Although we grew up Finnish in the way we lived, we were still stuck in the American hustle. We live fast paced lives often exchanging convenience for connection and balance. I especially adopted the art of “busy” both due to where I live and my trauma history - and over these past several years I have consciously made the decision to slow down making drastic changes to my life. Though the battle may not have been easy it has been incredibly beneficial to the body, mind and spirit. Our honeymoon trip to Northern Finland in 2024 was another catapult into a more simple and blissful life.

The City of Detroit Lakes has a new and remodeled City Hall that opened to the public in back in June of 2024. Passerby’s by have first noticed the major facelift of the exterior, then came the completion of the re-imagined interior spaces.

This project renovated and expanded the original footprint of their existing space. The biggest change for the public is the larger, and absolutely stunning, council chamber with additional break rooms for the council members.

Let’s take a little peek at its incredible transformation!

We were greeted that weekend by your typical Minnesota winter elements with freezing temps, high winds, on-and-off snow flurries and incredible sun dogs, but that didn’t stop us from getting outdoors and checking out this exciting winter event. The snowmobile lake race is a 10 mile long track, zig-zagging back and forth with sharp turns and straight-aways for achieving incredible speeds.

We envisioned our Bride to be a minimalist with an elegant aesthetic, one who valued slow fashion and sustainability, family and all things vintage. Where she and her Maid of Honor get ready together in Adler Ranch’s cozy Cabin. The Groom and Best Man would enjoy their drinks and cigars in the next cabin over after he too was ready for the ceremony. As a Bride with strong family values we found creative wedding heirloom ideas to honor many in her family. These new wedding heirloom ideas included her Grandfather’s lantern re-envisioned but Kellie Smith Floral into a show-stopping bouquet, couture gowns for the Bride and Maid of Honor and heirloom items to polish off the look of our Groom.

Marge’s Diner Article ExcerptNorth & Nest Magazine By Tracy Nicholson

“While the kitschy vibe of Marge’s Diner is happy to take patrons down memory lane in downtown Fargo - sharing the love of 70’s lunch and brunch - Minnesota’s lakes county had been patiently await a bite of the giant pancake. Settling into a syrupy sweet spot in Ottertail City, MN, Marge’s American diner classics now have a second home, sprinkling new life into the former main street site for the small towns, beloved Betty’s Pantry…“

Just imagine with me for a second, the excitement of your guests as they gather around a vintage Studebaker gas truck, transformed by Marlys and Kurt into a S'more Bar at Adler Ranch. Take in the aroma of toasting marshmallows, listen to the crackling of the fire, and feel the anticipation of creating the perfect S'more at your wedding or event– it's an interactive culinary adventure that adds a touch of nostalgia and charm to your Alexandria MN wedding day.

Your destination for an inclusive and adventurous wedding experience at a vintage-American inspired venue, located near beautiful Alexandria, Minnesota. This hidden gem is nestled into a tranquil and exclusive setting of mature trees, patsureland with adjoining wetlands. The family-owned working ranch spans 59 acres, providing a variety of jaw-dropping backdrops that elevate any nontraditional wedding and celebration. Not to even mention the love, care and attention to details by Marlys and Kurt, its owners.

I guess I didn’t have any expectations for this experience, just overjoyed and beyond grateful to know where we came from. But my reaction to stepping foot on this very place was the furthest thing from what I would have expected. I recall stepping out of Antti’s vehicle into the snow on the land which was now home to an old abandoned schoolhouse. We walked to the rivers edge, where he pointed across the way showing me the land in which the old map had shown was once Johan’s. Goosebumps crawled across my entire being and I involuntarily started to weep - and wept without ceasing.

I’d like to share with you a family recipe - a traditional Finnish oven pancake, better known as Pannu Kakku. It’s a thick, oven-baked pancake with crispy edges and custard like interior. And also incredibly easy to make coming together in just minutes! Smother it in maple syrup and/or, my personal favorite, top with fresh berries and cinnamon, but really the possibilities are endless once you discover this delicious recipe - a true delight to your taste buds!