Thankful
As November ushers in the season of gratitude, we are excited to present an issue dedicated to thankfulness. This month we invite you to reflect on the moments and people that bring joy and warmth to our lives.
We are shining a spotlight on two local businesses that exemplify the spirit of gratitude and community impact. First, meet Nate Helbach, a Middleton High School graduate and the visionary owner of Neutral. This innovative real estate development company is transforming the industry with its focus on carbon-neutral and sustainable building practices. Nate shares his principles of regenerative practices and new urbanism, inviting readers to get involved with the exciting projects Neutral is bringing to life.
We also highlight ANEU Med Spa, which will open its second location on University Avenue this fall. In our conversation with ANEU’s owner Amie Neumaier you will learn about the core values that have driven ANEU’s success: a commitment to continued education and the cultivation of a passionate team. Their growth not only reflects their dedication to excellence but also the positive impact they have made on the lives of those they serve.
We also had the pleasure of sitting down with Nancy Kalsow, a local author and life and career coach. As the author of Get REAL, Nancy shares her insights on how to use the REAL. framework to unlock the transformative power of gratitude in our daily lives.
Finally, we profile WayForward Resources, a remarkable Middleton non-profit dedicated to creating food security and housing stability in our community. Their impactful initiatives remind us of the importance of community and compassion. We encourage you to read more about how to get involved in their vital work.
To our readers, I am so grateful for how you’ve graciously and generously welcomed our magazine this year. I hope you find joy and inspiration in this issue, and I always welcome your feedback. Happy reading and happy Thanksgiving!
COLE SPITLER, PUBLISHER @MIDDLETONCITYLIFESTYLE
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Cole Spitler | cole.spitler@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Alexis Venter | alexis.venter@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Tori Lynn | tori.charnetzki@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Ashley Hicks
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
1: Red & White Wine Bar at Wauktoberfest 2: Wauktoberfest 3,7: Kwik Drip Booth at Madison Vintage Fest 4: Lyon Road Art Academy Student Art Show 5: TQ Diamonds Celebrating 37 years in
business monthly
Glimpse Lash Adds Stylist and Familar Face
The Glimpse Lash team is growing! Their stylist McKenzie, a licensed aesthetician, has recently been certified in lash extensions. To celebrate, Glimpse is offering a promo price of $150 for full sets. And, Longtime Glimpse clients will be excited to hear that Bryanna is returning to the Salon! She’s been with Glimpse since the business started in 2016, and is back in Madison offering all lash extension services.
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“Shenanigans With Friends” Event Organized by Friends of UW Health
Friends of UW Health is a local non-profit that offers direct support to families and patients. The organization is excited to present their 3rd annual Shenanigans with Friends event, benefitting women with cancer. Join them on Friday, November 22nd for a disco dance party, along with delectables, raffles, a live auction, and more. Proceeds will support women receiving treatment at UW Health.
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Venterknoll Farms Now Offering Bulk Buying Options
Due to popular demand, Venterknoll Farms is pleased to offer bulk ordering for their premium full-blood Wagyu beef. For those seeking a more cost-effective way to enjoy this meat, customers can now purchase a quarter, half, three-quarters, or even an entire cow. More information is available on their website.
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Photography by Tyler Ike
Photography by Joanna Janas Real Estate
Photography by Glimpse Lash
Collin Trainor, DDS
Austin Wessell, DDS
Sculpting
The Luxury Care at ANEU Med Spa
ARTICLE BY TORI LYNN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY HICKS
“Where medicine and art meet” is also where you’ll find Amie Neumaier and her team at ANEU Med Spa. A nurse practitioner and one of the first 100 providers in the country to become a “Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist” Amie and her team of licensed, certified, and experienced providers offer a wide range of Med Spa treatments. These include Botox, dermal fillers, laser hair removal, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, cool sculpting, medical grade skincare and beyond. Each treatment is customized to meet the unique needs of every individual client, ensuring personalized care and results.
“For me, it’s art. So many times I catch myself smiling when I work on someone’s face. You can see this beautiful transformation happening, and then seeing the pure emotion from clients who can’t believe we reversed that much aging in an hour appointment. Those moments are what keep me going.”
