October / November 2026 Volume 25 • Issue 7
The Best Pumpkin Bars Ever Simple Fall Family Rituals
Pozole
Ingredients 3 l b . p o r k s h o u l d e r, c u t i n t o 2 " p i e c e s Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 large yellow onion, quartered 3 cloves garlic, sliced 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth 1 tsp. cumin seeds 1 bay leaf 2 dried ancho chiles, stem and seeds removed 2 dried chiles de árbol, stem and seeds removed 2 dried guajillo chiles, stem and seeds removed 3 ( 1 5 - o z . ) c a n s h o m i n y, d r a i n e d , r i n s e d Thinly sliced radishes, thinly sliced green cabbage, and chopped fresh cilantro, for serving
Directions Step 1 In a large bowl, season pork with salt and p e p p e r. I n a l a r g e p o t o v e r m e d i u m h e a t , c o m b i n e pork, onion, garlic, broth, cumin seeds, and bay l e a f . A d d e n o u g h w a t e r t o c o v e r p o r k b y 2 ". B r i n g t o a b o i l , t h e n c o v e r, r e d u c e h e a t t o m e d i u m - l o w , a n d b r i n g t o a s i m m e r. C o o k , s k i m m i n g f o a m o f f top as needed, 1 hour 30 minutes. Step 2 Meanwhile, in a medium heatproof bowl, soak chiles in 2 cups boiling water for 30 minutes. S t e p 3 Tr a n s f e r c h i l e s a n d a b o u t 1 / 2 c u p s o a k i n g l i q u i d t o a b l e n d e r. B l e n d u n t i l s m o o t h , a d d i n g more water as needed. Step 4 Add chile puree and hominy to pot with p o r k . C o v e r a n d c o n t i n u e t o s i m m e r, s t i r r i n g o c c a s i o n a l l y , u n t i l p o r k i s v e r y t e n d e r, a b o u t 1 hour 30 minutes more; season with salt and p e p p e r. S t e p 5 To p p o z o l e w i t h r a d i s h e s , c a b b a g e , a n d cilantro.
Preserves lean muscle to help maintain weight management1 Excellent source of vitamins and minerals2
PERFECT COOKING TEMP
145ºF Cut
For more recipe ideas Scan QR Code and follow us on Facebook
Please
Temperature
Pork loin Pork Tenderloin Pork Chop
145ºF medium rare 150ºF medium 155ºF medium well 160ºF well
Precooked Ham
140ºF
Ribs Pork Shoulder Cutlets
TENDER (190-200ºF)
Ground Pork
160ºF
* Allow at least 3-minute rest after cooking
23 G PROTEIN per 3 oz serving PORK SIRLOIN 1 3 7 C A L3
PORK TENDERLOIN 122 CAL
Thiamin, Zinc, Selenium, Niacin, Riboflavin, ,
Certified Heart-Hea t # Sirloin, Tenderloin
MEDIUM-RARE* 145-150°F
MEDIUM
150-155°F
MEDIUM-WELL
WELL
155-160°F 160° F
For delicious results, cook to 145° F
cookies You will Fall For
From Friday night football tailgates to fall family festivals, we bake scrumptious cookies that are sure to make every day sweeter! Our bakery case is filled with over 20 flavors of cookies baked fresh every day including seasonal flavors! We make our cookies by hand using quality ingredients and lots of love! Whether you need to satisfy your own sweet cravings or need catering for an event, we bake it easy for you! We also serve gluten-friendly cookies, brownies, ice cream treats and decorated celebration cookies!
Call or order online today!
Downtown: 605-275-0060 701 N Phillips Ave, Suite 120 Sioux Falls, SD 57104
South Cliff: 605-275-0062 6004 S Cliff Ave Sioux Falls, SD 57108
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OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2026
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friends & family FOR KIDS Make It a Tradition: Simple Fall Rituals Your Family Can Start This Year 44
18
nest RECIPES Best Pumpkin Bars Ever 21
BEST FRIENDS Submit Your Pet’s Photo 46
BEST BOOKS 48
AT HOME Preserving the Past with Sandy Stengel 24
out & about
THE A LIST 32
CALENDAR
MAN IN THE KITCHEN Spam! But not a lot! 34
October/November 2026 7
CONCIERGE What Makes This New Pizza Spot Totally Rad? The Secret Ingredient is Fun. 18
VINO Happy Thanksgivino 36
THE SIMPLE SEASON How to Live Your Actual Life 38
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JOIN US FOR THE
LARGEST HOLIDAY HANDMADE EVENT OF THE SEASON!
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out & about calendar 7 October/November 2026
concierge 18 What Makes This New Pizza Spot Totally Rad? The Secret Ingredient is Fun.
October/November 2026 Hegg Brothers and Friends Presented by Live on Stage Friday, October 2 • 7 p.m. Washington Pavilion The Hegg Brothers and Friends present a tribute to great songwriters. Join them for a journey across decades and styles, from poetic folk rock to soulful anthems and lyrical big band classics. Iconic songs from artists such as Paul Simon, James Taylor, Sting, Frank Sinatra, and others are re-interpreted by the Hegg Brothers and their talented bandmates. INFO Washingtonpavilion.org
Masquerade: A New Musical Allegory Friday, October 2 • 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 • 2 & 7 p.m. Sunday, October 4 • 2 p.m. Orpheum Theater Center 315 N. Phillips Ave. Masquerade is a colorful, enchanting, and poignant musical allegory about how the world became an unhinged masquerade – a dreamlike phantasmagoria crafted and painted by a solitary master. It’s the story of how the world became inverted, reversed and rearranged from fairytales and fantasy – a fantastical
yet relatable story with unexpected villains and unlikely heroes. INFO siouxfallsorpheum.com Falls Park Farmers Market Saturdays through October 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Falls Park, Downtown Sioux Falls Falls Park Farmers Market brings you fresh flowers, vegetables, meat, baked goods, coffee, and hot food each week. Plant your garden with beautiful geraniums and heirloom tomatoes, or browse local soaps and handmade goods.
The Black Market Flea Market Saturday, Oct. 3 • 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4 • 10 a.m.-3 p.m. W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds The Black Market is a community of private friends sharing through mutual exchange of lawful gifts and honor between members. Find everything you can imagine, big and little, old and new, heavy and light! As the longest running indoor variety market in South Dakota we offer a nostalgic experience sure to bring back memories from childhood, stimulate excitement and provide hours
Three Sioux Falls Area Locations: 6801 South Minnesota Avenue | 7109 West 26th Street 1515 West Holly Boulevard, Brandon
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of entertainment. 65% of this show consists of antiques and collectibles, 15% is new items, 5% crafts and the rest is, well anything you can image or find at a rummage sale.
New
LocatioN Now oPeN!
Fri-Sat 10-5 • Sunday 12-4 • Monday 10-5 • Closed Tues-Thurs
46930 Cody Trail, Suite A, Tea, SD
junkinthetrunksiouxfalls
Fall Eventast Annie’s
SATURDAY, OCT. 17TH | 11 A.M.-4 P.M.
Celebrate pheasant opening day at Annie’s at our 2nd annual permanent jewelry event with Catlin at Midnight Sparkle. Choose from rings, bracelets, anklets, and much more. She will also repair previously purchased jewelry.
SATURDAY, NOV. 7TH | 9 A.M.-3 P.M.
Start the holiday season with Annie at our Annual Holiday Celebration. You will find the prettiest seasonal decor plus wonderful gifts to spark your holiday shopping. Expect yummy drinks and treats, and as always, a free gift with any purchase. There will be multiple chances to win an Annie’s gift card at these events!
219 N. Main St. Salem, SD 57058 (605) 421-4442
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South Dakota Symphony Orchestra: Ravishing Rhapsodies Saturday, October 3 • 7:30 p.m. Washington Pavilion 301 S. Main Ave. The South Dakota Symphony Orchestra opens the season with musical storytelling. Hear the Sioux Falls debut of Gabriela Martinez performing Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Ravel’s Rhapsodie Espagnole and more, including a world premiere by Guatemalan composer Xavier Beteta. A night of technical virtuosity and lush, evocative expression and surprises awaits. INFO washingtonpavilion.org South Dakota Festival of Books Saturday, October 3 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Holiday Inn City Centre 100 W. 8th St. Celebrate the next chapter of South Dakota’s literary tradition at the South Dakota Festival of Books. For more than two decades, the Festival has brought readers, writers, and communities together to explore the stories that shape our state. As we approach the Festival’s 24th anniversary, this year offers a chance to honor that legacy while embracing new ideas, new voices, and new experiences all for FREE! INFO sdbookfest.org Grace Lutheran Church Soups & Sweets Supper October 4 • 4-7 p.m. 3300 E. 18th St. Soups, sweets, beverages - all free will offering! Donations to Furniture Mission, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Youth and WOG.
