Eagan, MN April 2026

JUSTICE FOR THE INJURED Right Here in Minnesota

Why Choose Us:

· Over three decades of combined experience helping injury victims throughout Minnesota. Strong record of trial-ready advocacy and personalized legal support. Compassionate representation that treats you like family, not a case number.

· We take many cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay only if we win.

For over 25 years, The Commons on Marice has been serving the Eagan community, providing exceptional senior living and a range of lifestyle preferences and continuing care needs. We take pride in our unique programs, including Rock Steady Boxing, intergenerational activities, and Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® approach to memory care. We invite you to come see all that we have to offer and experience our vibrant community firsthand.

Marice Dr., Eagan, MN 55121

WHERE CONFIDENCE BEGINS

“The best investment you can make is in yourself.”

April is typically associated with new growth. As the landscape transitions back to being green and full of life, it allows us to reflect on what we are building for ourselves. Whether it is financial, physical, professional, or personal, investment, after all, is about more than just dollars. It’s about where we choose to place our time, trust, and intention.

In this month’s issue, we highlight individuals and businesses who understand that true investment is rooted in long-term impact. At Summit Orthopedics, Dr. Michael Forseth reminds us that health is foundational to everything else. Hands, wrists, and elbows may seem small in the grand scheme, but they are essential to the activities that define our lives—work, sports, family, and everyday joy. Restoring movement is, in many ways, restoring possibility.

Investment can also look like freedom and exploration. At Pedego Twin Cities, electric bikes remove barriers and expand horizons. Whether it’s tackling hills with ease or extending a weekend ride, their approach makes adventure more accessible—and reminds us that investing in recreation is investing in well-being.

For business owners, clarity is one of the greatest returns. Ann Schreiber of Copywriting For You helps companies refine their voice and communicate with purpose. Her lifelong dedication to writing demonstrates how investing in strong messaging builds credibility, connection, and long-term success.

And when it comes to financial foundations, Carrie Cook of Revive Financials approaches money through understanding and education. Her own experience navigating business challenges led her to help entrepreneurs feel confident in their numbers and be equipped to grow sustainably. Sometimes the best investment begins with learning what we didn’t know before.

As always, I would like to thank all of Eagan City Lifestyle’s sponsors. Their generous support enables us to get our magazine directly into our readers’ homes. Please don’t hesitate to contact me (eagan@citylifestyle.com) if you have a story to share or a business to recommend.

This April, we invite you to consider what you’re investing in, and why. Health, clarity, freedom, education, expertise. These are the assets that compound over time.

AMY SOUSA, PUBLISHER @EAGANCITYLIFESTYLE

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Amy Sousa | Amy.Sousa@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Matt Sousa | matthew.sousa@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Devon Williams | devon.williams@citylifestyle.com

SALES MANAGER

Heather Johnson | heather.johnson@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITER

Ann Schreiber | copywritingforyoucorp@gmail.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Lisa Cline | clinelisamarie@gmail.com

COPY EDITOR

Judy Sousa | eagan@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

David Scheller

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

Warm up with a RETREAT relaxing this winter.

Step into a winter escape at Omni Viking Lakes Hotel, where the season is meant to be savored. Gather around the table at Kyndred Hearth, where James Beard Award–winning chef Ann Kim brings warmth and intention to every dish. Find your reset at Idlewild Spa with Nordic-inspired thermotherapy that invites deep relaxation. Book now and save 15% on your stay, and experience a winter retreat that’s warm, elevated, and memorable at Omni Viking Lakes Hotel.

city scene

NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Minnesota Top Team Fitness classes help you move better, feel stronger, and train with purpose. 2: Rowing with a friend is a great way to break a sweat. 3: Minnesota Top Team's own Eduardo “El Diablo” Valenzuela celebrates victory. 4: Learn effective, real-world Muay Thai techniques while also developing footwork, balance, and getting into excellent condition! 5: Check out one of Minnesota Top Team's boxing programs for kids or adults. 6: The gym's fresh look looks amazing lit up. 7: Building confidence, skill, and discipline on the jiu jitsu mat.

by Minnesota Top Team

100 Women, Twice a Year, One Nonprofit, One Powerful Vote

Power of 100 Eagan is a giving circle of women who believe in the power of coming together to make a difference close to home. Grounded in generosity and connection, members gather twice a year, each contribute $100, and collectively vote to support one local nonprofit organization. Through shared giving and shared purpose, Power of 100 Eagan strengthens community ties and creates meaningful, lasting impact.

