Category Archives: Lifestyle

Perfect Picnic Dates around the Twin Cities

Looking for a unique date idea? Picnics are a romantic and affordable way to get you and your spouse or family out of the house and closer to nature. We have compiled a list of picnic locations around the Twin Cities, including recipes and restaurants to help you decide what to bring!

1. Como Park, St. Paul

The grounds of Como Park are lush and beautifully landscaped. There are many places within the park to have a picnic, either on the lawn or at a table. After lunch, you can take a stroll through Como Zoo, which is free (with a suggested donation). You might want to come a little early though, parking can be difficult.

What to eat?

If you want to purchase food to bring to your picnic at Como Park, Nelson’s Cheese & Deli is the place to go. They have an extensive salad bar, including build your own and noodle options, and a hefty list of sandwich creations. In addition, they have chips, homemade candies, local cheeses, and various drink options.

Rather pack your own lunch? Try out these veggie hummus wraps!

2. Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis

Flickr Creative Commons: Bryce Edwards

Minnehaha Falls is a large outdoor space encompassing the Mississippi river and one of its water falls. There is green space surrounding the river to sit and have lunch, as well as a park restaurant called Sea Salt. You could either grab lunch from this restaurant or bring your own.

If you plan to bring your own meal, try out this fresh BLT recipe!

3. Mississippi River Flats, Minneapolis

Flickr Creative Commons: Michael Hicks

Near the University of Minnesota, there are river flats on both the East and West banks of the Mississippi. They are flat, grassy areas of land set on the river with views of downtown Minneapolis.Try out these scrumptious walleye cakes to eat along the shores of the Mississippi!

Want to buy lunch?

Flickr Creative Commons: Marc Kjerland

A great place to pick up your picnic food near the River Flats is Abdul’s Afandy. They serve fresh and delicious Middle Eastern dishes including falafel, shawarma, lentil soup, chicken options, baklava, and more!

3. Loring Park, Minneapolis

Flickr Creative Commons: Doug Kerr

Loring Park, situated between uptown and downtown Minneapolis, has a dog park, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and walking trails. It is a lovely park for a couple to have a meal, and spend their afternoon.

What to eat?

Loring Park is surrounded by restaurants, some of which are pretty pricey! We recommend checking Groceries & Deli on Harmon to pick up some sandwiches, soup, curry, snacks, and more!

4. Lake Phalen, St. Paul

Lake Phalen in north east St. Paul is surrounded by a golf course and well maintained park areas. They have designated picnic pavilions that are perfect for a picnic with your loved ones. You are sure to see fellow Minnesotans kayaking and sailing around the lake.

If you want to bring a lunch from home, try out this potato salad to take with you!

Purchasing lunch? Try out Plaza Del Sol!

This locally owned Mexican Restaurant has many options for you to take on the go to your picnic meal!

The Twin Cities area is full of great places to have a picnic date! What other places are great for a picnic? Let us know!

Photos used under this license.

Top 5 Cities for the Young and Rich

Where would you go if you won the lottery, or suddenly came across millions of dollars? The World Cities Culture Forum has data on the number of concert halls, restaurants, and other ‘cultural indicators’ for cities all over the world. We have used this data to come up with the top 5 cities to be young and rich in!

1. Tokyo

Flickr Creative Commons: Moyan Brenn

At the top of the list is Japan’s largest city, Tokyo, which has nearly nine million residents! You definitely will not run out of ways to spend your money here!

Yearly musical performances: 15,617
Yearly comedy Shows: 8,452
Number of restaurants: 150,510
Number of bars: 14,184
Number arcades: 997

Wow that is a lot of restaurants! According to US.News.com, the best time to visit Tokyo is in the fall when the temperature is mild and the leaves are beautiful hues of orange and red.

2. New York City

Flickr Creative Commons: Nana B Agyei

The city that never sleeps comes in at number two on our list! It also happens to be the most expensive city in the USA to live in!

Yearly theatrical Performances: 43,004
Number of restaurants: 24,149
Number of comedy shows per year: 11,076
Number of art galleries: 721

Be sure to visit NY around the holidays to see Central Park beautifully blanketing with white snow and sparkling holiday lights!

3. Shanghai

Flickr Creative Commons: JERRYANG

Shanghai is a vibrantly colorful cosmopolitan city in China that hosts thousands of performances each year. The possibilities for fun are endless in Shanghai.

Number of restaurants: 55,614
Number of dance halls: 1,865
Number of art galleries: 13,324
Yearly musical performances: 3,356

To avoid unbearable humidity and the crazy tourist season, Frommers says to visit Shanghai in late March or late October.

