Tonka Living Magazine

31/01/2025

We can't let January go by with out introducing you to the TONKA Living Pet of the Month! 🐾 Meet Lola!

My name is Lola, and I’m new to the Tonka community as I’m only 18 months old! My favorite things are sitting in leaf piles or snow, chasing balls, swimming in the lake, playing with my friends at Casco Park, eating cheese, and going to Culvers for pup cups. You can often find me patrolling the neighborhood and meeting new dogs as I sit in the driveway regularly. Thanks for welcoming me to the Tonka community, and I look forward to pawtying with you soon!

Submitted by: Cody Ferguson, Tonka Resident

29/01/2025

REFRESHING Cucumber Mint Detox Drink
Submitted by: Michelle Dewald,

INGREDIENTS
1 cucumber, sliced
5-6 fresh mint leaves
1 lemon, sliced
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
3 cups water

INSTRUCTIONS
Combine cucumber, mint, and lemon slices in a pitcher. Add apple cider vinegar and water. Stir well and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving. For best results, enjoy one cup three times throughout the day:

Morning: Start your day with a glass to kickstart digestion.
Afternoon: Enjoy it as a refreshing, hydrating drink.
Evening: Drink it as a calming, detoxifying beverage

HEALTH BENEFITS
Cucumber: Hydrates and flushes out toxins.
Mint: Supports digestion and soothes the stomach.
Lemon: Aids detox and boosts vitamin C intake.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Promotes healthy digestion and balances pH levels.

27/01/2025

💙 Charity Spotlight 💙
Submitted by: Russ Hanes,

Upon stepping foot through the doors at the Invisible Wounds Project Support Center, you know you’re in a special place. Located in Forest Lake, Minnesota, the center is like nothing else in the country. Their mission is to positively impact and enhance the lives of those who serve(d) and they definitely do that!

The center, which opened in July this year, will serve more than 500 military, police, fire, EMS, frontline medical staff, corrections, 911 dispatch and their families this year, and substantially more in the years to come. The Support Center is 10,000 square feet of therapeutic and connection spaces designed to positively impact and change the lives of those who serve our country and communities. There is a recreation lounge with a pool table, darts, TV’s and more. The coffee bar provides a great space for conversation, sharing meals and connection with others. The space has a state of the art woodshop, art studio, laser room and painting/epoxy room, all available for members to use, take classes and provide a creative outlet to deal with stress and trauma.

The space was designed to provide a safe place for wellness and healing, while reminding those who serve(d) that “You Are Not Alone”. Our people have a higher frequency of su***de, substance abuse and other service-related health problems than the general public. Learn more about the Invisible Wounds Project by visiting IWProject.org or call 855- HELP-IWP.

24/01/2025

💙 Charity Spotlight 💙

The seeks to enrich the lives of disabled individuals and their families through the game of hockey. We aim to make hockey accessible to everyone who wants to play. By supporting adaptive and Warrior hockey programs’ growth and participation nationwide, we strive to break barriers and promote inclusivity in the game.

At the Hendrickson Foundation, we know that hockey changes lives—but we can’t do it without the incredible support of our sponsors. We’re thrilled to partner with , Excelsior’s leader in chiropractic care for sports, performance, and rehabilitation. Their generous donation will help us continue supporting blind, deaf, sled, special, and Warrior Hockey programs. Together, we’re making a difference because Hockey Changes Lives®!

22/01/2025

Ready to refresh your living spaces in the new year with fun decorating trends in 2025? Here are some key design ideas to inspire your home by our experts at .realtor

1. Earthy Tones and Textures: Warm, natural colors like terracotta, olive green, and sandy beige are taking over. Pair beautifully with organic materials such as stone, clay, and unfinished wood to create a grounded and inviting atmosphere.

2. Bring your Personal Touch: Minimalism allows bold, personalized interiors. Vibrant patterns, gallery walls, and statement pieces that reflect individual tastes combined with layering textures, mixing metals, and curating meaningful decor items create a lived-in yet stylish look.

3. Tech-Integrated Decor: Hidden tech features blend seamlessly into the design with smart home systems that integrate smart furniture, lighting, security, climate control, and entertainment are now more user-friendly and affordable. Voice-activated assistants and AI-driven home automation tools are becoming standard features. These elements keep homes functional without compromising aesthetics.

4. Spaces focused on Wellness: Wellness remains a priority, inspiring calming environments with large windows to maximize natural light. Spaces featuring air-purifying plants, Zen-inspired corners, and cozy reading nooks encourage relaxation and mental clarity.

5. Playful Retro Revival: Nostalgia meets the latest trends with a revival of 70s and 80s decor. Bold geometric patterns, playful color palettes, and retro furniture bring a lively and dynamic vibe to homes.