Walk supporting Special Olympics Minnesota and Northern Dakota County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. Join the community on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in The Village at Mendota Heights at the intersection of Main Street and Market Street. Registered participants receive a T-shirt and are entered into a prize drawing. Sign up through the City of Mendota Heights website at mendotaheightsmn.gov. Proudly sponsored by Gateway Bank.

Scan to read more

Elevate Your Next Event with Ansari’s Mediterranean Catering

Ansari’s Mediterranean Grill offers special event catering for private parties and gatherings of up to 300 guests. Perfect for weddings, rehearsal dinners, holiday parties, business meetings, showers, graduations, benefits, and more. Ansari’s brings fresh Mediterranean flavors and reliable service to every celebration. Whether you’re planning an intimate event or a large group, our team will help tailor a menu your guests will love. Call 651-452-0999 today to book your event.

SUMMIT orthopedics

TALK TO THE HAND SPECIALIST.

ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER

“Hands. Wrists. Elbows,” said Dr. Michael J. Forseth of Summit Orthopedics. “In the grand scheme of things, I admit that my areas of focus aren’t quite as essential to life as … say, the heart, or the brain.

“But then I ask you, what is life? One thing’s for certain: it’s a lot more than vital signs. It’s providing for your family. It’s raising your children. It’s competing in sports. It’s fishing, canoeing, gardening, camping, and the million other things you need hands for.

“That’s something I remind the students I teach to never lose sight of. Behind every hand, wrist and elbow is a living, breathing person who just wants to get back to doing what they love. In that sense, orthopedics is only a means to an end. We restore hope!

“I got my introduction to orthopedic medicine the same way as many of my peers: by being on the receiving end of sports injuries. I looked up to the surgeons who treated me so well during my childhood. That, plus encouragement from a couple of my parents’ friends, who were also orthopedists, left me with zero doubt that I chose the right residency after med school.

“If you removed the human element altogether, then I would still appreciate my specialty from a purely intellectual standpoint. I may be a man of science, but I can’t describe the intricate interplay between nerve, ligament, tendon, and bone as anything less than miraculous.

“Fortunately, I study a fascinating field of medicine that just so happens to put me in touch with people from all walks of life. We treat babies and small children with traumatic congenital abnormalities. We treat high school and college athletes, including more than a few hockey players, football players, and gymnasts with significant upper extremity injuries. (Telling Mom and Dad that their kid’s sports career isn’t over? One of the best feelings in the world.) And of course we help plenty of seniors who are eager not just to maintain their independence, but to fully enjoy their retirements.

“I’m grateful for Summit Orthopedics’ philanthropic efforts, including One World Surgery, which provides free, life-changing primary and surgical care in Honduras and the Dominican Republic. The time I spent volunteering in Central America proved to be nothing short of enlightening. And though I pray I never have to repeat something like it again, I’m glad to have been of service during our mission to Port-auPrince immediately following the earthquake of 2010.

“Suffice to say I was also glad to return to my home clinic afterward. And it’s not just Summit Orthopedics’ state-of-the-art facilities and technology that I missed most during my time in Haiti. I missed our great people: the physicians, surgeons, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, certified athletic trainers and therapists who make expert, compassionate orthopedic care accessible to everyone at twenty-five clinics throughout the Twin Cities, greater Minnesota and Western Wisconsin areas. If you were to come to

“That’s something I remind the students I teach to never lose sight of. Behind every hand, wrist and elbow is a living, breathing person who just wants to get back to doing what they love.”

us with an elbow fracture, then you may interact with as many as fifty different people by the time you’ve recovered. I’m confident each and every one of them would have your best interests at heart.

