FITNESS WHERE HARD WORK BUILDS COMMUNITY
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
EVENT PLANNING + SERVICES
SKYLINE VIEWS, TEE TIMES, SUMMER NIGHTS
SPORTS + RECREATION
THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK HIT THE TRAILS WITH THE DISTRICT 196 MTB TEAM
Some of the best places to explore are right around us.
July in Minnesota feels earned. After months of cold and gray, summer arrives full and loud — lake weekends, open windows, the particular freedom of long evenings that don't seem to end. And something about that shift makes us want to step outside our routines, to try something new, to push ourselves a little harder, or to see a familiar place with fresh eyes. Maybe with a scoop of ice cream in hand.
Jeremy and Jennie Clark built Minnesota Top Team from a small Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club into a 16,000-square-foot community hub in Eagan. What started as Jeremy's love for jiu-jitsu has grown into boxing, Muay Thai, fitness programs, and more than 100 weekly classes serving members from age six to retirement. People come to train. They stay because showing up to something hard turns out to be its own kind of adventure.
Traci Leffner of Sovran, Inc. has spent her career helping people navigate the digital world more safely. As online scams grow more sophisticated and AI makes deception easier than ever, Traci and her team are focused on something simple: slowing down, building better habits, and learning to trust more carefully. Sovran's educational courses on internet safety and scam prevention are proof that exploring the online world doesn't have to mean accepting the risks.
Lost Spur Golf and Event Center has been part of Eagan's story since 1952. With sweeping views of the Minnesota River Valley, a nine-hole course for every skill level, and an event center that hosts everything from weddings to graduation parties, Lost Spur is proof that some of the best summer evenings don't require a plane ticket.
The 196 Mountain Bike Team has been building something since 2012 — a program open to middle and high schoolers across District 196, where riders of every skill level find their place on the trail. The team meets at Lebanon Hills and competes through October. No experience required.
As always, I would like to thank all of Eagan City Lifestyle's sponsors. Their generous support enables us to get our magazine directly into our readers' homes. Please don't hesitate to contact us at eagan@citylifestyle.com if you have a story to share or a business to recommend.
Here's to a July spent exploring — the new, the challenging, and the places right here at home worth discovering again.
AMY SOUSA, PUBLISHER @EAGANCITYLIFESTYLE
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Amy Sousa | Amy.Sousa@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Matt Sousa | matthew.sousa@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Devon Williams | devon.williams@citylifestyle.com
SALES MANAGER
Heather Johnson | heather.johnson@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Lisa Cline | clinelisamarie@gmail.com
STAFF WRITER
Ann Schreiber | copywritingforyoucorp@gmail.com
COPY EDITOR
Judy Sousa | eagan@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Nicole Enstrom (@littlemacdesign)
Matthew Deery (@added.element)
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell Learn how to
Proverbs 3:5-6
Senior living,
For over 25 years, The Commons on Marice has been serving the Eagan community, providing exceptional senior living and a range of lifestyle preferences and continuing care needs. We take pride in our unique programs, including Rock Steady Boxing, intergenerational activities, and Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® approach to memory care. We invite you to come see all that we have to offer and experience our vibrant community firsthand. Call Kim at 651-386-3282 to learn about our move-in special and schedule a tour!
1380 Marice Dr., Eagan, MN 55121 commonsonmarice.org
LEARN MORE
Pedego Twin Cities Makes Electric Biking Easy
Summer is peak season for Pedego Twin Cities, the area's go-to source for Pedego electric bikes. With locations in Eden Prairie and Mendota Heights, the shop offers sales, service, rentals, and guided tours for riders of all experience levels. Whether you want to own a Pedego or just try one for an afternoon, the knowledgeable team will get you rolling. Reserve a rental or schedule a test ride at twincitiesebikes.com or call 612-827-5000.
Photography by Lisa Cline
Kyuramen: Enjoy Authentic Japanese Ramen in Eagan
Kyuramen brings Japanese ramen done right to Eagan, in a setting that earns a second look. Bamboo accents, private dining rooms, and modern décor set the scene. Ramen masters developed the menu, which centers on rich broths, slow-cooked pork chashu, and varieties you can split if you can't choose. Don't skip the Omurice, plated table-side. Visit kyuramen.com to check out the entire menu.
