Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle

Our “Home & Design” issue is here!?? Home. So much is contained in that little four-letter word.?Home is our grounding. Our base. Our launchpad. It’s where we start and end each day. So that’s why this issue is all about making your home your dream home! Check out all the great stories this month: ?Meet the Men of?@stickneyrealestate: How George Stickney and his sons turned real estate into a family tradition ??Let the Light In: Expert advice from?@lakeshoreinteriors?on how to choose window treatments that work for every room ??Designing a RARE Space: How?@rarelandscapes?creates luxury landscaping that’s anything but ordinary ??Teaching Kids Household Responsibility: How taking on household chores can shape your kid’s future success ??Is There a Doctor in the House??@truenorthhomewatch?prescribes peace of mind while you’re on vacation ??Life Minded: Seeds of Doubt. In Jen’s latest hilarious column she puts her terrible gardening skills to the test. And her talents know no limits. plants. “I can kill outdoor and indoor plants. I’m very versatile.” And, as always, we let you know about great events happening around the Lake, the latest local business news in our Business Monthly, and who was out around town with our City Scene! See all the stories inside and read the full issue here: https://lnkd.in/gBgYtrck . . . #winterinmn?#exploremn?#onlyinmn?#lakeminnetonkalife?#CLLakeMinnetonka?#CityLifestyle?#LakeMinnetonkaLifestyle?#LakeMinnetonka?#LakeLife?#CityLife?#LiveLocal?#smallbusiness?#SupportLocal?#Minnesota?#Local?#MN

Allow us to introduce you to a memorable Marine mom named Molly Ambrose, who is one of approximately 600 Marine Moms in Minnesota. In 2015, Molly’s son Nick enlisted in the Marine Corps. Soon, Molly began to package and send “care kits” to Nick. One day, a fellow Marine mom invited Molly to attend a once-a-month get-together for Marine moms, which she attended. About 45-65 moms were at this meeting, each of them willing to work in concert with one another stuffing care kits to send overseas. Molly could appreciate the concept but knew she worked better alone, so she set out to do just that. She named her company Semper Fi Flo and began to ask for donations. One of her first donations came from local elementary schools. Imagine her surprise when she received 800 pounds of candy! After that, Molly convinced the “My Pillow” company to donate 50 travel pillows for her boxes. In the spring of 2017, My Pillow donated another 336 travel pillows and even took care of boxing up and shipping charges to the tune of $8,000. Word quickly got out and Molly has maintained her service to the Marines and expanded her services to include the Army, Navy, and Air Force! Somedays, she drives to five locations a day throughout the metro, filling up her vehicle with items to send overseas. Read the full story and see how you can help Molly’s incredible mission with the link: https://lnkd.in/gmJyE4Ck . . . . #winterinmn?#exploremn?#onlyinmn?#lakeminnetonkalife?#CLLakeMinnetonka?#CityLifestyle?#LakeMinnetonkaLifestyle?#LakeMinnetonka?#LakeLife?#CityLife?#LiveLocal?#smallbusiness?#SupportLocal?#Minnesota?#Local?#MN

It was an unforgettable evening of connection and gratitude as Bridgewater Bank teamed up with Artful Living Magazine to host Bridgewater’s 3rd annual Gratitude Gathering. The event, complete with local, women-owned vendors, celebrated women business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the Twin Cities, gathered everyone together for a night to inspire, connect, support one another, and give back. “Pausing to focus on gratitude, connection, and giving back is more important than ever in seasons where the hustle and bustle never seems to stop,” shares Mary Jayne Crocker, Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer at Bridgewater Bank. “The highlight of the night was coming together to assemble self-care kits for Dress for Success Twin Cities. It was a powerful reminder of the impact we can create through community and collaboration.” At the event, 120 care packages were packed up for Dress for Success, an organization that helps unemployed and underemployed women achieve economic independence. Add to that, 367 pounds of gently used clothing were also donated to the organization during the evening. Providing opportunities for connection is one of the things Bridgewater does best. The bank was built with the vision to challenge the status quo, providing an unconventional banking experience and opportunities for employees and clients alike to grow and thrive. And those values are still ever present, continuing to drive and inspire the team at Bridgewater every day. “From the very beginning, we’ve been intentional about cultivating our unconventional, people-first culture at Bridgewater Bank,” says Mary Jayne. “Giving back as a team not only aligns with our culture – it strengthens it.” ??Read the full story with the link to learn more on how Bridgewater Bank’s people-first culture drives real community change: https://lnkd.in/gR5mEV-z Photography by Jeannine Marie Photography . . . . #winterinmn?#exploremn?#onlyinmn?#lakeminnetonkalife?#CityLifestyle?#LakeMinnetonkaLifestyle?#LakeMinnetonka?#LakeLife

