Women can choose what they use on their skin and hair as part of their daily regimen. And natural cosmetics and skincare have become popular options. According to the 2017 Green Beauty Barometer survey, 74% of women with children at home and 60% of women without children at home claimed that purchasing green or natural...

Meet our new monthly fashion columnist, Carolyn Arentson. Originally from Carroll, Iowa, and now calling Dubuque home, the 25-year-old uses her background in modeling, styling and photography to create an online destination for women to get chic inspiration for their style and life. Carolyn launched her blog, mychicobsession.com, three years ago, with and eye toward...

Poet Emily Dickinson knew it only takes a flower and a pollinator to make a prairie. The buzzing of bees and the whirring of hummingbird wings are a sure sign that spring is here and that pollinators are back to work. What we might not always appreciate is how hard those tiny creatures are laboring...

The proverb that it’s an ill wind that blows no good proved true for me and a colleague during the recession. The highly skilled garden writer at the design magazine where I worked as a general editor was regretfully let go, and I inherited her duties on top of my own (with no change in...

Today, many parents are seeking ways to keep their kids engaged and learning beyond the schoolwork remotely assigned by teachers. Here are a few fun and creative ways you can use the power of the written word to help create special moments for kids, while imparting valuable lessons: Share life skills Adjusting to this new...

Whether you live in the city or country, you are fortunate to have access to plenty of nature right outside your front door. The Mississippi River, open fields, parks, flowing creeks and clusters of woods are all part of our daily landscape living in the tri-state area. Having close access to the natural world is...

I was introduced to Pilates 20 years ago, while living in Southeast Asia. The balancing effect experienced in my mind and body kept me coming back for more, and I couldn’t get enough of the ever-evolving physical challenges. It was exciting to be building such new layers of strength. Eventually, through the healing of a...

If I am going to be completely honest, I am sure that you are getting an overload from everyone in the health and fitness industry about setting your New Year’s resolution goals. I know. I have been in the industry, and for years, I have been front in center telling you how I am going...

For most, furniture simply is a place to sit, slumber or gather around for a bite to eat. But for Rebecca Severns, one might say that a flair for such stationary items is in her blood. “My parents had a store when I was growing up called Roy’s Furniture,” Rebecca said. “It was named after...

We all know someone who scours listings for the best deals, who visit thrift stores and consignment shops with the obsession of a stalker and who can’t wait to tell you how little they paid for a fabulous outfit. Thrift shoppers are passionate about the art of bargain hunting, and with consignment shops thrown into...

Searching the skincare aisles in any store can be overwhelming, to say the least. From cleansers and moisturizers to serums and oils, toners and spot treatments, there are so many options. But what does your skin really need? Sarah Blindert, a skincare specialist and owner of Shivelight Massage and Skincare, said that what you should...

Looking for some out-of-the-ordinary styles? We spoke with a variety of tri-state boutique owners about how shopping locally can be beneficial to both the consumer and to the community. Donna Weber and Monique Butcher are the co-owners of Classy & Chic Boutique, a shop located in Dubuque’s Historic Millwork District. “Most big stores typically have...

When infertility blocks your journey to parenthood, you might become weary, overwhelmed, anxious, angry or filled with grief. Infertility is a stressful and frustrating life experience. But there are options to explore that might help with underlying causes of infertility. Visceral manipulation and infertility: Visceral manipulation is a complementary or alternative manual therapy that assesses...

I am positive that in 2020, we are all striving to look our best, while putting in the least amount of effort, day to day. Careers, children and even self-care can occupy our free time and spread us so thin. But putting your best face forward, literally and figuratively, should be mandatory, not optional. It...

Shamika Rainer has never met a challenge she couldn’t stare down. In fact, when asked to describe what she does for a living, she exclaimed proudly, “I’m an entrepreneur. And a trailblazer.” If only we all knew how to summon such confidence. At 33, Rainer is a hairstylist and owner of Luxurious Hair Spa, located...

A colleague of mine recently had her first baby, who at the time of this writing will be 5 months old and chunky as all get out (the baby, not the colleague). The little one also is in the throes of her first fever/cold combo, and no one in her house is getting much sleep....

W ith the unprecedented closure of schools in the area in response to COVID-19, parents are faced with the challenge of keeping their children from boredom. The struggle is real. We feel you. We reached out through social media to Dubuque-area parents to find out what they’ve been doing to keep gray matter and creative...

Imaginative play has long been the trademark of childhood. Dolls, tea parties, dress-up, pretend battles and action figures are what many of us associate with good, old-fashioned child’s play. Parents today face intense criticism about the amount of time children are spending on electronic devices when they could be engaging in imaginative play. Technology has...