4. Los Angeles

Flickr Creative Commons: Neil Kremer

Home of the entertainment industry in the USA, Los Angeles has live shows every night of the week. In addition, LA includes Long Beach which is the party capital of California.

Yearly comedy shows: 5,624
Number of restaurants: 28,787
Number of Cinema screens: 1,073
Yearly theatrical performances: 8,220

Los Angeles is known for its year-round warmth, but to avoid large crowds SmarterTravel.com recommends not to visit during school breaks and holidays.

5. Sao Paulo

Flickr Creative Commons: Julio Boaro

Coming in at number five is the largest city in South America, Sao Paulo. This diverse and bustling city is perfect for foodies and bar hoppers.

Number of bars: 15,000
Number of restaurants: 12,500
Yearly dance performances: 5,200
Live music venues: 294

Be sure to visit in October to catch the International Film Festival!

If you won the lottery, where would you spend your money?

Photos used under this license.

Top Five Ways to Unwind After a Long Day

According to the American Institute of Stress, 80% of workers feel stress on the job and nearly half say they need help in learning how to manage stress. While we aren’t doctors, we came up with some ways that we think can help you decompress after a long day at work.

Flickr Creative Commons: Alan Cleaver

Whether you stare at a screen, pour concrete, or discover fossils all day, it is important to let out any tension that builds up while you are at work. Here are five ways to unwind after a long, stressful day. Let us know if you give them a try!

1. Stretch it out

Flickr Creative Commons: Nicholas A. Tonelli

Sitting at a desk all day leads to backaches, poor posture, and tight muscles. All that shoulder tension is uncomfortable, and even unhealthy. Light exercises can release all the frustration from a tough day. To help you relax after a long day at the office, try out these yoga positions from Huffington Post.

2. Make yourself dinner

Flickr Creative Commons: Nicole Abalde

It is easy to get caught up in the day and pop in a frozen pizza when you get home, but try slowing it down and cooking yourself a nutritious meal. Cooking is therapeutic and practical, so put on your favorite music, and start chopping away at those vegetables. Save yourself some money and calories with these easy recipes from the Food Network.

3. Take a bath

Flickr Creative Commons: Basheer Tome

Luxurious bubbles and heavenly aromas.. taking a bath is the best way to calm down and relax your muscles. Did you know there are plenty of home recipes to make your bath even better? Try these natural DIY luxury baths at home!

4. Try your Hand at Gardening

The People's Garden at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Washington D.C., on Thursday, March 17, 2011. Volunteer executive master gardeners pitch in several times a week, at various times of the day (before or after work hours, or during lunchtime) to weed, mulch, plant, water and what ever it takes to grow a wide variety of produce. Although a few are ornamental, most are destined for charity kitchens. Located on the corner of Jefferson Dr. SW and 12th St. SW, people often stop to ask questions about the garden. Part of the volunteersÕ training is to be a spokes person for the People's Garden Initiative, an effort by the USDA that challenges its employees to establish People's Gardens at USDA facilities worldwide or help communities create gardens. People's Gardens vary in size and type, but all have a common purpose - to help the community they're within and the environment. USDA photo by Lance Cheung

Flickr Creative Commons: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Being out in the sunshine with the smell of dirt and wind in your face, there is nothing better than gardening. Don’t have a green thumb? Here is a list of kill-proof plants to put in your garden.

5. Play a Game

Flickr Creative Commons: Roger H. Goun

Games are a great way to take your mind off work, especially if you have a family, or pet to play with. There are many games that are great to play by yourself as well. Try picking up a Wii counsel, or a deck of cards to play solitaire. Here is a list of single player card games to try!

How do you unwind after a long day? Share your thoughts with us!

All photos used under this license.

Spark Up Your Yard for an Unforgettable Fourth of July Celebration

: Flickr Creative Commons: eric wittman

You know the new saying, ‘Pics or it didn’t happen!’ Everybody is snapping photos of everything they do, everywhere they go. Make your Fourth of July celebration photo-worthy with these DIY tips!

1. Create a photo station!

Make an awesome place to take photos that capture the patriotism and hilarity of your friends and family this Fourth of July.

: Flickr Creative Commons: Steve Depolo

Start with the backdrop.

Find yourself a roll of butcher paper, drafting paper, or large poster paper. Make sure it is big enough so a group of people can fit in front of it for a photo. Having trouble finding it? You can purchase it here. To decorate the backdrop, get some red, white, and blue paint (and probably some glitter, because.. glitter) then splatter paint the paper to get the effect of fireworks. For a messy and fun way to splatter paint, try this tutorial.

If you don’t feel like making a background, an American flag works great too!

Put the backdrop up near where people will be hanging out. It could be on the side of your house, on a shed or a fence.

