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COMPLIMENTARY
*The title is Merry Christmas in Norwegian/Swedish
God Jul!
A SCANDINAVIAN-INSPIRED HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE
contents 18
Cozy Outfits from Leela & Lavander
ON THE COVER
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God Jul! Scandinavian Holiday Gift Items from Stabo
From cozy Norwegian sweaters to imported Swedish candies, browse some of our favorite holiday gift items from Stabo Scandinavian Imports
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For the Home & for the Heart: Gifts & Apparel from Mint + Basil
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Five Great Holiday Gifts from Creative Kitchen
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Artist Feature: Nikki Van Vleet
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FROM THE EDITOR
GOD JUL!
A SCANDINAVIANINSPIRED HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE
Some of my favorite childhood memories around the Holidays have been enjoying Norwegian and other Scandinavian traditions with family. Whether it was my mom making homemade lefse or enjoying rømmegrøt with my grandparents in our Norwegian sweaters, the holidays were always filled with wonderful Scandinavian traditions. One doesn't have to look far to see the rich Scandinavian culture within Fargo-Moorhead. From the Hjemkomst Center, local art and architecture, to the food, the Red River Valley is a great place to find some wonderful and authentic Scandinavian traditions. For this Design & Living Holiday Shopping Guide
Issue, I wanted to showcase some of the rich Scandinavian culture Fargo-Moorhead offers, so I connected with some of my favorite Scandinavian-inspired gift shops in the area, selecting some of my favorite items along the way. I hope you enjoy the hand-selected gifts I found, and I would encourage you to consider shopping local this holiday season to support our wonderful small businesses. To both our readers and the Fargo-Moorhead community, I'd like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a blessed Holiday season. Thank you for being a part of our 2021, and experiencing some of our favorite home remodels, design projects, and architecture we
discovered along the way. Next year, Design & Living has some very special things in store, and we look forward to sharing many beautiful moments with you in 2022.
JOSIAH KOPP
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2022 Design & Living Magazine is a free publication distributed six times a year. Our mission is to showcase all that the Red River Valley has to offer in terms of interior design, architecture and landscaping, profiling the people that make these possible. We also strive to provide a quality and fun reading experience and improve the way of life in our community. The publication is mailed to homes across the US and has stand distribution throughout North Dakota and Minnesota.
Publisher
Mike Dragosavich
EDITORIAL Editorial Team Lead
Brady Drake
Editor & Photographer
Josiah Kopp
Editors Graphic Designers
Geneva Nodland, Grant Ayers Christy German, Kim Cowles
Contributors
Brandi Malarkey
INTERACTIVE Business Development Manager
Nick Schommer
Videographers Business Development Associate Graphic Designer ADVERTISING Senior Sales Executive Sales Representative Sales Assistant Client Relations
ADMINISTRATION VP of Human Resources Account Strategist Office Administrators DISTRIBUTION Delivery
Tommy Uhlir, Robert Whiteside Kellen Feeney Ben Buchanan
Paul Hoefer Paul@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Al Anderson Al@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Zach Willis Zachary@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Jenny Johnson ClientRelations@SpotlightMediaFargo.com
Colleen Dreyer Cassie Wiste Jessica Mullen, Kodi Geris-Schroeder
John Stuber
Design & Living Magazine is published by Spotlight, LLC. Copyright 2021 Design & Living Magazine & designandlivingmagazine.com. All rights reserved. No parts of this magazine may be reproduced or distributed without written permission of Design & Living Magazine and Spotlight, LLC is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability for, damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on such information. Spotlight, LLC accepts no liability for the accuracy of statements made by the advertisers.
ADVERTISING: 701-478-SPOT (7768) spotlightmediafargo.com Send change of address information and other correspondence to: Spotlight, LLC 4609 33rd Ave S Suite #304, Fargo, ND 58104 or info@spotlightmediafargo.com
DESIGN & LIVING TEAM At Design & Living Magazine, our goal is to create a publication that is just as much fun to read as it is to view. Here are the writers, designers, photographers and contributors who so affably use their time and talents to tell a story and give our pages purpose.
