Spring's Arrival

I think we had a day, last week, or maybe it was the week before that felt like spring had finally arrived in west central Minnesota. It was the day that we got out the rake and the blower to get rid of the leaves that winter had re-deposited on the lawn, we hooked up the outdoor hoses and we finally set the patio furniture out on the deck. A few buckets and baskets of flowers got planted and hung; a bit of grass seed got scattered in the front yard - all that salt and sand from winter did a number on the front lawn.

Then I sat down and started planning my summer garden projects. You know the ones I'm talking (well dreaming anyway) about...the gorgeous cedar pergola, the stone fireplace with the reclaimed wood mantel, the flagstone patio with a fabulous water feature, the cottage flower garden used just for cut flowers that dot every room in the house, the herb and salad garden that I harvest from just before dinner each night. But on my limited sized city lot, I have to be a little more realistic in my dreams of the ideal garden. I have the not so unique problem of limited space and budget coupled with unlimited ideas. But everyone needs a little oasis (or two) to retreat to in summer and one of mine is definitely the backyard.

Let's just say there's some "screening" I'd like to do between the back deck and the awesome view of my neighbor's "collection" of non-working motorized and non-motorized items - no less than three small fishing boats, two ice houses and an unusually large collection of paint buckets for a guy who doesn't paint for a living. So I am planning a privacy fence or wall or trellis to screen those lovely items from my view of our beautiful summer sunsets in the western sky.

While working on articles for our upcoming June/July issue, I've gleaned a few ideas on these topics of outdoor rooms and screening for privacy. We hope you'll get some inspiration from them as well.


Jan Ellis
Editor
Lake and Home Magazine
Email me at janeteellis@live.com

To subscribe to Lake and Home Magazine CLICK HERE

More Thoughts on Taking Your Exteriors To the Next Level

This Pelican Lake home boasts an impressive series of catwalks to and from the property.

In the April/May issue of Lake and Home Magazine, we did an article on custom railings - both interior and exterior. For me, one of the most fascinating exterior photos we saw was of a series of catwalks built by Lands End Development on a Pelican Lake property that allowed the homeowners to "level out" a clearly undulating landscape and add significant architectural detail to their entire property.  

Unsure about the specifics in building this particular home, when I saw the photos for the article it got me thinking about how many other similarly situated lots may have benefited from a similar and equally interesting solution.  Frankly, my reaction to the photo was "that's awesome".  I've always been a fan of homes, especially lake homes - more like compounds - that seem like they've been built up over time with multiple buildings connected by walkways, breezeways, bridges etc.   Maybe its because they feel like "summer camp" to me.

Build-able lots here in "lakes country" can come at a premium and using a bit of imagination can help a seemingly difficult lot realize its full potential to become something architecturally interesting.  So I set out, as I often do, on a web search to find a few inspiring examples to share.

Traditional Exterior by Kerrville Architect Paddle Creek Design

Contemporary Exterior by Palo Alto Architect Stoecker and Northway Architects, Inc.

Traditional Exterior by Seattle Architect Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects

Modern Entry by Spokane Architect Uptic Studios

Contemporary Exterior by Seattle Architect Clinkston Architects

Contemporary Entry by Falls Church Architect Coupard Architects and Builders

There are as many solutions as there are lots.  From contemporary to modern to traditional architecture - whether your lot is on the lake and no matter where you call home, a challenging lot presents great opportunity for you to design a unique solution and take your home to the next level.  

We hope our pages continue to bring you inspiration. Please share your inspiration with us on our Facebook page or visit us on Pinterest to see even more ideas.


Jan Ellis
Editor
Lake and Home Magazine
Email me directly at janeteellis@live.com

To subscribe to Lake and Home Magazine Click here

April / May Issue on Newsstands Now

Our April/May issue is on newsstands (or your coffee table) now!

We are excited to bring you three gorgeous homes along with some pretty unique pendant lights, a great selection of outdoor furniture, some amazing custom interior railings and an article on lake lifts.  Who wouldn't love an elevator at the lake?

We've also got information on growing tree fruits in our area and everyone's favorite shade plant, the very versatile hosta.

I'm one of those folks who absolutely loves to garden.

Well, to be honest, I love having a garden.  Maybe not so much "gardening".  The hard parts of gardening such as soil preparation, planting, pruning, weeding and transplanting admittedly aren't as much fun as the planning, watching, cutting and harvesting.  Nonetheless, I still flip through all the gardening catalogs as they arrive this time of year and turn the pages over on those that look interesting (and would actually grow in my zone 3 space).  I'm willing that big pile of snow to melt and reveal that patch of grass in the front of the house that's begging me to put in a perennial garden this summer.  It faces south and is unencumbered by shade so my options are pretty open.  I'll be planning for a least a few more weeks until the ground thaws.  Meantime, I'll be referring to my back issues of Lake and Home for inspiration.

