It often is said that the kitchen is the “heart” of the home, where a family often gathers as well as entertains its guests. An extension of this often is one’s dining space. These two areas of the home lend themselves to specific needs relating to gathering, aesthetics and functionality. When it comes to dining...

When it comes to organizing our possessions throughout the year, as well as during the holiday season, the easiest piece of advice I can offer is to have less stuff. The holidays are right around the corner, and I urge others to focus on our people, not our stuff. The past several years have been...

When I was a college student, I was living in a fifth-floor walk-up apartment in downtown Iowa City. The apartment was on the top floor of a converted seminary/converted office building and, consequently, had a tiny kitchen — maybe 6-feet long by 3-feet wide, but my very first. And it was here that I began...

W hen it comes to fall fruit, it’s hard to beat the versatility of the humble apple. Gala and the ubiquitous Red Delicious tend to be the most popular for eating out of hand, but sweet-tart cultivars such as Honeycrisp and the bright green, citrusy-tart Granny Smith also are great for a quick after-school or...

In a world where women play diverse and crucial roles, their health and well-being should be a top priority. Nutrition, as a foundational aspect of overall health, is particularly significant for women. A well-balanced diet can help women navigate the unique challenges they face, from hormonal fluctuations to various life stages. The use of nutrition...

If there was a silver lining to be found amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it was the emergence of independent businesses that took advantage of a unique niche. For Melissa Christensen, that meant capitalizing on a trend that had been sweeping gatherings across the globe: Charcuterie boards. “There is something fun and convenient about them for...

Comedian Steve Martin once said, “Those French — it’s like they have a word for everything!” Charcuterie is one of those words. The art of pairing meats and cheeses with all kinds of delectable accompaniments is derived from the French words “chair” (flesh) and “cuit” (cooked). In 15th century France, the word was used to...

For me, holiday parties always impart a warm, cozy feeling of getting together with friends, family and neighbors. But hosting such a party can be stressful, expensive and time-consuming, which defeats the whole warm and cozy philosophy. My solution is a holiday open house. The idea behind this easy-to-pull-off gathering is that there is no...

March 29, 2018, marked a pivotal turning point in the life of Callie Mescher FitzGerald. It was the day her longtime partner, Tom Howe, took his life, leaving behind Mescher FitzGerald and their daughter, Ruby, who was only a few months old. The Cascade, Iowa, native was living in Denver at the time, having studied...

My husband and I exchange looks as soon as we see a pregnant person show up on the television screen because he knows I’m about to say things like, “What?” “Really?!” and “Why?” I understand that writers are trying to make their shows exciting, but the images shown often cannot be further from the reality...

Having to make dinner night after night can be a drag any time of year, but it can feel even more like a chore in the fall if you have kids in school. After the (relatively) relaxed days of summer, it can take a while to get back into the rhythm, routine and energy of...

Mae Hingtgen has lived a life defined by health and wellness. “I’ve been a social worker my whole life,” said Hingtgen, 53. “I think, for me, what it comes down to is the idea of advocacy and the belief that we all have a fundamental right to be treated with respect and dignity, no matter...

Football isn’t the only thing people go nuts over this time of year. It also marks pumpkin-spice season, with the warming (and controversial) seasonal fall flavor finding its way into everything from your Starbucks latte and Southern Tier Brewing Co.’s Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale to cookies, popcorn, spreads, breads, creamer, yogurt, gelato, cereal and toaster...

It often is said that the kitchen is the “heart” of the home, where a family often gathers as well as entertains its guests. An extension of this often is one’s dining space. These two areas of the home lend themselves to specific needs relating to gathering, aesthetics and functionality. When it comes to dining...

A. Alanda Gregory has never been one to sit on the sidelines, nor rest on her laurels. In addition to being named as the Her magazine and BizTimes.biz Woman of Innovation, in the past year, the 54-year-old mother of five also was honored with the prestigious Iowa Governor’s Arts Award, recognizing her as an emerging...

The idea of stepping into another woman’s shoes is easier said than done. For example, I’m a single, self-employed woman, sharing a home with a self-sufficient parent. My personal life and experience is unique, just like yours. As women, we shouldn’t compare our lifestyle to others, but instead, offer empathy and compassion. Where we started,...