While the larger Med Spa industry may be seen as merely surface level, Amie sees her work as having a much larger impact on her clients. Along with anti-aging services, ANEU also offers scar and trauma recovery treatments. Working with clients of all ages can have a real impact beyond the way they look.
“You are making someone feel more confident and happy. There is an emotion behind that wrinkle 110% of the time, and helping people in that way is a really beautiful thing.”
To keep their art “state of the art” ANEU Med Spa is meticulous about hiring and maintaining top talent when it comes to nurses, aestheticians, and technicians. All of the practicing team not only meet the necessary requirements to practice in Wisconsin but also have additional training that aligns with the stricter standards of more regulated states, such as Arizona. Continuous learning is essential in an ever-changing industry, and education is a constant investment, but this effort is made easier by the passion the team has for their work.
IT’S ART, SO MANY TIMES I CATCH M SMILING WHEN I WORKON SOMEON
“If you are passionate about this industry, education is what fuels you. We just got a new product a month ago - I can’t say what it is since it’s still kind of top secret. This product is blowing us away with how consistent and amazing its results are. I’ll go into the break room where everyone is having lunch, and instead of talking about their weekend plans, I’ll catch them talking about our new product. It makes coming to work that much more fun when you’re constantly excited about the things that you’re doing.”
Maintaining a passionate staff aligns with another of ANEU’s underlying principles: phenomenal client experiences.
“This is luxury. People are choosing to spend their hard-earned money with us, so I want to make sure that every person that steps inside our doors has that experience of luxury.”
Whether it’s in their beautifully designed spaces, the level of treatments they offer, or just the honest-to-goodness customer service they provide, ANEU emphasizes the “spa” in Med Spa from start to finish.
The proof of their success is in their growth and lasting reputation. They’ve won “Best of Madison” five years in a row along with “Best Place to Work” in the small business category. Most exciting for readers of this magazine, they have a new location opening near Hilldale Mall.
“We have so many clients that currently drive to us from the west side of Madison or further. This new location will be more convenient for those clients. And, I always joke that I’m a coffee addict, so it’s fitting that the suite next door is a coffee shop.”
The new location will be at 5231 University Avenue and will offer all of the same scientifically driven services that their McFarland location does.
With a growing business, a new location, and the challenges of opening a new space, Amie has been reflecting on all that her company has done over the years.
“Life is good. I have a happy team. We have happy clients. We’re continuing with what works well and giving back to our community. We’re just trying to be grateful for what we have and keep moving forward.” As ANEU continues to expand, their core values remain the same - prioritizing quality care and making a difference in their clients’ lives.
MYSELF NE’S FACE.
ANEU on University Ave is ready for you! ANEU on University Ave is set to open Monday, November 11th! We are officially booking appointments for established and new patients! We do recommend booking at your earliest convenience as spots are filling up. We look forward to taking care of your skin health for years to come.
Falling For Neutrals
SEASONAL DECOR TIPS FOR KEEPING IT SIMPLE
I love decorating for the holiday season, but it gets tough if trying to keep a home decor airy, light and neutral. My home is full of neutrals, such as linen, khaki, white and gray, so decorating for the holidays can be tricky with the bright and bold themes on display at the stores. Here are tips regarding how to achieve a festive look without going overboard.
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
LESS IS MORE
First, whenever decorating for the holiday season, I clear what's possible to make room for what's coming. I eliminate decor pieces that are displayed year-round to avoid adding clutter to rooms. Giving decor pieces or floral arrangements their own space to shine can pull the room together and make it feel very designed.
STICK TO THE PALETTE
As best as possible, I try to stick to each of the color palettes in my room. When it’s time to bring out pumpkins or holiday Santas, I stick to white and neutral or add in color pops of gold and silver to keep everything flowing. If I start to add too many primary colors, it ends up looking like a mash-up gone astray.
CELEBRATE MEMORIES
The holidays are often bursting with family traditions and memories, and decor can reflect that, too. I have many items handed down over the years that I like admiring, but if they aren’t quite right for my room, there are options to bring the spirit of them to life. Framed holiday family photos in a black and white filter are an excellent way to tie in your history of celebrating in a subtle way.