We hope our pages continue to bring you inspiration. Please share your inspiration with us on our Facebook page or visit us on Pinterest to see more ideas.



Jan Ellis
Editor
Lake and Home Magazine
Email me directly at janeteellis@live.com


To subscribe to Lake and Home Magazine Click here

Spring Emerging

The view out my windows just a few short weeks ago

Our Spring appears to be slowly emerging from underneath its frosty white blanket. Folks are beginning to talk about the opening of the resorts and we in the lakes areas of Minnesota are beginning to think about opening the lake cabins and getting them ready for summer.

One of the best things about Spring is being able to take off the layers.  To imagine running to the store without grabbing your bulky winter coat, your gloves, a hat, an extra pair of boots, a blanket in case you get stuck...you get the idea.  After a long winter such as we've had, Spring just seems "easier" and now that the snow has begun to melt, people seem willing to discuss the possibilities.

Our April/May issue is filled with possibilities and is on its way to you as I post this entry.  We've got a few award winning hostas picked out as well as some really unique pendant lighting.  We've got fruit trees and patio furniture ideas as well as a few great ideas for custom interior railings.  The feature homes in this issue are pretty amazing and all of them have great ideas for your next project.

I was out in the Henning / Vining / Clitherall area early one morning this week and this fabulous old schoolhouse (or is it a church?) caught my eye. When I see places like this I imagine their possibilities.

I inherited my love of these types of buildings from my dad, a local watercolor landscape artist who often rode around on the "country roads" looking for these types of buildings to shoot and then use for inspiration in his work.  I look at them differently - mostly because my artistic talents do not include the ability to paint or draw - and I see a rehab project.

I see a beautiful cobblestone paver path through a lush perennial garden leading my guests up to that front door.  I see a reclaimed bell in that tower and I just know, never having been inside, that the timber and wood floors in this place are worth refinishing.  I see a new roof, perhaps metal, new but reproduction windows and I just know that that chimney must lead to a newly revitalized field stone fireplace.  I see "open concept living" at its best in this one room building.

We hope our pages continue to bring you inspiration. Please share your inspiration with us on our Facebook page or visit us on Pinterest to see more ideas.



Jan Ellis
Editor
Lake and Home Magazine
Email me directly at janeteellis@live.com


To subscribe to Lake and Home Magazine Click here

Looking Forward

All set for a winter picnic

This week we were putting the final touches on the April/May issue of Lake and Home magazine, when our area got hit with what seemed to me to be the worst weather of our very long winter. They weren't our coldest days and certainly not the most snow we've gotten at any one time but it still feels like it was a pretty bad storm. I'm pretty sure the never ending snow this year is whats making every storm seem worse than the last. Seriously, just how many times should you have to shovel the driveway and sidewalk in a single winter?

Like most Minnesotans, I start thinking Spring somewhere around the 10th or 15th of March. And boy am I ready for it. The garden catalogs have begun arriving in the mail, local seasonal ice cream/drive-in type places that shutter their doors for winter have opened and the word "daffodil" has begun to be bandied about.

Freshly fallen snow near Phelps Mill

Despite all that, I'm pretty sure I won't be seeing any daffodils poking their pretty little yellow heads out of the ground anytime soon. They've got several feet of snow to push through at this point. We happen to live in town on a small lot and have had quite a time trying to figure out where all that snow goes and how high we really can pile it up.  The tallest pile is well over seven feet with several smaller five foot high piles surrounding it. If you squint, you can make it seem like mountains...but its just mountains of snow. We can only hope for a slow melt when it does begin so as to avoid an unpermitted swimming pool in the basement.

For now, a mere couple of days into Spring, we have dug our way out from nature's latest gift and are ready to face whatever the rest of the month brings weather wise.

We are off to the surrounding lakes today to snap a few winter photos to share with those of you who winter somewhere warm.  Meantime, we've got the April/May issue wrapped up and soon on its way to you. We are looking forward to your feedback and comments.

Yours truly,

Jan Ellis
Editor
Lake and Home Magazine
Email me directly at janeteellis@live.com

Feb/March 2013 From The Editor

It is said that the way you spend your New Year's Eve is indicative of what the New Year will bring.  If that is true I may require an intervention this year.  I spent my New Year's watching hours on end of Rehab Addict on DIY TV.  The star of the show, Nicole Curtis, is my idol.  I want to grow up to be just like her.