Studio owner Melissa Schoeller started?@holayogamn?as a way for those to have a sense of community. “I really wanted a studio in the community where I live and a place where people can come and have a strong sense of community,” says Melissa. “That is really what the vibe is at the studio.” Melissa herself has been teaching yoga and leading yoga retreats for more than 20 years and wanted to create a studio that would be an inclusive place. “Everyone is welcome, whether they are new or not. We want everybody to feel comfortable being in this space,” says Melissa. “It’s a very welcoming and nurturing place.” The Twin Cities is fortunate enough to have a wide variety of fitness studios and gyms, but Hola Yoga sets themselves apart, offering a range of classes from calming and soothing (classes such as sound healing) to higher intensity, such as deep core Pilates and Strong in 45, their most popular class. It is unique to have a space that offers not only yoga but also Pilates, Barre, and HIIT. Truly a class for everyone and teachers who are committed to making a difference. “The classes are amazing, but our teachers go above and beyond in connecting with the students,” shares Melissa. “This is why students keep coming back.” Melissa is also committed to making it easy for students to take classes as little or as often as they would like. Memberships are available, as well as class pack options and drop-in classes. For new students, the intro pass is seven days of classes for $28. Learn more about all of Hola Yoga’s classes and how you can get started with the full story at: https://lnkd.in/gTcakrcH Photography by?@annakophoto . . . . #winterinmn?#exploremn?#onlyinmn?#lakeminnetonkalife?#CLLakeMinnetonka?#CityLifestyle?#LakeMinnetonkaLifestyle?#LakeMinnetonka?#LakeLife?#CityLife?#LiveLocal?#smallbusiness?#SupportLocal?#Minnesota?#Local?#MN

When it comes to pampering for your wedding day, you deserve to feel glamorous, confident, and cared for.??♀????@jettbeauty?has been redefining bridal beauty since 2007, becoming Minnesota’s original eyelash bar. With the legacy of offering ‘Hollywood glamour on location,’ the studio provides an unparalleled array of services to make brides and bridesmaids look and feel their best. “We work closely with each individual to understand their preferences,” says owner Amy Kelly. “Our goal is to enhance their natural beauty so they look and feel like the best version of themselves.” ??See how Amy and her team are making brides look and feel radiant on their big day (and how you can book your own consultation!) with the full story here: https://lnkd.in/g2MQ8ZSk . . . . #winterinmn?#exploremn?#onlyinmn?#lakeminnetonkalife?#CLLakeMinnetonka?#CityLifestyle?#LakeMinnetonkaLifestyle?#LakeMinnetonka?#LakeLife?#CityLife?#LiveLocal?#smallbusiness?#SupportLocal?#Minnesota?#Local?#MN

???We visit four incredible local bookstores —?@creamandamber,?@chapteronemn,?@thinkingspotus, and?@excelsiorbaybooks?— that are bringing community together and inspiring readers of all ages, one story at a time. From cozy corners to curated shelves, they’ve got something for everyone, plus must-attend February and Valentine’s events! ?? And because it’s the season of love, Cream & Amber, Chapter One, The Thinking Spot, Excelsior Bay Books, and our partners share their favorite romance reads! Who knows? You may just have a love affair with one of these love stories! Learn more about each unique bookstore and how they’re making a difference in the community with our full story here: https://lnkd.in/ggdDP3eK . . . . #winterinmn?#exploremn?#onlyinmn?#lakeminnetonkalife?#CLLakeMinnetonka?#CityLifestyle?#LakeMinnetonkaLifestyle?#LakeMinnetonka?#LakeLife?#CityLife?#LiveLocal?#smallbusiness?#SupportLocal?#Minnesota?#Local?#MN

You don’t have to travel far to enjoy a romantic getaway.??We share 3 beautiful retreats perfect for a little romance—right here at home. @hotelexcelsiormn: Hotel Excelsior could be the perfect option if you’re looking for a more traditional space for your romantic getaway. This independent boutique hotel overlooks the historic Water Street in Excelsior and offers a plethora of room options. @thebeehivemn: Are you in need of a romantic getaway in a place that feels like a home away from home? The Beehive in Excelsior may be the perfect spot for you. This charming and historic home, built in 1857, was recently renovated into an Airbnb and has already seen immense success, with guests regularly booking weekend to month-long stays in the Apiary unit. “I just love my guests, and I put so much of myself into trying to think about how someone wants to live in a space and make sure they feel welcome and comfortable,” says Sheila Holleran, owner of The Beehive. @theguesthousemn Finding a private and cozy spot to host Valentine’s Day events, wedding parties, or family reunions used to be challenging… until now. The Guest House in Excelsior is a beautiful vacation rental perfectly suited for gathering friends and family. Built in 1858, The Guest House was at one time a bed & breakfast before being bought by Kelly Olsen and eight other women who renovated and converted the space into a rental property consisting of The Guest House and The Carriage House. Read more about each beautiful getaway and learn how to book your own stay with our full story: https://lnkd.in/gReDWJck Photography of The Beehive by Nia Sayler?@niasayler Photos courtesy of Hotel Excelsior and The Guest House . . . . #winterinmn?#exploremn?#onlyinmn?#lakeminnetonkalife?#CityLifestyle?#LakeMinnetonkaLifestyle?#LakeMinnetonka?#LakeLife