As the air turns crisp and the leaves hint at a transformation into a riot of fiery hues, I welcome fall with open arms. It’s a time for cozy gatherings, warm cider by the fire and the artful transformation of our living spaces. I’ve found that one of the most captivating ways to usher in...

Leslie Shalabi believes in the power of good food. More than that, she believes in the power of community and how breaking bread can spark conversation, ideas and connectivity. “We all eat,” Shalabi said. “And food has a way of bringing people together.” As the owner and co-founder behind Convivium Urban Farmstead in Dubuque —...

On any given night, Brenda Henry-Schreiber can be found with her feet strategically planted and gaze steady as she prepares to throw the dart in her hand. “I’ve been shooting for 32 years,” said the Asbury resident. “There are a number of good shooters in Dubuque who come home from dart tournaments with first-place trophies,...

Welcome to the last quarter of 2023. To finish the year strong, will you take a 60-day challenge with me? What is the 60-day challenge? It is an intentional list of what you want to accomplish in the last 60 days of the year — during a time of year, naturally busy with holiday events...

“Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.” — Maya Angelou I have enjoyed writing since I was young. It was a fun hobby I found back in my elementary school English classes. But it wasn’t until high school that I knew...

On any given night, Brenda Henry-Schreiber can be found with her feet strategically planted and gaze steady as she prepares to throw the dart in her hand. “I’ve been shooting for 32 years,” said the Asbury resident. “There are a number of good shooters in Dubuque who come home from dart tournaments with first-place trophies,...

At the beginning of the year, I decided to do a writing activity recommended by Steve Harvey. I wrote a list of goals I wanted to reach in 2023. I also reminded myself and others to be gracious to yourself when it comes to setting goals. Here we are, three quarters into the year, and...

Did you know that by turning your pillowcase inside out and sticking your arms in the corners of the cloth, you can put the case on your pillow in one sweeping motion? Or, by flipping your clothes inside-out before washing them helps maintain their color. There seems to be a lot of power in the...

Temperatures are cooling and leaves will soon begin to turn. Fall is on its way. While apple picking, pumpkin patches and haunted houses are staples of the season, consider adding one more activity to your autumn schedule: Gardening. It’s not just for springtime. Gardening in the fall can set you up for success in future...

September is my favorite month of the year for many reasons. As autumn weather breezes in, I fall into a new organizing outlook. Let me count the ways organization enhances beauty and function within our home. 1. A well-maintained space tends to make us smile; the most beautiful and authentic way to acknowledge and display;...

Elevated heights, neutral hues and eye-catching embellishments are making appearances in footwear, accessories and ready-to-wear items this season. As a result, fashion lovers will have the freedom to update their wardrobe by selecting a few key pieces without feeling the need to overhaul their entire closets. Nichole Duck, senior women’s buyer for shoe retailer Rack...

Fall decor has arrived, and with it comes the most gorgeous gourds. Pumpkins and gourds are one of the most widely recognized symbols of fall in North America and have been featured in outdoor and indoor decor for centuries. A symbol of a bountiful harvest, these versatile beauties can add a seasonal touch to any...

Autumn snacks can cater to more than just the kids. A few simple, sophisticated tweaks to classic treats — popcorn and peanut butter cookies — creates snacks everyone will enjoy. Peanut butter cookies are tasty, but can be one-dimensional and too sweet. Looking for a bit of balance, we were inspired by the wildly popular...

As women, we often find ourselves tempted to keep up with the latest trends in fashion, beauty and self-expression. While these aspects of our lives can be enjoyable and empowering, it’s crucial to recognize the growing importance of another trend that directly impacts our overall well-being: healthy hormones. Achieving hormonal balance can lead to effortless...

W hen Kimberly Thompson greets customers as they enter her shop, she’s often met with the question, “Is this just all you do?” Emphatically she answers, “Yes!” “Besides being a mom, this is just all I do,” said Thompson, 55, with a laugh. “And I couldn’t be more proud or lucky. Every day, I interact...

Baking season is around the corner. While I have never considered myself an expert baker, I always have appreciated the art of baking and continue to learn and improve my skills. After years of trial and error and gathering tips from my customers, I have come garnered five top tips to better baking: 1. Always use...

Five-spice powder gives a pungent, aromatic flavor to stir-fried vegetables. The powder is a mixture of five ground spices usually consisting of cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed, star anise and Szechuan peppercorns. It adds the exciting flavors of Chinese cuisine to this simple vegetarian dinner. The secret to wok cooking at home is to make sure...

