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We are the advanced practice healthcare providers and beauty enthusiasts behind Remedy Medical Aesthetics & Wellness™ which was created because we are deeply passionate about providing convenient health care and sustainable beauty and wellness services to women and men.
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Kids & Pets Issue
As someone with four kids and two small dogs, I can confirm that life with kids and pets is equal parts joyful and chaotic. This month’s issue is a celebration of that beautiful mess, and the unexpected moments that make it all worth it.
At Chalkfest, we invited the community to nominate local educators and everyday heroes who made a difference and wow, you showed up. Kids and parents lined up to write names on colorful post-it notes, and the enthusiasm was contagious. We featured a handful of those stories in this month’s education piece, but there were so many more that we couldn’t fit in print. Annie gathered every note and displayed them in our City Scene section, so be sure to check them out. It’s a powerful reminder of just how many people are making a difference in our schools and neighborhoods.
When I was launching this magazine, Bryant from Nautical Bowls was one of the first people to welcome me. He shared advice, encouragement, and, thankfully, smoothie bowls that somehow taste like dessert but don’t make you feel like you need a nap after. Still trying to figure out that sorcery.
Meeting Nick and the team at Crème de la Crème was another highlight. He showed me around the school with so much pride, and it honestly blew me away. A bowling alley? A culinary kitchen? I would’ve happily traded my entire elementary school experience for that STEM lab.
And then there’s Amy from You’re Not Alone. Her story about Lily, Willow, and the therapy dog program she built moved me deeply. I left that interview genuinely inspired and a little misty-eyed. What she’s doing in schools is powerful, and it’s making a real difference.
Each of these stories reminds me how much good is happening in our community and how important it is to slow down and notice it. Whether it's a kid wearing a tutu and cape to express themselves or a dog helping a middle schooler open up about anxiety, there’s beauty in the messy, honest, joyful moments.
Thanks for letting us share them with you. If a story makes you laugh, cry, or crave a smoothie bowl, let us know. We love hearing from you.
See you around town,
TIM DORAN, PUBLISHER @MAPLEGROVECITYLIFESTYLE
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Tim Doran | tim.doran@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Annie Doran | annie.doran@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Ryan Siemers Architectural Filmmaking and Photography RPS@ryansiemers.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Annie Doran, Marilou Grondin, Bailey Morris
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Proverbs 3:5-6
Word of Mouth Says It All –
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city scene
1-7: Tails & Ales 2025 Event! This year’s celebration kicked off with the Wags & Wiggles walk to support PUPS (Pets Under Police Security), followed by a lively afternoon of lawn games, raffles, art stations, and adoptable furry friends. Over 20 local vendors showcased pet products and services, while live music from Jeff James & Jessie Becker kept the energy high. A crowd-pleasing K9 demo wowed attendees, and leashed pets were welcome throughout. It surely brought big smiles, wagging tails, and a whole lot of community cheer.
Photography by Joey C Photography
8-10:
business monthly
Your Dream, Expertly Built
Halcon Built specializes in custom renovations, additions, and new construction, combining exceptional craftsmanship with clear communication and a commitment to lasting relationships. From the initial design to the final walkthrough, Nathan Halonen brings vision and value to every project. His focus on quality and transparency has earned him a trusted reputation across the Twin Cities. Our publisher, Tim, previously worked alongside Nathan and was really impressed by his work ethic. He is confidently recommending him!
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The Art of Outdoor Living
Rare Landscapes creates timeless outdoor spaces rooted in craftsmanship, creativity, and nature. Led by owner Bill Archuleta, the team specializes in natural stonework, boulder walls, patios, and sustainable design that blends seamlessly with Minnesota’s landscape. Every project is built with artistry and intention, from concept to completion. If you're dreaming of a custom outdoor retreat that stands apart, Rare Landscapes brings vision and skill to every square foot.
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Photography by Ryan Siemers Architectural Filmmaking and Photography
Celebrating the Grand Opening of Our New Location!
