EXCLUSIVELY YOURS MAGAZINE APRIL 2025

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The Regency Ponderosa

Experience the Dream at Bristlecone Pines D

Please join Regency for a look into unparalleled luxury. Visit an exclusive home nestled in the family friendly subdivision of Bristlecone Pines on the 9th tee. Come get a taste of how we can make your dream home a reality. The flow upon entrance to the living areas is made for entertaining, inside and out. Regency’s meticulous detailing is etched throughout, from the spacious kitchen with a separate coffee bar to the spa like primary bath with multiple water features, to the theater and sport court with an exercise room and steam shower. Enjoy the breathtaking views while watching the golfers and escape for family fun in the

outdoor pool with a covered patio with retractable screens as well as ceiling heaters.

Since 1996, Bristlecone has been the premier subdivision in Lake Country, thanks to its friendly neighborhood, private country club playground with a zip line, tennis and pickle ball courts, nearby amenities, diversity, nearby private and Arrowhead public education, lakes, walking trails, and easy access to Hwy 16.

Regency will be supporting various veteran organizations, including VetsNet, during home tours. 262-894-4612 ~ online inquiries@regencywi.com

Donna Duesing Duesing

Buyer’s agent | Listing agent | Consulting | Staging

Duesing Realty does more than help people buy or sell properties. We solve problems & create solutions. We are the space between where you are and where you are going. Many agents think their most important job is satisfying the client. We believe that is the MINIMUM requirement. Having 30 years of experience in the housing industry & blending it seamlessly with a 10 year real estate career, I hope you will afford me the opportunity to walk this journey with you!

Duesing Realty, LLC 414-719-0599 | www.duesingrealty.com

Ed Liermann n Publisher

Ed Liermann n Sales Director

Timothy Scott Starr n Creative Director

Jeanne Rieland n Account Executive

Sammy Ketchum n Account Executive

Gayle Marvel n Office/Production

Anne Kaiser n Contributing

Timothy Jay Writers

Craig Mattson

Mary Murphy

Brittany Santos

Vince Condella n Contributing Lynn Darnieder Photographers

John Kimpel Lee Wickersheimer Lisa Witt

Kristie

MayHouse Collection

Sip in Style with Patina Vie Bring a touch of vintage artistry to your table with Patina Vie’s Paris Sage tumbler cups. Featuring delicate embossed details and a soft sage hue, these tumblers add character to any setting—whether you’re toasting with friends or savoring a quiet moment. Find them at MayHouse Collection today! Oconomowoc Lakes Plaza W359N5002 Brown St | Suite 106 | 262-354-8100. www.mayhousecollection.com | Live Well. Dress Well. Give Well.

THE

Gallery

The Ottoman Society

Stylish dining no matter what’s on the menu  Whether you are looking for a unique buying experience or a friendly place to sell your treasures, The Ottoman Society, Milwaukee’s fine furniture consignment shop, is here for you.  13408 Watertown Plank Road, Elm Grove, WI 53122–Just behind Great Harvest Bread. 262-786-1786 or visit theottomansociety.com  Stop in to see new items that come in daily.

Niemann's Candies & Ice Cream

Try Niemann’s Candies Almond Butter Toffee...There is NONE Finer! Still made from scratch, this Almond Butter Toffee is always a fan favorite. Niemann’s has been a master confectioner for over 100 years, creating this toffee, holiday favorites, angel food, delicious chocolates, homemade ice cream, fresh roasted nuts and more!  Check out www.niemannscandies.com for corporate, or special event orders, or stop in for free smells and temptations galore at 7475 Harwood Avenue, in the Historic Village of Wauwatosa, WI. Open Tuesday-Friday 10-5:30, and Saturday 10-5. Call 414-774-4940.

Lincoln has made a number of features standard across the lineup of 2025 Lincoln Navigator® SUVs while making it simple to personalize it to match your needs and sense of style.

Uptown will make your ownership easy with complementary Lincoln pickup and delivery service. We offer 4 years of premium maintenance, as well as provide a loaner Lincoln until service is completed. You will also have access to the Lincoln Concierge to handle any concerns. It’s luxury exemplified, inside and out. Explore the superior services and curated interiors afforded to each Lincoln Navigator® owner. Inquire about new 2025 Lincoln Navigator® at Uptown Lincoln today.