Autumn’s arrival means leaves change color, days grow shorter and artwork headlines tri-state area festivals and fairs. “Dubuque and the tri-state area, including Jo Daviess County and southwest Wisconsin, is such an amazing destination because we have so many activities to see and do,” said Keith Rahe, president and CEO of Travel Dubuque. “Fall is...

At the beginning of the year, I decided to do a writing activity recommended by Steve Harvey. I wrote a list of goals I wanted to reach in 2023. I also reminded myself and others to be gracious to yourself when it comes to setting goals. Here we are, three quarters into the year, and...

Summer’s winding down, and we’re starting to think about what the upcoming school year will look like. One thing that moms start to consider is how to set their families up for success when schedules get busier and sports begin, creating an increased demand for nutrients to best support their children’s bodies and minds, but...

While the flu normally doesn’t blanket the country until late January or February, back-to-school season typically makes us begin to think about what we can do for prevention and treatment for our families. Do you know the difference between the flu and the common cold? They are caused by different viruses but can have some...

I love writing more when I’m vulnerable with those I’m sharing my thoughts with. I think it makes my writing better when it’s filled with genuine emotion and makes for a better read when those emotions are relatable. As I’m writing this article this month, I am not feeling my best, mentally. I feel stressed...

Whether it’s shuttling the little ones to their after school activities or helping older students cram for their exams, families get super busy, quickly when kids return to school in fall. But that doesn’t mean you can’t regularly sit down together for weeknight dinners. “Parent-chefs can effortlessly turn up the flavor by relying on single-use...

Back to school is a time of new beginnings for kids. Between classroom learning, extracurricular activities, sports and socializing, fun and filling snacks can help kids have a moment away from school-year pressures while also encouraging all that excitement and learning. In fact, nearly 3 in 4 Americans snack at least once per day, according...

According to the American Heart Association, 200 years ago, people consumed 22 teaspoons of sugar per year. Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that Americans consume 22-30 teaspoons per day. That is going from five pounds of sugar consumed in a year to an average of 152 pounds per year. Sugar is a popular...

The start of a new school year carries with it so much potential, particularly when students — and their parents — stay organized. Amid the back-to-school chaos, use these tips and gear recommendations to help keep everyone on track, whether they are at school, at home or on-the-go: Notes and big ideas Color-coded notebooks and...

Setting your high schooler up for a successful school year all starts with having the right educational tools and personal supplies. Here are the must-have items to add to your cart this back-to-school shopping season: A tablet or eReaderIf you remember your high school years as being defined by lugging heavy textbooks around campus all...

The time for prepping kids to head back to the classroom is in full swing. In addition to checking off back-to-school supply lists, parents can expect to begin refreshing kids’ wardrobes, including new footwear. Searching for reliable and stylish pairs of shoes is essential for students to start the school year off right. However, the...

Educators and developmental experts discovered that elementary level knowledge should include knowing how to count to 10, dressing one’s self and writing one’s name (www.scholastic.com). Some of these skills are taught in a school setting, and some are learned at home. What about the life skills that are not taught in school? When should parents...

Natalie and Maria LoBianco have long been drawn to imparting knowledge to others, whether it has been in a classroom or in a theater, on stage or behind the scenes. “I’ve always wanted to be a teacher,” Maria said. “I think it goes all the way back to my own elementary school experience. It was...

With August in full swing, and the upcoming new school year on the horizon, many parents are starting to think about preparing their children for their return to class. But that preparation goes beyond simply checking off the old school supply list. Local school officials claimed there are many steps a parent can take to...

I love writing more when I’m vulnerable with those I’m sharing my thoughts with. I think it makes my writing better when it’s filled with genuine emotion and makes for a better read when those emotions are relatable. As I’m writing this article this month, I am not feeling my best, mentally. I feel stressed...

When my youngest child started school, I found myself in a new stage of life. I had been a stay-at-home mom and wasn’t sure how to re-enter the workforce. I decided to start by volunteering at my children’s school, and I became hooked. I quickly went from volunteering to working as a paraprofessional, and I...

The days of fun in the sun, poolside hangs and backyard barbecues are here, and they are fabulous. However, one question I often get is how to prioritize health while attending the summer fun and eating at the barbeque. The last choice we want to have to make is between missing out on all the...

