Edina - August 2026

The Class of 2027 is full of care, courage and leadership

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

GOLDEN VALLEY, EDEN PRAIRIE, MINNETONKA, PRIOR LAKE AND PLYMOUTH

Unique solutions for living.

Thank you, Edina, for naming us Best Remodeler 2026 for a second consecutive year.

FROM THE EDITOR

I’ll admit, when I heard Louis Vuitton was closing its Galleria store to move to Southdale Center, I couldn’t help but remember how I felt when its original downtown location in the now-closed Macy’s was moving to the Galleria. I remembered walking through Macy’s with my LV Tivoli PM, a push present for after I had my son. (What? I heard Bollywood star Kajol got a luxury car after having her kid. The least I could get was a luxury handbag.) Now that Louis Vuitton is firmly entrenched in the new luxury wing of Southdale Center, I was curious to see what could possibly take its place. Enter Vivid Home, interior designer Danielle Loven’s second Twin Cities storefront. And what a marvelous surprise it is. The shop is filled with hidden and elegant luxe delights that are beautiful and sometimes whimsical pieces that invite discovery, awe and appreciation. One artist even transforms boxes and packaging from luxury designers (including Louis Vuitton) into works of art. It’s a reminder that creativity can change how we see the everyday (page 33).

And creativity is one of the themes of this month’s education issue. Traditionally, we as a society associate education with classrooms, books, desks and report cards. But learning can also happen in the spaces that inspire us and in the stories that shape us. A spirit of discovery is something I see annually in our Senior Spotlight feature. One of my first major assignments for this magazine, back when I was a writer, was interviewing these remarkable young people. It remains one of my favorite traditions. Each year, after writing about every student we feature, I find one aspect of their story that inspires me. I encourage you to do the same. I can’t wait for you to meet the Class of 2027 (page 26).

Speaking of inspiration, there’s one kind of learning I’m still trying to master: the art of making a packed lunch. I dread packing my daughter’s lunches. Somehow, whenever I send something with her, it comes home uneaten. What I need, and perhaps, you do too, is something easy, quick to make and actually delicious enough for children from elementary through high school to eat. When I need healthy recipe inspiration, I turn to Edina resident and chef Daniel Green. He shares simple dips, sauces and delectable recipes that will make the midday meal more palatable (page 38).

However you define learning, I hope this issue gives you food for thought (and lunch bags) and enlightenment.

Feroza Mehta feroza@localmedia.co

On the Cover: Esther Lee, page 26

Photo by: Chris Emeott

VOL. 22 NO. 1

August 2026

PUBLISHER

Susan Isay

EDITOR

Feroza Mehta

MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Renée Stewart-Hester

MANAGING EDITOR

Hailey Almsted

DIGITAL EDITOR

Madeline Kopiecki

COPY EDITORS

Kellie Doherty and Sherri Hildebrandt

STAFF WRITERS

Emily Gedde, Maura Keller and Alexandra Tostrud

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sarah Davis, Emily Deutschman, Taylor Ellingson, Daniel Green, Gregory Rich,

Twila Singh, Kelly Smith, Maureen Millea Smith and Laura Westlund

DIGITAL INTERN

Danielle Gallus

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Abigail Larson and Kate Thompson

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Daphne Edwards, Edina Public Schools ; Greg Hoyt, Gather Venture Group ; Shelly Loberg, Edina Chamber of Commerce ; Nicole Meehan, Edina Education Fund ; Rebecca Sorensen, 50th & France Business Association ; Kelly Vickers, Zimmer Design ; and Annette Wildenauer, Design Mode Studios

SENIOR MANAGING ART DIRECTOR

Sarah Dovolos

ART DIRECTOR

Allison Nolden

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR

Jamie Klang

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Yaz Lo

LEAD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Chris Emeott

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Brittni Dye

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Lisa Stone

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Mimi Coz

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Laura Bjorgo, Cynthia Hamre and Sara Johnson

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Rochita Chatterjee and Gina Neumann

PRESIDENT Pete Burgeson

No, Your 8-Year-Old Can’t Paint That

On my podcast, Drink in the Style LIVE, I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing dozens of artists. One question I often ask is, “Does an artist need to master realism before moving into the abstract?” It’s an important inquiry that addresses the common critique: “My 8-year-old could paint that.” In my opinion, and one shared by many artists, the answer is, “Yes.” The abstract

work you might see—squiggly lines or overlapping circles—isn’t as simple as it appears. More often than not, the artist behind it could easily outpace your 8-yearold in creating a detailed portrait. But those skills are being redirected. The “squiggles” are meticulously planned, the product of years of training, experience and technique. What might look like chaotic expression is,

Cue the Debut

Edina High School senior Julia Wissink made her Children’s Theatre debut as part of the ensemble in The Wizard of Oz, which ran through June. “Children’s Theatre has always been something on my list. I’ve always wanted to do a show there,” Julia says. As part of the ensemble, Julia was required to perform in all 70 shows. “We get to be a couple of different characters. Whether that’s a munchkin or an Ozian or a monkey or a winkie guard or a poppy dancer. There’s a bunch of different groups of ensembles in The Wizard of Oz We get to express different personalities in different areas of the show.”