JOSIAH KOPP
EDITOR & PHOTOGRAPHER Born and raised on the prairies of North Dakota, Josiah’s love for capturing the moment with his camera led him to Spotlight Media in 2020. He graduated from Concordia with a BA in Graphic Design and is currently a photographer for Design & Living. Outside the office, you can find Josiah writing and producing music or chasing a colorful sky with his camera.
GENEVA NODLAND EDITOR
Meet Geneva Nodland, the newest edition to the Design & Living editorial team! She is excited to be a part of a publication that gets to share the beautiful homes and interior designs that live in this community. She is originally from Dickinson, North Dakota, but has lived in Fargo-Moorhead for about four years. A recent of graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead, from the School of Communication & Journalism, Geneva owes most of her experience to her time at MSUM, where she learned the ins and outs of journalism and photography, and really developed her love for storytelling. She cannot wait to explore more of the community and its many treasures, and share them with the D&L readers!
CHRISTY GERMAN MARKETING DESIGNER
German is the marketing designer for Spotlight Media. She is a native of Watertown, S.D. and Northern State University graduate with a BFA with an emphasis in Graphic Design. In addition to designing marketing materials for print, she also is the graphic designer behind Design & Living.
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COLLEEN - HR & Operations CASSIE - ADMIN NICK - Digital Services
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KELLEN - Digital Services
“We have been working with SWL for 8 years. They help us with HR practices, contracts, and other legal issues that come up. I love how progressive and proactive they are. They have always felt like a partner and not just a law firm we call when we need something.”
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Founder, Spotlight
&
COZY CUTE Plaids, relaxed silhouettes, shackets, + neutrals are all staples for this upcoming season. Model 1: Blazer: Promesa Basic: Perfect White Tee Denim: AGOLDE Footwear: Dolce Vita Model 2: Jacket: Mystree Basic: NikiBiki Denim: DAZE Footwear: Dolce Vita Model 3: Shacket: Thread & Supply Basic: Perfect White Tee Denim: AGOLDE Footwear: Dolce Vita Model 4: Shacket: Thread & Supply Denim: Good American Footwear: Dolce Vita 18
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NEW FASHIONABLE, COZY OUTFITS FROM LEELA & LAVENDER PHOTOS BY Leela & Lavender
Faux leather is a trending element that we are seeing big this season. Cardigan: Free People Basic: She + Sky Pant: Mustard Seed Footwear: Dolce Vita
Add a flirty touch, perfect for any upcoming event, by styling a top with cut-outs for a fun + updated look! Sweater: LUSH Denim: AGOLDE 19
Collared sweaters + cardigans are a fun way to update this classic silhouette. Sweater: Stacatto Basic: She + Sky Denim: AGOLDE Mixing prints are a playful way to add personal style to your look. Jacket: Saltwater Luxe Denim: AGOLDE
Classic neutrals + everyday silhouettes are timeless pieces to add into your capsule wardrobe. Model 1: Jacket: Dex Sweater: LUSH Denim: AGOLDE Model 2: Sweater: BB Dakota Bottom: Mustard Seed 20
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We are seeing warm + spiced color palettes for a fun pop of color this season. Model 1: Top: Kerisma Denim: AGOLDE Shoe: Marc Fisher Model 2: Top: Thread & Supply Denim: AGOLDE Shoe: Gola
Classic plaids are a style must for this season. Top: Thread & Supply Denim: AGOLDE Footwear: Gola
Super soft fabrications give a cozy, yet chic look to each and every outfit. Jacket: Thread & Supply Top: Promesa Denim: DAZE Footwear: SOREL 22
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Shackets are the layering go-to for a casual look this season. Shacket: She + Sky Basic: NikiBiki Denim: AGOLDE
Layered looks are cozy + ultra chic, adding style + warmth to any and every look. Jacket: Dex Sweater: LUSH Denim: AGOLDE Footwear: Jeffrey Campbell
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Transitional florals are perfect for year-round wear. Dress: LUSH Footwear: Kaanas
Relaxed + slightly oversized silhouettes continue to trend this season. Sweater: Stacatto Denim: AGOLDE
Leela & Lavender 3265 45th St S Ste 116, Fargo, ND leelaandlavender.com 25
BY Josiah Kopp | PHOTOS BY Josiah Kopp
GOD JUL! SCANDINAVIAN HOLIDAY GIFT ITEMS FROM STABO
N
estled in the heart of Downtown Fargo is a place where authentic Scandinavian cultures can be enjoyed right here in the Red River Valley. Stabo Scandinavian Imports is a wonderful little gift shop located on Broadway, directly next to Bernbaum's. Stabo offers a wide range of Scandinavian gifts, from imported Swedish chocolates and candies, to Dutch cookbooks, to Norwegian sweaters. If you're a Norwegian like me wanting to explore your heritage, or you're just fascinated by the colorful designs and beautiful decor, Stabo is a lovely place to shop this Holiday season.
