FAITH | FAMILY | FRIENDS
Geri Cintron ~ Agent Profile
LaBelle &
Lake. 3249 Sylvester Dr, Hartland ~ $1,220,000 Half acre level lot on 100 feet of Bark River frontage.
N57W34412 Nickels Pt. Rd. Oconomowoc ~ $1,150,000 Nestled on the shores of Finger Bay, with views of Okauchee Lake.
Donna Duesing Duesing Realty,
Buyer’s agent | Listing agent | Consulting | Staging
Duesing Realty does more than help people buy or sell properties. We solve problems & create solutions. We are the space between where you are and where you are going. Many agents think their most important job is satisfying the client. We believe that is the MINIMUM requirement. Having 30 years of experience in the housing industry & blending it seamlessly with a 10 year real estate career, I hope you will afford me the opportunity to walk this journey with you!
Duesing Realty, LLC 414-719-0599 | www.duesingrealty.com
Ed Liermann n Sales Director Timothy Scott Starr n Creative Director Jeanne Rieland n Account Executive Sammy Ketchum n Account Executive
Gayle Marvel n Office/Production
Anne Kaiser n Contributing
Timothy Jay Writers
Craig Mattson
Mary Murphy
John Kimpel Lee Wickersheimer Lisa Witt
Kristie
Gallery
Johnson & Black
The Ottoman Society
Enduring English Style This Mahogany Chippendale Chest, Circa 1770-1790 is a classic. The Ottoman Society is Milwaukee's fine furniture consignment shop. 13408 Watertown Plank Road, Elm Grove, WI 53122 Just behind Great Harvest Bread. 262-786-1786 or visit www.theottomansociety.com Stop in to see new items that come in daily.
Festive British Elegance Join us and enter the magic of the season at Johnson & Black, a lifestyle home fashion boutique where we blend vintage charm with modern elegance. Our carefully curated collection, featuring treasures from around the world, invites warmth and wonder into every home. Step into a world of festive British elegance with handcrafted decor, luxurious linens, and one-of-a-kind treasures sourced from England, Scotland, and beyond. Embrace the joy of giving with unique gifts that reflect timeless traditions from far and beyond, perfect for making your holidays truly special. Visit Us: 493 Hill Street, Green Lake, WI. Follow Us: @johnsonandblack on Facebook and Instagram.
MayHouse Collection
Discover Inspired Style with Patina Vie at MayHouse Collection Bring unique character to your home with Patina Vie’s thoughtfully crafted designs. From artisanal glassware to stunning serveware, Patina Vie blends vintage charm with a modern twist. Perfect for entertaining or gifting, these pieces will make any occasion unforgettable. Visit MayHouse Collection and receive 15% off your Patina Vie purchase when you mention this ad! Oconomowoc Lakes Plaza W359N5002 Brown St | Suite 106 | 262-354-8100 www.mayhousecollection.com | Live Well. Dress Well. Give Well.
The Lincoln Navigator, Aviator, Nautilus, and Corsair.
Our Ultimate expression of design and personal service. Uptown will make your ownership easy with complementary Lincoln pickup and delivery service. We offer 4 years of premium maintenance, as well as provide a loaner Lincoln until service is completed. You will also have access to the Lincoln Concierge to handle any concerns. It’s luxury exemplified, inside and out. Explore the superior services and curated interiors afforded to each Lincoln owner.
Order your new Lincoln at Uptown Lincoln today.
You Need Chocolate THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Cocoa Tree Confectionery is the perfect destination for your gift-giving and entertaining needs. Whether you’re hoping to impress clients, show gratitude to coworkers or share appreciation and good times with friends and family, we have the ideal unique artisan treats to make your holiday shopping easy, tasty and fun.
Samples are always in season and we’re happy to assist with special orders, gift baskets, wholesale corporate orders, and nationwide shipping.
cocoa tree confectionery 1330 west mequon road mequon • wi • 53092 262 • 643 • 4692 cocoa-tree.com
cocoa tree confectionery @cocoatreeconfectionery
Tuesday through Saturday 11-7pm Sunday 11-5pm Monday OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
ChriStmas in London ~
LONDON OFFERS MORE holiday attractions, activities, and cultural variety than a traveler can absorb in a week or even a month of seasonal exploration. However, don’t let the vast wonderland of Christmas sights and sounds in Britain’s capital overwhelm you. Enjoy these three seasonal British traditions to experience authentic London-style Christmas cheer.
