of...
Stolen Focus
We can all stop feeling like our inability to focus is a character flaw. While writing Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention—and How to Think...
Oxbow Trails Open in Afton
There’s a new way to enjoy the natural beauty of the St. Croix Valley. Belwin Conservancy’s newest trail system, Oxbow Trails, officially opened for...
Make the Most of Berry Season
Blackberries are a great source of fiber and vitamins C and K, but mostly they’re just delicious. They’re also easy to incorporate into all types of...
Best of Style: The Blazer
The blazer is a wardrobe classic that comes in a variety of silhouettes, fabrications, colors and prints, and can add a polished, sophisticated feel...
Learn Some Secrets of the Flower
Summer conjures images of bold and bright flowers reaching out to the sun. The best part of summer, of course, is the flowers, but did you know that...
Natural Beauty in Watercolor Landscape
The natural world is amazing. Watercolor, an unruly medium, lends itself well to this effort. I can have a plan, but much like nature, watercolor...
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club
While supper clubs may be gradually vanishing relics, we’re lucky those that remain are largely concentrated in the upper Midwest. We’re also lucky...
Croque Madame
These days, more than ever, I favor one-skillet meals. Very rarely will I drag out more than two pans to make anything. This recipe, however, takes...
Laundry Room Essentials
A great, long-lasting wardrobe requires care and thought when it comes to laundry. While I typically advise clients to invest in quality pieces,...
Gártha (Cheers!) to St. Patrick’s Day
When it comes to marking St. Patrick’s Day, some folks enjoy a spirited sip to toast the celebration. Need suggestions? Wine: Try Perseverance...