Maple Grove Magazine - January 2023

TWO FOR THE GOLD

Maple Grove sisters earn top spots at Pan Am tournament

Ready. Set.

More specialists ready to go.

Ready with more doctors. Set with the most specialty services and urgent care locations open 8am — 8pm daily. Go to TCO for the care your body needs to keep moving. No referral or appointment necessary. TCOmn.com

DEPARTMENTS

10 — A

Supply of

Success Meet the business that’s revolutionizing the protein powder market. 12

Do the Twist Macramé artist gets down to business. 16

Photo: Chris Emeott

FROM THE EDITOR

MALENA LARSEN — MALENA@LOCALMEDIA.CO

Happy New Year, readers. Welcome to our premier 2023 issue, which also happens to be my premier issue as editor of Maple Grove Magazine. I am delighted to have the chance to delve further into the places, stories and people that are integral to this city. I know we will have plenty of opportunities to get to know each other at local events, dining spots and other businesses that call Maple Grove home.

In the meantime, let me tell you a bit about myself. As a lover of the out doors and avid runner, I’ve spent my fair share of time on the trails at Elm Creek Park Reserve. It’s a great place to get some miles in, especially when I get to strap on my spikes and trudge my way through the snowy trails. I’m always looking for new places in the area to get my outdoor fix. Where are your favorite spots for all things outdoors in Maple Grove?

As a writer, I believe that connecting with one another is what gives life purpose; the written word is a spectacular way to nourish and cel ebrate this community. That’s why I’ve included a new Noteworthy item on page 8. Through Create, I encourage readers to write poetry with the help of a few prompts for inspiration. I’d love to read what you come up with, so send me your poetry. Who knows—you might find your work published within our pages!

Happy trails and cheers to new beginnings!

On the Cover

Two for the Gold , photo by Chris Emeott, page 16

See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town!

Maple Grove Magazine @maplegrovemagazine @maplegrovemag

Photo: Chris Emeott

VOL. 19 NO. 1

maplegrovemag.com

publisher Susan Isay editor

Malena Larsen managing creative director

Renée Stewart-Hester managing editor

Hailey Almsted

digital editor Madeline Kopiecki copy editors

Kellie Doherty

Sherri Hildebrandt staff writers

Zoe Deal Emily Gedde Mollee Francisco

Susie Eaton Hopper Daniel Huss Hanna McDaniels contributing writers Kay Drache

Christina Timm editorial interns Nicole Berglund Megan Hegenbarth editorial advisory board

Grace Becker , Osseo Area Schools

Kiley Meyhoefer , City of Maple Grove Heidi Nelson , City of Maple Grove Amy Seeman , Mezmira

senior managing art director Sarah Dovolos art director Allison Nolden junior designer Jamie Klang lead staff photographer Chris Emeott production director Brittni Dye production manager Lisa Stone production coordinator Mimi Coz senior account executives Brooke Beise Cynthia Hamre Sara Johnson

Kathie Smith president

Pete Burgeson

To subscribe to Maple Grove Magazine, please visit: localmedia.co

For customer service inquiries, please contact hello@localmedia.co or call 612.208.6248.

©Local, LLC 2023. All rights reserved.

WE HAVE AN IDEA …

… LET’S STEP INTO 2023 with the spirit of gratitude and support for our Maple Grove community and its local busi nesses that have served us all so well over the previous year.

What’s the best way to say, “Thank you,” to your favorite dining spots, service spaces, shopping venues and more? Vote for your favorite local businesses and community venues in our annual Readers’ Poll—this year’s Best of Maple Grove 2023.

Our contest is live throughout January at maplegrovemag.com, where you can vote for your “best of the best” in a growing number of categories.

While some of your favorite categories return for another year, our editorial team has included a few more sections that fur ther embrace our retail and business com munities. Curious? Go online to vote!

Here’s what you need to know: Voting is live with three simple rules*:

1. One entry is allowed per person; each ballot needs to include an email address.

2. Ballots must be completed by 5 p.m. January 31, 2023.

3. Voters need to vote in at least five catego ries to ensure their ballot is counted.

4. The top three finalists will be announced online on March 1, 2023.

5. Watch for our much-anticipated Best of Maple Grove in the July/August issue, where the winners and runners up will be revealed—along with Editor’s Picks and a host of other community highlights.

*Any rule not adhered to may result in entire sur veys being discarded, and all results are subject to editorial discretion.

Healthy Reading

Have you ever noticed how your mood improves when you eat certain foods or that you sleep more soundly when you eat a certain way? Does it seem that feeling better is something you can’t control?

Consider From Burnout to Balance: 60+ Healing Recipes and Simple Strategies to Boost Mood, Immunity, Focus, and Sleep by Patricia Bannan.