Welcome to our “Love Local” issue!??We’re spreading the local love in our February issue, featuring businesses, makers, and community members who make Lake Minnetonka so special. Check out all the great stories this month: ??Love in the City: 3 romantic getaways right here at home.?@hotelexcelsiormn?@thebeehivemn?@theguesthousemn ??♀?Love Stories Start at Jett Beauty: How Amy Kelly and her team?@jettbeauty?are making brides look and feel radiant on their big day ??A Novel Approach: How local bookstores?@creamandamber,?@chapteronemn,?@thinkingspotus, and?@excelsiorbaybooks?bring community together, one story at a time. ?Bridgewater’s Best Investment: How Bridgewater Bank’s people-first culture drives real community change. ??A Mom on a Mission: How Molly Ambrose is bringing care to veterans and military members through Semper Fi Flo. ??New in Lake Minnetonka: Hola Yoga.?@holayogamn?sets itself apart, cultivating community and helping students find their own calm in body, mind, and heart ??Love Potion?#9: A pink cocktail perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day ??Life Minded: You’ve Got No Mail. In Jen’s latest column, she dives into the lost art of love letters, and how it seems harder than ever to have a meet-cute in the dating scene without the help of an algorithm. And, as always, we let you know about great events happening around the Lake, the latest local business news in our Business Monthly, and who was out around town with our City Scene! See all the stories inside and read the full issue here: https://lnkd.in/gwuhkY4q . . . #winterinmn?#exploremn?#onlyinmn?#lakeminnetonkalife?#CLLakeMinnetonka?#CityLifestyle?#LakeMinnetonkaLifestyle?#LakeMinnetonka?#LakeLife?#CityLife?#LiveLocal?#smallbusiness?#SupportLocal?#Minnesota?#Local?#MN

“Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.” Well… at least paved ones. Doc’s DeLorean from Back to the Future may have had a few more bells and whistles, but Chad Robertson, GM Certified Sales & Leasing Consultant at Ryan Auto Mall, showed us a few vehicles that have us excited to get on the road — or rather off-road. “There’s something exciting about knowing that you have a car or truck that can take you on that trip and get you to more places without worrying about what the roads will be,” says Chad. “Taking away those nerves if your car will make it on a gravel or more rocky road or if your suspension can take it.” Having a vehicle built for off-road adventures is your ticket to reconnecting with nature, recharging, and prioritizing your mental and physical health. So, now you can road trip to that romantic, remote getaway you’ve heard such great things about, to the beautiful hiking spot your friend recommended, or cross another National Park off your bucket list. Read the full story and see how Chad and the team at Ryan Auto Mall can help you take the road less traveled with the link: https://lnkd.in/gpGtTQWe . . . . #winterinmn?#exploremn?#onlyinmn?#lakeminnetonkalife?#CityLifestyle?#LakeMinnetonkaLifestyle?#LakeMinnetonka?#LakeLife

The water that comes out of your faucet is all too easy to take for granted. We use it to brew coffee and make spaghetti, but rarely do we scrutinize what really is coming out of our tap. That is the job of the water treatment experts at @hafermanwater. The team at Haferman Water works with residents across the metro to see exactly what is coming out of their faucets and how that could affect them. “I do get a little passionate about it,” laughed Paul, the Customer Experience and Marketing Manager, as he spoke about the Water Quality Association, mineral filters, and how water can impact aspects of health like hair and skin. Treating water can often have cascading effects on health. While many are increasingly aware of the importance of what is in water, other effects are less well known. Minnesota, in particular, has much harder water than the rest of the country, and those minerals and chemicals can be hard on your body. Since 1972, Haferman Water Conditioning has been working with Minnesotans to ensure the water that comes out of their tap is up to their high standards, both for those using private wells and those on municipal water. “The main goal has been to provide better water and be the experts on that,” says Paul. Read the full story and learn how you can improve the water all throughout your home with the link: https://lnkd.in/gXFmqtfb . . . #winterinmn #exploremn #onlyinmn #lakeminnetonkalife #CLLakeMinnetonka #CityLifestyle #LakeMinnetonkaLifestyle #LakeMinnetonka #LakeLife #CityLife #LiveLocal #smallbusiness #SupportLocal #Minnesota #Local #MN