Kirstin Pope is not in the business of saying “no” to the things that many others might use logic to talk themselves out of pursuing: Travel, creating, venturing into life’s more vulnerable crevices. So when the 54-year-old Dubuquer and professional caregiver at an assisted living facility in Madison, Wis., decided last October to hop in...

My journey into plant-based eating originates largely from listening to my intuition. When I teach yoga, I teach about how to listen to, engage and feel our bodies in a way that allows us to move intuitively. When I run, I would describe the way I listen to my body and adjust workouts based on...

As we recover from the frazzle, the food and the credit card bills of the holiday season, the beginning of the year serves as a time of reflection and fresh starts. A blank calendar (one of life’s unsung pleasures, if you are me), a commitment to a healthy diet or less caffeine or a new...

Parents today might be a bit conflicted when it comes to the best ways to discipline their children. On one hand, they are urged to be aware of the whole child and to use positive discipline techniques when it comes to molding young minds. On the other hand, however, parents often are criticized for being...

Whether it’s dance lessons, computer projects, art class or yoga, kids are busy bees. But experts say that many aren’t spending enough time doing something much simpler and every bit as important as structured programming: Playing outdoors. “Finding time for the kids to play outside can be such a challenge for parents,” says Keri Wilmot,...

Many of us are familiar with the expression, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” As an Agent with New York Life, I can assure you that when it comes to financial goals and objectives, this old adage rings true. In fact, it might be more relevant than ever. It isn’t always easy for some...

A young girl, crouched down and curled in a fetal position, is a figure that appears in several creations by Allison Poster. The image clad in black and white is a raw representation that personifies a traumatic period in the life of the Dubuque artist. One piece shows her locked in a cage, immersed in...

Because humans are complex creatures, wellness includes different dimensions of life that are all interconnected. When we look to reinforce and enhance our wellness, most people consider the physical realm as the highest priority. This dimension encompasses understanding your body as it relates to physical activity, rest and nutrition. As you might imagine, it involves...

When it comes to summertime, vacations and weekend excursions often are in the picture. Whether you are spending a weekend in Chicago, a month backpacking around Europe or relaxing on a two-week Caribbean cruise, packing your suitcase for the trip can be the biggest headache of all. There are many logistics to think about when...

School is out and summer is in full swing. It’s easy to get caught up in sunny days and backyard barbecues, but don’t let the season pass you by without planning a memorable summer vacation. Whether it’s a day trip to a nearby city or a lavish once-in-a-lifetime international extravaganza, summertime is the perfect time to...

For some of us, vacationing is about taking respite from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. For others, it can be about more. Last fall, three local longtime friends decided to take a trip to Thailand. But it wasn’t just any excursion. It found Cally Burkle, Jaime Ellerie and Lea Droessler fasting, getting...

For some of us, vacationing is about taking respite from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. For others, it can be about more. Last fall, three local longtime friends decided to take a trip to Thailand. But it wasn’t just any excursion. It found Cally Burkle, Jaime Ellerie and Lea Droessler fasting, getting...

We don’t need science to tell us that spending time with our girlfriends is good for us. But just in case … Plenty of research confirms that notion — including a pair of Michigan State University studies involving nearly 280,000 people. The studies found that friendships become increasingly important to one’s happiness and health. “Not...

School is out and summer is in full swing. It’s easy to get caught up in sunny days and backyard barbecues, but don’t let the season pass you by without planning a memorable summer vacation. Whether it’s a day trip to a nearby city or a lavish once-in-a-lifetime international extravaganza, summertime is the perfect time...

Other things to consider Research the destination before book to learn about health, safety, accessibility and political issues before booking the location. Think about the following: • If traveling to a tropical location, avoid booking during the hurricane, typhoon or monsoon season. • Is the location LGBTQ-friendly? • Would any of your guests be offended...