“We truly are a big family here!”

From evaluation and diagnosis to prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, that family is standing by to get you back to your healthy and active lifestyle in the wake of any orthopedic injury. Call (651) 968-5201 to schedule care at Summit Orthopedics’ 2620 Eagan Woods Drive, Eagan location – or, alternatively, to disclose that you’re on your way for urgent care.

SummitOrtho.com

Pedego Twin Cities

Hills. Distance. Legs that weren’t exactly built for the Tour de France. Any of these could have spoiled an otherwise exquisite bike ride … if you weren’t gliding happily along on a Pedego, that is.

Pedego – America’s largest private e-bike retailer, which has dealerships in Eden Prairie and Mendota Heights –removes every barrier to the perfect bike ride. Hop aboard any of their cruiser, cargo, commuter, fat tire, or mountain bikes and shoot off with the twist of a throttle. Let the battery do all the leg work, or meet it halfway by pedaling. With pedal assist, Pedego’s largest battery can gobble up sixty miles of level terrain on a single charge, easily.

“Our two top-selling models meet the needs of most Minnesotans,” said Tony Gaffney, owner of Pedego Twin Cities. “The Interceptor – a stylish, laid-back cruiser – offers the exceptional acceleration, long range, and user-friendly features sought after by commuters and recreational riders alike. The Boomerang is similarly well-polished, and showcases the easy-mount step-through design many senior riders find to be the most comfortable. (It's probably no coincidence that it’s named the ‘Boomer ang’.)”

And Pedego’s only getting better. Now that it shares ownership with Urtopia, Twin Cities bike trails are ushering in a new era of carbon fiber and high technology.

“We are now offering Urtopia e-bikes in addition to the Pedego lineup,” said Tony. “They are featherweights! Several weigh as little as thirty-six pounds thanks to their state-of-the-art carbon fiber frames, which represents a forty percent weight reduction over some Pedego models. All Urtopias come with built-in GPS navigation, which can pinpoint the e-bike’s location and lock it down remotely in the event of a theft. Urtopia e-bikes also include a one-of-a-kind torque sensor that transforms any amount of rider effort into the smoothest, most natural ride to date.

“I expect Pedego to begin incorporating Urtopia technology into its lineup very soon. But for the time being, we’re proud to offer both brands right here in our Twin Cities stores.”

LET’S RIDE

You’re no Luddite or reprobate. You embrace thrilling new tech wholeheartedly, and would never dream of nipping someone else’s e-bike just so you could take it for an experimental spin around the block (only to apologize profusely upon returning it to its rightful owner, of course). How, then, do you experience a Pedego or an Urtopia in action?

“Come to either of our dealerships and try one out!” invited Tony. “Our full lineup of e-bikes is available for test rides, including Urtopia’s popular Carbon 1 Step-Thru. You’ll be amazed by how powerfully yet comfortably so light an e-bike handles. Other available test models include the moped-inspired Pedego Moto, the traditionally designed Pedego City Commuter, and the Urtopia Carbon Fold 1 – the smallest and lightest e-bike on the market at just twenty-nine pounds.”

Want to make a proper outing out of your inaugural e-bike excursion? Make it a group activity.

“We offer hourly rentals in addition to test rides,” said Tony. “Come with a group of any size. Once we’ve matched each rider to their ideal e-bike, we can put together a customized route that takes you through scenery you probably haven’t seen yet, even in your hometown. Alternatively, you just can tell us where you would like to go and take off. It’s total freedom like only an e-bike tour can provide.”

The family adventure. The company teambuilding exercise. The zen solo trip: just you perched atop electrified lithium, zipping over curve and plain without a care in the world. They’re all yours to enjoy with Pedego Twin Cities’ help.

Pedego Eden Prairie is located at 9719 Valley View Road; Pedego Mendota Heights is located at 1355 Mendota Heights Road, Suite 180. Learn more by calling (612) 827-5000 or visiting twincitiesebikes.com  today!