Paul Horsted Presents: South Dakota: Yesterday & Today Sunday, October 4 • 2 p.m. Old Courthouse Museum 200 West 6th Street For his latest book, photographer Paul Horsted located the sites of more than 300 historic photos across South Dakota to produce a beautiful portfolio of then-and-now photographs. This ten-year project includes more than 100 towns and cities, with dozens of landscapes and landmarks, in an oversize, full-color coffee-table book. Books will be on sale at the program. Admission is free! (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com. Natives of Early South Dakota Tuesday, October 6 • 5:45 p.m. The History Club of Sioux Falls. 758 S. Phillips Ave. Presented by Bruce Rekstad “Teacher of the Year 2025” through the Sioux Falls School District and works at Washington High School as the Oceti Sakowin Owaunspe Instructor. Come and learn about the history of Natives of SD. A light meal will be served for a donation. Please RSVP to historyclubsf@gmail.com. Haunted Sioux Falls Tour Tuesday, October 6 • 6:30 p.m. Departs from the Old Courthouse Museum • 200 West Sixth Street Climb aboard for stories of ghosts, mysterious lights and footprints, elevators that run by themselves and other unexplained phenomenon on the Haunted Sioux Falls Tour. Space is limited, advanced tickets are on sale now at the Old Courthouse Museum for $15. Enjoy Sioux Falls haunted past…believe it or not! INFO (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com. Junkin’ Market Days Fall Shopping Event
Friday, Oct. 9 • 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 • 9a.m.-4 p.m. Ramkota Exhibit Hall 3200 W. Maple St. This is our 13th event!! Shop 100 incredible small businesses featuring the best in: shabby chic home décor, rustic furniture & vintage finds, handmade jewelry & boutique clothing, candles, bath & body products, gourmet food, antiques & so much more. Buy tickets at junkinmarketdays.com & use code: BOGO to buy one ticket and get a second free. Waitress Friday, October 9 • 7:30 p.m. Saturday, October 10 • 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Sunday, October 11 • 2 p.m. Washington Pavilion 301 S. Main Ave. Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. Pouring her heart into her pies, she crafts desserts that mirror her topsy-turvy life such as “The Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie” and “Betrayed By My Eggs Pie.” When a baking contest in a nearby county — and a satisfying encounter with someone new — show Jenna a chance at a fresh start, she must find the courage to seize it. Change is on the menu, as long as Jenna can write her own perfectly personal recipe for happiness. INFO washingtonpavilion.org The Jaycee Feargrounds: Once Upon a Scream Haunted House W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds Open Dates: *Special Datessee website for details. October 9, 10, *11, 16, 17, *22, 23, 24, *29, 30, *31 Order tickets online to save $5. Ticket sales at gate end at 11:00 p.m. Ticket Window: Opens at 6:45 p.m. Weekdays: 7–9 p.m.
Last ticket sold at 8 p.m. Friday–Saturday: 7 p.m.–12 a.m. Last ticket sold at 11 p.m. INFO jayceesfeargrounds.com Quack Open a Book: Sioux Empire United Way Reading Festival Saturday, October 10 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Sioux Falls Convention Center Our free reading festival is back and better than ever — packed with free books to take home, live entertainment, a mobile zoo, beloved character visits, and hands-on activities designed for kids ages 0–8. Whether your little one is a lifelong bookworm or just discovering the magic of reading, this is a day they won’t forget. Best of all? It’s completely free! Come celebrate a love of reading with us. INFO seuw.org Fiber Fun Sunday, October 11 • 1-4 p.m. Old Courthouse Museum 200 West Sixth Street Do you like to knit, crochet, needle work, or dabble in any other fiber arts? Come join members from the Crossthreads Fiber Guild for an afternoon of Fiber Fun! Attendees can work on projects, ask for suggestions, and just enjoy the company of fellow fiber friends. INFO (605)367-4210 or www. siouxlandmuseums.com Haunted Sioux Falls Tour Tuesday, Oct. 13 • 6:30 p.m. Departs from the Old Courthouse Museum 200 West Sixth Street Climb aboard for stories of ghosts, mysterious lights and footprints, elevators that run by themselves and other unexplained phenomenon on the Haunted Sioux Falls Tour. Space is limited, advanced tickets are on sale now at the Old Courthouse Museum for $15. Enjoy Sioux Falls haunted past…believe it or not! INFO (605)367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com.
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Behind the Scenes Tour of the Irene Hall Museum Resource Center Thursday, October 15 • 2 p.m. Irene Hall Museum Resource Center 4300 N. Westport Ave. Take a look behind the closed doors of the Irene Hall Museum Resource Center and see the artifact storage and work areas. Space is limited, call (605)367-4210 to register, $5. siouxlandmuseums.com Voices from the Past Lantern Tour of Woodlawn Cemetery Thursday, October 15 6:30, 6:50, 7:10, 7:30, 7:50 p.m. Woodlawn Cemetery Learn about some of the most interesting characters of Sioux Falls’ history, as local actors bring their colorful stories to life on a lantern light walk. Tours begin every 20 minutes beginning at 6:30 p.m. each night, advanced tickets are on sale now at the Old Courthouse Museum for
$15. INFO (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com. ZooBoo Friday, October 16 • 5-9 p.m. Great Plains Zoo Explore the entire Great Plains Zoo campus with free-flowing trick-or-treat stations, unique decorations, and plenty of photo-ops! Skip the lines and start the fun early with Early Access tickets! Early access grants you exclusive entry to ZooBoo 1-hour before general admission for just $6 more! Plus, kids ages 2-12 will receive a FREE tote bag to haul their treats in. Early access tickets are limited. INFO greatzoo.org Voices from the Past Lantern Tour of Woodlawn Cemetery Friday, October 16th 6:30, 6:50, 7:10, 7:30, 7:50, 8:10 p.m. Woodlawn Cemetery Learn about some of the
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most interesting characters of Sioux Falls’ history, as local actors bring their colorful stories to life on a lantern light walk. Tours begin every 20 minutes beginning at 6:30 p.m. each night, advanced tickets are on sale now at the Old Courthouse Museum for $15. INFO (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com. Celebrate Pheasant Season at Annie’s! Saturday, Oct. 17 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Annie’s Treasures Home & Vintage. 219 N. Main St., Salem, SD. (605) 421-4442. 2nd annual permanent jewelry making event! Voices from the Past Lantern Tour of Woodlawn Cemetery Saturday, October 17th 6:30, 6:50, 7:10, 7:30, 7:50, 8:10 p.m. Woodlawn Cemetery Learn about some of the most interesting characters of Sioux Falls’ history, as local
actors bring their colorful stories to life on a lantern light walk. Tours begin every 20 minutes beginning at 6:30 p.m. each night, advanced tickets are on sale now at the Old Courthouse Museum for $15. INFO (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com. World Ballet Company: Swan Lake with Live Orchestra Sunday, October 18 • 7 p.m. Washington Pavilion The legendary tale of Swan Lake takes flight in a breathtaking production from World Ballet Company, as fate and magic entwine in a timeless battle between good and evil. Performing with a Live Orchestra, and featuring a cast of 50 international dancers, over 150 radiant hand-sewn costumes, and stunning hand-crafted sets, this spellbinding ballet captures every heartpounding moment – from the Dance of the Little
Swans to the Black Swan’s 32 fouettés, and every pirouette in between. INFO washingtonpavilion.org\ Rosemaling Demonstration Tuesday, October 20 • 1-4 p.m. Old Courthouse Museum 200 West Sixth Street Eileen Halverson will be demonstrating the Norwegian folk art of Rosemaling (decorative painting) in the secondfloor hallway of the Old Courthouse Museum. Stop in any time for a demonstration or to ask questions! INFO (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com Haunted Sioux Falls Tour Tuesday, Oct. 20 • 6:30 p.m. Departs from the Old Courthouse Museum 200 West Sixth Street Climb aboard for stories of ghosts, mysterious lights and footprints, elevators that run by themselves and other unexplained phenomenon on
the Haunted Sioux Falls Tour. Space is limited, advanced tickets are on sale now at the Old Courthouse Museum for $15. Enjoy Sioux Falls haunted past…believe it or not! INFO (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com Kansas in Concert Wednesday, October 21 • 7 p.m. Washington Pavilion Experience an unforgettable evening of classic rock as KANSAS takes the stage at the Washington Pavilion. For more than 50 years, the band has captivated audiences around the world with its signature sound, masterful musicianship and legendary hits including “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind.” INFO: washingtonpavilion.org Cats Presented by the Good Night Theatre Collective October 22-24 • 7:30 p.m. Washington Pavilion Good Night will mount a
