Edina - October 2023

RENOVATION 911

Edina natives co-host hit emergency restoration show and flip HGTV model “upside down” in the process

BACK PAIN

For some of our patients, the goal is playing on a winning team. But you just want your back pain to go away so you can keep your business on track. At TRIA Orthopedics, we’ll treat your back so you can be there for your team. When that happens, it feels like we all win. It’s why you’re treated and how you’re treated by TRIA.

“A long time ago, we might be doing formal living rooms and formal dining rooms, and now, in this cycle of design, we’re just making every room comfortable and lived in … I think that is one of the best things that comes out of the natural texture and just having it flow throughout a house.” —Carrie Ellington, Ellington&Co. Design (page 14)

FROM THE EDITOR

Feroza Mehta — feroza@localmedia.co

October is my favorite month of the year because I absolutely adore Halloween. We are the house on the street with the insane Halloween decorations. Every year, I create a little pathway for the trick-or-treaters out of pumpkin pails illuminated with LED lights. Our lavender bushes have scary eyes that vibrate and growl when people pass by. Inside our home, a massive spider web adorns the foyer. Sadly, the only thing it caught was our cat. (Don’t worry, Pumpkin was absolutely fine.) For our family, we express our joy of every holiday and season with outdoor and interior decor. However, for day-to-day decor, we aren’t very gifted at putting together a room.

And that’s where our homes edition comes in. Like me, I’m sure there are many of you out there who find interior decorating to be a struggle. Or maybe you are an expert who needs inspiration. This issue has a little something for people of all abilities. We are thrilled to highlight the seamless fusion of aesthetics and functionality that texture brings to the world of home decoration. We reached out to two designers to chat about texture, what it means and how it redefines how we perceive and personalize living spaces, elevating the art of interior design to new heights. And they make it simple for those of us who are decor-challenged (page 14 and page 20).

Our featured getaway, the enchanting Nordlys Lodging (page 26), offers an immersive retreat amid nature’s embrace. Nestled among breathtaking landscapes, these remarkable cabins beckon those seeking tranquility and adventure alike.

We delve into the story of the sisters behind the hit HGTV show, Renovation 911, shedding light on their expertise in transforming devastated houses into dream homes. Their remarkable journey exemplifies dedication, skill and a true passion for turning visions into reality (page 32).

I’m also excited to revisit two local gardeners we spoke to last May about how to plant a garden with the intention of canning and pickling produce grown. Now that it’s fall, those same gardeners are going to share their tips about canning and pickling a harvest (page 42).

As we navigate through these pages, let’s celebrate the artistry and craftsmanship that continue to shape our homes and gardens. Warmly,

Photo: Chris Emeott

EDINA PSYCHOLOGY

PSYCHOLOGY specializes in psychotherapy, including EMDR and psychological evaluations.Our provider, Dr. Christina Hansen Cohen, has been practicing for 15 years, in caring for children and adults. She enjoys helping patients achieve mental healing in a confidential and modern outpatient setting.

Dr. Christina Hansen Cohen, Psy.D., LP

publisher

Susan Isay

editor

Feroza Mehta

managing creative director

Renée Stewart-Hester

managing editor

Hailey Almsted

digital editor

Madeline Kopiecki

copy editors

Kellie Doherty

Sherri Hildebrandt

staff writers

Jody Carey

Zoe Yates

Mollee Francisco

Emily Gedde

Daniel Huss

Jennifer Pitterle

Rachel Schuehle

Josie Smith

Kristie Smith

contributing writers

Tina Bohrer

Alison Perrier Briggs

Sarah Davis

Taylor Ellingson

Megan Maynor

Maureen Millea Smith

Amy Overgaard

Jasmine Brett Stringer

Laura Westlund

editorial interns

Macy Berendsen

Lily Schlobohm

editorial advisory board

Dick Crockett, Edina Community Foundation

Daphne Edwards, director of marketing and communications, Edina Public Schools

Shelly Loberg, Edina Chamber of Commerce

Jasmine Brett Stringer, Carpe Diem with Jasmine

Erin Zosel, Sloane’s Beauty Bar and Zosel & Coleman Real Estate Group

senior managing art director

Sarah Dovolos

art director

Allison Nolden

graphic designer

Yaz Lo

junior designer

Jamie Klang

lead staff photographer

Chris Emeott

production director

Brittni Dye

production manager

Lisa Stone

production coordinator

Mimi Coz

senior account executives

Cynthia Hamre

Mary-Catherine Hartel

Sara Johnson

Abbie Kinn

Kathie Smith president Pete Burgeson

Proceeds benefit:

OCTOBER 8TH • 10:00AM - 1:30PM THE WESTIN EDINA GALLERIA

Mimosas, pop-up-shops, brunch and a fashion show featuring 50th & France, Galleria and Southdale Center

FROM ORCHARD TO OVEN

ONE OF MY FALL bucket list items every year is to go to an apple orchard. It keeps getting more and more fun as the kids get older, and they also become more helpful gathering apples. The more helpful they are, the more apples we end up with, which means more apple recipes.

This recipe is a delicious way to use up orchard apples. My secret to a delectable and moist apple cake: shredding the apples. They melt into the cinnamon-spiced cake and don’t take away from the outstanding cream cheese frosting.

Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

For the Apple Cake

» 4 Granny Smith apples, shredded

» ½ cup canola oil

» 2 cups granulated sugar

» 2 large eggs

» 2 tsp. cinnamon, ground

» 1 tsp. baking soda

» ½ tsp. nutmeg, ground

» ½ tsp. salt

» ¼ tsp. allspice, ground

» 2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

» 8 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature

» 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, room temperature

» 3 cups powdered sugar

» 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

» 1–2 Tbsp. milk

» ½ tsp. salt

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together

the oil, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Stir in the cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, salt and allspice. Add the flour, and stir until combined. The batter will be thick. Fold in the shredded apples. Spread the cake batter into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes. The top will be brown and the middle should be baked through. Cool completely, about 1 hour. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla and milk. Spread over the cooled bars. Cut into squares. Enjoy.