Have you ever stood in front of the herb and spice section at the grocery store, feeling overwhelmed and wondering where to begin? Are salt and pepper the only spices you add as you’re cooking? If so, you are missing out on a world of flavor and health benefits. Let’s begin by understanding, “what is...

Celery often is relegated to veggie trays where its built-in scoop makes it ideal for dipping. It’s also used to add extra crunch to holiday stuffing, or tuna or chicken salad. But celery offers far more. Low in calories, rich in nutrients Celery is a nutrient-rich, low-calorie food. Two stalks of celery contain only 15...

Following a vegan diet doesn’t just reduce one’s impact on the environment, but it’s associated with a range of health benefits, making it no surprise that a plant-based food movement is on the rise. “With more than 100,000 internet searches per month for ‘vegan recipes’ and ‘vegetarian recipes,’ it’s clear there is high demand for...

One of the biggest ways to gain equity in your home is a kitchen remodel. Gutting the entire kitchen and getting brand new cabinets and countertops, though, is expensive. For more homeowners, that’s a remodel you save up for years for. You might not want to deal with the challenge of living through an entire...

Often, the best dishes are the simplest. If you use the best quality, freshest ingredients and treat them lightly, you will be rewarded. This is demonstrated perfectly by this recipe for grilled tomatoes on the vine, served with fresh mozzarella. The best way to prepare this classic combination is to take a bunch of cherry...

I was home in Chicago for my birthday and was treated to brunch. I got dressed up to go to this amazing place I had never been before. I ate amazing food and had bottomless mimosas. It was great. A lot of people know the city for its deep dish pizza and Chicago-style hotdogs, but...

I love this time of year when there’s a plentiful display of colorful berries. I decided to create a summer salad dinner, adding them to cooked turkey strips. Here are a few tips on selecting and using berries. Strawberries don’t ripen off the vine. Look for bright red ones when buying them. The sweetest raspberries...

I recently had an epiphany about, of all things, chicken potpie. A few weeks ago, my partner and I set out for a walk into Griffith Park from our apartment. In the mood for adventuring, we started taking every turn we hadn’t before and soon enough we found ourselves on the back of a hill,...

Grilling can and should be a year-round endeavor. But summer seems to be when we up the ante, becoming self-proclaimed barbecue masters seemingly overnight. We get saucy with new marinades and rubs, boost burgers by experimenting with different meats and accompaniments, and work in our farmers market finds, putting everything from berries and stone fruits...

GALENA, Ill. — Sisters Laura and Lisa Kempner know a good glass of Champagne when they taste it — almost as well as they know a good idea when it comes pouring out, bubbles and all. Laura, 57; and Lisa, 65, are at the helm of Champagne on Main, a unique libation establishment that opened...

With breweries and brewpubs becoming evening and weekend hangouts for many, it’s hard to deny that the culture of craft beer has had an impact on the tri-state area. Tastings, festivals and farm-to-table dinners often are centered around craft beer, and many small community breweries have become the bastions of armchair philosophers, conversationalists, board game...

When it comes to sweet treats, few things can compare to the indulgence of a crepe. These thin, delicate pancakes are made from a batter of flour, eggs, milk and butter, then cooked on a hot griddle until they become thin and crispy. They can be filled with a variety of sweet spreads, fruits and...

Summer is the ideal time to expand our daily meal variety, allowing us to incorporate seasonal foods and beverages. Fresh, local produce is readily available, providing regular opportunities to support family owned vendors. While meal-planning for summer dining and outdoor gatherings, I encourage your shopping routine to include local options, such as farmers markets, where...

Planning your next getaway but don’t want the post travel sluggishness and inflammation? Traveling comes with a lot of wonderful things — adventure, relaxation, leisure time and bonding with family and friends. But often, we come back from our time away struggling to feel good and get back into the swing of things. Try these...

My plans for the summer? As a 24-year-old graduate student, with a graduate assistant position and a summer graduate class, is this what adulting is? No summer vacation? No time off? Just school and work, and more work. I am a graduate assistant with the office of Residence Life at the University of Dubuque. The...

Before you know it, summer will be in full swing. And many parents will be looking for activities to keep kids’ brains and bodies active once the school year wraps up. Here are a few ideas to help parents know what they can check out locally: For budding creatives Dubuque Museum of Art Youth can...