London’s Trafalgar Square Tree
Arrange a walk or ride to Trafalgar Square to view the city’s official Christmas tree. The stately annual holiday tree at Trafalgar Square is traditionally a Norwegian spruce tree. In its annual commemoration of mutual friendship dating back to 1947, the nation of Norway donates a tree to London in deep appreciation for the British city’s support and aid during World War II.
Before the Trafalgar Square Tree is sent to London, it’s felled in one of the many forests near the city of Oslo, Norway. Trees chosen for the honor are usually between 50 and 60 years of age and measure between 65 to 75
feet in height. The Trafalgar Square Tree is always harvested during a ceremony attended by both Norwegian and British dignitaries.
London’s gifted tree has undergone many holiday fashion changes over the past 70-plus years. The modern Trafalgar Square Tree is decorated in sparse Norwegian style and minimally illuminated with vertical strands of fixtures. The Christmas lights are energy efficient, and the tree is put to use as landscape mulch at the end of the 12 days of Christmas.
Trafalgar Square is an interesting, accessible, and public space and serves as a central spot to rewind between visits to historical sites and seasonal attractions. If the holidays have you stressed out during your London travels, stop and listen to a few of the choral groups that routinely assemble to sing carols around the Trafalgar Square Tree during the holidays. Feel your winter cares float away as you hear the words to familiar, beloved seasonal melodies.
London’s Christmas Lights
Let your holiday spirit shine under the magic of London’s Christmas lights that glow from early November through the Epiphany in early January. City light displays in the capital
charge up your Christmas energy and give you something fun to do as you await Christmas Day in London. Whether you tour London’s holiday lights on foot or by vehicle, the area’s imaginative, twinkling winter displays are a delight to both locals and visitors. Gawk at holiday decorations that range from sparkling, animated department-store window visions to dancing overhead installations of flying angels and giant, glittering ornaments.
Book a bus tour of London’s Christmas-light districts in advance, or stroll down the decked out streets on a walking tour. Window shop for special ornaments and souvenirs as you take in the marvel of London’s boulevards and buildings brightly gleaming with joy and good will.
Look for delightful seasonal lights on the following London rights-of-way:
n Oxford Street
n Oxford Circus
n New Bond Street
n Regent Street
n South Molton Street
n Carnaby Street
n Covent Garden
n Piccadilly Circus
n The Strand, North Bank
n South Bank
Seasonal Decorations and Lighting schedules vary from year to year in London’s public spaces and high streets, so check lighting schedules and access requirements as you map out your holiday light-seeing outings. Since many popular holiday events book well in advance throughout the U.K., reserve your spots as soon as possible to experience the amazing light creations set up in areas like Kew Gardens, Wembley Park, Canary Wharf, Stratford’s East Village, and Eastbury Manor House.
If you miss your chance to book popular London Christmas light shows, check local tourism websites for events in areas in and around London. You’ll find plenty of seasonal festivities, gift bazaars, and holiday events happening in London’s neighborhoods.
Christmas Crackers
While attending a private Christmas dinner in London, or witnessing a Christmas dinner being shared among friends or colleagues at a restaurant in London, expect to hear the quick snap of traditional Christmas crackers. Don’t stare open-mouthed if you see a table full of people suddenly wearing funny hats of all colors, but do enjoy the resulting giggles, groans, and laughter flowing from the table of fun-loving diners.
“Discover Treasures From Every Corner of the World”
“An eclectic blend of vintage and new, thoughtfully curated home goods and decor to bring a touch of global charm into your space.”
Winter Hours Thursday–Monday, 10am–5pm (closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays).
Closed for Holidays December 22 - January 9.