I was delighted to discover this excellent resource for making simple changes to my dietary lifestyle. Reading about how food affects specific aspects of wellbeing was fascinating, and I was happy to find that the recipes are prepared with ingredients that won’t require a complete restocking of the pantry.

Bannan, a registered dietician and certified professional chef, has created a beautiful and helpful book to address wellness issues. Six chapters discuss the main topics of the title and offer sample menu plans, shopping lists and nocook options. The final chapter contains over 100 pages of recipes, grouped by salads, beverages, snacks and more for easy finding.

Readers will also find information about what nutrients to eat and why and other helpful resources.

Kay Drache serves as a librarian at the Maple Grove Library. Read more at hclib.org.

With the death of a loved one comes

sadness and grief

as well a long list of arrangements that need to be made.

Planning funeral services during this vulnerable time can be disorienting and overwhelming. It’s hard to know where to start. At Kozlak-Radulovich Funeral Chapels, we believe you shouldn’t have to tackle all these details alone.

Poetry Prompt

Inspiration can be hard to find. Sometimes, a blank piece of paper can feel as daunting as a driveway that’s freshly covered in a thick layer of snow. However, the new year is a time filled with memo ries, emotions and tradition. Let this fresh start serve as a springboard for creativity. Use one (or all) of these poetry prompts to get inspiration flowing:

• Go back in time: It’s January 1 of a year you’d like to relive. What year is it and why?

• What is the winter weather like right now? What do you wish it was like?

• Write a poem including these words: evergreen, midnight and change.

Quick Tip: If you’re having a hard time getting your words on the page, pick one prompt, set the timer for 10 minutes and free write until the time is up. Pick a few of your favorite lines to get your poem started.

—Malena Larsen, editor

To have your work considered for publication in our pages or on maplegrovemag.com, submit no more than three poems to malena@localmedia.co. Please include your name, mailing address and contact information. Submissions must be from current Maple Grove resi dents or those working or attending school in the city.

STYLE

Create, Sustain and be the New You

Our intentions to create and reinvent our selves are still top of mind for a lot of us. For those of you who want to craft the new you, consider these three tips.

1. Envision what you want your future self to look like. Do you want to be more confident, bold or observant? How about more active and less sedentary? There are no wrong answers.

2. Think of colors, silhouettes and clothes that articulate your vision. For confi dence, wear colors that stand out, includ ing red, bright blue, yellow and fuchsia. To be more observant, wear colors that blend in, such as gray, brown, cream and black. For an active vibe, think sporty,

and incorporate fashion sneakers into your everyday looks, so you are ready to get up and move at any time.

3. Keep what you love and incorporate the new. That goes for clothes as well as your behavior and character traits. If you embraced the Coastal Grandmother trend, keep those cozy neutral sweaters, and add a bold-colored scarf to match your new bold attitude.

Incorporating the old with the new is the key to achieving you “new you” goals.

Nikki Steele is the owner of Nikki Steele Style. Find more at nikkisteelestyle.com.

Winning Recipe

Let’s start the year off with a little competition, shall we?

The International Bartenders Association has its list of offi cial cocktails it uses for the World Cocktail Competition. Among those listed is the Champagne Cocktail under the Contemporary Classics division.

Given that some of us might have an extra bottle (or more) left over from December’s long list of cel ebrations, let’s take a look at another way to serve guests (and ourselves!) some bubbly. And don’t forget—Valentine’s Day is around the corner, so consider adding this to your evening’s repertoire.

Champagne Cocktail

» 1 sugar cube

» 90 ml. Champagne

» 10 ml. Cognac

» 2 dashes Angostura bitters

» orange slice, for garnish

» maraschino cherry, for garnish

Add a dash of Angostura bit ters onto a sugar cube, and drop it into a Champagne flute. Add Cognac; gently pour in Champagne. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.

—Renée Stewart-Hester

A Supply of Success

By Zoe Deal

SEVEN FIGURES IN SEVEN MONTHS. That’s the growth Ben Zaver has seen since launching the whey pro tein powder company Seeq Supply in October 2021.

With a protein-rich formula (available in four flavors) that tastes more like fruit juice than chocolate milk, Seeq is now delivered to homes nationwide from a Plymouth warehouse. That is, whenever they can keep it in stock.

“I knew [Seeq] was going to do well, [but] I didn’t think it was going to go this fast. It’s insane,” Zaver says. “We could not be ordering more!”

After trying a handful of products that he wasn’t very passionate about while attending Mankato State University, Zaver, a 2015 graduate of Maple Grove Senior High School (MGSH) decided it was time to bring a refreshing alterna tive to traditional protein powder to the mainstream. “I was like, ‘How is this not a thing?’” he says.

