I've got a great read for you today! Agricultural Treasures Guidebook, by renowned writer Cindy Ladage, is a deep look into 19 different agricultural treasures, mostly in the midwest (we ARE farm country, after all!). I grew up on a farm, and tractors, farming, and rural life were hallmarks of our town.

Learning more about and celebrating our agricultural treasures is both interesting and important. 

If you've never learned how interesting Iowa is, now's your chance! We're so happy to share a new book by author Sara Broers, entitled 100 Things To Do In Iowa Before You Die. This fascinating book is chock full of cool things about a state you might not know much about (raises hand!). Once you dig in, you'll be amazed at how MUCH there is to do, explore, and see in this cool midwest state. 

"Without my morning coffee I’m just like a dried up piece of roast goat." - Johann Sebastian Bach

Chicago is such a gorgeous city, packed with arts, culture, sports, and, of course, located right on Lake Michigan. But perhaps you’d like to explore more of the Midwest? You’ve come to the right place! Rent a car from the Chicago Airport (either O'Hare or Midway) and discover these 5 fabulous places, all within driving distance, and making a road trip loop around Lake Michigan, and a bit further west. 

Little House on the Prairie: even if you’ve never been to the American midwest, these words bring up images -- images which seem like memories, really -- of life at the edge of pioneer times in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas a century and a half ago.

The Osthoff Resort was built in the late 1800s as a retreat for wealthy travelers. Located on the shores of a glacial lake, the Osthoff quickly became the “it” place to escape the summer heat for city dwellers from Chicago, St. Louis, and Milwaukee. Today, more than 100 years later, the Osthoff still offers a sense of place and respite in the village of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. Rebuilt in 1995 by new owners, it quickly became a AAA Four Diamond resort hotel.

Firefighters Know Coffee. This is a fact. My brother's a firefighter, and I know that there's more truth than we can ever guess to that statement. After all, our first responders need to be ON for 24 hour shifts - sometimes longer. So who better to make coffee than firefighters?!