rendition of a fantastical, surrealist stage masterpiece. Combining a score from one of theatre’s most iconic composers and the words of one of history’s greatest poetic storytellers, it’s our very own take on a positively perfect musical set in the streets of London. This fall, Good Night will be putting its very own spin on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s…Cats! INFO washingtonpavilion.org Haunted Sioux Falls Tour Thursday, Oct. 22 • 6:30 p.m. Departs from the Old Courthouse Museum 200 West Sixth Street Climb aboard for stories of ghosts, mysterious lights and footprints, elevators that run by themselves and other unexplained phenomenon on the Haunted Sioux Falls Tour. Space is limited, advanced tickets are on sale now at the Old Courthouse Museum for $15. Enjoy Sioux Falls haunted past…believe it or
not! INFO (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com. Ceili Dance Thursday, Oct. 22 • 6:30 p.m. Old Courthouse Museum 200 West Sixth Street Ceili (pronounced KAY-lee) is an Irish social dance. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced dancer, Ceili dancing is a fun and energetic way to spend an evening. Get ready to dance to live music at the Old Courthouse Museum! Beginners welcome. Free admission. INFO (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com. Trampled by Turtles Friday, October 23 • 7:30 p.m. Washington Pavilion Trampled by Turtles are from Duluth, Minnesota, where frontman Dave Simonett initially formed the group as a side project in 2003. At the time, Simonett had lost most of his music gear, thanks to a group of enterprising
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car thieves who’d ransacked his vehicle while he played a show with his previous band. Left with nothing more than an acoustic guitar, he began piecing together a new band, this time taking inspiration from bluegrass, folk, and other genres that didn’t rely on amplification. INFO washingtonpavilion.org Paranormal Investigators Orfa King Saturday, October 24 Palace Theater, Luverne, MN. palace theatre.us Spooky Seas Saturday, Oct. 24 • 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Butterfly House & Aquarium Get ready for a hauntingly good time as we transform our aquatic world into a Halloween wonderland! Step into the Discovery Den and explore the spooky haunted shipwreck, search through sunken treasure for pirate coins, gems, or shells to take home, create your very own pirate hat, and enjoy all this under-the-sea adventure has to offer. Don’t forget to snap a selfie with our pirate skeleton... if you dare! INFO greatzoo.org Spooky Science at the Washington Pavilion Saturday, Oct. 24 • 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Washington Pavilion Halloween Fun Without the Fright! Put on your costume and bring your curious little scientists to the Washington Pavilion for a day of Halloween fun with a scientific twist! Hands-on activities, bubbling experiments, silly surprises and plenty of opportunities to discover something new. It’s a fright-free Halloween experience designed for curious kids and families to enjoy together. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. INFO washingtonpavilion.org Witches Tea – Practical Magic theme! Practical Magic - themed
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Tea party presented by The History Club of Sioux Falls Saturday, Oct. 24 • 2–4 p.m. 758 S. Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls Tea, Wickedly delicious treats, pink pumpkins & wicked fun – all for $30! Dress up Wickedstyle if you’d like! Seats are limited — reserve now! Tickets available on Eventbrite. South Dakota Symphony Orchestra: America the Beautiful Saturday, October 24 • 7:30 p.m. Washington Pavilion Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a musical journey that captures the heart and soul of the nation through its rich tapestry of sound. This exhilarating concert experience showcases the evolution of American music, from spirituals and gospel tunes that lifted spirits to the rhythms of ragtime and the heartfelt passion of the blues. Stripling’s charismatic trumpet and vocals along with the incredible talent of singer Mamie Parris lead the audience through the birth of jazz, the soulful grooves of R&B, and all the vibrant genres that define the American soundscape. INFO: washingtonpavilion.org Miller Team Real Estate Trunk or Treat Saturday, Oct. 24 • 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 6225 S. Minnesota Ave. Join us for our 7th annual trunk or treat event! This event is open to everyone of all ages and it’s FREE!! Come and visit over 25 trunks from local businesses and nonprofits that will be handing out treats and swag! There will be a food truck on site if you’d like to purchase lunch while you’re there. Come dressed in your favorite costume or come as you are - all are welcome! Marketbeat Open Sunday, Oct. 25 - Sunday, Nov. 1 Huether Family Match Pointe 4210 N. Bobhalla Drive, S.F. 32 of the best men’s
professional tennis players in the world return to Sioux Falls this fall to compete. The tournament started in 2024 and has quickly become recognized as one of the best ATP Challenger tournaments in the United States which earned it an upgrade from an ATP 75 to an ATP 100 event after just its first year! INFO: marketbeatopen.com Haunted Sioux Falls Tour Tuesday, October 27 • 6:30 p.m. Departs from the Old Courthouse Museum 200 West Sixth Street Climb aboard for stories of ghosts, mysterious lights and footprints, elevators that run by themselves and other unexplained phenomenon on the Haunted Sioux Falls Tour. Space is limited, advanced tickets are on sale now at the Old Courthouse Museum for $15. Enjoy Sioux Falls haunted past…believe it or not! INFO (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com Jersey Boys October 27 - 28 Washington Pavilion The original Broadway sensation returns to the road! Celebrating 20 years – Jersey style! They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story — a story that has made them an international sensation all over again. INFO: washingtonpavilion.org Haunted Sioux Falls Tour Thursday, Oct. 29 • 6:30 p.m. Departs from the Old Courthouse Museum 200 West Sixth Street Climb aboard for stories of ghosts, mysterious lights and footprints, elevators that run by themselves and other unexplained phenomenon on
the Haunted Sioux Falls Tour. Space is limited, advanced tickets are on sale now at the Old Courthouse Museum for $15. Enjoy Sioux Falls haunted past…believe it or not! INFO (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com. Goosebumps the Musical; Presented by the Premiere Playhouse October 31, Nov. 6, Nov. 7 Orpheum Theater Center Join us for Halloween at Goosebumps The Musical! Horror fans Brooke and Zeke are thrilled to be starring in a mysterious show called The Phantom, and not the least bit frightened by the old legend that the play is cursed. But when strange, eerie messages start appearing and a masked menace starts disrupting rehearsals, they begin to wonder: what if there really is a ghost haunting their school, determined to stop the show? Prepare to get goosebumps as they race to solve the mystery in this thrilling, and chilling, new musical, based on the classic series by R.L. Stine. INFO siouxfallsorpheum.com Old Courthouse Museum Halloween Party Saturday, October 31 • 1-4 p.m. Old Courthouse Museum 200 West Sixth Street Join us at the annual Old Courthouse Museum Halloween Party from 1 to 4 p.m. Kids can go trick or treating throughout the museum, make a craft, listen to spooky stories, and more! Admission is free! INFO (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com. Notes of Gratitude Festival of Gratitude, Song & Dessert Sunday, November 1 • 2 p.m. Generations Event Center, Luverne, MN Tickets $20 per person through Palace Theatre Box Office. palace theatre.us
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An Evening of Alton Brown Wednesday, November 4 7:30 p.m. Washington Pavilion Although he’s keeping the details under wraps, Brown has said that with An Evening of Alton Brown he’s “stirring up some twists on his greatest hits,” and “spicing things up with new demonstrations, music, and slightly scaled-down mayhem.” No matter what, An Evening of Alton Brown will present Brown as you’ve never seen him — unless, of course, you’ve been invited to his house. INFO: washingtonpavilion.org Annie’s Holiday Open House Saturday, November 7 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Annie’s Treasures Home & Vintage. 219 N. Main St., Salem, SD. (605) 421-4442. Shop the season decor, enjoy yummy drinks and treats and free gift with any purchase.
