Edina, MN September 2024

LET’S DO MEDICARE TOGETHER

Join us for a Medicare workshop

Learn what Original Medicare covers, how and when to enroll, and Medicare plan options available in your county. Our Blue Cross Medicare experts are with you every step of the way, from helping you understand benefits and coverage to selecting the right plan to meet your needs. Reserve your spot today. Call 1-844-626-0478, TTY 711 or visit bluecrossmn.com/Workshop3 of people understand how Medicare works after attending a Blue Cross workshop

1Based on enrollment data from CMS January 2024. 2Based on survey responses for 2023 Medicare workshops presented by Blue Cross. Beginning in October, we’ll present 2025 plan information. Workshops cover individual Medicare plans. If you’re Medicare-eligible and covered under the Federal Employee Program® or a Blue Cross group employee or retiree plan, talk with your employer. You may be able to get better coverage than an individual Medicare plan. Blue Cross offers PPO, Cost and PDP plans with Medicare contracts. Enrollment in these Blue Cross plans depends on contract renewal. Plans are available to residents of the service area. For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings, call 1-844-626-0478, TTY 711. Y0138_062024_P01_M

• We have established long-term relationships with Minnesota growers to bring you the freshest, bestquality produce in every season.

• Whenever we can, we choose Minnesota Grown in order to bring you foods that are fresher by miles.

• Since 1983, we’ve partnered with hundreds of local producers to give their products a chance.

• Many of the Twin Cities’ best food success stories started in Kowalski’s Markets.

Stylin' This September

Is it really September already? I can’t believe it. Hopefully, things are smoothly evolving back into a typical fall routine. The Edina Lifestyle kick off to fall is always marked by our Style issue, and it is one encompassing many different areas. I believe that getting to express one’s authentic style is a key to health and happiness.

We had a ton of fun incorporating some fall fashion with the Serge + Jane team (store owner Jamie Carl, stylist Grant Whittaker, models Hannah and Jered, and photographer Andrew Vick) to showcase some of the season’s upcoming, cooler weather trends. Staged in iconic parts of this local, three-level boutique, Serge + Jane is filled with men’s and women’s fashion, kids' clothing, pet treats and accessories, gift ideas and even vinyl for the music lovers. It’s not just a locally owned boutique, it is an experience.

Continuing down France Avenue, we visited a few spots in the Galleria. Sweet Ivy’s owner Becky Leffler has recently opened Littles… by Sweet Ivy which provides some of the cutest trends for the small ones in your life. Carrying infant, toddler and youth fashion, this is a great spot to find style on the smaller side. And for the mommas, they even have the Barefoot Dreams line (first made popular by the Kardashians) if you need soft and flattering lounge and travel wear.

The iconic gem JB Hudson fits right into Edina. Living up to the long-standing beauty and tradition, this location carries some of its legendary brands and well-known, popular lines such as JB Star, Lagos and Messika. Catering to a first-time jewelry buyer or a veteran, the JB Hudson team knows their sparkle and how to put a smile on anyone’s face!

If you have the inkling for something truly unique, we give some quick tips on vertical gardens and how to incorporate more green space into your home as well as some fun ways to spruce up your beverages.

We can’t cover it all, but our team aspires to inspire our readers, connect the Edina community, and support everything local.

Style is something each of us already has, all we need to do is find it.”  - Diane von Furstenberg

ALEXANDRA PATTY, PUBLISHER @EDINA_LIFESTYLE

September 2024

PUBLISHER

Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Sarah Knieff | sarah.knieff@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Susan Shannon | susan.shannon@citylifestyle.com

MARKET SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Kassi Miranowski | kassi.miranowski@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Baldani, Kelsey Huber, Sarah Knieff, Cate Marian

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lucy Hawthorne, Andrew Vick, Sully Weiss

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

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

2024

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN SEPTEMBER

ETS

city scene

place in July

SuNu Celebrates 13 Years of Service

This past July marked a monumental milestone for SuNu Wellness as they celebrated 13 incredible years of service. Owner and founder Dr. Susan Quigley states, "This anniversary is a celebration of each and every one of their you who have become part of the SuNu community, and a testament to the dedication of our amazing staff and practitioners who uphold our pillars of business and care." sunuwellness.com.

