Lake Minnetonka - May 2023

Couple enjoys the dock and dine experience

served around Lake Minnetonka

THEIR GREAT GATSBY

MINNETONKA SCHOOLS

Set on a cul-de-sac lot with private nature views, this inviting 5 bed/ 4 bath two-story features fresh paint, new carpet, stainless appliances and light fixtures. Close to both downtown Excelsior, Chanhassen and walking distance to MMW.

The Hermann Group 952-475-4912

ORONO, WATERFRONT, $2,450,000

Just completed gorgeous new construction with 90 ft of waterfront. Unending upgrades and superb attention to the finest details.  4000 Sq Ft finished, Main floor living with a fully finished walkout lower level.  4+ bdrm.

Tim Berg 612-250-2255

MINNETONKA BEACH!

Estate setting with 1.42 pristine acres of privacy and an in-ground swimming pool.  Crisp, clean style creates a sophisticated comfort within this light filled 5B/6B home.  Lake Minnetonka dock available thru city! Orono Schools

Boschwitz 612-804-8720

SUN-FILLED CONDO

Desirable 2 bedroom plus den, 2 bath corner condo unit. You’ll love the south-facing exposure, spacious floorplan, wood floors, stainless appliances, granite countertops, in-unit laundry, 2 underground parking spaces and an extra storage closet.

The Hermann Group 952-475-4912

TAMARACK NEIGHBORHOOD -  MINNETONKA

Fabulous 2-story home with 5Br/5Ba on a walk-out lot. Home has pond access is close to trails and walking distance to schools. Easy access to everywhere.

Janet Banken | 952-930-0330

Sharon Habeger | 612-859-3216

Kathryn Peters 952-393-2236

CITY

More urgent care ready to go.

Ready with more doctors. Set with more specialty services and orthopedic urgent care locations open 8 — 8 daily.

Go for more of what you need to keep your body moving. No referral or appointment necessary. TCOmn.com

ELEVATE YOUR RETIREMENT WITH ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES.

Retirement isn’t a time to slow down and settle in. It’s a time to live it up and break free. Discover what you’ve always thought was possible — at Trillium Woods, the only true Life Care® community in Plymouth, Minnesota.

On our verdant 46-acre campus, focused on green, sustainable living, experience countless chances to make new memories, discover new passions, and add new friends to your life story — with even more opportunities to broaden your horizons coming with our brand-new expansion.

Take a closer look at Trillium Woods before our new expansion is fully reserved. Call 763.265.3474, scan the QR code, or visit TrilliumWoodsLCS.com to make the most of your retirement today.

Kowalski’s 100% Organic Grass-Fed Beef is characterized by:

• Incredible flavor

• Superior tenderness

• Best-in-class marbling

“My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her.”

DEPARTMENTS

22 — Grow for Four

Spring plantings can have a lot to offer in summer, fall and winter.

24 — Lasting Look

Beauty studio presents the changing face of permanent cosmetics.

26 — Return to the Water

Efforts are underway to resume the services of the Minnehaha on Lake Minnetonka.

28 — Love in the Land of 10,000 Lakes

Mound author brings Minnesota flavor to contemporary romances.

FEATURES

33 — Picnics at Tiffany’s Sisters launch startup that offers luxury parties and experiences.

38 — Their Great Gatsby

Couple enjoys the dock and dine experience served around Lake Minnetonka.

TASTEMAKERS

52 — Hit the Trails

Fuel up your outdoor adventures with healthier options.

IN EVERY ISSUE

14 — Editor’s Letter

17 — Noteworthy

49 — On the Town

56 — Last Glance

Photos: Nick Kreevich; Chris Emeott

Washington

Laurel Famigletti

Family owned & operated in the Twin Cities since 1951.

Your Care. Your Choice.

We are a community of care – dedicated to you.

As the Twin Cities’ largest and most experienced cancer treatment provider, we know that treating cancer calls for more than compassion. It means giving our patients access to more than 100 cancer care experts, evidence-based treatment paths, close-to-home locations and comprehensive services to support the whole person.

Our compassionate team works tirelessly towards one common goal –fighting cancer.

FROM THE EDITOR

RENÉE STEWART-HESTER — RENEE@LOCALMEDIA.CO

Welcome to the May issue, where we explore a host of topics surrounding the themes of beauty and outdoor living. I always hope our readers find doses of inspiration and information in our monthly topic areas.

As May kicks into gear, there’s a change afoot for me. For many previous Mays, I’ve found myself at this time of the year eyeing our family summer schedule, bubbling over with vacation and cabin time, outside projects and—for years—our children’s practice, game and tournament schedules. For those of you who have or have had kids participate in youth sports or activities in the summer months, you know exactly what I’m talking about in terms of “time off” in June, July and August and the balancing act required to get a child from Point A to Point B while another child needs to be at Point Z five minutes ago.

This summer will be different. Our youngest child is soon to graduate from high school, and she decided to call it quits on her club sport. (Insert sad sigh here.) While the decision, made purely on her own, was bittersweet for her parents, we knew it was the right plan for our daughter. Time to move on. Time to hang up the cleats. Time for her to enjoy a summer with more friend time and less time traveling to games and tournaments. We get it.

This is, however, going to leave a huge delta of time in my schedule. Now what? I have a plan. I want to play this summer—like a kid—not today’s version. I want to vibe as a ’70s kid. The version of a child who wasn’t scheduled up to her eyeballs in activities and practices. I want to swim more—and not just at the cabin. Here. In local lakes. I want to ride my bike to get ice cream—and maybe that means to corner gas station. I don’t care. I want to hang out in our backyard “little house” to read nonintellectually stimulating books with a bag of black licorice and a plastic pitcher orange Kool-Aid as my companions. I want to plan playdates with my friends. Now that I think about it, a slumber party in the little house is in order. We can have snacks, play Life or Password, tell scary stories, talk about … Keep playing, Renée.

Photo: Chris Emeott

president Pete Burgeson

WEDDINGS

BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES FAMILIES CORPORATE

FUN

66

Advice for what matters most, when you need it most

Congratulations to Christina Boyd, Jeanne Rosengren and Max Gardiner for being named to the 2022 Forbes “America’s Top Wealth Management Teams High Net Worth” list as members of the Boyd Wealth Management Group, published on November 8, 2022. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2022.

