The Health & Wellness Issue
Landscapes That Define Luxury
Transforming your outdoor living with luxury design & master craftsmanship for both residential and commercial spaces
We specialize in 3D landscape design services and new landscape installations for both residential and commercial clients. Our landscape installation services include hardscaping such as paver patios, outdoor cooking areas, outdoor living spaces, composite decks, gazebos and pergolas, retaining walls, paver walkways, paver driveways, and more.
Whether you want to build a beautiful and inviting outdoor living space, an outdoor cooking area, a retaining wall to carve out some usable space, install new landscaping for your new construction project, or renovate an existing landscape, the team at Rare Landscapes Inc will be able to help! We love working with clients who day dream about what their landscape could be.
(952) 258-3553 | www.rarelandscapesmn.com
The Minneapolis Boat Show Is Just Around The Corner
Come explore our amazing brands as well as special show offers. Let’s get you ready for your next adventure on the water! January 23-26th at the Minneapolis Convention Center!
Brands at the show: Barletta, Nimbus, Tiara, Formula, Crownline, Pursuit, Scout, & Walker Bay
The Health & Wellness Issue
It’s a new year, and that signifies new beginnings and, for me, a bit of commemoration. It has been four years since I began this adventure of publishing Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle. The career pivot from production to publishing has been a rewarding one. Mostly because I stay close to home and get to work every day with the wonderful business owners who are my partners and the community as a whole.
With how busy life becomes, it’s a nice reprieve to be still for a moment and reflect on where we have been, what the past has taught us, what we want to grow and learn from, and where we want to go from here.
I have a few things I am determined to focus on as we turn the calendar. For me, it is a focus on health: physical, mental, and spiritual. These are broad ideas and unique for each individual. My hope is that the pages that follow will be helpful as you go on your own journey toward new resolutions and goals in the New Year.
You’ll find our January issue is dedicated to some interesting things and thought starters as you decide what you want to focus on in the new year. We feature a cornerstone of any healthy journey: good water, which is a starting point for life in general. And another key ingredient of health is “tricks” to ensure a good night’s sleep. Getting away from it all can be therapeutic for many. Our local expert lets us know what to look for in an off-road vehicle to do just that. Jen shares what to “Watch out for in the New Year.” And a newer partner shares her passion for positive change in the next generation.
Here’s to a healthy and happy 2025! See you around the Lake!
DAVE ROBERTSON, PUBLISHER @LAKEMINNETONKALIFESTYLE
January 2025
PUBLISHER
Dave Robertson | dave.robertson@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lauren Beaubaire | lauren.beaubaire@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Graham Johnson, Kendra Johnson, Sara Hoeman, Kimberly Blaker, Lauren Beaubaire, Emily O’Brien, and Jen Fortner
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Emily John Photography, Andrew Vick Photography, EB Combs
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Water?
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-7: Runners gathered at Gear West for the favorite annual Gear Western Country Half Marathon & Borton Volvo 5k along with the ever-popular Hobby Horse race. Participants enjoyed a scenic route, western-themed post-race refreshments, and, of course, awards and prizes.
Gear Up for Winter Adventures at Gear West
Get layered up! It's time to upgrade your layers for winter so you can take on all your favorite outdoor adventures while staying comfortable, dry, and toasty warm. Gear West has a new base layer assortment that's perfect for braving the chill, whether you're hitting the trails, the slopes, or just enjoying a brisk walk. Their great selection will keep you cozy from head to toe. Stop into the store to check it out!
Your Boat Club Ticket Giveaway to the Minneapolis Boat Show
Join Your Boat Club at this year's Minneapolis Boat Show, January 23-26 at the Minneapolis Convention Center! Come check out the latest tech, brands, and models, and chat with Your Boat Club to get all your questions answered and find the perfect way to get out on the water this summer! Email info@yourboatclub. com for FREE tickets to the show! Just mention this Business Monthly, and they will email you the tickets. Come see what’s new at Your Boat Club!
Zion Wellness Retreat
Nicole Byars, owner of Honest Yoga, and Nicole Ferguson invite you to a transformative five-day wellness and yoga retreat in beautiful Zion National Park from April 2-6. This retreat is designed to guide you through a deep exploration of your inner strength, intuition, creativity, and nurturing essence, all while surrounded by the powerful, grounding energy of nature. If you can't make the retreat, be sure to try out classes at Honest Yoga — enjoy unlimited classes your first week!