Fit Studios: Exercise, Nutrition and Accountability

Fit Studios St. Louis Park is looking for eight men and eight women to go through their six week transformation program. Exercise, Nutrition, and Accountability are the three pillars of change that have allowed thousands of clients to transform their body, lose fat, and get in the best shape of their lives. Set up your free goal setting consultation now and get 20% off when you mention Edina Lifestyle. fit-studios.com.

Twin Cities Siding Professionals Has a New Name!

Twin Cities Siding Professionals is now Twin Cities Siding and Roofing, rebranding to depict its strong commitment to comprehensive exterior services. Known as a leading James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor and Marvin Authorized Replacement Contractor, the new name reflects their roofing expertise as a GAF Master Elite Roofer. Customers can be assured of continued excellence in siding, roofing, and window services. Twin Cities Siding and Roofing appreciates the community’s ongoing support. More at www.tcsidingandroofing.com

EVERY LEVEL OF FUN

ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW VICK

THREE FLOORS OF CAREFULLY CURATED STYLE

Serge + Jane, a lifestyle boutique in Edina, is starting the fall season off right with a selection of clothing trends and accessories that are full of character.

Owners Casey and Jamie Carl created the store in honor of Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin. Serge being a famous French musician, and Jane an English actress, singer, and Hermès muse for the Birkin bag; together the iconic duo created magic and mischief.

Inspired by the pair’s laid-back, rebellious, and passionate vibes, the Carls have matched the store’s decor and merchandise to fit this aesthetic. Offering three floors, each level has uniquely curated sections that feel like their own world.

Highlighted within are upcoming fall trends in fun Serge + Jane spaces. All outfits were assembled by stylist Grant Whittaker and Jamie Carl. Models are Hannan Peltier and Jered Sternaman.

OUTSIDE MURAL

Combining the Carls’ apparel line, North Coast Soul, and their favorite photo of Serge and Jane, the outside mural presents a vintage California vibe with pines of the North Coast.

Outfit details: Hannah is wearing the $290 Farm Rio Stitched Garden Midi Dress with a straw clutch. Jered is wearing $188 Rails pants, a $268 Rails blazer and $158 striped shirt from Faherty.

WET BAR

“We saw the Orange Big Chill Fridge by chance and fell in love with it, so we decided to make a vintage kitchen scene on our second level,” Jamie says. “We sell a lot of fun kitchenware, so the pairing works nicely."

On Hannah:  $54 One Teaspoon colorblock tank, $148 Free People chunky cardigan and $175 Lacoste tennis skirt. Jered is sporting a $98 Scotch & Soda waffle shirt, $238 Rails navy pants and $148 Rails denim shirt.

RECORD WALL

“Casey is a huge vinyl collector and hobbyist DJ, so it was natural for us to sell records in the store,” Jamie explains. “Serge was also a musician, so it’s another nod to him.”

Outfit details: Hannah is wearing the $425 Cynthia Rowley Leopard Satin Jacket paired with a $228 Pistola Jumpsuit, and Jered is wearing a $168 Rails quarter zip, $298 Scotch & Soda corduroy blazer and $148 Scotch & Soda plaid pants.

LEOPARD BATHROOM

All of the bathrooms in the store have unique wallpaper details, but the leopard is extra special. “I love animal patterns and am inspired by Gucci's Alessandro Michele use of animals in design,” Jamie says.

Outfit details: Hannah is wearing the $268 One Teaspoon Studded Blazer, a $78 K Too bow dress and $158 Pistola faux leather pants.

ROOFTOP

“We found a picture of Jane on a swing and that inspired us to create the boxwood wall and swing on our rooftop.”