LOOK TO NATURE
Some of my favorite items to use for holiday decor come from a simple nature walk. Using actual items you find, or just getting inspiration from the outdoors is a great way to bring sights of the season indoors. For fall, elements such as branches, leaves and neutral gourds match with everything. For winter, I love using sticks with berries
or evergreen branches with pine cones to fill vases. Add a battery-operated strand of lights and you’re looking just like a designer home magazine spread.
GO COZY
Swapping out usual throw pillows and throw blankets for plushy, cuddly materials and seasonal prints are another simple way to add holiday spirit without being so literal. Opting for neutral plaids, cable knits, or sherpa materials add that feeling of fall and winter.
CATER TO ALL THE SENSES
Don’t forget about the smell! Stocking up on candles that smell like the season is the last missing piece for a holiday vibe. The total sensory feeling of the holidays is what really brings a home to life, whether it's pumpkin spice burning for Thanksgiving or a fresh pine and cedar for Christmas.
If items aren’t working together, don’t be afraid to get crafty. Painting pumpkins with spray paint or tying some neutral ribbons around existing vases are an easy and affordable way to make them fit a specific aesthetic.
WayForward Resources WAYFORWARD
RESOURCES
Creating Food and Housing Stability in our Community
ARTICLE BY LESLIE HUBER PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY HICKS
WHAT
DOES WAYFORWARD DO?
“WayForward Resources provides access to nutritious food for people throughout Dane County and support that helps people stay in their homes in Middleton, Cross Plains, and West Madison. We have been serving our community for more than 40 years. Last year we provided services for over 13,000 community members.”
WHAT HAS CHANGED?
“Our name : Last year, we made the change from MOM (Middleton Outreach Ministry) to WayForward Resources.
Demand: Visits to our food pantry have tripled in the past two years. Need for housing services is also at record levels.”
HOW
CAN COMMUNITY MEMBERS GET INVOLVED?
“There are many ways for individuals and groups to help build a strong community.
Volunteer: One-time, ongoing, and group volunteer shifts are available.
Donate: Contributions of any size help our neighbors access food, stay in their homes and avoid eviction. Hold a food drive: Nonperishable food accepted
See our website at http://www.wayforwardresources. org/ or contact us to learn more!”
UPCOMING DATES:
December 3 : Follow WayForward’s Giving Tuesday block party on social media and help build a strong community #BuildTogether.
December 7-8: Attend Holiday Art Market at Food Concepts, Inc. Over 50 local vendors, sales benefit WayForward.
WE ARE A Great Fit IF
You’re looking for a team of experienced professionals who stay up-to-date with the latest techniques, trends, and i ndustry advancements, providing clients with exceptional and knowledgeable service.
You value a warm and inviting atmosphere where smiling faces, delicious beverages, and friendly conversation await you.
You’re looking for a service provider that is dedicated to prioritizing the needs and preferences of each client, actively listening to their concerns, and customizing services accordingly.
You want to support a female owned business that values a team culture of collaboration, respect, and open communication among its employees.
REAL Gratitude
A Framework for Bringing More Joy to Life!
November is the time of year that brings awareness to gratitude and thankfulness. The fall harvest and Thanksgiving feasts are a reminder of this season of plenty, using a cornucopia overflowing with produce to represent abundance. What if we could cultivate that feeling of abundance all year long? That’s the power of gratitude. Studies show that practicing gratitude reduces stress and anxiety, strengthens relationships, and enhances our overall health and well-being. Gratitude is the practice of seeing, feeling, and sharing your blessings with others. The more you practice, the more plentiful your gratitude harvest will be.
Nancy Kalsow
Hi, I’m Nancy Kalsow, local author of Get REAL –Reflect, Engage, Align & Lead Yourself to Greatness. As a certified coach, consultant, and human resources professional, I get to ignite your confidence and courage to live in abundance. Here are four steps you can use to begin practicing REAL Gratitude today!
1. Reflect. Spend two minutes daily reflecting on what brought you joy in the last 24 hours. Better yet – write them down!
2. Engage . Say it out loud! Share something you are grateful for or make a call to thank someone.
3. Align. Notice when your heart feels happy and ask yourself “what about this situation is creating this happiness?”
4. Lead. Decide what you would like to experience more of in your life and look for opportunities to direct your actions toward that.
