WRITTEN BY HEATHER ROTHBAUER-WANISH Sometimes life turns out differently than we planned. Megan MacLaughlin-Barck’s current reality bears little resemblance to her original plans. After graduating from Chippewa Falls Senior High School, Megan vowed never to come back to the area. She earned her undergraduate degree from UW-Madison, followed by a law degree from Pace Law School. Today, Megan is the sole owner of Larson Construction Co., Inc. (a Chippewa Falls company her grandparents founded). She admits she never envisioned herself in this role—but she has eaten a lot of “nevers” along the way. Nevertheless, while balancing motherhood, a thriving business, …

I was flipping through a magazine and came across an article about a landscape designer that transformed her narrow backyard (160 x 24 feet) into a private, lush retreat. The pictures are stunning. Essentially, she has three rooms: a dining area, a living room type area, and a little hideaway area. Her space includes beautiful all-weather furniture and cushions with punchy pillows, perfectly manicured plants and hedges, a gas fire table, outdoor lighting, and even a water feature. So what are we “regular Joes” to do? First, let’s not compare ourselves to a landscape designer with a bottomless budget. Then …

Summer is a great time to grill. This Father’s Day, we are having Korean short ribs. Two years ago, my coworker Maggie invited me out to a Korean restaurant in Madison. Despite not being able to pronounce most of the items on the menu, I loved the food and left there with hopes of trying some new things at home. I have much to master, but for now, I enjoy making and eating Kalbi—Korean short ribs. For another adventure in summer cooking, try this chilled celery soup as a light, refreshing meal or side. And be sure to check out all …

WRITTEN BY GRACE THEISEN He is someone I look up to, who at times is VERY embarrassing, but who loves me and would do anything for me. I’m talking about my amazing dad. As a boy, my dad lost one of the most important people in his life: his mother. Because of this, he understood from a young age the importance of working together as a family. Every day, he teaches my four brothers and me lessons that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. In high school, Dad was involved in sports; he was the …

As I write this, “Summertime and the livin’ is easy” plays in my head. I love summer! The Theisen household welcomes the sweet, slowed-down pace of summer with arms wide open. June is for graduations and weddings, and we get to celebrate both. Our eldest, Joe, graduated from college—we are beaming with pride and it’s a joy to watch him go! We’re also ecstatic to see our sister move into a new and exciting season as she marries her best friend. It may be summer, but the livin’ isn’t always easy for everyone. Yet, Angela Meyer would never let you …

As I write this, “Summertime and the livin’ is easy” plays in my head. I love summer! The Theisen household welcomes the sweet, slowed-down pace of summer with arms wide open. DOWNLOAD THIS ISSUE BELOW TO READ MORE! Having problems with the flip book above not loading correctly? (Please note: Due to the large file size of the high resolution PDFs, loading time may be slow)                         In this Issue: [ features ] (16) Rider on the Storm (18) Father, How do I define thee? (20) That Bad Feeling …

WRITTEN BY GRACE THEISEN Since Mother’s Day is right around the corner, I have been thinking about how much I appreciate my mom. I want to take the time to thank her and do some bragging about her. I come from a large family; I have four brothers and two dogs. Admittedly, we can be a lot to handle. Let me just say that things get a little crazy around our house. There is always a kid who is supposed to be somewhere, or a school project to work on, or a dog running away, and somebody under the mistaken …

When we think of spring, our thoughts are usually filled with chirping birds, melting snow, digging in the dirt, warmer temperatures, rejuvenation, and HOPE. We hope all that happens, and we hope it happens soon! I am looking forward to opening my windows and getting some fresh air into my house. If you are not a winter person (what are you doing in Wisconsin?), then you have spent a lot of time indoors this winter. Do you ever look around your house and think, “You’re really getting on my nerves. I need a change; but don’t worry, it’s me, not …

As I sit at my kitchen counter collecting my thoughts, I try to focus on positive things to distract myself from worries. But the heaviness in my chest and the hollowness in my gut overwhelm me. I want my son home—in Milwaukee with his wife and dog. This is his last deployment (at least this is what we are led to believe). I tire of self-challenges, immersing myself in new exercise routines or keeping busy to prevent myself from getting too anxious about my son’s deployments. Most days I do really well, but today is different; today I feel like …

Spring is a time of rejuvenation. The grass, tree leaves, and plants (along with my attitude) all stretch toward that warm yellow orb in the sky. This time of year is exciting for a foodie as fresh local ingredients always provide the means for the best food creations. You’ll find that especially true with this tasty fish and risotto dish—fresh mushrooms, herbs, and asparagus bring it to life! Please share your favorite spring eats on our Facebook page. Bon Appetite! Lanette How to make Peppercorn Butter Wahoo over Mushroom Risotto and Asparagus