Tag Archives: 2015

As summer winds down, it’s tempting to get a little melancholy. Yet, I smile as I think of all the adventures, big and small, we crossed off our summer bucket list. The Northern Wisconsin State Fair was a much-anticipated tradition. I can almost still taste those famous Wisconsin cheese curds. It’s probably a good thing the Fair comes to town only once a year! We celebrated birthdays, beach days, and beautiful days on Lake Wissota. Catching a flick at the Gemini Drive-In Theater was a nostalgic treat. Our annual week in the Wisconsin Northwoods on the Chippewa Flowage is always …

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 …

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 …