Helping Children With Autism Succeed

BLOGS build VISIBILITY

How thoughtful blog writing helps businesses attract attention, earn trust, and stay visible over time

ARTICLE BY MATT SOUSA AND ANN SCHREIBER PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA CLINE

For Ann Schreiber, owner of Copywriting For You, writing has never been a side skill. It has been a constant.

“I officially launched Copywriting For You in March of 2023, but I had already been writing under freelance contracts since 2019,” she says. “Even before that, I contributed blog content for companies like FICO and Experian.”

Her background also includes serving as head of corporate marketing at Sutherland Global Services, where she oversaw written content ranging from case studies to whitepapers and blog posts. Long before corporate titles, writing showed up in other ways.

“I’ve been writing stories since I was a kid,” Schreiber shares. “I worked on the school newspaper in middle school, high school, and into college. My undergraduate degree is in English, and my master’s is in Business Communications. Writing has always been the common thread.”

That foundation shapes how she helps businesses think about blogs today.

WHY BLOGS ARE OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD

Business owners rarely doubt that blogs can help. What they struggle with is understanding how.

“Most business owners know blogs matter, especially when they see competitors publishing them,” Schreiber explains. “What they don’t always see is how blogs support visibility, trust, and interest over time.”

She sees blogs as a way to answer questions before customers reach out. When businesses explain what they do and why it matters, they begin forming relationships early.

“Blogs let people get to know you,” she says. “They help readers feel informed instead of sold to.”

TEACHING BUILDS TRUST, NOT COMPETITION

One common concern Schreiber hears is the fear of sharing too much.

“A restaurant owner might worry that posting a favorite recipe gives something away,” she says. “But that’s not really what happens.”

Instead, sharing knowledge builds credibility. Readers learn something new and begin associating the business with helpful information. Curiosity grows from there. “The person who enjoyed learning from that post is very likely to visit the restaurant,” she adds. “They want to experience it for themselves.”

The same idea applies to personal finance, another area where Schreiber does extensive work. “Writing about budgeting or retirement planning doesn’t replace professional guidance,” she says. “It helps people realize when they need help and who they might trust.”

BLOGS WORK ACROSS INDUSTRIES

Schreiber works with businesses across home improvement, dental care, family and parenting, pets, real estate, and professional services.

“Any business that solves a problem has something worth writing about,” she says. “I even write for a company that scoops up backyard dog poop. There’s a business out there for just about anything.”

Trades and renovation businesses often worry about sounding technical or dull, especially when the work feels routine to them. Schreiber approaches these topics from the business owner’s or homeowner’s perspective and often draws inspiration directly from conversations with clients.

“I recently spoke with a client who owns a mini-blinds business, and we were brainstorming topic ideas for his first blogs,” she says. “At first, it didn’t feel like the most exciting subject.” That changed once the focus shifted to what homeowners actually

want to know. “A homeowner probably might not know the difference between honeycomb blinds and other cellular coverings,” Schreiber explains. “Answering that question clearly makes the topic interesting because it solves a real problem.”

By framing content around common questions and everyday decisions, even highly specialized services become relatable. The result is content that educates readers while quietly introducing a business as a trusted resource.

A LONG-TERM APPROACH TO VISIBILITY

When Schreiber talks about investing in blogs, she means planning with purpose.

“The first conversation is always about goals, budget, and expectations,” she says. “Blogs are not a one-time task. They work best when treated as an ongoing effort. It’s a long game.”

Many businesses start with one or two posts a month. Over time, that growing library brings in readers who are already curious about what the business offers. “Blogs help reach people who don’t even realize a solution exists yet,” Schreiber explains. “When content speaks to everyday frustrations, people start paying attention.”

WHERE BLOGS FIT IN THE BIGGER PICTURE

The role of blogs is to build awareness.

“While we hope blogs eventually lead to sales, their main job is to start the relationship,” Schreiber says. “Once readers feel informed, they are far more open to future messages.”