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Game Day Meets Craft Cocktails at 721 Sports Bar & Lounge
Eagan has a new game-day destination. 721 Sports Bar & Lounge is now open at 4250 Lexington Ave S, bringing the energy of a sports bar and the polish of a cocktail lounge under one roof. With HD TVs throughout, a chef-driven made-from-scratch menu, and handcrafted cocktails, it's the perfect spot to catch the game with friends. Visit 721sbnl.com.
Scan to read more
Photography by Lisa Cline
an evening TO REMEMBER
Eagan City Lifestyle and Emagine Theater brought fashion, film, and community together for an unforgettable evening.
The red carpet was rolled out at Emagine Theater in Eagan, and the community showed up in style. The night led off with an author signing, boutique shopping, and yes, ax-throwing before a screening of The Devil Wears Prada 2. Evenings like this are a reminder of what makes this community something worth celebrating. Thank you to every boutique vendor who brought their best, and to every attendee who dressed the part and made the night what it was.
With thanks to our boutique vendors: Ann Schreiber, B'Jeweled Permanent Jewelry, Bemer, Bombshell Boutique, Cassell Collective, Fashion Fruit Boutique, Fusion Bouzion, Glass Ceiling Foundation, House of Colour, Love and Light Botanicals, Namaste Brows and Boutique, Our Healthy Homes, Palms, Psalms, & Prosecco, Power of 100 Eagan, Pure Skin Aesthetics, Restore Hyper Wellness, Style Encore, Thread and Clover, and Von Lucy Mobile Boutique
A special thank you to Nicole Engstrom of @littlemacdesign for beautifully capturing the evening.
MIN NESOTA TOP TEAM BUILT A WELCOMING COMMUNITY WHERE HARD WORKOUTS OFTEN TURN INTO LASTING FRIENDSHIPS.
ARTICLE BY ANN SCHREIBER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA CLINE
THE MATS BEYOND
For nearly two decades, Minnesota Top Team has grown far beyond its roots as a small Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club in Eagan. What started with Jeremy Clark’s love for jiu-jitsu has evolved into a place where kids, parents, athletes, beginners, and longtime members gather week after week. And it’s not just to train. It’s also to connect.
Today, Minnesota Top Team occupies more than 16,000 square feet and offers boxing, Brazilian jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, and MTT Fitness programs. But according to co-owner Jennie Clark, the equipment and class schedule only tell part of the story.
“We’ve created a community feel,” Jennie says. “We authentically have members who are super welcoming to new members. It happened organically.” That sense of belonging is what keeps many members coming back.
For some, it starts with a boxing class after work. For others, it begins with a child joining the youth program. Over time, people who once walked through the doors feeling nervous or uncertain often become part of a larger support system.
“Coming here is just something you do outside of work and your family,” Jennie says. “And when you’re here, you are aligning yourself with people who are like-minded. Friendships form, and people get together outside of the gym.”
BUILT THROUGH PASSION
Minnesota Top Team officially opened in 2007 after Jeremy purchased the jiu jitsu club where he had been training. At the time, Jennie was still working full-time for the postal service and helping behind the scenes whenever she could.
“I think he thought he could own the gym and just do jiu jitsu whenever he wanted because he loved it so much,” Jennie says with a laugh.
As membership grew, so did the programming. The Clarks expanded beyond jiu jitsu, adding boxing, fitness training, and additional coaches along the way. Jennie eventually left her career with the postal service to help run the business full-time.
Today, the gym offers 34 weekly classes and serves members of all skill levels and age groups. Children can begin in youth programs at age six, while teenagers and adults train in programs ranging from beginner-friendly sessions to competitive-level instruction.
CONTINUED >
Jennie now focuses primarily on the business side of operations, handling payroll, bookkeeping, taxes, and long-term planning. Jeremy remains highly involved on the training floor while also balancing his role as a player development coach with the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings.
“He maintains the gym and is very physically present,” Jennie says. “He teaches some of the jiu-jitsu classes, and we have about 35 coaches, personal trainers, and a physical therapist on site who help manage the other programs.”
