People are wonderful but puppies might just be better! Welcoming a new family member into your home is a joyful and life-changing experience. Whether you’re looking for a playful companion, a loyal-royal sidekick, or a furry friend to grow with your family, finding the right puppy takes thought and consideration. Start with the Right Questions Before choosing where to find your puppy, it’s important to ask: What breed or mix is the best fit for my lifestyle? How much time and energy can I dedicate to training and exercise? Do I want a specific breed, or am I open to mixed breeds? What are the long-term costs of owning a dog? Now that you’ve thought about your needs and preferences, let’s think about where to find the best dog for you.  1. Breeders Pros: You can often choose a specific breed with predictable traits. Reputable breeders provide detailed health histories and socialization. Puppies are usually raised in clean, caring environments. Cons...

There’s something magical about waking up to the sound of birds, sipping piping hot pour-over coffee as the sun rises over the trees, and gathering around a crackling fire under the stars before bed. If you’re thinking about a Wisconsin camping trip and like your nature with a little extra comfort—say, running water and flushable toilets—you’re both in luck and just like me. Wisconsin is full of beautiful, well-equipped campgrounds that make “roughing it” feel balanced and just right. Great Wisconsin Campgrounds with Running Water and Flushable Toilets: Whether you’re headed north for a Lake Superior breeze or staying closer to home, here are a few great campgrounds to check out: Peninsula State Park (Door County) – A Wisconsin classic with flush toilets, showers, and biking trails galore. Wyalusing State Park (Southwestern WI) – Incredible bluff views, modern restrooms, and a peaceful vibe. Devil’s Lake State Park (Baraboo) – Iconic lake views, great hikes, and full campgro...

The Best Kind of Baking: Simple, Buttery, and Unforgettable Shortbread Some days call for grand, multi-layered desserts—and others, for something humbler, quieter, and arguably more magical. Today, I craved comfort. I wanted to bake something cozy and delicious without making a last-minute grocery run or overcomplicating things. That’s where this three-ingredient shortbread came in—and honestly, it delivered everything I hoped for and more. This shortbread recipe is pure simplicity, drawn from the kind of baking that feels almost meditative. No fancy mixers required (though you can use one if you like), just a bowl, a wooden spoon, and a little bit of patience. Here’s the recipe that saved my day—and will likely become a staple in your kitchen too: Ingredients: 2 cups butter, softened 1 cup sugar 4½ cups all-purpose flour Instructions: Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step sets the tone for the dough—smooth and soft. Mix in the flour. Don’t...

A toxic work environment can erode not only your professional confidence but also your personal well-being. When faced with hostility, exclusion, or chronic negativity at work, it’s easy to feel stuck. But there is hope. With intention, support, and strategy, you can protect your peace, reclaim your power, and make decisions that move you toward a healthier professional life. (Bonus: your personal life will likely benefit, too!) 1. Recognize the Signs Early Toxicity often reveals itself through consistent patterns, such as: Passive-aggressive communication Lack of trust or transparency Favoritism and exclusion Micromanagement or chaotic leadership Burnout culture disguised as “high performance” Trust your instincts. If something feels off, especially repeatedly, it probably is. 2. Protect Your Energy and Mental Health You can’t control everything around you, but you can control how you respond: Set boundaries: Limit overexposure to toxic individuals when possible. It’s oka...