You're probably thinking "what a loser...nothing better to do on New Year's Eve."  I would have gone out.  I had opportunities.  What I didn't have was  a car.  A teenage son with a driver's license, a far-away girlfriend and no car of his own translated to being housebound.  It's his fault.  He's an enabler.

Deep breath... I am ready to confess.  "I am a rehab addict."  There, I said it.

And as a rehab addict this is the creed I live by.  Repeat after me if you, too, are ready to admit your compulsions.

The Twelve Steps of Rehab Addicts Everywhere
1. We are powerless over our desire to rehab.
2. We know a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity, but why?
3. We have decided to devote our lives to Lake and Home Magazine, DIY, HGTV and other media sources of similar nature.
4. We will commit to taking inventory to find what needs t be fixed or remodeled.
5. We will admit to ourselves and the staff of Home Depot the exact nature of our shortcomings in do-it-yourself.
6. We are entirely ready to educate ourselves on such things as grouting, taping, and tiling.
7. We will humbly review our budgets to accomplish it.
8. We will create a list of changes we hope to make.
9. We will make plans to improve wherever possible, except when doing so threatens to put us in the poor house.
10. We will continue to review said list and amend as necessary.
11. Through intense study we will improve our knowledge and strive for the courage to carry those plans out.
12. Having had an awakening of sorts as the result of the above steps, I personally will do my best to carry this message to readers everywhere.

That last one was for me.

My New Year's resolution is to find a rustic cabin on a lake.  "Rustic" is a code word for falling apart and within my budget.  With Lake and Home Magazine at my side, I will make it a showplace!

Contributing editor Sheri Davich lives in Pequot Lakes, MN.

Dec/Jan 2013 Issue is out!

We are excited to announce that the Dec/Jan 2013 issue of Lake and Home Magazine is out.  If you are not a subscriber, pick up your copy or order it online soon so you don't miss any of the great articles we have this issue.  Like always, we are featuring two amazing homes.  One is a Tuscan inspired sanctuary with an emphasis on serenity and the other is a dream home that was years in the making.  We also have must read articles if you are contemplating building new or remodeling your existing home or cabin, organizing your closet or looking to add a stylish fireplaces.

From The Editor Oct/Nov 2012

There is so much I love in this issue of Lake and Home Magazine, I don't know what to share first.  There is an article on kitchen lighting with some fabulous lighting options, a few energy efficient articles, a wonderful column by Emily King on her never changing family cabin with it's outdated decor and 4 year old magazines, and of course our normal featured homes, designer Q & A and landscaping tips. but it seems like the logical progression to start at the beginning, so, here it is.  An excerpt from the editors article, by Sheri Davich.  Enjoy. 

An after-dinner walk recently brought me to a little white church converted to an antique store just off our Main Street.  The store was closed, but it was the yard that drew me across the road anyways.  The fence could barely contain what was within.  I could see clusters of grapes on an arbor, berry bushes, corn, squash, a variety of flowers.  My companion and I poked our noses through the chain link, trying to get a better glimpse.  A posted sign proclaimed this garden belonged to someone called "The Loon Ranger."  While we were naming those plants we recognized, a woman's face appeared at the window, and she stepped outside.  My inclination was to take my friend's hand and urge him along, not wanting to impose.

What followed is why I love my place and my people.  In some communities the residents would draw the blinds, let the dog out and hold their breath until you pass on by.  Where I live they drop whatever they are doing, unlock the gate and spend the next three hours of their precious time giving you a guided tour.  The fence is intended to keep out critters, not neighbors.

To read more about Sheri's exploration into "The Loon Ranger's" garden, pick up this issue of Lake and Home Magazine. Trust me.  You won't be disappointed.

Saying Goodbye to Summer

Swimming on Lake Belle Taine

The air is cooling off, kids are going back to school, leaves are changing colors.  All signs that the long, slow days of summer are giving way to the brisk mornings of fall.  No need to be sad.  There are plenty of wonderful activities to do in the fall.  You can take a leisurely walk in the woods and enjoy the crunching sound of leaves beneath your feet, breath in the earthy smell in the air and feel the cool nip of the air all without swatting away the pesky mosquitoes and deer flies that are ever present in the summer.  Or, you can stop by an apple orchard and pick some crisp apples to munch on or bake into fabulous pies. 

One of my favorite things to do this time of year is to think back over everything we did in the last few months.  My husband and I do not currently own a lake home, and while we do plan on having on in the future, right now, we are enjoying the generality of our friends and loving it.  This way, it becomes more of a social event for everyone.  Instead of focusing on the little chores that need to be done, everyone pulls up a patio chair, a refreshing beverage and enjoys the afternoon.  Instead of mowing the lawn or weeding the flower bed, everyone hops on the pontoon to go across the lake for some ice cream.  As I think back, these are some of my favorite memories of the summer.  When we didn’t have a grand plan, just wanted to hang out with some friends in a beautiful location and let the day take us where it may.  So for all of you lucky enough to have a piece of paradise, invite people often, keep it casual and relax.    