wool blanket from Klippan of Sweden
A huge thank you to Susan at Stabo and Maureen at Heritage Homes for making this all possible. This was one of the most heartwarming features I've been a part of yet.
trees made by Reierwood in Maple Grove, Minnesota
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sweaters by Dale of Norway.
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mugs by Dala Horse Designs
dala moose mug and smashed uff da mug 32
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Christmas is Coming: Traditions from Around the World by Monika Utnik-Strugala
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tomte ornament from Sweden
'uff da' ornament
mushroom wood ornament from Sweden
home wood ornament
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mitten ornament
nordic love puzzle with a twist
wood coasters with Viking ship cutout
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Hearts and Pines serving tray, Swedish Fika chocolate chip cookies, Mandel Kubb almond cakes
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Dala moose mug
Nordic Sweets peppermints and soft raspberries, assorted candies
milk and dark chocolate bars from Finland
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engraved knit rolling pin, God Jul dishcloth, Marius pattern dishcloth, various wooden spreaders, assorted cookies stamps 44
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Classis Norwegian cookbook by Bergquists
Delicous Wintertime cookbook for Cold Weather adventures by by Markus Sämmer
ginger carmels from Sweden, ScandiKitchen Christmas cookbook by Bronte Aurell 47
Stabo Scandinavian Imports 406 Broadway N, Fargo, ND stabo-imports.com North Wild Kitchen cookbook by Nevada Berg 49
For the Home & for the Heart
GIFTS FOR MOM: Paddywax Candle Holders | Northern Lights Taper Candles | Moglea Notepad | Le Bon Shoppe Socks Teapigs Tea Temples | Brumate Wine Canteen | Fern Candle Scented Candle | Baggu Reusable Bag
Gifts & Apparel from Mint + Basil 51
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Leather Colorblock Coat | Gigi Pip Beanie
Pumpkin Cream Wrap Top | Pumpkin Cream Knit Bottoms Left: Daria Colorclock Cardigan | Gigi Pip Emma Fedora | Grayson Knit Pants Right: My Best Top | Beige Botany Trousers
Fore Olive Trench Coat | Frida Half Zip Sweater | Cotton Candy Skirt
GIFTS FOR MOM: Flikr Tabletop Fireplace | Stout Blood Mary Blend | Spiceology Spice Rub Truff Hot Sauce | Brumate Trio
Jasper Peacoat | Mable Cropped Sweater | Cutler Busted Knee Jeans
GIFTS FOR THE AESTHETIC FRIEND: Amber Drinking Glasses | Paddywax Incense Holder | Botanica Incense Brass Taper Candle Holders | Northern Lights Taper Candle Bushwick Kitchen Honey | Jade Roller
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Le Lis Cow Print Pants | Le Lis Cow Print Jacket
GIFTS FOR THE COZY FRIEND: Happy Habitat Blanket | Capri Blue Volcano Candle | Funny Diner Mug Savvy Gourmand Cheeseball | Checkered Hair Claw | Gigi Pip Beanie Graphic Socks | Jotter Pen Set | Bubble Candle
Mint + Basil | 714 Main Ave, Fargo, ND | shopmintandbasil.com 55
Fellow Stagg EKG Pour-Over Electric Kettle •
Hey Good Lookin'
• • • •
Precision pour spout and counterbalanced-handle Variable temperature control LCD screen 60-minute hold mode Whether a coffee aficionado or a brewing beginner, this electric pour-over kettle with variable temperature control is made for coffee lovers
WHATCHA GOT COOKIN'? FIVE KITCHEN GOODIES FROM CREATIVE KITCHEN FOR GREAT HOLIDAY GIFTS PHOTOS PROVIDED BY Creative Kitchen & Bethany Houseware
Creative Kitchen | 3902 13th Ave SW Ste 2503, Fargo, ND | creativekitchenfargo.com
Lefse Starter Kit • • • • • • •
Available with non-stick or aluminum griddle Includes lefse turning stick Includes corrugated lefse rolling pin Includes rolling pin cover Includes pastry board Includes pastry cloth Comes with 2 bags of lefse mix (each bag makes 24 12-inch lefse rounds)