In the pandemic days post-gradua tion, 24-year-old Zaver spent his days researching, making calls and setting goals alongside co-founder Hannah Perez. He spent his evenings sitting at the kitchen table with his parents, shar ing plans and new knowledge. “My mom and dad helped tremendously. It’s cheesy, but they never doubted me … for one sec ond,” he says.

The sugar-free, gluten-free and lac tose-free powder boasts 22 grams of pro tein per serving and is available in three flavors: Mango Pineapple, Strawberry Splash and Blue Razz. A scoop of the powder in 12 to 16 fluid ounces of water

Founders of Seeq Supply, Ben Zaver and Hannah Perez, among pallets of Seeq.

Photo: Chris Emeott

Meet the business that’s revolutionizing the protein powder market.

creates a clear, refreshing drink with a Gatorade-like color and texture.

Since launch, Seeq’s success has come primarily from TikTok. Though it took some effort to gain traction (40 videos to be exact), a video of a local construc tion worker sampling Seeq garnered 800,000 views. “Ever since, we’ve just had momentum,” Zaver says. “We liter ally can’t stay in stock.”

Seeq went through its first shipment of 14 pallets within a month. The next ship ment, 38 pallets, sold half during preorder with the remaining 19 pallets soon to fol low. And with a few teaser videos to pro mote the new Blue Razz flavor, Seeq sold out of that, too, in just six hours. Seeq even attracted the attention of Mark Cuban (billionaire entrepreneur and majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks NBA team) after his son stumbled across Seeq on Tiktok and ordered the protein powder. Their rating? 10/10.

“My 83-year-old mother had to get TikTok, and so did I!” says Zaver’s mother, Kate Zaver. “I was a little skepti cal [about Ben selling Seeq on TikTok], but … it’s pretty amazing.”

With Perez, Zaver and his brother, MGSH 2020 graduate Will Zaver, onboard full-time, a warehouse they’ve already grown out of and a shipment of more than 100 pallets on its way, it’s safe to say Seeq has quickly found success. “It feels like we launched two years ago because so much has hap pened … but it’s been the best journey of my life so far,” Perez says.

“... It’s been awesome,” Zaver says. “I still can’t even believe [it].”

Forward…because despite today’s headwinds and uncertainty that’s where the possibilities lie. So, it’s more important than ever to have a banking partner who can help you take advantage of every possibility the new year brings. That’s what going forward is all about. What can we make possible for your business?

EDINA • 952-285-5800 MINNEAPOLIS • 612-746-5050

Do the Twist Macramé artist gets down to business.

By Hanna McDaniels

WHEN THE WORLD CAME TO A HALT IN 2020, Maple Grove’s Macey LeVahn, 19, seized the opportunity to learn something new.

LeVahn always had a love and a keen eye for all things art. Even when she was a sophomore in high school, LeVahn and her friend would send each other decorative letters while living just five minutes away from one another. When the pandemic afforded her extra time on her hands, and her strong interest to design and create was growing, LeVahn took on the art of macramé. “I picked up macramé and started out with making plant hangers,” she says. “I instantly fell in love with it.”

Macramé features a process that, simply stated, is basically knot mak ing. LeVahn notes that once you get the basics down, the types of elements that can be created are expansive. She also says that, while macramé was very popu lar in the 1970s, today’s incarnation holds a modern twist. Once LeVahn perfected her craft, she ventured toward larger and more intricate projects and began to sell them in 2020. From there, The Twistery, her online shop, was born.

When it comes to running a busi ness, LeVahn had experience, especially related to selling art. She previously helped her father run and operate his Etsy shop—an online platform promoted for artists to sell handcrafted items. “I was his business manager for his wood crafting store. I ran his Etsy and his social media for three years,” she says.

With LeVahn’s macramé talents and her business-like acumen, The Twistery was bound for success. Her hobby quickly turned into a full-time job. “I currently have my own studio in Minneapolis where I make a lot of the

Photos: Chris Emeott

While some of us may recall macrame from its boom in the 1970s, the art form is thought to have roots that stretch as far back as the 13th century with Arab weavers, who knot ted excess thread and yarn that hung from the edges of loomed fabrics (towels, shawls and veils, for example.)

The art eventually made its way to Spain and Italy before spreading through Europe. In the late 17th century in the court of Mary II, Queen Mary taught macramé to her ladiesin-waiting. Interestingly, sailors picked up macramé, making items to sell or barter—bring ing goods to China and the New World.

Enter the 19th century, and British and American sailors were crafting hammocks, bell fringes and belts. To them, the process was called square knot ting and also termed macramé as McNamara’s Lace.

Learn more at ancientearthhealing.com.

work I sell,” she says. The Twistery sells a variety of macrame art, including ear rings, keychains and decorative wall hangings. Custom pieces are also avail able for design and purchase.