LEARNING TO DO HARD THINGS
Jennie admits that Minnesota Top Team can feel intimidating at first glance. Walking into a combat sports gym for the first time is not easy for everyone. “It’s scary to start something new,” she says. “And the things we do are really hard.” But that challenge is also part of what makes the experience meaningful.
Jennie says one of her favorite moments is watching people surprise themselves. “Without sounding cliché, I love when the person who comes in, who you don’t expect to stay, changes course and sticks around,” she says. “It’s awesome seeing people realize that they can do hard things.”
“I think the hardest part of owning a gym and loving what we do is not necessarily convincing people, but trying to lead them in a direction to change their lifestyle,” Jeremy says. “It is not going to be easy, and it’s not going to happen quickly, but the results from it are for the rest of your life, and if you do
put the time in and the effort in, the reward is greater than you can imagine.”
That mindset has become part of the gym’s culture. Members encourage one another through difficult workouts, first sparring sessions, and moments of self-doubt. Over time, many begin to see changes that extend far beyond physical training.
“During Covid, we realized that this is physical, but we’re also impacting mental health in all the good ways,” Jennie says. “Even though this is physically challenging, the result is that your mental health is so much better, too.”
MORE THAN A GYM
While boxing may be the gym’s most familiar offering, Jennie says there is no single type of person who joins Minnesota Top Team. Every day, students, professionals, parents, teenagers, and retirees train side by side. Some arrive hoping to compete. Others simply want a place where they can move their bodies, clear their minds, and feel connected to others.
Jennie believes many people secretly want to challenge themselves but struggle to believe they can. “I think a lot of people wish they could challenge themselves in a new way,” she says. “Not everyone believes they can walk into a place like this and stick with it. But every day, we see people surprise themselves just by showing up.”
At Minnesota Top Team, that first step often becomes something much bigger than fitness. It becomes routine. Friendship. Confidence. And for many members, a second home.
ARTICLE BY ANN SCHREIBER
AS ONLINE SCAMS BECOME MORE COMMON, LOCAL EXPERTS ARE HELPING PEOPLE BUILD SAFER HABITS, PROTECT PERSONAL INFORMATION, AND PAUSE BEFORE CLICKING UNFAMILIAR LINKS.
TRUSTING LESS ONLINE
There’s a good chance you’ve received one of those strange text messages. Maybe it claimed there was suspicious activity on your bank account. Maybe it warned that your Netflix subscription was about to expire. Maybe it arrived as an innocent-looking email asking you to click a link. And according to the numbers, many Americans are falling for it.
The FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Report revealed that more than 1 million cybercrime complaints were filed last year, resulting in nearly $21 billion in losses. At the same time, the Pew Research Center reported that 73% of U.S. adults have experienced some form of online scam or cyberattack.
For Traci Leffner, President of Sovran, Inc., those statistics are exactly why her company has started offering educational courses focused on internet safety, scam prevention, and cyber attack awareness.
“There isn’t a day that goes by without something happening in this space,” Leffner says. And increasingly, she says artificial intelligence is making the problem even bigger.
WHY HACKERS TARGET EVERYONE
Many people assume cybercriminals only go after large corporations or wealthy individuals. But Leffner says that assumption can create a false sense of security. “You’re never too small,” she explains. “Hackers don’t care about what they steal, but they know you will.”
In many cases, she says, criminals are not even interested in the actual information stored on a computer. Instead, they want access to the system itself. Once files are locked or compromised, victims are often pressured to pay to recover them.
“HACKERS DON’T CARE WHAT THEY STEAL. THEY JUST KNOW YOU WANT IT BACK.”
“It’s not the information that the hackers are seeking,” Leffner says. “They just want you not to have the information and want to see what you’re willing to pay for it.”
People without any type of cybersecurity support or monitoring may face even greater exposure. That includes retirees, solopreneurs, and individuals who handle sensitive information from home without professional oversight. “We are educating our current clients, but there are so many people out there without the opportunity for managed services,” Leffner says. “And the aging population hasn’t necessarily been educated on this topic, either.”
This past spring, Sovran hosted a course focused specifically on scams targeting older adults.
THE NEW FACE OF SCAMS
Years ago, many scams were easy to spot because they contained misspelled words, awkward phrasing, or unrealistic promises. Today, AI tools are helping criminals create more believable messages, fake voices, and convincing websites.