Now for the props!

: Flickr Creative Commons: Randy Robertson

No good photo booth is without an abundance of props! Cut paper flags, Statue of Liberty crowns, Uncle Sam hats, etc, and tape them to wire or wooden grill skewers to create fun props to take pictures with! Additionally, purchase some sparklers to make your photos really glow! For inspiration, or to purchase already made props, check out this etsy shop.

Put a basket of disposable cameras near the station, or if you really trust your friends, a digital camera with a timer!

2. Food

: Flickr Creative Commons: Ginny

Now that your photo station is complete, we can move onto the food! Here is a list of delicious and festive recipes that your guests will love!

For lunch recipes, click here.

For adult beverage recipes, click here.

For dessert recipes, click here.

3. Activities!

Alright you have a killer photo station, and stellar snacks. What else do you need? Games! Get a volleyball net, a bocce ball set, coy boy golf, or any kind of yard games you think your guests will enjoy. If you are feeling up to another DIY project, check out this tutorial for yard Jenga! It’s like regular Jenga, except bigger (and you have to be careful not to let it come crashing down on your toes!)

: Flickr Creative Commons: Erik (HASH) Hersman

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Surprising Cities Celebrities Call Home

Celebrities only live in Los Angeles or New York, right? Wrong! CNBC, with the help of Realtor.com, found a list of cities that are growing with celebrity residents. We narrowed it down to five cities that we didn’t know were occupied by so many celebs!

1. Alpine, NJ

Flickr Creative Commons: Ken Lund

Who would have guessed that the small state of New Jersey would be home to so many celebs?! CNBC reports that Oprah, Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, Stevie Wonder (and more!) all have homes in Alpine. Set on the banks of the Hudson, the city is popular because of its exclusivity, and proximity to New York (BergenCounty.com).

2. New Orleans, LA

Flickr Creative Commons: Bill Staney

New Orleans is home to more than just jambalaya and beignets. Famous residents include Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Harry Connick Jr., and Lil Wayne. CNBC attributes their residency to new tax breaks offered by Louisiana for film and television productions.

3. Atlanta, GA

Flickr Creative Commons: Brad Clinesmith

It is reported that Jane Fonda’s loft in Atlanta is up for sale at no less than $1.95 million. Who will purchase the home to join Jeff Foxworthy, Janet Jackson, and Elton John as Georgia residents? Click here to see some celebrity homes in Atlanta!

4. Montecito, CA

Flickr Creative Commons: Damian Gadal

With sweeping ocean views and temperate weather, who wouldn’t want to live on the northern coast of CA? The small town of Montecito is full of celebs, and its homes are among the priciest in the nation. Residents include Al Gore, Christopher Lloyd, Steve Martin, and Rob Lowe.

5. Jupiter, FL

Flickr Creative Commons: Dan DeChiaro

Many celebrities live in this growing town just north of Palm Beach including Celine Dion, Burt Reynolds, and Tiger Woods (who neighbors Michael Jordan’s beach home). Want to be their neighbor too? Check out these luxury homes in Jupiter.
For the full list of cities you didn’t know celebrities live in, head over to CNBC!

12 Dog Breeds Suitable for City Living

Yearning for a canine companion, but living in a concrete jungle? We feel your pain. Here are 12 dog breeds that, according to the AKC, have low to medium energy levels, which we have deemed to be city friendly. These pooches only need a little bit of exercise each day, and with city homes as small as ever, won’t make your place feel too cramped! Take them outside the city though, and they’ll love to join you for a (short) hike!

1. Affenpischer

Flickr Creative Commons: Ger Dekker

The Affenpinscher walks with confidence, and has a notoriously remarkable sense of humor. Making friends everywhere they go, the Affenpinscher is sure to improve your social life while on walks through the city.

2. Boston Terrier

Flickr Creative Commons: Tricia

These little guys have brains so big, their eyes bug out! But really, in all seriousness, Boston Terriers are clever dogs who love to play. These goofy dogs will make your home a happier place.

3. Japanese Chin

Flickr Creative Commons: Krysta

The Japanese Chin is a loyal dog who is very affectionate towards its owners. While on walks, these dogs will pay no attention to strangers. If you are looking for a dog who minds its own business, the Japanese Chin could be for you!

4. Airedale Terrier

Flickr Creative Commons: Lulu Hoeller

While the friendly Airedale Terrier isn’t overly rambunctious, they do need tasks to keep them occupied. If locked up in an apartment all day, make sure to leave activities like these for your canine pal.

