There’s a saying here in Minnesota — life is better at the lake. For us, that’s not just a saying, it’s our way of life.

We’re so excited to welcome you to our little corner of Big Pine Lake in Perham, Minnesota. This lake is more than just a view from our window — it’s the heart of our family, our cooking, and our community.

Our Story

We traded the hustle and bustle of corporate life for a slower, more intentional pace by the water. After years in the corporate world (I spent my career as a marketing executive at Target), we decided to put down roots in Northern Minnesota. Today, we’re raising our two boys (ages 16 and 11) in this vibrant small-town community, surrounded by nature, family, and neighbors who feel like friends.

My husband, a software engineer, and I both work from home, which means our lake house isn’t just where we live — it’s where we create, cook, and build memories. We’ve found that the best ideas often come while sipping coffee on the dock, boating across the water, or gathering with friends by the fire.

What We Love

• Cooking with a View: Our elevated kitchen looks out over Big Pine Lake, and it’s become the heart of our home. From fresh-caught fish dinners to dips and boards for a boat ride, food here always comes with a side of lake views.

• Entertaining by the Water: Whether it’s a charcuterie board on the boat, a campfire s’mores spread, or a big dinner with neighbors, entertaining is woven into our lake lifestyle.

• Farm-to-Table Freshness: We love to keep a small garden, snipping greens and herbs just before dinner to toss into a salad. It’s the simple touches that make meals special.

• Lake Adventures: Boating, fishing, swimming, campfires, and family time — these are the moments that fill our days and inspire everything we share.

Why We Started This Space

Welcome to the Lake is more than just a phrase — it’s an invitation. We want to share our love of cooking, entertaining, and living lakeside with you. From recipes and lifestyle tips to stories about life in lake country, our hope is that you’ll feel inspired to bring a little bit of lake life into your own home, wherever you are.

So grab a snack, pour a drink, and make yourself at home. Around here, everyone is family — and the lake is always calling.