7 minute read
Noteworthy
Get better acquainted with our annual readers’ poll.
By Editorial Staff
OUR READERS’ POLL is an annual favorite for many of our readers, who look forward to supporting local businesses and service providers with their votes. Additionally, the results serve as a great reference point for area residents in search of new dining venues, retail spots, services and more around the Valley area.
If you’re new to the Best of St. Croix Valley readers’ poll or just curious about the process, read along to discover the ins and outs, so you’re ready to vote next year!
VOTING WAS OPEN ONLINE DURING JANUARY WITH THREE SIMPLE RULES*:
1. One entry was allowed per person; each ballot needed to include an email address. 2. Ballots must have been completed by 5 p.m. January 31, 2022. 3. Voters needed to vote in at least five categories to ensure their ballot was counted.
*Any rule not adhered to may have resulted in entire surveys being discarded, and all results were subject to editorial discretion.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? HERE ARE THE ANSWERS TO SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How do you choose the categories? Each year, our editorial and management teams evaluate survey categories to include topics our readers find most relevant. We always consider feedback from our readers and appreciate hearing about categories you’d like to see added or eliminated.
How does voting work? This year, we included an all write-in ballot, so our voters could easily make their top choices. Once voting closed, tabulators determined which businesses were the top three vote-getters.
What’s a finalist vs. a winner? The top three vote-getters in each category become finalists and are announced in the spring on our website, and the top vote-getter is the winner and is announced in the summer on our website and in our magazine. Once votes are tabulated, our editorial team fact-checks the address and contact information for each finalist. If a finalist is no longer a valid selection due to a closed business, etc., the next highest vote-getter(s) moves up to become a finalist.
Can a business or organization be a finalist if it’s located outside of the magazine’s coverage area? In order to qualify as a finalist in the survey, each business or organization must be located in the community and/or provide services to local residents.
I’m a business owner. How can I get on next year’s ballot? We recommend encouraging people, including your clients or customers, to vote for your business in our next readers’ poll, which goes live on our website in January 2023.
TASTE
Stella Snacks
I’ve written many recipes for loved ones over the years: sister, daughter, son, husband, mother-in-law, best friend and so on. However, there is one very special friend I’ve yet to write for, even cook for—until now.
This furry friend came into my life at what should have been a hard—very hard—time. In the midst of 2020, while preparing to send my oldest off to college, sheltering in place and all that came with that, I found the support I needed in my sweet Boo Boo Baby, or as most people know her, Stella, my cavapoo (cavalier King Charles spaniel-miniature poodle).
Those who know me well were beyond shocked when I brought Stella home with me. I’ve said over and over that I’d never have a pet in my house, to the point where my 14-yearold son once didn’t speak to me for two days. But, 2020 changed all that, and I actually came to deeply understand the concept of therapy dogs. She’s one loved little baby and is always there whenever any of us needs a snuggle, a walk, a chat or—my favorite—a nap. In the last two years she’s grown from a tiny pup to grownup Stella Bella.
I’m particularly fastidious about what Stella eats. She doesn’t get table scraps of any kind— and we’re picky about her food and treats (more so than I probably was with my actual children). But, in return for all Stella has given me and my family and to celebrate her second birthday on June 6, I finally created a recipe just for her.
My recipe for Stella Snacks is really simple, made from clean, dog-safe ingredients that I know she loves (carrots and apples, with a little sweet potato mixed in). I make them in dog bone-shaped silicone molds, but Stella wouldn’t care if they were hearts, fish or teddy bears; you could even roll them out and use cookie cutters. Baby food makes them super easy to prepare, but you can certainly purée your own combination of dog-safe vegetables or fruits and use either whole wheat or oat flour to create a custom snack for your own fur baby.
Rachael Perron is the culinary and brand director for Kowalski’s Markets, where she specializes in product development and selection, culinary education and communications. Find Perron’s recipe for Stella Snacks on our website at woodburymag.com.
C’mon out... is is the place to make you smile. Come to Pine Tree’s Strawberry Heaven Season is mid June to early July
(Closed between strawberries and apples). Apples, Apples, Apples
Apples for Everybody Fresh apples and apple pies available mid August
PINE TREE APPLE ORCHARD 651.429.7202 | www.pinetreeappleorchard.com North of White Bear Lake off East Hwy. 96 See our website for our calendar of events and seasonal hours
Discover the most
INNOVATIVE
approach to UROGYNECOLOGY
Bladder leakage, pelvic pain, prolapse, and other pelvic floor conditions can really impact your life. If you are struggling with a condition that keeps you from doing what you love, we can help.
At Minnesota Women’s Care, we develop individualized treatment plans using a full range of non-surgical treatment options and pelvic strengthening programs from WomanWorx - our new pelvic floor and women’s fitness center. When surgery is necessary, we use the most advanced surgical techniques - ones that are known to provide for a faster recovery.
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Melvin Ashford, MD Rachel Warnsholz, PA-C Rachel Tank, DNP MINNESOTA WOMEN’S CARE
Visit www.mnwcare.com · Phone 651-600-3035 Maplewood · Woodbury · Hudson · Apple Valley
STYLE
The Best of Style: The Denim Jacket
My go-to, favorite layering piece is a denim jacket. A denim jacket is a classic piece that fits all styles, budgets and seasons. This versatile piece can be layered over tank tops and dresses in the summer and lightweight sweaters or long sleeve tees in the cooler months. Dress it up with a pair of fun, statement earrings and this season’s go-to strappy sandal, or pair it with an oversized scarf and classic white sneakers for a celebrity-inspired everyday look. It is one easy piece to have in your closet for that effortlessly put together look so many are trying to achieve.
While you may not need to have a collection of denim jackets as large as mine, it is a piece I am recommending time and time again to clients and friends alike. A few of my favorite brands for the perfect denim jacket fit are Paige, Hudson and Free People.
Alexandra Eve is a local stylist and wardrobe consultant. To learn more, visit alexandraeve.net.
SIP
Kid Friendly
It’s the weekend. You have friends coming over, and they are bringing their kids. You have food and cocktails planned, but what are you giving the kids? How about something other than pop?
My new favorite is Mixly, locally made mixers that feature flavors, including cucumber, mint and lime; grapefruit and jalapeño; coconut, ginger and lime; pineapple, basil and lime; and strawberry and rhubarb.
While they mix well with spirits (gin, tequila, vodka or whiskey), the mixers can also pair well with club soda or lemon-lime soda for the younger set or those who prefer alcohol-free beverages.
Mixly is a new staple to my bar cart—great and simple for adults and the kids. Weekends just got easier.
John F. Farrell III is vice president of sales and merchandising with Haskell’s The Wine People. Find more at haskells.com.
THANKS FOR
40 YEARS Celebrating YOUR WINNING CARE!” – Jessie Diggins,
of Smiles!US Ski Team Athlete, patient of Dr. Renee
Ask about our Smile Saver Plan. No insurance? No worries.
PATIENT APPRovEd & NEW PATIENTS WELCoME
George J. Kinney, Jr DDS, Renee M. Kinney, DDS, Thomas J. Musser, DDS
NEW PATIENT CLEANING, EXAM & X-RAYS ONLY $79!
Excludes periodontal treatment