Taylor Ellingson’s blog, Greens and Chocolate, has recipes ranging from healthy dinners and sides to desserts and drinks. You can also find her cookbooks on Amazon. Greens and Chocolate @greensnchocolate @greenschocolate

Photo: Taylor Ellingson

Being Present is its own Present

I imagine you and I are a lot alike, and our lives often revolve around schedules and to-do lists, even during vacations. But what if we allowed ourselves to take a trip without an agenda or checklist, embracing the freedom of going with the flow?

I recently had the opportunity to experience this during two long weekends spent with friends at their cabins. Being someone who didn’t grow up with such experiences, these weekends felt truly special and unique. I cherished the moments of simply being, without the

pressure of accomplishing anything specific. It allowed me to connect with loved ones in a simple yet profound way, savoring every moment of joy and love.

You may not have a cabin or friends with cabins, and that’s all right. I want to encourage you to be open to magical experiences that stem from “Just Being” on your future trips. Carpe Diem . Seize the day, and open yourself up to the possibility of a magical experience from just being on a future trip. Give the gift of freedom by allowing yourself and your

family to be present in the moment and flow with whatever unfolds

So, whether it’s a long weekend at a cabin or any other kind of trip, make room for “Just Being,” and relish the joy that can unfold when we allow life to guide us.

Edina resident Jasmine Brett Stringer is a professional keynote speaker, on-air lifestyle expert, author and founder of Carpe Diem with Jasmine and #ShareTheMicMN Find her on Instagram @carpediemjbs or jasminebrettstringer.com.

Photo: Jasmine Brett Stringer

Jasmine Brett Stringer (right) with her friends enjoying a boat ride on an agenda-less long weekend.

READ Spooky Shenanigans

Do you have a new reader in your life who loves funny stories? If so, they may be ready to dig into the Pizza and Taco series from Minneapolis author/illustrator Stephen Shaskan.

Pizza and Taco are, in fact, a slice of pizza and a taco who are best friends. In each book, they reestablish their friendship via a new adventure, such as hosting a party, creating comics or forming a rock band. Pizza and Taco: Dare to Be Scared is just in time for Halloween.

In this latest installment, Pizza and Taco dare each other to be scared. After trying to get spooked by the dark or a scary movie like Night of the Living Bread, they decide to go ghost pepper hunting.

Graphic novels (a story told in illustrated panels, similar to comics) for early readers have really taken off in the last few years. With simple text and lots of space for hilarious illustrations, these books are inviting and rewarding for new readers—a great way to build confidence and laugh your face off, too.

Officially for ages 5 to 8, I can attest some of these jokes are funny till at least age 49.

Happy spooky reading!

Megan Maynor is a children’s book author, Minnesota Book Award finalist and Minnesota Youth Reading Awards nominee. Read more at meganmaynor.com.

Trunk Show October 13–14

Embracing Natural Textures

Top design trend suits northern seasons.

By Zoe Yates

IN THE NORTH , we face a particular design challenge not experienced in other climes. Though we may change our decor seasonally as summer folds into autumn, crafting a year-round home interior that fits the feeling of each season is paramount.

It’s a topic that came up when we sat down with Carrie Ellington of Ellington&Co. Design to discuss how the Best of Edina 2023 winner incorporates natural textures in her work. Ellington says natural textures like wool, cotton, boucle and wood fit into just about any style—in every season and climate.

“We have a line to balance because whatever we’re doing needs to look nice seasonally,” Ellington says. “Design has to really flow through the seasons, and texture is a nice way to do that.”

We asked Ellington to share her top ways to introduce natural textures into the home.

Statement Lighting

One of Ellington’s signature ways to incorporate natural textures into a room is with lighting fixtures. A woven pendant light, she says, goes a long way in filling space and warming large rooms. “[Chandeliers] come in really beautifully when I can use something that’s got that big of a scale to it,” she says. And now that manufacturers have caught on to the natural textures trends, there is a plethora of options in style, color and scale to suit any room.

Area Rugs and Distinct Flooring

One of the first signs of the natural textures trend came in the form of thick, soft woven and natural jute rugs. These “supporting characters” build

Above: Curtains add an interesting texture.

A woven chandelier is an example of texture in statement lighting.

Photos: Spacecrafting (Builder: John Kraemer and Son’s; Architectural design: Charlie&Co.)

up a room’s story and provide a great means for trying out natural textures. “It doesn’t matter how old you are, how young you are, what kind of style of house you have—there’s a way for [natural textures] to work in anywhere,” she says, adding that one of her favorite recent projects involved textural layering in a laundry room and bathroom with a completely stone floor.

Windows and Walls

Adding window treatments, like woven wood shades or linens, is another simple way to begin to incorporate natural textures into the home. “Woven woods have never been more popular. They’ve been around for forever and a day, and they’re still as popular as ever,” Ellington says.

When you’re ready to take it up a notch, experiment with a textured grasscloth wallpaper. “There’s grasscloth with patterns, there’s heavy textured [and] there’s a little lighter texture,” she says. Level up your drapery with an open weave or a contrasting fabric. “I like mixing in velvets and linens, two opposites really. Velvets are just a good juxtaposition with the more casual and having the fabric be a little more formal.”

Furnishings and Accents

Often, Ellington will bring natural textures in via statement pieces or accents. Boucle or woven wood lounge chairs suit many design styles and tastes. In furnishings, Ellington shares, the industry is incorporating textures in new ways, like in carved dresser drawer fronts. Every addition of texture imbues a feeling of comfort in a space. “I think [interior design today is] more comfortable. It’s not so stiff,” Ellington says. “A long time ago, we might be doing formal living rooms and formal dining rooms and now, in this cycle of design, we’re just making every room comfortable and lived in … I think that is one of the best things that comes out of the natural texture and just having it flow throughout a house.”

Ellington&Co. Design; 612.578.6833; ellingtonandcodesign.com

Ellington&Co. Design

@ellingtonandcodesign

VENTURES

Old Made New Developers of The E breathe new life into corporate space.

By Kristie Smith

WITH POST-PANDEMIC RETURNS to a physical workspace, everyone from employers to building developers have to think differently about space and environment. In fact, research shows workspace and ergonomic factors like noise, lighting, temperature and color are directly related to employee satisfaction and productivity. Which means people are thriving at The E in Edina.