For business owners on the fence, her advice is simple.

“There’s never a bad time to start,” she says. “Waiting too long while others publish helpful content can quietly cost opportunities. If you’ve built something worth offering, it deserves to be talked about.”

profit with purpose

Turning passion-driven businesses into profitable legacies through strategy, literacy, and courageous leadership.

When Carrie Cook talks about money, she starts with a story, not with spreadsheets. And it’s the story that helps drive customers her way.

“Many years ago, I had a business failure,” she shares. “It was a business I had run on passion. It was good, but it then fell apart. And I didn’t really understand why.”

That unanswered question stayed with her. Instead of walking away, she went back to school and earned her MBA to understand what she didn’t know. “It took me a long time to be brave enough to figure out what happened,” she says. “When I finally finished, I made a commitment that I wanted to help other entrepreneurs understand money.”

That commitment was the catalyst for launching Revive Financials in February 2020, just weeks before the pandemic reshaped small business life.

FINANCIAL STRATEGY BEYOND BOOKKEEPING

Carrie is a fractional CFO and profit strategist, not an accountant. The difference matters.

“Accountants are backward-thinking. They help you understand the tax implications of your business,” she explains. “Bookkeepers are getting into the receipts. Profit strategists are forward-thinking. We’re looking at how you can improve your bottom line today and in the future.”

ARTICLE BY ANN SCHREIBER PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA CLINE

Through Revive Financials, fiscal literacy classes with Souverainé Wealth, and bookkeeping support from Clean Simple Books, Carrie helps business owners understand profit as a formula. The result? No more guessing or throwing darts at a dartboard, hoping to make something stick.

BUILDING FROM THE GROUND UP

“The biggest problem people bring to the table? They don’t have a strong foundation,” Carrie says. “They don’t have a profit strategy and don’t understand where their numbers are. It’s a money mindset problem.”

She starts in the chart of accounts to assess structure. From there, she evaluates how owners use their time and how staff are utilized, creating a time-to-money ratio. Then she analyzes true profit margins on products and services.

“See if the formula allows them to make a profit,” she says plainly. Her top objectives are simple but powerful:

• Help business owners understand profit strategy

• Encourage owners to put themselves first

• Teach people to truly know their numbers

Ownership, she believes, is power.

MINDSET, MONEY, AND COURAGE

Carrie has noticed patterns in her client base.

She believes that financial strategy is often miscategorized as an expense instead of what it truly is: infrastructure. “If you know something is off, the most courageous thing you can do is ask,” she says. “Financial clarity isn’t a luxury. It’s survival.”

Her conversations with clients go beyond numbers. She challenges them to consider the difference between earning and owning, between being busy and being intentional.

“Life requires risk,” she says. “Business requires structure. Courage is knowing when to pivot and when to build deeper.”

WALKING THE LINE TOGETHER

What Carrie finds most rewarding isn’t the spreadsheet correction or the margin increase. It’s the shift in posture. “It’s when a client stops saying, ‘I think,’ and starts saying, ‘I know,’” she says. “That’s financial literacy in action.”

As an objective third party, she identifies blind spots. But she doesn’t operate at arm’s length. “I walk the line with my clients,” she says. “I give them the formula, but I’m invested in the outcome, too. We’re building something together.”

For Carrie, profit is what protects purpose. “Passion deserves structure,” she says. “Purpose deserves margin. And every business owner deserves the courage to claim both.”

Led by Lena Simelgor, CRNA/APRN

Advanced practice nurse & experienced injector specializing in neuromodulators(Botox/ Dysport/Xeomin), biostimulators, and dermal fillers.

Break Free from The Burnout Cycle

For when keeping it all together starts falling apart The Struggle You push yourself to be perfect—at work, at home, in every relationship. You’re exhausted, critical of yourself, and feel like you’re never enough. The Cost of Staying Stuck Stress keeps building. Sleep, energy, and confidence start slipping.