Exclusively Yours

EXCLUSIVELY YOURS MAGAZINE

APRIL 2025 VOLUME 78 ISSUE 6

Digital edition @ www.eymag.com

n n n 5 The Gallery

Browse offerings from a few of our area’s finest shops and businesses.

6 Fashionable Destinations

Fashion awaits at The Garment Shop, Cambridge, Picardy Shoe Parlour of Mequon and Brookfield.

8 Achieving True Freedom

“If freedom were merely a matter of not being in a prison cell then the vast majority of us should be free, but we often find ourselves imprisoned by internal anxieties, worries, habits, compulsions, fears, depression, addictions, and false assumptions.” by Victor Parachin

13 MayHouse Closet

MayHouse Collection of Oconomowoc has you covered this season with latest attire! Stop by MayHouse and view our collection of fashions for all ages.

14 Regency Builders

Navigating the future of home design and construction. Regency Builders’ philosophy and commitment to quality have allowed the company to thrive over the course of its long history.

18 Charming “Italian Villa” On Silver Lake

It’s that easy to feel the warmth and energy of Old-World Italy, without leaving home. In this case, home is Oconomowoc, on the shores of Silver Lake. by Julie Feldman

23 Picardy Shoe Parlour

If you love women’s designers footwear, apparel and accessories, look no further. Check out Picardy Shoe Parlour, of Mequon and Brookfield. Exclusive Wisconsin carriers of Frances Valentine.

25 Gardening With Bold Colors

Gardening is a rewarding hobby. You get to spend time outdoors, but you can also increase your home’s curb appeal by adding colorful plants to your yard, front porch or balcony.

29 A Stunning Farmhouse

A Stunning Modern Farmhouse on 3 acres in the Town of Delafield! This high-quality custom home was built by JFK Design Build with an attention to detail.

30 God’s Corner by Gertrude M. Puelicher

Achieving

Freedom f TRUE

“We all want freedom but we are not always so sure about what it is or how to attain it.”

“If freedom were merely a matter of not being in a prison cell then the vast majority of us should be free, but we often find ourselves imprisoned by internal anxieties, worries, habits, compulsions, fears, depression, addictions, and false assumptions.”

THAT WISDOM IS OFFERED by Dr. Craig Hassed, Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Monash University, Melbourne. Hassed has acutely described the dilemma of many people in our culture: While there is an abundance of access to material things, they continue to feel confined and emotionally imprisoned. Here are six simple but effective Buddhist ways to have more freedom.

Exercise

Eventually all bodies become damaged and diseased, but exercise can keep us feeling as free as possible as long as possible. “The care of the body is not just for beauty but also to prevent sickness,” says modern Buddhist Master Hsing Yun. If you become unhealthy and sick, some forms of freedom disappear. So, discipline yourself to move your body daily for a prolonged period of time at whatever form of activity appeals to you.

The Buddha explicitly expected his first monks would exercise: “Monks, there are these five benefits of walking up and down. What five? One is fit for long jour-

neys; one is fit for striving; one has little disease; that which is eaten, drunk, chewed, tasted, goes through proper digestion; the composure attained by walking up and down is long-lasting. These, monks, are the five benefits of walking up and down.”

Manage Your Mind

“Are you managing your mind or is your mind managing you” is a common question cited by meditation instructors.

“Whether we use our life to benefit or to harm self and others depends upon the state of our mind,” says Buddhist teacher Glenn H. Mullin. An example of a mind benefiting or harming is related by Kanjitsu Iijima in his book Buddhist Yoga. In the days before World War II, a Japanese widow in America had a small cleaning business. One day during her absence, the shop caught fire. When she returned, only smoke and ashes remained. In shock, she was seen walking in circles around the ruins. Three days later, she was discovered dead. The distraught

woman ended her life by suicide. Those who knew her said she had a huge distrust of banks and likely had cash hidden inside the laundry, which, of course, burned up with the building.

Though the death certificate cited “suicide” as her cause of death, a closer examination could conclude her cause of death was weak mind management. There’s no question that she went through a terrible trauma that would knock many of us down. But her thoughts focused entirely on loss and destruction, leaving no opening for thoughts of rebuilding and restoration. Many others experienced complete financial devastation but managed to survive and come back from their losses. According to the Buddha it all comes down to the mind. “The mind is everything. What you think you become,” he said.

