At Lakes Fika they blend Scandinavian simplicity with fresh, inventive offerings. From craft cold and brewed coffee to a variety of refreshing beverages, every item they offer is thoughtfully curated to deliver a memorable experience for all those who visit. Their breakfast and brunch menu features options crafted to celebrate quality and creativity, inspired by seasonal, rustic recipes their family has cherished over the years – which they now delightfully share with you.

Michele came to me with a vision to rebrand her business after reaching a milestone of 22 years in business and becoming an LLC. She needed a fresh new look after her years of growth, change and evolution, something that would encompass all the offerings of her spa and wellness center business while connecting with her audience.

Brand design and commercial photography are the visual language of your business. And when done strategically and with intention they can easily be understood by those you serve and make an incredible first impression. There are many building blocks that create a strong, effective brand that need to be defined before design even begins.

In 2023 TFC Poultry underwent another remodel with the help, vision and expertise of Sarah Carlson of Theisen Design Studios - an interior designer based out of New York Mills, Minnesota.

The new office space of TFC Poultry was build around the original historic building that is home to their growing business. To highlight the buildings original architecture Sarah showcased the original brick and brought in several new modern elements for a sleek design and added contrast. To bring in light-filled office spaces they utilized full glass front DIRTT walls.

Although we grew up Finnish in the way we lived, we were still stuck in the American hustle. We live fast paced lives often exchanging convenience for connection and balance. I especially adopted the art of “busy” both due to where I live and my trauma history - and over these past several years I have consciously made the decision to slow down making drastic changes to my life. Though the battle may not have been easy it has been incredibly beneficial to the body, mind and spirit. Our honeymoon trip to Northern Finland in 2024 was another catapult into a more simple and blissful life.

The City of Detroit Lakes has a new and remodeled City Hall that opened to the public in back in June of 2024. Passerby’s by have first noticed the major facelift of the exterior, then came the completion of the re-imagined interior spaces.

This project renovated and expanded the original footprint of their existing space. The biggest change for the public is the larger, and absolutely stunning, council chamber with additional break rooms for the council members.

Let’s take a little peek at its incredible transformation!

We were greeted that weekend by your typical Minnesota winter elements with freezing temps, high winds, on-and-off snow flurries and incredible sun dogs, but that didn’t stop us from getting outdoors and checking out this exciting winter event. The snowmobile lake race is a 10 mile long track, zig-zagging back and forth with sharp turns and straight-aways for achieving incredible speeds.

We envisioned our Bride to be a minimalist with an elegant aesthetic, one who valued slow fashion and sustainability, family and all things vintage. Where she and her Maid of Honor get ready together in Adler Ranch’s cozy Cabin. The Groom and Best Man would enjoy their drinks and cigars in the next cabin over after he too was ready for the ceremony. As a Bride with strong family values we found creative wedding heirloom ideas to honor many in her family. These new wedding heirloom ideas included her Grandfather’s lantern re-envisioned but Kellie Smith Floral into a show-stopping bouquet, couture gowns for the Bride and Maid of Honor and heirloom items to polish off the look of our Groom.

Marge’s Diner Article Excerpt North & Nest Magazine By Tracy Nicholson

“While the kitschy vibe of Marge’s Diner is happy to take patrons down memory lane in downtown Fargo - sharing the love of 70’s lunch and brunch - Minnesota’s lakes county had been patiently await a bite of the giant pancake. Settling into a syrupy sweet spot in Ottertail City, MN, Marge’s American diner classics now have a second home, sprinkling new life into the former main street site for the small towns, beloved Betty’s Pantry…“