Education

Investing in Education

Crown College's Commitment to Academic Excellence Article by Amanda Wagner | Photography by Maria Claire Photography In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, where trends shift like the wind, institutions must adapt swiftly to remain meaningful and impactful. Crown College, located in rural Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota, finds itself not only navigating these trends but thriving amidst them. Imagine stepping onto its campus, where every corner resonates with the hum of eager minds...

March 2024

Finance + Legal Services

The Road to Financial Freedom

Thrivent Freedom Financial Group shares how to take the first steps to invest in your future Article by Lutie Ronglien It’s never too late to start.  That’s what Martin Cole at Thrivent Freedom Financial Group of Waconia says. As a certified financial planner, Martin knows how important it is to begin saving for the future, no matter how small the amount.  Nearly 70% of Americans don’t feel they’re on track with their retirement accounts, according to a September 2023 article from U.S. News...

March 2024

Food + Beverage

What’s New in Waconia

Introducing Molly Krinhop, the new owner and visionary of St. Boni Bistro Article by Emily McKeever | Photography by Maria Claire Photography Products of the 80s and those younger who appreciate the classics are familiar with the iconic series Cheers . The one where everyone yells, “Norm!” as the quippy regular walks in and takes a seat on his well-worn bar stool. The catchy opening theme goes, “Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came.” It’s...

March 2024

Style + Beauty

Closet Currency

Eleece Pink of The Stash shares her wisdom on why enhancing your wardrobe is a form of self-investment and how to go about it. Article by Emily McKeever There are many investments in life you can seek to enhance your future; some involve a hefty sum of money and planning, and others are executed on a smaller scale with a little more flexibility and a lot less cash. When you invest in your home, you’re enhancing its resale value and your enjoyment; if you decide to back a small business, you’re...

March 2024

Life + Culture

Life Minded

A Cut Above Article by Jen Fortner I recently purchased a knife that I’m very excited about. This is a sign of becoming firmly middle-aged. When I was twenty-five years old, I had cheap knives and thought people who got enthusiastic about knives or lamps or pillows were sad and needed to get out more. But I’m not sad and I don’t want to get out at all. I’m excited about my knife, and I’m quite proud of my purchase.  Not to brag…but it’s a Shun Premier 5.5” Nakiri. It’s like a trophy wife but...

March 2024

Home + Design

Navigating the Road to Investment Properties

Expert advice from Heather Reichenberger of RE/MAX Results Article by Emily McKeever | Photography by Maria Claire Photography Not all home purchases are created equal, and neither are the needs or wants of buyers. It’s not on everyone’s dream list to own a vacation home on the beach adorned with sea foam-colored furniture and collected seashells (but for the life of us, we can’t imagine why!) Some opt for having a retirement retreat ready and waiting for them once their kids fly the nest...

March 2024

Life + Culture

Life Minded

This Old Home Article by Jen Fortner I watched a lot of Bob Vila when I was a kid. My dad liked Bob’s show, This Old House . Bob seemed to know everything about everything. And we enjoyed Norm, his insanely knowledgeable carpenter sidekick. I had never heard an accent quite like Norm’s and it was fun to decipher what he was saying in a manner so exotic to my Midwestern ears. I had no idea what Bob and Norm were talking about when they went on poetic speeches about lumber grades or 60-tooth...

February 2024

Life + Culture

What’s New in Waconia

Step into spring with chic home décor from neighborhood gems Article by Emily McKeever We’re almost there! Spring is just around the bend, and for the motivated and enthusiastic, you know what that means. Spring cleaning, vacation planning, gardening, house projects, and decluttering the car. If you’re reading this and saying to yourself, “Now you’re speaking my language,” go on with your energetic self! But if your entrance into spring is more along the lines of a bear emerging from...

February 2024

Professional Services

From Lens to Listing

Click-worthy tips from Maria Claire Photography for stunning photos Article by Emily McKeever | Photography by Maria Claire Photography Capturing beauty is a way of life for Maria Benedict. Since starting her business, Maria Claire Photography, it’s what she has consistently accomplished for numerous clients and a goal she actively pursues every day. “I’ve always had a passion for photography, and it’s been an amazing journey to grow through and discover my potential. There’s always more to...

February 2024

Home + Design

No Place Like Home

How Lee Lyn Construction transformed one family’s house into their forever home Article by Lutie Ronglien | Photography by Maria Claire Photography It all started with wanting a bigger kitchen.  Greg and Bobbie Stier weren’t sure where to begin. Their 1965-built rambler was missing some of the amenities found in modern homes. They considered several options: remodeling their current home, rebuilding their house entirely, or just selling and buying a larger home.  “We’d lived in the...

February 2024