Protect Your Mind and Your Mouth

So many of our issues and anxieties emerge because there was no skillful management between the mind and the mouth. Those kinds of issues severely limit any feeling of freedom and spaciousness.

Atisha, the 10th-century Indian sage who brought Buddhism to Tibet, taught: “Among

many, watch your speech; when alone, watch your mind.” His single statement produces this essential Buddhist caution: An unmanaged, unhinged mind is dangerous and flawed. And, the opening for those faults and flaws to emerge is the mouth.

Right mindfulness and right speech belong together. A Buddhist text, the Anguttara Nikaya, records this wisdom from the Buddha about right speech: “It is spoken at the right time. It is spoken in truth. It is spoken affectionately. It is spoken beneficially. It is spoken with a mind of goodwill.” So, take a deep breath and pause before speaking when you are troubled, irritated, frustrated, or angry. As soon as the words are out of the mouth, they cannot be retrieved.

Follow Your Own Path

Too often, our life direction is placed before us by others. If you’re not doing what you feel is meaningful and important, then any sense

of freedom will be absent. Consider the experience of Tanaaz Chubb: “I remember being in school and the pressure that was put on you to get good grades so you could go to a good college, get a degree, and get a good job. At the time I didn’t really question the truth of why any of that was important, I just believed that I had to because that’s what everyone was telling me and that’s what was expected of me. It wasn’t until I had my spiritual awakening that I realized life is so much more than that, and good grades and having a ‘respectable’ profession was pretty meaningless to me and the type of life I wanted to lead for myself. I wanted to forge my own path, and I wanted the freedom to follow my own intuition and creativity.” Consequently, she left her job—becoming a successful blogger and author of several books, including The Power of Positive Energy

Recite This Mantra: Not So Bad

Zen Buddhist teacher and author Natalie Goldberg tells about a grandmother in her family. When she was 26 and living in France, the Nazis came to Paris and one of the first things they did was take that woman’s parents. The Nazis explained they were going to work camps to help the war effort. Then the Nazis

THE SPHEERIS TEAM

FAITH | FAMILY | FRIENDS

G Quality, Comfort & Style

came and took all the men in the family, so soon the woman’s husband and brother were gone as well. Again, the Nazis came, this time taking women and children. The woman realized that everyone was being taken and she understood that nobody was coming back.

So, before they came for her, a 26-year-old woman with a five-year-old daughter, she made contact with resistance movements who helped her and her daughter go into hiding for three years. The woman, whose life previously was that of a homemaker, wife, and mother, worked with the underground, hiding out in small French towns and villages doing whatever she need to survive.

Natalie Goldberg says that the woman made her way to the United States. Whenever any of her grandchildren or great-grandchildren come to her with an issue, saying “I was downsized today and lost my job,” the grandmother listens quietly, carefully, respectfully, and then simply says “Not so bad!”

Defuse Anger

Those prone to anger generate additional stress in their lives as well as in the lives of others. It doesn’t have to be that way. “Anger doesn’t just happen to us. If we’re able to catch an angry thought as it’s budding, we can let it go,” is a reminder from Buddhist author John Daido Loori.

Here’s a Buddhist story that is instructive for defusing anger. With permission from the monastery abbott, a Buddhist monk borrowed an old boat and rowed out into the middle of a lake for his afternoon meditation session. It was a truly peaceful place to meditate as the boat gently floated. After more than an hour of undisturbed silence, he felt the bump of another boat bang against his. With eyes still closed, he could feel anger swelling within himself at the careless boatman who didn’t prevent the lake collision.

Upon opening his eyes, all he saw was an empty boat, which he realized had obviously become untied from the dock and merely drifted out into the lake, bumping up against his. Immediately, the monk experienced a flash of enlightenment, one which would serve him well for the rest of his life. “The anger is within me,” he thought to himself. “All anger needs is a bump from the outside to be triggered and provoked out of me.” From that moment on, whenever another person irritated him and he could feel even the slightest anger rising, he gently reminded himself: “The other person is an empty, floating boat. The anger is within me.” n

MayHouse Closet

Cartolina Dresses –

Now at Mayhouse Collection

Designed to move with you, each Cartolina piece brings a breath of fresh air to your wardrobe. From breezy daytime rompers to flowing statement dresses, these looks were made for sunshine and sweet escapes.