Boyd Wealth Management Group

Christina Boyd, CRPC® Managing Director Senior Financial Advisor

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 315 Lake Street East Wayzata, MN 55391 952.476.5613

fa.ml.com/boydgroup

Source: The Forbes “America’s Top Wealth Management Teams High Net Worth” list, published on November 8, 2022. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2022. Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Forbes “America’s Top Wealth Management Teams High Net Worth” ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: a measure of each team’s best practices, client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of Forbes and not representative nor indicative of any one client’s experience, future performance, or investment outcome and should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. Rankings and recognition from Forbes are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and team, and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC. Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.

Investment products: Are Not FDIC InsuredAre Not Bank GuaranteedMay Lose Value

The Bull Symbol and Merrill are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. owns the service marks Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™, CRPC™, and the CRPC™ logo, and the certification marks Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™, CRPC™, and the CRPC™ logo. © 2023 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. MAP4960336 | AD-02-23-0325 | 472538PM-1022 | 02/2023

Summers. 7 Magnificent Yachts. 1 Enduring Legacy of Delicous Food, Great Memories and Beautiful Sights.

GRAND DESIGNS

IF YOU’VE EVER visited the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, you’re familiar with the experience of viewing jaw-dropping botanical displays. It may seem that you could never duplicate any such glory in your home garden. But, thanks to the plants all being labeled by name, you can. And that is, of course, by design.

The reasoning behind the arboretum, founded in 1958, was not to create a mere tree collection or museum of plants, but also to reveal applications of cold-hardy trees, shrubs and perennials that residents could use in their own northern landscapes.

Though the formal plant collections at the arboretum abound, visitors should look no further than the show gardens

near the Oswald Visitor Center to find designs that can be applied at home. Here are three areas to check out this spring, summer and fall to get ideas for your own grand designs:

Annual Garden: Nowhere in the Twin Cities is the power of annuals proven more than in these beds by senior landscape gardener Duane Otto, who follows his stunning tulip displays in spring with a mind-blowing, all-annual design that thrives from late spring to fall. Let the tenderest of plants knock your socks off here and throughout the grounds.

Spiegel Garden: Perennials are the star in this terraced garden in front of the historic Snyder Building. Visit this site throughout the seasons to see plant combinations that could easily be replicated

in the home garden, including a variety of surprising, later-season showstoppers, such as asters and rose mallow shrubs (hardy hibiscus), standing 4 feet tall with dinner-plate blooms that are somehow hardy year after year in Zone 4.

Home Demonstration Garden: Veggie growers, your gardens can be beautiful, too. Check out the wellorganized groupings of herbs, greens, tomatoes, peppers and even fruit trees grown on espaliers in small spaces that maximize every square foot. All varieties are labeled for easy copying at home.

Photo: Vienna Volante

Sarah Jackson is a media specialist at the arboretum. She lives and gardens in Minnetonka. Learn more at arb.umn.edu.

GROW

Spiegel Garden

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Bus: 651-776-8328

Hablamos Español

Tree of Life

952.465.9741

kathie@localmedia.co

A mother’s love is the foundation to our existence. They feed our souls, nurture us and offer safety in the storms. They point us in the right direction and celebrate who we become.

The Redleaf Center for Family Healing at Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, offers multigenerational mental health, parenting and mind-body-spirit support for individuals during pregnancy and parenting of young children (redleaf familyhealing.org), and it holds an empathetic place in my heart.

Each journey is different, but learning how to plant the right seeds will grow mighty trees. Mosaic artist Stacia Goodman reminds of this as she incorporates affirmations into her glass and tile mosaic that greets visitors to the center. She incorporated bronzed baby shoes, the top of a bracelet and many more sentimental items to make this installation extra special.

To all the mom’s who nourish our souls to become who we are, Happy Mother’s Day!

Title: Tree of Life

Artist: Stacia Goodman (mosaic) x Vicki Hovde (leaf canopy and sun painted substrate board)

Scale: 18 feet x 8 feet

Elements: Tile, glass and parenting related items donated by the center’s staff. (Public Art)

Hollie Blanchard is a founder and art concierge with The Art Girls. View more at artgirlsmpls.com. Art Girls Minneapolis @artgirls_mpls

You know I’m always here with Good Neighbor service. But I’m also here with surprisingly great rates for everyone. Call me for a quote to see how much you can save. You might be surprised.

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Individual premiums will vary by customer. All applicants subject to State Farm underwriting requirements.

Photos: The Art Girls

Living to Learning

Built in 1902 by the Great Northern Railway, Wayzata’s Section House was home to the local section foreman and his family. The section foreman was a railroad employee responsible for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of approximately 20 miles of track along the line.

Since it was often difficult to find decent and affordable housing off company property, the railway built these prefabricated homes where foremen only paid for utilities. The homes were all built to the same specifications, so carpenters could quickly assemble them. Additionally, if a foreman and his family had to move, their furniture would fit perfectly in the new space.

Although many section houses were built in desolate and mundane areas, the house in Wayzata was special for its prime location on a perfect stretch of beach with a million-dollar view across Wayzata Bay. As one of only two section houses known to survive in Minnesota, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2021. Its rehabilitation as an environmental learning center is set to begin this year. The house will be part of an Eco Park connected to a new boardwalk along Wayzata Bay.

Aaron Person serves as the president of the Wayzata Historical Society. Discover more at wayzatahistoricalsociety.org.

To discover more about the learning center, read our January issue at lakeminnetonkamag.com.

We’ve got you covered.

Bonfe can help keep your home safe and comfortable. We fix broken furnaces and boilers, busted air conditioners, fried electrical systems, clogged drains, collapsed sewers and a whole host of other home headaches.

Taste of the South

A big batch beverage (aka—punch) offers such an easy, serve-yourself option to any adult gathering. This recipe has long been served at our family events, and it’s been a consistent crowd pleaser. Note: With the growing market of nonalcoholic spirits, consider swapping out the Southern Comfort with a spirit-free bourbon or rum. Cheers.

Southern Punch

• 6 lemons

• 4 oranges

• 12 oz. frozen lemonade

• 6 oz. frozen orange juice

• 2 liters lemon-lime pop

• 1 liter Southern Comfort

Slice fruit into thin rounds. Place them on a plastic-lined baking sheet; and place in the freezer until fruit is frozen (at least two hours). Just before serving, add frozen lemonade and juice, pop, spirit and several handfuls of ice to a punch bowl. Gently stir. Top the punch with frozen fruit rounds, and serve. —Contributed by Renée Stewart-Hester

If it breaks, leaks, sparks, clogs, or just starts making one of those weird noises…

A Decision to Make

The year is 1996. For the past 30 years of marriage, Joan Egan’s days have been shaped by the choices her husband, Martin, makes for her and by the duties her domineering mother-in-law imposes upon her.