Happy Thanksgiving! Connect with Nancy and Get REAL! Nancy@Kalsowcoach.com
thanksgiving cornucopia
How To Decorate Tables With Noteworthy November Flair
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
Whether traditional or modern, formal or fussfree, Thanksgiving centerpieces set a memorable ambiance for November gatherings.
• An old dough bowl or wood trencher makes a great low centerpiece when filled with seasonal pumpkins, gourds, pinecones and flowering branches.
• Fill a stoneware sugar bowl with seeded eucalyptus, chrysanthemums and pears.
• Use one or a nest of baskets, floral foam and some blooms to craft a themed stunner.
• Incorporate family heirlooms by using an inherited (or thrifted) antique teapot, surrounded by other vintage finds.
• Stack two cake plates on top of each other with bite-size edibles; add other, shorter floral arrangements in pitchers or vases, if desired.
• Add soft candlelight with rustic textures of wood and lots of fall color via an assortment of fresh and faux gourds, silk sunflowers and dried seed pods.
use vintage finds
deliciously edible
Make an edible bread cornucopia, ‘horn of plenty,’ for the Thanksgiving table using refrigerated bread or pizza dough, a plastic bottle mold and aluminum foil. Wrap the bottle with foil, make a tail at one end and then layer adjoining strips of dough on the foil. Brush cornucopia with melted butter, remove the plastic bottle and bake at 350 F for 25 to 30 minutes on the lower rack, or until it turns a golden, shiny brown. Fill with sweet or savory nibbles, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, gourds, nuts, rosemary breadstick twists or even cookies, for an impressive centerpiece that’ll keep guests happily munching while they wait for the main meal to begin.
sustainable spaces, healthy living
Neutral’s Approach to Urban Development
ARTICLE BY TORI LYNN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY HICKS
Started by Nate Helbach in 2020, Neutral is a Madison-based real estate development company focusing on carbon-neutral and sustainable building practices. Just a few years later, they’re up to six projects and 21 employees. Their unique multi-residential homes are being built in Madison, Milwaukee, and Northwest Arkansas. They are also in pre-development phases for locations in the Bay Area. CEO and Partner Nate Helbach joined us for a quick chat about what’s going on at Neutral.
What does sustainability mean for Neutral?
When we talk about sustainability, we’re looking at it through the lens of what is regenerative versus what is degenerative. Our buildings are designed to implement regenerative practices and promote a circular ecosystem.
We use mass timber as our primary structural material. Turning a tree into a wood product that can be used in a building becomes a carbon storage mechanism. Our goal is to prioritize the use of renewable building materials wherever possible, while minimizing the reliance on unsustainable options such as concrete. We’re always iterating on the available technology to reach our thesis of neutral structures.
Our Milwaukee building that we’ll be starting construction on in Spring of 2025 will be 32 stories and the world’s tallest mass timber structure. It will be all multifamily residential and located downtown.
What’s the environment like in the spaces you create?
We look at several ways to improve our occupants’ health, comfort, and well-being.
We use healthy, thoughtful materials in the interiors of our buildings, and we have systems that create and keep a healthy environment throughout the building. In a typical building, you’re breathing around 650 to 750 carbon dioxide parts per million compared to 250 to 350 parts per million outside. With a specialized HVAC system in our buildings, our carbon dioxide count is somewhere around 550, giving our occupants better air inside.
To further support the health and longevity of our tenants we partner with local fitness providers. As part of the leasing process, our tenants receive a comprehensive fitness diagnostic. So when someone signs a lease at our building, they meet with a personal trainer, nutritionist, and on-staff doctor and receive recommendations on how to best look after their long-term health.
We also partner with local farmers, who deliver fresh fruits and vegetables to the building on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so the tenants can be a part of the community farm share. And, all of our properties have vegetable, fruit, and herb gardens onsite.
It’s all part of the tenant experience.
What kind of neighborhoods do you look for?
We hold fast to the idea of new urbanism. When doing our site research, we look for areas where our residents can be part of tight-knit walkable areas in downtown cores, not some white box in a cornfield.