Nothing beats a road trip to celebrate summer vacation. Early in life, I learned the importance of a check list, household maintenance and planning for excitement away from home. At 15, a friend and I traveled to Florida, without our parents, to invade my uncle’s house. It was then that I was introduced to a...

Rose Richmond-Love had been living with multiple sclerosis for nearly two decades before her balance began to wane, causing a fall and an injury. “I severed my ACL and tore my meniscus,” said the Dubuquer. “Ever since then, I’ve had a hard time.” Then, two months ago, she picked up a pamphlet about aquatic therapy....

In his new book, “A New Kind of Diversity,” Tim Elmore shares that we have concrete for brains. When we are younger, our brains are more like wet cement — moldable and pliable. After age 25, they become less flexible and set in their ways, like concrete. My 18-month-old niece, Olivia, is proving this as...

The weather is getting warmer, and I am already planning meals that incorporate the produce that this time of year has to offer. One of my favorite vegetables to cook into sweet sauces, desserts, or just eat raw with a sprinkling of salt, is rhubarb. While visiting any old farmstead, you are almost certain to...

As temperatures rise and the days get longer, it’s time for grilling and get-togethers. Make sure your summer soirees are extra special by stocking up on top kitchen essentials. Gear for grill masters To be a great grill master, you need the best gear. Build up your BBQ basics with a new Prep & Serve...

“Barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen” is a figure of speech most commonly associated with the old fashioned idea that women should mother many children during their reproductive years and not work outside the home. In my kitchen shop, I have heard this phrase countless times as customers try on aprons. After doing some research,...

Getting ready to go on a vacation or traveling for work can be exciting and and at the same time, depleting. It’s a common occurrence to feel like a day of travel to your destination takes so much physical and mental energy that you might need a day or so to recover. If you’re not...

The warm weather months serve as an important reminder that the choices you make can help you keep your skin healthy and reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. Experts say that your routine can and should go beyond simply wearing sunscreen. “Taking care of your skin is absolutely essential no matter your age, skin...

Bug bites are not just a nuisance. They can cause discomfort and even pose health risks for some. “Mosquitoes that may carry Zika, Chikungunya, Dengue fever and West Nile virus are always out in full force during the summer months and new evidence suggests that tick populations are growing, expanding their geographic ranges and carrying...

Mary Jo Klinkhammer and Melissa Engel have a lot in common. Not only mother and daughter, the two share a strong commitment to family, enjoy spending time in nature and connecting with new people. They also love to travel and help those people find opportunities to see the world. “People always say it’s something you...

The tri-state area is gearing up for a summer season of visitors, with tourism officials noting that the wealth of attractions appeals to visitors and residents alike. “There’s a lot of things throughout the season for people to see and do,” said Keith Rahe, president and CEO of Travel Dubuque. Summer serves as the peak...

The annual Tour of Gardens will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 24. This year, five local gardens will be showcased in the event presented by Dubuque County Master Gardeners and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in addition to mini educational workshops. Tickets are $8 in advance and are available...

I wanna get into your drawers. You know. To organize. It’s inevitable. Every homeowner deals with storage obstacles. Our generation views the home as multi-functional, and online shopping makes it too easy to have things. Clearly, the one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for most as we are surrounded by spec houses. Our effort to maintain our...

We officially are entering a busy season. Mid-spring is a time when we comfortably can enjoy outdoor activities. We might exercise outside; clean our yard after a cold, wet winter; or plant a garden. For those with school-aged children, you might be enjoying events such as concerts and award ceremonies as the school year quickly...

I just finished my first year of graduate school. I am working toward my masters degree in management, diversity and inclusion leadership at the University of Dubuque. This past year has been a journey. I have learned a lot and have grown more than I would have imagined. School always has been a safe space...

Spring is considered a time of rebirth and new beginnings. Gardeners plant their seeds when the formerly frozen ground warms and grows softer. Rain brings new life into grasses, leading seeds to bud and bloom. The sweet green temptation of salad greens in the garden, the aromatic smell of basil and the tender crunch of...

Imagine an activity that improves your gut health, regulates stress responses in your body, encourages the absorption of one of the most important vitamins for your body, gets you more nutrients from your food and supports the health of the earth. That would be quite an activity, wouldn’t it? What if I told you that...