Midnight Navy Romper – Casual yet refined with tailored trim.

Olive Floral Maxi – Your perfect cover-up and dinner dress in one.

Peach Eyelet Mini – the flirty favorite you’ll reach for all summer. Whether you’re headed to brunch, the farmer’s market, or your next getaway, Cartolina has you covered ~ in comfort and chic style.

Visit us at the MayHouse Collection Oconomowoc Lakes Plaza W359 N5002 Brown St. | Suite 106 262-354-8100 | www.mayhousecollection.com

REGENCY BUILDERS

NAVIGATING THE FUTURE OF HOME DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

Regency Builders’ philosophy and commitment to quality have allowed the company to thrive over the course of its long history. Headquartered at 1133 Quail Court #300, in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, Regency Builders was founded by Hank and Carol Bertram in 1973. They named Regency after their Regency Oldsmobile. The company will celebrate its 53rd year in business on May 13, 2025.

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REGENCY’S ABILITY TO ENDURE through shifting economies and home-building and design to the company’s exemplary work in its industry. Offering customers options for designing, building, renovating or purchasing an existing home. Regency works with a skilled and well-coordinated team of individuals. The team flawlessly navigates transactions to allow its customers to receive the highest quality in their desired home.

Regency Builders continues to build one-of-a-kind, refined custom homes and renovations. It’s rare not to find a Regency-built home in an area with high-end subdivisions or lake country. One such community, Bristlecone Pines, located in Hartland, Wisconsin, boasts over 75 homes that were either built or renovated by Regency Builders. Regency follows extensive buildingengineered and green initiatives with all products supplied by their most trusted supply company, Zuern Building Products. View the website to learn more at www.regencybuildersinc.com

The community at Bristlecone Pines features access to woodland, rolling hills, and natural spaces adjoining an award-winning Legends Club golf club that features a 35,000-square-foot Prairie-style clubhouse. The proximity of the Bristlecone Pines community to Highway 16 and a downtown area, with a variety of educational opportunities and restaurants, as well as its large onsite community playground, has proved

appealing to those seeking to raise a family or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings with neighbors and friends. Those who love the outdoors will appreciate the proximity of Bristlecone Pines to walking trails and numerous lovely lakes. Regency Builders’ Co.-Owners Mike Bertram and Jon Schoenheider’s families relish life at Bristlecone Pines, where they have lived since 1996. “We have surpassed every goal and aspiration for raising our family [there],” Schoenheider remarked.

Nipun and Emilee Yamdagni share the love of the Bristlecone Pines community, as well as their home there, which was designed and constructed by Regency Builders. The Yamdagnis mention similar reasons for selecting the Bristlecone Pines community for their home site. Nipun Yamdagni said, “We were drawn by the beauty of the neighborhood, the amazing schools, and the easy commute.” He noted that the sense of warmth and community shared among his neighbors was a special and unexpected additional benefit found in the Bristlecone Pines community. “We weren’t expecting the kindness of neighbors and generosity of friends, including Jon and Mike, who really make this community special,” he said.

The Yamdagnis were thrilled to be able to purchase one of the last remaining lots in Bristlecone Pines. When faced with the options for selecting a company to build their dream home, their choice of Regency Builders was simple. “Regency is known for quality, honesty, and experience—qualities we value most,” Nipun Yamdagni said. He noted Regency’s exceptional track record of experience within the community, both with building and remodeling projects and with constructing special features like indoor basketball courts. He felt that “their quality of construction is unsurpassed. In fact, every single vendor we’ve met with to make selections has spoken highly of Regency and their quality.”

The Yamdagnis collaborated with the Regency Builders team and their architect to design their new home to create a space that would “be both beautiful and functional, with technology tastefully integrated,” Mr. Yamdagni explained. He said that Regency had “absolutely delivered,” working with their landscape architects, architects, and engineers, among other team members, to make their home a reality. Mr. Yamdagni concluded, “They have created our dream home, complete with a fourth-story loft offering a long view of the golf course. Mike, Jon, and the entire team did an outstanding job filling every one of our priorities.”