Remedy Wellness provides expert care through IV therapy, hormone optimization, and medical esthetics, all tailored to help you thrive. Their team focuses on whole-body wellness with cutting-edge treatments. Remedy also connects you to trusted mental health services through their sister brand. Exciting news: they are moving to a beautiful new space at 7767 Elm Creek Blvd NW, Suite 100 in mid July. Stop by and see how Remedy can support your journey to better health.
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You're Not Alone
HOW THERAPY DOGS ARE HELPING KIDS OPEN UP ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH.
Amy & Willow
THE DOG WHO STARTED IT ALL
When Lily, a black Lab with soulful eyes and a calming presence, entered Amy’s life, the timing was serendipitous. Amy Theisen Walz and her family of five were unknowingly battling anxiety and depression. Each was silently struggling. Each feeling alone. But Lily, as Amy puts it, “pulled us together as a unit.” The dog’s unconditional love and intuitive comfort got them through their teenager’s toughest years. When Lily passed in 2019, the impact of her presence was so profound that Amy envisioned a new path forward. She wanted to bring that same kind of healing to others.
A GOLDEN VISION TAKES ROOT
Shortly after Lily’s passing, Amy had a vision. A golden retriever that would become the next chapter in her story. That dog became Willow, a gift from a friend that would grow into something more. Amy trained Willow as a therapy dog with one idea. She wanted to be a spark of hope for those silently battling mental illness. She originally thought she’d work with moms under the weight of perfectionism or volunteer at Mercy Hospital, offering comfort to outpatient patients. But then COVID hit. Hospitals closed their doors to volunteers.
PLAN B: THE SCHOOL HALLWAY
When Amy’s neighborhood principal got a COVID puppy and invited her to connect, it opened a new door, one that led to the local school district. With Willow by her side, Amy started visiting schools with the mission of creating a space for mental health conversations that were safe, stigma-free, and centered around joy. What started as a pilot program became the heart of a new nonprofit: You’re Not Alone.
WHY IT WORKS: DOGS, DOPAMINE, AND VULNERABILITY
There’s science behind the magic. “When you see a dog,” Amy explains, “your brain releases oxytocin.” That happy chemical lowers your blood pressure and helps you relax.
ARTICLE BY ANNIE DORAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN SIEMERS PHOTOGRAPHY
Add in a quiet space and an open-hearted adult, and suddenly middle schoolers are talking. They talk about bullying, depression, anxiety, even suicidal thoughts. “These are things they’d never tell a school counselor,” Amy says. “They’d have to see them every day and feel judged.” But Willow? She’s just Willow. And Amy is just “Willow’s mom.”
BREAKING THE STIGMA, ONE PUPPY PASS AT A TIME
One of the first things the program corrected was a misstep. In the early days, some schools only let students “with issues” meet the dogs. That created a stigma. If you saw the dog, people assumed something was wrong. Now, any student can get a “puppy pass” during lunch or recess. In 15-minute sessions, small groups get time to pet, relax, and talk if they want to. “The goal isn’t therapy,” Amy says. “It’s connection, comfort, and compassion.”
FROM ONE SCHOOL TO FIFTY AND GROWING
Amy started with one school, but when a feature on WCCO aired just as the nonprofit was getting its footing, the message exploded. Calls and emails poured in from across the country. Within a year, You’re Not Alone had expanded to 23 schools. Today, they’re in 43, with over 50 trained therapy dog teams. A waiting list of 30 more schools is ready to join.
THE STORIES THAT KEEP HER GOING
Amy doesn’t just bring dogs. She brings her truth. She shares the story of her son, Alex, who survived bullying and depression. Today, he teaches high school and coaches basketball. “I asked him if I could use his story,” she says. “He told me, ‘If it’s for good and for change. Yes.’” Amy shares her own journey too. Years of struggling with undiagnosed mental illness, finally getting help in her thirties. It’s those layers of honesty that make her visits powerful.
MORE THAN A VISIT: A LIFELINE
Each therapy dog team leaves behind more than just memories. There are trading cards. Plush “mini-me” dogs that stay in the social worker’s office. Decks of cards with conversation prompts like, “What’s something that makes you feel proud?” For many
students, these are the first moments someone has looked them in the eye and said, “You matter.”
