Melissa Brandt’s mind flashes back to a scene in her mother-in-law’s home: bunched together on a small silver tray stood 10–15 bottles of Opi nail polish.

“They all were the same color,” she recalls. A dark, rosy pink.

Melissa jots down such slices of life for future scripts.

Q: What’s the best way to socialize my new puppy?

A: Socialization is defined as positive experiences with new things (people, other animals, places, etc.). Puppies have a “socialization window” that closes at 16 weeks. Everything that happens before then—good and bad—shapes who your new puppy will become. It’s important to make sure your new puppy has lots of great experiences during this time so that he grows up to be friendly and well-adjusted.

Puppy class is a good place to start your pup’s socialization experiences. Look for a class that balances playtime with learning and focuses on calm puppy introduction rather than a wild “free-for-all,” which could encourage bullying.

From sideswiped ponytails to burnt orange scarves, color showers expected from head to toe this autumn.

Nails
Gel polish on a natural nail in dark browns, maroon and burnt orange.
—Vikki Ngin of Kari’s Nails.

“It’s a newer polish that lasts two weeks and there’s no chipping. It doesn’t damage the health of nails,” explained Vikki.

On a crisp autumn day, as the leaves begin to fall, there are few places more pleasant to meander than picturesque Lanesboro. Among its many gems is the Bittersweet Boutique and Antiques, an imaginative, eclectic store whose treasures fill the nooks and crannies of its warm, inviting walls.

Sassy socks and stylish service
Owners Val and Bruce Gilfillan opened Bittersweet in April 2011 because Val has always loved fashion and design and wanted a place where people could have fun, find their own style and buy quality clothing.

In front of Liz Yochum’s house is a fountain humble enough to nearly be overlooked. Water bubbles from the source and flows over the smooth granite surface, producing a gentle, calming sound. A purple light flickers, representative of a burning candle, creating an atmosphere of
stillness, healing and comfort.

After eleven years of ongoing cancer treatment, the comfort of the Healing Waters fountain is just what Liz’s practitioners at Mayo Clinic wanted to give her. Ann Weydert, one of Liz’s nurses at the Rochester Mayo Clinic Cancer Treatment Unit, views Liz as the embodiment of constancy.

With a smile on my face, I drive down the road to pick up my good friend, K.T. I crank open the sunroof and sing along with the radio. It’s our shared day off—that special time when we eat lunch, gossip and shop. Our goal today: an afternoon of fun on Broadway without spending a fortune. It’s easy to do, if you know where to go!

With a smile on my face, I drive down the road to pick up my good friend, K.T. I crank open the sunroof and sing along with the radio. It’s our shared day off—that special time when we eat lunch, gossip and shop. Our goal today: an afternoon of fun on Broadway without spending a fortune. It’s easy to do, if you know where to go!

I dreamed about zucchini last night. They were marching in lockstep on spindly, green legs—rows upon rows of them passing in review, like Red Square troops. I saluted them with dubious pride, feeling responsible for their robust size and shape. When I woke, I flipped through my diary, recalling the summer I spent harvesting, cooking, baking, chopping, freezing and relinquishing more zucchini than I ever imagined.

Q My family is ready to add a dog to our household. We have two young children. What’s the best breed?

A Congratulations on extending your family! There are many breeds that can be great family dogs. Instead of looking for a specific breed, I would encourage you to look for a dog whose temperament and activity level best match your situation. Don’t forget to include mixed breeds in your search. These dogs are often healthier than purebreds and make excellent family pets. I have two mutts of my own and couldn’t imagine better companions!

April Showers Bring Wildflowers - How a paint-your-own ceramics business brought one mother and daughter closer

Vicki Hiley and Vanessa Hyde are a mother-daughter business team that revels in creativity and spontaneity, which is perfect for their business: a paint-your-own ceramics studio.

    In fact, the business, Wildflower Ceramics, started quite spontaneously in August 2011 when Vicki had one week to decide whether to turn her ceramics hobby into a full-time business. After buying the store, Vicki asked her daughter, Vanessa, to come help. “It’s kind of how we are,” explains Vicki. “One gets into something and the other comes along.”