Joan is a mother herself, though her relationship with her 27-year-old daughter, Carmel, has always felt distant. Joan and Martin’s life together may look picture perfect from the outside, but Joan feels the weight of a long-held family secret weighing her down and affecting her relationships.

Rewind the clock to 1966. Joan is a beautiful young woman from an underprivileged section of Dublin, but she catches the eye of wealthy young Martin Egan and becomes pregnant before she and Martin are married. At Martin’s insistence, they arrange a secret adoption out of fear that Martin’s reputation might be ruined at a time when he is poised to take the reins of the family business.

The past catches up to the present when Joan receives an envelope in the mail from her long-lost daughter, and Joan has a decision to make.

In The Making of Her, debut novelist Bernadette Jiwa gives readers a beautifully complicated and nuanced look into the life of a woman whose choices in life have been limited but who is on the precipice of taking a brave leap toward carving out her own path and being true to herself and what her heart tells her is right.

Tracy Hvezda-Lehtola is a patron experience supervisor for the Hennepin County Library–Excelsior. Read more at hclib.org.

OUTDOOR LIVING

Grow for Four

By Megan Hegenbarth

WE GET IT. Winter’s color palette can be a bit monochromatic. While we appreciate a bit of white on white on white, it can elicit a touch of visual ennui—after month number four.

We understand the need to focus on the color-infused beauty of spring and summer plants, but it bodes well down the line to think about fall and winter, too. When it comes to orchestrating spring and summer plantings, consider adding in elements that play well in the warmer and colder months.

Spring plantings can have a lot to offer in summer, fall and winter.

Butterfly Milkweed Autumn Joy Sedum

Purple Coneflower Red Twig Dogwood

Branhagen notes that the ideal time to plant his suggested plants is early fall, but planting in spring is perfectly fine, as well. “If the ground is workable, it’s a good time,” he says.

Alan Branhagen, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s director of operations, suggests a variety of perennial plants that offer visual interest through winter.

Autumn Joy Sedum: These flowers come in clusters and are typically pink but gradually change to a deep rose after they bloom. “They don’t shatter,” Branhagen says. “They hold the snow.” They do die in the wintertime, however, the stems that are left provide winter interest and can look beautiful in the snow.

Butterfly Milkweed: These flowers also come in clusters and are usually bright orange. It also attracts a lot of monarch butterflies. “They have pretty pods that are usually a light tan,” Branhagen says. “I usually get them for the sun …” In the winter, its flowers, leaves and stem die back, however, its rootstock remains alive and provides winter interest.

Purple or Pale Purple Coneflower: The cone-shaped flower comes in a variety of colors, but the more native species tends to be purple or pale purple. “In the wintertime, their snowcaps are beautiful,” Branhagen says. “Their seedheads hold up, especially with the snow.”

Red Twig Dogwood: In the spring, it grows white flowers in flat clusters and have dark green leaves. This shrub has bright red branches that provide color pops in winter. “The Cardinal Dogwood that we have here selected by the arboretum has salmon-colored branches and is also beautiful,” Branhagen says. “I also suggest Bud’s Yellow Dogwood, which has very yellow branches.”

For additional inspiration, visit lakeminnetonkamag.com.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska; 612.624.2200; arb.umn.edu

Photos: Nick Kreevich; Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Lasting Look

Beauty studio presents the changing face of permanent cosmetics.

By Hanna McDaniels

PERMANENT COSMETIC SERVICES can go beyond just making a person feel more confident and comfortable in his/her own skin—it can offer solutions for some medical conditions and situations. Amy Kelly, founder of Jett Beauty, highlights the different reasons some of her clients visit the Excelsior and Edina venues.

Brows: Microblading brows offers a tattoo procedure, replicating brow hair. Brow powder can also be utilized,

and it looks like diffused pixels in the skin, almost as if one was wearing a brow shadow. “I’ve had clients come in throughout the years that have had scarring from accidents and actually had some hair loss within the brows, which made them very self-conscious,” Kelly says. She also assisted a client who had undergone facial reconstruction and wasn’t able to grow back hair in the brow area. “… We ended up doing a combination brow, meaning that I started out

with microblading, so I was able to mimic some of her hair, and then I did shading underneath. She was very happy with the results,” Kelly says.

Microblading can also help people with alopecia or anyone who has difficulty growing hair for other reasons.

Eyes: Permanent eyeliner can help build a shadow on the lid to give an illusion to thicker lashes. “I’ve had clients come in that suffer from trichotillomania [the

compulsive urge to pull out one’s hair], and so with that, just adding a really thin line on that lash line gives them some definition and can help with them feeling confident,” Kelly says.

Lips: Lip blushing is used to deposit color throughout the lips, which can help people with discoloration in that area. “I have worked with clients that have had cleft palate reconstructive surgery, where we’ve done lip blushing for them to add more symmetry and just even color throughout. I also just had someone in that suffers from Bell’s palsy and has a very similar situation with the lips where there was just asymmetry there,” Kelly says.

Some of Kelly’s clients have been referred to her by dermatologists. “A lot of men have been coming in because they have been referred to by their dermatologists for lip discoloration. We perform lip blushing, and the results are very natural for them, so it does not look like they’re wearing makeup,” Kelly says.

Like Themselves Again

Kelly says it’s also rewarding to perform permanent procedures on people who have lost their ability to put on their own makeup. This has included elderly clients, who have limited eyesight or are not able to put on makeup for one reason or another.

Kelly helped a client with Alzheimer’s disease. She missed putting on her makeup and at times was just not able to do so. The client’s family brought her in for permanent cosmetics. “It’s pretty amazing that a lot of these services just bring such joy to people’s lives,” Kelly says. “It’s less about an overall enhancement. We love making people feel like themselves again.”

Jett Beauty, 314 Water St., Excelsior; 651.371.2650; jettbeauty.com

@jettbeauty

GRIEGER GROUP

shorewood

PRICE UPON REQUEST

6 BED, 7 BATH, APPROX. 7,392 FSF

This custom-built home is perfect for intimate family gatherings or grand soirées and is nestled within a lush 1.1-acre private oasis. Located near downtown Excelsior, striking the perfect balance of privacy and accessibility. Heated floors, heated garage & new roof. A sensational home brimming with elegant touches and sophisticated design!

minnetonka

OFFERED AT $525,000

4 BED, 4 BATH, APPROX. 1,955 FSF

Cul-de-sac setting within a delightful neighborhood, this charming home has been meticulously cared for by its original owner. The cozy ambiance is further accentuated by the presence of two wood-burning fireplaces. An additional garage stall and a master bathroom jacuzzi room were added. This home is mechanically sound and has been very well maintained.

shorewood

OFFERED AT $675,000

5 BED, 4 BATH, APPROX. 3,477 FSF

Modern, hip, and functional! Set in coveted Amesbury North within Deephaven Elementary and surrounded by beautiful gardens and landscaping. The main floor offers numerous gathering spaces including, formal and informal dining areas, a spacious living room/music room, a great room with a gas fireplace, and a magnificent sunroom.