Once the former Regis Corporation Headquarters, located on Metro

Boulevard near Highway 100, this newly renovated building from City Center Realty Partners (CCRP) is all about natural light and high-end amenities designed with tenants and long-term occupancy at the forefront.

“We were purposeful in our renovations,” says Eric Anderson, executive vice president of CCRP. “We looked at the market and the need for Class A commercial space. [We then] took a Class B older building and renovated

Photo: Ryan Siemers

The E is a modern workspace renovated from the old Regis Corporation Headquarters.

every inch to breathe new life into it.”

With a goal to create a boutique office space filled with high-end amenities, the developers also wanted a price point that resonated with tenants. The nine-floor building is anchored by Mitsubishi Capital, with other tenants including the Edina Chamber of Commerce, the Edina Innovation Lab and Therapy Suites, a co-working area for mental health professionals.

“Part of our design intent was to build a lot of spaces where people can come out of their offices and relax in comfort. Our lobby area features work by a local artist, who installed a beautiful mural, and we added a large fireplace and imaginative architectural lighting,” Anderson says. The ground floor includes floor-to-ceiling, 16-foot windows and an expansive pergola, outdoor fireplace and patio, which connects to a regional bike path, and a little lunch spot and cozy seating. The interior and exterior are focused on a welcoming, inclusive, modern-urban vibe.

CCRP is also the developer behind the renovation of the TractorWorks Building in Minneapolis’ North Loop and the Wells Fargo Plaza in Bloomington. “We try to develop as creative a space as possible, something that will differentiate the market,” Anderson says. “We’ve developed in 11 states. Our roots as a company started with repurposing and rejuvenating older urban environments.” He notes that when they took over the TractorWorks building, it was only 40 percent occupied, but the redevelopment was at the foundation of the boom of growth that followed in the North Loop.

Anderson, who lives in Edina and was a former bantam hockey coach, says the City of Edina’s vision and leadership was key to the building’s successful redevelopment. “I think Edina will see a fair amount of growth, thanks to city leadership’s flexibility and interest in working together. I’m excited to see new life breathing into these buildings that have been part of a town we love.”

ENLIGHTEN A Watchful Eye

Local businesses ensure the upkeep of snowbirds’ properties.

By Daniel Huss

UNINVITED, A SNOWY OWL sat perched atop the back of a living room chair, its eyes focused on outside freedom.

The homeowner wasn’t home, nor was there a clear path to reach him. Police were contacted but couldn’t legally enter the house. Staff from a nearby nature center were intrigued but didn’t offer a solution. How did this owl enter the residence? Would there be damage inside the home and how much?

Having discovered the situation, neighbor Tamara Nugteren found herself with a problem without answers. Ultimately, it would lead to an “Aha!” moment.

“My parents have a home-watch service

in Arizona, but there are very few in the Twin Cities and northern climates,” Nugteren says. “There’s a ton of need.”

So much need that she opened Snowy Owl Home Watch. And she’s not the only service in the Metro.

For Michael Frey, owner of Elite Home Professional, his “Aha!” moment came while vacationing in Colorado. “You could tell that the bigger homes were empty,” Frey says. “That had me wondering what people do with their homes when they’re gone.”

He and his team now run Elite Home Professional and have several clients in Edina. “Our clients trust us as we go

through their homes and protect some of their biggest investments,” Frey says, mentioning they have a 40-point checklist.

The most common problem he sees are furnace issues. “We had six go out this year but caught them all before they caused problems,” he says.

The remedy, for snowbirds wintering outside Minnesota, is to facilitate a fix. “We have a list of contractors we work with,” Frey says. “We can get it fixed and the homeowner doesn’t have to come home.”

While Frey recommends that homeowners turn off the water when they leave for an extended period, turning

Illustration: Jamie Klang

the water back on is one of the things he does during an interior inspection.

“You want to run water through the traps,” he says, adding that if unused, rubber seals and gaskets can dry and crack. “We’ll flush all the toilets, we’ll run the dishwasher and we’ll run the washing machine.” (There’s even an option to run a homeowner’s car.)

Having options intrigues a local Snowy Owl customer, who met Nugteren on a pickleball court. “When you’re not playing, you talk,” the homeowner says. “I asked Tamara where she lives and what she does.”

While the homeowner is a snowbird, she listened to what Nugteren’s business had to offer, but she didn’t think she needed it. “I have a son who lives 10 minutes away,” she says. “He drops by every so often.”

The duo had a sit-down meeting and ran through Snowy Owl’s checklist when the team visits a home. “It was way more detailed than what my son was doing,” the homeowner says of Snowy Owl. “I turn the water off and walk away. I feel safer having her check in.”

Those check-ins prevent disasters.

“Catching little things is no big deal, but if unchecked, those little things can turn into absolute nightmares,” Nugteren says.

Another Snowy Owl client isn’t crazy about those nightmares. He isn’t a snowbird, but splits time between Minnesota and the East Coast. “When I leave, I’m always in a hurry and there’s things I forget,” he says. “In the old days, I wouldn’t be so concerned, but the world’s changed. I’m more concerned about mechanical issues than I am about someone breaking in.”

That said, he welcomes the email updates after his service walks the perimeter of his home. “It’s peace of mind,” he says.

For the record, the snowy owl incident had a happy ending. The homeowner was eventually contacted and returned home to shoo the owl away. Nightmare averted.

For tips and a to-do list for when leaving your home for an extended period, visit edinamag.com.

Snowy Owl Home Watch; 612.388.7868; snowyowlhomewatch.com

Elite Home Professional; 952.426.5445; elitehomeprofessional.com

The City of Edina applauds Lunds & Byerlys for being a Green Business!

The store on France Avenue keeps waste to a minimum, donates unsold food to Second Harvest Heartland, sends spoiled food waste to pig farmers and captures non-recyclable paper and other biodegradable products for bulk composting. The store also keeps single-use bags out of landfills and is keenly focused on energy conservation to responsibly heat and cool its facility. The City of Edina is committed to reaching its Climate Action goals and is glad to recognize businesses for doing their part. For more information or to apply to be a Green Business, visit BetterTogetherEdina.org.