The model, “Regency Ponderosa,” features numerous well-placed, aesthetically pleasing Marvin windows, allowing lovely long views. Stonework accents the attractive, timeless appeal of the home’s blue-gray exterior, with shingling to match. A raised outdoor AZEK waterproofed deck supplied by Zuern’s Building Products and Design Center with full exposure below adjoins the home’s main floor. The land surrounding the home boasts a terraced garden and a tastefully tended lawn by Nelson Landscape, with an outdoor pool installed by Bob’s Pool Builders Inc.

The home’s first floor features an openconcept kitchen with Sub-Zero/Wolf appliances supplied and installed by Appliance Gallery, quartz countertops installed by Stone Dimensions, and white oak floors installed by Schmidt wood floors. The home includes a two-story family room with a beamed ceiling and a fireplace installed by Stonecraft, as well as a hearth room, second kitchen, den, and guest room. There are four-bedroom suites on the second floor. The complete Kohler fixtures throughout the home include a primary shower, which is the largest shower Regency has built, featuring 17 waterfall features, installed by Midwest Plumbing. The 4th-floor loft gives extended views over the 9th hole of the golf course.

As you tour the home, enjoy the crisp drywall ceiling lines by Eckhard Drywall and paint lines by Custom Finishes with all Sherwin-Williams paint. Regency is the only builder we are aware of to caulk all painted woodwork to drywall to eliminate shadowing behind moldings. Zuern’s also supplied all millwork and doors. All lighting was supplied by Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery and installed by Edge Electric. DMG supplied and installed all shower doors and mirrors.

The home’s finished lower level includes a full kitchen featuring Monogram appliances, exercise room overlooking the indoor basketball court, and pool bath. There is a screen porch below the main deck with MagnaTrack retractable screens, media rooms/ theater installed by Digitek Digital, ceiling heaters, and an outdoor TV leading to the outdoor pool. All baths include Schluter radiantly heated floors, and the most efficient furnaces and mechanicals supplied by Lake Country Heating, which is common in all Regency-built homes.

Regency Builders also frequently creates elevator shafts or installs an elevator in many of their homes. Maintenance-free woodtoned garage doors were provided by Geis Building Products. For those who visit Regency Ponderosa, helpful QR codes will identify all products installed.

Like the Schoenheiders, the Yamdagnis feel fortunate to share the many benefits of living in the Bristlecone Pines community. Mr. Yamdagni summarized, “Living in Bristlecone is nothing short of a dream come true.”

In addition to its work throughout Southeastern Wisconsin, Regency Builders has thrived in both building and renovating homes. As Regency Builders looks toward celebrating another successful year in business, they continue to receive accolades from fellow business owners and the homeowners they have served. A past client, Rob Frey, Co.-Owner of Guthrie and Frey Water Conditioning, shared his insights upon Regency Builders’ upcoming company anniversary: “Congratulations on hitting the big 5-3 in business. A major accomplishment in any industry, but, given the competitive and cyclical nature of homebuilding, it’s even more impressive.”

Another family shared their positive experience with Regency Builders through the years: “Our journey with Regency Builders began in 1996 when we built a home next to Jon and Wendy. Over the years, we watched their children grow up and became close friends. As our family grew, so did our relationship with Regency Builders. Our son and daughter-in-law built a home with Regency in Bristlecone. Later, our other son and daughter-in-law undertook multiple remodels on their home located on a nearby lake. These remodels required extensive permitting and variances, which Regency handled masterfully. But our journey with Regency didn’t stop there. When we decided

to downsize and prepare for the next chapter of our lives, we once again chose Regency to build our new home. Even years later, their commitment to us has never wavered. Recently, we reached out to Mike about an issue in our guest bathroom. Mike came over, assessed the situation, and fixed it—even after 7 years. This is why our relationship with Regency has stood the test of time and will continue growing.”

The Ewald Automotive Group and Regency Builders share the special honor of both being in business for over five decades. Early on, company founders Emil Ewald and Hank Bertram forged a friendship that has lasted a lifetime. Through the years, Regency Builders has purchased dozens of vehicles from the Ewald car dealerships, and the Ewald family has built and now remodeled several homes and referred numerous people to Regency, citing the company’s commitment to trust, experience, quality, and value.

