Custom Walk-In Closet in Orono, MN
Exploring the Rhythm of Summer
There’s something truly remarkable about July and the height of summer that makes the Lake Minnetonka area an incredible place to experience and explore. It is a season defined not just by its literal beauty — though this is certainly the time for long dinners outdoors, backyard gatherings, and libations poured slowly as the sun disappears along the lakeshore — but by its emotional resonance, too. Summer here has a wonderful way of slowing things down just enough to remind us of what ultimately matters most: community, conversation, tradition, and the precious people we share our lives with.
In America, we often find ourselves living to work, but that frantic pace thankfully slows down just a bit in the summer. Meals aren’t rushed, neighbors naturally gather, and hospitality seems a bit more accessible to everyone. It’s a relaxed rhythm I often associate with time spent on vacation elsewhere, a pace distinctly not our day-to-day norm. Yet, it holds an undeniable appeal.
This issue of Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle dives directly into those meaningful connections. Jen offers a thoughtful reminder in Life Minded , and we take the opportunity to explore local spots like Licks and The Snug. To help keep your summer leisure front and center, College Hunks gives us a hand, so we don’t have to do all the heavy lifting ourselves. Additionally, Highmark helps us dream a little about the potential of our homes, while CrossPoint Marine lifts our boats out of the water, so we are ready to hit the lake at a moment's notice.
As our country proudly celebrates its milestone 250th birthday this month, I want to challenge each of us to turn our focus closer to home, deepening our commitment to our families, our neighborhoods, and the local community that surrounds us. In a world that can often feel vast and fragmented, it is the shared experience of living locally that truly unites us. At the end of the day, actively caring for your home, your neighborhood, and your community will always matter more.
So, I encourage you to extend your table this summer. Open that extra bottle of wine, beer, or other libation and invite others over. Fire up the BBQ. And allow yourself to stay just a little longer for lively conversation. Sometimes, a good life is much closer — and beautifully simpler — than we make it out to be. See you around the Lake.
DAVE ROBERTSON, PUBLISHER @LAKEMINNETONKALIFESTYLE
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Dave Robertson | dave.robertson@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lauren Beaubaire | lauren.beaubaire@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kate Munson | kate.munson@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Haley Asanovich, Sara Hoeman, Kendra Johnson, Lauren Beaubaire, Jen Fortner, David Scheller, Kali Kasprzyk
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kate Ann Photography, Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-7: It was a great time at MarineMax’s annual On-Water Boat Show at Lola’s Lakehouse, where guests explored a variety of watercraft, compared features side-by-side, and took their favorite boats for a test drive. Photography by Kate Ann Photography
The best places invite people in. From open kitchens to connected living areas, thoughtful remodeling creates a home that feels natural welcoming, and easy to live in. At Struction Contracting, every project is personally guided from planning through completion, with a focus on clear communication, intentional design, and lasting quality built around how you truly live.
& Western Suburbs
Did you know?
The Full 60 Minutes.
Most clinics call it an hour but deliver 50 minutes. At Spavia, your massage is a full 60 — no shortcuts, no rushing, just a more restorative experience from start to finish.
Congratulations to Shelly Melroe Consulting!
The community came out to celebrate Shelly Melroe Consulting with a fun, interactive ribbon-cutting ceremony in Wayzata this past May. With 30 years of experience, Shelly Melroe Consulting works with executives ready to turn inward and emerge renewed. Shelly and her team offer practical insight, honest guidance, and a proprietary approach that blends research, human dynamics, and real conversations to restore healthy dynamics for more ease in living your life and more effectiveness in what you do. Learn more: shellymelroe.com
Tom Jacob Receives Spinnaker Award, Recognizing Excellence in Community Service
Congratulations to Tom Jacob, owner of Bay to Bay Boat Club, on joining a great group that was awarded the Spinnaker Award by Minnetonka Public Schools at this year's 2026 Celebration of Excellence awards event! The award is presented annually to individuals or groups who exemplify volunteerism, community, and serving the greater good, who display personal and professional integrity, create a positive, supportive, and respectful atmosphere, and demonstrate a commitment to supporting our schools and community involvement.