TWO LOCATIONS
493 Hill Street, Green Lake WI
NOW OPEN
7875 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI
Facebook & Instagram - @johnsonandblack
“From Our Home to Yours with Love”
MayHouse Closet
Wrap yourself in warmth and luxury with our stunning collection of winter fur coats.
These coats are perfect for chilly days and elegant nights, combining sophistication with unbeatable comfort. Whether you’re braving the cold or making a fashion statement, our winter fur coats are the ultimate cold-weather essentia
MayHouse Collection
Oconomowoc Lakes Plaza W359 N5002 Brown St. | Suite 106 262-354-8100 | www.mayhousecollection.com Live Well. Dress Well. Give Well.
Christmas crackers are must-haves at traditional London Christmas dinners. The party favors may be laid on the dinner plate, arranged on the side of each plate, or presented in a basket that’s passed around the table. Christmas crackers resemble mediumsized to giant tube-shaped, wrapped candies with twisted ends. Christmas dinner guests open and share crackers before turkey and all the trimmings are served and consumed.
You need help from a second person to open your brightly decorated Christmas cracker. When both you and your dinner companion tug in opposite directions, each one holding on to one of the twisted ends of the cracker, a piece of cardboard snaps and makes a popping sound. The person with the tube still attached to their end of the cracker keeps the goodies inside. (However, sharing is encouraged, so all diners receive a cracker full of prizes.)
Christmas crackers date back to Victorian London, when a confectioner named Tom Smith came up with the original favors to increase sales of his sugared almonds. Smith began placing love poems in his wrapped almond gift packages, then added small trinkets, and later created the “pop” mechanism that gave crackers their modern name.
Each of today’s common Christmas crackers typically include all or most of the following family-friendly contents:
n Colored tissue-paper crown
n Corny jokes, puns, trivia questions, charades cues, and/or silly dares
n Tokens including puzzles, card games, whistles, or toys
n Wrapped candies, sugared almonds, or other treats
Specialty, high-end Christmas crackers range from elaborate, adult-themed gifts shared between couples and grown ups to deluxe, custom Christmas crackers containing jewelry and keys to luxury cars. More often, Christmas crackers provide G-rated, icebreaking laughs to adults and small tokens to keep restless children busy during long, boring, British Christmas dinners.
Start your own fresh Christmas traditions as a single person, a parent, or a couple by visiting London during the winter holidays. Spend your vacation in the bustling city at one of the ice rinks, museums, fine dining locations, and livemusic venues peppered throughout London. Whether you spend a weekend or all twelve days of Christmas celebrating in the U.K., you create memories on your journey that you’ll cherish for all of your Christmases to come. n
Handcrafted in the USA, these pieces blend Parisian-inspired style with a modern edge. Each necklace, bracelet, and ring tells a story, featuring vintage medallions, luxurious gemstones, and unmatched craftsmanship. French Kande jewelry is more than an accessory—a work of art-perfect for making a statement or adding a touch of sophistication to any outfit. Stop by Mayhouse Collection to explore the collection and find your next statement piece!
Oconomowoc Lakes Plaza W359N5002 Brown St | Suite 106 | 262-354-8100 www.mayhousecollection.com | Live Well. Dress Well. Give Well.
Argosy, ltd. is the premier home accessories and fine gift boutique. We invite you to visit us this holiday season. With emphasis on great customer service and complementary gift wrap, argosy is a great choice.
Gallery
Key Pieces
Argosy Limited
Argosy, ltd. located in the Galleria West Shopping Center in Brookfield has a large selection of beautifully fragranced, meticulously crafted Nest Candles. We invite you to visit us this holiday season. With emphasis on great customer service and complementary gift wrap, Argosy is a great choice. Argosy Limited. Galeria West Shopping Center. 18900 W. Bluemound Rd. #133, Brookfield, WI. 262-821-6900.
The holiday season begins as we watch the lights go up on houses, trees, wreaths and garlands. A tradition which Key Pieces has been helping customers with for ten years. Our boutique is filled with beautiful colors and inspirational ideas to make your house a home. We have stocked the store with gift ideas for every budget from Sid Dickens’ Tiles to fragrant soaps, ornaments, artwork, jewelry and so much more. We encourage customers to bring in vases and bowls to make arrangements with natural elements festive for the holidays. Come be inspired at Key Pieces W282 N7148 Main Street, Merton, WI, www.keypiecesdecor.com. 262-337-1728.
