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 Dubuque boutique: “The power of a great outfit is impossible to overstate.” “The way we look can inspire...

When Ann Butzier first opened her shop, Namaste, in 2015, you couldn’t find the word “athleisure” in the dictionary. “It was a word I’d heard, but it wasn’t common,” she said. “I remember using it in a conversation with a customer, and she said, ‘Oh, that’s a cool word.’” But in the past several years...

There’s no question as to what menu item is the most ordered at Friday fish fries during Lent. Across the region, in dining halls both large and small, Midwesterners love their fish, whether it’s fried, battered, baked, broiled, tossed in fettuccine or stuffed into a taco shell. But for a fair number of fish fry...

The spring is upon us. Let the celebrations begin. And what’s the most important part of a celebration? Responsibly enjoying a tasty libation, of course. Whether that libation is a beer- or wine-flavored alcohol or something softer (sarsaparilla, perhaps), we’ve got a few tips for how to hack that drink. Just remember, moderation is next...

Have Easter guests jumping for joy by planning a celebration that is not only memorable and joyful, but affordable, too, with ideas for activities, recipes and basket essentials that are convenient and budget-friendly. Hoppin’ activities While the egg hunt is a classic Easter hit, consider activities before the hunt to keep guests entertained and in...

While Mother Nature might still have a few chilly surprises in store — it’s the Midwest, after all — it’s almost April, and the signs of spring are in the air, from warmer temperatures to blossoming bushes and longer days. For Lori Portner, owner of Murphy’s Gardens in Galena, Ill., it’s a particularly joyful, if...

Soon leaves will return to trees and brown lawns will become green again. Welcome spring! With spring comes the opportunity to refresh, renew and reinvigorate one’s interior and home décor. Looking for ways to refresh your décor this season? Here are some top tips: Use color “drenching” techniques. Color drenching is a design technique in...

With flowers blooming and birds chirping, you might be in a spring-cleaning mindset. As you spruce up your home, you can also channel that energy into getting your finances in tip-top shape. According to certified financial planning professionals, here’s how to clear away the cobwebs in your budget: Sort expenditures If you’ve ever sorted your...

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is something most women have experienced at some point — mood swings, bloating, fatigue, cravings or just feeling “off” in the days leading up to your period. But while it’s common, it’s not something we should just accept as normal and push through. PMS is a sign that something in your body...