Incorporating these trends ensures your home feels fresh and relevant while reflecting your personality. From earthy tones to cutting-edge tech, 2025’s decorating ideas cater to diverse styles and needs—making every space a personalized sanctuary

📝: .realtor

20/01/2025

Rockvam Boat Yards, Inc. is gearing up for the 2025 Minneapolis Boat Show at the Minneapolis Convention Center from January 23rd to 26th. As a trusted name on Lake Minnetonka, Rockvam offers a comprehensive range of services designed to make your boating experience seamless, whether you’re a novice to the water or a seasoned enthusiast.

At the Boat Show, learn more about their Dry Stack Service and Wet Slips, providing convenient, secure storage options for your boat year-round. For those looking for flexibility, their Boat Club and Pontoon Rentals offer an easy way to enjoy the water without a long-term commitment.

Whether you need routine maintenance, emergency repairs, or specialized services, their experienced technicians are ready to help with their Full-Service repair shop keeping your boat in excellent condition all year round. And remember them for next year’s Winter Storage; they offer heated indoor storage for boats up to 40 feet!

For those boating out on Lake Minnetonka, Rockvam also features a Gas Dock and Ship Store, stocked with all the essentials for a successful day on the water—fuel, snacks, boating accessories, and more.

Rockvam Boat Yards, Inc. is your one-stop destination for boating on Lake Minnetonka. Visit their booth #1418 at the Minneapolis Boat Show to learn more about their services and how they can enhance your boating lifestyle. Whether you are renting, storing, or repairing, Rockvam has everything you need for a fantastic boating season!

By: Lexi Christopulos,

17/01/2025

When venturing out to frozen lakes this season, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) reminds residents that ice is never 100% safe. A local bait shop is a good place to check on the latest ice conditions for a particular body of water.

Between January and April of 2024, there were nine water emergency calls related to ice incidents. In comparison, during the same period in 2023, we received five ice-related emergency calls. It's important to note that these figures reflect only reported incidents.

WINTER ICE SAFETY TIPS-
• Equip yourself with the right gear:
• Life jacket, ice picks, ice cleats, bright colored clothing.
• Test ice thickness every few feet with an ice spud.
• Ice under 4 inches is unsafe to walk on.
• Avoid areas with visible cracks or depressions.
• If you're in a group, spread out instead of standing together in one spot.
• Inform someone on shore about your plans.

IF YOU BREAK THROUGH THE ICE-
• Stay calm.
• Keep your winter clothing on for insulation. Heavy clothes won't drag you down but instead trap air to provide warmth and flotation.
• Use an ice pick to pull yourself back onto the surface.
• Once out, find shelter and warmth.
• Call 911 if you experience hypothermia symptoms.

15/01/2025

In honor of officer appreciation day on January 9th, we wanted to pay tribute to our officers and introduce you to the . We asked why they love serving our community and even what a few of their local favorites are. It was a pleasure working with the department on this fun feature! Thank you officers - we appreciate all you do to support South Lake Minnetonka, each and every day of the year!

13/01/2025

Stick to Your Wellness Goals (by: )

The New Year is the perfect time to reset and prioritize your health, but sticking to resolutions can be challenging—only 9% of Americans succeed! If fitness is your goal, you don’t have to let overcrowded gyms or muscle soreness derail you. Here’s how to start strong and stay motivated.

Start Small, Start Smart
Big goals can feel daunting, so break them down into manageable steps. Instead of focusing on the big picture, set monthly milestones. Small, consistent progress keeps your motivation high as you celebrate each win along the way.

Find a Resolution Buddy
Accountability makes all the difference. Partner with someone who shares your goal, whether it’s a friend, family member, or a workout group. Supporting each other keeps you committed, knowing you’re not just showing up for yourself but for them too.

This year, redefine how you approach your wellness journey. Embrace small steps, build strong connections, and stay consistent. Dr. Kinach and Kinach Chiropractic in Excelsior want to help you avoid achy and sore muscles with a 10-minute hip mobility program you can follow at home. Follow the link to get started on your journey today!

10/01/2025

Did you see that our magazine was featured on KSTP's Minnesota Live today? We love connecting our community with amazing stories! Click the link below to watch the segment! 💙

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.

10/01/2025

Ice has hit the lakes and anglers are venturing out in full force! Our experts at have you covered for any species you’re targeting.

First up is our selection of rods for ice anglers. While there are tons of options in the ice rod category to choose from, our staff highlights the series of ice rods as a must-have rod for ice anglers everywhere. With multiple models within the series to choose from covering anglers’ needs for everything from panfish and crappie up to lake trout and Walleye, the Reelist Co. series retails at $99.99 and is a standout in almost every ice fishing situation. They are lightweight, sensitive, and made from premium components.