TRUSTED

minnetonka

OFFERED AT $1,199,000

5 BED, 4 BATH, APPROX. 4,344 FSF

This handsome home is immaculate, and pride of ownership is everywhere. Deephaven Elementary. Ideal location close to elementary, middle, and high schools, Lake Minnetonka, Carson Bay boat launch, swimming beaches, Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail, shopping, restaurants, and more!

Return to the Water

Efforts are underway to resume the services of the Minnehaha on Lake Minnetonka.

By Emily Gedde

TAKE A STEP BACK IN TIME.

The year is 1906, and its summertime in Minnesota. The hot, dry air in the Twin Cities begins to take hold, making the cooler water of Lake Minnetonka a desired escape. Along the lake, a fleet of six boats functions as part of the streetcar system on the water. Among them is the steamboat Minnehaha. Shuttling people around the lake, the boats gained popularity that lasted until the service was shut down in 1926.

Fast forward to 2023. Nearly 100 years later, the Minnehaha is shipshape and could be in the water if a launch ramp existed to accommodate her. Solutions are far and few between, and a limited timeline doesn’t do the effort any favors.

Tom McCarthy, president of the Museum of Lake Minnetonka, which owns the Minnehaha, says as a nonprofit organization, the mission is to operate the vessel,

which cannot be done unless a launch site and funding are secured.

“We have a limited time frame to get the boat back in the water,” McCarthy says. “We’re going to have to raise significant money to build a new ramp and potentially a new building to house the boat.” There’s where the challenge rests. The Minnehaha is a 70-foot-long boat that needs a ramp to support her weight and that of a trailer, which is about 65 tons. “There is no other boat that has this type of unique need … We can’t just go to any other launch site on the lake that currently exists,” McCarthy says. “There was only one ramp on the lake that fit that need, and we were granted year-byyear access from 1996 to 2019 to use it.”

The Minnehaha has a track record of defying the odds. When the vessel was retired in 1926, she was stripped

of valued parts and intentionally sunk to the bottom of Lake Minnetonka. After 54 years, she was raised and brought to shore in 1980. From 1990–1996, she was rebuilt with about $500,000 of public donations and nearly 100,000 man hours and put back into service.

“This was an audacious idea, but these community members persisted, and they achieved it,” McCarthy says. He’s confident the new challenges can be overcome. “We believe we can do this, but it is taking time and time is one thing we don’t have a lot of,” he says.

After searching a shoreline that is almost fully developed, a potential site on George Street in Excelsior might work, but different government approvals and permits will need to be secured. “This is a situation where we’re in control of only one thing: We own the boat,” McCarthy

Photos: Chris Emeott

says. “Even if this site works, the permitting process alone will take about a year, construction will follow, so we wouldn’t be in the water in 2023 and not very likely even in 2024. We have a fixed amount of funds to continue the insurance on the boat, and our pool of volunteers is dwindling over time.”

Still, McCarthy is optimistic. “We have a community icon that we are blessed to have, and we’re in danger of losing [it]. We’re in danger of losing it for reasons we can solve, but it has challenges,” he says. “We need the community to come together to vocally and financially support this project. If any community can do this, we know the Lake Minnetonka community can, and I hope they will respond to this challenge.”

steamboatminnehaha.org

3 Bedroom / 3 Bath 3569 Finished Sq. Feet

$899,900.00

Wonderful opportunity! Walkable to Wayzata, private setting with pond views. cape cod overflowing with charm including 12inch pine flooring, divided light windows, French doors, natural woodwork, and rich paneled walls. Open concept living room, dining room, and kitchen flooded with natural light. Maintenance free wrap around deck. Enjoy 3 wood burning fireplaces with natural gas rough ins, beamed ceilings and a four-season porch. Beautiful light and bright updated kitchen.

• Awarded top producer and established expert in the Lake Minnetonka community

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PORTRAIT

Love in the Land of 10,000 Lakes

Mound author brings Minnesota flavor to contemporary romances.

By Mollee Francisco

MINNESOTA HAS never felt steamier than in the hands of S.J. Tilly. The 35-year-old Mound writer burst onto the book scene in March 2021 and has been bringing love (and a bit of heat) to the land of 10,000 lakes ever since.

Tilly (a pen name) has published 10 books so far and says she has several more in the works. Her first book that she wrote, Sleet Kitten, is a rom-com

S.J. Tilly

based in the Twin Cities and centered on, what else, but Minnesota’s signature sport—hockey. “I want my books to be in Minnesota,” Tilly says. “I don’t know any place as good as Minnesota.” (Mr. Sin is her first published title.)

Tilly’s Darling series pays homage to the Lake Minnetonka area where she currently lives with her husband and their rescue boxer. “I love lake life, and I knew I wanted this series to be centered on smalltown life,” she says.

One Unforgettable Scene

Tilly grew up in Hastings, studied marketing in college and worked in sales before she began writing. “I traveled a ton,” she says. “I’d be daydreaming while sitting in the car for hours on end.”

That daydreaming generated one scene that she just couldn’t get out of her mind. “Every book starts with one scene,” Tilly says. “I decided I might try this and sat down one night and started writing,” she says. Night after night, the words poured out of her, and before she knew it, Tilly had five books completed.

“The problem was, I didn’t know how to publish,” Tilly says. She sent her work to dozens of literary agents to no avail. Then, she won a mini mentorship at a charity auction. Her mentor, impressed that she had a catalog of work ready to go, advised her to self-publish and rapid release one book a month on Amazon, and that’s just what she did.

“I put all the money I made that first year back into the books,” Tilly says. She sent out print editions to influencers and developed a social media plan to promote her writing. Now, years into the adventure, Tilly is a full-time writer.

As readers take to social media to recommend her books, Tilly pinches herself. “To introduce people to my stories has been fun,” she says. And each day, more and more opportunities crop up—from book translations to other languages to audio versions of her books.

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Photos: Chris Emeott

AUTHOR’S AUTHORS

Tilly shares her favorite writers, books and more.

Favorite Authors: Jana Aston, Alice Coldbreath, Raven Kennedy and Mariana Zapata

Favorite Genre: “Always romance, and I love almost all the subgenres, so, besides the type that I write, I really love historical highlander romance, specifically arranged marriage books between an English lass and a gruff Scottish laird,” Tilly says.