STYLE

Transformation Through Texture

Bria Hammel Interiors takes an in-depth look at the latest in home decor.

By Feroza Mehta

A rattan coffee table and wooden bookcase add texture to a family room.

COLOR PLAYS A PIVOTAL ROLE in home decor, but one designer had a client present a challenge.

“Our client doesn’t love a lot of color,” says Bria Hammel, owner of Bria Hammel Interiors (BHI). “She wanted a peaceful, calming space. When that happens, we have to really lean into texture to make it feel layered and full. If it’s a neutral palette, it can fall flat. Texture is related to dimension. And so when you add in texture, that helps fill space.”

Fill Space with Intention

“It’s a matter of balance in the space, depending on what you have,” Hammel says. “You wouldn’t want to do all rattan furniture. So if you really love a rattan coffee table, then maybe the side tables need to be a different texture. A little bit goes a long way. If you do too much, it can just get a little too busy and get confusing to the eye. For us, it’s, ‘What are we drawn to? Where do we feel we need that texture?’ In this room where we had a rattan coffee table, the accent pieces we still wanted texture, but we knew it needed to be different.”

Other accents in the room were wooden shelves and a concrete resin side table. Even the accessories bring texture to the room.

“You can add texture in so many different areas of the home. It doesn’t have to be just in the furnishings,” she says. “It doesn’t have to be just the wallpaper. You can do it in the window treatments, the fabrics on the pillows [and] accessories on the bookshelf. You can add texture in a lot of different ways.”

Use Wallpaper

“We tell a lot of people, who are a little nervous about bringing wallpaper back, that one of the big issues with it was that it was poorly installed back in the day,” Hammel says. “Wallpaper’s come a long way. It’s pretty easily removable if it’s professionally installed. It’s a lot easier to do it knowing it’s not going to ruin your walls if you ever do want to replace it.”

And wallpaper doesn’t need to be flashy or have a large pattern. “In the foyer, there’s a really pretty wallpaper that’s really subtle, but it’s acting more of a texture than a pattern,” Hammel says. “Even though it is a small pattern, it helps make the room feel more special.”

Photos: Spacecrafting

Varying textures throughout the home, such as a textured blind, subtle wallpaper, reupholstered barstools and stone wall accents, add visual interest.

Bria Hammel Interiors, 750 Main St. #214, Mendota Heights; briahammelinteriors.com

Bria Hammel Interiors @briahammelinteriors Brooke & Lou; brookeandlou.com Brooke and Lou @brookeandlou

Window Treatments

“We have the soft fabric Roman shade in the window, but we also have a textured blind,” Hammel says. “Doing that double layering of textures adds more volume and life to the space.”

Other elements are cast stone on the mantle and various kinds of artwork. “We had to put contrast in the room,” say Katie Pieper, design team manager and lead designer. “You’ll see a group of bronze frames, the art, the lamp in this picture. And there’s also a bronze side table.”

Fabrics, Fiber and Stone

“You’ll see texture thrown in throughout the entire home,” Hammel says. “A lot of natural fibers and woven materials. You’ll see linens in the fabrics, materials and wallpaper shown here. We added the stone wall in this sitting room area, layering in that dimension.”

Even adding fabric to rattan or wicker can help. Pieper reupholstered the bar stools at the kitchen island in indooroutdoor fabric from Brooke & Lou.

“That fabric is able to be cleaned,” Hammel says. “She doesn’t have to be so concerned about what the kids are going to eat on it. And, obviously, we add those cushions for comfort. It makes the hard wicker and wood chair sit a little bit softer.”

Architectural Details

Using natural wood elements also brings visual cohesion. Adding a bookshelf in the living room “breaks up all the white. Having more texture in the wood helps warm up the space,” Hammel says.

BHI also used exposed ceiling beams, which she says “add a little bit of millwork detail and more texture in the space and in the architectural details.”

All the attention to detail led to a harmonious space, says Pieper.

“When looking at how cohesive all the spaces feel, they all make a lot of sense together, but every space has its own personality,” Pieper says. “The team did a good job of blending those spaces together. Every room has a different source of texture to it, bringing the contrast in different materials in each space.”

For more information about Bria Hammel Interiors, go to edinamag.com.

Stunning Secluded Getaway

Written by Jody Carey Photos by Levi Kelly

EDINA FAMILY

BREATHTAKING CABINS IN WESTERN WISCONSIN.

BUILDS

An awe-inspiring oasis is the home of two unique cabins, which sit atop land that has been restored to its natural splendor.

These cabins are a part of Nordlys Lodging Co., a cabin rental company founded by an Edina family. The McPheeterses transformed their Wisconsin land into a luxurious and magical escape that’s less than two hours away from the city in Frederic, Wisconsin.

Jeff McPheeters is a lifelong Edina resident, and this beautiful part of Wisconsin with rolling hills and small farms was where he spent his childhood summers. “We had a cabin about 20 minutes away from the property,” Jeff says.

Nordlys is a two-generational venture between Jeff and his parents—Bruce and Ann McPheeters. When there was an opportunity to purchase land nearby, they took it. The property has two ecofriendly cabins available for short-term vacation rentals. Bruce oversees facility and land operations, and Ann manages and spruces up the interior of the cabins. Jeff focuses on marketing and bookings.

Of the 140 acres that comprise the property, 20 were once tilled to produce corn and soybeans. The McPheeters converted the row crops and restored the land to its natural beauty with a sweeping meadow of wildflowers and grasses.

“A big part of restoring the land, which was essentially an ecological desert, was converting the corn and soy back to a native prairie,” Jeff says. A seed mix with 40 species of native plants blooms from spring to fall, making every season a new experience.

Jeff has always been interested in ecology and architecture, admiring designs from the Pacific Northwest that mix natural and steel materials. But “working with a local firm was important and having somebody that’s familiar with our climate is helpful,” Jeff says.

BRINGING IN THE EXPERT

Jeff partnered with David O’Brien Wagner—principal of Minneapolisbased firm, SALA Architects—who, as it turns out, is originally from Seattle. Natural landscapes and sustainability are key to O’Brien Wagner’s designs.

“Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, you’re surrounded by natural beauty and an architectural tradition of melding buildings into their landscape,” O’Brien Wagner says.

He spent two days walking the property to understand the characteristics of the land. He looked for ways to protect the ecological resources without disturbing the landscape while considering privacy for guests.

A treeline near the cabins was an artifact from the farming days. The space between two parcels went unplowed, leaving mature deciduous trees. He used the treeline to its fullest as protection from the summer sun and winter winds. The trees frame the property and are where the guest experience begins.

Once guests walk through the treeline and cross a bridge, they will discover the first cabin built on the property, MetalLark Tower.

MetalLark Tower sits upon an idyllic meadow of wildflowers and grasses.

METALLARK TOWER

The cabin’s entry extends to a bird walk where guests float over the land with expansive views of the meadow below. Using the land as a way of screening the structure from the parking area was intentional. “It’s about how you experience the landscape that unfolds and surprises you with wonderful views,” O’Brien Wagner says.

Soaring two-story, floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the prairie. From inside, guests can watch a nostalgic summer display as fireflies illuminate the meadow. The wildflowers fully bloom in July, and prairie grasses transform in autumn.

The McPheeters want to build a legacy, and using sustainable building techniques and materials to create a light footprint that folds into the natural surroundings is a priority. All windows in the home are triple-paned, and the large eastfacing windows have overhangs offering shade in the summer while allowing the warm winter sun to enter the home. Another unique feature is a solid wall on the back side of the cabin that’s doubleframed with extra insulation.

From solar panels, backup generators and a place to plug in an electric vehicle, every effort was made to create a sustainable vacation cabin. New materials like engineered wood framing have a smaller carbon footprint than steel and were used in The Long House.

Nordlys Lodging Co.

visitnordlys.com

@nordlyslodgingco

THE LONG HOUSE

The second cabin built on the property offers a secluded treetop experience that shapes softly around the bluff with elongated views of the lake below. The cabin has three separate areas with bedrooms on opposite sides and a porch connected by a boardwalk that curves through trees.

O’Brien Wagner designed the cabin to fit within the natural surroundings, offering angled views of the lake while protecting large oak trees and the bluff’s edge. The cabin is moderately larger than MetalLark Tower and can fit two couples. The single-level design makes it accessible for people with disabilities. Both cabins offer an intimate and relaxing getaway and have been recognized by the American Institute of Architects Minnesota and the Star Tribune as Home of the Month.

Explore the lake by kayak or pedal boat before using the smokeless Breeo firepit for s’mores. Snowshoes and snow tubes are available in the winter, or bring your ice skates for a lap around the lake.

Honoring the land and supporting the local community is important to the McPheeterses. Guests receive a basket of local goods from nearby farms and artisans. Maple syrup from Morley’s is sourced down the road from Nordlys and processed in Luck, Wisconsin. Honey is from Beez Kneez with hives across the road from the cabins. It’s possible that the honey in the gift basket was pollinated in the meadow below.

The McPheeterses hope to build a third cabin next year. Their goal is to have five cabins with plenty of space in between each, so guests can enjoy a private getaway to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Top: The Long House is designed to blend into the natural surroundings.

Bottom left: The overall effect once inside is like living in a luxurious treehouse.

Bottom right: Guests can unwind while admiring the view from the spacious living room windows.

Photo: Chris Emeott

Sister duo Lindsey (Brinkman) Uselding and Kirsten (Brinkman) Meehan co-host HGTV’s Renovation 911

EDINA NATIVES

CO-HOST HIT EMERGENCY RESTORATION SHOW AND FLIP HGTV MODEL “UPSIDE DOWN” IN THE PROCESS.

Written by Kristie Smith

When was the last time you snaked your drains? HGTV’s hit show Renovation 911 cohost Kirsten (Brinkman) Meehan, co-owner of Ungerman, Inc., says although, “It’s really gross, so put on a pair of rubber gloves,” it’s something you should be doing once a month to minimize potentially serious damage from hair clogs and backups.

Did you turn off the water the last time you left for vacation? “Even if you’re only gone for a week, shut it off,” she says as she looks at her sister Lindsey (Brinkman) Uselding, who oversees logistics and insurance for Ungerman, and is the other half of the HGTV home emergency restoration show.

Growing up in Edina in the Brinkman household, the two recalled being on construction jobsites way back when they were little. “I grew up doing demo and paintwork for my dad,” Meehan says. “One of my earliest memories is spending Saturdays together and dad always stopping to get one last thing done on a job,” Uselding says, as the two of them talk fondly of their childhood,

helping their dad, Ted Brinkman, who joined Ungerman, Inc., as its first employee in 1977.

Since then, the two have become co-owners at Ungerman, Inc., a restoration, reconstruction and renovation company serving the Twin Cities Metro area. “My role is taking an emergency call when someone has damage to their home, talking about next steps, getting them through the insurance process,” Uselding says. “I take over with design and build and help put it back together,” Meehan says. “Lindsey gets them through the emotional part, and I get to help start making it beautiful again. We love our jobs.”

They love their jobs so much that HGTV turned their typical eight-hour workdays into an eight-part series on mitigation restoration. But the show, just like a restoration, didn’t happen overnight. Meehan says it took about four years, along with many short video clips shot on a job site along the way, to finally get Hollywood to notice.

Meehan’s best friend in Los Angeles knew

a producer who found hosts for shows. Together with friends and family, they made sizzle reels and sent in clips.

“We never expected to make it to the next step, but the production company continued to ask for more footage and more about our business,” Uselding says.

By all accounts, the pilot was a huge hit, and, thanks to “really positive test ratings,” the series was picked up. “All we knew was they offered us seven more episodes that were filmed over many months from 2021 through 2022. Each episode followed us through two emergencies,” Meehan says. The format includes work on an entire home that is the focus of the hour, with a smaller emergency, one-room project that gets introduced and revealed in the middle of the show. “Two reveals and two stories, so people stay to watch the full episode,” she says. The pilot premiered at the end of March, and the first season wrapped up in mid-May.