Photography by Gear West
Photography by Your Boat Club
Photography by Honest Yoga
ARTICLE BY GRAHAM JOHNSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW VICK PHOTOGRAPHY
HOW THE TEAM AT HAFERMAN WATER CONDITIONING IS HELPING YOU ACHIEVE BETTER WATER AND IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH
WHAT’S REALLY IN YOUR WATER?
The water that comes out of your faucet is all too easy to take for granted. We use it to brew coffee and make spaghetti, but rarely do we scrutinize what really is coming out of our tap. That is the job of the water treatment experts at Haferman Water Conditioning.
something the company takes seriously. Rather than expand out into many other services, for more than half a century, Haferman has purposely “not expanded beyond that in order to focus on water treatment for the community,” says Paul.
“THE MAIN GOAL HAS BEEN TO PROVIDE BETTER WATER AND BE THE EXPERTS ON THAT.”
The team at Haferman Water works with residents across the metro to see exactly what is coming out of their faucets and how that could affect them. “I do get a little passionate about it,” laughed Paul, the Customer Experience and Marketing Manager, as he spoke about the Water Quality Association, mineral filters, and how water can impact aspects of health like hair and skin.
Since 1972, Haferman Water Conditioning has been working with Minnesotans to ensure the water that comes out of their tap is up to their high standards, both for those using private wells and those on municipal water. “The main goal has been to provide better water and be the experts on that,” says Paul. That expertise is
Haferman Water Conditioning is a member of the Water Quality Association (WQA), a not-for-profit association of water treatment companies across the globe with the goal of being the “recognized resource and advocate for the betterment of water quality.”
As a member of the WQA, Haferman Water Conditioning has its employees become certified with the not-forprofit association. This certification involves multiple semesters of classes on the science of water and water treatment with the goal of “being able to inform customers about all the technicalities of water treatment,” says Paul. Also part of that certification with the WQA is adherence to a code of ethics, including not using hard-sell and scare tactics in order to make a sale.
CONTINUED >
Something Paul is quick to point out about water quality is that “cities do a great job of making water serviceable for water in your home.” And while cities do treat the water that flows into homes, they often explicitly don’t treat water for some factors like iron content or hardness. There’s also the issue of picking up contaminants en route from the water plant to your home.
Cities add chemicals to the water for various reasons. Paul refers to this treatment as “water’s wrapper.” “Cities put a package on the water to keep it drinkable and keep contaminants at bay, but it’s not needed in your home. It’s like the plastic around a loaf of bread. It’s not needed once you get home, you just want the bread.” To take this wrapper off of your water, Paul recommends Kinetico’s Whole Home Treatment System.
Haferman Water Conditioning has been partnering with Kinetico since 1979, switching to the brand because it “was not only the superior water conditioner but also the most family-friendly water treatment company,” says Paul.
Kinetico systems stand apart because, unlike other water treatment systems that treat water on meters with set regeneration times that run on electricity, Kinetico systems are non-electric
“TREATING WATER CAN OFTEN HAVE CASCADING EFFECTS ON HEALTH.”
systems and treat water based on demand, so as a household runs through its treated water, the system will continue to treat water in a standby tank rather than simply run out. “You are never really out of soft water,” explains Paul. Treating water can often have cascading effects on health. While many are increasingly aware of the importance of what is in water, other effects are less well known. Minnesota, in particular, has much harder water than the rest of the country, and those minerals and chemicals can be hard on your body. Hard water can dry out skin and hair, leading you to reach for an excess of products to try to fix those issues. When residents install water systems, they are often surprised by how significantly they can reduce the amount of product they need to use. For Paul, this makes sense: “It might just be your water.”
To learn how to improve the water all throughout your home, head to their website: https://www.hafermanwater.com/
Paul Nowak, Customer Experience and Marketing Manager
POSITIVE CHANGE FOR the Next Generation
Cheyanne Peters (National Coaching Director), Michelle Marie King (Founder & CEO) & Mira Smith (National Sales Director)
HOW POSITIVE PRESENCE IS TACKLING TEEN MENTAL HEALTH AND EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION
ARTICLE BY KENDRA JOHNSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY JOHN PHOTOGRAPHY
When you were a teenager, do you recall feeling as if the pressure of the whole world was on your shoulders? Unfortunately, that feeling has only grown for today’s generation of preteens and young adults. On top of the usual pressures of being a student, today’s economic and societal pressures can end up being too much for many teens.
So how do we help? Positive Presence Global (PPG) Founder and CEO Michelle Marie King has dedicated her life to answering that question.