Riverview Antiques
Holiday seasonal sale now through December 31. 2045 West St. Paul Ave., Milwaukee, WI. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am-5 pm and Sunday, 11 am-4 pm. Call 414-278-9999, or go to www.RiverviewAntiqueMarket.com.
The Wreath Factory
Fresh Evergreen Wreaths and arrangements are produced annually at The Wreath Factory, through December. They can be shipped all over the country and can be used for corporate or residential applications! Book a group class and host your own Holiday Wreath Making Party! Whether you plan a girls weekend, a solo trip, or a bus trip, we have something for everyone. The Wreath Factory’s year round gift and garden store is transformed into a Christmas wonderland! Open 7 Days a week: Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm and Sundays, 10-4pm. 920-893-8700 Visit our Holiday Show Rooms at N6625 State Road 57, Plymouth, WI 53073
two hundred Green in Thiensville
Whether you’re ready to move up in the world or downsize – two hundred Green welcomes you. These new construction homes with first and second floor primary suite options are AVAILABLE! They have been thoughtfully designed for modern style in a neighborhood created with an emphasis on community and walkability close to the Milwaukee River! These Lakeside Development designed homes are conveniently located in one of the most desirable and vibrant areas of Thiensville!
The neighborhood will consist of 16 homes and is being built on the corner of Green Bay Road and Riverview Drive. 3 2.5 2
The Residence At Foxtown
The developing, Residence at Foxtown, offers a contemporary living option conveniently nestled off the Interurban Trail, right within Mequon’s vibrant Town Center. The neighborhood will consist of 23 homes configured in 3 rows located on Weston Drive just south of Mequon Road.
Crafted by Lakeside Development Company, these homes are positioned within a neighborhood designed with a deliberate emphasis on community and walkability, these residences cater to a modern, active lifestyle.
Each home features a welcoming front porch, ideal for relaxation, socializing, and fostering connections with neighbors. Situated amidst the bustling Mequon Town Center, residents enjoy seamless access to various markets, boutiques, and eateries. Moreover, the neighborhood’s many establishments regularly host live music and entertainment, enhancing the already vibrant atmosphere of the area.
RefashionKITCHEN
n n n KITCHEN UPGRADES ARE among the most common renovation projects homeowners tackle. Even so, it’s a big project for a firsttime renovation, and the final results are sure to be stronger with some detailed planning from the start.
Take into account these five tips from the experts at Wellborn Cabinet to help first-time kitchen remodelers achieve the kitchens of their dreams:
Plan Your Budget
Establish a clear and realistic budget. Factor in costs for materials, labor and some extra for unexpected expenses. Sticking to your budget can help ensure you enjoy the outcome of the project while avoiding financial stress. Your contractor can help you strike a balance between your vision and financial resources. You may also find it helpful to consult with a real estate professional who can ensure your plans are in line with the overall value of your home and neighborhood.
Prioritize Functionality
Design with practicality in mind. Ensure there’s enough counter space and storage to create an efficient workflow. Consider the kitchen work triangle; that is, be conscious of the travel pattern among the sink, stove and refrigerator.
Additionally, look for opportunities to incorporate functional storage in unexpected places. One example is the exposed end of a cabinet run or side of the refrigerator, where there is often wasted space. One example is a shallow cleaning utility cabinet from Wellborn Cabinet that fits a broom, dustpan and everyday cleaning supplies neatly, giving you practical access to frequently used supplies. A variation on this cabinet offers a spice rack designed for easy access to cooking essentials. Other options in the line include an over-fridge cabinet with a combination of shelves, sheet pan or cutting board storage and a trash can-cutting board combination. Choose Quality Materials
Consider factors such as durability, maintenance requirements and compatibility with your design aesthetic when selecting materials for your kitchen.
Chosen’s 2025 Western-themed Gala will celebrate the work of foster and adoptive families and mark ten years of Chosen’s ministry.
Silent/Live Auctions, Live Music, Inspiring Stories, Great Food, and much more!