Outfit details: Hannah is wearing the $210 Farm Rio Anika Flowers Dress, and Jered is wearing a $178 Rails crew sweater, $298 Rails navy blazer and $168 Scotch & Soda denim pants.

4532 France Ave. S | 612-315-4638 sergeandjane.com

Grant Whittaker, Creative Producer and Stylist

You can’t talk about local fashion without a nod to Grant Whittaker. He is a go-to fashion expert, who has helped bring the Twin Cities into the fashion limelight. Raised in Germany and surrounded by European fashion, style has always come naturally to him. But, more importantly, he has the imagination to take things one step further. Blend this fashion expertise with his extensive knowledge of the industry – retail, editorial, merchandising, production, buying, and fashion events – and you end up with pure style. Check him out on Instagram, @grantwcreative.

You’re Invited!

Nanci Fulmek VIP artist reception

Framing Solutions | artbarn52 gallery Thursday, September 12 | 5-9 PM

Edina Lifestyle readers! Please join us for a special gallery event featuring Nanci Fulmek, a classically trained St. Paul artist.

Nanci will be exhibiting and selling her original artwork.

www.NanciFulmek.com

Recognized nationwide, Nanci has been featured in magazines including American

Schedule your design appointment today!

952-222-0931 | 5261 Edina Industrial Blvd. | Edina MN 55439 www.framingsolutionsmn.com | susan@framingsolutionsmn.com

Framing Solutions framing_solutions

JEWELRY FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW VICK

In business since 1885, JB Hudson has been a staple in the Twin Cities for those looking for fine jewelry and watches. One of the secrets to its success has been its ability to change with the times, while still providing that old-fashioned customer service. It recently moved to a new storefront at the Edina Galleria which exudes a luxury atmosphere.

“We’re a Minnesota brand and the owner is from the Midwest,” says store manager, Aaron Block. “We treat

every single person that walks through the door like royalty whether they’re having a repair done or spending hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

With a team that includes people with over 30 years of experience in the jewelry industry, the staff is very knowledgeable and has stayed on top of all the trends along the way. This fall is no different.

“We’re getting more requests for longer diamonds, such as an elongated cushion or emerald radiant cuts,”

Expert Design Styles for Every Occasion

he says. “We're expecting layering to trend, so a lot of bracelets as well as necklaces are being worn together. We’re also seeing bolder pieces like the 80s button earrings. They’re coming back in style right now, and so are the smaller hoops but in more of that chunky style.”

Different shades of citrines, oranges, and greens will be trending, and that includes in watches as well, especially for women. “We're expecting those oranges, greens and some different shades of brown to be really on point,” says Aaron.

Of course, some pieces never go out of style. Classics such as diamond stud earrings, which he says are a real staple, along with tennis necklaces and solitaire pendants, are constant favorites. Watches are still a popular purchase too, for both men and women.

“A watch is a fashion piece just like any other piece of jewelry, plus you have those true collectors who have multiple pieces that sometimes number into the hundreds. They will always continue to buy watches just because they are something they love and are interested in.”

Aaron likes to buy watches to commemorate special events in his life. “Every time I would get a promotion or move locations, I would celebrate with a watch,” he says. “When my daughter was born, I made a watch with an engraved nameplate on it.”

Whenever he looks at one of these watches, it evokes a special memory, just like an engagement ring or wedding ring marks cherished moments in a life.

“A woman whose husband recently passed away wanted to combine her engagement ring and her wedding band with his wedding band,” he says. “So, we created a custom singular ring that combined all three designs. We also just did a custom pendant for

somebody whose mother had passed away, and we combined some special memories into that pendant.”

He adds, “It's very emotional, especially with diamonds, because it's something that you're going to have forever, and you're wearing it on your body to commemorate whatever that meaning is.”

Strong emotions also play out in many vintage and heirloom pieces. “As people pass away, others inherit these pieces and want an idea of either what they are worth, or how to refurbish them or change them into something that they would wear,” says Aaron.