Vice President and Managing Partner Tom Ewald explained, “Jon, Wendy, and Mike are all professionals at what they do, from having the right contacts to offering the best advice to design and build what you can dream. You’re not experimenting with Regency. The quality and craftsmanship of their providers are unparalleled. It’s also clear that a Regency home holds its value better than many other builders. My wife Michelle and I are thrilled at the work Regency completed on our lake home. We added a second level and completely renovated the rest of the house. Midstream, we decided to build a 3-car detached garage for all the lake toys. The result is a home we can enjoy for years to come and will hopefully serve as a homecoming retreat for our children and future grandchildren. Thank you to everyone at Regency.”

As a home design and construction industry leader in Southeastern Wisconsin, Regency Builders will continue to harness its team’s energy, skills, and technical and aesthetic expertise as it navigates future successes. n

The Regency Ponderosa will be available to tour on Saturdays and Sundays In April and May.

For more information about visiting this home, contact Jon Schoenheider at 262-894-4612 or jon @regencywi.com

Charming ‘‘Italian Villa’’ ON SILVER LAKE

Blink, and you’re in Tuscany. It’s that easy to feel the warmth and energy of Old-World Italy, without leaving home. In this case, home is Oconomowoc, on the shores of Silver Lake. Styled in the architecture of a traditional Italian villa, this residence is designed and crafted to share the best in life, love, and family.

If you would like more information on this property, contact Pat Bolger of Pat Bolger Realty Group. 262-313-8797.

THE EXTERIOR OF THE HOME exudes rustic charm, blending stucco with natural stone, topped with gabled roof lines and terra cotta colored tile. The picture is complete with a sizeable courtyard; an outdoor space typical of homes found in the small villages of Tuscany, Umbria and Piedmont.

This Lake Country residence is a condominium, offering a maintenancefree lifestyle, yet reads like a roomy home with outstanding amenities. There are plenty of memories to be made sunning, swimming, fishing or cruising on Silver Lake, one of only a few clear water lakes in Southeast Wisconsin. Steps from the front door enjoy a large, private, sandy beach nicknamed “the million-dollar beach”, along with a pier and reserved dock. Lake living is a contrast of the finest: fun-filled activities on the water and centered-energy captured in the stillness of a beautiful water view.

There is plenty of Zen to carry a relaxed mindset forward, once you return home. The entrance to the residence is a remarkable, enclosed courtyard. Imagine sitting by the gas fireplace with an apéritif or cool drink, surrounded by your favorite people and indulging in the fresh air. Thoughtfully procured perennial gardens burst in the bright colors of daisies, coneflowers, hydrangeas, lilies and more. Tall arborvitae evergreens border part of the courtyard, much like the landscape of a centuries old, Italian estate.

MoeChic

A Stonewood Village Shopping Experience

SALE

Once inside the home, rich woodwork and quaint details create a cozy ambiance. At the same time, there is a grandness to this residence. The great room lives up to its name, with a 14-foot-tall ceiling, and Italian marble fireplace surround. Arched windows with transoms drench the room in natural sunlight. A significant archway leads into the dining room that has extra space for casual seating. The stately room is perfect for family gatherings on holidays with all of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins; a large table for 10 people still leaves room for mingling or more tables. A butler’s pantry, with warm cherry wood, a granite counter and storage galore, joins the dining room and kitchen.

Let’s talk kitchens, because this is kitchen is one to write home about. The space is punctuated with great attributes and outstanding appliances. The floor tile reminds you of a tumbled and sealed travertine typical of a rustic country villa. A substantial island provides a place to have a meal or hang out with friends. Details like a turned pillar on the end of the island add character. Appliances are high-end European brands: a Miele stovetop, double ovens, dishwasher, built-in expresso machine and a top-notch German Liebherr refrigerator and freezer. Have a casual meal in the dinette or go al fresco, as double doors lead to the courtyard. An office is adjacent to the kitchen and has a lovely courtyard view.

There are two master suites on the second floor, each with a bathroom, walk-in closet, and Juliet balcony. Open the balcony doors and welcome a summer breeze, just as one would do on vacation in Florence or Siena. The first master bedroom has a wood-paneled back wall adding a sense of refinement. The large bathroom was recently updated with extra storage to tuck away necessities. Couple that with white cabinets, light countertops and gray tile floors, for a clean, crisp and bright feel. The second master bedroom has a built-in desk with custom shelving.

The lower level of the home is a great living space, unto itself. The family or media room is a focal point with a bar and two refrigerators. Children or guests will love the privacy of two additional bedrooms and a full bath.

