Nellie Hofland (l) and Gwen Bohmbach (r)
Gwen Bohmbach and Nellie Hofland get mistaken for sisters on a daily basis, their petite frames, bright eyes and friendly demeanor easily convincing new acquaintances of their relation.
“I can see where they might draw that conclusion, I mean, we’re always together,” laughs Hofland. “Sometime we correct them, but sometimes we just go with it.” (more…)
Melanie Carvell (l) with Sheila
Sheila Taormina is an Olympic Gold Medalist in Swimming and is the only woman to have competed in three different sports (swimming, triathlon, pentathlon) in different Olympiads. She was recently in Bismarck to conduct a swimming clinic.
IW Based on your experience, do you feel children are pushed to excel in athletics too early in life?
ST I think now they are, yes, absolutely. There is so much information available now about what the top athletes do (for training) that there is pressure to do what they do. What do kids have to look forward to for improvement when they get into college and their physical bodies are really ready for it? When I was growing up there was no pressure, and I really did not care that much. I was having too much fun with my friends! (more…)
by Kylie Blanchard
117,000.
This is the number of people in the United States currently waiting for an organ transplant. In just the Upper Midwest states of North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota the number of individuals waiting for a transplant totals 3,400. (more…)
Editor’s Note: Melissa Ahonen and Erica Hager were co-workers at American Eagle over ten years ago. They both switched jobs, then became reacquainted through Etsy, when they started their businesses. The two ladies have a lot in common and appreciate the opportunity to talk business, kids and fabric.
BBT STYLE
Melissa Ahonen’s son, Easton, was six weeks early and spent four weeks in the NICU prior to coming home. He was very sensitive to illness, especially bronchitis, rsv and ear infections. One of the doctors suggested keeping his head and ears covered. As he grew, it was hard to find something to fit and when a friend showed Ahonen a photo of a fun hat, she decided she would try to make one like it.
“I got some fabric, some buttons to make it look cute, made one and really liked it,” she said. “So I made quite a few more, then friends and coworkers started buying them. Baby Button Tops became an official business in August of 2010.” (more…)
by Pam Vukelic
Quinoa is not likely to show up in one of your mother’s favorite recipes but everyone seems to be talking about it. What is it, why all the hype, and does it deserve it?
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