A sense of calm can be found in the natural world that is hard to find anywhere else. Just being present in a garden can bring us peace and pleasure, but adding mindfulness practice while in the natural world can have a dramatic impact on our well-being. Mindfulness is defined as the basic human ability...

So, you took the leap and signed up for a weight-loss program. But once you got started, it was a whole different story. While you might feel like you’re doing everything to a T, the scale is stuck and you can’t figure out why. Plateaus are a normal part of any weight-loss journey, but there...

With the pandemic largely behind us, many Americans are once again focusing on losing weight and starting a healthier routine. In fact, 64% of Americans are motivated to lose weight because they know it has an impact on their immunity, according to a recent poll of 2,000 U.S. adults aged 30 and above. And 61%...

Modern farmhouse style has been all the rage. According to a study by Ruby Home, it’s the leading home interior style across the United States. The style is a blend of classic and contemporary and is known for its mixture of old and new. It also incorporates traditional farmhouse components such as wood, metal and...

A relaxing retreat just steps from the back door? Count us in. Outdoor home spaces serve a lot of functions, but Soothing Refuge is one that designers say is in high demand. Aromatic plantings. Romantic arbors. A meandering path. A yoga platform. Pergola daybeds. Prefab saunas. Plunge Pools. An outdoor shower. And comfortable furniture that...

Homeowners are looking for ways to make their homes feel less like a last bastion from the world’s troubles and more like a paradise of rest and relaxation. Here are some of the top ways expert interior designers are decorating homes to reduce anxiety: Biophilic design Biophilic design is the practice of incorporating nature into...

This home improvement season, get inspired by the outdoors with biophilic design. “Biophilic design — the concept of integrating nature into interior design — is not only gorgeous, but it fosters a healthy living environment, promotes happiness and comfort, and reduces stress,” said Jennifer Kline, multimedia graphic artist. “There are many ways to reap these...

It’s time to hit the garage, basement, attic and closets for that age-old task of spring cleaning. Before hauling unwanted possessions to the curb, you might be surprised to learn they might be valuable — especially if you have sports cards and memorabilia gathering dust. With prices of sports cards rising in recent years, take...

Upon setting foot inside Steve’s Ace Home & Garden in Dubuque, one certainly will find much of what’s to be expected: Tools for inside and out, patio furniture and decor, grills, firepits, birdfeeders, flowers and assorted plants, and other home improvement essentials. But it’s the unexpected that sets the store apart, according to Sara Carpenter....

You should be getting your lawn and garden spring-ready, according to experts. “One thing I don’t think people realize is that to get your grass, shrubs and other plants looking good in the spring … all that preparation starts right now,” said Major League Fishing bass pro Brian Latimer, or “Blat” as he is known...

With the right pesticide and some intervention tricks, you can get ants out of your home. Sydney Crawley, a professor and extension specialist with expertise in insect and vertebrate pests, shares why they’re in our spaces and how we can reclaim our homes. Why do ants enter homes? Ants come inside homes in search of...

Spring is a popular time for transition, especially when it comes to a desire for a change of scenery, which for some means finding a new place to call home. Moving is one of the more stressful life transitions for both individuals and families. If you are looking to move during this season, here are...

With the arrival of spring comes a renewed sense of energy and joy, and what better way to celebrate the season than by incorporating playful and charming seasonal touches into your home decor? Spring decor brings the arrival of fresh florals and of course, bushels of bunnies. 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, according...

Florals are a timeless and versatile element that can enhance just about any interior aesthetic. From bold and dramatic to soft and subtle, floral prints and arrangements can add color, texture and visual interest to any room. However, incorporating florals into your home decor can be daunting, especially if you’re not sure where to start....

Spring is here, and that means it’s time to do another round of deep cleaning around the house. Before shuttering yourself away for a weekend with an arsenal of cleaning supplies, consider these quick tips on what not to do when spring cleaning this year. It just might save you time, money and a lot...

Just because we have the space, doesn’t mean we need to fill it. I would not define my husband and I as hoarders; however, we have accumulated stuff through the years. We have declared 2023 the year to purge. There is nothing more beautiful than a lack of clutter. I’m sure Jessi Bushman (Dubuque’s professional...

As I draft this column, I find myself wanting to begin my thoughts with one of the most underrated three-letter words in existence. I believe there are three, three-letter words that promote steps for us to execute daily challenges: Why, how and who. Why we desire organization stems from our circumstances. It is common in...