HOW TO HELP
The nonprofit is entirely community-funded. It runs on donations and grants from people and businesses who believe in the mission. But what they need most now are volunteers with kindhearted dogs and time to give. “If you love kids and your dog loves people, we’ll teach you the rest,” Amy says. She holds monthly info sessions on becoming a certified therapy dog team and changing lives one paw at a time.
A MISSION THAT WAS MEANT TO BE
Amy believes in this work. This beautiful, healing work. It’s what she was meant to do. “I thought Plan A was working in a hospital. But COVID changed everything. And it turns out, Plan B was better.” Willow may have started as a vision in a dream, but today, she’s the face of a movement that’s making school hallways feel more hopeful.
For more info, upcoming events, to donate or volunteer, or to watch a video about this amazing program’s story, visit ynausa.org.
Willow doing what she loves best
THE BETTER BOWL
Looks like dessert, tastes like sunshine, and delivers the kind of feel-good fuel you’ll crave.
ARTICLE BY ANNIE DORAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN SIEMERS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Who doesn’t love a frozen treat that tastes like summer and is good for you too? At Nautical Bowls in Maple Grove, that joy keeps people coming back.
Step inside and you’re met with upbeat music, and a beachy vibe that lifts your mood. But behind the fun vibe is a story rooted
“Because of the frozen, sorbet-like texture, most kids think they’re eating ice cream. It’s simple, clean, and naturally delicious!”
in friendship, purpose, and a strong commitment to the community.
Owners Bryant Bohlig and Matt Meyer opened the Maple Grove location in October 2021, blending a longtime friendship with a shared passion for health and purpose-driven work. Bryant had been managing the original Nautical Bowls in Minnetonka, while Matt was serving as a business administrator at Cathedral High School in St. Cloud. Their connection began on the basketball court, first as coach and player, then as coaching partners, and it quickly grew into a close bond. When Bryant began exploring the idea of launching a franchise, he knew he didn’t want to do it alone. Matt was already considering a career shift, and the timing couldn’t have been better.
Bryant had been part of Nautical Bowls from its early days, helping shape the brand before franchising was even an option. When that next step became a reality, he already knew where he wanted to launch.
Maple Grove felt like the perfect fit, a growing community that shared the same energy and values he and Matt were bringing to the table.
From day one, the Maple Grove community responded with enthusiasm. Their grand opening drew a crowd long before the doors opened. “The support we felt that day was incredible,” Bryant says. “It confirmed we were exactly where we were meant to be.”
Nautical Bowls offers more than just smoothie bowls. Their sorbet-like fruit bases are thicker and more flavorful than the usual smoothie blend. Guests can choose from bases like açaí, pitaya, mango, Blue Majik, and seasonal strawberry. Favorites include the Nauti Bowl and the Sunrise Bowl, both packed with fresh toppings like granola, nut butters, and honey.
Everything on the menu is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, soy-free, and made with clean, plant-based ingredients. It’s great for families and anyone with dietary needs. No substitutions needed. “Because CONTINUED >
of the frozen, sorbet-like texture, most kids think they’re eating ice cream,” Bryant explains. “It’s simple, clean, and naturally delicious.” He laughs about one common mix-up. “People always think it’s ice cream or frozen yogurt. It’s not at all. It just looks like it, but it’s all fruit. We promise!”
The experience is easy for everyone. New visitors can start with a signature bowl, while returning guests often build their own. A full smoothie menu is also available, and the protein bowl options have become a favorite for people looking for something more filling.
From the beginning, Bryant and Matt made it a priority to give back to the community. Nautical Bowls regularly supports local youth sports by providing bowls for tournaments. They also participate in Maple Grove Days and Chalkfest. “Giving back has always been one of the driving reasons behind opening Nautical Bowls,” Bryant says. “We want to be a blessing in the community.”
For Bryant and Matt, success is not just about the food. It’s about connecting with each guest. In Maple Grove, Nautical Bowls has become more than a healthy treat. It’s a favorite local spot with heart. So whether you’re craving something fresh or looking for a healthier option, stop by Nautical Bowls in Maple Grove. Your new favorite bowl might be waiting. @nauticalbowlsmaplegrove_
Q & A It Takes Community!