& Juliet The Hit Broadway Musical November 11-14 Washington Pavilion “The most fun you’ll have in a theatre! A smart, laughout-loud shot of pure gold. Exactly what we need right now.” — Variety Created by the Emmy®winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek,” this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & Juliet asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way. INFO: washingtonpavilion.org Outback/Murray & Peter Present: Golden Girls The Laughs Continue Thursday, November 12 • 7 p.m. Orpheum Theater Center The Golden Girls are back in
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an all-new show! 2026 finds Sophia out on bail, after being busted by the DEA for running a drug ring at Shady Pines. Blanche and Rose have founded CreakN, a thriving sex app for seniors. And Dorothy is trying to hold it all together, with help from her much younger, sexcrazed love interest. Relive the heartfelt hilarity of four ladies who never stopped being your friends! INFO: siouxfallsorpheum.com Anthony Shore Presents Elvis in Concert Friday, November 13 • 7 p.m. Orpheum Theater Center Step into the world of Rock ‘n’ Roll royalty as Anthony Shore’s Elvis Tribute Show brings Elvis Presley’s legendary performance to life. Accompanied by a talented 14 piece band that includes a string and horn section, this show promises a thrilling homage to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, offering
an unforgettable evening of nostalgia while capturing the essence of Elvis’s legendary performances. INFO: siouxfallsorpheum.com Sanders Family Christmas November 13-15 and 20-22 Friday & Saturday, 7p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. Palace Theatre. Luverne, MN. palace theatre.us 2nd Annual Vendor Fair at The History Club of Sioux Falls Saturday, November 14 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 758 S Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls, SD Discover and support some amazing local vendors! With unique gifts, handmade treasures, delicious goodies and more, there’s something for everyone. South Dakota Symphony Orchestra: From the New World Saturday, Nov. 21 • 7:30 p.m.
Washington Pavilion A multi-media exploration of Native American inspirations, including Dvorák’s celebrated New World Symphony accompanied with stunning visuals by Peter Bogdanoff, and Louis Ballard’s Incident at Wounded Knee. Experience the Creekside Singers drumming group with full orchestra performing ˇ a new Lakota Refrains, orchestra work by Derek Bermel and Emmanuel Black Bear from the 2025 Lakota Music Project Tour. INFO: washingtonpavilion.org South Dakota Symphony Orchestra Youth Fall Concert Sunday, November 22 • 4 p.m. Washington Pavilion The SDSYO is designed to enhance young musicians’ talents in an inspiring and educational group setting. Through participation, students build leadership skills, develop musical
talents, and create lasting friendships. The SDSYO encourages these students to enjoy a life of active engagement in the arts. INFO; washingtonpavilion.org 34th Annual Parade of Lights Friday, November 27 • 6 p.m. Downtown Sioux Falls Kick off the holiday season in dazzling style at the 34th Annual First Bank & Trust Parade of Lights, a cherished Downtown Sioux Falls tradition! Gather with friends and family along Phillips Avenue to watch beautifully lit floats, festive music, and holiday magic light up the night. INFO: dtsf.com Santa Train & Holiday Stroll Saturday, November 28 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Luverne, MN Stroll Luverne shops for treats, contests, prize drawings, holiday specials
and entertainment, nutcracker scavenger contest, free holiday movie at the Palace Theatre, Santa & Mrs. Claus on Ellis & Eastern’s Santa Train, cookies & hot cocoa, meet your favorite holiday characters and more! Full event listing at luvernechamber.com Steve Payne & Friends Home for the Holidays Saturday, November 28 • 7 p.m. Washington Pavilion Steve Payne and Friends: Home for the Holidays is a locally produced live music experience featuring classic hits, contemporary favorites, and timeless holiday tunes. Hosted by local guitarist Steve Payne, this onenight-only performance is the perfect way to kick off your holiday season. Steve will be joined by an outstanding lineup of local musicians, including George Gongopoulos on drums, Tom Likely on bass, and featuring
vocal performances by Elijah Bonde, Kristy Bonde, Maren Engel, Wade Gemar, Rachael Payne, and Hailey Schmidt. INFO: washingtonpavilion.org Christmas with Lorie Line Sunday, November 29 • 3 p.m. Washington Pavilion The Queen of the Piano returns to the stage once again this holiday season, bringing good news and joy with her concert grand piano. Touring for 37 years, Ms. Line will share all the favorite hits of her Christmas career and tell sentimental stories that delight in the season. Most known for her “mashup medley”, be ready to shout out your favorite song request as she entertains and plays off-the-cuff audience requests spontaneously. Line just released her 67th album and she plans to play a few of her favorites this year to showcase the project. INFO: washingtonpavilion.org
T RANSFO RM L I V I N G SPAC E S I N TO L EGAC I E S Explore our refreshed StarMark Cabinetry Showroom, featuring 5 new door styles and 8 new finishes inspired by the still moments in nature. Our Spring collection offers refined style and functionality, with trend-forward designs, hardware and countertops to bring your dream space to life. V I S I T T HE S HOW RO OM (60 5) 97 7-3660 | (80 0) 669 - 0 087 60 0 E 4 8TH STREE T, NORTH SIOUX FAL LS, SD STARM ARKCABINE TRY.C OM 25-26 WINNER
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MONDAY – THURSDAY 8–5 | FRIDAY 8–3 SATURDAY & EVENINGS BY APPOINTMENT
etc. for her | October / November 2026 15
Paranormal Investigators
ORFA KING SATURDAY, OCT 24
Tickets go on sale on Oct 5
de for QR Coting of e h t n lis Sca plete ts! a com ming even o c up
| (507) 283-4339 | luvernepalace@gmail.com 104 E Main Street, Luverne, MN 56156 www.palacetheatre.us @ palacetheatreluv
@ palaceluverne
@ palaceluverne
A town with more nutcrackers than people…
and now the world’s largest… standing over 65 feet tall.
November 13-15 & 20-22 Friday & Saturday 7pm
Sunday 2pm
Tickets available October 16 at the Palace Theatre Box Office
507-283-4339 Students - $10
palacetheatre.us
Adults - $20
LL Y STROIN HOLIDA A R T A T N & SA 2026 NOVEMBER
AR APR
JAN FEB M 1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10
28,
ADMIT O
No. 2026 G PASS BOARDIN
rn Presents
Ellis & Easte
SANTATRAIN
T LIG HTTHENIGH
Celebrate the Holidays in Luverne
NE
www.luvernechamber.com • www.cityofluverne.org • (888) 283-4061
MINN. SHMORE, WITH RU RIAN, MINN. AD MINN. STOPS A, LI NO AT: MAG RNE, MINN. LUVE OV DEC SEP OCTN JUL AUG 30 26 27 28 29 MAY JUN
11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22
23 24 25
SANTA TRAIN & HOLIDAY STROLL
in Luverne
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2026
t s e f er t n i W
Luverne’s
Celebration
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2026
9 a.m.–3 p.m. WINTERFEST EXPO
VENDOR FAIR
Elementary Commons & Cardinal Gym 709 North Kniss $5 admission (children 12 & under – FREE) Adult & youth activities during the show Prize drawings held hourly
11 a.m.–4 p.m. HINKLY OPEN HOUSE
10 a.m.-7 p.m. HOLIDAY STROLL Stroll Luverne shops for treats, contests, prize drawings, holiday specials and entertainment
10 a.m.-7 p.m. NUTCRACKER SCAVENGER CONTEST Win shopping money! 2 p.m. HOLIDAY FAMILY MOVIE FREE Historic Palace Theatre 104 East Main Street
3:30 p.m. WELCOME SANTA & MRS. CLAUS ON ELLIS & EASTERN’S SANTA TRAIN Omaha Depot 106 East Fletcher Street 4-5:30 p.m. FREE PORTRAITS WITH SANTA & MRS. CLAUS Taken on-stage at the Historic Palace Theatre • Cookies & Chocolate Milk 5-7 p.m. GREET YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY CHARACTERS Main Street
W H AT M A K E S T H I S N E W P I Z Z A S P O T T O TA L LY R A D ?
THE SECRET INGREDIENT IS BY MARY MICHAELS
Fun.
Totally Rad Pizza 196 E. Sixth Street (605) 789-2014 www.totallyradpizzasf.com Hours: Sunday - Thursday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. to Midnight *Food runs until 9 p.m.