LeVahn continues to be inspired and evolve her artistic style. “I used to be really into neutrals and nude colors, but lately I love making everything within the rainbow,” she says. Her work is get ting attention on social media as her following continues to grow. “It’s just so amazing to see people like my work, and they come back for more. That’s just really the goal,” she says.

What’s next? LeVahn wants to continue to expand her brand in hopes of opening her first storefront and eventually hire staff, so she can focus on making art.

thetwistery.com @thetwistery

Two for the Gold Maple Grove sisters earn top spots at Pan

Am tournament.

By Mollee Francisco

TO SAY THAT AVA AND JESSICA LEE have taekwondo in their blood would be an understatement. The Maple Grove sisters are the daughters of Eui Lee, one of the most accomplished tae kwondo grandmasters in the Midwest. They are the granddaughters of Byung Yul Lee, the founder of Maple Grove’s World Taekwondo Academy and one of the original Masters who immigrated from Korea to the U.S. in the 1960s to teach and grow the martial art.

These days, the Lee sisters are carv ing out their own places in the sport. Last June, they each brought home gold medals from the Pan American Championships in Costa Rica. Competing for Haiti, where their father has been working to develop an Olympic team, Jessica won her gold medal in the morning, taking top honors in the Kyorugi Cadet -47 kg division. Ava fol lowed later that afternoon with her own gold medal in the Kyorugi Junior -68 kg division. Ava was also named best female athlete at the event.

“It was a really cool experience to share with her,” says Ava, of winning gold alongside Jessica.

“We feel really blessed,” Cheri Lee,

Jessica and Ava’s mom, says. “It’s a strong team. We knew they had a good chance to place.” Ava, 16, a junior at Maple Grove High School, and Jessica, 13, who attends Osseo Middle School, along with their older sister Lauren, 18, a freshman at the University of Minnesota, each started practicing taekwondo around the age of 2. “We grew up with it,” Ava says. “It was a good way for our family to get close.”

Cheri says the only expectation she and her husband had for the girls was that they earn their black belt. “It was known that they would have to get their black belt, but they never had to com pete. They decided to do that on their own,” she says.

Ava started competing at 5. By 12, she was vying for international titles.

Maple Grove High School 11th grader Ava Lee demonstrates her taekwondo form.

Photos: Cheri Lee, Chris Emeott

Photo: Chris Emeott

Osseo Middle School student Jessica Lee reaches for new heights with her taekwondo kick.

Her little sister has followed suit. As members of the U.S. National Team (which Eui has coached since 2006), Ava and Jessica have filled their pass ports with stamps from competitions around the world, including Brazil, Serbia, Uzbekistan, Mexico, France, South Korea, Canada, Bulgaria and the Dominican Republic.

Along the way, there have been wins and losses and all of the emotions that come with the pressure of competition. “It’s a big deal to lose,” Jessica says. “The more you win, the more fun it gets.”

For Ava, who took home gold at the Tashkent 2019 World Taekwondo Cadet Championships, winning is a doubleedged sword. “Once you win such a big tournament, you can struggle with expec tations. It’s something I’m working on right now,” she says.

“I didn’t understand how massive the tournament was,” Ava says. “These were basically the best of the best.” But best of the best is what Ava strives for. She has her sights set on the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and added gold medals to her collection at the Poland Open and the Slovenia Open G-2 in September. She trains twice a day during the summer and two to five days a week during the school year, combining taekwondo practice with strength training and conditioning.

Ava says she meditates and focuses on her breathing to stay calm before matches. “Talking is also a big thing. I usually talk to my sisters or my team mates to get in a good mindset,” she says. Ava also leans on her coach. “Dad and I have a good bond that I wouldn’t change for the world,” she says.

Jessica isn’t ready to start think ing Olympics just yet. She is currently preparing for the next Pan American Championships, training three to five times a week for an hour to an hour and a half each. At 13, she leans on her team mates for motivation and tries “not to worry too much,” though she admits to being competitive with Ava. “They push each other,” Cheri says. “The competition helps them.”

EMBRACING THE NORTH

written by ZOE DEAL

As cold winds roll in, freezing the lakes of Minnesota, a beloved tradition returns— the polar plunge (in various forms). And while some of us shiver at the notion, there are others in our community who embrace the cold, so much so that it’s become a lifestyle and a source of giving back.

Let’s start with the annual Polar Plunge in Maple Grove, which is now in its 16th year and has raised more than $2 million for Special Olympics Minnesota. This year’s event is set for February 4 at Fish Lake Regional Park. The event

is the result of a partnership between the Maple Grove Police Department and sev eral businesses, community stakeholders including The Lookout Bar and Grill, Maple Grove Ambassadors and the Maple Grove Public Works Department. (Details are available at plungemn.org.)

