Mike Collins’ lush backyard garden in West Madison is part English garden, with its lilies and daisies, and part prairie garden, bursting with asters and coneflowers. And, there’s another whole section Collins calls a mosaic garden.
On a quiet side street just a stone’s throw from the raucous Stoughton Road/ Highway 151 interchange is an oasis for thousands of people who live in a wide swath of East Side neighborhoods. Mostly kids come to the East Madison Community Center, but adults and seniors do, too.
For 52 years, The East Madison Community Center has provided its East Side neighbors with extensive programming and food support—for children, youth, adults, seniors and new moms.
In the spirit of Juneteenth day, Curtis and Cake is sharing their crowd-pleasing red velvet cake recipe with BRAVA.
Is your fitness motivation in need of a refresh? There’s more than one way to put a body in motion and a fit vacation is an adventurous remedy to achieving wellness goals.
When Heather Swan’s dad took her to a beekeeper friend’s honey harvest she knew she wanted to take part in beekeeping. Now Swan hopes to inspire that sense of wonder and affection for the honeybee in readers of her book, “Where Honeybees Thrive: Stories from the Field.”
A stop at Trixie’s Growlers to go-go on East Washington should be on the radar of any craft beer enthusiast. A liquor store since 1968, Colleen and Chris Welch opened Trixie’s about seven years ago, and the tavern room more recently.
Jimmy Brandmeier’s forthcoming book, “Be Who You Are: A Song for My Children,” offers fatherly guidance and advice, as well as broader insights on the purpose of life. Musing on topics from work, to love, to finding your passion, Brandmeier returns to the refrains of authenticity and happiness.
There are some homes you walk into and you can immediately sense the emotion and heart behind every design choice. Heirloom objects hang in places of honor, and practical, everyday items somehow find their way into the décor, too. Every piece has a story to tell, a nostalgic tie to the family who lives there.
Rebecca Brown, whose novel “Flying at Night” was published in April, finds untold inspiration in everyday life. She lives with her husband, three boys (ages 16, 12 and 10), and two rescue dogs in her renovated 100-year-old home on Monroe Street.
The first time I walked into the lake cottage we bought in 2014 just north of Three Lakes, it looked just as it must have in 1950. The former owner hadn’t been in it in years, and he’d left it a time capsule of mid-century clothing and furnishings.
When it comes to accessories, why should humans have all the fun? Dogs now have backpacks to call their own thanks to Pups Who Pack by Maggie Modena.
First launched as Ethnic Spicery in 2012, husband and wife duo Sara Parthasarathy and Partha Sabniviss rebranded their Indian meal kits Flavor Temptations in 2014.
Over 8000 visitors joined us for the 2018 Madison Kids Expo—an action-packed weekend where numerous families enjoyed live dance performances, craft bar projects and laser tag in addition to meeting NASCAR race drivers and local firefighters.
The Dells’ character may seem type A—the biggest, fastest rides, and most shocking, stimulating entertainment jockey for your attention from screaming billboards. But what first drew people to the Dells decades ago was the natural beauty of the Wisconsin River and the lakes that feed in to it, along with the dramatic Cambrian sandstone formations towering above.
Using her hands to create was originally a passion rather than a profession for artist Stephenie Purl Hamen. After working in the craft world, then in education and marketing sectors for numerous years, she resigned from her most recent stint at Aldo Leopold Nature Center in 2016 to be a full-time artist.
A small powder room got a bright update when interior designer Rochelle Lee and her client went with a mixed metal-inspired design. The pieces, including bronze sconce lighting and a bright gold sunburst mirror, added ample texture.
Teens aren’t known for always making the best choices. When money is involved, “It’s good to do that in a safety net,” says Amy Crowe, a financial education specialist at Summit Credit Union.
Turville Bay MRI & Radiation Oncology Center’s sweeping views of Lake Monona make a relaxing setting for the 2018 Cancer Survivors & Thrivers Ice Cream Social. The healthcare technology facility is hosting the free event for its eight year in honor of the individuals, families and their loved ones whom have been touched by cancer.
When I was a kid, sunscreen was seen as an option. Nowadays, I don’t dare go outside without sunscreen on my pale Irish skin. It’s an essential in the battle against skin cancer. But is there reason to worry about the chemicals in my sunscreen?
My mom owned a cottage in Grand Marais, Minnesota, for 17 years. When people asked why in the world she chose a vacation destination requiring an eight-hour car ride north, she’d respond, “Because that’s where Grand Marais is.”
Why should you care about incorporating seasonal flavors into your baking and cooking? Experimenting can broaden culinary horizons and expose taste buds to new and exciting flavors. In fact, you might fall in love with something you’ve never tried before!
If you decide to visit Grand Marais, you may want to make a pit stop in Duluth, Minnesota, a bustling college town on the southern tip of Lake Superior.
Get to know one of our May 2018 models – Jennifer DeMain. When she’s not striking a pose for BRAVA, Jennifer is a lead instructor at Cyc Fitness, a trainer at Kamps Fit and an instructor at Canvas Club Boxing.
Get to know one of our May 2018 models – Kaila Pooler. When she’s not striking a pose for BRAVA, Kaila is a Personal Trainer and Yoga Instructor.
Paige Pederson has worked as a wildlife rehabilitator at the Dane County Humane Society’s Wildlife Center since 2014. “I really love my job,” she says. “You never know what the next phone call will bring. It’s extremely rewarding to see an injured animal come in, and then to return them back to their environment.”
Flower power isn’t a cliché to Crazy Daisy owner Michelle Hornung; it’s a daily mantra. Hornung describes the pop-up floral “bar” as a quirky side gig to her day job, but also as a creative way to funnel the professional kindness she’s been honored for into the community.