Julia wants to continue in acting.

“It’s a big part of my life, and it’s important to me,” she says. “It brings me so much joy.” —Feroza Mehta

in reality, a refined method of conveying complex ideas. So, the next time you see abstract art, remember: It’s more than color and form—it’s the artist’s expertise at work, communicating something far deeper.

Gregory Rich is the owner of 9 Mile Gallery at The District Edina. For more information, go to 9milegalleryeventspace.com.

The Golden Images of the Small Screen

In Patricia Finn’s debut novel, The Golden Boy, Stafford Hopkins lives with his wife, Agnes, on Maui, Hawaii, in a secure, gated community. Their architecturally designed house has been covered in all the major magazines. Stafford and Agnes also have places in Aspen, Colorado; Los Angeles and Malibu, California; and New York City. Agnes agrees to live on Maui, only if Stafford agrees not to sell any of their other homes.

Stafford is in his late 50s. Agnes is in her early 50s. The great distress in their lives is around their daughter, Callie, who is in her mid-20s. Despite everything that money could buy, including a fine education, Callie has failed to launch. They tried, but neither Agnes nor Stafford knew much about parenting when they met in Ontario, Canada. Their better parenting instincts were always overruled by the prevailing winds of the people around them in Beverly Hills, California, where Stafford became a powerful studio executive.

When a letter arrives from Canada, naming Stafford the guardian of his best friend’s four grandchildren, he flies to Toronto, intending to set up financial care for the children he plans not to meet. Instead, memories drag him into a world that he thought he had left behind. It’s an extraordinary novel about the powers of friendship and the meaning and magic of TV in our lives.

Maureen Millea Smith is a retired librarian and an award-winning novelist.

A Taste of Yesteryear

These iced oatmeal cookies are a nostalgic classic made irresistible with soft centers, warm spice and a smooth vanilla glaze. With hearty oats and a perfectly balanced sweetness, each cookie delivers comforting flavor and just the right amount of chew. Whether served with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk or packaged up for sharing, these timeless cookies bring old-fashioned charm and bakery-worthy appeal to any occasion.

Iced Oatmeal Cookies

For the cookies:

» 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

» 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

» ½ cup granulated sugar

» 1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract

» 2 large eggs

» 2 tsp. ground cinnamon

» ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg

» 1 tsp. baking soda

» ½ tsp. baking powder

» 1 tsp. salt

» 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

» 2 cups old fashioned oats

For the icing:

» 2 cups powdered sugar

» 3 Tbsp. heavy cream

» ¼ tsp. pure vanilla extract

To see the full recipe, go to edinamag.com.

Taylor Ellingson’s blog, Greens & Chocolate, can be found at greensnchocolate.com.

Express Yourself

North Star Art Club helps children find confidence through creativity and belonging.

By Kate Thompson

Eight-year-old Henley McLain indulges her artistic side at North Star Art Club. “She looks forward to it every week,” says Henley’s mother, Nikki McLain. “Her art has really improved, and they teach techniques she might not have learned in school.”

These art projects at the 50th & France studio often go beyond drawing and painting. “They’ve done things like clay, sewing and felt crafts,” Nikki says. “It gives her a different way to express herself.”

That sense of expression is part of North Star Art Club’s objective. The club’s founder, Richelle Norton, doesn’t just teach painting and drawing. The licensed K–12 art teacher and Linden Hills resident wants to foster community and provide belonging to her students. “It’s really the relationships and that sense of community and belonging that the students take away,” she says.

Norton started the Edina studio after she found herself driving all around the Metro area to find quality art programs for her daughter. “Nothing like this existed in the area,” Norton says. “Any sort of access … was 25 minutes away from us.” When her teaching position at a Minneapolis public school was reduced due to budget constraints, the timing opened the door to pursue a new idea. Norton drew on her experience in the classroom and as a parent to build the club. She believes art gives children a powerful way to process emotions, express themselves and make sense of their experiences.

Norton also noticed her daughter’s friends would shy away from art not because of distaste but because of confidence and worrying that their art is not good enough. “They would shut down,” she says. “At North Star, breaking down that barrier is central to the mission.”