Emile Henry 14 ½” Round Pizza Stone • • 56
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•
Get the results of traditional brick oven pizza baking Additionally can be used on a traditional grill for vegetables or fish High-performance ceramic
Smeg Drip Filter Coffee Machine • • • • • • • •
Digital LED display and clock User Friendly Control Panel Adjustable Coffee Intensity: Light or Intense Keep Warm Mode Auto Start Mode Adjustable Water Hardness: light/medium/hard 10-Cup Capacity Glass Carafe Product weight: 11.7 pounds
Smeg Manual Espresso Machine • • •
Bring the coffee shop into your home with this adjustable, retro-style espresso machine 1-cup, 2-cup and steam option 1 Liter removable water tank with optional water filter
ARTIST FEATURE
nikki
VAN VLEET BY Brandi Malarkey | PHOTOS BY Josiah Kopp
"I
kept saying there was something in me that needed to come out, but I didn’t know what it was.”
A Premier Artist at the Gallery 4 downtown Fargo artist cooperative, oil painter Nikki Van Vleet talks about her art with intensity and confidence. However, painting is a fairly recent discovery for Van Vleet, who has tried a multitude of avenues for creative self-expression. Over the years, Nikki has tried quilting, rug making, knitting, tatting, crochet, scrapbooking and constructing bookmarks and so much more.
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“I do love craft supplies,” Nikki admits unabashedly. “But nothing was working. I was trying to figure out something that would tap into me, and I had mostly given up hope of finding it.” Her discovery of oil painting was an unexpected sideeffect of a change in her perspective. “I realized that I was always crafting to win, but what was I winning? I had always wanted to try oil paints on canvas, I had never done it before. So I sat down and gave myself permission to make garbage, and told myself that I was going to love it. I picked up my brush with that in mind and it just worked.” Nikki shakes her head as if she still can’t believe it. “My first painting was the view outside the window in my house. The next of a photo, and it was gorgeous, and I thought, ‘Is this what has been in me the whole time? Has it been oil paint and I never knew?’”
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Now a prolific artist and commission painter, Nikki renders scenes of vivid color, stark contrasts, and peaceful and calm winter landscapes. “My paintings are the merger of outdoor art meeting inner art. The talent is in me, the beauty is already there, and it ends up on paintings.” This collaboration with nature when Nikki paints seems almost otherworldly. “There is nothing in me except what I’m feeling and the music I’m playing as I paint. Then I wake out of it and I look, and I don’t really remember painting, but my hand is still on the brush.” While comfortably acknowledging her considerable talent, Nikki puts little emphasis on her technical skills; emphasizing instead the revelation that has changed her perspective so dramatically.
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“Beautiful comes in so many shapes and sizes, and if I hadn’t allowed myself to create something ugly, I would never have made something beautiful. I had to allow myself failure,” Nikki states earnestly. “My failure turned out to be my success.” It is difficult to say which is a greater inspiration— Nikki’s simple openness to the lack of perfection or her expressive and compelling imagery. Fortunately, since one is a direct result of the other, no choice is necessary. On Saturday, December 11th, The Fargo Civic Center will be hosting Arts for the Holidays, a juried collection of local artists displaying their work for one day only from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nikki has been invited to participate and will be selling a variety of small pieces, perfect for holiday gift ideas.
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