“With AI, as much as everyone loves it, it’s also opening a big door for hackers,” Leffner says. “They can do so much more than ever before.” That’s why she believes people need to become more cautious about trusting things online. “We need to heighten our diligence,” she says. “We can’t be so trusting.”
Sometimes, scams even happen in person. Leffner recalls hearing about a scheme during the holiday season in which people delivered flowers to nursing homes and then claimed the delivery fee had not been paid. Victims were pressured into handing over financial information on the spot.
“If something like that happens to you, call the source,” she says. That same advice applies to emails, text messages, and social media advertisements. “Don’t ever click links,” Leffner says. “If you get an email asking you to click a link, don’t do it. Go log in to your account separately to see what’s going on.”
SMALL HABITS MATTER
While cybercrime can sound overwhelming, Leffner says simple habits can go a long way. Her first recommendation is simple: slow down . Many scams succeed because people react emotionally or too quickly. A message may create panic by claiming an account has been frozen or that a payment is overdue.
Instead of reacting immediately, Leffner encourages people to verify the source first. “Pick up the phone and call,” she says. “If someone is asking you for information and it doesn’t seem right, call the supposed source.”
She also encourages stronger password habits and two-factor authentication whenever possible. Rather than relying on short passwords with random characters, Leffner suggests creating
memorable passphrases. For example, users might start with the name of the account they are accessing and add a unique combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. “Passwords don’t need to be overly complex,” she says. “But the longer it is, the longer it will take someone to hack into it.”
And if a deal on social media seems too tempting to ignore, she suggests taking a different route. “Avoid the temptation to buy stuff from reels on social media,” Leffner says. “Take the extra step and go to the company website instead.”
LEARNING BEFORE IT HAPPENS
For Sovran, these educational courses are all about helping people become more aware before something goes wrong. Upcoming classes cover topics such as scam prevention, internet safety, and what to do after a cyber attack. Information about future events can be found on the Sovran website under the support and events sections
For those needing additional support, Sovran also provides IT services for solopreneurs and mid-sized businesses, including computer health monitoring, patching updates, and help desk assistance. “We will help anyone who wants help,” Leffner says. And in today’s online landscape, a little extra caution may go further than ever before.
Helping Children With Autism Succeed
At Minnesota Behavioral Specialists, we help children with autism develop new social, communication, self-care, and self-management skills through the use of play and reinforcement. We strive to help children be as successful as possible and to help families find ways to meet their goals. We provide intensive in-home and center-based services for children age 10 and under. www.mnbehavioral.com
SKYLINE VIEWS below
A
LONGTIME EAGAN FAVORITE COMBINES SCENIC GOLF, MEMORABLE GATHERINGS, AND WELCOMING HOSPITALITY FOR EVERY GENERATION.
ARTICLE BY ANN SCHREIBER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT SOUSA & PROVIDED
There’s something unexpected about standing on a tee box in Eagan and spotting the Minneapolis skyline in the distance. Add sweeping views of the Minnesota River Valley, planes gliding toward MSP Airport, and rolling greens stretching below. It becomes clear why generations of locals keep returning to Lost Spur Golf and Event Center.
Lost Spur was purchased in 1946 and first opened for play in 1952. Since then, it has quietly become part of the community’s story. It’s where beginners nervously tee off for the first time, couples celebrate weddings, coworkers gather for golf outings, and families reconnect over graduations and milestone birthdays.
For General Manager Geri Lockrem, the property has been part of her own story for more than four decades. “I started as a server,” Geri says. “Then I moved into bartending, banquets, management, and eventually became the general manager.”
Forty-three years later, she still loves coming to work. “The people are always fun,” she says. “I get to meet so many people. There’s always something new and challenging every day.”
A COURSE FOR EVERYONE
Lost Spur may be a nine-hole course, but golfers quickly realize it packs plenty of variety into its par-34 layout. The fairways are narrow and lined with mature trees, while sand and water hazards add another layer of challenge throughout the course.
That balance is part of what keeps the course approachable without feeling too easy. Tree-lined fairways, elevation changes, and strategic shots keep seasoned players engaged, while newer golfers can still enjoy the round without feeling overwhelmed.