Tono Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks Grand Opening in Wayzata
Tono Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks celebrated their Wayzata Grand Opening this past May, where the first 100 walk-in customers enjoyed a free pizza and dessert! While their made-from-scratch individual-sized pizzas give you an authentic taste of Italy, with dough and sauce recipes that were developed over 45 years ago, their cheesesteaks give you an authentic taste of Philly, made with a family crafted recipe that's 100% fresh, never frozen prime beef and true baked-fresh Amoroso’s rolls. tonomn.com/locations/wayzata
Photography by Minnetonka Public Schools (Submitted Photo)
Photography by Tono Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks
A Boat Lift Built for Better Lake Days
Designed on Lake Minnetonka, CrossPoint Marine Co.’s heavy-duty hydraulic lifts are redefining convenience, protection, and peace of mind for boat owners.
ARTICLE BY LAUREN BEAUBAIRE
Summer in Minnesota moves fast. One minute, the docks are going in, and before you know it, you’re trying to squeeze every last sunset cruise and lake day out of the season. That’s why for many boat owners, protecting and simplifying their time on the water matters just as much as the boat itself. And for Tyler Kramer, owner at CrossPoint Marine Co., he and his team are determined to help Minnesotans enjoy every moment of summer on the lake.
“I’ve been around the lake my whole life,” says Tyler. “We saw a real need in the boating community to provide a better boat lift and a higher quality product that stands the test of time and helps boaters truly get the most out of the short lake season. So, that’s what we set out to do.”
CrossPoint Marine’s boat lifts are engineered with a cantilever hydraulic system, a fully welded heavy-duty aluminum framework, and a clean design. The biggest difference in CrossPoint’s lifts?
“They’re more stable and robust than standard cable and hydraulic lift designs on the market,” explains Tyler. “We also have fully contouring bunks, so you don’t have any pressure points on the boat’s hull as it contours and pivots to shape it. Our framework is also designed to accommodate any V-hull boat, inboard and outboard designs, and we also intentionally built extra clearance with water sports enthusiasts in mind to allow for running gear and fins on surfboards.”
CrossPoint’s lifts are also 100% solar-powered. Each lift runs off a hydraulic pump located inside of a handsome dock box. A high-power solar panel is mounted on top of the dock box, complete with a voltage regulator for safety and performance.
“We decided on solar because of the ease of use for our customers,” says Tyler. “We have wireless and wired remotes, making it easy to operate the lifts. And with solar, you don’t have to worry about pulling a wire down by the docks or digging electrical land, which creates safety hazards. Our lifts are designed to be easy, portable, and user-friendly. We created a lift that we would want to use and do use ourselves. Our lifts are really a home-grown product created right here on Lake Minnetonka.”
And having a local team that knows the lake so well is essential. “Lake Minnetonka is a unique case. There are so many different situations and lake bottoms,” explains Tyler. “Knowing the lake ensures we won’t run into any issues and have the right knowledge and equipment ready to navigate each boater’s specific situation and get you ready for summer as soon as possible.”
Because CrossPoint focuses solely on lifts and doesn’t handle seasonal installation and removal, they can provide a high level of service for their clients, answering calls and responding much more quickly to resolve issues and ensure each customer is taken care of.
“For me, it’s all about helping people enjoy their summers hassle-free and improve their boating experience so they can focus on each other and not worry about their boat,” emphasizes Tyler.
Protecting your boat, your investment, helps owners feel secure, eliminating unnecessary stress so they can enjoy the best parts of being a boat owner. “The more you’re in the industry, the more you see the need for high-quality boat lifts,” says Tyler. “Invasive species, wave action, wind,
and weeds all can do damage to your boat. A lift is no different than having a garage for your car. Having your boat out of the water protects your investment and gives you that peace of mind.”
CrossPoint also offers a variety of boat canopies in different sizes and styles to provide your boat with overhead protection, helping extend its life and use.
Tyler’s advice? “If you’re in the market for a lift, take a look at all the products in the industry and then talk to people who install them and decide who you know you can trust to take care of you years down the road. Knowing your lift is built to last, and that you have a team you can rely on for support, makes all the difference.”
Lifts allow boaters more convenient loading and unloading, the boat runs better and lasts longer, and essentially let owners get the most out of their boat without the extra stress.
“We have such a short window of time in the summer,” says Tyler. “Those special moments with family and friends creating memories out on the water are so fleeting. We want to make sure we can help you take full advantage and make the most of those summer days on the lake.”
crosspointmarine.com
Everyone Screams for Ice Cream (Cake)!