When it comes to jumping into colder water as a lifestyle and wellness choice, count area resident Brian Mahoney among those ranks. Since moving back to Minnesota from New York during COVID-19, Mahoney has taken to visiting ice baths (and saunas) up to five or

seven times a week. “I like the contrast of the hot and cold. You sort of go from one extreme to another, and for me, mentally, if you can conquer that … you feel like you can con quer anything,” he says.

Throughout the year, Mahoney is a member at Embrace North, a sauna and cold therapy company that is spreading this wellness notion across the Metro. Founded by Ironman triath lete and personal trainer Luis Leonardo, Embrace North has garnered nearly 500 members since its launch in Linden Hills in June 2021. Its mission to make people

feel more alive has resonated with area residents looking to push the limits of their bodies and minds in a safe and friendly environment.

“There’s this mental resil ience side, and then there’s the physical recovery side, and we’re pairing both of these two things together to make humans more optimal and recover faster, heal better and just live a better overall lifestyle,” says Harrison Klein, Embrace North’s co-partner and breathing specialist.

On a wellness level, the initial shock of entering the water is just the tip of the iceberg. Regular ice bathers

Brian Mahoney

Photo:

Photo: Chris Emeott

report improved heart health and mental fitness alongside better overall happiness and energy. It’s about longevity and breathing, practice and ritual. Proponents of this modality stand by it whole heartedly, and some skeptics will find themselves hooked after their first experience. “There’s not one person that doesn’t come back here,” Klein says about Embrace North. “The best part is every body leaves here with a smile. I’ve never seen anybody leave here not happy.”

Cold therapy is a wellness trend that has garnered a large interest in the fields of research and media, and for good reason. When one dips into an ice bath, there is a plethora of systems effected, including the brain and sym pathetic nervous system. As the fight-or-flight response is triggered by the cold water, so too is the brain’s alertness and ability to concentrate, Klein explains, especially as one engages in breathing protocols and works against instincts to slow the heart rate. “You’re trying to stay calm in that response with your breath and your mindset,” he says, adding that this controlled situation can eventually help to rewire how the brain han dles stressful situations.

“A lot of us in society today are very stressed out, so we’re putting ourselves into these intentional con trolled stressful situations to adapt to it and become more resilient,” Klein says. “… When stress hits us outside of this environment [the cold

or the heat], we react to it differently and, you know, we respond to it with better decision making.”

To reap the most benefits from cold-water immersion, the goal is to be submerged for three to five minutes in 40-degree (or cooler) water. And while some extremists may stay in for 10 minutes or longer, it’s at the three-minute mark when Klein says one fully experiences the benefits of cold thermogenesis, a bodily response to cold exposure. Thermogenesis is the natural way our bodies regulate core temperature, but the process is amplified in cold tempera tures and results in a rapid release of hormones, increased metabolism and cardiovascular

circulation. “The beauty is that it takes about three minutes in the cold water, and that is going to be the hardest three minutes of your day,” Klein says.

Embrace North offers members access to saunas, ice baths, winter retreats and a gym with focused classes and trainers.

Across the Metro, indi viduals and businesses are welcoming the cold. Locally, consider Restore Hyper Wellness in the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes for its whole body cryotherapy (two to three minutes) to aid with sleep, signs of aging and energy levels, or its local cryotherapy (10 minutes) for targetted pain and soreness, and to advance recovery.

Embrace North, 4420 Drew Ave. S., Mpls.; embracenorth.com Embrace North Experience @embracenorth

Restore Hyper Wellness. 12215 Elm Creek Blvd. N.; 763.343.9903; restore.com Restore Hyper Wellness @restorehyperwellness @restoredomore

Restore Hyper Wellness offers two-three minute, whole-body, cryotherapy sessions.

Cold therapy brings opportunities for community, wellness.

BEJEWELED

Photos: Chris Emeott

Coat your home with warmth, intrigue and “a little mystery.”

From rich emerald green to vibrant ruby red, jewel-toned colors are edging their ways past the neutrals and into the décor forefront. If you're planning a January home refresh punch list, understanding the ins and outs of incorporating new col ors is important for a successful glow up.

We dropped in on Wendy Doornink of Hirshfield’s to find out how the color specialist and Realtor helps homeowners add trending pops of color while keep ing it chic. “I see this movement of jewel tones add richness and luxe in places where people just want to embrace a feel ing of warmth and intrigue, a little mys tery and differentness,” she says.

Using wallpaper as the vehicle for color is a growing option. (Ditch any notion set from previous experiences of peeling and scraping off outdated wallpa per. Doornink says the process has come a long way.) Now, the process includes steps to prime and seal, creating a water proof barrier, making wallcovering easier to pull off when the mood strikes. Plus, there’s peel-and-stick wallpaper, too. “The key to wallpaper is finding that one jewel tone you love and letting the rest of your room coordinate with as much neu tral as you can,” she says.