Personalized

Everyday tasks feel overwhelming, and self-criticism never ends. You Don’t Have to Do It Alone With guidance and practical strategies, you can release the constant pressure to perform, set healthy boundaries, and reconnect with what truly matters.

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

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Plant You r Kitchen Garden

A quick guide for simple ideas to start off your backyard kitchen garden. With endless health and medicinal benefits, combined with the beauty and enjoyment to be found, gardening is endlessly rewarding.

GETTING STARTED

• Plant your vegetable options right into your beds with flowers, the pollinators (bees, butterflies and more) are attracted to the beautiful flowers and your veggies will easily and abundantly go-to-fruit, living harmoniously in one bed.

• Every garden needs a rain gauge - you’ll be surprised at how fun it is to check. There is nothing like rain water for your garden. (This is optional, but definitely fun).

• Get your family involved. It’s never too late!

• Just go for it, our local climate can be weird and often extreme but don’t let it stop you- the most success and fun I’ve had was just going for it. Experiment and see what you love and what works best for you!

• In most cases, when watering, don’t water the petals and leaves, (especially when they’re in direct sunlight) try to water straight to the soil. All they need is water, nutrients and light to thrive! (and maybe a little love helps too!)

• Don’t forget herbs: Lavender, Mint, Lemon Verbena, Oregano, Basil, Cilantro, Parsley and more. Don’t be afraid to skip the spice rack and grab your seasoning from the garden.

ARTICLE BY LAURA SANCHEZQUAN

BACKYARD GARDENS OFFER FRESH VEGGIES AND FOOD FOR YOUR SOUL

What to Plant

Whether starting from seed or seedlings, you can’t go wrong with these options. Start with foods you know you like to eat.

TOMATOES:

They’re delicious, money-saving, good for eating fresh and for preserving. Tomatoes come in endless colors, shapes and sizes. Plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil, ideally in full sun, and ensure they receive consistent moisture, supporting them with cages or stakes as they grow.

EGGPLANT:

Eggplant is a short season vegetable and a relative of peppers, potatoes, tomatoes and tobacco. It thrives in heat and full sun and can be deliciously made into baba ganoush and many other delicious dishes.

OKRA:

Okra loves our hot summers and full sun. Don’t wait too long to pick your okra, ideally harvesting them when they are 2 to 4 inches long. Can be eaten raw on a salad or best served deep fried. (The flower that turns into the okra itself is uniquely beautiful as well!)

PEPPERS:

Like tomatoes, peppers have many purposes and variations. Plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil after the last frost, spacing them 18 inches apart, and provide consistent watering while ensuring the soil doesn’t become waterlogged.

Flowers Bring Pollinators

Flowers bring joy to all five of our senses, but they also bring pollinators to our garden in order to ensure your backyard kitchen will produce lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Not to mention they also contain health and even medicinal properties.

HIBISCUS:

Make sure your hibiscus plants, whether tropical or hardy, get at least 6 hours of sun per day in order to achieve optimum blooming. Hibiscus flowers can be made into a delicious tea that can be served hot or ice cold (and is a good source of Vitamin C). With over 200 varieties of hibiscus world wide, their blooms only last a day or two! Stunning in all shapes, sizes and colors.

MARIGOLDS:

To the surprise of most people, marigold flowers are edible. Whether used fresh, dried, or infused into various beverages, Marigolds have a multitude of uses in the kitchen. An added benefit of planting these bright and low maintenance flowers next to tomatoes– they help keep pests away from devouring your tomatoes while also encouraging pollinators.

ZINNIAS: PLUMBAGO:

These bright, colorful garden gems have many benefits beyond their beauty and ease of care. Along with attracting pollinators, and being low maintenance they also have medicinal properties. Zinnias have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, they’re rich in antioxidants, and the natural compounds in zinnias can help calm irritated skin and reduce redness.

Plumbago is thought to have many health benefits, such as its anti-ulcer, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer properties, resulting from its principal chemical components, which are concentrated in the roots, leaves, and stems of plants. This attractive light purple flowering plant thrives in the sun, and has moderate watering needs. Trim and prune to suit your own preferences of growth and it’s a welcome, abundantly beautiful member of any garden.