LICKS UNLIMITED, A CORNERSTONE IN THE EXCELSIOR COMMUNITY FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS, IS DIPPING ITS CONE INTO THE WORLD OF ICE CREAM CAKES.
ARTICLE BY SARA HOEMAN
Core summertime childhood memories wouldn’t be complete without afternoons spent dockside by the lake, running through the sprinkler in the front yard, and visiting your favorite, family-owned local ice cream shop to end the day. Not only is Licks Unlimited the place to get delicious nostalgic homemade ice cream, but they are proud to be front and center at celebrations this summer with the introduction of their ice cream cakes.
“Ice cream cakes were something that my grandparents talked about, and it was something my grandma wanted to do,” says Wyatt Cashman-Galdo, the marketing manager for Licks Unlimited. Wyatt’s grandparents, Janet (Pug) Lessard and Loran (Zo) Lessard, purchased Licks Unlimited in 1990. Their family has been running the shop ever since and has been deeply embedded in the community.
“The community here is the core,” says Wyatt. “We are just so thankful to be part of it and serve up ice cream for our locals and out-of-towners!”
While you’ll always be able to find your favorite flavors from Licks’ long list of over 40 selections, the shop is known for rotating in a new flavor or two every month for those brave enough to break from their go-tos. And now, they were delighted to add another new offering, launching the cakes in April of this year.
“So far, people have loved it, and the response has been outstanding,” shares Wyatt. The best part about Licks Unlimited ice cream cakes is that the entire cake can be customized with any flavor the shop offers. Customers can choose between an entire ice cream cake or the layered cake option with chocolate and vanilla as the cake flavor, and then can choose the ice cream flavors and any toppings or syrups. “Whatever you want, we can do,” says Wyatt.
Currently, the shop is offering two size options. There is a fourinch cake, serving about two people for $15, and an eight-inch cake, serving about six people for $48. The process is easy. Simply head online and fill out a form to order your customized cake or call the shop. Licks Unlimited requests that you place your order a week out from when you need it, to be sure they have the flavors in the store. If you are in a pinch, they do have a few ice cream cakes in the store ready to be purchased and brought home.
Right now, the plan is to offer the cakes through the summer as the shop sees the response and demand for the delicious creations. “We would love to do cakes year-round. We are seeing what that would look like,” says Wyatt.
So go ahead and make your summertime celebrations a little sweeter by treating yourself to a one-of-a-kind ice cream cake from Licks Unlimited! Visit licksunlimitedmn.com or call 952-474-4791 for more information on placing an order.
“Ice cream cakes were something that my grandparents talked about, and it was something my grandma wanted to do.”
COLLEGE HUNKS HAULING JUNK AND MOVING
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
FULL-SERVICE MOVING • HOURLY MOVING SERVICES • JUNK REMOVAL • DONATION PICKUP
• GENERAL LABOR
Do you want careless and disengaged movers to haphazardly schlep your neat stuff across town – or cross country? Or do you want junk removal by people who don’t give a fig about recycling, and would enthusiastically chuck old refrigerators into Lake Minnetonka if they thought they could get away with it? Then you need College LUNKS! Leave them a message today if you would like there to theoretically be a chance that they’ll call you back.
…what’s that? You want the exact opposite of those things? Courteous professionals who’ll make your prized effects materialize wherever you want them with equal parts gingerness and punctuality? Or junk removal service that minimizes your contribution to the dump? Ah. Well, in that case, you need someone incomparably better. And real .
YOU NEED COLLEGE HUNKS! Eden Prairie’s premier moving, junk removal, and general labor service is here to help Numero Uno (i.e. you) navigate perplexing challenges sans turmoil!
MOVING
Near. Far. Wherever you go, so too will College HUNKS.
If it’s only a skip and a jump from present location to point B, the convenience of College HUNKS’ hourly moving service may just flabbergast you. But if point B falls outside of skipping-and-jumping range, then you can truly witness College HUNKS at their best.
The most accurate possible estimate; no surprise charges. Guidance, if desired, on how to reduce said estimate, such as by doing your own packing. A crew that never parts ways with your property, or deposits it in a distribution center. It’s bona fide white-glove service. Your sofa will think it’s a movie star.
JUNK REMOVAL
Has your basement, garage, or other space that is vulnerable to getting overrun by junk been overrun by junk? Then you don’t have a problem. You can make every offending piece of clutter disappear as easily as pointing your finger at it. All you need is College HUNKS’ same-day junk removal service!
Only a small fraction of junk is actually trash. College HUNKS, being the eco-conscious operation that it is, knows this. That’s why they are allied with Bridging, a local nonprofit that furnishes homes for people transitioning out of homelessness. That’s why they also supply old appliances, mattresses, and other surprisingly useful things to recycling firms.
Just think. That broken washing machine that’s been collecting dust in your basement since the Carter administration? It could become patio furniture someday. How inspiring!
GENERAL LABOR
Is “heavy lifting” not among your uncountably large number of talents? Then you still don’t have a problem. College HUNKS’ professional movers’ Herculean physiques are at your disposal.
Temporarily relocate all your furniture to your garage in preparation for a housewide reflooring. Dismantle the rotting, decrepit treehouse in your backyard before another family of raccoons decides to move into it. Do a third thing that you do not relish doing without actually having to do it yourself. College HUNKS’ general labor gets the job done.
THERE’S A NEW HUNK IN TOWN
“I used to be a lawyer, practicing at a big law firm in Chicago,” said Ryan Spille. “After a point, I’d reviewed so many documents that I felt like my soul was leaving my body. I wanted to do something I could be passionate about. Something that genuinely helps people, like the youth mentoring I do in my church community. More than anything else, I hoped to do it in my home state. My wife is also from Minnesota, and she wanted to raise our five kids here just as much as I did.
“Honest. Uniformed. Nice. Knowledgeable. Service. While looking for business opportunities five years ago, I discovered I like everything College HUNKS stands for. I realized how much good it would let me do – not just by eliminating stress and inconvenience from people’s lives while they’re dealing with some of the most stressful and inconvenient obstacles life can lay in their paths, but also by helping young men find real purpose and aim.
“Now that I’ve acquired a second location in Eden Prairie, I’m doing even more to share the principles and values that help our team members get ahead. We’ve even started a book club together, where we sit down every week to discuss life improvement classics like Atomic Habits and Extreme Ownership. It’s all part of our commitment to being the best versions of ourselves – a real breath of fresh air in an industry that’s notorious for attracting characters who I’ll charitably describe as ‘unreliable.’
“I’m so grateful to be where I am. But I’m not complacent. My goal is to make College HUNKS the largest business of its kind in the Twin Cities, one happy customer at a time.”
Call (952) 857-9965 or visit CollegeHunksHaulingJunk.com/ Eden-Prairie today for a free estimate!
MOVING • HAULING • LABOR
In the wise words from the Phineas and Ferb theme song, “There’s a hundred and four days of summer vacation, and school comes along just to end it. So the annual problem for our generation is finding a good way to spend it.“ My children have pointed out that Phineas
SUMMER AL FRESCO
and Ferb must have gone to a better school than they did, since they never once got one hundred and four days off. I don’t know where to file a claim for their extra days.
The fact remains, summer is fast and furious in Minnesota, and the temptation is ever-present to pack everything in as much as possible. But my favorite summers as a kid were spent doing so little. Remember when summer was the time to relax?
Life Minded
The less scheduled, the better. I long to get back to that sensibility.
I recall summers when my family went to the Boundary Waters. We went every year. We started out with four days, then tried five the next year, then adventured for a week. One summer, we went for two weeks. We always stayed at Heston’s Lodge at the end of the Gunflint Trail. It became “our place.” It is quiet. Simple.
Our family of four would set out in a rented Alumacraft boat for long days of fishing with an occasional break for eating. I would spend the day mainly reading with an occasional break for fishing. My brother and parents, casting and recasting their fishing rods while I lolled on the bottom of the boat, reading book after book, a pale pink scarf knotted over my head to block out sunburn and black flies. I read Danielle Steel and Ken Follet and Sidney Sheldon and Rosamund Pilchner. I’d get to the last page of
something and fling the book down, only to pick up another, the book landing with a metallic thud, likely scaring away fish for miles. Our evenings were spent playing cards with the lake lapping in the background.
Maybe it is counterintuitive to create a summer reading list when outside activities beckon. But I associate summer with reading and being outside. A slower pace. Less on the calendar. Weekends having more time to lie down and stretch out and let the days unfold.