Doornink weighs in on how to utilize jewel-tones to give the walls in your home a dash of personality.

Royal Recommendations

Test two coats of paint on walls, card board or tagboard, and review the dried coats during the time of day that you spend the most time in the space. “Every room feels different—a north-facing room feels so different from a sunny west in the afternoon,” she says.

Choose one jewel-tone color and accent with the rest. “You’re usually drawn to one or two [hues]. Use one for

written by STACI PERRY MERGENTHAL

your main accent walls and bring the rest in with soft décor, like furnishings, chair covers, rugs, pillows, drapery and couches,” she says.

Avoid using strong colors throughout a home. It’s overwhelming and makes a house feel small even with good lighting. “There’s usually one star of the show—one color that’s dominant, and the rest of the colors are supporting players,” she says. “You have to let the diva be the diva.”

Jewel tones can bring drama, per sonality and moody vibes into a home. Homeowners concerned about resale value should use neutral colors in flow areas, like hallways and stairways, and in hard-to-reach spaces. In bathrooms,

match the tile’s vibe to pull it together in a cohesive sense.

Don’t go too bright. Once you get the color on the wall, color shines like crazy. “I have a saying, ‘When in doubt, gray it out,’” Doornink says. “Make it more gray than you think, and it’ll still come through with a lot of color.”

Sophisticated Shades

Emerald green is having a huge moment and is appearing on cabinetry, wood wainscotting and accent walls and in powder bathrooms. It corresponds to the trend of incorporating natural colors into our environment, and green is healing and calming. It’s the color of growth and

Photo: Hirshfield’s

renewal, and we’re welcoming its ease into our décor.

Blue, such as cerulean or sapphire, is timeless. Blue jewel tones are crisp, clear and can add energy to a room. Blue cabinets are almost a staple, and bolder colors help us stand out from the norm. A favorite is Benjamin Moore’s Dragonfly, a distinctive dark teal that adds life and punch without being overwhelming.

Yellow, like citrine or garnet, is a stronger color personality and should be added with care to avoid creating agitation with bright hues. A great place to start with this tone is in décor like pillows, artwork, bedding, curtains—things that can be

added in smaller quantities. A wallpaper with a hint of yellow is another option. Yellow brings a joie de vivre.

Amethyst tones are grayed-down versions of red that lean a bit purple. These will be colors that we feel could be found in nature. Amethyst tones are comforting, homey and peaceful.

Hirshfield’s, 7880 Vinewood Lane N.; 763.416.6584; hirshfields.com

Hirshfield's (Maple Grove, MN) @hirshfieldspaint

Hirshfield's Paint @hirshfields Wallpaper & Window Treatments

AN IDEAL MATCH

Once the color is in place, more fun can be had with accessorizing and adding finishing décor touches.

Maximalism styles can incorporate jewel tones and bring many colors together. Wallpaper is embracing this idea, and the options are almost endless as far as color and pattern. Large patterns and big colors bring a homeowner’s personality to the walls. Powder bathrooms are the perfect space to add this drama. And don’t worry about the colors being too dark in rooms without windows. Adequate lighting will solve this problem.

Bohemian styles add woven and natural woods to the palette of brighter colors. These accents help soften the overall effect of the dramatic colors. This style leans toward the natural trend, delivering an unfussy and easy feel.

White is a perfect accent to jewel tones. It allows the colors to be dominant without competing with them. Crisp white like Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace or a warmer neutral like its popular White Dove or Swiss Coffee can be used on accent walls or as a backdrop to artwork full of color. Black can accent as well but in limited amounts.

Cabinet hardware colors that work with jewel tones vary. There’s currently a curated look when it comes to metals in our homes. For example, the faucet can be black while drawer pulls are an aged brass—with brushed gold currently making appearances on kitchen and bath cabinets. Brushed gold, brass and black marry well with bolder jewel tones, while brushed nickel works best with more muted or neutral tones.

Hirshfield’s

Photo:

Comfort Keepers® is here to help seniors thrive safely while living independently at home. Our empathetic caregivers are specially trained to provide uplifting care and support. We’re here to help!

Comfort Keepers

524 Central Ave. N., Osseo 763.273.4207 comfortkeepers.com

Donato’s Floral is a family owned business. We have been a part of this community for over 35 wonderful years. We deliver daily joy with natural botanicals.

Donato’s Floral 10200 73rd Ave. N. Suite #102 763.416.0488 donatosfloral.com

Jarrod Peterson Real Estate Group

7767 Elm Creek Blvd. 763.258.4400 askjarrodheknows.com

This is our home. Let us help you make it yours.

Reach out today to get connected with one of our Maple Grove agents.

We look forward to helping you.

