Fiber artist Mary Giles says that when she started working with choice materials to create earth-inspired sculptures, she “just couldn’t help herself.” One of her earliest memories of encouragement from her parents was when her dad gave her porcupine quills to use for an art project—one that later turned into one of her first museum pieces. Read more about Fiber Artist Mary Giles Creates Earth-inspired Sculptures
When Joe Kohler was a teen working as a busboy and line cook at Big Ben in White Bear Lake, he caught a fever he’s never been able to shake—nor wanted to. Working his way up to part-time manager, “I really just enjoy that instant gratification of when people tell you you’ve done a great job,” he says. “It’s such a rush. Read more about The New Joseph’s in Stillwater and a Delicious Cranberry Relish Recipe for Thanksgiving
There’s no doubt something magical starts to happen this time of year, as the freezing river literally and figuratively connects the Valley once again with twinkling holiday cheer. The St. Croix Valley “is a holiday destination, but with an emphasis on hometown for the holidays events running from Black Friday to New Year’s Eve,” says Christie L. Rosckes, marketing director for Discover Stillwater. We asked both Rosckes and Andrea Jorgenson, director of communication and programs for the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce, to weigh in on their favorite picks for upcoming holiday events. Read more about St. Croix Dazzle
During this particularly contentious election season, it can be tough to feel connected to the political process, let alone to the politicians angling for our votes. However, we recently caught up with the mayors of three Valley communities to see not only what our local elected officials are up to, but also to get to know the people behind the positions. While the mayors of Stillwater, Hudson and Afton each have a unique vision for their city and each took different routes to office, they are united in their love of the St. Croix River Valley and their dedication to civic service. Read more about Three Mayors: Ted Kozlowski of Stillwater, Richard Bend of Afton and Rich O’Connor of Hudson
If your decorating habits are anything like mine, you have hundreds of paint samples in kitchen drawers for paint projects you’ve been intending to do forever; you might have well-worn living room curtains that you’ve been meaning to replace, but just haven’t gotten around to it. And you’re a little daunted, dismayed to not be a professional decorator. Thanks to two professional area interior designers, we’ve put together helpful home makeover tips that are also budget-friendly—for folks just like you and me. Read more about St. Croix Valley Designers Give DIY Tips for Budget-Friendly Home Makeovers
Summer’s nary a blip in the rear-view mirror, and there are dry, wind-blown months of winter stretching before us. Add the holiday season and its sweet treats, and that stress can do a number on your skin. Here’s a quick roundup of some of the facials and at-home products available here in the Valley.
SkinPen treatment, St Croix Skincare Read more about The Top Facials in the St. Croix Valley
If you’ve bought or sold a home in the past decade or two, you might be familiar with the concept of staging—preparing a residence for sale in the real estate market, which might include placement of furniture or other changes to interior and exterior décor. “Physical home staging started in California more than 25 years ago,” says Stillwater businesswoman Ilaria Barion, owner and principal of Virtual Staging. Read more about Ilaria Barion’s Virtual Staging Brings Imagination to Life in the Real Estate Market
Once you hear of it, it’s hard to stop thinking about: a long weekend away with your craftiest girlfriends, uninterrupted time and excellent lighting, and plenty of tabletop space to spread out and really tackle your choice. That scrapbook you’ve been meaning to finish for your graduating senior? The heirloom quilt? Some bead or hand-stamping projects? Now that we’ve put the idea in your head, here are three lovely, comfortable and definitely-not-roughing-it settings to consider for your first (or next) crafting retreat.
The Trails Retreat, St. Croix Falls Read more about Valley Scrapbookers and Crafters Find Space, Equipment and Sanctuary in Area Retreat Houses
In Winter, the final book in the Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer, we are introduced to Princess Winter, beautiful in spite of facial scars, kind to everyone she encounters and in love with her lowly guard. In the series, Meyer shows heroines taking control of their destinies, set against a fully developed imaginative world.
—Kathleen Eddy, Valley Bookseller Read more about Books: A Lunar Winter
When Sandee Madigan, longtime owner of Hudson’s Dilly Dally in the Alley, decided to retire last year, Jenny Gunsallus saw an opportunity. “I always knew I wanted to own my own business,” says Gunsallus, who took over the eclectic gift store in January. “I saw Dilly Dally as a place where I could use all of my career and life experience.”
Born and raised in Hudson, Gunsallus moved to San Francisco after high school to study photography, working as a corporate trainer and at a photography studio before returning to Hudson in 2000. Read more about Retail Revival
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