As the largest mentor-coaching company in North America for the next generation, Positive Presence specifically supports teens and young adults nationwide with learning essential life skills while discovering their potential. With an overarching mission of eradicating teenage suicide globally by 2035, Michelle and her nationwide team are making a significant impact on the mental wellness and personal development of young people, guiding them toward healthier, more fulfilling lives.
“I believe that in today’s world, there’s an overwhelming amount of noise, which often prevents us from truly growing through our life experiences. At Positive Presence, we are committed to helping individuals understand the profound importance of having a mentor-coach who can guide them in reflecting on these experiences—so they not only overcome challenges but are empowered to move forward with strength and purpose,” Michelle shares.
After spending years in the modeling industry grappling with mental health challenges, body image struggles, and questions about her purpose, Michelle found a calling in coaching young models to navigate the pressures she once faced. However, her mission took on a greater sense of urgency after the birth of her daughter and the devastating loss of a former client to suicide.
“That was the pivotal moment when I realized that teens are dying - not just struggling, but dying - and as a company, as a nation, as a society, we have a responsibility to bring mental wellness for the next generation to the forefront,” Michelle recalls.
Today, Positive Presence stands as the largest mentor-coaching organization in North America, offering transformative programs designed to empower teens, young adults, and their families. With three active coaching programs tailored to everyone from all walks of life, the company also plans to expand its services with a parent-focused coaching program launching in 2025. Each program offers individualized support on topics, including communication, self-esteem, time management, relationships, and personal growth, ensuring a holistic approach to mental wellness.
The upcoming parent program reflects PPG’s commitment to helping families thrive.
a detailed phone consultation to understand their personality, passions, and current struggles. This meticulous approach ensures that each client is paired with a coach who resonates with their unique needs, fostering a transformative bond.
“We have a responsibility to bring mental wellness for the next generation to the forefront.”
—
Michelle Marie King
“It’s more than just supporting the child,” Michelle explains. “We want to help parents align with the same growth mindset we teach their children so they can better understand, connect, and grow together as a family unit.”
What sets Positive Presence apart is its dedication to personalization and quality. Every coach undergoes an extensive certification process to prepare them for over 500 potential scenarios that clients may face. The process of matching each client with the right coach is equally rigorous, beginning with
While the goal is to create life-changing connections between clients and coaches, the ultimate mission goes deeper. “The purpose is to guide clients towards self-efficacy,” Michelle explains. “It’s not about being perfect; it’s about knowing how to navigate life’s challenges and having the tools to keep moving forward without relying on a coach.” Positive Presence’s coaching programs are just one facet of a much larger vision. The brand encompasses a wide array of initiatives, including a podcast, leadership, and teen retreats, the LifeSpark Health coaching app, a nonprofit arm, and the groundbreaking Degree In Me (™) curriculum. Together, these efforts form a powerful ecosystem of support, all aimed at providing the next generation with the tools they need to thrive.
In the coming year, Positive Presence plans to open six additional locations across the U.S. and Canada, continuing its mission to empower the next generation and shed light on the importance of mental wellness.
Discover how Positive Presence is transforming lives: https://positivepresenceglobal.com/
18|8 The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes 12063 Elm Creek Blvd. N Maple Grove, MN 55369 763-400-9124
18|8 The Promenade of Wayzata 340 Engel St Wayzata, MN 55391 952-693-4024
Jabin Krassin, M.D.
Happy 2025!
Cheers to fresh starts and new things in a New Year. In 2025, though, instead of adding to my soul-crushing to-do list, I’ve decided to be controversial and get rid of something this year. Something big.
WATCH OUT 2025!
I broke up with my smartwatch. We are done. And I don’t think we are ever, ever, ever getting back together. I have always been a watch person. Even in high school, I loved a good watch. I had a Fossil watch with a pretty mother-of-pearl face, a giant black and white watch during the color-blocking trend that covered a good portion of my arm, and a Swiss Army with a red leather strap. I had a few Swatch
Life Minded
brand watches in candied pastel colors. Then I moved to big, chunky, waterproof sports watches that displayed time and date and glowed in the dark. I set my morning alarm on those and thought it was very fancy. Then smart watches took over the market, and I took a tentative step into all the things they could offer me beyond telling time.
I have never even owned the fanciest smartwatch. You know the ones. At the birth of the fancy smartwatch craze, several of my family members thought I should get one. They all had them. In fact, they weren’t sure how I was going to survive without tracking all the things it tracked. Somehow I survived. I got by just fine with my ‘moderately intelligent’ model.