Edina Realty Maple Grove

7767 Elm Creek Blvd. Suite #200 763.420.2424 edinarealty.com/office/maple-grove

Family owned and operated with a selection of 2000 + frames + sunglasses. Six doctors are in office 7 days a week!

We Know Eyes at Maple Grove Pearle Vision.

Maple Grove Pearle Vision 13195 Weaver Lake Road 763.420.5112 maplegroveeye.vision

things to see and do in and around Maple Grove

MISERY LOVES COMPANY

Stephen King’s novel, Misery, comes to the stage at Yellow Tree Theatre.

FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY a dose of Stephen King, Misery is set to be performed from February 24–March 26 at the Yellow Tree Theatre.

This production tells a chilling tale of kidnap ping and is based on one of Stephen King’s novels. The story surrounds romance novelist, Paul, who suddenly finds himself in a car crash and is “res cued” by one of his most ardent fans.

While he is recovering in her home, his fan reads his latest book and becomes infuriated when she realizes he killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. The author finds himself trapped and forced to write a new book in order to save his life.

Content Warning: violence and language. Prices and times vary. Yellow Tree Theatre, 320 Fifth Ave. SE, Osseo; 763.493.8733; yellowtreetheatre.com

LOCAL EVENTS

Play Time

01/01–01/13

Parents and children will be singing, doing movement activities and have a chance to meet new friends at Play Time. Newborn to 2 years old. Registration online. 10:30–11:45 a.m. Arbor View Early Childhood Center, 9401 Fernbrook Lane N.; 763.391.8777; osseoec.org

Textile Show

01/24–02/24

The Maple Grove Textile Show is back and features a display from quilters, knitters, felters and more. All ages. Times vary. Maple Grove Arts Center, 11666 Fountains Drive; 763.370.3003; maplegroveartscenter.org

Maiden Dixie 01/27

Put your dancing boots on and join Maiden Dixie at The Lookout Bar & Grill. This country-rock band will be perform ing all night. Ages 18 and over. 9 p.m.. The Lookout Bar & Grill, 8672 Pineview Lane N.; 763.424.4365; maidendixie.com

Polar Plunge 02/04

Get ready for the annual Polar Plunge in Maple Grove. The goal this year is to raise $135,000 for Special Olympics Minnesota. All ages. Free, register online for a timeslot. Noon. Fish Lake Regional Park, 14900 Bass Lake Road; 763.270.7119; plungemn.org

9*10 Cabaret 02/10

Featuring ninth and 10th graders from Maple Grove Senior High, 9*10 Cabaret is the third installment of the produc tion and is created by the cast and led by Maple Grove Senior High 11th and 12th graders. All ages. $10. 7–9 p.m.

Maple Grove Senior High, 9800 Fernbrook Lane N; maplegrovemusicaltheatre.com

AREA EVENTS

Family Night at Nouvelle Brewing 01/04–01/25

The whole family is invited to Nouvelle Brewing every Wednesday for free arcade games and a discounted kids’ menu. All ages. Free. 3–9 p.m. Nouvelle Brewing, 4124 W. Broadway Ave., Robbinsdale; 763.537.7267; nouvellebrewing.com

Unveiled: Inspiration in Full Bloom 01/08

Designed by The Wedding Guys, Unveiled: Inspiration in Full Bloom, will have trends in fashion, design and wedding style with local, wed ding professionals. All ages. Starting at $7.50. 2 p.m. Renaissance Minneapolis

Photo: Yellow Tree Theater

Compiled by Nicole Berglund and Megan Hegenbarth

Hotel - The Depot, 225 Third Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.375.1700; goldstar.com

Sounds of Blackness

01/13

Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Sounds of Blackness per forms its Music for Martin concert. All ages. Prices vary. 7:30 p.m. Ordway Music Theater, 345 Washington St., St. Paul; 651.224.4222; ordway.org

Taylor Tomlinson

01/19–01/20

This stand-up comedian with two Netflix specials comes to the Orpheum for her Have it All tour. Ages 18 and over recom mended. Prices vary. 7 p.m. Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; 612.339.7007; hennepintheatretrust.org

Angel Gala

01/21

Celebrate with the Angel Foundation for its 21st annual Angel Gala in raising funds for local adults with cancer and their families. There will be a cocktail reception, live and silent auctions, din ner and an after party with dancing and music. All ages. Starting at $95. 6–11 p.m. Hilton Minneapolis, 1001 S. Marquette Ave., Mpls.; 612.627.9000; mnangel.org

St. Paul Winter Carnival 01/26–02/05

Join the community in scavengers hunts, sledding, parades and more. All ages. Free. Times vary. Locations include Rice Park, Vulcan Snow Park, the Landmark Center and the Minnesota State Fairgrounds; 651.223.7400; wintercarnival.com

To have your event considered: email maplegrovemag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication.