The practice facility also gives players room to sharpen their skills before heading onto the course. Lost Spur features a 25,000-square-foot all-grass driving range tee, target greens, a practice bunker, and dedicated chipping and putting areas. Two instructors currently offer both private and group golf lessons.
“Come on out and give it a try,” Geri says.
For many golfers, the scenery alone makes the experience memorable. Few metro-area courses offer views quite like these. On clear summer evenings, golfers can see the downtown skylines, the river valley, and planes approaching the airport while finishing a round.
MORE THAN JUST GOLF
While the course itself draws plenty of visitors, Lost Spur has also become known as a gathering place for celebrations large and small.
“We do parties from 25 up to 400,” Geri says. “Birthday parties, weddings, graduations, class reunions, celebrations of life, golf outings. Really, any kind of party.”
The event center includes multiple ballroom spaces spread across two levels, allowing the venue to accommodate everything from intimate gatherings to large receptions. Full-bar service, dance floors, and flexible room layouts make the space adaptable for many occasions.
Some guests first visit Lost Spur for a wedding or banquet and later return for golf. Others arrive for dinner after a round and end up booking an event years later. That mix of experiences gives the property a comfortable, familiar feel.
The on-site bar and grill also gives golfers and visitors another reason to linger a little longer. Open Tuesday through Saturday during the season, the grill serves lunch and dinner favorites in a
laid-back setting overlooking the course. Sundays feature pizzas and hot dogs throughout the day.
A SUMMER TRADITION
Golf has long been tied to relaxation and recreation, but it also comes with surprising wellness benefits. According to research highlighted by WebMD, a single round of golf can burn anywhere from 300 to more than 1,500 calories, depending on whether players walk or ride. Studies have also connected golf with improved cardiovascular health, lung function, and increased physical activity, especially among older adults.
For many Lost Spur regulars, though, the appeal goes beyond exercise. It’s the feeling of stepping away from busy schedules for a few hours. It’s catching up with friends between holes. It’s grabbing dinner after a round while the sun starts setting over the valley. And in a region where warm weather never lasts quite long enough, places like Lost Spur become part of how Minnesotans make the most of summer.
Nearly 80 years after opening, the course still carries that familiar neighborhood feeling while welcoming new visitors every season. Whether someone is planning a wedding, organizing a golf outing, signing up for lessons, or simply hoping to spend an evening on the patio overlooking the course, Lost Spur continues to offer a little bit of everything.
For tee times, lessons, dining hours, and event information, visit Lost Spur Golf and Event Center
Fast & Flexible Financing
TUESDAY-FRIDAY
11:30 AM - 2 PM 11:30 AM - 2 PM
For when keeping it all together starts falling apart The Struggle You push yourself to be perfect—at work, at home, in every relationship. You’re exhausted, critical of yourself, and feel like you’re never enough. The Cost of Staying Stuck Stress keeps building. Sleep, energy, and confidence start slipping.
Everyday tasks feel overwhelming, and self-criticism never ends. You Don’t Have to Do It Alone With guidance and practical strategies, you can release the constant pressure to perform, set healthy boundaries, and reconnect with what truly matters.
FOR EVERY AGE, EVERY STAGE, AND EVERY GOAL.
Recreational Gymnastics
Build confidence, coordination, and strength through fun, structured classes for kids of all ages and skill levels.
From first meets to championship floors, athletes grow through discipline, progress, and competitive experience at every stage of training. Competitive Team
Adult Programs & Open Gym
Stay active, build strength, and move better with adult classes and open gym opportunities for all experience levels.
Explore programs for preschool, recreational, team, adult, and more at Gleason’s—where confidence, strength, and movement start here.
finding the trail
The 196 Mountain Bike Team: A community-built team where every rider belongs on the trail.
A group of middle and high school mountain bike riders head into the woods at Lebanon Hills, tires humming as they hit the trails. Some are nervous. Some are already laughing. And none of them quite realize yet how quickly this becomes a place where everyone rides — and every rider belongs.
That’s the 196 Mountain Bike Team.