I missed out on the initial ‘cool’ factor my friends and family experienced. Calling one another from their wrists. Answering texts and calls from
me on their wrists. Competing with each other to burn calories, meet step goals, and close rings. They could order things with a few taps and listen to music through the tiny, tinny speaker. They were living the lives the Jetson’s cartoon had predicted for us. Admittedly, it all looked cool. The problem is, I didn’t like it. Not a bit.
The first thing that happened was my watch was always set to “accept text messages” when I exercised. In case my children needed me. There is nothing like enjoying the peace of a yoga class while receiving a silent yet alarming all caps message-WE ARE OUT OF WAFFLES. I don’t know if this constitutes a crisis in your family, but here it’s a sign of end times. But this is not information I need to know in real-time. This crisis can wait a hot minute. A hot yoga minute.
I also don’t need the metrics because I have zero interest in studying
myself. I’m well aware if I have or have not exercised. My jeans let me know. I will always choose the kouign-amann instead of the kale, so no need to log it and have my watch shame me. And the sleep. I’m crystal clear about if I haven’t slept well the night before. If I haven’t, I will let the world know, and I’m not at all nice about it.
Twenty-five years ago my husband and I got matching watches. I have no idea why — like on the old game shows where you could win his and hers with a trip to Toledo. They are beautiful, but all they do is tell time. I had to take mine in to get a new battery. I’m keeping it in a drawer on standby, just in case.
Peace to you and yours in 2025. The year will go by fast. I plan on enjoying the time without checking on it very much. On my newly naked wrist now sit multiple bracelets. They alert me to absolutely nothing. New Year’s bliss.
BY JEN FORTNER
Minded
Jen Fortner is a freelance writer who enjoys asking friends and strangers far too many questions. She spends her spare time sitting in inclement weather watching youth sports, traveling, cooking, and searching for the very best baked goods. She lives in Shorewood with her husband, three children and the most spoiled dog.
COLUMN
MAGIC MINESTRONE
The secret ingredient to a long life is in this delicious minestrone soup!
This tasty minestrone soup is one that the world’s longest-lived family has eaten every day of their lives. The Melis family in Sardinia, Italy, holds the Guinness World Record as the oldest family in history — nine siblings with a collective
“This tasty minestrone soup is one that the world’s longest-lived family has eaten every day of their lives.”
age of 851 (the oldest was 109). They ate this same recipe for lunch every day, along with some sourdough bread and a glass of Cannonau wine.
The Melis family is part of the “blue zones” coined by Dan Buettner, National Geographic Explorer and Fellow and journalist. The blue zones mark the places around the world that are home to the longest-lived people, and Sardinia is one of them, with nearly 10 times more centenarians per capita than the U.S.
Made with available garden vegetables, beans, and usually a type of pasta, this dish offers a delectable one-bowl medley that is high in protein and has plenty of fiber to make your microbiome oh-so-happy. Now, you can get in on the secret to a long life and enjoy this healthy and delicious minestrone. Mangia!
INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 cup dried peeled fava beans
• 1/2 cup dried cranberry beans
• 1/3 cup dried chickpeas
• 7 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow or white onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped (about 2/3 cup)
• 2 medium celery stalks, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (about 3 1/2 cups)
• 3 medium yellow potatoes, peeled and diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1 1/2 cups chopped fennel
• 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped 2 tablespoons
• Chopped fresh basil leaves
• 2/3 cup of Sardinian fregula, Israeli couscous, or acini di pepe pasta
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup finely grated pecorino Romano (about 2 ounces)
Photo courtesy of bluezones.com
“This dish offers a delectable one-bowl medley that is high in protein and has plenty of fiber to make your microbiome oh-so-happy.”
DIRECTIONS
1. Soak the fava beans, cranberry beans, and chickpeas in a large bowl of water for at least 8 hours or up to 16 hours (that is, overnight). Drain in a colander set in the sink. Rinse well.
2. Warm 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven set over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery; cook, stirring often, until soft but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 20 seconds.
3. Stir in the tomatoes, potatoes, fennel, parsley, and basil, as well as the drained beans and chickpeas. Add enough water (6 to 8 cups) so that everything is submerged by 1 inch.
4. Raise the heat to high and bring to a full boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer slowly, uncovered, until the beans are tender, adding more water as necessary if the mixture gets too thick, about 1 1/2 hours.
5. Stir in the pasta, salt, and pepper. Add up to 2 cups water if the soup seems too dry. Continue simmering, uncovered, until the pasta is tender, about 10 minutes.
6. Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into each of your serving bowls (serves four). Divide the soup among them and top each with 1 tablespoon of the grated cheese.