“HGTV has never followed insurance restoration,” Uselding says. “So we had to flip their typical model upside down.” The two explained they would review a project their company would be handling to determine work scope and whether it would be a good match for HGTV.

“We have a casting producer, and we needed to make sure we were offering a variety of emergency projects and that we would be able to finish a job on a very tight production schedule,” Meehan says. “You build this little crew—our showrunner and producers lived in L.A.” The production company was in Canada, and camera and sound crews were out of Minneapolis.

Meehan says they would show up to a job with eight or nine added film crew on top of their regular workers just to get started, and neighbors would peek out their windows. Though there is no other incentive for a homeowner to invite cast and crew into their homes,

Page

After: The remodeled den with a repaired ceiling. The wood panelling was painted blue and wainscotting remained to add texture. Warm leather accents finish the overall look.

Photos: Ungerman, Inc. ; Chris Emeott

Page 34: Kirsten Meehan and Lindsey Uselding filming an episode about the home of their colleague and his wife, Ron and Sonia Ungerman. The home had ice dams that caused water damage throughout the house.

35, top:

Page 35, bottom: Before: Ice dams created water damage to the den’s popcorn ceiling.

both women agreed their clients were patient and stayed positive as the co-hosts worked to keep the restoration flow as normal as possible.

“Unlike many other home shows, we were in charge of our contractors, scheduling and budgeting, as well as design and the hands-on work to complete the project. These are our real clients, and we would have worked with them with or without a show,” Uselding says.

The extensive timeline took both hosts away from their regular lives, with long days on camera, away from family routines and their other clients. “Our usual jobs don’t find us working on site together too often,” Meehan says. “[Lindsey] lifted me up when I needed energy, and I lifted her up when she needed a laugh. Our level of friendship and sisterhood is unparalleled.”

The two shared a bedroom growing up; Meehan says they had their own rooms for one week at one point, “But we didn’t want to be apart, so we kept sneaking into each other’s rooms.” Their sense of connection and friendship is palpable on and off

The Ungerman entryway and living room did not make an appearance on TV. This is your exclusive look at how those projects turned out. Check out HGTV to see the full episode.

Left: After: Meehan and Uselding walk through the new entryway and stairwell.

Below: Before: 1990s stairwell with mismatched colors and carpet. The main floor was tiled.

Next page: This newly renovated living room is an elegant and bright environment that leads into the den seen on page 34.

Ungerman, Inc.; ungerman.net

Ungerman, Inc. @UngermanInc

Practical Home; practicalhome.com

Practical Home

@practicalhomeofficial

@practicalhomeofficial

@kirstmeehan

@lindsey.uselding

the show and has attracted viewers and fans across the HGTV platform.

They both agree that the heart of their work is their goal to respond to people who need help. “It’s not just remodeling, not design,” Uselding says. “It’s a chance for us to showcase how we help people through the most emotional time in their life to the most elated, happiest moment to see that journey and share the outcome with the world.”

One episode in the series followed the restoration process after lightning tore through a home during a thunderstorm. Most of the family was four hours away when the house lit into flames, and the family’s teenagers, along with neighbors, began to gather in the street in the downpour. “Talking with them during our first meeting, you could see how they were going to be affected forever,” Meehan says. “At the reveal, they walked into the room where their last memory was fire raging up the wall, and the homeowner said, ‘I could have never imagined this room ever being this beautiful.’”

A favorite part of each episode for both is the takeaways they share. “It all comes down to the practical tips we can leave with our viewers. Clients ask us what they could have done to prevent the property mishaps they’ve experienced in their homes. And we started turning those tips into a regular part of the show,” Uselding says.

Those tips sparked a new idea, which led to a new company the two just launched. By combining savvy solutions for home damage prevention with compelling design, Practical Home was born. The online outlet combines tips, tricks and fun facts focused on helping women navigate home improvement along with safety solutions for purchase.

“You’d be surprised how much time it takes to create an affordable, pretty plunger,” Meehan says. “Our crew kept telling us how much they learned working on our job sites. The shows have a pretty reveal and some great family emotions, but we also wanted people to see a tip and think, ‘I have to go check this out,’ so that there are educational opportunities for viewers to put safety and prevention to work.”

With the sisters’ new venture and the 400 clients they’ve worked with in the last year, the show hasn’t stopped them completely. And now they wait to see if they get the nod for season two.

PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM MAJOR MISHAPS

The Insurance Information Institute (III) tracks homeowners’ insurance claims and says fire and lightning claims are the most expensive mishaps in a home, costing an average of $77,340 per claim in 2020. About one in 60 homes will face water damage or a freezing event that comes from disasters like burst pipes and leaking roofs. Nearly half of all homeowner’s insurance claims come from wind and hail (tornados, hailstorms, hurricanes).

Here’s a checklist to help minimize emergencies:

1. Walk around your home and ask, “What could hit my house?” Prune trees, strengthen outdoor structures, put away movable objects ahead of a storm, and clear gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams and backups in the winter and spring.

2. Most water damage comes from inside a home—think dishwasher, sink and toilet. Check hoses for cracks or corrosion, and check seals for damage or extensive wear. And know where your main water shut-off valve is located in your home. Turn off water before leaving for vacation—but make sure the home will stay at 55 degrees or warmer while you’re gone. Don’t turn off the water to a fire sprinkler system.

3. Use care with combustible items, like oven mitts, around an open flame. Make sure outlets/circuits are not overloaded. Fire is the most costly, disruptive and devastating home disaster, according to the III. Make sure to never throw water over a pan on fire when cooking. Smother the flames with a lid or towel to prevent grease fires.

4. Record your home. Walk through with a camera, noting what youhave to make potential insurance claims easier if disaster does strike your home. Keep these videos in the cloud and virtually accessible and not on something that could burn with the fire.

5. Visit Renovation 911’s dynamic disaster duo’s new website, Practical Home, for more tips.

Photos: Chris Emeott; Ungerman, Inc.

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showcase local people, places and events.

RUNWAY EXTRAVAGANZA

Style Edina unveils the latest in fashion.