My summer is not my own. There will be obligations and needs of others to tend to. There will be travel for sports where we not only travel to dismal locations, but also stay in sad hotels that will never appear in any guidebook. But I will have my people and my books with me, and I will be out breathing in the fresh air.
Watch lacrosse. Outside with a light breeze. Walk the dog. Along a lake, please.
Reading. On the lawn. Seeing friends. On a patio. Dinner. On the deck.
Recently, I passed by my local beach and grew nostalgic. When my kids were young, we lived at that beach during the summers. We ate ice cream sandwiches from the truck that stopped each day. We saw our friends, our neighbors, a few frenemies. We packed picnic lunches and sat out in the sun until everyone was tan, sand-covered, and exhausted. It was the simplest of fun. And I often sat in my chair reading a book, checking every few minutes that nobody had wandered off or broken a bone doing a backflip off the picnic shelter. It was everything I liked about summer.
I’m aiming for an endless summer this year. One that feels like one hundred and four days with unplanned days awaiting. I might even throw a cast or two. For what is a Minnesota summer without a fish story?
Summer al fresco.
Minded
COLUMN BY JEN FORTNER
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.
FIND YOUR NEW FAVORITE SPOT.
Schedule a tour and get ready to explore this summer.
Scan QR code to find your boat.
Always open at MarineMax.com
HIGHMARK BUILDERS SHOWS US HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT OUTDOOR SPACE THIS SUMMER
ARTICLE BY KENDRA JOHNSON
Living in Minnesota, it’s essential to get outside in the summer and socialize with friends and family. Meeting up at a local restaurant or boating out on the lake are go-tos, but what if you could host gatherings in your own backyard? Wouldn’t barbecues, pool parties, and family dinners be much simpler if you had the outdoor living space to accommodate them? The good news is, you probably already do! With a little creativity and some help from an expert, your backyard patio can quickly become the favorite hangout spot for your family and friends.
CONTINUED >
“I ask clients: How do you envision using this space on a Tuesday evening versus a Saturday afternoon with guests? ”
Transforming the outdoor space you already have starts with deciding what you plan to use the space for.
According to Nathan Carlson, Senior Project Development at Highmark Builders, covered outdoor rooms and outdoor kitchens are especially popular right now. With tongue-and-groove ceilings, integrated lighting, and ceiling fans, these spaces can be used by families from early spring through late fall.
Incorporating elements such as full prep areas, pizza ovens, and beverage centers in addition to a built-in grill can
really elevate an outdoor kitchen space and increase its usability.
Another trend being seen in outdoor living spaces that I think most people can get on board with is layered privacy. Nathan says pergolas with climbing plants, slatted screens, or strategic landscaping are popular tools to ensure your space is concealed when you want it to be.
While these ideas are certainly trending right now, the most important thing for your outdoor living space is that it works for you.
“I ask clients: How do you envision using this space on a Tuesday evening versus a
Saturday afternoon with guests? Do you want to cook outside? Do you have kids or pets? Do you want shade in the afternoon or prefer open sky? Those answers drive every decision that follows,” Nathan says.
Once you’ve determined what you want for your space, it’s important to consider both the square footage you’re working with and your budget. And bigger isn’t always better.
Smaller spaces can actually lead to more thoughtful designs and high-impact solutions, Nathan says. Highmark Builders’ sister brand Ruby+Suede, a full-service interior design studio, can
“I tell my clients, ‘Let’s blur the lines between interior and exterior design with the same quality materials and attention to detail.’”
help with that. “With subtle changes in material, or furniture grouping, we can make a small space feel intentional and organized rather than cramped.”
Another solution to smaller spaces is going vertical. Incorporating tall planters, trellises, wall-mounted lighting, and ceiling treatments can make a space feel more expansive without pushing the footprint further than you’re comfortable with.
Similarly, your budget shouldn’t be a point of concern. In fact, being open and honest about your budget, no matter the number, allows for more creative and strategic planning. Nathan says transparency also helps clients think about cost-per-use. For example, a three-season porch that gets used six months out of the year may be much more valuable than an elaborate outdoor kitchen that is used twice a year.
There’s no need to be worried about the size of your space or budget. If you’re interested in transforming your outdoor space, there are solutions to getting it done.
And solutions is the name of the game when deciding on materials that can withstand freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow, and summer humidity in Minnesota.