In District 196, most families know the traditional paths—academic programs, varsity sports, spring musicals. Fewer know about the students riding singletrack after school, climbing hills, and lining up at race starts in the fall. Not because someone told them they had a future in it—but because something about being on a trail sticks.
Since 2012— 196MTB has been one of the original teams in what is now the Minnesota Cycling Association—the program has grown into something truly unique. The 196 Mountain Bike Team is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving student-athletes in grades 6-12 attending schools within District 196. The co-ed team is open to riders of all experience levels—and it brings together students who might never otherwise meet.
The program is led by Head Coaches Darin Thureen and Emily Strong, alongside assistant coaches Alesia Smith, Jeff Gartner, Brian Plantz, and Zach Walker, with support from many dedicated parents, volunteers, and ride leaders.
Like many families, Darin first got involved through his son—starting as a ride leader before stepping into coaching. With over 25 years of coaching experience, he quickly saw that mountain biking offers something different.
At its core, this program is about the positive development of young people through cycling—building confidence, resilience, and a lifelong connection to the outdoors.
And it starts with the basics.
Riders don’t just show up and hit the trails. The first weeks are focused on fundamentals—body position, braking, bike control— broken into skill stations that build confidence before riders ever take on more technical terrain. It’s intentional. It’s structured.
And it works.
By the end of the season, the growth is hard to miss (adults included!). It’s not about competing against each other—it’s about learning to compete with yourself.
Some riders choose to race. Others follow the adventure path—coming to practice, riding new trails, and building skills without the pressure of competition. Ride leaders meet riders where they are, so no one is left behind—and no one is pushed beyond what they’re ready for.
Lebanon Hills serves as home base for a reason. The trails range from beginner-friendly flow to technical sections that challenge even experienced riders. And when someone finally clears something they’ve been working on all season, the whole team cheers them on!
That shared progress builds something bigger than riding.
Students form friendships across schools. Families get involved. Race weekends become shared experiences. And riders begin to see what they’re capable of—not just on a bike, but as individuals contributing to a bigger picture.
Because on this team, there’s no bench. In the end… this is more than a team — it’s a community where everyone rides, and everyone grows.
The season runs from July through mid-October. No experience is required. Learn more about the 196MTB team at 196mtb.org .
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
The 10% Target Mindset
Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
STACK THE DECK
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
3
DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
4
SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
NEVER MISS A MONDAY
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
TAKE YOUR NEXT VACATION WITH EFFORTLESS FLAIR
YOU WORK HARD ALL YEAR—YOUR VACATION STYLE SHOULD FEEL CINEMATIC, EFFORTLESS, AND UNMISTAKABLY MAIN CHARACTER.
Effortless vacation style isn’t about having the perfect outfit for every moment—it’s about having the right foundation to make every moment look intentional. When you know how to build a capsule travel wardrobe, you’ll avoid agonizing over what to wear and spend more time actually enjoying your getaway, all while looking like you have a personal stylist tucked in your carry-on. Here’s your go-to list for this season’s travels:
1. THE EFFORTLESS STATEMENT SET
A coordinated two-piece (linen, silk, or cotton) that transitions from day to night. Sets are easy to wear, photograph, and offers effortless ways to look put together. Bonus: you can mix and match the pieces with other items that you pack. I would recommend packing multiple sets to make it even easier to mix and match. For both men and women, simply focus on neutrals and, if you want to add color, make sure it coordinates well with other items in your luggage.
2. THE MOOD-ALTERING PIECE
A sweeping dress in a bold print or luscious fabric that makes you feel sensual, grounded, and free. Find something that moves with you and captures light beautifully. This is your dreamy piece— flowy fabrics with movement that captures the eye and works for any kind of event.
3. THE LUXE FLAT OR SCULPTURAL SANDAL
Find footwear that balances style and comfort. Look for interesting shapes or materials (like leather with architectural cutouts or metallic finishes). More than shoes—they’re anchors for adventure, grounding your aesthetic wherever you land. This goes the same for men.
Your footwear can also make an impact through the braided details of your sandals or the canvas of a casual slip-on loafer.
4. THE TRANSITIONAL THIRD PIECE
Think: kimono, over-sized linen blazer, a lightweight duster, or a gauzy button-down left open. This is your layering hero that adds polish without effort. It’s an aura amplifier that instantly makes your outfit feel styled and intentional.