W
hat truly sets Totally Rad Pizza apart isn’t just the food, the drinks or the games. It’s the spirit behind the place. As Director of Food and Beverage Operations Beau Vondra often says, “We take what we do seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously.” When you enter Totally Rad, you’ll spark memories of your favorite arcade games. You’ll debate which action figure on the bar shelves was your favorite as a kid. You’ll probably challenge someone to a game of pinball. And somewhere along the way, you’ll realize you’ve also had an excellent meal. Since opening in June, Totally Rad Pizza has quickly become one of downtown Sioux Falls’ most unique dining destinations, blending chef-driven food, craft beverages and
18 out and about | CONCIERGE
a nostalgia-fueled atmosphere that’s hard to find anywhere else. This restaurant is the latest venture from the team behind Fernson Brewing Company, Derek Fernholz and Blake Thompson, and Vondra says Totally Rad incorporates a piece of all of their personalities. “For me personally, I think Totally Rad is the most authentic of anything I’ve ever done in my career,” he says. “It really fits who I am, and there are aspects of it that reflect both Derek and Blake.” The trio had already established Totally Rad Eats inside Fernson Downtown on Phillips Avenue, and when conversations started about another restaurant, they all agreed pizza would be the focus. “Pizza came up in my first meeting with
them, even as we were establishing Totally Rad Eats,” says Vondra. “There wasn’t space in the Phillips Avenue location, though, and we weren’t necessarily looking for another downtown space. But, when the Harvester Building space opened up, we realized it was the perfect fit.” Situated between the Steel District, Cherapa Place and Levitt at the Falls, it’s right in the middle of one of Sioux Falls’ most exciting and rapidly growing areas. The venue offers convenient parking while remaining easily walkable from downtown destinations. The rustic interior lends itself to the atmosphere the team wanted to create, which is a combination of neighborhood joint and your friend’s 1970s basement.
“We know that people are increasingly looking for places that offer entertainment, atmosphere and memorable experiences,” Vondra says, “so we wanted to combine great food, creative beverages and fun for all ages.” Totally Rad Pizza checks all those boxes. Vondra’s enthusiasm for pizza runs deep, and it shows on a menu built around various crust styles, including hand-stretched pizzas, tavern-style pies and gluten-free options. Guests can expect high-quality ingredients, inventive toppings and pizzas inspired by both New York and Neapolitan traditions, while still embracing some Midwest traditions. And pizza is only the beginning. The menu also features wings that Vondra and his team have spent significant time perfecting, along with sandwiches, salads,
shareable appetizers and a selection of entrees. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick lunch, grabbing dinner before a show or settling in for a night out with friends, there’s something for every appetite. The location also benefits from Fernson’s growing beverage program. Guests can enjoy Fernson beers on tap, an expanded cocktail menu, wines and an evolving lineup of spirits developed through Fernson’s recently launched distillery operation. The lower level is the ultimate retro hangout, complete with pinball machines, dart boards and plenty of room to gather with friends. And, you can reserve the space for your next event like a birthday party or office gathering. Families are welcome to head downstairs to play; however, after 8
p.m., the space is open only for those age 21 and over. Vondra says the team is stll growing and refining since their summer opening, and that means menu items will change from time to time, the bar team will create more inventive cocktails and they’ll also look at hosting events like pinball leagues. In a dining scene that’s constantly evolving, Totally Rad Pizza manages to pull off something difficult: being genuinely fun without sacrificing quality. It’s the kind of place where one pizza turns into an entire evening because nobody is quite ready to leave after the last slice. For Sioux Falls diners looking for their next night out, check out this place which is, well ... totally rad.
etc. for her | October / November 2026 19
nest recipes 21 Best Pumpkin Bars Ever
at home 24 Preserving the Past with Sandy Stengel
the a list 32 man in the kitchen 34 Spam! But not a lot!
vino 36 Happy Thanksgivino
the simple season 38 How to Live Your Actual Life
Best Pumpkin Bars Ever
Title BY JO MCCLURE
I have featured this recipe before and after 20+ years of submitting recipes, it is still my favorite for fall 15 ounce can 100% pure pumpkin 1 cup vegetable oil 1 2/3 cups sugar 4 eggs 2 cups flour 2 tsps baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 2 tsps cinnamon 1 tsp salt 1 can cream cheese frosting Mix oil, pumpkin, sugar and eggs with a mixer until light and fluffy. Stir the dry ingredients together and mix well with the pumpkin mixture. Bake in a 10x15 inch jellyroll pan at 350˚ for 25-30 minutes. Cool and frost. Makes about 24 bars.
etc. for her | October / November 2026 21
You’re invited SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 THE GRAND BALLROOM IN THE SIOUX FALLS CONVENTION CENTER 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Try various samples, interactive vendors, and incredible giveaways — a high energy event you don’t want to miss! VENUES • CATERING • CAKES • PHOTOGRAPHY • GOWNS • FLORALS • JEWELRY • AND MORE!
Your Wedding Story Starts Here
SCAN TO RECEIVE 50% OFF TICKETS OR USE CODE E TC5 0 AT CHECKOUT
AT HOME: PRESERVING THE PAST WITH
Sandy Stengel BY MARY MICHAELS
W
hen you pull up to the front of Sandy Stengel’s home in central Sioux Falls, you immediately know you’ve found a unique spot. You’ll admire the pretty cottage-style floral garden and rustic wood fence, and then you’ll notice a few things that make you look twice —
24 nest | AT HOME
a whimsical owl perched in an upper window box and a row of watering cans displayed on weathered wooden benches out front. There’s a story behind nearly everything at Sandy’s home. Sandy bought the house in 1998 in, let’s say,
less-than-move-in-ready condition. “It was in disrepair,” she says. “There were leaks, there was mold and it had 1960s décor. I was a single mom, so I did what I could little by little and had friends to help me get it cleaned up.” Not long after purchasing the home, Sandy’s
job transferred her to Omaha. For three years, she commuted to work while continuing to work on the house in her spare time. “I had to do just about everything, from floors and ceilings to painting and ‘fixing.’” As she renovated, Sandy also began turning
the house into a home by filling it with collections of things she found at estate sales, antique shops and just about everywhere in between. Most of her collections fall into the category of primitives — simple, handmade objects dating primarily from the early 1800s.
“What I have are objects that were made for everyday household or agricultural use rather than for decoration or luxury,” she explains. “These are things that would have been made by local craftsmen, farmers, or homeowners using basic tools, not by professionals or in factories.”
etc. for her | October / November 2026 25
Originally from western Pennsylvania, Sandy remembers seeing primitives at flea markets and other places while growing up. She isn’t sure exactly where or when she caught the collecting bug, but what began as a few interesting finds here and there has grown into substantial displays throughout her home. In the kitchen, Sandy repainted the cabinets a soft green and added vintage pulls.
26 nest | AT HOME
A wood-paneled ceiling she installed adds to the room’s homey, rustic feel. Look around and you’ll find stoneware, an old kitchen scale and a variety of kitchen-themed collectibles, from stoneware dishes to vintage tins. Several blue-and-white canisters sit atop the cabinets, adding another layer of old-fashioned charm. Sandy also loves to cross-stitch, and her own finely detailed creations are displayed throughout the house alongside antique
pieces she has collected. One particularly charming piece she created is an old-fashioned multiplication table—a practical lesson from another era transformed into art. Just off the kitchen is a room that was probably originally intended to be a dining room. Today, however, it serves as a perfect little showcase for more of Sandy’s treasures. An antique rocking horse shares the space with a Noah’s Ark built by a neighbor down the
street. The neighbor used an old copper boiler as the base of the ark, giving the handmade piece an unexpected history of its own. The room leads into the living room, where dolls and teddy bears seem to be relaxing in chairs as though they’ve settled in for the afternoon. A wall-sized hutch is filled with baskets and quilts, while a large coffee grinder looks as though it might once have spent its days inside a rural general store.
Among Sandy’s collections is an assortment of lightning rods, many topped with animal figures. They are easy to mistake for weather vanes, but the two have different purposes. A weather vane indicates the direction of the wind, while a lightning rod—sometimes called a Franklin rod—is designed to protect a building from lightning damage. These heavy, stationary pointed metal rods were securely attached to the highest point of a roof.
During the 1800s and early 1900s, decorative elements were added to many lightning rods, helping traveling salesmen market them to farmers and homeowners. Sandy’s collection celebrates the whimsical side of these practical pieces, particularly the animal-topped examples. After stripping old wallpaper from the primary bedroom, Sandy created a peaceful retreat for herself. A large four-poster bed
etc. for her | October / November 2026 27
anchors the room, while a framed cross-stitch sampler featuring the alphabet and prayers, dated 1834, adds a remarkable connection to the past. A door leads from the bedroom to a patio Sandy added, providing a private spot to enjoy the outdoors.
