Victoria Living Magazine

01/13/2025

Tips for Creating a Warm & Cozy Home (by: )

A New Year generally means a New You, but it also means it's time to usher in a new environment to help you endure our cold weather until Spring. While usually we celebrate snow and ice, sometimes curling up inside with a warm fire and great book sounds really appealing as well. In order to make your space feel new, you don’t have to make big changes to shake things up – small things can make a big impact. As you pack away your holiday décor (don’t do it too quickly though… I hold out until the last moment to put it away!), think about changing these things:

New Throw Pillow Covers
Cozy New Throw
New Candle
New Plant – This can be real or faux.
A stylish vessel, pitcher or bowl on your kitchen countertop
New kitchen towels
A fresh piece of art

This quick pull of items to reflect the list showcases the Pantone Color of the Year - Mocha Mousse. As you can see, there is a wonderful way to weave in this cocoa color tone into your interior, welcoming its coziness and warmth into your home. If you want to combine it with a soft winter white, sage green and light blue grey, it helps “express a level of thoughtful indulgence.” Per the Pantone Color Institute, the warm brown palette appeals “to our desire for comfort” and is meant to represent a “growing movement to align ourselves more closely with the natural world.”

I would be happy to put away the Hunter Green and bold reds of the holidays to allow my home to showcase a luxurious palette such as this. Would you?

01/10/2025

a•kyoo•puhngk•chr — a form of medicine that pricks the skin or tissue with needles 🤍

01/10/2025

Our publisher, Erica Bergmann , was featured on KSTP's Minnesota Live this morning!! In case you missed it, you can catch it on the link below!

Erica Bergmann and Heidi Nessa are the team behind Waconia + Victoria + Tonka Living Magazines. They stopped by the Minnesota Live studio to share the stories they've featured.

01/09/2025

Today is Officer Appreciation Day! We are so thankful for our officers that protect our community 365 days a year. Thank you for all that you do. We received a very sweet letter from Jessica Pass, a local Senior, that we had to share with you.

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself,” said American writer Joseph Campbell. Our Victoria community is blessed to be protected by the unsung heroes of the ’s Department. Every day, the officers around our community leave their homes, families, and personal priorities behind to sacrifice their lives to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens. They bravely serve the people behind the scenes and answer the public call for help. Their selfless actions touch the lives of every individual, and they deserve credit and recognition for all they do. These heroes of our community are responsible for the safety we encounter each day, and their unsurpassed courage and compassion for the dignity of every individual is remarkable. Our community is fortunate to have such astounding officers protecting our citizens, businesses, schools, and roads. Today and every day, thank you to our heroes from the Carver County Sheriff’s Department and all who protect us.”

01/08/2025

As the new year begins, many of us embrace the opportunity to reset and refocus. Whether it’s setting new goals, improving our health, or decluttering our minds, the start of the year symbolizes fresh beginnings. But have you ever thought about how much your physical environment affects your mindset and success? Home organization plays a key role in shaping not only your day-to-day life but also your overall productivity and well-being.

A FRESH START FOR YOUR MIND
An organized space leads to an organized mind. Cluttered homes often contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety and overwhelm, making it hard to focus on what truly matters. When your home is tidy, you can think more clearly, tackle goals with confidence and enjoy a sense of peace.

The new year is the perfect time to declutter. Whether it’s clearing out the junk drawer, organizing your pantry or tidying up your closet, these small acts can have a powerful impact on your mental clarity and emotional health.

BOOSTS PRODUCTIVITY AND EFFICIENCY
Have you ever spent 20 minutes looking for your keys or important papers? Disorganization not only wastes time but also adds unnecessary stress to your day. By creating systems for your belongings, you save time and make daily routines more efficient.

Start by organizing the spaces you use most, like your kitchen, office, or entryway. Small tweaks such as labeled storage bins or designated areas for items, can drastically improve functionality and keep chaos at bay as you tackle the year ahead.

INSPIRES GRATITUDE AND JOY
When you take the time to organize and curate your home, you develop a deeper appreciation for the items you own. It encourages you to focus on quality over quantity and cherish the things that bring you joy. Begin the new year with a gratitude mindset. Organize your belongings in a way that makes them accessible and meaningful, reminding you of the abundance already in your life. As you step into 2025, take the time to refresh your home, and in turn, refresh your mindset for the exciting year ahead. Remember, an organized home is the foundation for an organized life.

Let this be the year you create a space that inspires you to thrive!