Nathan says finding durable, beautiful materials is essential. “We look for products that perform exceptionally and still look beautiful after years of use, like composite decking with realistic wood grain, natural stone, powder-coated aluminum, and teak or ipe for furniture.”
The materials should also complement the home itself. Nathan explains they often study a home’s roofline, exterior materials, interior finishes visible through doors, and the way light moves throughout the day to determine where to place certain elements and the colors and materials to use in an outdoor space.
“I tell my clients, ‘Let’s blur the lines between interior and exterior design with the same quality materials and attention to detail,’” Nathan says.
Deciding where to meet up for summer get-togethers shouldn’t have to be complicated. So, if you’ve ever found yourself wishing you had a better space to host gatherings with family and friends, this might be the push you need to start transforming your space. It’s very likely you already have a promising foundation!
highmarkbuilders.com
HEADSHOT SOLUTİONS
A COZY CORNER OF COMMUNITY IN CHANHASSEN
TO THE SNUG
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE ANN PHOTOGRAPHY
ARTICLE BY HALEY ASANOVICH
“I JUST WANT A PLACE THAT PEOPLE CAN DEPEND UPON. THEY CAN FEEL RELAXED. THEY CAN SHARE THEIR STORY.”
Stepping into The Snug, you’ll notice how easy it feels to stay awhile. Sunlight spills across vintage furniture and collected décor, handmade goods, and shelves riddled with stories from decades past. One room leads naturally into the next, each thoughtfully styled with its own personality and charm.
That sense of warmth is intentional.
“The reason I created it is because I wanted a warm, cozy place for people to shop, to meet, and to donate so that the community benefited,” says owner Connie Schibilla. “I just want a place that people can depend upon. They can feel relaxed. They can share their story.”
Located in Chanhassen, The Snug is a nonprofit home furnishings and décor shop built around what Connie calls “resell with a purpose.” Sales from donated items support six local charities, all of which she has personally volunteered for over the years.
“WE HAVE PEOPLE THAT COME AND SIT AND TALK FOR HOURS. OR THEY HAVE THEIR BOARD MEETING HERE, OR THEY HAVE THEIR COMMITTEE MEETINGS HERE.”
“I hand-chose the charities because I know their specific needs,” Connie says. “Sometimes they receive funds for specific purposes, whereas when I donate a monetary amount to them, they can use it for whatever they want.”
The Snug was born out of transition and community trust. Connie previously managed Furnishare, one of the Love INC ministries. When the organization shifted away from furniture, longtime volunteers and supporters encouraged her to create something new of her own.
“So I formed my own nonprofit, hence The Snug,” she says.
Today, the space serves as both a charitable nonprofit and a carefully curated destination for vintage lovers, collectors, and curious shoppers alike. The store blends donated goods with vendor spaces rented by local resellers and artists, creating an ever-changing mix of antique finds, modern pieces, and handcrafted work.
“We’ve got a little something for everybody,” Connie says.
That variety is part of what makes the store feel so personal. One shopper may be searching for affordable furnishings for a first
apartment, while another hopes to replace a goblet from a grandparent’s collection. Families stop in for children’s books and cookies. Others simply come to browse, talk, and spend time together.
“We have people that come and sit and talk for hours,” Connie says. “Or they have their board meeting here, or they have their committee meetings here.”
The stories attached to the items are often what resonate most. Connie recalls pieces brought in by families who struggled to part with them but wanted the heirlooms to continue serving a meaningful purpose.
“They want it to go for a good cause,” she says. “Many of the items brought in by families are considered rare, but their true value is in their origin story.”
Some items arrive with especially memorable histories, like décor collected during a year spent living abroad in Africa or from a merchant in a small European village. Others spark conversations between strangers, discovering shared memories through a familiar dish set, antique table, or vintage lamp.
“When they buy things, they want to know the story,” Connie says. “Everything has a story. It’s kind of fun.”
The Snug is powered entirely by volunteers, many of whom return week after week because they genuinely enjoy being there.
“We have a lot of fun,” Connie says with a laugh. “It’s kind of a sickness, but it’s also a passion.”
That passion extends to the local creatives who rent vignette spaces throughout the store. Shoppers will find handmade jewelry, aprons, painted furniture, and original artwork alongside antique and vintage décor. Each vendor brings a distinct style, adding to the layered atmosphere that makes every visit feel a little different from the last.