I love the idea of a 15-minute neighborhood where someone has access to all of their daily needs within a 15-minute walk. Someone could grab a coffee, go to work, get their groceries, maybe get a workout in and then have dinner and drinks with friends, all within a 15-minute walk of their home.
It’s about creating spaces and creating homes for people to live where they want to live and really enjoy living.
How can people get involved?
Our investment model allows any accredited investor to invest in our properties, and it’s a really easy process. On our website, we have this “Invest with Us” button, where you can sign up, view all the deals, see all the due diligence and legal documents, and then be able to execute and fund an investment right there. You can also schedule a time to talk with one of our Capital Markets team members to discuss the investment opportunities further. Our Capital Markets team also hosts luncheon events for interested investors to hear a presentation about Neutral, the company, and our current investment opportunities.
And, if you’re looking for an apartment, there are two buildings that we have under construction right now in downtown Madison. One will open up in April of 2025, and then the other will open up in July of 2025. Head over to our webiste www.neutral.us/ for more information.
Venterknoll Farms
HOW TO: seasonal home scents
ARTICLE BY CELENA CISCO
M SWEET
B E W E L L N E S S
Fall essential oil combinations provide a warm and cozy scent while also protecting those from sickness prevalent in the colder season. Follow these oil combinations to create your own seasonal scent.
immune boost
DIRECTIONS :
Combine the following essential oils with a base oil (coconut oil).
INGREDIENTS:
• Cinnamon: Antibacterial; Antiviral
• Clove: Antibacterial; Antiseptic
• Lemon: Uplifts, Kills Bacteria; Reduces Inflammation
• Oregano: Antimicrobial; Antioxidant
• Eucalyptus: Decongestant and Provides Healing
HOW TO USE:
Apply to wrists or feet. Do not use it on your face.
home defender
DIRECTIONS:
Combine the following essential oils.
INGREDIENTS:
• Orange: Reduces Stress; Antimicrobial
• Eucalyptus: Decongestant; Provides Healing
• Cinnamon: Antibacterial; Antiviral
• Black Pepper: Supports the Nervous System
• Clove: Antibacterial; Antiviral
• Rosemary: Reduces Stress; Helps with Respiratory fatigue
HOW TO USE:
Fill the diffuser with water and apply the desired amount of drops.
EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHT
Trivia Night at Monk’s Bar and Grill
8313 Murphy Dr, Middleton, WI | 6:00 PM
Test your knowledge at Monk’s Trivia Nights every Tuesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. Gather your friends and compete for the following prizes: a $30 gift certificate for first place, $20 for second, and $10 for third. It’s a great way to challenge yourself and enjoy a lively evening. Join them to see how much you really know!
NOVEMBER 6TH
Holiday Tree Walk - The Bruce Company
2830 Parmenter St, Middleton, WI | 9:00 AM
Join The Bruce Company for their 7th Annual Holiday Tree Walk! Explore the 30 uniquely decorated trees and pick your favorites. Grab your ballot at the Plant Information Desk and cast it for a chance to win a $100 Garden Center Gift Card! The lucky winner will be drawn on December 9th and notified via email.
NOVEMBER 6TH
The
Edison Investment Luncheon - The Neutral Project
5 E Wilson Street, Madison, WI | 12:00 PM
Be a Part of History: Invest in The Edison. Join us in Milwaukee to discover The Edison—the world’s tallest mass timber building. Located downtown, this groundbreaking project by Neutral blends sustainability with cutting-edge design. Highlights: Meet the visionaries behind Neutral and learn how to invest in The Edison! Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future of urban development!
This Fall, Commit to Your Best Self. Whether you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, or high achiever, we provide the premium experience to match your lifestyle.
DYNAMIC GROUP FITNESS CLASSES FOR ALL LEVELS TAILORED PERSONAL TRAINING TO ACCELERATE RESULTS COMPREHENSIVE NUTRITION COACHING FOR SUSTAINABLE HEALTH RECOVERY OPTIONS: SAUNA & COLD PLUNGE TO REJUVENATE
Phone As A Key
It’s as simple as its name. With a one-time activation through the Lincoln Way® App, you can use your mobile phone as the key to your Lincoln Aviator® SUV. Once activated your phone can unlock, start, and be used to drive your vehicle. *