If you have employees, you know that the loss of a key player can have a profound impact on business operations. When an employee leaves, customers who dealt directly with that person might worry about receiving their goods or services in a timely manner. Suppliers might be concerned about getting paid for their deliveries. And...

Do you recall when your kids were little, and you went to the doctor with Cheerios in your hair? Well, that is how most caregivers feel, and often, that is how your loved one feels, too. There is so much going on when caregiving is taking place that it really isn’t about beauty and fashion,...

You would think that having almost 20 years of experience in the beauty industry, I would have a lot of tips to share about beauty and fashion. A hairdresser for many years, I would have, in the past, been able to share the latest trends. No problem. But that almost feels like a different life....

Kiesha Sainci is a pro when it comes to juggling. Case in point: She did this interview while also attending to an infant. A working mom of four, the 30-year-old never anticipated she’d have a big family, or call Iowa home for nearly 20 years. However, following her heart and her faith has shown her...

Being a parent is about three parts blood, sweat and tears mixed with three parts MacGyver and a dash of drill instructor. In other words, it’s a hard job. But it’s one for which the Her Hacks team is dedicated to helping you be prepared. For our parents’ generation, being prepared often took the form...

Along with the joy of bringing a baby into the world, physical changes from pregnancy and postpartum conditions might cause unexpected effects on the body. It’s important to proactively discuss these topics with your doctor to stay informed, know you aren’t alone and understand what effective solutions are available. Hair loss Triggered by a change...

We asked local moms what they do for a little “me time.” Here’s what they had to say. Hopefully, you’ll find some ideas for self-care. “I love to go for a hike. When I’m out, I look for fun things to take photos of and share with my daughter. I also love to just go...

We know that seniors are full of wisdom and have much to offer our society. They are key to our communities and important to the upbringing of our youth. But do you know the benefits and specifics of how seniors impact the youth? Youth who have regular interaction with a senior mentor experience the following...

In the raising of her twin 9-year-olds, an ongoing question persists for Stacy Raap: When does she give them their first cellphone? They already have classmates that have phones. But she is certain that now is not the right time. “We haven’t set out an age when we think they should get a phone,” Raap...

During the past several years, the word YET has been popping up in classrooms across the country. “I don’t know how to add big numbers YET, but I will learn if I keep listening in math” wrote one first-grader. “Writing in cursive isn’t easy for me YET,” stated a third-grader. “But I’ll get better if...

Parenting — one of the hardest things I have ever done, with hardly enough training. (Marriage is the other.) Now, I had some training. I read all of the parenting books. I attended Lamaze classes. And I would have watched all of the videos and subscribed to the blogs if they would have been available...

Three-year old Kyra Waterman already is a seasoned globetrotter. She has traveled to Hawaii, Sri Lanka and South Africa with her parents, Brock and Becky. And she’s about to add another stamp to her passport. The Dubuque family will be traveling to Belize this month, and Kyra will have a fellow traveling companion in 8-month-old...

Has your family discussed money concerns? Clinical psychologists note that when kids don’t have enough information, they might become anxious, make up explanations or seek information from potentially unreliable sources. They recommend talking to your children about financial concerns. Preschool and elementary age Experts suggest limiting financial discussion with very young children to the basics....

We know that seniors are full of wisdom and have much to offer our society. They are key to our communities and important to the upbringing of our youth. But do you know the benefits and specifics of how seniors impact the youth? Youth who have regular interaction with a senior mentor experience the following...

I remember the date like it was yesterday. It was Nov. 1, 2010. My husband, Kevin, and I were celebrating our two-year anniversary, and I was hung over as hell. I remember us going to dinner at a fondue restaurant and him giving me a diamond pendant necklace. We both were excited to finally say...

Screen time is a hot topic for parents and researchers alike. While digital devices are the norm, and children can certainly use them to their benefit, parents can also help children learn healthy digital habits. Research is working out the long-term impact of devices on children. Here’s what’s known so far, and what you as...

Around this time of year, when Valentine’s Day is all the buzz and everyone is making date plans, it can be difficult not to feel left out of all the romantic gestures and special gifts. However, you don’t need to be in a romantic relationship to be able to celebrate the day. Friends and family...

When six local women get together, it’s always over good conversation and, occasionally, even better food. “When we get together, it’s always to talk and laugh over good food,” said Susan Hellert. “And when the food is really good, you know it because that’s when we stop talking.” Kindred spirits since sharing classes like home...

Pounding the pavement for a cause is what united a group of Dubuque women who represent different walks of life and ages spanning 29 to 54 years. “I think it started with one person just bringing another person they knew who might like to try running,” said Britney Ross, whose aunt, Ann Schroeder, also runs...