Due to the fluidity being experienced in the current environment, please note that some events/dates and even some business operations may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.

Après-Ski

Let the fun begin after a day on the slopes ... or wherever else.

Written by Renée Stewart-Hester Photos by Chris Emeott

THERE IS SOMETHING DELIGHTFUL to be had when opposites meet and wonderfulness ensues. Can we say the same when chilly meets toasty? How about when cold-to-the-core seeks a warming rescue?

Whether you’re making your way down a local slope or flying out to more elevated climes, the end of a ski day is not complete without a nod to après-ski, the welcome notion of enjoying social time after time on the hill or mountain. The same could

be said, in our minds, for any out door winter activity—be it a Nordic ski through well-groomed trails or parts unknown, a toboggan slide down a snow-frosted hill or graceful turns around the ice rink.

Whatever your wintry endeavor may be, extend the experience with warming sips and toasts to time well spent. We’ve gathered some recipes to prepare at home or to tuck into your phone or memory for a special request at your favor ite lodge or lounge

Hot Buttered Rum

Courtesy

of Haskell’s The Wine People

2 oz. full-bodied rum (Dark rum is usually the best.)

1 tsp. butter

3 or 4 cloves hot water

Pour rum in glass or mug then add the but ter. Add hot water, sprinkle cloves on top, stir and allow the cloves to steep for a few minutes. Remove cloves then serve.

Hot Chocolate Chartreuse

Courtesy of Princeton’s Liquors

8–12 oz. mixed hot chocolate 1 oz. green chartreuse

Prepare hot chocolate and add green chartreuse for a sweet, spicy flavor with an herbal finish.

Amaro Caldo (above)

Courtesy of Princeton’s

4 oz. hot water 2 oz. amaro lemon or orange twist

Liquors

Pour hot water into a mug, and add amaro, which is an herbal liqueur. Per your liking, add a lemon or orange twist.

Grog Courtesy of Haskell’s The Wine People

2 oz. rum (Dark rum is usually the best.)

3 oz. hot cider or hot apple juice brown or white sugar, to taste lemon juice, to taste cinnamon, to taste

Combine the rum with hot cider or juice in a mug. If using cider, add sugar to taste. With apple juice, add lemon juice. Shake, and dust with cinnamon.

Hot Toddy

Courtesy of Haskell’s The Wine People

(“I came across this recipe while in Ireland. The best!” –John Farrell III) anise allspice cinnamon cloves

ginger green cardamom nutmeg 2 oz. Irish whiskey

Fill a teapot with water. Add your favorite winter spices. Heat (not boil) the water. In a mug, add the whiskey, and top with the spiced water.

Winter Julep (above) Courtesy of Princeton’s Liquors

mint tea 4 oz. hot water 2 oz. bourbon 0.5 oz, demerara syrup mint sprig, garnish

In a teacup or mug, make tea to your liking. Add bourbon and syrup. Garnish with mint.

Merci!

We appreciate this version of a classic hot chocolate, which is ideal, regardless the season, and is a sweet option for all ages.

Le Chocolat Chaud (page 28)

Courtesy of Spencer Olson of thewoodenspoonchefs.com

4 cups whole milk

1 cinnamon stick

½ tsp. vanilla paste a pinch of salt

1 Tbsp. brown sugar

2 tsp. cocoa powder

7 oz. grams bittersweet chocolate crushed peppermint candy, garnish whipped cream, garnish

Pour milk into a small saucepan with a cinnamon stick, vanilla paste, salt and brown sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, turn to the lowest heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally. Add the cocoa powder, and stir until combined. Remove the cinnamon stick, and strain through a cheesecloth or very fine mesh strainer into a clean saucepan. Add the chocolate. Stir until its melted and combined.

Haskell’s The Wine People, 15304 Grove Circle N.; 763.400.7888; haskells.com

Princeton’s Liquors, 12790 Bass Lake Road; 763.559.3257; princetonsliquors. com and 341 Central Ave., Osseo; 763.425.4646; princetonsliquors.com

RUNNER UP: CITY LANDMARKS

Focus on Maple Grove

Wintry scene catches photographer’s eye.

“AFTER I SAW that the recent snowfall had stuck to the trees, I knew I needed to get my camera and go for a walk,” Tracy Walsh says. “Snowy, frost-kissed trees don’t last long. The curve in the trail that leads out of sight had me stop at this spot.”

Photographer: Tracy Walsh

Title: Winter Trail

Equipment: Canon EOS 5D Mark III with 24-105mm f/5

Location: Trail by Fish Lake Regional Park

To view other Focus on Maple Grove photo contest winners, visit maplegrovemag.com.

Risa Bache-Wiig, MD Family Medicine Daniel Johnson, DO Family Medicine

Matt Horn, PA-C Internal Medicine

Samir Joshi, MD Sports Medicine