For reel selection, Waypoint staff loves the Shimano reels with the Vanford model being a collective favorite for all times of year. The Shimano Vanford is offered in an array of sizes with smaller 500 and 1000-size reels being excellent for both ice fishing and pan fishing. This is the top of the line and should be in every angler’s arsenal. Shimano Vanford retails between $249.99 and $259.99.

Waypoint’s final suggestion for ice fishing in 2025 is to try something new - such as Japanese ice fishing baits! We’ve got a full selection of. Japan-imported ice tackle you, and your fish, have never seen before. From panfish plastics from DSTYLE and hard baits from Jackall Japan like the TN50 lipless bait, these baits will give you an edge and show fish baits that they can’t resist.

You can find these awesome items at at 4677 Shoreline Drive - stop in to get expert advice on the best tackle and equipment for the 2025 ice season and beyond.

09/01/2025

Today is Officer Appreciation Day! Thank you for your service and protection 365 days a year!! 💙

08/01/2025

Personal injury law firm Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben is pleased to announce the promotion of new partner attorney Cole Dixon. His expertise and dedication have been instrumental to upholding the firm's reputation for excellence in personal injury law and commitment to client advocacy. This is the firm’s first new partnership in over twenty years. Cole brought his extensive experience to the firm in 2013, dedicating his practice exclusively to representing individuals affected by personal injury. A graduate of the University of South Dakota School of Law, Cole has been recognized as a Certified Civil Trial Law Specialist by the Minnesota State Bar Association, a distinction held by fewer than 3% of Minnesota attorneys. He has been designated a Minnesota Super Lawyer, a ranking awarded to a maximum of 5 percent of all Minnesota litigators. His dedication to justice and client advocacy has earned him a reputation for excellence.

Cole, his wife Haily, and their three daughters have been living in Deephaven since 2019. His children attend Deephaven Elementary. He is active in the Minnetonka Girls Basketball programs coaching his daughters' travel and rec teams.

For personal injury injuries, he specializes in representing Minnetonka and Wayzata residents.

03/01/2025

Have you checked out the new art gallery in town? Nationally known (and recently local) artist recently opened her new art gallery in Excelsior. Check it out!

03/01/2025

At SISU Fitness & Nutrition, we’re passionate about both fitness AND nutrition, but if we’re being honest— nutrition is where the magic happens! The truth is, you can’t out-exercise a bad diet. If you really want to transform your body, hours spent at the gym won’t get you far without fueling your body properly.

Did you know the average person gains about 1 pound a year starting at age 20? The biggest culprit? Food we eat. The challenge is, people want a quick fix, expecting to lose weight in a matter of weeks, even though it’s taken years to put it on. Fad diets, juice cleanses, no-carb trends, and even the latest weight-loss drugs like Ozempic may promise fast results—but they’re rarely sustainable. After 15 years of experience, I’ve seen countless people yo-yo dieting, losing weight only to gain it back (plus more!).

SISU FITNESS FOCUSES ON:
• Teaching you what to eat and when to eat. Our clients typically lose 1-2 pounds per week, with results that stick!
• No gimmicks—just real, whole food that delivers lasting, sustainable results. Forget about pills, powders and injections. This is about real food, actual results, and a real transformation.

Ready to make a change? We’re here to guide you every step of the way!

31/12/2024

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

30/12/2024

Nurture your wellness journey with our experts at

Magnolia is here to make your wellness journey deeply personal—a space where you feel heard, understood, empowered, and right at home. Whether you come to us for skincare, injections, weight wellness, facials, or holistic health coaching, our goal is to support every aspect of your well-being. Now is the perfect time to reassess your health goals and take the leap toward lasting change. If you're looking for extra support to reach your goals— whether through holistic nutrition coaching, metabolic support, hormone balancing, or simply encouragement to stay on track— we're here for you!

One of our programs is the Magnolia 12-Week Metabolic Reset. This is our comprehensive wellness program designed to help you achieve your weight loss goals effectively and sustainably. By integrating anti-inflammatory nutrition, functional medicine principles, and medically appropriate prescription medications, this program offers a holistic approach with the support of our experienced medical team.

Whether you're looking at our 12-week reset, refresh with the Magnolia Classic Facial, address specific concerns with microneedling, injectables, or perfect your brows with our Wax & Tint package, we've got you covered! Every Step of the Way our professionals provide valuable insights, monitor your progress, and offer motivation and accountability through weekly emails. We are committed to helping you achieve your weight loss goals with ongoing support.

Your presence here means the world to us! It truly brings us joy to support you on your wellness journey! Book a consultation with one of Magnolia's providers (virtual consultations available by calling or texting Magnolia at 612- 321-8553.)

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