STYLE EDINA is a premier annual event that sets the fashion scene ablaze in our city. Hosted at the Westin Edina Galleria, this captivating event is a celebration of Edina’s diverse retail community. In its seventh year, this fashion show highlights the latest fall fashion trends and offers a unique experience for fashion lovers and shoppers alike.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with mimosas, setting the tone for a day filled with style and sophistication. The event boasts an array of pop-up shopping booths from local boutiques and designers.

In addition to the fashion extravaganza, guests will be served a seated brunch, providing the perfect opportunity to relax and socialize with fellow fashionistas.

—Feroza Mehta

10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. October 8

Westin Edina Galleria, 3201 Galleria; Visit eventbrite.com for additional information.

LOCAL EVENTS

Edina Firefighter Golf Fundraiser 10/02

Edina Firefighters Local 1275 hosts its first annual 18-hole scramble tournament to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Ages 18 and older suggested. $130 per player. 11 a.m. Braemer Golf Course, 6364 John Harris Drive; 952.826.0330; edina-1275-golf-fundraiser-107443.square.site

Pumpkins on the Plaza 10/07

Join the fun at the annual 50th & France pumpkin painting with the help of artistic facilitators to create your very

Photo: Joe Dammel

Compiled by Macy Berendsen and Lily Schlobohm

HALLOBOO TRICK OR TREAT TRAIL

own pumpkin character using ecofriendly paint. All ages. Free. 10 a.m–2 p.m. Plaza at Nolan Mains, 3945 Market St.; 952.491.0001; 50thandfrance.com

Vintage Village 10/14–10/15

Shop the Vintage Village fall-themed popup shop composed of over a dozen local vendors in the outdoor food hub of 50th & France, hosted by Ashley Becerra, owner of Everyday Ejiji. All ages. Free. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Nolan Mains Residences at 50th and France, 3945 Market St.; everydayejiji.com

Halloween Spooktacular 5K

10/28

Run, walk or jog the Nine Mile Brewing Halloween 5K. Complete the course and celebrate with a free, local craft beer at the finish line. All ages. $35. 11 a.m. Nine Mile Brewing, 9555 James Ave. S. #Suite 290, Bloomington; breweryrunningseries.com

AREA EVENTS

Bloody Mary Festival

10/07

Celebrate the brunch party of the year at the fifth annual Twin Cities Bloody Mary Festival. Tickets include unlimited Bloody Marys, plus food and beverage tests from local restaurants and companies. Ages 21 and older. $52.50. 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Union Depot, 214 Fourth St. E., St. Paul; thebloody maryfest@gmail.com; thebloodymaryfest.com

Sensory Friendly Sunday

10/08

Enjoy Walker Art Center’s monthly free event designed for children and adults with sensory disabilities, autism spectrum disorder or developmental disabilities. Galleries are closed to the general public during this time. All ages. Free. 8–11 a.m. Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Place, Mpls.; 612.375.7600; walkerart.org

Held in late October at Edinborough Park. Trick-or-treat throughout the park, games and more. $10/ticket. 4–5:30 p.m. Edinborough Park, 7700 York Ave. S.; 952.833.9540; edinamn.gov

Girl From the North Country

10/08–10/14

In the new Tony Award-winning musical, Bob Dylan’s legendary songs are reimagined and presented in a story that takes place in Duluth in 1934. Ages 12 and older. Prices vary. Times vary. 910 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; 612.455.9500; hennepintheatretrust.org

Mania: The ABBA Tribute

10/13–10/14

Jam out to beloved songs from the hit band ABBA. Revisit all the classics, including those from the hit musical Mamma Mia, and make memories with those around you during the ABBA tribute performance by Mania. All ages. $27.50–$64.50. 8 p.m. 805 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; 612.455.9500; hennepintheatretrust.org

Minneapolis Vintage Market

10/15

The October Minneapolis Vintage Market at Machine Shop includes two floors of vintage clothing, accessories, home decor and more, complete with food trucks, coffee and a DJ. All ages. Free. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Machine Shop, 300 Second St. SE, Mpls.; 612.940.9647; mplsvintagemarket.com

Hot Cider Marathon

10/21

Run the 5K October-themed marathon, and you’ll be greeted with hot cider, caramel apples and a finisher mug to celebrate. All ages. $40. 8:45 a.m. Normandale Lake Bandshell, 5901 W. 84th St., Bloomington; info@allcommunityevents.com; hotciderhustle.com

To have your event considered: email edinamag@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.

TASTEMAKERS

Fall Flavoring

Two women share their tips for a successful canning and pickling season.

Written by Josie Smith —

Photos

by Chris Emeott

FALL IS HERE, and before long the cooler temperatures will settle in and we’ll see the sun go down much sooner than it did at summer’s end. This time of year, we’re reminded of the foods we love. And we are reminded of two Edina women, who shared their love of gardening in our May issue. We decided to check in on them and see how the preparations for the fall harvest are going.

Jasmine Brett Stringer

Local lifestyle expert and Edina resident

Jasmine Brett Stringer has spent the last few months sharpening her canning and pickling skills. Stringer is originally from Atlanta, and while she didn’t do a lot of canning or pickling with her family growing up, she has fond memories of her grandmother in Alabama.

“I remember going to her house as a little girl and sitting on her porch snapping peas and cleaning collard greens. My cousin and I had this kitchenette at her house, and we were playing with the leftover scraps like we were cooking with them,” Stringer says.

Stringer splits her time between her home in Edina and her husband’s farm in Blue Earth, Minnesota. Now, she’s ready to harvest, can and pickle.

“I love doing green beans. Sometimes, I do asparagus [and] the dilly beans. I think the dilly beans are something people don’t expect,” she says. “My husband and I do our pickles together. We add garlic and pepper. I like the dill, salt and vinegar. I love those little quick fridge pickles. I love onions. Sometimes, I add a little honey and apple cider vinegar.”

Jasmine Brett Stringer

Stringer’s Tips:

Plan Ahead: Stringer starts the process of making salsa by breaking it up into small steps, so it feels more manageable. “I start chopping stuff up on Thursday … then by Friday night or Saturday morning, everything has been chopped, so some of the hard work is out of the way,” she says.