Early bird discounted tickets available through December 31st.
General tickets are available through March 15th. Bit.ly/galasponsor2025
Can’t come to the Gala, but want to engage with Chosen? There are many ways to engage, including becoming a financial partner, sponsor, or volunteer. Be a part of impacting foster and adoptive families in our community! Visit our website at www.choseninlove.org.
A Chosen donor has pledged $2,500 if donations can be matched in December! Link: www.choseninlove.networkforgood.com/projects/237265-december-match-challenge
You may be tempted to cut corners and stretch your money further, but quality materials are a critical element of successful renovations. Prioritize high-quality materials that stand the test of time. Durable countertops, solid cabinetry and reliable appliances typically save money in the long run, and they’ll enhance the overall look and value of your kitchen.
Hire Professionals
Work with experienced contractors and designers. Their expertise can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your remodel meets all safety and building codes. What’s more, these professionals have likely encountered and overcome all kinds of challenges, which means they’ll be well-prepared to help you navigate unexpected obstacles and provide a wealth of knowledge from previous clients to help make recommendations for the perfect finished space.
Stay Flexible
Be prepared for unexpected challenges and delays. Stay adaptable and open to changes and remember patience is key to achieving the kitchen of your dreams. Materials go on backorder and paperwork gets misplaced all the time. Set a realistic timeline for your project that allows for some hiccups and try to avoid becoming too rigidly attached to any single element of the design, so if you have to make a modification, it doesn’t feel like a monumental sacrifice.
Look for more ideas and inspiration for your kitchen remodel at Wellborn.com.
Inspiring Ideas for Kitchen Islands
Adding an island to your kitchen offers many functional and aesthetic benefits, and there are styles to suit every type of kitchen.
Galley Kitchen Island This type of island is more functional than design-forward, conveniently adding extra storage and counter space. This conventional configuration works well in most kitchen layouts, both large and small, and can be constructed to fit almost any kitchen.
Table-Style Kitchen Island If you want a unique addition, an island table is the way to go, whether you opt for a custom-made piece or upcycle an antique. The beauty of a table-style island is that it serves a functional and decorative purpose, warming up a modern kitchen and adding personality.
Double Kitchen Island Incorporating multiple islands-often called a double island kitchen-can improve traffic flow, increase storage space and seating, and create additional
space for meal prep, cooking, washing and eating. Plus, islands are ideal for implementing design elements such as complementing materials and finishes, pops of color and unique cabinetry components including door styles and hardware.
Rolling Kitchen Island This convenient solution adds flexibility with extra storage and counter space. You can easily tuck it away to open up more floor space when done, and this portable island can easily roam around the kitchen so you can place it where you need it.
Two-Tier Kitchen Island While you can cook and eat on any island, the two-tier creates a clear boundary where you can cook on one side and eat on the other. This all-encompassing island is perfect for larger families and homeowners who like to entertain.
Chef’s Kitchen Island If you want to showcase your cooking skills or have a private chef cooking for friends and family, a chef’s island is a unique solution. Installation requires the appropriate ventilation and electrical, which may be well worth it if you frequently cook for family or friends.
Round Kitchen Island Compared to a typical rectangular island, a rounded option is an eye-catching way to add more seating in your kitchen for entertaining family and friends.
L-Shaped Kitchen Island If you have a lot of space in your kitchen, an L-shaped island can fill the area. The design provides extra cooking space, allowing you to accommodate multiple chefs in the kitchen. You can also add seating for family and friends.
U-Shaped Kitchen Island Best suited for large, open-concept kitchens, a U-shaped island creates storage space and room to install appliances such as a bar fridge, sink or range with prep space left to prepare meals. n
Family Features
Custom Furniture Made To
Locally Made Jewelry
Great Sage, Palo Santo, & incense selection!
fun shopping experience in Jackson, featuring handmade
from local artisans and vendors.