Meet Our Team: Erin

Have you ever wondered who is behind your favorite magazine?  No.  Hmm, well, we thought you would be more interested, so we are going to introduce some of our key players so you can get to know the people behind the magazine.  We'll start out with one of our newest members, Erin Hintz.  Erin just joined us at the end of August and will be mainly focused on our website, www.lakeandhomeweb.com.  Here is a little about Erin.

I grew up and went to school in Fergus Falls, MN, and have always lived in Fergus, but I’ve moved 13 times as my parents built houses. Now that my husband and I have our own home, I think sometimes he wishes I wouldn’t have inherited such an eagerness for construction and remodeling. Working on our home projects is probably my favorite hobby but I also love to garden and spending time with my family is definitely at the top of my list. My brother plays high school football, and watching that has become one of my favorite fall activities.  My husband and I also have two cats, Leo and Kilo and a dog named Benny.

What is your favorite lake to spend time on?
My family has a lake place on the Wall Lake and I love getting to spend time with them there. We really enjoy the sandbars and it’s been great to have lake access just a few minutes from home.

What is your favorite lake activity?
As long as I’m on the water I’m happy. I love jet skiing and boating, I don’t do a whole lot of skiing or tubing but I love watching.

What is your favorite season at the lake?

Without a doubt summer is my favorite season to be at the lakes. You won’t often hear me say it’s too warm.

What is the best food on a hot summer day?
I think barbeques and burgers are classic summer meals.  I love fresh veggies and fruits too.

Best Lake Memory?
The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays, as well as some of my best lake memories. I love the fireworks over the lake, and there’s nothing better than getting together with family to celebrate and spend the day on the lake. The whole lake atmosphere on the forth is hard to beat.

What grown up job did you want when you were younger?
What I was going to be when I grew up changed daily.

What is the worst flavor ice cream?
I’m pretty sure I’ve never had ice cream I didn’t like!

What was your first job?

When I was fifteen and sixteen I had a summer job working for my aunt and uncle at their horse farm doing maintenance things like pulling weeds in the gardens, doing horse chores, mowing and weed whacking, etc. I’ve always loved horses so I was in my element just being around them.

Remodeling project on the horizon?

It’s the time of year people start looking at the calendar and asking where the time has gone. As the snow melted last spring, big plans of home improvement projects that would take place over the summer were made. But the call of the lake was just too strong to ignore, and the to-do list was pushed aside for a day on the water. Now that cooler weather is once again around the corner, we are asking ourselves what projects we are going to squeeze in this year. As you scale back your projects, make sure you have a realistic idea of everything that will be involved in it so you are not caught off guard by the "Ripple Effect" and "Project Creep." Not sure what we mean? Check out this great article to familiarize yourself with the terms and hopefully be more prepared as you tackle you to-do list. Or, you could just put it off until next summer and enjoy a few more afternoon naps.


http://homes.yahoo.com/news/beware-the-remodeling-demons-that-await-homeowners.html

Countdown to Labor Day

As Labor Day approaches, also known as the unofficial end of summer, people start looking back and wondering where the time went. Soon will be gone the long, lazy days on the water, where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to a quieter, slower pace. Before we know it, it will be time to break out the fall sweaters, swap out the lawnmower for the snowblower and start cooking comfort food instead of indulging in fresh fruits and vegetables right from the garden. Please don't stop reading because you don't want to think about these things yet! My point is, with Labor Day being two weeks away, we need to take a step back and really try to enjoy these last two weeks of summer. So, for the next two weeks, check our facebook page for your daily summer bucket list task. For the next 14 days, we'll be posting an activity to help you make a few more memories to last you until next summer. Try to really enjoy each activity. Some of them may sound childish, but that's kind of the point.  Let’s escape our grown up lives for a few minutes and enjoy the simple things, surrounded by people we love and a landscape we are lucky to be able to enjoy.  Trust us, you will not regret it.

National Relaxation Day

Did you know that Aug 15th is National Relaxation Day?  So, how are you going to celebrate.  Take an extra long lunch break?  Bring the dogs on a sunset stroll tonight?  Maybe even relax with a glass of wine and your favorite magazine...you know, Lake and Home Magazine. 