All of the grandeur at The Pfister Hotel makes ducking into this downtown Milwaukee hotel seem more like a jaunt to Europe. This luxury includes the hotel’s lower-level Well Spa + Salon in the exact spot where Turkish-style baths were in the hotel long ago is a pampering oasis.
For budding female entrepreneurs, it’s important to stand out so that potential customers can identify why your brand is best suited for them, rather than a competitor’s. This is known as ‘personal branding.’
It seems only fitting that a mother-daughter team would start a nonprofit aimed at empowering mothers to be the best parents they can be. The Catalyst Project is a community of support for young, single mothers with young children, who can feel very alone and overwhelmed by their circumstances.
In a new world, where #metoo and #timesup are the movements of the day, more women are finding their voices to disrupt the status quo. There’s power in numbers. And we are just getting started.
It’s time to “BOSS UP,” leaders! But first, we must learn the core essence of what leadership is—service. Leadership isn’t about being bossy or giving orders; it is about serving people. Successful leaders lead by example.
Closing out Theatre LILA’s 2017-2018 season, “Lines” is meant to sharpen its audiences’ ears, minds and hearts to the external struggles and internal turmoil that women of color grapple with daily.
Professor Linda Roberts of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and co-contributor to the intimacy model “Deep Intimate Connection: Self and Intimacy in Couple Relationships,” explains the complexities of connection while identifying three main components of deep intimacy.
The job market requires a certain personal flair and tenacity these days, but there is a way to make your mark visible and appealing while staying true to your personal brand, according to founder of Ellen Coaching, Ellen Bartkowiak.
By Rachel Werner Crossing the threshold at Compadres Mexican Restaurant is an all-access pass to a culinary expedition in downtown Middleton. The waitstaff’s colorful…
Takeyla Benton is on a mission. This mother of two and bank branch manager spends her spare time promoting a love of reading and writing throughout the community.
We all have cravings, right? But get pregnant or start your period and your hankerings bust out like a running back heading downfield.
Planning an event can be stressful—The Celebration Society is here to help. Our brand mission is to connect you with the best event professionals in the area.
She came to Madison to give her son a chance at a better life. Now Sabrina Madison is helping create opportunities for others through her many projects— most recently by launching The Progress Center for Black Women.
Our March bridal fashion shoot was a “crossover” project between two stellar Nei Turner Media Group publications—BRAVA and The Celebration Society—thanks to staffers and Dena Frisch, Kristina Ljujic and Rachel Werner stepping in as models.
In Soyeon Shim’s keynote address at the 2018 THRIVE Conference, she will present the “5-step Stanford Design-Thinking” process that Burnette and Evans adapted and critically apply to career building and problem solving—both inherent to crafting a successful and fulfilling life.
In need of a mini-break to wipe any lingering winter blue’s away? Consider pausing for a pause at The Pfister Hotel. Either pre-or post-spa visit, consider spending an afternoon at this historic locale.
Curating a wine boutique for a living definitely has its perks—like cultivating vino knowledge on par with that of a sommelier. Thus, take advantage of these expert tips when choosing which bottles to next take home.
The combination of high quality ingredients and well-executed small batch production is the key to making all things at Tart delicious. And all of the goodies we make stem from tried and true, gently tweaked recipes we’ve used in our homes for ages, like this pecan crust recipe.
Create a more intentional life starting with your physical space. We’re here to help you embrace minimalism with these four helpful tips!
As a professional stylist and photographer, I’m continuously on the hunt for the next great shot. Consider this shortlist a cheat sheet of Wisconsin locales that offer stunning angles if you’re just getting started or looking to freshen up your own portfolio.
Over 1550 guests enjoyed a Parisian-themed gala at Frostiball 2018. Attendees danced the night away and enjoyed unique experiences throughout Overture Center for Arts.
BRAVA Magazine’s annual Women to Watch Soiree was a joyful success! Nearly 200 guests mingled during a night of revelry and celebration while enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres and desserts at this year’s event venue The Brink Lounge.
Boudoir photography is for women (or men) who want to pose for suggestive and sensual photos to document a special time in their lives, to reaffirm romance and love between long- term partners, or, most commonly, as a gift to a future spouse.
I’m not claiming this is the best buttercream recipe ever, or the technically correct way to make this classic icing. I’ve never attended culinary school or had any formal bakery training. But this is the recipe I consistently use for my cupcake business and my customers really like it!
Step into Hive to discover why winter is as good of a time as any to fall in love with the outdoors. The store carries activewear lines like Nau, Lole, Patagonia, Smartwool and Krimson Klover, which accommodate a fit lifestyle packaged within a more polished look.
A perfect pairing, bringing wine drinkers into the mix, has risen out of Ann Garvin’s and the Tall Poppies’ efforts – the Books & Bottles companions box.
The YWCA Madison has a great impact in our community every day – from housing and shelters to equity programs to job training and transportation assistance.
While Darcy Luoma may not be a big fan of resolutions, she enjoys the new year as a time to try and set new goals and foster new habits. And this year, she has a big goal in mind…
Meet our February issue’s cover model – Yuliya Slesareva. Yuliya is an IT Engineering Consultant & Mixed Media Artist whose fashion style is inspired by her travels.
What gives these three Madison Soap Company lip tints their color? Mica. Mica is a naturally occurring pigment found in rock.
Joanna (Jo) Um and Joyce Cullen, owners of Saints Madison Juice Company, are squeezing fruits and veggies to help others optimize their health.
Hosting a Super Bowl party this weekend? Entertain like a pro thanks to these helpful hints from Camp Trippalindee’s head chef Shanna Pacifico.
Join the BRAVA gals at Madison Kids Expo, March 3 & 4! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit madisonkidsexpo.com