The studio seats around 10 students at a time. The smaller size allows for extra individual attention and a calmer and more focused environment. “It feels more like a community building,” Norton says.

For parent Sarah Bauman, the experience has become a highlight. “My friend and I signed our kids up together, and it turned into the perfect weekend morning,” Bauman says. “You can drop your kids off for a lovely art project, grab coffee nearby and then pick them up with something they’re really proud of.”

Classes typically begin with a warm-up, followed by a technique of the day. Students are encouraged to follow their ideas rather than adhere to a routine and have a set outcome. Norton frequently tells her students, “You’re the boss of your own art.” Bauman says that is a phrase children typically might not hear in school. “At school, art might only

be a 20-minute block,” Bauman says. “There’s just not a lot of time to fully carry out some of your kid’s big ideas. Here, they can really stay in that creative zone.”

The club’s approach has been especially impactful for students who don’t always thrive in traditional settings. Norton reflects on one student with ADHD whose parents weren’t sure initially if it would be a good fit. “I said, ‘This is exactly the right space for him,’” she says. Without grades or rigid expectations, students can engage at their own pace and explore what interests them most.

Reflecting on Henley’s experience, Nikki says, “It just gives her a different way to express herself, and she’s become a better artist by going.”

Teaching With Intention

Molly Swiderski knows student success is built on connection.

In a colorful classroom at Normandale Elementary, students were singing songs, doing math and asking questions—all in French. No hesitation. No self-consciousness. “They had no fear,” says Molly Swiderski, of the observation that changed everything for her. “I lit up.”

Swiderski was a candidate for Education Minnesota’s Minnesota Teacher of the Year award. She teaches fifth grade at Normandale, but the path to the classroom wasn’t direct. “I didn’t plan on becoming a teacher,” she says. Graduating with a French major and a business minor, she planned to

By Ashley Cardona

travel and work in global marketing, but an internship at a public relations firm changed her mind. “I looked at every job level above me and wanted none of it,” she says. Swiderski worked as a substitute teacher to fill the gap while she figured out her next move, but her mother, a teacher, pointed out the obvious: Swiderski enjoyed it.

Twenty-two years in, Swiderski still enjoys it. “When they laugh and have fun, when they know you’re behind them—there’s nothing quite like it,” she says. Her warmth is genuine, and it forms the foundation of her pedagogy. Chris Holden, principal of Normandale

Elementary, describes Swiderski as a valued teacher. “Molly sets the tone for the classroom. She is always calm and even, always intentional. That’s just who she is,” Holden says. That sense of calm is set with purpose. “I have found that being intentional about focusing on the positive creates an upward spiral,” Swiderski says. “It feels good. They feel good. I feel good. Everyone benefits.”

Cultivating a classroom environment that is welcoming, uplifting and fun requires deliberate attention and positive reinforcement. Everyone appreciates a shout out from time to time. “Telling a student they improved a skill,

“I want these kids to feel welcome. I want them to feel loved. Once that foundation is in place, then we can work.”

Molly Swiderski, teacher

or saying, ‘Hey, I saw how hard you worked on that project,’ it all adds up,” she says. Setting the tone each day is something she does consciously because she knows it creates the culture she builds throughout the school year.

Teachers are always juggling new requirements, updates to standards, initiatives and a neverending to-do list, but for Swiderski, the bond she builds with her class is priority number one. “The relationship precedes learning,” she says. “I want these kids to feel welcome. I want them to feel loved. Once that foundation is in place, then we can work.” That kind of clarity reflects something fundamental about the role of a teacher, especially a fifth grade teacher. Holden says Swiderski is tuned into her students’ needs, both academic and social-emotional, and how important this is for students’ long-term success. “She keeps them connected, grounded and moving forward,” he says. Keeping learning fun and keeping kids connected is essential to their success in upper grades and beyond. “There’s a lot we can’t control,” Swiderski says, acknowledging the effect of a student’s experience outside of the classroom, “But focus on what’s right here, right now. Let’s work on that.”

Being named a Minnesota Teacher of the Year candidate, Swiderski joins a select group of professionals honored for their exceptional and lasting impact on students. More than a professional accolade, the recognition validates the often invisible work teachers do every day. For a teacher like Mme. Swiderski, as she’s known in the classroom, it’s a way for her community to do for her what she always does for her students.

Education Minnesota educationminnesota.org @educationminnesota

Normandale Elementary normandale.edinaschools.org @edinapublicschools

Your Student’s Story, Expertly Told

I’m Carla Baranauckas, Edina graduate , Columbia alumna, longtime New York Times editor and writing instructor.

I help students craft strong, genuine college admissions essays through a calm, structured, one-on-one process.

| claritycoachingandpsych@gmail.com

&

WRITING THAT OPENS DOORS

noma hi-fi BUMPS ANALOG BEATS

DDP RESTAURANT GROUP TURNS A BASEMENT VACANCY INTO AN ATMOSPHERIC LISTENING LOUNGE.

Through an unsuspecting entrance on 50th & France lies a cocktail bar that transports guests to a high-end listening lounge. noma hi-fi (purposely spelled with no capital letters) opened in January, and offers quality cocktails and snacks, a curated atmosphere and a quality sound system to enjoy music in one of its purest forms—on vinyl records.

noma hi-fi is the latest endeavor by Daniel del Prado and DDP Restaurant Group, joining the French brasserie Thérèse and Dexter’s at 50th & France. Del Prado took the available space—a basement suite—and crafted a vision centered on Japanese listening lounges.

“Everything is so digital now, and so [artificial intelligence]. I don’t know what is real

anymore. And vinyls are real. It’s not like you play music and you forget about it. You have to stand up every three songs and change it, so it’s more engaging. I’m getting tired of how everything is so easy nowadays,” del Prado says.

After descending the stairway to the entrance, the atmosphere is set with a dark hallway, leading to the lounge. There, guests will find an intimate space with acoustically minded wall curtains, cozy rounded furniture and warm orange lighting over the bar that fades into dark blue for a more private feel.

noma hi-fi creates a cohesive experience for the senses with intersecting warm and cool visuals, partnering with a Japanese-inspired cocktail menu curated by beverage director Megan Luedtke for the taste buds and an

Bottom: Guests unwind at noma hi-fi, where expertly crafted cocktails and high-fidelity sound create an elevated listening and culinary experience.

ever-changing local DJ line-up for the eardrums. “I think the mixture of the cocktail culture and the music culture coming together is something special and something that doesn’t really exist around here,” Luedtke says.

The menu ties into noma’s vibes in various ways: The Kissa Kissa references the name of Japanese listening lounges (jazz kissa or ongaku kissa), the Dr. Pepperu features scotch-inspired Japanese whiskey and the Kuromi is topped with matcha white wine cold foam. The Haystack is garnished with cookies. Bar snacks have Japanese influence as well, with plates like Pork and Shrimp Gyoza, Miso Roasted Eggplant and Spicy Salmon Donburi.

The main draw for noma hi-fi is its high-

fidelity sound system with turntables meant for records and an analog setup. The wall of records behind the booth is del Prado’s collection, which now lives at 50th & France for visiting DJs to spin, crafting a different vibe from night to night based on who is spinning records. “I wanted to be curated …

We wanted to captivate the people into music,” del Prado says. “I trust these guys to manage it and have control creatively.”

Another highlight is noma hi-fi’s In Rotation, a ticketed event for attendees to listen to one album from start to finish. Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours kicked the series off, and there are plans to spin more iconic records and craft cocktails inspired by the pick of the night.

noma hi-fi also hosts private events, like Accredited Investors’ Celebration of Women panel, featuring local foodies Zoë François and Stephanie March. The panel focused on bringing people together through food and community.

“There is more of this quieter nighttime vibe; it’s unique. There’s really nothing like it in the 50th & France area or even the neighborhoods around it,” Accredited Investors’ managing partner Becky Kreiger says. “So it’s a really special place. It’s not live music, but it’s a different type of listening experience because they always have these really wonderful and talented DJs.”

noma hi-fi nomahifi.com @nomahifibar

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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

The Class of 2027 is full of care, courage and leadership.

Written by Feroza Mehta — Photos by Chris Emeott

Every August, our Senior Spotlight shines a light on the remarkable students preparing to enter their final year of high school. Nominated by schools in our area, these seniors have distinguished themselves through creativity, leadership, service and a genuine commitment to making their schools and communites a better place to live.

We shine this spotlight on three students: Benjamin Aviles, Esther Lee and Aayaan Roy. What follows is their story in their own words. This allows us to get a glimpse into their passions, accomplishments and aspirations. In classrooms, newsrooms, sports fields and arenas, they are already leaving a lasting impact. And they’re just getting started.

For their full profiles and list of accolades and awards, go to edinamag.com.

Benjamin “Ben” Aviles BLAKE SCHOOL

“As a two-year editor-in-chief of the newspaper, Ben leads his peer journalists to investigate and seek truth. He takes his editorial role maturely and ethically … Ben is passionate about caring for his community and raising public awareness.” —Anna Reid, Upper School English teacher and journalism advisor

How do you balance academic demands, extracurricular activities and personal responsibilities outside of high school?

I think the secret to it is doing what I love … When a person enjoys the work, it ceases to be work. Additionally, I keep some nonnegotiables. I get seven to eight hours of sleep and three meals a day. If that means I can’t complete other things, then so be it.

What is something that your peers might not know about you? I absolutely adore music. I am constantly listening to music from the ’80s up to the current music. My love for music exploded when my dad started playing a song from his childhood for me

before I went to sleep during [COVID-19].

I am incredibly knowledgeable about local music and spend a large portion of my free time listening to concerts around the city. Some of my fondest memories are at summer music festivals. Frequently, I can be found listening to my vinyl collection or looking for more at local record shops.

What is your favorite day of the year?

Somewhere around August 20 is always amazing. It is the perfect balance of the school year and summer. Cross country is just starting up again, but there’s still enough free time for me to do all the things I said I wanted to do during the summer but never got to. There’s also this giddy and nervous feeling about the year that is about to start. I’m one of those kids who cannot wait to get back to school.

What is your favorite motto or quote?

“Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”

—Dylan Thomas

Aayaan Roy EDINA HIGH SCHOOL

AAYAAN

ROY’S DREAM JOB:

“I’m not sure what my dream job is, but I am definitely looking to follow my sister’s [foot]steps with something in the economics/business industry.”

“Aayaan is an impressive human who doesn’t just seek the spotlight—he uses his own light to guide others. He embodies the best of the Edina spirit through his humility, respect and unwavering commitment to the greater good.” —Julie Block, school counselor

How do you balance academic demands, extracurricular activities and personal responsibilities outside of high school?

I wouldn’t say that there’s an exact thing I do to “balance” the different parts of my life because life really has no balance. School, athletics and extracurriculars are all a part of someone’s life on any given day, and they work off of each other … Every day looks different. One day may be more soccer focused, and another more work focused. It just depends on what is most pressing at the current moment.

Which teacher or staff member had the biggest impact on you and why? Without a doubt, Ms. Block, my counselor. With my goal of attending one of the U.S Military

Academies after high school, [there have been] last minute things that have come up that I didn’t know how to deal with or work around. In every one of those instances, she took time out of her busy schedule to help me through those issues. She genuinely cares about the well-being of students and where they end up. Without her, I would be very lost. Both of my older sisters also had Ms. Block as their counselor, and they both ended up at incredible places.

What is something that your peers might not know about you? I love to cook.

What is your favorite day of the year? The first day of Thanksgiving break, which is when the whole family is home for the first time in a while, and we usually take a trip somewhere.

What is your favorite motto or quote? “He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.” —Job 5:9

Esther Lee

BLAKE SCHOOL

ESTHER LEE’S DREAM JOB:

“Opening a restaurant in a coastal city where I can create food and bring people together.”

“[Esther] was part of the school’s undefeated Blake Soccer Team that finished second in the state. Esther raised the level of training sessions and was more competitive as the season went on. When others were tired and at times feeling defeated in their roles, Esther helped the undefeated team stay sharp, humble and maintain a level of competitiveness.” —Jocelyn Keller, Blake girls’ varsity soccer coach

How do you balance academic demands, extracurricular activities and personal responsibilities outside of high school? I balance everything by being intentional with both my time and energy … I’ve learned that balance comes from prioritizing what matters most in the moment and working through tasks one at a time, so I don’t get overwhelmed.

Which teacher or staff member had the biggest impact on you and why? CJ, my grade dean, has been one of my biggest supporters throughout high school and continues to be. Not only does she support our grade whenever we need her, but she also makes time to check in with students individually to see how they are doing. During my freshman year, I was introduced to her room. Ever since then, it has been my safe space and a place where I’ve had some of the most meaningful conversations with both my friends and CJ. CJ truly prioritizes her students, and it’s clear how much everyone at school appreciates her.

What is your favorite motto or quote?

“Slow down, you’re doing fine. You can’t be everything you want to be before your time.”

—Billy Joel

Where is your happy place in Edina?

50th & France

A heartfelt thank you to the Nolan Mains Residences at 50th & France for graciously hosting our Senior Spotlight photoshoot. We are grateful for the partnership in helping us celebrate the Class of 2027.

Written by Maura Keller

Living Beautifully

Vivid Home opens its doors at the Galleria.

Arnie Gregory has worked with interior designer Danielle Loven across multiple homes—a lake house in Crosslake, Minnesota, a residence in Edina and a complete renovation in Palm Desert, California— and he’s developed a clear sense of what makes the relationship work. “Danielle is decisive,” Gregory says. “She keeps things moving along and communicates well. When you meet with her and her staff, things are organized and presented with a purpose. She has a wealth of knowledge and ideas.”

That balance—confident design expertise paired with genuine attentiveness to how people actually live—is the same philosophy now on display at Danielle’s retail store, Vivid Home. The home design boutique has built a devoted following in Minneapolis’s North Loop neighborhood, and it opened its second location in Edina earlier this year. Every piece on the floor has been chosen with intention: apothecary, art, distinctive accents, entertaining essentials, furnishings and linens. Distinguished brands sit alongside vintage originals and one-of-a-kind curiosities sourced from markets around the globe.

For Danielle, the Galleria felt like a natural home for the brand’s next chapter. “Just being at the Galleria alone is really tapping into our clientele base,” she says. “It’s also the excitement of being in the mall with brands that are similar to our aesthetic.”

That commitment to bringing exceptionally designed and crafted products is woven into every buying decision. “We want our clients to have items that last for years, even generations,” says Sam Loven, Danielle’s son, who oversees the retail side of the business. “We would rather pay more for a great product and make less than focus on lowerquality items.” It’s a stance that runs counter to today’s throwaway retail culture—and it’s exactly what sets Vivid Home apart.

Vivid Home’s North Loop location has built a loyal following among urban apartment dwellers, seeking sophisticated, spaceconscious design. The Galleria store speaks to a different customer—one with more square footage, a taste for larger-scale pieces and a home that deserves to be treated as a true

MORE THAN A STORE

Sam Loven envisions Vivid Home as something greater than retail. “I want it to feel like a brand that shapes how people experience their homes from start to finish,” he says. The store’s vision is grounded in the idea that the store and the design firm behind it are two expressions of the same love for the home, for quality and for the relationships built around both.

The company has a 24-year design legacy at its foundation. Formerly Vivid Interior, Vivid Home has interior design that Danielle Loven says reflects each homeowner’s distinctive lifestyle. That philosophy flows directly onto the store floor. Danielle brings a broad range of styles and project experience from her work in Boston, California, Chicago, Colorado and New York City. Her past also has taken root in her design work. Danielle grew up in Oak Park, Illinois, which has an assortment of architecture such as Frank Lloyd Wright houses, American and Spanish colonials, and Victorians. Danielle also comes from a long line of artisans who were artists, stonemasons and wood craftsmen.

reflection of who they are. “The Galleria customer typically lives in a house, while the North Loop customer is more likely to live in an apartment,” Sam says.

That distinction shapes everything: furniture scale, product mix and the way the floor is curated and arranged. The two locations complement rather than duplicate each other, allowing Vivid Home to showcase its broadest range of offerings, including exclusive pieces and customization options.

One trend both stores are leaning into is the return of color. “A few years ago, most people stuck to whites, blacks and greys,” Sam says. “Now, we’re seeing people incorporate a wider range of colors into their homes.”

Vivid Home actively scours markets across the globe to bring the latest in design to the boutiques—weaving together new releases and vintage finds in a way that feels collected rather than assembled. That global reach is only expanding. Danielle is heading to Italy this year on a buying trip with something exciting in store for customers. “I will be

“We want our clients to have items that last for years, even generations.”

Sam Loven, director of retail for Vivid Home

bringing back the surprise, which will be a new product line from Italy, and it is going to be amazing,” she says. She’s also designing an exclusive custom sheet line that she says cannot be sourced anywhere else locally.

For those wanting to go deeper, full-scale design services are available—from architecture through final styling, every last fork and knife in place. It’s the same work Danielle has done for clients like Gregory, who recalls one detail from his Palm Desert renovation that perfectly captures her approach. In the kitchen, she incorporated a ceiling drop of about 4 inches and backlit it—a quiet move that completely redefined the space. “Our kitchen, living and bar area are all commingled and this defined the kitchen area as its own,” Gregory says, adding it was exactly the kind of decision you don’t always know you need until someone who knows design makes it for you.

Gregory sums up the experience the way someone does when they’ve stopped shopping around: “The reason I hire a designer is because they know more about design than I do. That said, if Danielle thinks you’re making a bad choice or selection, she will definitely tell you,” he says. “Look at her retail store. That should tell you about all you need to know.”

Vivid Home vividhomempls.com @vividhomempls

TUESDAY

THURSDAY

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

HISSHO SUSHI ROLLS L&B

FRIDAY

BACK TO SCHOOL, BACK TO BETTER LUNCHES

Go beyond the basic sandwich with midday meals worth making.

Written by Feroza Mehta — Photos by Chris Emeott

Chef Daniel Green is on a mission to rethink the school lunch. “After a long summer of sunshine and slower mornings, the backpacks are packed, the pencils are sharpened and the school routine begins again,” Green says. “In all the back-to-school preparation, one important question remains: What are we sending our little ones off to school with each day?”

Green says schools across Minnesota do the very best they can with limited budgets, but often nutrition and freshness can fall short. “If we can prepare lunch at home, this is a wonderful opportunity to pack meals that are nutrient rich, colorful and full of real ingredients,” he says.

He recommends starting with fresh fruits and vegetables. “Think simple and practical,” Green says. “Sliced apples with a squeeze of lemon to prevent browning. Fresh berries in small reusable containers. Carrot sticks, cucumber rounds, bell pepper strips. Snap peas or cherry tomatoes.”

For extra fun and flavor, Green recommends adding a dip. “A small container of hummus, Greek yogurt ranch or a light honey balsamic dressing can make all the difference,” he says. For an extra challenge, he suggests making dips at home. Here are his favorite dip recipes that can be used on their own or as the base of several lunch ideas.

SIMPLE CREAMY HUMMUS WITH POMEGRANATE JEWELS

“One of the easiest and most affordable things you can do is make a batch of hummus at the beginning of the week,” Green says. “It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator and can be portioned into small containers for five days of lunches,” he says. His version is simple, smooth and child-friendly. Added bonus: There’s no tahini required.

» 15.5 oz. chickpeas, drained and rinsed

» 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

» 2–3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

» 1 small clove garlic

» ½ tsp. sea salt

» 2–4 Tbsp. cold water

» pomegranate seeds for garnish

Add chickpeas, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and salt to a food processor. Blend until smooth. Slowly add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a light and creamy consistency. Spoon into a container, and top with a drizzle of olive oil and a scattering of fresh pomegranate seeds for color and a natural pop of sweetness. Store in an airtight container to make the hummus last up to five days in the refrigerator. Paired with bright vegetables and whole grain pita, it turns an ordinary lunchbox into something vibrant and exciting.

Once you’ve tried hummus, other dips don’t seem as daunting. “It really is that easy, and it gives you control over the ingredients,” Green says. “When you make it yourself, you cut out many of the preservatives, stabilizers and additives that often appear in store bought versions. The flavor is fresher, cleaner and often more vibrant.”

HONEY BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

» 3 Tbsp. olive oil

» 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

» 1 tsp. honey

» pinch of salt

Add all ingredients into a small jar. Seal the lid, and shake to combine.

SIMPLE HOMEMADE MAYONNAISE

» 1 egg yolk

» 1 tsp. Dijon mustard

» olive oil

» pinch of salt

» squeeze of lemon

Whisk together the egg yolk and Dijon mustard. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking. Finish off by mixing in the salt and lemon juice.

BEYOND THE BASIC SANDWICH

These dips and sauces form the base for some lunches. Green says sandwiches are a classic lunch item, but variety keeps midday meals interesting.

COLD SOBA NOODLES

» 4 oz. soba noodles

» 1 tsp. soy sauce

» ½ tsp. sesame oil

» ½ tsp. honey

Cook noodles, rinse under cold water and drain well. Toss with soy sauce, sesame oil and honey. Store in an airtight container.

TURKEY LETTUCE WRAPS

» 1 Tbsp. mayonnaise or cream cheese

» 1 whole grain wrap

» 3–4 slices turkey

» large lettuce leaves

Spread mayonnaise or cream cheese on wrap. Add turkey and lettuce. Roll tightly and wrap in parchment paper or foil. Slice in half if desired.

Cold Soba Noodles is a dish that is refreshing and packed with flavor. Chilled soba (buckwheat) noodles are the base of this light and easyto-enjoy lunch.

EGG SALAD SANDWICH

» 4 eggs

» 3 Tbsp. mayonnaise

» pinch salt

» 2 slices whole grain bread

Boil eggs for 10 minutes. Cool, and peel. Chop the eggs. Mix with mayonnaise and salt. Store in a container in the refrigerator. Assemble the sandwich in the morning if possible.

Lean protein, fluffy rice and crunchy cucumbers come together for a simple and balanced meal that will fuel a student for the rest of the school day.

MINI SPINACH ZUCCHINI FRITTATAS

» 4 eggs

» ¼ cup grated zucchini, squeezed dry

» ¼ cup spinach, finely chopped

» 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese, grated

» pinch salt

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Pour into a greased muffin tin. Bake 15–18 minutes or until set. Cool, and refrigerate.