THE ROAD
LESS TRAVELED
Recapture your wanderlust and well-being with these great off-road vehicles
ARTICLE BY LAUREN BEAUBAIRE
“Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.” Well… at least paved ones. Doc’s DeLorean from Back to the Future may have had a few more bells and whistles, but Chad Robertson, GM Certified Sales & Leasing Consultant at Ryan Auto Mall, showed us a few vehicles that have us excited to get on the road — or rather off-road.
“There’s something exciting about knowing that you have a car or truck that can take you on that trip and get you to more places without worrying about what the roads will be,” says Chad. “Taking away those nerves if your car will make it on a gravel or more rocky road or if your suspension can take it.”
Having a vehicle built for off-road adventures is your ticket to reconnecting with nature, recharging, and prioritizing your mental and physical health. So, now you can road trip to that romantic, remote getaway you’ve heard such great things about, to the beautiful hiking spot your friend recommended, or cross another National Park off your bucket list.
“The Chevy Tahoe Z71 is great for packing up the whole family,” Chad says. “It can comfortably seat four to six people
and easily haul a boat or camper. A Grand Cherokee or Toyota 4Runner are also great choices for a good all-around SUV with off-road and towing capabilities. Naturally, pickups like the Silverado and F150 with a full cab that fits four to five people are great for towing and packing in all your gear for whatever adventure you’re going on.”
“The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Ford Bronco are your true, classic off-road vehicles. We’re seeing a shift in the market where customers are jumping on those traditional models and retro, boxier styles.”
No matter which style calls to you, Chad recommends in any off-road vehicle, you’ll want to ensure it has:
• High ground clearance for uneven terrain
• Underbody protection like a skid plate
• Beefier suspension and shocks
• An aggressive tread pattern for the tires, which allows better traction
• Locking differentials that enable all your wheels to have power, helping you get momentum if you’re stuck in a rough spot
“THERE’S SOMETHING EXCITING ABOUT KNOWING YOU HAVE A CAR OR TRUCK THAT CAN TAKE YOU ON THAT TRIP AND GET YOU TO MORE PLACES.”
On the tech side, all these vehicles are equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can easily connect your phone for navigation. “If you’re in a remote spot with no connection, most brands will also have built-in driver safety assistance subscriptions like OnStar for emergencies,” explains Chad. “These models also have advanced camera systems with HD picture and wide-angle lenses, allowing you to see more angles and views, making navigating unfamiliar and rougher terrain easier.”
Another new tech is the crab walk. “The GMC Hummer has this capability which allows you to drive diagonally or ‘crab walk.’ It’s a new feature I could see eventually trickling down to off-road vehicles. It would be a pretty cool and useful tool to have off-roading.”
And while these vehicles are perfect for those camping trips and off-road adventures, they’re also great for those slightly less exciting trips to the grocery store or the office. “The new off-road vehicles ride really well on highways. They’re great all-arounders that give you a quiet and smooth ride,” says Chad. “Plus, the higher ground clearance is great for potholes and driving over snow drifts, there’s better visibility, and these types of vehicles hold their value better over their lifetime.”
So, ready to recapture your wanderlust and well-being?! Chad and the team at Ryan Auto Mall can help you take the road less traveled. For any questions regarding offroad vehicles, reach out to Chad directly at crobertson@ryanautomall.com/
NOT GETTING ENOUGH ZZZZS? Try These 15 Tricks!
REST EASY, WE SHARE HOW YOU CAN FALL ASLEEP FASTER AND WAKE UP FEELING REFRESHED
ARTICLE BY KIMBERLY BLAKER
For many, getting a solid night’s sleep is as elusive as winning the lottery. Getting too little sleep is so common that it’s become almost a badge of honor to get through each day with sleep deprivation. Even if you feel like you can function on little sleep, it’s actually debilitating, if not dangerous, to a person’s health and mental faculties. Not getting enough sleep increases the risk of obesity, memory impairment, illness, and even hallucinations or death. Falling asleep is a common problem. But sleep quality is also crucial for optimum brain function and recovery. Fortunately, there are many ways to train your body and mind to fall asleep more quickly and improve your sleep quality.
1. Create a relaxing nighttime ritual. Starting a routine to wind down every night creates an association between nighttime habits and sleep, preparing your body to relax and fall asleep more quickly. Try drinking a soothing tea like chamomile. Or use aromatherapy with scents such as lavender that promote relaxation.
2. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. This gets your body into a regular sleep-wake pattern, which regulates your circadian rhythm and makes falling and staying asleep easier. It may be tempting to sleep in on the weekends to make up for lost sleep. But this may actually hurt you in the long term.
