January 2018 Midwest Nest

Edition 4

With every issue, I like to imagine that the words in our pages make an impact, even if it's just a small ripple in our community. Maybe it's a delusional thought, but then again, maybe something we type will actually resonate with a single person or even an entire organization. There's also a chance that many of our readers will skip the story and set their sights on the photography. That's ok too. This month, all I ask is that you take the time to read at least one story. Let me explain why. ​

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Renovate and Elevate: Page 12

Farmhouse Renovation: PAGE 22

Next Door Re-Design: PAGE 48

Transform Your Space: PAGE 54

Giving Hearts Day: PAGE 62

Rocking Horse Farm: PAGE 66

Canvassing the City: PAGE 75

With the start of a new year, it was extremely important to us that we stand behind Dakota Medical Foundation for the sake of supporting nearly 400 local and regional charities on behalf of Giving Hearts Day. If you're not familiar with this day or organization, please take the time to read about them in this month's issue or go online to check them out. These are good people leading the way for local charities to succeed in their missions. Their missions affect everyone in our community. On February 8, we ask that you open your heart and connect with a charity. Volunteer, spread the word or donate monetarily. All are needed and valued. 

To help spread the word, we chose to interview an organization that's near and dear to our hearts, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity in Moorhead, M.N. Our magazine and this organization have more in common than you'd think. We strive to inspire people to create happier environments, while Habitat is striving to actually build that happiness. We spend a lot of time discussing trends, interior design and architecture, while they discuss providing clean air, water and a safe environment for families. 

Although our usual topics seem to lean toward the superficial, we both know that the environment we wake up to can shape our day, impact our families and affect our future success and mental health. There are people all over this region that are living in unsafe, unhealthy and unsanitary homes. None of us are immune to this scenario and many people in our community are merely a paycheck or two away from a desperate scenario of their own. 

If you survived this long-winded editorial, thank you. Now, I ask that you please read just one more story. When Giving Hearts Day arrives on February 8, it's important to know the difference you can make. 

Sincerely,

• Tracy Nicholson