Education is about more than books and tests. It is about preparing the next generation to lead, create, and thrive. We spoke with four local voices shaping that journey: a teacher, a graduate, an administrator, and a school board member. Their insights reflect the heart of learning and the hope we carry into the future.
Working together to build a future for the students who will shape what comes next.
ARTICLE BY MARILOU GRONDIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN SIEMERS PHOTOGRAPHY
Staci Edworthy Sam Derusha
Stand-out 4th grade teacher at Rice Lake Elementary
WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED AS A TEACHER YEAR AFTER YEAR?
Relationships. Each class is unique, and I love getting to know my students and their families. Watching them grow academically and personally is incredibly rewarding. I stay motivated by continuing to learn and reflect so I can show up as the best version of myself. Knowing I can make a small difference in a student’s life keeps me coming back.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HOPE STUDENTS CARRY WITH THEM AFTER LEAVING YOUR CLASSROOM?
Always give your best and don’t be afraid to learn from mistakes. Lead with kindness, believe in yourself, and know you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. I remind students it’s okay to get something wrong. What matters most is that you try, learn, and never give up. That mindset helps build confidence and resilience.
2025 Maple Grove High School Graduate
WHAT WILL YOU ALWAYS REMEMBER ABOUT YOUR TIME AT MAPLE GROVE, AND WHAT LESSONS WILL YOU TAKE WITH YOU?
Maple Grove wasn’t perfect, but it was a place where people genuinely cared. Whether it was friends, teachers, or a quick hallway conversation, there was a sense of belonging. Small moments of support added up in meaningful ways. Even during stressful times, you felt like you weren’t alone. The biggest lessons I’m taking are perseverance and adaptability. Balancing AP classes, leadership roles, and enjoying high school taught me how to keep going and adjust when things change.
IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF ONE PIECE OF ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I skipped second grade and worried people would think I was different in a bad way. But no one’s paying as much attention as you think. Everyone’s busy figuring themselves out. Stop worrying about fitting in. Do what makes you happy and keeps you moving forward.
Anissa Clutter Sarah Mitchell Former Teacher, Now Administrator at Maranatha Christian Academy
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR TEACHING CAREER, AND HOW HAS YOUR ROLE EVOLVED?
I spent 21 years teaching all levels of Spanish, with a focus on upper-level courses like AP Spanish. I became a Spanish teacher because I believe deeply in the value of learning a second language. Being bilingual opens doors and offers a competitive edge in any career. What kept me in the classroom were the meaningful connections I formed with students. I loved mentoring and building relationships that extended beyond academics. After two decades, I transitioned into a new role as the school’s purchasing agent, allowing me to stay connected to the community in a different way.
WHAT EXPERIENCE ARE YOU MOST GRATEFUL FOR, AND WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUNG EDUCATORS?
Leading over 30 student trips to an orphanage in Mexico was life-changing for all involved. My advice to young educators: worry less about grades and more about making students feel seen, heard, and supported. Relationships often matter more than scores.
School District 279 Board Member
WHAT CHALLENGES DO STUDENTS FACE TODAY, AND HOW CAN WE BETTER SUPPORT THEM?
A major challenge is distraction from smartphones and social media. Learning to set devices aside and focus is a discipline students must develop. Many don’t realize that asking for help is a strength. Our district has amazing teachers and counselors ready to support students academically and with future planning, but students need to reach out. I also encourage every student to get involved in activities. Maple Grove High School offers over 60. Being part of something helps students discover their gifts and feel connected.
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORK ON THE SCHOOL BOARD?
Hiring Superintendent Dr. Kim Hiel was an honor. Her leadership reflects genuine care for all students. I’m inspired by our students’ joy, talent, and kindness. I ran for the board because I believe schools shape our future. When adults model respect and service, we help create a culture where every student can thrive.
Crème de la Crème fuels bright young minds through playful learning, where imagination guides every step of the day.