3. Avoid alcohol at night. Though it may help you fall asleep, drinking alcohol before bed significantly reduces your sleep quality.
4. Be careful with naps. A long afternoon nap can make it more difficult to fall asleep at night. So, keep naps short and as early in the day as possible.
5. Track your sleep. Different technologies are available to track your sleeping patterns, including restlessness, awake and sleep times, and even how long you’re in each part of the sleep cycle. This can help you learn how many hours you need for optimal function.
6. Practice meditation and mindfulness. Regularly practicing these can help calm your mind and body. Progressive relaxation is one technique. Through it, you slowly focus on each part of your body, moving from head to feet while releasing tension and consciously relaxing your muscles.
7. Avoid screens an hour before bed. Looking at the bright light is stimulating. Likewise, so is much of the content on the screens. If you use screens at night, glasses are available to filter out the blue light to prevent eye strain.
8. Use breathing techniques. One popular method to fall asleep is known as 4-7-8. First, breathe in through your nose for a count of 4. Then hold your breath for 7, and exhale out your mouth for 8.
9. Listen to soothing white noise, music, or podcasts. Many of these audio productions are designed to help put you to sleep.
10. Stop drinking caffeine after midday. Caffeine is a stimulant that can affect your mind and body hours after consumption.
11. Make sure your room is dark for sleep and that you get natural light during the day. This regulates your circadian rhythm and provides external cues for your body.
12. Exercise in the morning. Being physically active, especially early in the day, is associated with better sleep.
13. Journal or keep paper by your bed. Do you have a hard time falling asleep because your mind is racing?
Writing down your thoughts can help to keep them from swirling incessantly through your brain so you can relax.
14. Use your bed and bedroom for sleep only. This creates a specific association so your body and mind know it’s time to rest. Also, keep electronics out of the bedroom.
15. Try a natural supplement. Melatonin, magnesium, and CBD are some of the options touted as supporting relaxation and sleep. Be sure to check with your doctor before taking any supplements to ensure you do so safely.
If behavioral changes aren’t working, discuss your sleep concerns with your doctor. You may have an undiagnosed sleeping disorder that requires medical intervention. Depending on your doctor’s findings, medications and breathing treatments may help improve your sleep.
So, while a winning lottery ticket may remain out of reach, better sleep doesn’t have to. Try out these tips and give yourself the rest you actually need—your future well-rested self will thank you! Sweet dreams!
“Writing down your thoughts can help to keep them from swirling incessantly through your brain so you can relax.”
ARTICLE BY SARA HOEMAN
Your Round-Up of Relaxing Spa Escapes
RELAX AND RECHARGE AT THESE 10 FANTASTIC SPAS
Start off 2025 feeling recharged and pampered. You deserve a break after all the holiday hustle and bustle! Read on for 10 top-notch spas in the area where you can relax and unwind.
Bella on the Bay
In 1900, what was originally a gorgeous Excelsior home is now a warm and inviting salon and spa with all the classic treatments—perfect for a day of pampering. Services include hair care, lashes, facials, nail care, and massages. Visit bellaonthebay.com
Spavia Minnetonka
Spavia has been focused on being a place where all are welcome. In the name, ‘via’ means route or pathway, and Spavia is committed to being there with you on every step of your wellness journey. Services include facials, skincare, massages, and “spalebration” packages. Visit minnetonkamn.spaviadayspa.com.
Vi Beauty Lab
At Vi Beauty Lab, clients are encouraged to come as they are, providing a safe and non-judgmental space. Vi Beauty Lab goes beyond facials and peels. They employ experts to provide services such as microneedling, laser hair removal, fillers, and IV therapy for truly transformative results. Visit vibeautylab.com
Jett Beauty
An award-winning beauty spa, Jett specializes in permanent cosmetics, makeup applications, lashes, brows, and skin care. They also offer injectable treatments, including Botox and derma fillers. Jett Beauty has two locations—Excelsior and Edina. Visit jettbeauty.com
Moda Salon St. Louis Park
Dubbed “your local hair house,” you can take care of all your hair care needs. From colors, extensions, custom cuts, blowouts, and mini services, your hair will be happy and healthy at Moda. Moda also has a location in St. Paul. Visit modamademn.com .
Vively Body Science
This medical spa is committed to promoting healthy living, and medical professionals use regenerative aesthetic medicine to both prevent and correct skin concerns. Services range from injectables to cool sculpting, dermaplaning, and acne treatments. Visit livevively.com to schedule a virtual consultation.