28 nest | AT HOME
The second bedroom continues the home’s tradition of handmade craftsmanship, displaying three antique cross-stitch samplers along with an antique secretary desk set on a wooden table. One of the features that originally attracted Sandy to the home was its unique
four-level layout. As you enter through the front door, you go up to the kitchen, living area and bedrooms. Just off the entry, however, is an intriguing maze of spaces that provides even more room for Sandy’s collections. The main room, almost like a sitting room,
features sliding barn doors Sandy made herself. A large hutch is filled with pewter pieces, while wood shutters with star-shaped cutouts add another handmade touch. The shutters were created by the same neighbor who built the Noah’s Ark upstairs. Then there’s the coffee table.
Sandy was told it originally came from a barn, although its exact purpose remains a mystery. “I’m not sure what it was originally used for,” she says. “Perhaps a feeder or tool tray. But, I thought it would be a cool coffee table.” The bathroom on this level is what Sandy calls her “Americana bathroom.” Patriotic red,
white and blue fill the space, complemented by cheerful, red-checked curtains. If the inside of Sandy’s home is a treasure hunt, the backyard is a perennial playland. Flowers fill the yard, accompanied by a water feature and an assortment of whimsical pieces Sandy refers to as her “yard art.” A
True Custom Cabinetry for You.
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etc. for her | October / November 2026 29
winding path of distinctive antique bricks meanders through the garden. Those bricks have a story, too. “When I was commuting to Omaha for work, I found those bricks,” Sandy says. “I saw them, and I just walked up to the door to ask about them. The man said I could take as many as I wanted.” Over the course of a few weekends of commuting, Sandy laughs, “I cleaned him out.” The bricks are Purington Pavers, heavy-duty antique clay bricks made by the Purington
30 nest | AT HOME
Paving Brick Company, which was founded in 1890. The bricks paved streets in the company’s hometown of Galesburg, Illinois, as well as portions of the Panama Canal Zone. They also found their way to streets in Paris during World War II. More of Sandy’s DIY projects are showcased outdoors, including a cute shed and a covered pergola. “It started with just the pergola, and then I slapped a piece of metal on top,” she explains. “But, that had to be redone after a heavy snowstorm.”
Under the covering, a pair of rockers offers the perfect place to sit and take in the flowers blooming throughout the yard and the trees Sandy has planted over the years. To tell the story of all the treasures Sandy has acquired over the years would take volumes. Ask her about an item, though, and chances are she remembers when she found it, where she was and who she was with. That may be one of the most special things about collecting. The objects themselves carry history, but the stories of finding them become part of their history, too.
As the years have gone by, Sandy has begun holding sales each year, giving others an opportunity to enjoy these little pieces of the past. She has also discovered that primitive collecting is quite a popular hobby, with numerous websites devoted to collectors searching for and sharing these pieces of early Americana. For those who might be tempted to begin a collection of their own, Sandy has some advice. “Whether it’s primitives or other types of collections that you’re interested in, start small,” Sandy advises. “Pick one room, for
example, and fill small things to decorate with at flea markets and rummage sales. Then, you can really get a feel for what you like. Some things you may just happen to come across and other things you may search for on these websites or when people are having sales. It does take work, though, so you have to have your heart in it.” Sandy has certainly put her whole heart into creating the unique home she shares with her boxer, Charlie. From the handcrafted pieces tucked into corners, to the antique samplers hanging on walls
and the collections carefully arranged on shelves, the home is a celebration of early Americana and the craftsmanship of days gone by. And perhaps that is what makes Sandy’s home so inviting. It isn’t simply a house filled with old things. It is a home filled with stories — of resourcefulness, friendship, serendipitous discoveries and a lifelong appreciation for things made by hand. Among the quilts, samplers, wooden treasures and well-loved objects, the past doesn’t feel far away. It feels as though it has simply found a place to live again.
etc. for her | October / November 2026 31
Fall in Love We bake cookies you’ll fall in love with! Mary’s Mountain Cookies offers many options for your special gatherings, including party trays and 12” decorated celebration cookies. We bake over 20 flavors of cookies daily and can cater to events of any size. Our fall flavors include Pumpkin Chocolate Chip, Espresso, and Molasses Chia. Call us to place an order or stop by either location! Downtown 605-2750060 - South Cliff 605-275-0062 - www.siouxfallscookies.com.
Autumn Treasures Create your own autumn keepsakes at Color Me Mine. So many adorable things to choose from! 3709 W. 41st St. (605) 362-6055.
32 nest | the A LIST
Calla & Friends From lunchtime favorites to everyday hydration, discover back-to-school essentials made to keep up with busy little ones from Calla & Friends. Available at Annie’s Treasured Home & Vintage. 219 N. Main St, Salem, SD. (605) 421-4442.
Custom Storage A place for everything—and everything within reach! Custom storage makes everyday kitchen tasks simpler and more enjoyable. Dakota Kitchen and Bath. 4101 N. Hainje Ave. (605) 334-9727.
Pretty in Pink (and Blue!) Your little one will pretty as a picture in whichever color she chooses. The Dance Line has the best in dance, gymnastics, skate, and cheer apparel, as well as shoes. The Dance Line. 2115 S. Minnesota Ave. (605) 335-8242.
Fall Décor & SO Much More
Classic Elegance
You will have to shop at Junk in the Trunk often - their inventory changes every day! Eclectic home décor, consignment furniture, antiques, and more. Junk in the Trunk. 46930 Cody Trail Ste A, Tea, SD. (605) 213-0022
Our new Moxie solid panel door by StarMark Cabinetry brilliantly unites contemporary vision with classic elegance, transforming our shared spaces. 600 E 48th St N, Sioux Falls. (800) 594-9444.
Now Open! Farmhouse Quilting is now open in Hartford! Fabric, notions, kits, classes, inspiration and community! 115 N. Main Avenue. Hartford, SD. (605) 528-3223.
etc. for her | October / November 2026 33
SPAM! But not a lot! BY JIM MATHIS
H
ere’s a secret; I kind of like Spam (the canned meat, not the unwanted emails), the blocky pork/ham/mystery product from our neighbors in Austin, Minnesota, doesn’t get a lot of love. In fact, it’s the butt of more jokes than I have space to list here. Just the Monty Python Spam jokes alone could fill this entire issue! I should clarify, I am not eating Spam daily, weekly or even monthly. But it has its place. Like canned tuna, no one is going to call it a luxury, but for a quick meal, it will come
34 nest | MAN IN THE KITCHEN
through when you need it. First of all, it’s not the mystery meat it’s made out to be. It has only six ingredients – pork, water, salt, potato starch, sugar, and sodium nitrate. In a world where many products have an ingredient list as long as your arm, that’s not too bad. Health food? Certainly not, but it’s not as evil as many think. Our friends at Hormel introduced it in 1937, Spam hit the big time as a result of World War II, as it had been a staple (along with other canned meats) to feed
the troops overseas. Hormel estimates 100 million pounds of Spam were sent to Allied and American soldiers. It was often maligned by the military, but it kept them fed. After the war, those returning troops refused to eat it. That’s when Spam shifted from a convenient shelf-stable staple to an infrequent side dish. But while most of America shunned Spam, the canned meat became a culinary sensation in much of the Asian Pacific and Hawaii. Much of Asia’s fondness for Spam stemmed
Spam Musubi 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons light brown sugar 1 teaspoon mirin 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil 1 (12-ounce) can Spam, cut horizontally into 8 slices 3 sheets sushi nori, each cut into three strips 2 teaspoons furikake (optional) 5 to 6 cups cooked short-grain sticky white rice In a bowl, whisk the soy sauce, sugar and mirin. Drizzle a large skillet with oil and heat over medium. Fry the Spam slices until evenly browned and crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Take off the heat. Add the soy mixture and turn the Spam slices until evenly coated in glaze. To assemble, put a strip of nori, rough side up, in your musubi maker mold with the ends coming up the long sides. Add a slice of Spam into the mold, a pinch of furikake (if using) over the Spam, then fill the mold with a mound of rice. Press the rice firmly with the musubi maker press until it’s about an inch thick, adding more rice as needed.
Our friends at Hormel introduced it in 1937, Spam hit the big time as a result of World War II, as it had been a staple (along with other canned meats) to feed the troops overseas.