Every Day a New Learning Journey
ARTICLE BY ANNIE DORAN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Imagine a place where your toddler might be bowling one hour, mixing up something delicious in a culinary kitchen the next, and reporting the weather from the news station after that. At Crème de la Crème in Maple Grove, this kind of day isn’t a fantasy. It’s part of the rhythm that makes learning feel like play.
From a young age, children are nurtured in a warm and supportive space where their natural curiosity is encouraged. As they grow, they explore a mix of enrichment rooms: STEM labs, movement studios, a theater, a library, and even a Spanish room. These thoughtfully designed spaces help kids stretch their creativity, discover new interests, and build confidence in the way they learn best.
As they get older, the fun continues. Crème offers before and after-school care with transportation to local elementary schools. Holiday and summer camps keep the excitement going, and extracurriculars like Amazing Athletes and Soccer Stars are part of the experience. Families love that everything is built into the schedule, with no extra pickups or coordination needed.
As a mom of four kids, I know how important that kind of variety is. Kids need space to move, explore, and engage their imaginations. When their day is filled with creativity and hands-on learning, everything just clicks.
Crème supports kids where they are and makes life easier for parents. The all-inclusive tuition covers meals, diapers, enrichment classes, and transportation, taking the stress out of mornings and after-school plans. From the moment you walk in, you can feel this place was designed with families in mind. Most reassuringly, with the state-of-the-art security system, parents can relax knowing their child is safe while learning and growing each day.
It’s all part of a thoughtfully designed experience. Crème de la Crème is built on
CONTINUED >
The Bowling Room
strong leadership and a research-based curriculum that supports every stage of early learning. This vision comes to life each day through the dedication and expertise of their passionate, highly-trained teachers.
That same thoughtfulness shows up in relationships too. Staff take time to know each child and form real connections with families. It’s more than a school. It’s a community where everyone feels welcome.
That culture starts with people like Executive Director Emily Philips, who began her career in the infant room back in 2004. Today, she leads with heart and experience, supported by Director of Operations Syd Ally and Director of Quality and Education Nick Balcome. Together, they’ve created an environment where children truly thrive.
We asked Emily to share a moment that captures the heart of what they do. During a toddler class, students were practicing animal sounds (moo, quack, woof), when the teacher asked, “What does Jackson say?” Without skipping a beat, the little boy replied, “I’m smart.” It’s a simple moment, but one that shows how Crème builds confidence as much as it teaches skills.
If you’re curious about what this place is really like, you don’t have to wonder. Crème invites families to schedule a Discovery Day at no cost. Your child can spend time with teachers, explore the amenities, and meet new friends.
Visit cremedelacreme.com!
Emily Philips, Executive Director
Indoor Gym
The STEM room
WHISKING UP CONFIDENCE
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
There’s something truly special about inviting your child into the kitchen—not just for the cookies or cupcakes, but for the confidence, creativity, and connection that come with it. Cooking with your children isn’t just a fun way to pass the time; it’s an opportunity to build lifelong skills and memories that stick.
Sure, teaching a young child how to crack an egg or measure flour can test your patience—but hang in there. With a little trial and a fair amount of error,
Why Cooking with Kids is More Than Just Making Meals
they’ll start to develop the fine motor skills that allow them to prep a recipe all on their own one day. The best part? They’ll gain confidence along the way, one scoop, stir, and sprinkle at a time.
Cooking together also taps into something a little magical—memory. The smell of cookies baking or chili simmering on the stove can instantly transport us back to childhood. That’s not just nostalgia talking—science backs it up. Our sense of smell is closely tied to autobiographical memory, especially memories formed early in life. So those sweet, savory scents? They’re more powerful than you might think.
The key is to start simple. Let your toddler play with mixing bowls, spoons, and measuring cups. These little moments of pretend play actually help build the fine motor skills needed for real kitchen tasks. Begin with small jobs—scooping flour, flattening cookie dough with a rolling pin—and gradually add more steps as your child becomes more confident.
It won’t be perfect. The flour might fly, the sugar might spill, and the measurements might be slightly off—and that’s okay. Embrace the mess, stay patient, and focus on the fun. A dash of encouragement and a sprinkle of praise go a long way in keeping your little chef engaged and excited.