There is a master jeweler on staff to handle all types of repairs and refurbishing. “He does excellent work. It's actually in his blood - his father was a jeweler - and he handles everything from vintage to new pieces.”

Aaron has been noticing an uptick in customers requesting pieces that they can pass down from generation to generation, whether it's a timepiece or a piece of jewelry that their children or their children's

children can inherit. They also want it to be timeless and something that future generations are going to want to wear.

If someone prefers a piece that is unique and not something that they can just pick out of a case, JB Hudson has expert jewelry makers who can create exactly what they desire.

“You would sit down with somebody like me and we would get an idea of what you're looking for, possibly have a very rough sketch done, find out the metal type, the stone or stone types, and then go about designing it,” he says. “We would then create a CAD image and you would get to approve that CAD image before it’s cast. You'd then have a one-of-a-kind piece.”

In the industry for 15 years, Aaron considers himself fortunate to do what he does on a daily basis. “We get to go on a journey with our clients where it may be a younger guy coming in for his first jewelry purchase or he's looking to get engaged. You really get involved in their lives in a way.”

Since many clients come in again and again, he’s known them for a long time. “It doesn't feel like a typical retail job because you have that emotional connection with your clients and you get to make people happy,” he says. “That’s the greatest thing.”

3555 Galleria |  612-274-7181 | JBHudson.com

“It doesn’t feel like a typical retail job because you have that emotional connection with your clients and you get to make people happy. That’s the greatest thing.”

In business there are two types of ownership, the actual owning of a business, and the sense of responsibility one feels when working with that business. At Crown Bank we feel that same sense of ownership. That's why we never take your successes, your future, your possibilities, or opportunities for granted.

What can we make possible for your business?

ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUCY HAWTHORNE

to Boutique Bliss From Commercial Real Estate

Becky Leffler, owner of sweet ivy in the Galleria Edina, opened her third store, Littles by sweet ivy this past May. To Becky’s delight, Littles, an adult loungewear and baby store, has seen much success in the last few months, prompting her to reflect on her entrepreneurial journey. From what once started as a creative outlet, Becky’s stores have grown more than she ever imagined.

Let’s travel along with Becky as she dives deeper into her history.

“In 2016, after dedicating 35 years to commercial real estate, I found myself yearning for a creative outlet – a way to bring my passion for unique products and personal connection to life.”

The vision was clear: Becky wanted to open a quaint boutique that resonated with her love for beautiful items, one that felt as comforting as a vacation in her favorite place, Marco Island, Florida.

“During my trips to Marco, I would relish the sensory delights of the gift shops,” she explains. “The intoxicating aromas, vivid colors, and exquisite products inspired me. One particular line I loved purchasing was the Spartina 449 bags — which are a charming blend of leather and linen.”

With her entrepreneurial spirit aflame, Becky took the plunge and founded her first boutique, Sweet Nautical, about eight years ago.

The journey wasn’t without its challenges; “I dove headfirst into the retail world with minimal experience, operating out of 900 square feet.” But with an unwavering belief in her vision and a foundation in business, Becky’s love for unique products began to shine through, attracting customers and driving sales. CONTINUED >

As her first boutique flourished, Becky was able to move into a larger space on Excelsior, where Sweet Nautical stayed until 2022. That year, a turn of fate nudged Becky toward the Edina Galleria, where her supporters encouraged her to explore a new store opportunity.

“To my delight, everything that I had curated stood out amid the more established names, prompting me to seize the moment.”

It was a leap of faith, and that July, just three months since being offered the space, sweet ivy was born – perfectly embodying Becky’s dream of creativity and style.

The name itself, a transition from the original “Sweet Nautical,” was born out of a desire to soften the brand’s identity and align it with the feminine, chic direction Becky aspired to reach.

Now in its second year, sweet ivy offers an impressive selection of apparel, shoes and jewelry, including Spartina 449’s bags, which has been a real full circle moment for Becky.