Fold the nori over the rice and dab a little of the glaze to hold it together. Flip it over and out of the mold, presto! You’ve got a musubi! Repeat with the remaining slices and serve! Or if you want your kids to look particularly cool at school, wrap a couple of these in plastic wrap and pack in their lunch. OK – I don’t have kids so I cannot guarantee this will be a hit with your kids or if your child will never speak to you until they’re 21. So, proceed accordingly.
directly from WWII, and wars in Korea and Vietnam, during which entire generations grew up with Spam. So maybe it’s not so crazy that my two favorite Spam dishes are Asian (or at least Asian- inspired). For a quick, weeknight meal, I’ll throw together a Spam Fried Rice; either pre-cooked, leftover rice or the heatand-serve variety, cooked with seared, diced Spam, some frozen peas and carrots, some Asian seasonings (soy sauce, ginger, mirin,
and siracha), and a couple of eggs. It’s salty, spicy, and even a little sweet. A perfect meal. Another fav is musubi – think Spam sushi. Japanese immigrants to Hawaii are credited with inventing Spam musubi, a Hawaiian version of onigiri that binds a seared slab of Spam to sticky rice with a piece of nori, usually seasoned with furikake, a Japanese rice seasoning. The Spam website calls it a Hawaiian take on surf and turf. You can do this with a Spam
can as the mold, but an inexpensive musubi mold makes it much easier! But don’t be afraid of the Spam, the canned meat kind anyway – those unwanted emails still suck, and I do not condone them at all. Do yourself a favor, eat something good today. When Jim’s not experimenting with different food, he runs ADwërks in Sioux Falls. He’s also the author of Love and Death and Pizza, which does not contain Spam.
etc. for her | October / November 2026 35
Happy Thanksgivino BY RICCARDO TARABELSI
36 nest | VINO
N
o, that’s not a typo. It occurred to me while busting my brain for a Thanksgiving themed wine article that by changing one letter I was able to embed the word “vino” in the title of this column. I love it when things work out. This year for Thanksgiving, think diversity. Thanksgiving dinner is tricky. It’s a hodge-podge of competing flavors: salty, sweet, sour, savory, rich, earthy, and everything in between. Diversify your wine selections, and you will be sure to hit the perfect pairings. Below are 8 suggested pairings to make your Turkey Day a little easier.
#1 Butternut Squash Soup – Sparkling Rosé Like in a perfect marriage, they bring the best out of each other. The sour rose petals and raspberry notes in the wine brighten the dense quality of the soup, while the soft texture of the soup enhances the fruitiness and elegance of the wine.
#2 Mashed Potatoes with Gravy - Riesling Mashed potatoes are creamy and buttery, and gravy is fatty and salty, so take both of these characteristics into consideration. Your wine needs to have enough acidity to cut through the butter, but it also needs to have a bit of sweetness to bring down the salt component. Even if you’re resistant to trying wines with a bit of residual sugar, you will be pleasantly surprised by this pairing.
#3 Brussels Sprouts – Pinot Gris Pairing wine with brussels sprouts is not an easy task, and you really have to think outside the box. The bitter and salty components of this dish have to be slightly matched, while being contrasted. Try it with a Pinot Gris, which is an Alsatian grape with an almond-like bitterness laced with white flowers and peaches.
#4 Green Bean Casserole – Sauvignon Blanc You’re going to have choose a contrasting wine, otherwise you will not be able to have more than just a few bites. You will need a bright, herbaceous, and high acidity wine like Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand or a Chenin Blanc from France.
#5 Cornbread Dressing – Chardonnay One of my favorite wine pairings for anything with corn in it is Chardonnay. I enjoyed a fantastic unoaked Chardonnay from California, and I still remember how well the flavors of the luscious Chardonnay matches the sweet creaminess of corn. This is a nobrainer pairing.
#6 Sausage and Sour Dough Stuffing (with Cranberry Sauce) – Zinfandel This is a perfect example of when condiments dictate the pairing. The richer and heavier the stuffing, the bigger and bolder the wine needs to be. Zinfandel is a natural fit for this portion of the feast.
#7 Herb Roasted Turkey – Valpolicella Unsure of whether you should pair your turkey with white or red? Very few dishes in the world cry out for Valpolicella like the classic Thanksgiving Day turkey. If you are not in the mood for an Italian wine (seriously, who’s NOT in the mood for an Italian?) look for a lighter bodied Pinot Noir from California.
#8 Pumpkin Pie – Moscato d’Asti Similar to the butternut squash soup, texture is the important element in this dessert. This has a sweet, creamy, and fruity quality to it, which is better paired with likeflavored wines. This year, don’t drink one-dimensionally, pick a variety of wines to pair with all of the different flavors on your menu. This way, you will not only augment the food you serve, but you will also satisfy the different palates sitting at your table. Happy Thanksgivino! Carpe Vino! Riccardo is a Level I Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers. He and Marybeth own R Wine Bar & Kitchen, Maribella Ristorante, Brix Wine Bar, Trio Jazz Club, and Vespa Catering. They have 10 people across their businesses that have achieved their Level I Sommelier. Hank Freese, manager at Brix Wine Bar, is now a Level 2 Certified Sommelier! Contact Riccardo with your wine questions at riccardo@rwinebar.com.
etc. for her | October / November 2026 37
HOW TO LIVE YOUR ACTUAL LIFE BY BOBBI LYNN GAUKEL
I
t’s kind of hard to believe 2026 is coming to a close, isn’t it? For some of us, that news may be nothing but a relief. For others, it may mark a year of milestones we’ll remember for a lifetime. Whichever camp you fall into, the truth is that no matter how many extraordinary days you’ve lived this year, chances are you’ve lived a far greater number of ordinary ones along the way. Let’s unpack those days, shall we? Because how we live in the regular Tuesday-ness of our lives may just be the secret to a life truly well spent. But first, it’s worth looking around us and
38 nest | THE SIMPLE SEASON
considering what our modern culture values. Our achievements - new jobs, new homes, new seasons of life - are all wonderful things on the surface. But if we look a little deeper, we may find that many of us end up feeling disappointed, behind, or somehow less than “enough” when those markers aren’t reached. Is this you? Looking closely at our ordinary days can help us reframe those cultural markers a bit.
Examine Your Ordinary Have you ever really sat down and thought about the regular rhythm of your days?
In the fall, it might include waking early and getting that first cup of coffee going, taking a Sunday afternoon walk with the dog, or baking a fresh batch of cookies so the whole house smells divine. Will you tell people about these things? Maybe not. But actually, why not? The things we do day after day can define who we are far more than the most dramatic thing that ever happened in our lives. So take some time to notice them. Evaluate them. And yes, be grateful for the things you might otherwise be taking for granted. There is something beautiful about realizing
that a life doesn’t have to be extraordinary to be meaningful.
Take Stock of Where You’ve Been Lately, I’ve been on a fall “purge” in the basement of my home. After fifteen years in the same house, I’ve acquired a lot of things. In the process, I’ve also found myself revisiting the ways I used to live during different seasons of my life. The giant box of old design projects from my years as a graphic designer was a delightful find. So was the photo album from much younger days, full of memories I had long forgotten—memories that had been overshadowed by the constant stream of the daily Instagram feed showing me the here and now. Even the boxes of clothing I had, for some reason, held onto reminded me of days that were anything but exciting.
What these things uncovered wasn’t really who I was by what I wore or what I accomplished. They reminded me of who I was becoming. They brought back seasons that passed without much notice but have now become treasures. The ordinary days I barely noticed at the time have become some of the things I’m most grateful to remember.
Use Your Ordinary to Create Your Future Finally, rather than being only nostalgic, taking a closer look at your real, everyday life can help shape and define how you’d like your future to look. This is a practice that works no matter your age or season of life. What things cause you anxiety? What brings you immense peace or joy? What parts of your everyday life make you feel most like yourself ? And how can you build on those
things to make room for more of what you want to become? This may involve some form of vision casting. Personally, I like to make a “dream” or mood board that helps me think about the new year in ways that aren’t necessarily concrete, but are perhaps more philosophical. It gives me space to consider not just what I want to accomplish, but how I want to live. Whatever works for you, these final months of the year can be about more than the hustle and bustle of the season. Take some time to live - really live - in your ordinariness. Pay attention to the coffee, the dog walks, the old photographs, the familiar routines, the quiet Tuesday afternoons. You may be surprised by what you find there. Because perhaps the life we’re always waiting to begin is actually the one we’re already living.
etc. for her | October / November 2026 39
Shop • Sell • Connect Download the free Whatnot App and watch or shop Live-Streamed Auction Deals!