Over time, you’ll see the magic unfold: a child who’s not only learning how to cook but also growing more independent, capable, and proud of what they’ve created. And who knows? Maybe one day, they’ll pass those same recipes—and memories—on to their own kids.
ANIMAL Crackers
Ingredients:
• 1 cup and 2 tablespoons white flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• Optional: add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon
Steps:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Put the oatmeal in a blender or food processor and pulse for about a minute, until it’s reduced to a rough powder. Add the ground oatmeal to the whole wheat and 1/2 cup of the white flour, baking soda and salt to the bowl of an electric mixer affixed with a paddle attachment, and turn on to mix. Add butter and blend on medium speed until the butter has been incorporated and the mix looks a little like wet sand. Add the buttermilk, vanilla, honey and almond extract and blend. If the dough looks too wet to roll, add the remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the blender.
3. Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap and flatten into a disc. Cover completely and chill in the fridge for at least one hour, up to overnight.
4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and place dough on a lightly floured surface (using the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour). Roll out until 1/8 inch thick. Cut out with desired cookie cutters and bake for five to seven minutes, based on your preference. Five minutes will get you a softer cracker, while seven will get you a crisp cracker.
Enjoy!
Fun Tricks To Teach Your Puppy
A list of exciting new tricks to teach your puppy
ARTICLE BY BAILEY MORRIS
We created a list of some fun tricks to teach your puppy! Whether you just welcomed a new furry friend into your home or you’re teaching an old dog new tricks, you and your pet are sure to have a fun time! Spending time playing and training with your pet makes for a great bonding experience! Don’t forget to reward them with some delicious dog treats when they successfully do a trick. My pup’s personal favorite treats are chicken, peanut butter, and carrots. We hope you and your pup have a great time learning the tricks on this list!
SPEAK
Get your dog to bark naturally (try ringing the doorbell or knocking on the door). Once they bark, say ‘speak’ and reward them.
STAY
Have your dog sit and then tell them to stay. Hold your hand out with your palm toward their nose in the stop position. If they hold the position for a second or two, praise them and reward them with a treat. Keep repeating this and gradually having them stay longer.
SHAKE
Hold your hand out in front of your dog. Your dog may do some experimenting trying to figure out what you want. Once they put their paw in your hand, immediately praise and reward them.
Let Them Wear What They Want
The Beauty of Letting Kids Define Their Style.
I remember the exact day I gave up the battle over buttons.
My child, once happy to wear whatever I picked out, suddenly refused to put on a shirt because it had buttons. Buttons, of all things. There was no grand explanation. Just a firm, “I don’t like how it feels.” That tiny moment marked the beginning of an evolution, not just for their wardrobe but for how I parented. Up until then, I approached getting dressed like a checklist: clean, cute, appropriate, presentable. But something shifted when I realized the daily standoffs weren’t about disobedience. They were about identity. Comfort. Autonomy. And yes, even at five years old, personal style.
As someone who works in fashion, you’d think I would have caught on sooner. But as a mom, it took that buttoned shirt standoff to remind me that style isn’t just about how we look. It’s about how we feel when we walk out the door. And for kids, that feeling is absolutely everything.
We want our kids to grow into confident, expressive individuals, and yet it’s so easy to unconsciously hand them a script of how to dress, act, or exist based on gender norms or societal expectations. We say we want
ARTICLE BY AMY SEEMAN, FASHION STYLIST
creativity, but we cringe when their outfit doesn’t match. We say we support individuality, but we flinch at outfits that don’t fit the mold or follow the rules.
Here’s the truth: it’s not their discomfort. It’s ours.
So I started practicing what I preach. When one of my kids put together a questionable outfit like a tutu with a superhero cape, or pajama pants on their head as hair, I paused before saying anything. Instead of correcting, I complimented: “That’s such an interesting combination. Tell me more about this look!”
Style isn’t just about clothes. It’s a language. And our kids are already fluent. We just need to listen more closely.