01/07/2025

01/07/2025

Morning Victoria! Is there a local in home daycare or preschool that would like to do this activity with your kiddos and submit for our Feb love issue themed magazine? Obviously must have permission from parents and would love at least 6 entries! A fun activity to do on these cold days! Will need by Jan 17! Much love- the Victoria Living Magazine team!! ❤️💕♥️💗💖💞❣️💓💘💝 if interested comment below and email asap [email protected]

01/03/2025

The Chanhassen Rotary is a 63-member club dedicated to local and international service. We meet on Wednesdays at the Chanhassen Legion, at 7AM, to share experiences, discuss critical issues, build life-long friendships, and take action. Our club is part of Rotary International, which has over 1.2 million members worldwide, in over 45,000 locations. Our members are a dynamic and energetic cross section of men and women who live or work in the Chanhassen area - leaders in business, public service, healthcare, education, and other professions.

Proceeds from the events sponsored are invested in our local and international communities to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, save mothers and children, support education, grow local economies, and protect the environment. Through our Foundation, District, and International matching funds and grants, Chanhassen Rotary has donated in excess of $1 million. We welcome you to join us! Be our guest for breakfast Wednesdays at the Chanhassen Legion at 7AM.

EVENTS WE SPONSOR IN THE COMMUNITY
Breakfast With Santa
February Fest, Saturday, February 1st, at and on Lake Ann.
Chanhassen July 3rd and 4th Celebration and Parade

“Hope House was born out of a desire to create a safe, welcoming space for teens facing significant life challenges. Thanks to the Chanhassen Rotary Club’s initial investment and belief in our mission, every teen who comes through our doors at Hope House has been met with love, served with dignity, and offered hope.”
- Rod Provart, Executive Director of Hope House:

12/31/2024

After 24 years is still that “one-of-a-kind gem,” nestled on 39 acres just 10 minutes west of Lake Waconia. It has always been and still is “All About The Dogs,” where they are the #1 criteria for every decision we make. That unbreakable promise makes business decisions simple . . . If it does not benefit the dogs, it is unnecessary. 🐶

• 39 Acres & 6,100 square feet Clubhouse
• Adult Staff, Supervised Group Play & Social Training 5-6 Hours Daily
• 24,000 sq. ft. K-9 Grass Outdoor Play Yard
• Wooded Nature Trail / Indoor Playroom / Senior Garden
• 34 feet. Heated swimming pool (April – October).
• Kiddie Pools & Sun Umbrellas
• Suites – Not Kennels – Air Conditioned, Air Purified
• Upholstered mattresses on iron bedframes
• Heated Stone Floors, Textured Walls, Windows, Soft Lighting Music 24/7
• “Yappy Hour” & Fresh Baked Biscuits, Bedtime Stories
• Owner/Manager On-Site, Security System
• Hands down the best dog hotel in the Twin Cities!

Visit our newly renovated website and watch the tour video www.topdogcountryclub.com

12/30/2024

Hormones are the body’s natural powerhouse, influencing everything from energy to mood. When hormones are out of balance, you can feel sluggish, foggy, or just not yourself. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) offers a natural way to return to optimal wellness! This gentle approach helps you regain balance, feeling like the best version of yourself. Whether you’re managing mood swings, low energy, or sleep disruptions, BHRT is a proactive step toward vibrant, everyday living. Now, in Chanhassen offers this service, delivered by our board-certified and trained Nurse Practitioners.

WHO IS HORMONE THERAPY FOR?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance like unexpected weight gain, sleep troubles, mood swings, fatigue, memory issues, or low libido, BHRT may be an ideal option. Hormone imbalances impact your physical and mental well- being. Balancing your hormones can improve your daily life while lowering your risks for heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and thyroid disease.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Your journey with BHRT at Ivy Aesthetics Med Spa begins with a comprehensive lab panel to reveal your hormone levels and other lab values. At your second appointment, after a thorough review of your results, your provider will create a personalized plan, usually involving a small bioidentical hormone pellet placed under the skin in the buttocks or upper hips. This pellet, containing either testosterone or estrogen, releases a steady dose of hormones, gradually absorbed based on your unique needs. Most patients notice improvements in energy, mood, and sleep within a week.

A NATURAL AND LASTING SOLUTION
About the size of a grain of rice, hormone pellets dissolve slowly over several months, providing consistent support for energy, mood, and overall wellness. Hormone pellet removal is not needed, as the body absorbs them entirely. This natural, gradual release of bioidentical hormones keeps you on track for balanced, vibrant living until your next insertion. BHRT at Ivy Aesthetics Med Spa is tailored to your unique needs, helping you take charge of your health with a gentle, effective approach.

12/20/2024

Whether you are driving or walking through our lovely town of Victoria, you will find many wonderful places to shop, dine, and take in the sites! These are a few of our favorite things from our local sponsor retail shops! We appreciate their involvement in the community and Victoria Living magazine!

For the dog lover and fave pups in your life, you must stop at The Dog Nanny boutique as Jenna and her cute pups celebrate their second Holiday season in downtown Victoria! We love the build your own HOWLiday dog bowl and the unique bones!