And this summer, The Snug will continue expanding its role as a community gathering place. Beginning in July, Connie plans to introduce classes ranging from watercolor painting and furniture design to mahjong lessons.
“Someday, I’d like to have a little sandwich shop in here so that they can come and stay a little bit longer,” she says.
In many ways, that vision already exists. The Snug has become a place where people linger, share stories, and reconnect with pieces of the past. In a fast-moving world, the shop offers something increasingly rare: a welcoming space built on conversation, creativity, and community care. thesnugchanhassen.org
“THEY WANT IT TO GO FOR A GOOD CAUSE. MANY OF THE ITEMS BROUGHT IN BY FAMILIES ARE CONSIDERED RARE, BUT THEIR TRUE VALUE IS IN THEIR ORIGIN STORY.”
Mercedes Scott, A participating artist vendor at The Snug
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.
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS HERE
JULY 4TH
Lake Minnetonka 4th of July Celebration
Excelsior Commons | 7:30 AM
Don't miss Minnetonka's spectacular 4th of July fireworks show! The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce proudly hosts the only public 4th of July fireworks event on Lake Minnetonka. The day kicks off with a Firecracker Run with food and activities all day and ends with a spectacular fireworks show over the Lake. Learn more: www. excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber.com/ lake-minnetonka-4th-of-july/
JULY 4TH
Flying Pancake Breakfast
Wayzata Depot | 8:00 AM
Head to the historic Wayzata Depot from 8 am to 12 pm for a patriotic breakfast where you "catch ‘em if you can” as pancakes are tossed directly from the griddle to your plate. Always a fun time for the whole family, the event also includes a flag-raising ceremony, a rifle salute, and military reenactments. Free-will donations benefit veterans, and veterans eat for free.
JULY 16TH-19TH
Crazy Days
Downtown Excelsior | 9:00 AM
Get ready for the shopping extravaganza of the year at Crazy Days in Downtown Excelsior! This sidewalk promotional sales event brings the community together as local businesses offer fantastic deals and discounts you won't want to miss. Come explore the bustling streets, uncover hidden treasures, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Crazy Days. See all the participating businesses and more details at excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber. com/crazy-days-2025/
Ask Susan
Founder / CEO Stiles Financial Services, Inc.
JULY
CONTINUED
17TH
Green Wealth Management Understanding Wealth Series
Green Wealth Management Office, 701 Lake St. E, Suite 200, Wayzata 8:00 AM
Susan:
Consistency builds wealth — but only when your strategy still aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and life stage. If you’re second-guessing your financial direction, it may be your approach — and your advisor — that needs to change. The right advisor evolves with you, not simply manages your money the same way year after year.
Ask yourself: “Am I sticking with this strategy because it’s working … or because change feels uncomfortable?”
Snap the QR code below for my follow-up video discussing questions to ask yourself and your advisor to see if you and your current plan are still aligned with your financial future. And what to do if they are heading in opposing directions.
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 “AskSusan” questions to: AskSusan@stilesfinancial.com.
Sean Wenham, Senior Wealth Advisor with Green Wealth Management Group, is back this month with the next seminar in Green Wealth's year-long "Understanding Wealth" educational series. The series is designed to help you make thoughtful decisions with greater confidence and provide practical education around the financial topics that matter most. This month's topic is: People’s Choice Topic. Register at greenwmg. com/understanding-wealth
JULY 18TH
Lake Minnetonka Wakesurf Open
Surfside Park, Lake Minnetonka 9:00 AM
Partnered with the Spirit of the Lakes Festival, the Lake Minnetonka Wakesurf Open is a grassroots wakesurfing contest where surfers compete in front of thousands on the shores of Surfside Park and on their boats in Cook’s Bay. Enjoy a booth market, live music, kids' activities, food trucks, a parade, and the biggest fireworks show of the summer on Lake Minnetonka. tonkawakesurfopen.com
JULY 25TH
Lakeside Car Show
Nelson Park on Long Lake | 11:00 AM
The Orono Lions' 2nd annual Lakeside Car Show is back again by popular demand. Join in the festivities on Saturday, July 25th, in Nelson Park on the shores of Long Lake. This year will be bigger and better than ever. In conjunction with Buckhorn Days, come check out cars from all generations and enjoy food, beverages, kids' activities, live music, and more. oronolions.org
DAN SCARDINO SALES MANAGER TONKA BAY MARINA