ARTICLE BY SOPHIE BROCK

FOUR SIMPLE WAYS TO INVEST IN YOUR MORNING AND START YOUR DAY OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT

habits morning for success

One of the best ways to invest in yourself is by creating a consistent and intentional morning routine. No matter how unpredictable or chaotic the rest of your day may become, starting your morning with self-care and purpose sets a positive tone that stays with you throughout the day.  Once you develop a morning routine that truly resonates with you, you’ll look forward to it every night, knowing it will set the foundation for a productive and fulfilling day.

If you’re ready to elevate your mornings, here are some meaningful ways to invest in your routine and start each day on the right foot.

Be Your Own Barista:

One of life’s simplest pleasures is savoring a homemade coffee each morning. While skipping the drivethru may be tough at first, brewing your own allows you to appreciate the process—and chances are, you’ll end up preferring your own perfect cup of joe.

Get Your Steps In:

An hour-long gym session before work may not be realistic, but a quick morning walk is. Use this time to clear your mind, enjoy nature, and listen to your favorite podcast or artist—an easy way to start your day feeling relaxed.

Enjoy Some Breakfast:

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet often the most overlooked. Setting your alarm just minutes earlier to prepare a fresh, nutritious meal can transform your morning, fueling your body and mind for a more energized and productive day.

Read A Book:

Starting your day with a book is far more calming than scrolling through social media. Reading in the morning helps ease you into the day, providing a peaceful and mindful escape that sets a positive, focused tone for what’s ahead.

ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Inquiring Chef

START WITH A VEGETABLE

Jess Smith is the founder of the popular food blog InquiringChef.com, which she started in 2010 after moving to Thailand with her husband. She explored Thai cuisine, took cooking classes, and documented her experiences on the blog. Over time, her passion for cooking grew, leading her to focus on quick, easy meals for families. Today, Inquiring Chef receives over 5 million page views annually and supports a small team. She shares new recipes weekly through email, her blog, and social media, helping home cooks simplify mealtime without sacrificing flavor.

Smith is now an author. Her debut cookbook,  Start with a Vegetable, published in 2025 reimagines meal planning by putting vegetables at the center of the plate.

“Start with a Vegetable was the result of a natural transition in the way I started thinking about preparing dinner for my family. At the end of a busy day, I often didn't have the energy to think about dinner in parts by preparing a separate protein, vegetable, and starch,” says Smith. “I realized that if I put a vegetable at the center of the dish, the rest was easy to fill in.”

The book features 100 flexible recipes proving vegetables aren’t just a side— they’re key to simple, satisfying meals.

As chief recipe developer for the Cook Smarts meal-planning app, Smith worked closely with families struggling to get dinner on the table. She noticed a common challenge: people wanted to eat more vegetables but didn’t know how to build meals around them.

“As I started planning and testing recipes for the book, I just loved how easy it made dinnertime feel. Are there carrots in the fridge? Here are a bunch of ways to turn them into dinner. Nearly all of the 100 recipes are complete meals and include easy swaps to make them vegetarian. The book is truly flexitarian, with vegetable-forward recipes for all types of eaters.”

Unlike most cookbooks,  Start with a Vegetable is organized by ingredient. Each chapter focuses on a different vegetable, offering multiple ways to turn it into a meal.

“The concept is resonating with many readers who tell me they love that the chapters are organized by vegetable, making it easy to use whatever they have on hand.”

Smith went through a rigorous testing process, starting with over 300 ideas before narrowing them down to 100.

“I always have running lists of recipe ideas. I started sorting recipes into categories, making sure there was variety for each vegetable. I wanted different cooking methods and types of dishes, so each chapter might have a soup, a salad, a roasted dish, a stove-top dish, and a sandwich or pasta.”

After perfecting the recipes in her own kitchen, she passed them to a trusted friend, an everyday home cook, to ensure they worked under realworld conditions.