Favorite Childhood

Books: The Magic School Bus series and anything by Jan Brett

Favorite Romance Novel: Arrogant Devil by R.S. Grey. “It’s a great intro to romance if you’re hesitant to try it,” she says.

Current Read: The final book in the Tasting Madness series by Albany Walker

Favorite Reading Spot: “Literally anywhere, but I do most of my reading in bed—staying up far too late,” Tilly says.

Favorite Writing Spot: “[It’s a] toss-up between my newly renovated office or on the couch with my dog, Bandit, trying to put his 80-pound butt in my lap,” she says.

Current Writing Playlist:

“I like to post my writing soundtrack on TikTok because I usually pick one song to set the mood and leave it on repeat. My current obsession is with the artist JVKE, and one of my fav songs is I’m Not Okay,” Tilly says.

Author S.J. Tilly writes at a Mound coffee shop, which serves as a dose of local inspiration in her novels.

Unabashedly Spicy

To date, Sleet Kitten remains her most popular work—getting as high as number 13 on Amazon’s Top 100 List. And that scene that inspired her writing career— the “kiss cam scene”—has been the one that readers have responded to more than any other she has ever written, Tilly says.

Tilly notes that her books will generally feature curvy or plus-size female leads, alpha males and insta-love. While all of her books are firmly in the romance genre, each series differs in the amount of “heat” generated on the page. Fair warning: These books might not be for the clutch-your-pearls crowd. The Sleet series is sweeter, funnier and more tame. The Sin series is spicier and suspenseful with mafia undertones. The Darling series is Tilly’s boldest and spiciest to date as she explores romance between characters with a sizeable age gap.

Tilly first got into reading romance books in her 20s when her mother (a librarian) introduced her to the genre. And it’s her mother who gets the first glance at everything Tilly writes. “Every morning, she sends me her notes,” Tilly says. “If I don’t want to be annoyed with her, I have to write.” So that’s just what she does—every evening into the wee hours of the morning. “I just want to keep writing,” she says. “With every book, I get better.”

Written by Mollee Francisco

SISTERS LAUNCH STARTUP THAT OFFERS LUXURY PARTIES AND EXPERIENCES.

Photo: Brooke Elisabeth Studio

When it comes to putting together a soirée guaranteed to trigger “ooohs and aaahs” from guests and generate oodles of “likes” on social media, perhaps no one does it better than Minnetrista resident Brittany Kozan and her twin sister, Tiffany Ohotto.

The dynamic duo behind Tiffany’s Picnic and Parties specializes in whimsical picnic and sleepover experiences. Their Plymouth-based business is not quite two years old, but it continues to grow with new customers finding the business through word of mouth and others being drawn in by the dazzling photos of their work on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

“We’ve always been very creative,” Kozan says. “Even when we were young, we were always trying to make special experiences.” Ohotto says, “We love to make things memorable.”

While party planning has long been a passion for the creative sisters, it hit a fever pitch when they each started having their own children. “We always went all out,” Ohotto says, of putting together birthday parties for their children. “We’ve always liked décor.” As they planned one over-the-top fête after another for their kids, family and friends took notice and started asking them to plan their baby and wedding showers, birthday parties and more.

In July 2021, in the midst of the pandemic, the sisters took the plunge and launched Tiffany’s Picnic and Parties. “We dove in head first,” Kozan says.

With a collection of 10 cotton teepeestyle tents and a host of rugs, fairy lights and throw pillows, they started offering whimsical picnics during Minnesota’s temperate seasons. Customers booked their picnics to celebrate and host everything from birthdays to baby showers to romantic dinner dates. By fall, the women expanded their collection of tents and added luxury sleepover experiences, complete with mattresses, festive bedding and games. It proved to be a fruitful move that kept them busy during the colder months and afforded some

Photo: Brooke Elisabeth Studio

insurance against bad weather.

The party planning generally starts a couple weeks or even months prior to the event date with a phone call with clients to discuss logistics. “The sooner the better,” Kozan says, especially if the duo needs to source things for the party. The sisters can generally tackle picnics for up to 30 attendees. They have done picnics to celebrate Mother’s Day, bridal showers, graduation parties and even proposals.

Picnics include dried or fresh floral arrangements, sparkling lemonade or water, games, tableware and décor. They have an assortment of throw pillows, rugs, seating and umbrellas to tie into most themes. “We have a lot of inventory, but we can source items, too,” Kozan says.

The sisters offer a selection of themed picnics, including a Sweetheart Package, Pretty in Pink and Vintage Boho, but they say they are always open to new

themes or client customization. “There are endless possibilities with what you can do,” Kozan says. (Her favorite: a Bridgerton-style tea party.) But if clients don’t have an idea in mind, the sisters are ready to step in with a plan. “I love the creativity. It’s so fun to bring a vision to life,” Ohotto says.

While they don’t provide food, the team will pick up and deliver preordered food and also work with different charcuterie-focused businesses. Some clients prepare their own food. Regardless, the goal is to create a completely hassle-free event. On the day of the event, Ohotto and Kozan take care of delivery and setup. Ohotto says she doesn’t leave until everything is in its place, and the vision is complete. “I’m a perfectionist,” she says. The next day, Ohotto and Kozan return and take it all down. (They operate within a 20-mile radius of Plymouth but will travel beyond that range for a fee.)

At left: Tiffany Ohotto

Above: Brittany Kozan and Tiffany Ohotto

Photo: Tiffany’s Picnic and Parties

The process is much the same for sleepovers, though they tend to be smaller events for a younger crowd. The typical sleepover size is four to eight attendees with most between the ages of 7 and 11. Ohotto has found that most people’s homes can comfortably accommodate four of the teepee setups with full-size air mattresses. (Prices start at $200 for a two-teepee setup. Each additional tent costs $50. Ohotto also charges a $50 damage deposit.)

Clients can select one of the established themes with boho, unicorn (most popular), sports and camping vibes or collaborate with Ohotto and Kozan to customize their sleepover experience. During the holidays, clients can choose from seasonal themes like The Grinch or Let it Snow.

Ohotto says her favorite part of the job is seeing the reactions to the magical scenes they’ve created. “I had one

sleepover where the mom was surprising her daughter, and she let me stick around when her daughter saw the setup. She was so excited. She was screaming. I thought to myself, ‘How lucky am I?’”

Those moments give the sisters hope for their business’s future. Right now, Ohotto and Kozan continue to work their day jobs. (Kozan is a sleep technician, and Ohotto’s background is in teaching.) They dream of turning the party planning into a full-time gig. “I do think there’s potential for this,” Kozan says. “It would be amazing to do this full time,” Ohotto says.