So, you have the ring. What’s next? Dress shopping, of course. Although finding the perfect dress might seem like a tough task, local bridal consultants have advice for brides on the hunt for their ideal wedding gowns. Sherrie Keating, owner of Cheryl-Ann Bridals & Tuxedos in Dubuque, assured there are many styles and silhouettes for...

The word empathy is receiving a lot of attention. Educators list empathy as a 21st Century skill that is essential to instill in children today. Empathy can be defined as the ability to deeply connect with others by looking at the world through their eyes in order to understand their thoughts, feelings, and actions. In...

On one particularly uneventful day, Elizabeth Pape looked out her window from her sofa to find a group of women sprinting up and down her street. “They’d run to the stop sign, turn around, run back,” she said. “I was like, ‘What are these girls doing?’” Leading the pack was the petite Krissy Mueller, a...

Once upon a time, wedding registries were created so newlyweds would have all the basic essentials to establish their first home. But as technology has evolved, so too has the registry. Gone are the days where registries only include dishware and candlesticks. Couples can now incorporate modern must-haves, like connected light bulbs, voice assistants and...

“Have couple friends, and do fun outings with them.” “Make sure you have a core group of girlfriends.” “Make play dates for your kids. Join a ‘mommy and me’ group.” We have so many people offering us this advice — not to mention the social media feed of happy couples doing happy things all of...

It’s a BFF match made in cyberspace. Amanda Miller, 31, is a patient services representative at Grand River Medical Group in Dubuque. She loves opera, Broadway show music and watching “Gilmore Girls.” Jutta Ebbertz is a 23-year-old ballerina and a student at the University of Cologne in Germany. She also loves opera, Broadway show music...

Looking back 10 years, we met love in a completely different way than we do today. Dating apps, social media and video calls have made it much easier for us to meet new people. Our dating habits are, as many other things, changing in time. Experts from the global dating app happn have predicted the...

Wolves travel in packs in order to insure care and to defend their territory — not unlike one local group of women who have had each other’s backs since the late 1990s and early 2000s. Known by their husbands as the Wolf Pack, the group is approximately 16 members strong. They have organized annual girls...

When a loved one passes away, it often is an emotional and chaotic time. It’s also a time when you might be called upon to make a number of weighty financial decisions. Would you know what to do if you found yourself in that situation? If you’re not certain — or would just like to...

One of our closest relationships in our lifetime is with our parents. And as our parents get older, they might need help. While every situation is different, it can be challenging to know the right approach to take when supporting them through their golden years. Here are a few practices to keep in mind: Always...

In the era of social media, online dating and Netflix and chill there are few pleasures as tactile and satisfying as entertaining. Whether it’s a couple of friends and a bottle of wine or a couple dozen and a homemade antipasto bar, there is a world of face-to-face fun out there just waiting to get...

Having a baby typically is one of the happiest times in a couple’s lives but also one of the most transformative experiences a couple will go through. No longer is a couple focused only on each other, but now, they are responsible for the care of a newborn. While this can bring great joy, it...

The theme for this month’s issue of Her magazine is relationships. And I, of course, write about food, and in particular, how food is a great way to bring people together. So when I was contemplating my topic for this month’s column, I thought: Food … bringing people together … relationships. I got it! Aphrodisiacs....

The Dubuque Jaycees is best known for its community involvement, participating in everything from local food drives to international projects that create an impact and with an eye toward fostering self-improvement and leadership skills among young community members along the way. It also has produced a friendship in a group of 13 local women that...

The Dubuque Hempstead High School class of 1997 has a few well-kept secrets. And when that many people have dirt on you, you tend to keep them close — at least that’s how Michelle Healey described it. “We know so much about each other, what other choice do we have?” she said, erupting in laughter....

For more than 50 years, a group of women with ties to the former Nativity School in Dubuque have regarded one another as not just friends, but family. “We’ve all been such close friends since we were in the fourth or fifth grade at Nativity, it’s like we’re sisters,” said Liz Thor. “Some of us...

Ashley Ayala, owner of Soul Revolution — a yoga, cycling and fitness studio in Dubuque — cranks up the heat anytime she steps foot in her yoga studio. She calls herself a “heat junkie” when it comes to her hot yoga practice. But Ayala wasn’t always this way — coaching people through Warrior 3 poses....

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...

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...

Anna Spoerle is feeling good. The Benton, Wis., resident has been practicing intermittent fasting for more than two years with the help of nurse practitioner Stephanie Grutz, of Balance Integrative Health & Wellness in Dubuque. Spoerle, 34, suffers from multiple sclerosis. It’s one of the reasons she started researching a way to restore her energy...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...