Custom Prep + Pro Marketing + Strategic Pricing = Impressive Home Sales
Buying or selling a home can be stressful, complicated, and ultimately unimpressive IF you don’t have the right Realtor®. Ashley Crisostomo’s listing services include detailed listing prep, professional photography, expert marketing, & skilled negotiating. Impressive home sales do not happen by luck. With 16 years of experience in real estate, you can rely on me to get you the best possible result.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
MONTH OF AUGUST
What is Happening at Mama's Happy
Mama's Happy, 7804 Main St, Maple Grove 8/3 – Sip and Stretch Yoga + Sip-n-Shop (10a-12p), 8/4 – Macrame Hanging Planter Workshop (6p-8p), 8/7 – Ladies Night Out (6p-9p) Featuring: Stay Golden Permanent Jewelry, Brittani’s Piercings, Botox + Disport by Remedy and El & Gray Designs Earring Bar, 8/13 – Annie Sloan Chalk Paint 101 Class (6p-9p), 8/25 – Plant Propagation 101 (6:30p-8p)
AUGUST 5TH
National Night Out
Central Park, 12000 Central Park Way Maple Grove | 11:00 AM
Join us for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5, from 11 AM to 1 PM at Central Park in Maple Grove! Enjoy a free lunch, meet local police and firefighters, explore safety demonstrations, and connect with neighbors. It’s a fun-filled afternoon celebrating community, friendship, and safety. Perfect for all ages. Don’t miss this great summer tradition!
AUGUST 9TH
Adoption & Fundraising with The Rescue Crew
18786 70th Way N, Maple Grove | 11:00 PM
Support a great cause at The Rescue Crew’s Adoption & Fundraising Event! Meet adoptable pets, enjoy car and dog washes by Sota Shine and Sota Pup, and help raise funds for animal rescue efforts. A portion of all sales goes directly to caring for animals in need. Don’t miss this fun, furry, and feel-good event for all ages! From 11a-2p.
AUGUST 11TH
Just Fore Kidz Charity Golf Tournament
Rush Creek Golf Club, 7801 County Rd 101, Maple Grove | 7:00 AM
Join the Just Fore Kidz Charity Golf Tournament and help support Minnesota children! The organization improves kids' lives by identifying community needs, evaluating effective programs, and partnering with charities that make a real impact. Tee up for a cause that matters. From 7a-2:30p. Register at j4kfoundation.org.
AUGUST 14TH
Maple Grove Family Night, Hosted by MN Revival
Maple Grove Bandshell – Town Green Park 7991 Main St, Maple Grove | 6:00 PM
Join us at Town Green for a free evening of live music, community, and connection. Enjoy a performance by Eagle Brook Music, an encouraging message by Emily Alexander, and complimentary beverages from Tabernacle Coffee. Bring a chair or blanket and relax with friends and family in a fun, welcoming atmosphere. No sign-up or cost, just come and enjoy! From 6-9pm
AUGUST 15TH
BreakAway Kids Triathlon
Elm Creek Park Reserve, 12400 James Deane Pkwy, Maple Grove | 3:00 PM
Make a splash and dash into fun at the Family Splash & Dash! Kids 4+ dive into 100 yards of swimming, race through a mile of wacky obstacles, and cross the finish line with smiles, medals, and BreakAway swag. Ages 4–6 team up with a buddy. Everyone races and everyone leaves a champion. Let the fun begin! Register at ymcanorth.org/adventure/events/breakaway-splash-dash
BACK TO SCHOOL STARTS WITH WELL CHILD CHECKS.
At Partners in Pediatrics, our providers are more than just doctors, they are partners in your parenting journey. With on-site specialist and a strong support system from our affiliation with Children’s MN, we are able to provide expert care to help families raise happy, healthy kids every step of the way.
LOCATIONS
Maple Grove | Minnetonka | Rogers | Brooklyn Park | St. Louis Park
Integrative behavioral health at all clinics | Online appointment scheduling for checkups, asthma, adhd, behavioral health follow ups, and pre-ops SERVICES
Walk-in Ready Care | Same Day Appointments | Prenatal visits, classes and newborn care