Follow us on Facebook for our Classes and Events! We are now accepting a few new artists, crafters or vendors to join our shop. Contact us at www.mstreetmarket.com
mainstreetmarketwi mainstreetmarketW20069
Wed.-Fri. 10am-5pm, Sat. 9am-2pm, Sun.11am-3pm
N168W20069 Main Street (Hwy 60-next door to Coffeeville!) Jackson, WI
GOD’SCORNER
n n n
by Gertrude M. Puelicher
CHRISTMAS IS A FEELING! It’s nothing anyone can legislate. It’s nothing anyone can wish for you. It’s nothing anyone can even give you—with great or little love. Christmas is just a warm wonderful feeling that wells up inside of you and makes you long to put your arms around the world—the whole world—and everyone in the world and share—share everything you have—without holding back the least bit.
Christmas is Magic! Have you ever known anything like it? It turns stately green pines into twinkling, glittering, gaily, gorgeously-ornamented, fairyland fantasies. It turns animosity into understanding. It turns enemies into friends. It melts modern scrooges and makes love and giving pop out of their hearts like rabbits out of a magician’s hat.
Christmas is Music! Lovely haunting old melodies. Silent Night, Holy Night—do you remember the story? World War I— the first Christmas Eve—a shell-torn field. Soldiers in their trenches. Suddenly in the clear cold air the plaintive notes of the beloved carol played by a homesick bugler—from the American side a burst of sound—men’s voices—Silent Night, Holy Night—from the German side the same tune, Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht. A strange silence, a cordial interchange of cigarettes, an interlude of peaceful fraternizing in No Man’s Land, and then back to the business of war.
Christmas is Joy! The joy of planning for others, of giving to
others, of sharing with others. The joy of complete selflessness— of deliberately laying one’s self aside, thoughts of oneself, of being glad effortlessly from the very farthermost corner of one’s heart— rejoicing over others—for others— about others—right around the world—excluding no one.
Christmas is a Star! On the top most branch of the Christmas tree in the humblest home or the most elegant mansion, on the community tree in the suburbs or the Salvation Army tree in the city square. A star that makes families want to cling together and sing together. To play together and stay together. A star that sends values skyrocketing—values that can’t possibly be listed on the Stock Exchange. Friendships that have waxed mundane— relationships that have been taken for granted—neighbors who have been misunderstood—children who have been labeled nuisances—suddenly and miraculously everything has a value—to be seen only with the inner eye—to be felt only in the “withinness” of one’s own being.
Christmas is a miracle of magic, music, joy, feeling because the star that led the shepherds and the Wise Men to the humble manger in Bethlehem where the Christ Child was laid is the same star that leads you and me to the heart of God. Love is the heart of God, and love is the fulfilling of the law. Christmas is really only God’s love for us reflected in our love for everyone else n
OFFER
LAKE GENEVA Built by Espire Homes, a 4,290sq.-ft. split bedroom Ranch home with an open floor plan. 4-BR, 3.5-BA, and a great room with a 12-foot ceiling and fireplace. Kitchen has a huge quartz island. A 4-season room plus finished lower level. $1,259,900
lifetime opportunity to own a generational property. Set on 2.3 acres with a grand 500 feet of prime level lake walk-out frontage this nicely wooded peninsula lot offers both privacy and tremendous views of the main lake along with the best frontage on the lake. A coveted southern exposure means views include both sunrise and sunset plus receives sun all day. Bayview Road is considered the Gold Coast of Okauchee Lake and this amazing property is the prize parcel. Originally a fishing lodge, converted to a single -family home this property currently contains the main house, guest cottage, garage and boathouse-all of which are tear-downs with the opportunity to build your dream home or have a family compound with several homes. This is the nicest parcel in Lake Country. $8,000,000 TOWN OF ERIN Rare opportunity to own a proper size lot the Town of Erin. Enter the property via a private road shared by 2 other owners. Mostly level lot with a slight slope set the scene for this private parcel. Perfect for the horse
PEWAUKEE LAKE This gorgeous condo has been completely redone. Beautiful luxury plank floors to stunning quartz counters. Plus, a dedicated boat slip on Pewaukee Lake, direct frontage and lake views. 2,726-sq.-ft. with 3-BR & 2.5 BAs. $1,075,000
The Garment Shop
Picardy Shoe Parlour Stone + Suede