Life + Culture

Life Minded

This Old Home Article by Jen Fortner I watched a lot of Bob Vila when I was a kid. My dad liked Bob’s show, This Old House . Bob seemed to know everything about everything. And we enjoyed Norm, his insanely knowledgeable carpenter sidekick. I had never heard an accent quite like Norm’s and it was fun to decipher what he was saying in a manner so exotic to my Midwestern ears. I had no idea what Bob and Norm were talking about when they went on poetic speeches about lumber grades or 60-tooth...

Professional Services

From Lens to Listing

Click-worthy tips from Maria Claire Photography for stunning photos Article by Emily McKeever | Photography by Maria Claire Photography Capturing beauty is a way of life for Maria Benedict. Since starting her business, Maria Claire Photography, it’s what she has consistently accomplished for numerous clients and a goal she actively pursues every day. “I’ve always had a passion for photography, and it’s been an amazing journey to grow through and discover my potential. There’s always more to...

Home Services

Behind the Artistry

Uncover the heartbeat of Artistic Visions Cabinetry and learn how they can bring your projects to life Article by Emily McKeever | Photography by Maria Claire Photography The ‘visions’ that Artistic Visions Cabinetry, an expert custom cabinet shop, brings to life for their clients are nothing short of masterful, but the guiding force that shapes this Mayer-based company’s character is where the real beauty lies. In 1983, when founded by lifelong Victoria resident Charlie Leuthner and his...

Life + Culture

What’s New in Waconia

Step into spring with chic home décor from neighborhood gems Article by Emily McKeever We’re almost there! Spring is just around the bend, and for the motivated and enthusiastic, you know what that means. Spring cleaning, vacation planning, gardening, house projects, and decluttering the car. If you’re reading this and saying to yourself, “Now you’re speaking my language,” go on with your energetic self! But if your entrance into spring is more along the lines of a bear emerging from...

Real Estate

Turning a Contract Into Connection

Unveiling the enduring legacy of Chestnut Realty, where relationships take center stage Article by Alison Lee Cal Haasken became a realtor in 1973 and started Chestnut Realty, Inc. back in 1981. Despite a few different offices and some building relocations, the broker still holds a place on Chestnut Street in downtown Chaska, where they service the area through a host of 15-20 licensed agents. One of those being the owner’s daughter, Christy [Haasken] Schuler.  Christy grew up in the...

Home + Design

No Place Like Home

How Lee Lyn Construction transformed one family’s house into their forever home Article by Lutie Ronglien | Photography by Maria Claire Photography It all started with wanting a bigger kitchen.  Greg and Bobbie Stier weren’t sure where to begin. Their 1965-built rambler was missing some of the amenities found in modern homes. They considered several options: remodeling their current home, rebuilding their house entirely, or just selling and buying a larger home.  “We’d lived in the...

Home + Design

Picture Perfect Prep

Elevate your outdoor space with expert guidance from Picture Perfect Landscapes & Designs Article by Emily McKeever The vernal handbook doesn’t specify spring cleaning solely as an indoor activity, so while you’re busy checking off toy purge and closet organizing on your to-do list, perhaps this year it’s time to dive into a project that’ll allow for more garden-fresh oxygen in your lungs and bragging rights in your repertoire, a makeover of the yard variety. Picture Perfect Landscapes &...

Food + Beverage

Romancing the Vine

Schram Vineyards shares their favorite wine and food pairings for an unforgettable Valentine's Day Article by Lutie Ronglien Wine in Minnesota has come a long way, in large part due to the work of Ashley and Aaron Schram, owners and founders of Waconia’s Schram Vineyards.  “On my first date with Aaron, he said he wanted to start a winery,” Ashley says. “I wasn’t sure how seriously to take him.” The longer they dated, Ashley discovered how passionate Aaron is about making wine. She realized...

Arts + Culture

Sweet Love

Float on air, and Candie Clouds, this Valentine’s Day Article by Emily McKeever Love can make you feel as if there are butterflies in your stomach, like you’re falling head over heels or that you’re on cloud nine. Heads somersaulting over heels feels a little scary and unsafe, and who wants anything fluttering anywhere in their body? But cloud nine? Ahhh… now that sounds nice. What if cloud nine was, in fact, a cloud, but one that was made of delicious cotton candy? What if you could have it...

Life + Culture

What's New in Waconia

Ideas for tailoring a Valentine’s Day that speaks to every kind of love Article by Emily McKeever In the book  The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts , you’ve got your words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service, physical touch, and quality time. While it’s always considerate to respect your main squeeze, confidant, or partner by honoring the way they experience and convey love, on February 14th (or somewhere in that neighborhood), it’s sort of… required. So, give a heartfelt...