“Spartina was a small brand when I found them all those years ago, so I feel like we have grown together.” Sweet ivy also carries Barefoot Dreams and Elegant Baby, two very popular brands among its customers.

“The luxurious feel of Barefoot Dreams – known for its soft, durable loungewear – coupled with our baby department, captured the hearts of shoppers. These two lines were only 25% of sweet ivy’s merchandise, but yet they did 50% of my sales.”

As demand grew for more baby items and a larger Barefoot section, Becky recognized the potential for a store solely dedicated to them, leading to the opening of Littles by sweet ivy on May 6 of this year.

“Our customers are loving Littles."

“Our customers are loving Littles,” she says. “We carry the largest selection of Barefoot Dream in the state, offering sizes from infant to adult. We also sell a home line, special toys made to spark creativity, children’s books and other sought after lines that moms love.”

Becky attributes the success of Littles and her other endeavors to all the amazing women who have helped her along the way.

“I’ve had great employees and partners from the start. My daughter, Abbey, ended up being my biggest sales rep for different brands after she graduated college in 2022. My daughter-in-law, Dana, has been managing my stores with me since Excelsior. I also have a team of five gals who work at sweet ivy and Littles. They inspire me every day because they are just the best people around.”

Now as Becky looks toward the future of her stores, she’s excited for what is to come and grateful for what has already been.

“We are constantly growing and I couldn’t be more proud.”

Vertical Gardens Are Moving Indoors

The Stylish Home Design Trend That Will Have You Saying, “Oh, Grow Up!”

Humans have always had a penchant for propagation. Since King Nebuchadnezzar II built The Hanging Gardens of Babylon (one of the original Seven Wonders of the World) in the sixth century BC, artful gardening has fascinated folks. Today, there is a growing trend (pun intended) in home design that echoes that need to nurture, albeit on a much smaller scale. It goes by many names. Environmentalists refer to them as “green walls” or “ecowalls.” Gardeners may prefer “garden wall” or “edible wall.” Designers have dubbed them “statement walls.” But for our purposes here, we will refer to them as the architects do — as “vertical gardens.”

A vertical garden is essentially a wall, or part of a wall, that is covered with plants growing in soil or another type of medium. Though they began as outdoor architectural attractions, these wonderful wallscapes are popping up indoors, and their benefits go beyond a fancy facade.

The most obvious benefit of a vertical garden is the visual beauty it brings to the room. Its unexpected presence adds surprise and drama, while its living tenants, with their varied textures and individual personalities, add energy and a bit of charm as well.

Beyond the aesthetic advantages, living walls have health benefits. They improve the air quality by adding humidity, trapping dust particles, and absorbing many harmful gasses, replacing them with oxygen. They can help with cardiovascular issues like blood pressure as well as breathing problems associated with allergies and asthma. Because they lend a sense of calm and well being, they can even improve concentration, elevate mood, and reduce stress.

Because these living walls are becoming more popular, demand is driving the price down, making them more affordable for the average homeowner. Kits are available and most feature an integrated water delivery system which makes them low maintenance as well.

As for which types of plants to grow, succulents, mosses, grasses, and ferns are all good choices. Tropical vines work well also, as they can trail down or climb up. Pothos and philodendrons have great climbing capabilities, are fast growing, and low maintenance. The design possibilities are as endless as the plant combinations. So bring the outside in! Simply choose a location with bright, indirect light, and turn your wall into a living piece of artwork with a vertical garden.

