Life + Culture

Life Minded

When Cupid Misses Article by Jen Fortner Valentine’s Day is a much-maligned holiday these days. It’s criticized for being too commercial, too manufactured, too consumer-focused, too much. I always loved the childhood Valentine swaps, and I like red- and pink-themed clothing and can even choke down some chalky conversation hearts. There are the charming chocolates in faux velvet heart-shaped boxes. The bouquets of expensive roses in the dead of winter. The cards. Again, the chocolate. Plus...

Style + Beauty

Beauty That is More Than Skin Deep

How Vi Beauty delivers connection and love for everyone who walks through the door Article by Sara Schlueter Hoeman | Photography by Annie Schaber Photography Opened in March 2020, right before a global pandemic, Vi Beauty Lab in Wayzata has been serving the community with open arms and hearts. “When we started, I had heard this idea that we are sent to love each other and love the human in front of you. I thought my purpose was to change the world, but I thought, ‘How can I do this?’ In that...

Food + Beverage

Nothing but Nothing Bundt Cakes

How a non-baker became a sweet sensation Article by Graham Johnson Kim Cassens, owner of the Nothing Bundt Cakes in Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, Eagan, and the Mall of America, admits she is no baker. Her background is in business and marketing, and before coming to Nothing Bundt Cakes, she worked as a project manager at a software development company. After leaving her position, Kim stopped in the Eden Prairie local to pick up a bundt cake. After that one cake, she decided it was a business she...

Arts + Culture

Sculpting a Lifestyle You Love

How artist Craig Snyder has left his mark on our city Article and Photography by Rebecca A. Hahn Someday, if there is a competition to enter for those of us who enjoy painting with watercolors in coloring books, please let me know. While I wouldn’t expect to win a grand prize for the many pages I have painted to date, I can’t deny its therapeutic benefits. When I carve out that precious hour or so from an already too-hectic schedule, my blood pressure subsides immediately. A tranquility fills...

Home + Design

Loving My Lake Minnetonka Neighborhood

Exploring Lake Minnetonka neighborhoods with the Ulrich Real Estate Group Article by Kendra Johnson When you’re house hunting, how much thought do you give to the neighborhood where a house is situated? My guess is not as much as you should.  Finding the right neighborhood can be just as important as the house itself, especially if you’re house hunting in Lake Minnetonka and the surrounding area. Real estate experts Beth Ulrich and Chelsey Danielson of Ulrich Real Estate Group have lived and...

Beauty

A Beautiful Legacy

Find That Perfect Gift for the Special Person in Your Life This Valentine’s Day Article by Sue Baldani Founded by George and Dee Gunderson, Gunderson’s Jewelers has been bringing smiles and beauty into people’s lives for over 75 years. Still family-owned and operated, its high standards of customer service, selection, quality, and integrity have been passed down from generation to generation.  Today, their grandson, Brian Gunderson, is the owner and CEO, taking over from his father, Gary, in...

Home + Design

Spotlight: Danberry Building Corporation

From the blueprints to the build, how Jeff Danberry helps you create your dream home Article by Lauren Beaubaire “I’m the guy you go to when you don’t know where to start with your home project. I’m like MacGyver, the one you go to solve problems as they arise,” laughs Jeff Danberry, owner of Danberry Building Corporation and Excelsior Design Group. Jeff is your guide through what can be an overwhelming process and helps navigate the maze of regulations and details that come with a remodel...

Local Services

New in Lake Minnetonka

Check out these new businesses making their debut in Lake Minnetonka! Article by Hannah Harms Spavia in Minnetonka  After four years on Elm Creek Boulevard in Maple Grove, Spavia opened a second Minnesota location this past December! Located on Wayzata Boulevard off of 394 in Minnetonka, treat yourself to a day full of pampering at their resort-like spa just a few miles from home.  Spavia originated in Colorado in 2005. However, it made its way to Minnesota in 2019 when owner Cristina Nolte...

Life + Culture

Life Minded

New Year Old Me Article by Jen Fortner Generally, I avoid making New Year’s Resolutions. But I am surrounded by many who faithfully make them each year. They pick an inspirational word like CONFIDENCE or FORWARD and then set to creating their list of changes to make in a year. People take on way more than I ever could. They are going to power lift, eat clean, save money, visit long-lost relatives, start a business, quit caffeine and take up mushroom coffee, read the classics, clean the attic...

Wellness

Spotlight: Nothing But Hemp

How the team at Nothing But Hemp is helping the community through CBD Article by Lauren Beaubaire Before Tyson Archer opened Nothing But Hemp in Chaska, he was a customer first. "As I was going through my 20s, my anxiety began getting worse and worse, and some back pain started to emerge," shares Tyson. "I didn't want to start on any medications, so I went to a Nothing But Hemp shop and tried my first CBD tincture. I started feeling better on the drive home. After that, I became a regular user...