18|8 Fine Men’s Salon in Wayzata
With services specially customized to men, you can find hair, waxing, and facial treatments. To simplify the grooming regimen even more, Executive Memberships are available, which include seven haircuts, clean-up appointments, and retail discounts. Visit eighteeneight.com .
Sanctuary Float Spa
This wellness center in Minnetonka boasts the largest float spa in the Twin Cities. These private soundproof float rooms allow clients to relax in purified water. Benefits range from reduced inflammation to boosted energy levels. Other personalized massage services are available. Visit sanctuaryfloatspa.com
Nail Boutique in Wayzata
Very conveniently located in Downtown Wayzata, this is where to book your next manicure or pedicure. They also offer gel services, dipping powder, kids’ nail care, and a variety of pedicure options to choose from. Visit nailboutiquewayzata.com
Spa
Located in the Landing Hotel in Downtown Wayzata, Läka is the best place for a staycation. Drawing from their Nordic heritage, earth-friendly products are used in every service. Facials, massages, and body treatments are what to expect at “Lake Minnetonka’s most relaxing retreat.” Visit thehotellanding.com/spa
Läka
Street, Excelsior, 55331 www.LakesAreaExcelsior.com
DENNIS, ASSOCIATE
Lakes Area Realty Excelsior 37 Water Street, Excelsior, 55331 (612) 229-9322
Chris@ChrisDennisGroup.com LakesAreaExcelsior.com
JANUARY 1ST
Ice Castles
Minnesota State Fairgrounds | 12:00 PM
Enjoy a bit of winter magic with a stunning display at Ice Castles. Bring the whole family and explore ice caverns and tunnels, a frozen maze, ice slides, and world-class ice sculptures handcarved by local and international artists. You can also belly up to a frosty ice bar and order a winter-themed beverage at the Polar Pub. Get tickets and more details: https://icecastles.com/
JANUARY 17TH
Arctic Fever
Shorewood Community & Event Center | 5:30 PM
Don't miss this year's annual Arctic Fever! Every year, on the third weekend of January, this free event offers family-friendly activities both indoors and out, including dog sledding, sleigh rides, llamas, a coloring contest, and more. The festivities continue Saturday at Freeman Park with the Tonka Chase as teams of two race through a challenging, exciting, and chilly scavenger hunt course. Get the full schedule and times here: https://mn-shorewood. civicplus.com/610/Arctic-Fever
JANUARY 18TH
Art Shanty Projects
Lake Harriet | 10:00 AM
Winter has never stopped us Minnesotans from getting out on the lake. Layer up, grab a hot beverage, and head to Lake Harriet for the Art Shanty Project. This annual pop-up festival mixes art with winter fun. Come explore unique icehouses designed by local artists and enjoy other fun events like the B-icicle Race, Fro-gahhh (yoga), music, and more. Weekends only from 10am-4pm.
JANUARY 23RD
Minneapolis Boat Show
Minneapolis Convention Center 2:00 PM
Welcome to a water-lovers paradise at the 2025 Minneapolis Boat Show! Head to the Minneapolis Convention Center January 23-26 and check out the latest boat brands and models. The best in the industry will be there to answer all your questions and help you find the perfect way to get out on the water. There will also be nautical activities and attractions for the whole family to enjoy.
JANUARY 25TH
Bundled Up! Winter Fun Day
Oak Hill Park, St. Louis Park | 12:00 PM
Get ready for winter fun at Bundled Up! From 12–3:30pm, enjoy cozy bonfires, gooey s’mores, hot cocoa, sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hayrides, music, and more. There’s even a raffle to keep the excitement going! Fun for all ages and completely free—don’t miss this perfect way to embrace the season.
JANUARY 25TH
Polar Plunge
Surfside Park in Mound | 12:00 PM
Ready to take the plunge?! Brave the cold and sign up for the annual Polar Plunge at Surfside Park Depot! Jump into freezing cold water with friends and family on Saturday, January 25. The Plunge helps support Special Olympics Minnesota athletes. Always a fun event, participants also receive incentives, prizes, and giveaways. If you prefer to stay dry and warm, you can take a Virtual Plunge. www.plungemn.org
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Ask Susan
Susan Stiles CFP, CHFC, AIF, CPFA, MBA Founder / CEO Stiles Financial Services, Inc.
Dear Susan: This year I want to focus on financial fitness. Where do I start?