5. INTERESTING AND IMPACTFUL SUNGLASSES
Sunglasses with personality is a must. They could be over-sized, cat-eye, or tinted lenses that feel more like “cinematic escape” than “just functional.” Because you’re not sightseeing—you’re starring in your own travel film.
6. A SCULPTURAL CARRYALL
A bag that holds your essentials but looks like art—think woven textures, unique shapes, or buttery leather. Practicality meets poetry. You deserve a vessel that carries your dreams...and your SPF.
7. SIGNATURE SCENT OR TRAVEL CANDLE
Pack travel-sized fragrance or a tiny candle that evokes your essence or complements the location. Scent is meant to ignite memories and set the tone—infuse your travels with an olfactory signature.
8. ACCESSORIES WITH A STORY
A few intentional pieces such as a ring from a market you found during your travels, a layered necklace that serves as an easy throw-on, or a straw hat to protect your face from the sun (even if it’s a cooler climate, because remember, safety first: don’t get burnt).
ARTICLE BY COURTNEY STONE SMITH
GOLF FUNDRAISER
This data is a sampling of sold properties from May 2026. Source: IRES MLS system.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JULY 3RD & 4TH
Eagan’s Fourth of July Funfest
1507 Central Pkwy, Saint Paul, MN 55121
Eagan Funfest returns to Central Park on July 3 and 4, with food, entertainment, a carnival, the Ambassadors' coronation, one of the largest parades in the Twin Cities, and fireworks. A community-sponsored tradition for over 50 years. We look forward to celebrating our Nation’s independence with a full lineup of Funfest activities and events this year! Visit eaganfunfest.org for details.
JULY 8TH, 15TH, 22ND, 29TH
Eagan Market Fest
1507 Central Pkwy, Saint Paul, MN 55121 | 4:00 PM
Eagan Market Fest is in full swing with tomatoes, peppers, corn, flowers, and more. New products show up weekly, so follow @cityofeagan on Facebook and Instagram for updates. Visit cityofeagan.com/marketfest for details. July entertainment: Thomas Sticha and The Rockin' Hollywoods (8), Minneapolis Jazz Guitar Duo (15), Kyle Koliha (22), Matt & Laurel and Craig Clark Band (29).
JULY 13TH
Theater in the Park
4391 Lexington Ave S, Eagan, MN 55123 | 10:30 AM
Theater in the Park returns to Eagan with Frozen Jr., performed by kids, for kids, at Goat Hill Park. Pack a blanket, chair, and picnic lunch for a full afternoon out. Arrive early to explore the park before the show.
JULY 16TH
Big Backyard Concert Series at Viking Lakes
678 Vikings Pkwy, Eagan, MN 55121 | 5:00 PM
Big Backyard Concert Series hosts Anti-Skip Protection this week at 678 Vikings Pkwy. The 90s-themed band performs 6–8 p.m., with a food truck on-site from 5–8 p.m. Free admission. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Drinks and snacks available for purchase; free parking in the back lot.
JULY 23RD
Music in the Park: Dakota Valley Symphony and Chorus
1507 Central Pkwy, Saint Paul, MN 55121 | 6:30 PM
Music in the Park returns to the Eagan Festival Grounds Bandshell on Thursday, July 23, 6:30–8 p.m. The Dakota Valley Symphony and Chorus perform their 2026 show, All That Jazz! Bring a lawn chair and enjoy all 100 members live.
JULY 24TH
Teen Sunset Party at Thomas Lake Park
4425 Pilot Knob Rd, Eagan, MN 55122 | 7:00 PM
It’s a sunset party at Thomas Lake Park! Join us for some fun playing sand volleyball and making s’mores at the bonfire. Pack your blankets and snacks to enjoy the summer weather as we wait for sunset. Visit https://cityofeagan.com/teen to join the fun.
LEADERS IN CARE. EXPERTS IN MOTION.
At Summit Orthopedics, we’re proud to be Minnesota’s only top-ranked orthopedic and spine outpatient surgery center as recognized by U.S. News & World Report. And while our expertise sets us apart, it’s how we care for people that defines us. Even after thousands of procedures, we treat each patient like the only one.