“I want to know how these recipes worked for a home cook who was shopping at regular grocery stores and trying to make dinner for a family on a weeknight. She sends me feedback on any ingredients that are hard to find, anything that is unclear in the recipe, and tracks how long it takes her to make it with real-life interruptions.”

To further refine the book, Smith enlisted 30 volunteer home cooks through Instagram and her email list to test the recipes.

“My goal was to ensure that the recipes in this book are reliable, easy, and adaptable. I wanted this to be a cookbook for real home cooks. I'm so grateful to that team of volunteers for helping to ensure that it is.”

To order a copy of the cookbook visit:  InquiringChef.com

CITRUS, CARROT, AND CHICKPEA COUSCOUS

Sweet carrots and tart cranberries complement each other in every bite of this tangy couscous. It makes a light meal on its own but becomes a showstopper when spread on a platter and topped with braised meat, roasted cauliflower steaks, or seared tofu. If you want to add a little creaminess, serve the couscous with a spoonful of plain yogurt.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound carrots

• one 15½-ounce can chickpeas

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for boiling

• ½ cup orange juice

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup dry regular or whole wheat couscous

• ⅓ cup sliced almonds

• 1 lemon

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F

Step 2. Peel the carrots and slice them diagonally into 1-inch ovals. Drain and rinse the chickpeas

Step 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the carrots and chickpeas with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, cumin, ginger, dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon of the salt, coating evenly.

Step 4. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned veggies and chickpeas on it in an even layer.

Step 5. Bake until the carrots become tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Stir halfway through cooking.

Step 6. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over high heat, combine the orange juice, water, and ½ teaspoon of salt. When the mixture begins to boil, remove it from the heat, stir in the couscous, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes.

Step 7. When the carrots become tender, sprinkle the almonds on them and continue baking until the almonds lightly toast, 4 to 5 more minutes.

Step 8. Juice the lemon for 1 tablespoon fresh juice.

Step 9. In the same mixing bowl used to season the veggies, whisk together the lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and the cranberries.

Step 10. Fluff the couscous with a fork and add it to the carrots, chickpeas, and almonds. Stir well to combine.

Step 11. Serve warm or refrigerate for 30 minutes and serve chilled. Just before serving, stir in the parsley.

Fest opens outdoors for the summer. The vendor list will be posted the week of the market at  facebook. com/cityofeagan  under events.

APRIL 10TH

Teen Clothing Swap

1340 Wescott Rd, Eagan, MN 55123 2:00 PM

The Teen Planning Committee is hosting a clothing swap just for teens! Trade your gently used clothing, shoes, and other items for something new–completely free. Take what you need and leave what you don’t. No need to bring items to join. In addition, bring an old t-shirt to learn from Dakota Valley Recycling about how to upcycle it into a tote bag.

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APRIL 15TH

Introduction to Fly Fishing for Women

860 Cliff Road, Eagan, MN, 55123 | 6:00 PM

Join us for an introduction to the sport of fly fishing with the Fly Fishing Women of Minnesota. Equipment provided for practice casting. An adult must accompany children under the age of 18. Register at https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/parks/. $15 per person.

APRIL 16TH

Lakeview Bank Legacy Award Ceremony

9725 163rd St W, Lakeville, MN 55044 | 4:30 PM

Join Lakeview Bank in honoring the 2026 Lakeview Bank Legacy Award winners. This award recognizes and honors members of our community who exhibit the core values embraced by Lakeview Bank.  Personally and professionally, these people demonstrate integrity, honesty, respect, service, attitude, and professionalism.

APRIL 25TH

Zoo After Hours: Farm Fresh Fun

8:30 PM

Zoo After Hours heads to the Farm! This adults-only (18+) evening lets you unwind with wildlife and farm friends. As the sun sets, enjoy food, drinks, live music, lawn games, and Barnyard BINGO. Meet heritage livestock, catch Farmkeeper Chats, and snap photos with Clydesdale draft horses. New for 2026: miniature donkeys and miniature cows. Get your tickets at mnzoo.org Want