Magazine Articles

While putting away a few Christmas gifts this year, I found a note my grandma wrote. My grandma’s words warmed my heart, but what I found on the back of the note caught my attention. Grandma likes to recycle her daily quote calendar pages. This one read, Comparison is the thief of joy. –Theodore Roosevelt. A simple, yet profound quote. Recently, I told my mom that if a spot opens at her medical sales company that I would like to apply. If you know me, you probably know that I am a much better nurse than I would be a …

Embracing Mindfulness: A Journey towards Self-Rescue with a Dash of Humor Life can be a rollercoaster ride, filled with unexpected twists and turns. I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs. It’s been a journey for sure, and at times I’ve asked God if he was punking me. I have come to humbly realize that through it all, I had a power all along—the power of mindfulness and being present in my life. So, grab your sense of humor and join me on this journey as we explore how mindfulness can empower us in life’s challenges. Mindfulness is like …

By Katie McKy Many women dream of launching a business one day, of rolling the dice and being their own boss. Given that almost 20% of new businesses fail in their first year, and over 30% percent fail in the first two years, where does a fledgling entrepreneur summon the courage? Amy Wahl is a local woman well-positioned to answer this question, for she launched a business. Then another. And another. And another. “I have Pink Orchard Salon, a chair rental salon for independent stylists, Pink Orchard Boutique, Banbury Candle Company, and a brick and mortar art studio where I …

By Katie McKy Toni Mattson, born and raised in Medford, WI, loved horses from the get-go. “I grew up horse-crazy, and at the age of five, our parents leased ponies for my sisters and me,” Mattson said. “My little mare was named Heidi. It was love at first sight, and she’s what cemented my love for horses.” Mattson and her husband, Bill, bought Pinewood Stables in 2002, 67 acres south of Eau Claire, and renamed it Trinity Equestrian Center, a proclamation of faith. The property looks a lot like a Kentucky ranch, with its white fences. It has a 17-stall …

Helllllllo friends…I’m back! I took a few years off from “Rays of Grace” to heal and grieve after my parents’ divorce. During my hiatus, I stayed pretty busy. I met, started dating, and got engaged to the best person I know. Most recently, we became dog parents. I also graduated from accelerated nursing school and got a job at a pediatric hospital on the hematology/oncology floor, where I have worked as a nurse for a year. Pediatric Hematology/Oncology floors take patients who have blood disorders and childhood cancers. My patient population often consists of patients with type one diabetes, sickle …

The Fiery Spirit: A Woman’s Wisdom, Courage, and Ginger Hair In the depths of adversity, there exists a woman whose spirit burns bright with wisdom, courage, and a fiery mop of ginger hair. She has traversed the treacherous paths of hell yet emerged with a sense of humor that can light up the darkest of rooms. She embodies the resilience and strength that comes from facing life’s trials head-on, all while embracing her unique identity. With each step she takes, her ginger hair serves as a vibrant symbol of her individuality and strength. It is a crown of fiery determination, …

The brokenhearted are the bravest among us. They dared to love. –Brené Brown Hello, my sweet friends. I hope that you are enjoying this gorgeous summer that Central Wisconsin has served us. As I write this, I am still in the flannel I sported all weekend at Country Jam—enjoying a late-in-the-day coffee, as I just spent the last two hours looking for my readers (finally breaking down, running out to buy a new pair), only to find the glasses I was looking for on my head. That, my dear, is a bath of vulnerability, truth, and a splash of ADHD. …

With an emphasis on equilibrium and personal growth, 5ive for Women encourages the on-the-go gal to pause for self-nurturing, through insightful articles and thought-provoking features – supporting the not-so-simple balance between faith, family, friends, fitness, and finance. At 5ive, we are advocates of healthy priorities and fitness for life, while striving to motivate, energize and inspire camaraderie of the Chippewa Valley sisterhood. VIEW THIS ISSUE [ in this issue ] 8 The Importance of Fitness in My Daily Routine 10 Touched By An Angel 12 The Gentle Giants of Priory Farms 14 Fun with Friends in the Valley and Beyond …

After you By JoJo Moyes Book Review by Maureen Therou I read Moyes book Me Before You a couple of years ago, then saw the movie. Now Moyes has written a sequel called After You. I totally loved Louisa Clark after the first book, and I was even more impressed with her character in After You. This is a novel about coming through grief after the one you love has died. Sounds rather depressing, but Moyes has a way of making you chuckle throughout the entire book. You travel with Louisa as she takes on a troubled teen, Lily, an …

Summer in the Midwest is all about being outdoors. We love grilling, going to outdoor music venues, being on the water, hiking, visiting farmers markets and enjoying fresh epicurean delights via foraging or our own garden. I particularly love blueberry picking. If you have never tried it, put in on your bucket list. These recipes are from my sous chef Emma. Plan a picnic on your boat or in your backyard and enjoy our Midwest summers! Bon Appetit, Lanette Street Corn Appetizer INGREDIENTS • 16 ounces cream cheese • ½ cup sour cream • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice • …