Upon setting foot into Spark On Bluff, one might be able to draw an unlikely comparison to the famous sitcom watering hole, “Cheers.” It might boast barbers instead of bartenders. And for what Spark lacks in sudsy brews it more than makes up for in hair care products. However, one key similarity is clear: Everybody...
Spring is a time of renewal not only in nature but also in the fashion world. It’s an exciting time for clothing boutiques, whose owners and stylists visit trade shows and markets, scoping out new colors, fashions and styles to bring into their shops for the season. “I just went to the Atlanta market and...
Spring has sprung, but more than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that it might not not look like it has in years past. But we need bright spots and sunshine now more than ever. So this spring, we’ll travel by way of our imaginations — and taste buds. Let’s picture spring of...
An old boyfriend once suggested to me that if I didn’t have such fat legs, I would be “perfect.” I feared to ask exactly what “perfect” meant. I always had been insecure about my legs. I have legs from my mom’s side of the family: Short and chunky. If there ever were a cankle, I...
As Chrystina Morteo forged her way into the entrepreneurial realm, it became clear that she wasn’t cut from the same cloth as many others in the business community. Morteo said her Mexican-American heritage set her apart, especially in a small community. On top of that, being a woman only complicated efforts to get her foot...
Did you know that approximately 80% to 99% of what we see on our skin as adults is a result of our exposure to daylight? This is known as photoaging. According to the International Dermal Institute, photoaging is an increase in wrinkle formation, a loss of tension and elasticity, degeneration of the vascular supply and...
Although my days in Dubuque were years after the demise of the flagship department store, Roshek’s, I notice that the very mention of the epic department store’s name induces the misty-eyed look people get when remembering first love. The fragrant tobacco counter. The vast notions department. The record racks with listening booths on the mezzanine,...
While comfort will continue to reign supreme for clothing and accessories in 2021, when it comes to footwear, there are a variety of fun fashion trends that make a statement. The good news is that there’s no need to overhaul your entire closet. And it’s easier than ever to incorporate trendy pieces into a comfortable...
Spring is such a happy and inspiring time, you’d think we’d always know what to wear. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen. Despite the mental reset the season can bring, we all get stuck. But we don’t have to stay that way. Here are 5 cute spring outfit ideas to get you started on what to wear...
According to the calendar, spring arrived a few weeks ago. The longer days, an abundance of birds in my yard and the fresh scent in the air have convinced me that we are moving in a warmer direction. They also have motivated me to take on another popular spring activity — spring cleaning. I prefer...
Most business owners want to grow their businesses and maybe pass them on to the next generation. But how many owners succeed? Relatively few, as it turns out. Studies show that only one-third of family firms make it to the second generation, and just a sliver get passed on to the third generation. A key...
Before you know it, summer will be in full swing. And even though the past year didn’t play out quite like parents might have expected, many will be looking for activities to keep kids’ brains and bodies active once the school year wraps up. Here are a few ideas, with additional resources to help parents...