As much as they enjoy party planning, the sisters love spending time together more. “We’re absolute best friends,” Kozan says. “We talk on the phone five to 10 times a day. Any more time we can spend together is a bonus.”

Tiffany’s Picnic and Parties; 763.233.8976; tiffanyspicnicandparties.com

Tiffany’s Picnic and Parties @tiffanyspicnicandparties

Photos: Tiffany’s Picnic and Parties

Left: Individualizing event themes is one of the planners’ strengths.

Right: Creating elevated experiences is the finishing touch to any event.

Written by Renée Stewart-Hester Photos by Chris Emeott

Couple enjoys the dock and dine experience served around Lake Minnetonka.

“She’s turning a lot of heads on the lake,” Molly Golden says. Do tell. Who is she? Gatsby, as she’s known, joined the nautical lineup of Lake Minnetonka in 2021. Golden and her boyfriend, Robin Alton, purchased the StanCraft watercraft—a stunner— while traveling out West.

Gatsby (28 feet) sports a Viper V-10 engine (500 horsepower) and can seat six passengers with two sets of foldout rumble seats located at the bow and stern. “We purchased the boat during the summer of 2021

after visiting Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho,” Golden says. “As first-time visitors, my boyfriend and I were amazed at all the wood boats we were seeing out on the lake, many of which were built by the local wood boat company, [StanCraft Boat Company]. After doing some inquiring, we ended up at the StanCraft manufacturing center and got a tour of where and how these gorgeous boats were made. There just happened to be a new boat on the show floor that we fell in love with. We

had casually been in the market for a wood boat for several years, but nothing had ever sparked our interest—until then.”

The following spring, the StanCraft team helped arrange for the boat to be transported via a boat trailer to Lake Minnetonka. “Quite the road trip for our new boat,” Golden says. Thanks to a new lift and canopy added to Golden and Alton’s dock, Gatsby lives her best life on Lake Minnetonka’s Crystal Bay during open water season.

Going from “ship to shore” doesn’t always have to include beach coverups and nonslip footwear. While cocktail attire doesn’t read lake life, one can certainly level up boat wear with locally available togs that are functional and speak to the Lake Minnetonka vibe.

Golden enjoys representing the lake with a line of Lake Minnetonka sweaters by Ellsworth+Ivey. Available in ivory and navy on Golden’s website and at Northern Drift. $120

Elements also from Northern Drift include:

» Vintage Boat Pullover

Available in mauve. $59

» Mackinac 1/4 Zip

Available in navy/white stripe and solid navy. $80

» Vintage Boating Pullover

Available in sea foam. $59

» Recycled PVC Woven Tote

Available in navy/white stripe and a variety of other colors. $95

» Minnetonka Baseball Hat

Available in royal and navy. $35

Golden Girl Travel; goldengirltravel.com

Golden Girl Travel

@goldengirltravel

@goldengirl_blog

Northern Drift; 260 Water St., Excelsior; northerndriftco.com

Northern Drift

@northern_drift

Pictured: Molly Golden, Robin Alton, Beau Alton and Alexa Heller

One of the beauties of this area is the way in which residents and visitors alike utilize Lake Minnetonka for recreation, relaxation and access to some of the area’s beloved dining haunts.

Locals are well-versed when it comes to packing the perfect cooler for beachside or on-the-water picnicking and the like. “I love packing up my cooler with some beverages and snacks

for a long sunset cruise,” Golden says. “We enjoy puttering around the smaller bays in the western half of [Lake Minnetonka] where there is less traffic and beautiful sunset views.”

And when the occasion calls for cutting the engine, docking and heading to a local dining spot, Golden is on board. “We love taking Gatsby to coffee in the morning,” she says. “That’s probably our favorite. The lake is like glass, and we cut right through it like butter. We dock at Wayzata Public Docks and walk over to The Grocer’s Table for breakfast. The Wayzata Public Docks are in

a great location, and we enjoy heading there in the evening for dinner on CōV’s patio, Gianni’s [Steakhouse] or one of the other great restaurants we have in Wayzata. We also enjoy taking her to Lord Fletcher’s for a local favorite, burger night (Mondays during the summer).”

For other dining spots that are accessible via dock service or by a quick walk from your parked boat, consider our partial list, which can be found at lakeminnetonkamag.com. Be sure to contact establishments for information about takeout/delivery menus, water access and more.

Excelsior

Metered docking is available in the Port of Excelsior just off of Water Street in Excelsior Bay.

Mound

Free boat docking is offered off of Cooks Bay (Lost Lake).

Wayzata

Boat docking is available at the Depot Docks (left side of town, looking from the lake to the shoreline) and Broadway Docks (right side of town, looking from the lake to the shoreline). These docks are not metered, and the Broadway Docks are typically staffed during summer weekends. Note: Be mindful of potential construction coming this summer that will impact dock accessibility. Pending City Council decisions this spring, the Panoway Project could move forward with the construction of the boardwalk. The city’s goal is to keep the docks open as much as possible during this project, but visitors should visit wayzata.org regularly to stay up to date on its availability.

Molly Golden, travel and lifestyle blogger at goldengirltravel.com

Why does anything taste just a little better when it’s served near or on the water? While sipping spirits can be enjoyable before dining, safety is a priority when it comes to boating. Enjoy these lovely mocktails while motoring beneath the land of sky blue water. Prep work can be done at home.

Honeydew, Cucumber and Mint Soda

» 2 1/2 lbs. honeydew melon, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 6 cups)

» 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and coarsely chopped

» 1/3 cup packed mint leaves, extra for garnishes

» pinch of kosher salt

» 3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

» club soda or sparkling water

In a blender, puree honeydew, cucumbers, mint and salt until smooth. Strain the pulp through a finemesh sieve into a large bowl. To keep the juice clear (instead of cloudy), avoid pressing on the solids as you strain. Stir in the lime juice, and let the mixture chill. When you’re ready to serve, pour the honeydew mixture over ice in four glasses, and top each with sparkling water or club soda. Garnish with mint sprigs, and serve. —farmersalmanac.com

Virgin White Peach Sangria

(pictured above)

» 1 qt. white grape juice

» 1/2 cup orange juice

» 12 oz. peach nectar

» 1 cup sliced fresh peaches

» 12 oz. sparkling water, mineral water or club soda

Put the peaches in a large pitcher, and add juices and nectar. Chill for several hours. When ready to serve, add the water of choice. Pour over ice, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary. —farmersalmanac.com

Take Note: A sudden wave can easily knock beverages out of cup holders or boaters’ hands and onto the deck or seats. For cleanup purposes, be mindful of drink ingredients that lean heavily toward a stain factor. Consider inviting a bottle or two of club soda, which can serve as a mixer and stain buster.

