Magazine Articles

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  

WRITTEN BY HEATHER ROTHBAUER-WANISH Edie McDonald is a busy woman. As co-owner of McDonald Company, she manages Goldsmith Coffee Bar and Five Star Catering, using both to give students hands-on business experience. She is also a wife and a mother. In all of her endeavors, Edie understands the importance of a strong value system. And she juggles her multiple responsibilities maintaining focus on her family and her faith. Faith Edie’s grandparents played formative roles in making faith an important part of her life from a young age. “When I was young, I looked forward to going to church in the …

This issue is dedicated to my amazing, strong, beautiful mom. If not for her, I would not be the woman I am today. There were not many days Mom got to relax and take time for herself, so cheers to you Mom along with all the other mothers out there! Happy Mother’s Day and happy spring. Wow! Spring has sprung. There is so much to be excited about as we move into this new season. Only in Wisconsin can you find kids walking around in shorts in 45-degree weather. We’re pulling out our grills, hitting the trails like ants coming …

If Shakespeare had been a woman, she would not have written, “To be or not to be, that is the question,” but rather, “To cut or not to cut, that is always the question.” It’s a question compounded by the profusion of hairstyles. Short, medium, and long hair all abound. You can wear it up or down or twisted around in a bun. Today, intentionally tousled and tightly trimmed are both considered professional. So, what’s the best ‘do for you? Before anyone puts steel to your hair, it’s best to have a revealing talk. Denise Mackey-Natz, owner of Urban Style …

For many people, dogs are family members. Whether small, large, old, or young, these dogs are like children—holding a special place in our hearts. Fortunately, many loving homes exist in our area with people willing to adopt dogs and get them to their forever homes. Three dogs hold the hearts of Brittany Bergeman and her fiancé, Matt Murphy, of Eau Claire. Diesel and Dante are Miniature Pinschers, and Dre is a Doberman. Both Dante and Dre were adopted from unpleasant situations. “I love adopting dogs in need because I feel they deserve their happily-ever-after with a loving family who will …

In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years. Ladies, welcome to February—the perfect month to roll out the Love Your Life issue! We’re delighted to feature articles showcasing ladies embracing life. It is our hope that this issue will offer a new perspective to help you love your life through any season. No matter the length of the to-do list, the seemingly never-ending responsibilities, and the crazy schedules we all face—it is possible to love your life now! It is possible to thrive, even when life feels like an impossible, …

WRITTEN BY HEATHER ROTHBAUER-WANISH The past year has been challenging, exciting, and full of changes for Meghan Kulig. With a new baby, a career transition, and a positive outlook on life, Meghan is excited to see what the future holds for her and her family. And, as with many women in the Chippewa Valley, she is busy balancing the five Fs: faith, family, friends, fitness, and finance. Faith After more than eight years as a news anchor and reporter for WEAU 13 News in Eau Claire, Meghan now works for Regis Catholic Schools as the Communications Director. She describes, “Because …

Happy New Year! For a self-proclaimed foodie like me, part of the Love (of this issue’s Love Your Life theme) is definitely shared in the kitchen. Over the Christmas break, our family got to enjoy some of our favorite things, which included our long-held tradition of family pizza/game night. Our evening was inspired by the movie The Hundred Foot Journey. I follow the same pizza recipe that my husband grew up with; it was passed down to me from my mother-in-law. Try this or a similar family tradition with your own loved ones. And then find us on Facebook to …