Her DBQ – Page 220 – A magazine for women

A love for the classroom: Dubuque elementary school teacher Stephanie Vondal crafts community through teaching

For Stephanie Vondal, June, July and August don’t necessarily equate to time outside of the classroom. “This is my fourth year running the summer reading program,” said the 40-year-old educator who, by summer, serves at the site supervisor at Table Mound Elementary School for Dubuque Community School District’s Summer Academy, a free four-week program that […]

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Conservation & compassion: Andra Olney-Larson hones a unique calling in conservation and end-of-life care

Casper Creek Natural Cemetery Casper Creek Natural Cemetery Location: 870 Pine Knob Road, Galena, Ill. (cemetery, open dawn to dusk); 126 N. Main St., Elizabeth, Ill. (office, by appointment only). Phone: 815-677-3411 Email: CasperCreekNC@gmail.com Online: caspercreeknaturalcemetery.com When Andra Olney-Larson attends meetings with other members of the funeral director associations that represent the tri-state community, she […]

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Fire & ice: Dubuque artist’s travels inspire her latest work

Simply Elegant Boutique Simply Elegant Boutique Location: 130 S. Main St., Galena, Ill. Phone: 815-777-3720 Online: simplyelegantboutique.com Jenni Brant loves to get her hands dirty. The 46-year-old artist has long had a love affair with clay, creating tumblers, plates, wine stoppers and other usable ceramic pieces decorated with delicate designs on a backdrop of bright […]

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An elegant vibe: Robin Vaughn builds a business through home and fashion in Galena, Ill.

Simply Elegant Boutique Simply Elegant Boutique Location: 130 S. Main St., Galena, Ill. Phone: 815-777-3720 Online: simplyelegantboutique.com Robin Vaughn has developed a reputation for taking risks. “I think sometimes people think I’m a little crazy,” said the 56-year-old, with a laugh. “Like, ‘OK. We’re going to bring in furniture. And now, we’re going to bring […]

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Fashionista: Erica Brewer curates a space for looks to inspire life

Belle Allure Minkz & Boutique Belle Allure Minkz & Boutique Location: 1736 Central Ave. Online: Facebook.com/bellealluremink and Instagram.com/bellealluremink. Erica Brewer has endured heartbreaking loss, and many trials and tribulations to get to where she is today. But the 42-year-old’s philosophy can be summed up in the very words that adorn the walls of her downtown […]

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Motherhood journey: Tessa Anderson, of Dubuque, welcomes parenting with open arms

Tessa Anderson wasn’t sure she wanted to become a mom. “I had always been one of those people who dug her heels in and said, ‘Nope. I’m not having kids,’ especially when I was younger,” said the 30-year-old, of Dubuque. “People would say to me, ‘You’ll probably feel differently about it when you’re older. But […]

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Top tips for a new baby

March 1, 2019Family

Bringing home a new baby is a big adjustment and can feel overwhelming for parents, particularly when it comes to safety. While certain statistics can be alarming — there are approximately 3,600 sudden unexpected infant deaths yearly in the U.S., according to the most recent government statistics — parents can take comfort in knowing that...

Dressing up THE BUMP

March 1, 2019Beauty & Fashion

Gone are the days of shapeless floral moo moos and nautical-inspired tents intended to hide a growing baby bump. Today’s maternity clothing trends aim to stay on target with mainstream fashion and celebrate or even highlight a woman’s expanding belly. And while online shopping gives expecting mothers an abundance of maternity options, it doesn’t help...

Her Hacks: The unsung women of history

March 1, 2019Hacks

There are great women all around us at all times. And, when you take a look back through history, it becomes apparent very quickly that that always has been the case. But, unfortunately, too many of those trailblazers have gone too long without the recognition that is their due. Here is a list of a...

A room for baby

March 1, 2019Family

The pregnancy test came back positive. The gender announcement party has taken place. Now, it’s time to decorate the nursery and do some baby-proofing to welcome your new arrival. Room theme Do you need a theme for the nursery? It’s up to you. A newborn isn’t going to notice the theme until they are older....