Improve your water quality, restore water oriented activities and increase the value of your property by controlling aquatic nuisance weeds this year. Aquacide products will help manage your recreational lake or pond to make the most of your property’s potential.

Aquacide Company

Serving Minnesota Lakeshores 1.800.328.9350

killlakeweeds.com

Experiencing pain or health problems that won’t go away?

Dr. Lee uses acupuncture and herbs to reduce pain and optimize your health. Book your appointment today to start your natural and holistic journey to a healthier, pain free life.

Dr. Lee Acupuncture Clinic 1907 Wayzata Blvd. Suite 170, Wayzata 763.691.9570 aculee.us

Exceptional People

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English Rose 952.983.0412

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Top Shave Lounge has got you covered. Book your appointment online or stop in for quality products.

The Top Shave Lounge

12993 Ridgedale Drive Suite 134

612.284.7227

thetopshavelounge.com

Wayzata Bay Car Wash is locally owned and operated in the heart of downtown Wayzata. We strive to lead the industry in top-of-the-line equipment and exemplary customer service.

Wayzata Bay Car Wash

143 Lake St. E. 952.473.4033

wayzatabaycarwash.com

Eco-friendly lake weed removal and shoreline restoration services for residential and commercial clients.

Early Bird Scheduling Discount!

Schedule by May 31st for $100 off your 1st service!

Scuba Weed Control 612.968.8764

scubaweedcontrol.com

scubaweedcontrol@gmail.com

NATIONAL BIKE MONTH

Minnetonka celebrates with a scavenger hunt and more events.

MAY IS NATIONAL BIKE MONTH , and the City of Minnetonka is marking the event with its a scavenger hunt, which runs the entire month of May. Participants (on bikes!) can search for various landmarks in Hopkins and Minnetonka.

At each landmark, cyclists are asked to take a photo of themselves and their bikes and submit it to Ann Davy at adavy@minnetonkamn.gov. There are chances to win prizes from various local businesses.

Other activities include the Mountain Bike Opener, which is set from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. on May 20 at Lone Lake Park, 5624 Shady Oak Road, Minnetonka. The Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists will be there for a day of biking fun. “In celebrating Bike Month, we will also be celebrating the start of the mountain biking season,” says Sara Woeste, assistant recreation director for the City of Minnetonka. There will be vendors, mountain bike demos, group rides and clinics. —Megan Hegenbarth

Additional information is available at minnetonkamn.gov.

LOCAL EVENTS

Excelsior Bay Concert Series

05/06, 05/13, 05/20

Listen to the music of Neil Diamond, Prince and the Rolling Stones as a part of the Excelsior Bay Concert tribute band concert series. All ages. Prices vary.

7:30 p.m. Old Log Theatre, 5185 Meadville St., Excelsior; 952.474.5951; oldlog.com

Tapping History: Excelsior School

05/08

Historian Scott McGinnis gives a tour of various Excelsior school buildings, from grade schools to colleges. People of all

Compiled by Hailey Almsted and Clare Greeman

ages are invited to travel back to their school years and beyond. All ages. Free. 7–9 p.m. Excelsior Brewing Company, 421 Third St., Excelsior; 952.221.4766; elmhs.org

South Lake Minnetonka

Community Wide Garage Sale

05/12–05/14

Spend a weekend hopping from garage sales all over the community. Sales will be locatable on an interactive map spanning Shorewood, Deephaven, Greenwood, Tonka Bay and Excelsior. All ages. Free. Times vary. Locations vary. 952.607.7568; excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber.com

Donut Dash 5K

05/13

Participants can enjoy snacks, music and relaxation before a picturesque 5K with proceeds benefiting Eagle Ridge Academy. Ages 10 and older. Tickets start at $35. 7:15–10 a.m. Eagle Ridge Academy, 11111 Bren Road W., Minnetonka; 952.746.7760; eagleridgeacademy.org

Memorial Day Oak Hill Cemetery Tour

05/29

Commemorate Memorial Day with a tour of the historical Oak Hill Cemetery. All ages. Free. Noon–1 p.m. Oak Hill Cemetery, Excelsior Blvd., Excelsior; 952.221.4766; elmhs.org

AREA EVENTS

Kavakos, Bach and Brahms

05/11–05/12

Renowned violinist Leonidas Kavakos returns to the Twin Cities, playing Bach’s Violin Concerto No. 1 and conducting the Minnesota Orchestra though Brahms’ grand First Symphony All ages. Tickets starting at $30. Times vary. The Minnesota Orchestra, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.; 612.371.5600; minnesotaorchestra.org

Wild Symphony

05/14

The Encore Wind Ensemble will play Dan Brown’s Wild Symphony All ages. Free. 3–4 p.m. Messiah United Methodist, 17805 County Road 6, Plymouth; encorewinds.com

Women Run

05/20

events in the Twin Cities for an empowering 5K with a brunch bar complete with mimosas waiting at the finish line. All ages. Prices vary. 8:45 a.m.–noon. Minnehaha Park, 4801 S. Minnehaha Drive, Mpls.; 651.281.7700; tcmevents.org

Disney Animation: Immersive Experience

Through 06/11

Step inside the world of new and old Disney stories; sing with Elsa and go on an adventure in Zootopia inside of this immersive exhibit. All ages. Prices vary. Times vary. Lighthouse Immersive, 1515 Central Ave., Mpls.; 844.307.4644.; lighthouseimmersive.com

An American Tail the Musical

Through 06/18

The heartfelt and fun musical tells the tale of Fivel Mousekewitz fleeing Russia, being separated from his family and encountering friends and foes as an immigrant to New York. All ages. Prices vary. Times vary. Children’s Theatre Company, 2400 Third Ave., Mpls.; 612.874.0400; childrenstheatre.org

Never miss an issue of Lake Minnetonka Magazine with free, anytime access to our digital editions. Full screen viewing on your digital device allows easy cover-to-cover reading. Share your favorite Lake Minnetonka Magazine articles with friends and family.

Learn

To have your event considered: email lakeminnetonkamag@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. lakeminnetonkamag.com

Written by Renée Stewart-Hester

Photos by Chris Emeott

Laurel Famigletti

WHO’S READY to tackle a 1,000hour outdoor goal? A movement to replace screentime with outdoor time is gaining traction. While it appears to focus on children and families, spending more time under the sky just makes sense for everyone.

