Many people launch into the new year awash in hopes of change—a new exercise regimen, improved sleep routines or a break from social media—only to...
Noteworthy
Discover Warmth within Original Art
“I love the sunrises that occur in the winter months of our state,” says Hollie Blanchard of The Art Girls. “There is nothing more energizing to the...
Take Stock and Punch Up the Protein in your Favorite Recipes
The old adage and once popular book title Chicken Soup for the Soul is no joke. Turns out chicken broth truly is a restorative food. Dieticians...
Wrap Up Seasonal Décor
Adorning your home with seasonal colors, trimming the tree and wrapping gifts is certainly enjoyable, but putting it all away is another story....
Consider Sparkling Wine Alternatives
Bubbles are a must for the holidays, and there are so many great variations out there that I’d like to highlight an entire category, not just one...
Sample the “New” Dinner Party
I recently helped my college-age daughter host her first dinner party for her friends. (She said they were just “hanging out,” but it was, in fact,...
What Grows Together Goes Together
Wine and the holidays go hand in hand. When hosting, a great pairing can make a meal so much better when done right. Wine makes the dish taste...
Painting Pulls at Nostalgic Heartstrings
“The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit and freedom.” —Sharon Ralls...
The Kitchen Front is a Recipe for a Good Read
Based on the historical BBC radio program The Kitchen Front, this novel by Jennifer Ryan follows four women on the World War II home front in...
Nature Provides Its Own Storyline
This mixed media painting had me thinking back to family excursions to the North Shore, where endless hours were spent searching for coveted agates...
The Rose Code
Follow the work and love lives of three British women. Fans of WWII historical fiction, take note—The Rose Code by Kate Quinn is set on the British...
Tackle the Top Three “Problem” Areas to Organize
I am often contacted for help with three “problem” areas that are easily filled due to over-owning, forgetfulness or procrastination. Let’s get...
Shake or Stir Your Way to a Great Cocktail
It’s time to prep for Halloween and Day of the Dead. This hearty cocktail pairs with colder weather, and it’s also great for entertaining. Shaken...
Arboretum Hosts World of Pumpkins
A pumpkin is a pumpkin is a pumpkin—well, not really. Discover why during the month of October as the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum presents the...
Don’t skip a good, healthy breakfast.
For many of us, some form of cereal is a staple in the morning meal rotation. Boxed cold cereals and precooked grains are convenient and can be...
It’s time to try something new!
This cocktail is very easy to prepare and non-committal, too, as these ingredients are often available in smaller format bottles, so give it a try....
There’s a New Girl in Town
“I saw a gap in the Excelsior market for a fresh, edgy women’s store,” Connie Frederick says. “We’re drawing in a new audience, and we’re...
Debut Novel Makes an Impact
Brit Bennett was only in her mid-20s when The Mothers, her debut novel, was released. She took the publishing world by storm with this book, which...
Kids in the Kitchen
Teaching kids to cook can be an enjoyable, educational and tasty way to spend time together. Start teaching your kids to cook early and slow with...
Help Aging Parents Prepare for Moving From Their Homes
There comes a time when we may need to help our parents downsize and move from their homes. Being well organized can make this process much easier....