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friends& family for kids 44 Make It a Tradition: Simple Fall Rituals Your Family Can Start This Year
best friends 46 Submit Your Pet’s Photo
best books 48
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M a k e It a
Tr a d i t i o n :
Simple Fall Rituals Your Family Can Start This Year BY JESS WEISCHEDEL
F
all has a way of making us want to slow down. The air gets crisp, the days get shorter, and familiar routines begin to shift. Between school, sports, Halloween and the rush toward Thanksgiving, it can be easy to move from one thing to the next without really noticing the season. Family traditions don’t have to be elaborate. In fact, the best ones are often the simplest. The goal isn’t to create another thing your family has to do. It’s to find a few small rituals that are easy enough to repeat and personal enough to eventually become something your family looks forward to every year.
Here are 10 simple ideas to try this fall. 1. First Soup Night
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Choose the first chilly Friday evening of October and make a cozy soup your family can look forward to every year. Maybe it’s chili, chicken noodle soup, potato soup or a recipe that’s already a family favorite. Let the kids choose the bread, toppings or dessert. Don’t worry about making it fancy. Turn on some music, light a candle and enjoy a meal that officially announces, “Fall is here.” For an additional cozy vibe, have everyone wear their pajamas while they warm up with their meal.
2. Take a Fall Family Photo Every Year Skip the pressure of a perfectly coordinated family portrait. Instead, choose one simple photo to take every fall. The kids will grow. Personalities will develop. Someone will probably refuse to cooperate one year, but that’s what makes it good! After five or ten years, you’ll have a visual record of how much your family has changed.
3. Host a Great Fall Bake-Off Choose one fall ingredient, such as apples, pumpkin, or cinnamon, and let everyone create something with it. Younger kids can decorate cookies or assemble a simple dessert. Older kids can try creating their own recipe.
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44 friends & family | FOR KIDS
4. The Thankful Tablecloth Find an inexpensive plain tablecloth or use a piece of fabric. During November, have family members write or draw things they’re thankful for directly on it using fabric markers. Bring it out and add to it year after year. Eventually, your Thanksgiving tablecloth becomes a family keepsake filled with handwriting, inside jokes, memories and reminders of what mattered to your family at different ages.
6. Create a Gratitude Graffiti Wall Instead of keeping gratitude confined to Thanksgiving dinner, give it an entire wall. Tape a large sheet of kraft paper to a wall and leave markers nearby. Throughout November, everyone can add something they’re thankful for. It can be serious sentiments, silly drawings, or incredibly specific words. At Thanksgiving, read everything together. Then roll it up and save it or take a digital photo of it to archive and recycle the paper to avoid having to store it away.
7. Build a Family Recipe Box Give every family member a chance to choose one recipe they’d like to preserve. Write it on a recipe card and add a photograph, memory or short story about why it matters. Maybe Grandma’s cinnamon rolls. Maybe Dad’s chili. Maybe a recipe your child invented at age eight that everyone secretly loves. Add a few cards every fall and over time, you’ll have something better than a cookbook: a collection of recipes that tells the story of your family.
8. Have a Pumpkin Creation Contest Give everyone the same basic challenge and create your own categories: Funniest, Cutest, Most Creative, Most Terrifying, Worst Pumpkin. Let everyone vote anonymously, then announce the winners over dessert.
9. Start a Fall Donation Box Fall is a natural time to take stock of what your family has before the holidays arrive. Put a box somewhere accessible and let everyone contribute things they’re ready to pass along. Outgrown clothes. Books. Toys. Games. Household items. Make it a family ritual rather than a chore. Before the holidays, take the box together to a local organization or donation center. This is a good way for kids to practice letting go of things they no longer need while making room for what’s next.
10. Keep a Fall Memory Jar Place a jar somewhere everyone can reach. Once a week, each family member writes down one favorite moment from the fall and drops it inside. It could be something big, such as Halloween evening, or something tiny, such as laughing at dinner or finding an especially good leaf. At Thanksgiving, empty the jar and read the memories together. Some will make everyone laugh. Others may surprise you. And years from now, you’ll have a collection of small moments that might otherwise have been forgotten.
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After Halloween, gather up some of the leftover candy and turn it into dessert. Try candy-bar cookies, brownies topped with chopped candy, ice cream sundaes or an over-the-top milkshake. Let the kids invent the combination. The tradition doesn’t have to result in delicious desserts; it can simply be making something ridiculous together with the candy that somehow survived Halloween night.
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Buddy, best friend of Robert
Mylo, best friend of Jan & Jeff
Finn, best friend of Ben, Shelby & Beckett
Animals Looking for
BROWNIE Guinea Pig | 1 year
JOURNEY Domestic Shorthair | 1 year
JULIA Chinese Shar-Pei/Mix | 1 year
We are available for adoption at the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society unless noted. 46 friends out and&about family| CONCIERGE | BEST FRIENDS
Henry, best friend of Jan & Jeff
McElroy Crew, best friends to Dave, Becky, Mara, Brenna & Taryn Each month we will choose and feature cute pets. Your pet could be next, so send in a picture today.
Lucy, fur grandbaby of Sharon
Email your photo – just one per pet – to etc.mag@sio.midco.net. Please make sure they are high-resolution photos (the highest setting on your camera). Include in email: pet’s name and owner’s name. Pet owners must own the rights to all submitted photos.
Furever Homes
MISS MAAM Siamese/Mix | 2 years
OPHELIA Siberian Husky/Mix | 5 years
SPARKY Great Pyrenees/Retriever, Labrador | 1 year
If You Are Looking to Adopt A New Best Friend, Please Visit sfhumansociety.com etc. for her | October / November 2026 47
Best
BOOKS
These are just some of the wonderful books for children we have come across this month. We hope to share with you some you have not seen before and also introduce others being released in the near future. Enjoy.
Sindow and the Butterfly by Dianne Erdmann Sindow, a little elf with a big heart, was in for a surprise the day of the great race. What starts as a race to choose a helper for the village leader, Elowen, turns into a chance for Sindow to stand up for someone even small than he is. Will he overcome his fears? Will his kind heart be rewarded? Available on Amazon
I Really Want to See an Elephant by Brianne Farley Have you ever wanted to see something so badly that you see it everywhere? For one little mouse, it’s a matter of seeing elephants—in the form of a sleepy cat, a shiny toaster, even an extra-large ice cream sundae with a cherry on top. There are so many things that look like elephants but aren’t elephants at all. So the key is to keep looking, because who knows what might happen when you really see what you’ve been looking for? With sly wit, visual sleight of hand, and a fun final twist, Brianne Farley’s take on the creative process will keep young readers looking—and looking again. Candlewickpress.com
48 friends out and&about family| CONCIERGE | CHILDREN'S BOOKS
I’m an Elf by Ruth Symons Each uniquely shaped page reveals a new holiday character, along with a playful sound to join in with. Little ones will love to jingle, tap, and shout “HO HO HO!” as they meet elf, gingerbread man, teddy bear, snowman, reindeer, Christmas tree, and Santa Claus himself. Packed with bright art from Matthew Scott, the toylike pages are sure to hold the attention of babies and toddlers. Candlewickpress.com
The World of Emily Windsnap: Emily’s Great Idea by Liz Kessler When a faulty pier is scheduled for demolition, can semi-mer Emily and her friends in both worlds work together to save their homes? This is another exciting mermaid adventure for young readers based on the New York Times best-selling series by Liz Kessler. Candlewickpress.com
Amphibians Everywhere by Camilla de la Bedoyere Discover an amazing array of amphibians in different colors, shapes, sizes, and habitats, from frogs to toads to newts to salamanders and even rare caecilians. Amphibians can live both in water and on land, and they move in a variety of ways, from swimming to hopping and even flying. Amphibians Everywhere shows readers where in the world different amphibians can be found and what makes each species unique. With an added search-and-find element, this shines with charm and personality from much-loved illustrator Britta Teckentrup. Candlewickpress.com
León de biblioteca by Michelle Knudsen Miss Merriweather, the head librarian, is very particular about rules in the library. No running allowed. And you must be quiet. But when a lion comes to the library one day, no one is sure what to do. There aren’t any rules about lions in the library. And, as it turns out, this lion seems very well suited to library visiting. His big feet are quiet on the library floor. He makes a comfy backrest for the children at story hour. And he never roars in the library, at least not anymore. But when something terrible happens, the lion quickly comes to the rescue in the only way he knows how. Candlewickpress.com
etc. for her | October / November 2026 49
Love and Death and Pizza A new book by Jim Mathis. Available locally at:
• Zandbroz, 209 S Phillips Ave • Full Circle Book Coop, 123 W 10th St • Rose + Eugene Presents, 218 W 13th St
Online at: • Amazon.com
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