Line Your Surfaces: Stringer suggests keeping a few rolls of craft paper or butcher paper on hand. “I line our countertops with that. If it’s sticky, it just makes cleanup easy. Roll that up, make it compostable, or you can just throw it out,” she says.

Make Extra Space: Bringing in a holding table or card table helps if you need some extra counter space. And as you’re working, make sure the jars seal properly.

Kittie Anderson

Edina resident Kittie Anderson spent 30 years as a professional chef.

“The kitchen’s been my home,” Anderson says. “I’ll never retire from the passion, creativity and always learning the adventures of food.”

Those food adventures have continued in the form of submitting recipes to the Minnesota State Fair Creative Arts Competition. This year, she entered her rhubarb jam, rhubarb blueberry jam, sweet pickle relish, sweet dill pickles, spicy dill pickles and salsa.

While she and her husband have a nice-sized garden in their backyard in Edina, the real magic happens at their family farm near Green Isle (just west of the Twin Cities in Sibley County), where their garden plot has expanded to an impressive 1,620 square feet.

This year, she planted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, cucumbers, jalapenos, peppers, pumpkins, spaghetti squash and tomatoes. And thanks to her granddaughter’s prodding, she gave watermelon a try for the first time. Jams, sweet dill pickles and salsa are some of her favorite foods to prepare and share.

“Jams because of the joy of picking the fruit and preserving it,” she says. “Pickles and salsa because of the satisfaction in

growing the cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, etc. It’s a bit more time consuming, but it’s my happy place.”

For more information about canning and pickling, visit edinamag.com for:

1. Q&A with the University of Minnesota’s (U of M) Extension educator in food safety

2. Links to recipes courtesy of Anderson

3. Links to the U of M Extension’s instructional videos and food safety tips for canning and pickling

Anderson’s Tips for Beginners:

Jam is a Great First Step: “Basically, it’s your primary fruit, sugar and sometimes pectin. There are less ingredients, it’s quicker and more efficient timewise,” she says.

Do Your Research: Anderson describes Ball Blue Book of Canning as a great guide for information about equipment and step-by-step instructions for preserving fruits and vegetables. She also recommends So Easy to Preserve, which, she says, is a more extensive read on the different ways to preserve food.

Less is More: “You don’t need many utensils to start canning. The most important is a good 6- to 8-quart nonreactive pot (stainless or enamel coated). I use a larger one for big batches of pickles and salsa,” she says.

SIMMERED PERFECTION

Anderson’s family adores her homemade tomato soup. She usually makes a few grilled cheese sandwiches, too, and cuts them up into squares, so they can be enjoyed in fondue fashion. A perfect way to end a fall day.

Tomato Soup

• ½ cup shallots, finely chopped

• 1 tsp. kosher salt

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil

• 2 28 oz. cans diced tomatoes (or 3 quarts of home canned tomatoes)

• 3 cups chicken broth

• 1/3 cup honey

• ½ cup packed fresh basil

• ½-1 cup heavy cream, to taste

• salt and pepper. to taste

In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté shallots with salt until tender. Add garlic and let cook for one minute. Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth, let simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. Add honey and fresh basil. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Add cream, and season to taste.

For more recipes from Anderson, including her State Fair winning Sweet Cucumber Relish, go to edinamag.com.

Kittie Anderson

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Refresh your home with custom artwork. Christina B. Johnson has been sourcing clients with her colorful paintings since 2018. Shop her work at Edina-based Foxwell Shoppe and At Home & Co., or contact Christina for a consultation.

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Enjoy USDA Certified Organic at your locally owned Clean Juice. We offer healthy, organic sandwiches, wraps, salads, smoothies, acai bowls, fresh juice and more! Eating healthy made easy! Dine-in, take out or delivery available.

Clean Juice 3943 Market St. 952.479.7054

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CHRISTINA B. JOHNSON Artist

Whether buying or selling, I work in all price ranges and with all ages! First time home buyers to empty nesters, I’d be honored to help you and your family!

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3033 Excelsior Blvd.

612.644.3033

ellynwolfenson.com

The Goddard School’s safe, flexible and caring environment gives your child the space to take chances, make connections and experience authentic learning so they can become school-ready, career-ready and life-ready.

The Goddard School in Edina 7201 Washington Ave. S. 612.438.2288 goddardschool.com/schools/mn/edina/edina

Mainstream Boutique is known for a unique apparel and styling experience. Our mission is to love, strengthen and celebrate women; lifting them up and helping them feel beautiful.

Mainstream Boutique of Edina 7523 France Ave. S. 952.303.4530

mainstreamboutique.com/pages/edina

IV vitamin therapy provides a much faster boost of energy, a more robust immune response, easier recovery from stresses on the body and a slowing down of the aging process.

The DRIPBaR 3515 W. 70th S. 612.429.6822

thedripbar.com

Taproom + Kitchen

Mention this ad to get a free pint when you purchase a flight of beer!

Trivia hosted every Wednesday starting at 6:30 p.m.

Wooden Hill Brewing Company 7421 Bush Lake Road 952.960.9663

woodenhillbrewing.com

CUSTOM OUTDOOR ACCENTS

Including Pots, Custom Metal, Outdoor Kitchens, Furniture, Fire Features and Patio Surfaces.

Visit our Showroom in Eden Prairie.

Twisted Elements, Inc. 9721 Valley View Road 612.305.0456

twisted-elements.com

Adorably Spooky

Photographer captures daughter and friends in costume at Todd Park.

Edina local and photography hobbyist of over 10 years, Leah Steidl was watching the neighborhood dads play a game of kickball at Todd Park. Since they were all in costume for Halloween, Steidl brought her camera along to take photos. In reality, it was a different group that stole the show.

“I looked over my shoulder and saw my daughter and her friends and snapped the photo,” Steidl says, adding that she believes the joy and merriment captured in the photo is the very essence of Halloween. “I love that it is a moment and not staged,” she says. —Lily Schlobohm

To view other Edina photo contest winners, visit edinamag.com.

Photographer: Leah Steidl

Title: Trick Or Treat at Todd Park

Equipment: Canon R6 with 24–70mm lens

Category: Activities & Events

Award: Runner up