Just a few miles from I-94, this special residence is a half-hour from downtown Milwaukee, and a few minutes from the heart of Oconomowoc. At the same time, it gives the homeowner a chance to feel a world away, wrapped in the timeless magic of OldWorld Italy, on one of Southeast Wisconsin’s treasured lakes. n

Brookfield  Artist Joan Skimmons “Graffiti Poppies” Acrilic 20”X16”
Italian Villa n n n

Frances Valentine

Exclusively Sold in Wisconsin at

Picardy Shoe Parlour Towne Shops Of Mequon 11035 N. Port Washington Rd., Mequon ~ 262.241.6578

Galleria West Bluemound 18900 W. Bluemound Rd, Brookfield ~ 262.784.3434

Gardening

with BOLD COLORS

n n n GARDENING IS SUCH A rewarding hobby. Not only do you get to spend time outdoors, but you can also increase your home’s curb appeal by adding colorful plants to your yard, front porch or balcony.

If you’re new to gardening, it can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Wave Petunias and Cool Wave Pansies are easy to care for and will help you take pride in your outdoor spaces in no time - and you get the satisfaction that you did it yourself.

Highlight your home’s exterior

One way to add curb appeal is by planting flower beds along the pathway to your front door or around your home’s exterior. Use Wave Petunias for quickfilling ground cover, with dramatic spread and high-impact color–all with minimal fuss. Planting Wave Petunias around your home isn’t a purely ornamental choice. Plants that cover wide areas require less water than grass, don’t need to be

mowed and suppress weeds, thus simplifying your yard work routine.

For smaller outdoor spaces, Wave Petunias and Cool Wave Pansies can be kept in hanging baskets or planted in window boxes and planters. Watch as these carefree, low-maintenance plants cascade over balconies and under windows, or bring a splash of color to your

MASTER CONFECTIONERS FOR

Gardening with Bold Colors n n n

home’s front door. They’ll create welcoming curb appeal and highlight some of the best features of your home’s exterior.

Enjoy colorful outdoor spaces

starting in early spring

Cool Wave Pansies are timeless, durable plants that spread color even during the cooler months. They can survive through early frost and cold winter weather in southern climates, providing early-season flowers alongside your fall-planted bulbs that sprout in the spring.

During the warmer months, sun-loving Wave Petunias will spread quickly as soon as the last frost has passed. Enjoy bold blooms in colors that match your personality or décor.

Veri Peri, a previous Pantone Color of the Year, is a soft blue with violet-red undertones that conveys a spritely joy and brings a dynamic, colorful presence to your landscapes.

Stay on trend

Veri Peri, a previous Pantone Color of the Year, is a soft blue with violet-red undertones that conveys a spritely joy and brings a dynamic, colorful presence to your landscapes.

Stay on-trend by incorporating the Pantone Colors into your early spring garden with Cool Wave Frost or Cool Wave Blue Skies. As temperatures rise, try arranging E3 Easy Wave Sky Blue in containers or explore a brighter take on the trend by creating hanging baskets with Shock Wave Denim.

Beyond the garden

In addition to making a beautiful addition to your outdoor space, Wave Petunias and Cool Wave Pansies offer a simple way to elevate any DIY project. You can use Cool Wave Pansies as an elegant, edible garnish for charcuterie boards and summer cocktails, or use pressed pansies or petunias to create one-of-a-kind phone cases and journal covers.

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced gardener, Wave Petunias and Cool Wave Pansies can ease your gardening stress with their easy spread and long bloom time. With gardening being a fun family-friendly activity, you can get the whole family involved so everyone can take pride in your outdoor spaces.

Visit the newly redesigned WaveGardening. com website and join the Wave Fan Club to connect with other gardening enthusiasts. There you’ll find care tips, gardening inspiration and much more. n Brandpoint

A STUNNING FARMHOUSE Modern Elegance In Delafield

For more information on this property, contact the Spheeris Team. Coldwell Banker Elite. Jon Spheeris | 262-490-5558. Matt Spheeris | 262-490-8874. Alex Spheeris | 262-490-8875.

A STUNNING MODERN Farmhouse on 3 acres in the Town of Delafield! This highquality custom home was built by JFK Design Build with an attention to detail.