There are more ways to spend time outside than we have space to write. Given the miles worth of walk/bike/hike trails that hug our communities, let’s start there. One of the first steps to prepping for a trail adventure should be addressing fuel—nutritionally speaking. And, let’s be honest, making those pre- and mid-walk/ bike/hike breaks taste a little bit better can ramp up the fun factor.

To note: We’re not talking about the “serious” or hardcore adventure seeker, who needs to monitor caloric intake, insulin counts and the like. That’s an article for another day. For our purposes, we are focusing on “light” activity, which also requires energy boosters and hydration sources.

To that end, regular contributors to our front-of-the-magazine section’s Noteworthy Taste and Move columns, Spencer Olson (thewoodenspoonchef. com) and Laurel Famigletti, took a walk farther along in our magazine to visit the Tastemakers section. Here, they offer some tips and recipes to help boost energy and hydration as you enjoy the greater outdoors.

“Learning how to fuel ourselves and recover to help support this activity is important to feel our best,” Famigletti says. As owner of EndorP.H.I.T, providing virtual group fitness classes, in-home personal training and virtual nutrition coaching, she has ideas on how to keep hydrated and fueled for the hot, sunny days ahead.

Before

• Eat one hour prior to an activity, giving your body ample time to digest.

• Focus on carbohydrate/protein combinations. The carbohydrate will be stored in your body as glycogen, which is your body’s most accessible form of energy. The protein will help build muscle and enhance recovery.

• Tip: Try 1 cup oatmeal with berries and almonds; eggs with whole grain toast; turkey and cheese on a tortilla; or a banana and 1 Tbsp. nut butter on whole grain toast.

PICTURE THIS

While you’re out on your local adventure, take some photos—of natural flora and fauna, local landmarks, you and your family or friends on the move, abstract visuals and more! Our annual photo contest, Lens on Lake Minnetonka, is expanding this year by running in July and August at lakeminnetonkamag.com. Share your photographic points of view. See. Snap. Send.

On the Road Recipes

Honey Cucumber Water

Contributed by Olson

Honey has been utilized as a natural sweetener long before sugar was used— the good news is you can use less honey than sugar in recipes. One part honey is equal to about 1 1/4–1 1/2 parts sugar. Honey can also carry nutrients via the bees. With vitamin C from the lemon and antioxidants from the cucumber, this refreshing recipe is perfect for any activity.

• 4 cups water

• 2 Tbsp. honey

• 10 tsp. lemon juice

• 6 cucumber slices

• 10 mint leaves

• sparkling mineral water, optional

In a large bowl or pitcher, combine and mix all the ingredients. Let the water infuse for at least three hours or longer. Pass through a sieve, and enjoy.

Note: If using sparkling mineral water, combine the infused water and mineral water in this ratio: 3/4 infused water to ¼ sparkling mineral water.

During

• If you are active for longer than one hour, fuel up during the activity to give you extra energy.

• Focus on simple carbohydrates, which are easy to digest, water and electrolytes.

• Tip: Try a protein bar (low sugar, high protein); water with electrolytes; and pretzels.

After

• Capitalize on the “recovery window” when your body is more accepting of nutrients for rebuilding and repair. This window is within 30 minutes after exercise. Grab a quick snack during this window and then aim for a meal within two hours.

• Tip: Focus on a protein/carbohydrate/ fat combination. The protein will help to repair and build muscles, and the carbohydrate will replenish energy.

Honey Fruit Bars

Contributed by Olson

This recipe takes advantage of spring honey, protein in nuts and antioxidants in coconut. Nearly every ingredient in this bar is packed with health benefits, from rich potassium to fruits that help us hydrate. Chocolate can be rich in antioxidants. If you choose to take this bar into nature on a hot summer’s day, it may be best to put it in a lunch box (cooler) to prevent the chocolate from melting; even without chocolate, though, the fruit, nuts and honey are a perfect combination for the outdoors.

• 1/4 cup coconut, shredded

• 1/2 cup dried figs, roughly chopped

• 1/2 cup apricots, roughly chopped

• 1/4 cup raisins

• 3 tsp. fresh ginger, grated

• 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped

• 1/2 cup almonds, slice

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 12 oz. 70 percent dark chocolate, optional

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F, and line a 9x9 baking pan with parchment paper. In a medium mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients, except the chocolate. Mix and knead the ingredients together using your hands until they can hold a shape. If the mixture is too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it comes together. Once the mixture comes together, press it into the prepared pan, roughly half an inch deep. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until the surface begins to turn golden brown. Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, and pour on the dark chocolate (if using). Let the bars sit in the pan for about two hours or until the chocolate hardens (if using). Slice, and serve.

Note: If using chocolate, melt it in a double boiler (no higher than 115 degrees F). Let it cool slightly before using. If you are not using dark chocolate, the recipe will turn more into a trail mix texture.

WOMEN’S HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN THE TWIN CITIES

At OBGYN West we are passionate about delivering high-quality women’s health care. No matter what stage of life you are in, our physicians are here to provide individualized, compassionate care. Our physicians and physician assistants provide a variety of services including adolescence care, pregnancy care, screening mammograms, infertility, menopause, urinary incontinence, sexual health, pelvic pain and genetic cancer screening.

Whether it’s your teen’s first annual exam, a new baby’s on the way or you’re facing the special challenges of middle age, OBGYN West is with you ever step of the way.

Ourprovidersofferpersonalizedcompassionate careforallyourwomen’shealthcareneeds.This includesadolescentcare,infertility,obstetrics, gynecology,incontinenceissues,weightloss, ob/gynphysicaltherapy,andmenopause. Maintainingstrong,caringrelationshipswithour patientsisimportant.AtOBGYNWest,youwill findaproviderthatwillbewithyoueverystepof theway.

952.249.2000

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Weofferconvenienteveninghours atallofourlocations. Chaska

Toft,MD MatthewA. Weinrich,MD SarahM. Talbott,PA-C RebekahA. Roverud,PA-C JenniferL. Smolinski,MD GreggA. Teigen,MD

SECOND PLACE: CITY LANDMARKS

Lens on Lake Minnetonka

A favorite landmark inspires Orono resident.

“I WAS STRUCK BY THE VIBRANT COLOR of the boats and the sky that late afternoon,” says Berit Francis of Orono. “What also struck me was the reflection of the masts in the water. Because of the waves, the masts almost resembled white ropes in the water.”

Photographer: Berit Francis

Title: Sail Seeker

Equipment: iPhone

Location: Near the Wayzata Yacht Club

To view other Lens on Lake Minnetonka photo contest winners, visit lakeminnetonkamag.com.