ARTICLE BY KELSEY HUBER

YOUR DRINK DRESS UP

THESE BEAUTIFUL BEVERAGES ARE SURE TO TURN HEADS

BLUE MARTINI

WITH FLORAL ICE CUBES

BOLD COLORS Fresh florals. An eye-catching shimmer. The perfect embellishment. We’re talking cocktails, not the catwalk. But like fashion, the art of mixology is full of ways to push the limits with creative twists on classic recipes, and unique adornments guaranteed to turn heads. There’s no reason your personal style can’t extend to the drink in your hand, and this botanical beverage is bound to taste as delicious as it looks.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 ounces Absolut Citron

• 1/2 ounce Blue Curaçao

• 1/2 ounce lemonade

• 1 ounce Sprite

• Edible flowers such as rose, lavender, hibiscus and nasturtiums

DIRECTIONS:

Pour Sprite into ice cube trays and add edible flower combinations. Let freeze overnight. Combine Absolut Citron, Blue Curaçao, lemonade and ice cubes in martini shaker. Shake and strain into a martini glass.

Allow ice cubes to melt, gradually filling the glass with Sprite and garnishing the drink with beautiful botanicals.

ARTICLE BY CATE MARIAN

FIG + THYME

SPARKLING LEMONADE

INGREDIENTS: DIRECTIONS:

• thyme simple syrup

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 bunch thyme

• 2 fresh figs

• 3/4 ounce lemon juice

• 3/4 ounce thyme syrup

• 3/4 ounce Sprite

In a small saucepan, simmer sugar, water and thyme leaves over low heat for 5 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let the thyme infuse into the syrup for at least 10 minutes.

For the cocktail, muddle figs and lemon juice in the bottom of a glass. Add ice, 3/4 of the thyme syrup and Sprite. Stir and garnish with fig and a sprig of thyme.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS SEPTEMBER 2024

SEPTEMBER 6TH - 29TH

Fall Parade of Homes

Twin Cities

Shop new homes. Find builders & remodelers. Get inspired. Discover your perfect home on the Twin Cities Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase. Tour hundreds of new homes and remodeled projects across Minnesota. paradeofhomes.org

SEPTEMBER 6TH - 8TH

Minneapolis Greek Fest

St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church

Try a variety of Greek cuisines from many local vendors, from pita appetizers to baklava desserts. Enjoy live music and dancing at both outdoor and indoor stages, and shop from Greek boutiques and a bookstore. mplsgreekfest.org.

SEPTEMBER 7TH & 14TH

Be Your Kind X Solid Core

Solid Core | 8:00 AM

Be Your Kind is teaming up with Solid Core for two tabling events, Sept. 7 from 8-11 a.m. at Core’s St. Louis Park location and Sept. 14 from 8-11 a.m. at Core’s North Loop location. Be Your Kind will be sharing information about its business, and offering giveaways and prizes. Go to beyourkind.co for the latest event updates.

SEPTEMBER 7TH & 8TH

Fall into the Arts Festival

Centennial Lakes Park | 10:00 AM

Edina Fall into the Arts Festival is a benefit for the Edina Crime Prevention Fund, which keeps the residents of Edina safe. Artists display their work along the paved walkways of Centennial Lakes Park, which is said to be one of the most beautiful locations in the country. edinafallintothearts.com.

SEPTEMBER 19TH

VIP Nanci Fulmek Art Showing

5261 Edina Industrial Blvd. | 5:00 PM artbarn52, along with Framing Solutions, is hosting an art opening for St. Paul resident Nanci Fulmek. As a classically trained oil painter, she is also recognized as an elite level equestrian artist.  Nanci breathes realistic life onto canvas creating art that forever captures her diverse subjects in ways a photograph never could. Edina Lifestyle readers are invited to her VIP private show on the 19th. For more information, go to facebook.com/framingsolutionsmn.

SEPTEMBER 21ST

Walk to End Alzheimer's

Target Field | 8:00 AM

Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease. While there is no fee to register for the walk, all participants are encouraged to raise critical funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide care, support and advance research. act.alz.org.

Urgent Care TCO Edina

Walk in 8 - 8

Ready to serve Edina and the surrounding community.

Set to be your first stop for sudden, unexpected injuries. Go for more of what you need to keep your body moving. No referral or appointment necessary.

Ready. Set. TCO.