A beautiful kitchen boasts double islands, hickory hardwood floors, quartz countertops, spacious walk-in pantry and brick accent walls. Incredible great room with vaulted ceiling, shiplap walls, wood beams, floor to ceiling brick natural wood burning fireplace, custom barn door, and walk-out to the covered patio.

Large main floor master suite features a vaulted ceiling with wood beams, hickory floors. Luxurious master bath finished with marble, shiplap walls, tile shower and free-standing soaker tub. The main floor also features a wine cooler room, front office and separate flex room. Two large bedrooms upstairs with en-suite bathroom and bonus room. n

GOD’SCORNER

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HAVE YOU ever had the urge on an early spring day to lay aside the day’s assignments, don stout boots and head for the outof-doors to capture the surging rebirth of a new season? The wonders that lie ahead are enormous, depending, of course, upon your ability to respond to nature’s fascinating ways. For many, there is nothing in the world more satisfying than a close relationship with the miracle working wonders of the soil and what it sends forth not only of beauty, but of benefit to the insects, birds and animals that depend upon it for sustenance.

As you strike a trail through the woods, the fresh smell of breathing soil invigorates your steps and sharpens your eagerness to observe. Winter has a tendency to deaden our senses to what goes on in the outdoor world. Today, you are beginning to feel like a new person, vigorous and alive. You come upon a patch of tiny white and pink blossoms almost hidden by last summer’s scrubby dried grass. You bend closely to examine this very early resurrection from the tomb of a protecting darkness in the hidden warmth of a snow-covered earth. Trailing arbutus with its woody, hairy stems and leathery leaves that remain green all winter has poked its way through the last remnants of winter’s cold, its flower cluster sending forth a delicate fragrance that is hauntingly delightful.

Your senses are now alerted to what nature has in store for you. You continue your walk only to be brought up short in a swampy

area by straggly bushes bearing small pear-shaped buds. Made of silky gray strands, the buds are soft to the touch, and if you have been fortunate enough to have a little cat creature for a pet, you know you have come upon a clump of pussy willows.

A few yards farther you come upon a red maple with its smooth, gray young trunk bark and its broken, darker older bark. Its twigs and buds are reddish in color, and its flowers, in short clusters, are also reddish. Only a very dull person could view a red maple and not exclaim in admiration of the beauty of its unfurling buds and leaves that in a few months will become a blaze of red and gold.

“Resurrection,” you murmur. Resurrection in nature has as great a religious connotation as it has in the Easter story. Wherever your walk takes you, you are seeing the true meaning of resurrection—a constantly renewing and unfolding of the life that is God.

As you turn homeward, that word “resurrection” has come alive in you. You are realizing that the resurrection of the Nazarene carpenter provides a challenge to each of us to resurrect our thinking, to make it come alive so that our words and our actions give evidence of spiritual strength. The Nazarene said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Nature recognizes that life is a gift, and it responds gratefully. Dare we do less? n

OKAUCHEE LAKE Captivating 5-bedroom/4.5-bath, 7,500+sq.-ft. Cape Cod boasting 120-ft. of frontage. Multiple fireplaces, ornate woodwork, coffered and tin ceilings, Elmira Stove Works appliances, dazzling chandeliers, and stained-glass windows. $3,999,998

DELAFIELD New Construction. Built by Espire Homes featuring over 4,000-sq.-ft. of living space with 4-BR’s and 3.5-BA’s. Multiple award winner at a recent Parade of Homes. SExpansive great room with cathedral ceiling, wood beams and a stone fireplace. $1,690,000

4,400-sq.-ft., 5-BR’s and 4.5-BA’s. The open floor plan with 20’ ceilings. The 2 story great room with a gas fireplace. Finished lower level. $1,350,000

OFFER

OCONOMOWOC-SILVER LAKE The feel of an authentic Italian Villa combined with superior quality, luxurious appointments and conveniences. 4,000-sq.-ft. of space with 4-BR’s and 3.5-BA’s. Use of a private boat slip with over 650-ft. of beach frontage. $1,200,000

WAUKESHA Nearly 3.5 acres overlooking a nature conservancy. Nestled in a cul-de-sac, offering a private park-like setting. Located less than 10 minutes from downtown Delafield. Part of the highly regarded Kettle Moraine School District. $899,900

Picardy Shoe Parlour
Picardy Shoe Parlour

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