Here are a few ways to relax according to www.thedailymind.com

• Take a nap
• Go outside
• Get some fresh air
• Get sunlight
• Look at inspiring photos (like the Lake and Home photo contest winners!)
• Delete all the emails in your inbox
• Open up a window and let some fresh air in
• Head down to the beach and walk in the shallow water
• Go to the lake and skip rocks on the surface
• Pack a picnic, get in the car and drive to a new outdoor spot
• Plan a trip you would love to take in the future
• Turn on some music and dance around your house
• Pick up a hobby you have neglected
• Cut out sugar from your diet, it causes stress (Personally, I'll try the others first, but you might want to give this one a go??)
• Buy a beanbag chair and fall asleep watching TV
• Study a topic you have an interest in but doesn't relate to work
• Do a painting or drawing of your home

Go ahead, indulge in at least one today!  After all, it is a national holiday!

Aug/Sept 2012 Issue Is Now Available!

Are you interested in the green construction trend?  If you are, check out the latest issue of Lake and Home Magazine to see our feature home, the Minnesota Slough House.  This environmentally friendly, Frank Lloyd Wright influenced home is located in rural Ottertail County. 

If you would rather check out a more traditional, cozy lake home with rich woodwork as far as the eye can see, read our article "A Home For All Seasons" about an Iowa family who makes twice a month trips year-round to visit their Whitefish Lake lake home.

In this issue we also visit a racing theme garage makeover, interview the president of the Little Crow Ski Team, address simple changes you can make to update your home, such as adding new trim or painting your shutters, and announce the winners of the Lake and Home Photo Contest. 

Head over to www.lakeandhomeweb.com/inthisissue.cfm for a sneak peak at some of this issue's articles and featured homes.

From The Editor

By Sheri Davich 

Aug/Sept 2012 Lake And Home Magazine 

I met Bill and Lisa Bradford of Cedar Falls, Iowa, in writing for this issue.  I never met an Iowan before  Handsome couple and seemingly normal, until you find out they journey more than five hours one way, twice a month, year 'round to spend time at their vacation home on Whitefish Lake in Pequot Lakes.  That's just crazy!  What would motivate them to do this? What makes Whitefish so special?  we discussed it, and our conversation turned downright philosophical.  we came to the conclusion that Whitefish is a haven for them because it is a "go to" place rather than a "being" place.  We decided that people need their "go to" places.  Places where bills, work issues, home chores and other responsibilities are not invited.  we all need a breather, a sojourn in the eye of the storm.  The lake can be such a place.

Those of you who make similar treks know that, from the moment the car is packed and the kids settle in with their blankets an pillows, everyday life goes on the back burner.  Even bickering and bellyaching from the back seat can't ruin the mood.  Despite traffic and weather conditions, the "getting there" is a necessary part of the experience.

There are rituals - the strategic bathroom breaks, the grocery shopping for supplies.  And will it be Wendy's or Burger Kind for dinner on the road?

And once you arrive at your destination, your senses go into overdrive.  Maybe it's because you've had the opportunity to transition while on the road.  At the lake, colors are more vivid, sounds are sharper, foods smell and taste better.

Here's an example.  In everyday life, skies seem limited to sunny (blue), cloudy (gray or cloudy with precipitation (dreary gray).

For the complete "From The Editor" article, pick up the Aug/Sept issue of Lake and Home Magazine.  It will  hit the newsstands next week!

Contributing editor Sheri Davich lives in Pequot Lakes, Minn.

Updates to Lake and Home Web

We have been busy at Lake and Home this summer.  We have been making updates to our web page and are currently coming up with strategies to make this blog a great resource full information that our readers are interested in.  Check back soon for a list of all of the updates we have been doing.  In the meantime, head over to www.lakeandhomeweb.com to see the winners of our latest Photo Contest. 

April/May 2012 Issue

It's that time of year again!  The April/May 2012 issue of Lake and Home Magazine is out!  The long winter months are over (hopefully) for the year and we can all start planning our summer projects and daydreaming of relaxing days at the lake.  To help you out, we have a great issue full of ideas, photos and articles.  Not much room for gardening, but still want to add a little life to your landscaping?  Check out our article on container gardens on page 20.  Want a new way to get out of the sun while adding some architectural interest to your home.  Do it with a pergola!  We have a whole article full of pictures to inspire you.  Need to remodel and need a few fresh ideas?  See what two Minnesota lake home owners did in their homes.  This issue we are featuring a custom cottage on Nisswa Lake and a cozy lake home on Alexandria's Lake Le Homme Dieu. 

February/March 2012 Issue hits stands February 1st!

The Room Makeover Contest begins tomorrow, February 1st!

For more details, check out www.Facebook.com/LakeandHome

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