Her DBQ – Page 223 – 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 […]

Featured Stories

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 […]

Featured Stories

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 […]

Featured Stories

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 […]

Featured Stories

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 […]

Featured Stories

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 […]

Featured Stories

Her Hacks: A hack a day for Februar-ay

February 1, 2019Hacks

February is one of those months that has an image problem. Sure, it’s the month of love — after all, Valentine’s Day calls it home. But, it’s also wrapped tightly in the embrace of winter’s coldest depths. And nothing kills the mood quite like icicles hanging from body hair. Or, the frigid gust of a...

Single on Valentine’s Day

February 1, 2019Family

Some people are content being single. But for those who are actively looking for a significant other, Valentine’s Day can be a frustrating and even depressing day because it reminds them they have not been successful in their quest. “Don’t fall for the illusion that the world was suddenly overtaken by loving, happy couples eating...

8 trends in wedding receptions

February 1, 2019Family

When it comes to celebrating their wedding, many couples are forgoing tradition to reflect their unique personalities. “There’s really nothing that’s the common way to do things anymore,” said Nicole Dempewolf, catering coordinator at Hotel Julien Dubuque. “Don’t be afraid to be creative. Do what creates a fun day and fun environment for you, and...

Destination weddings

by jill carlson February 1, 2019Travel

Thinking about a destination wedding? Whether your choice is to get married alongside the ocean in Hawaii or the Florida Keys; atop a ski hill in Aspen, Colo.; in a California vineyard; in a Las Vegas wedding chapel; somewhere in Mexico, such as Cancun, Rivera Maya, Los Cabos or Puerto Vallarta; Jamaica; Punta Cana in...

Her Hacks: Keto diet hacks

January 4, 2019Hacks

When it comes to diets, there’s a variety to choose from in this day and age. From the South Beach diet of the 1990s to the Atkins diet of the 2000s, there’s always a new nutritional space to explore. The official Her Hacks Spousetm took on the auspices of the keto diet in the past...

1 … 221 222 223 224