For a heartfelt gift for teachers or your favorite gal (or guy) in your life, Jes Naturals has you covered to take the Holiday stress away! We absolutely LOVE the weighted NodPod sleepmask (Erica treated herself to one of these), a stress relief coloring book, natural candles and of course CBD drinks, chocolates and more!

If you are looking for a gift to help deck their halls, look no further than White Birch House. As soon as you walk in, the scents and the decorations make you feel warm and cozy. Top Gift Picks: Frasier Fur diffusors, Mini Ornaments & Geometric Hand Towels make great hostess gifts!

12/19/2024

Look at the amazing things the kids at are doing in and around our community!! Check it out!

Service to one’s community is an invaluable commitment that strengthens connections, promotes understanding, and fosters a sense of unity. Engaging in local service allows individuals to give back, put faith into action, and address community needs. There are countless ways to make a difference, from volunteering at food banks and shelters to participating in local clean-up initiatives or tutoring students. Volunteering can be incredibly transformative, especially for young people. It builds empathy and exposes them to diverse perspectives while establishing leadership and collaboration skills. In addition, studies show that helping others improves mood, lowers stress, and enhances physical health. As the coordinator of our school’s All-School Volunteer Day and our service club advisor, I regularly witness the joy of volunteering. Many of our students discover their own unique gifts and talents while serving others. It’s a reminder that while giving our time, energy, and resources, we also receive immeasurable rewards.

12/18/2024

Meet Hazy, our Pet of the Month! 🐾🐶

My humans and fur brother Dom welcomed me into their family early this fall. I’m such a lucky girl and love being out and about Victoria. Mom says I’m catching on fast and I’m very smart. She also says that I’m not supposed to dig in her garden or bring sticks four times the size of me into the house. I can’t figure out why she can decorate a big pine tree in our living room though.

12/17/2024

Shopping locally isn’t just about grabbing what you need – it’s about supporting the heart and soul of the community. Our local businesses are run by people we know – our friends, neighbors, and fellow community members. By keeping it local, we’re giving back to the place we love!

5 FUN REASONS TO SHOP LOCAL
Unique Finds – Local shops are full of unique treasures you won’t find anywhere else, each with its own story. Plus, our charm brings in visitors who love exploring all our town has to offer!

Boost the Local Economy – Your dollars stay here when you shop local. That means better schools, parks, roads, and more – all thanks to businesses and owners who are just as invested in Victoria as you are.

More Jobs – Shopping local helps keep jobs in town. You’re supporting your neighbors, friends, and their families! Community Love – Local businesses give back in big ways, whether they’re sponsoring local sports teams, music programs, or donating to a local cause.

Personal Service – Know the person behind the counter? That’s because local businesses offer that friendly, knowledgeable service that makes you feel like a VIP! This holiday season (and all year long!),let’s show some extra love to our Victoria businesses. We made a list of our top picks from our local retail sponsors!

Happy local shopping, Victoria!

12/13/2024

Are you looking to see Santa Claus this year? We compiled a list of local sightings for you.

12/13/2024

We got a very special letter from Santa to share with you! 🎅

Hi Kids! Ho! Ho! Ho! and a Merry Christmas to you! I’m excited to get back to Victoria this year to deliver Christmas cheer to all of you wonderful girls and boys! It was great to see so many of you at the Annual Tree Lighting. Christmas is just a few short weeks away and the elves, reindeer, Mrs. Claus and I have been busy getting everything ready.

While you're waiting, remember:
• Be Kind to one another.
• Have fun with family and friends.
• Enjoy the magic of the season!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Love, Santa & Mrs. Claus

🎄🎅🤶☃️

12/13/2024

LIGHTING THE NIGHT A LOCAL TRADITION

Holiday traditions are different for everybody. For my mom, Joyce Diethelm, one of her favorites is decorating her yard for Christmas. She begins the creative process when the Halloween decorations come down. Her and the grandkids are working on hand-crafted items to add to the displays by Thanksgiving. Shortly after that, she will begin setting it all up. She works through the darkness (with headlamps and flashlights) after work to get everything just right.

While it takes weeks to put together for a short time, she truly enjoys every minute of it. If you are familiar with her yard you may have noticed that each section has a different theme. And after 20 years, some themes have been repeated but very few. So this year see if you can guess what they are as you pass by.

My mom loves seeing people stop to take pictures or just slow down to get a glimpse. If you ever see her out in the yard feel free to stop by and say hi! Victoria isn't as small as it was when she was a kid but you can still get that small town feel. My dad helps her with storage and hauling everything as well as welding or cutting pieces to create the look she's looking for. Her hope in all her dedication and work is to bring smiles to all those that pass by and give them a moment to feel the holiday spirit.

Happy Holidays from the Diethelm's.