CHICKEN RICE BOX

» 1 cup cooked rice

» 1 cooked chicken breast, sliced

» ½ cucumber, sliced

» pinch salt or splash of soy sauce

Cook rice, and let cool. Slice cooked chicken. Pack rice, chicken and the cucumber into a container. Add a small drizzle of soy sauce, or keep it on the side.

Green says when lunches are packed with intention, it’s not just food being sent with children. “We are sending care, nourishment and a little reminder of home in the middle of a busy school day,” he says. “Back to school is a fresh start. Let’s make lunch part of that fresh beginning.”

Daniel Green chefdg.com @chefdanielgreentv

Shall We Dance?

Free lessons at 50th & France make for an ideal date night.

Swish and swing at Dancing in the Plaza, which offers a free dance lesson from Arthur Murray Dance Center. The event takes place at 7 p.m. August 22 at Nolan Mains Plaza. Guests are invited to join a professionally led, beginner-friendly 30-minute lesson on the beautiful styles of bachata and merengue. With the addition of live music added last year, the event draws many dancers as well as a curious audience.

“People who arrive as spectators find themselves joining in on the dancing,” says Elyse Smith, studio manager and instructor at Arthur Murray Dance Center. “Laughing, learning and moving to live music together creates an atmosphere that’s both joyful and welcoming.”

Smith suggests participants wear comfortable, secure shoes and to “come ready to be part of an experience that’s all about connection, movement and community.”

For more information, go to 50thandfrance.com or arthurmurray minneapolis.com. —Kate Thomspson

08.04

Night to Unite

Get to know neighbors and first responders through this event. Neighborhoods will join state-wide forces to celebrate community and crime-prevention. edinamn.gov

08.09

Lighthouse Night and Torchlight Concert

Go back to the early 1900s for a fun evening of entertainment at Centennial Lakes Park. Families can enjoy magic, an Italian organ grinder, a mechanical man, Model T Fords and more. Fife & Drums will perform at 7:45 p.m. followed by the Torchlight Concert at 8:30 p.m., featuring the First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band. edinamn.gov

08.14

Art and Pizza Night

Kids ages 6–11 can enjoy creating unique art projects while enjoying a familiar favorite: pizza. Hosted from 5–8 p.m. at the Edina Art Center. Registration required. edinamn.gov

08.17

Nordic Pole Walking

For adults 55 and older, this class teaches the basics of Nordic pole walking. Poles are provided and class will be held at 10 a.m.–noon at Centennial Lakes Park at the Hughes Pavilion. Registration required. edinamn.gov

08.21

Senior Citizens Day Bingo

From 11 a.m.–noon, the Edina Senior Center will host this special bingo event with exciting prizes and fun rounds to celebrate the day. Registration required. edinamn.gov

Compiled by Abigail

Larson and Kate Thompson

To have your event considered: email edinamag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Please note that some events may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.

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A Glimpse of Perfect Impermanence

Barbara Lund is able to witness nature’s “evanescent beauty” from almost every window in her home on Shannon Pond. The view inspires her to capture the serenity and stillness of the season. “It all changes so quickly,” Lund says. “A photo allows me to savor it over and over, long after the moment has passed.” —Kate Thompson

IMAGES OF EDINA

Photographer: Barbara Lund

Title: Shannon Pond in Spring Equipment: Sony SLR

Location: Shannon Pond Category: Places Award: Honorable Mention

To view other Images of Edina photo contest winners, visit edinamag.com.

The Cedar Roof Man

STRAIGHT TALK FROM STEVE KUHL

Let’s face it. Cedar roofs look great but owning one is a little scary. “Has it been damaged by hail?” “Will it blow off in a storm?” “I hear something chewing up there!” But despite what you may hear, your cedar roof is still one of the most beautiful and long-lasting products on the market. The only catch is you have take care of it.

That’s where I come in. My free, written estimate includes a thorough analysis of your roof. Bringing over 25 years of experience to the table, I will evaluate its’ condition to determine whether or not maintenance, repairs or replacement is the best option for you. Worst case scenario you get a free inspection from a true expert. Best case, we work our magic on your roof and add years to its lifespan.

In fact, Kuhl’s Contracting is looked to for the evaluation and restoration of cedar roofs by more insurance companies, home inspectors, realtors and architects than any other company in Minnesota. Not to brag, but we are pretty awesome. Don’t take my word for it. Check out our talents at www.kuhlscontracting.com. Or ask around. We have probably done work for someone you know.

I started this company in 1987. Since that time we have worked on thousands of homes around the Twin Cities. My approach to business has never wavered. Be honest, be reliable and do great work. As a result our list of happy clients grows daily.