- Julie
Susan:
That sounds great! But it can be overwhelming. Saving, investing, taxes, risk management, legacy, setting goals and more. Just like a personal trainer, a personal wealth advisor helps you coordinate and prioritize competing priorities by creating a customized strategy for you. At Stiles Financial, we help our clients capitalize on their strengths and manage their weaknesses. We first listen, then guide, educate, plan and support each client throughout their unique journey. As a fiduciary, our clients come first and every decision we make together will focus on achieving success towards financial fitness. Click the QR code for my video that helps to define “Financial Health.”
Susan Stiles is the Founder / CEO of Stiles Financial Services; an independent, fee based, private wealth management financial advisory firm, specializing in families that have complex portfolio, wealth management and estate planning needs. We also advise companies on their retirement benefit plans and corporate cash management. Send your questions to: AskSusan@stilesfinancial.com.
www.stilesfinancial.com
smart SWEETS
The beginning of the year is packed with inspiration and motivation to get back on track after a sweet-filled holiday season. It can feel extreme, and it also can be depleting to cut oneself off from everything indulgent after weeks of eating favorite sweet and savory recipes. For sugar lovers who believe going cold-turkey feels intimidating or overwhelming, nutrition-packed desserts are a great way to stick to healthy food goals without the guilt.
Nutrient-Rich Dessert To The Rescue
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
This recipe is a classic favorite. If you cut the bars into 16 pieces, they are around 270 calories each. They are very filling, packed with healthy goodies and taste, oh so delicious. If you can’t finish them yourself (it makes a lot!), bring samples along to your next workout class to share the love. Your accountability group will be asking you for the recipe! These come in handy for a quick breakfast on-the-go or an afternoon snack. You’ll want to taste these out of the oven once they cool a bit... simply scrumptious.
Combine:
• 1 cup wheat flour
• 2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
• 2 cups oats
• 2/3 cup of your choice of chopped nuts
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2/3 cup raisins
• Optional: chocolate chips as desired
• Optional: add additional seeds or nuts on hand such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.
Notes: Boil quinoa at a 2:1 water to rice ratio. For estimating, 1/3 cup of uncooked quinoa yields 1 cup cooked quinoa.
Add this mixture slowly to combine:
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup peanut butter, almond butter or sunflower butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 banana
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes, or until when the edges get golden brown. Bake in a 9x13-inch glass dish. After they cool, slice and enjoy. Keep them covered to maintain freshness.
Quinoa BREAKFAST Bars
Frozen PEANUT BUTTER Bites
Danger ahead: this snack is amazing. It’s the easiest of the bunch and also satisfies a sweet tooth craving. This can be whipped together in just 5 minutes and makes just a small amount. Feel free to take creative liberty here with your amounts, but if you make it to this recipe, they are around 90 calories per bite.
1. Cut a banana into 8-10 small slices, around 1/2 inch each.
2. Spread 1/2 tablespoon of peanut butter (or your choice of nut butter) on each banana slice.
3. Drizzle a small amount of melted chocolate chips or caramel over each bite.
4. Freeze for 15-20 minutes and enjoy!
Pro tip: A dash of sea salt flakes on top of these can be *chef’s kiss.*
These are great to keep on hand in the freezer all weeklong. Once they set, add them to a closed container to keep the bananas from browning.
Late night snack cravings are real! When finding yourself rooting through the cabinets for a sweet fix, these protein cookie dough bites are a great way to curb temptation. This recipe yields around 20 small bites, which can be cut into small squares or rolled into dough balls. Each bite is around 105 calories. If you find the dough is a little too dry, add a dash of milk as needed.
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (or alternate nut or sunflower butter)
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Chocolate chips as desired
Pro tip: Use mini chocolate chips and for a dash of savory add sea salt flakes on top. Once combined, store the bites in the refrigerator in a covered container to keep them moist.
Protein COOKIE DOUGH Bites
Your Boat Club:
We boating! are
These late-model, meticulously maintained fishing boats, ski boats, and pontoons have served our members well. Most of our boats have been in service for only three years and are regularly detailed and refurbished. It is simply time to replace them with brand-new models and find them a new home!
The average age of our fleet is 1.5 years old- meaning our members- and you- get to experience the newest boats in the market. Because our boats are in service, they are cared for better than the average boat.
Especially after the initial depreciation, boats tend to hold their value extremely well. If you are considering buying a boat, why not eliminate the risk of overpaying and save all of that expense?
When it comes to your family’s next great adventure, you can trust Your Boat Club. With decades of experience and an unmatched love for boating, you can rely on us. We are boating! Find out more at www.YourBoatClub.com/buy-a-boat today!