5. Corgi

Flickr Creative Commons: Mei

Corgis are alert, loving pups that are great with kids (though they might try to herd them). A true family dog, the Corgi will bark to make sure you aware of intruders in your home. For this reason, this breed would do best in a stand-alone home as to not aggravate apartment neighbors.

6. Basset Hound

Flickr Creative Commons: Don DeBold

These charming doggies are as lazy as they come. The Basset Hound will spend most of the day snoring and dreaming of rabbits. They do like to get out now and then, and will occasionally let out a howl or two.

7. Bulldog

Flickr Creative Commons: Carodean Road Designs

The Bulldog might look like an intimidating creature, but really, they are just slobbery wrinkle-faced cuddle monsters. They are the 4th most popular dog breed for a reason!

8. Maltese

Flickr Creative Commons: ErnieXavier

This little furry guy is a Maltese. They are gentle and friendly, which makes them especially suited for families with young children. They are also good for those tiny downtown apartments!

9. Puli

Flickr Creative Commons: Anita Ritenour

Puli’s, with their highly recognizable dreadlocks, are a loving breed. They are fit to be herding dogs, but love being with their family as well. If you can get this guy out and about every day, he will do well living the city life.

10. Cavalier King Charles

Flickr Creative Commons: leisergu

The easily trained Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is small enough for your condo, but has a heart big enough for your entire family. This breed’s disposition is as sweet as their little faces.

11. Chinese Crested

Flickr Creative Commons: DM

A unique looking pooch, the Chinese Crested is lively without being too hyper. They only have hair on their head, tail, and feet which makes them ideal for allergy-prone pet owners.

12. Pug

Flickr Creative Commons: e_haya

Who doesn’t love Pugs? Their flat smooshy noses are irresistible. Pugs are prone to obesity though, so be sure to strut them down your city street once a day, or else those cute smooshed noses will have a hard time breathing.

Do you and your canine pal enjoy living in the city? Let us know!

Why Being a Nerd is the New Cool

By: Mary Gramer, Social Media Marketing Intern

In previous decades, nerds in pop culture were the subjects of humor and ridicule. Have you noticed the change over the past couple years? In rise with popular shows like Doctor Who, Sherlock, and The Big Bang Theory, nerds have become the new definition of cool! Ever wonder why that is? We have some theories.

1. Salary

Flickr Creative Commons: Ilmicrofono Oggiono

According to Bls.gov, the list of the 20 highest paying jobs in 2012 includes physicians, anesthesiologists, petroleum engineers, and computer information systems managers. These are not jobs that can be done by your average Joe. They require natural intelligence and intensive schooling. While being smart is generally considered a nerdy trait, it’s a trait that brings in the money, and having money definitely isn’t nerdy.

2. Community

Flickr Creative Commons: Charles Fettinger

Some of the largest communities are made up by nerds. For example, in 2014, over 130,000 people flocked to San Diego in costume to attend Comic-Con (Comic-con.org). If you want to feel like you belong to a group, being nerdy is the way to do it, and the options are endless.

3. Practicality

Flickr Creative Commons: Ernie

Have you noticed the sea of fanny pack-adorned girl during spring break in the last couple years? Or the increase people wearing converse shoes? Nerdy fashion trends from past decades are coming back, and in a cool way! Fanny packs allow a hands-free and safe way to carry all your belongings, while converse shoes are comfortable and good for walking. There is a reason these historically nerdy trends are coming back.

4. Technology

Flickr Creative Commons: Olga

Gadgets used to be an accessory for geeks. Now, they are a necessity for everyone. It even has become cool to own as many gadgets as humanly possible.

Why do you think that being a nerd has become the new cool? Let us know in the comments!

All photos used under this license.

Top Places Americans Will Travel in 2015

Ever wonder where Americans will travel this year? Well wonder no further because NYTimes recently published a list of the top 19 countries that American’s will visit. Their conclusion? Americans will stay their comfort zone and travel of all the countries that are close to our borders. So read along and find a place that you would like to visit!!!

1) Mexico

2) Canada

3) Britain
4) France
5) Germany
6) Bahamas

Flickr Creative Commons: A. Duarte

7) Jamaica
8) China
9) Spain
10) Japan
11) India
12) Ireland

Flickr Creative Commons: Giuseppe Milo

13) Netherlands
14) Hong Kong
15) South Korea
16) Switzerland
17) Taiwan
18) Australia
19) Brazil

Five Things You Should Know Before Building an Underground Home

Ever wonder what it would be like to live like a hobbit? Well wonder no further, since here is all the information you need to know before you build the underground home of your dreams. If you need additional help on making decisions, click on this link that told us all about underground homes.

1) Underground Homes are Energy Efficient

Being that the homes are protected from weather and underground, they are able to maintain more stable ranges of temperatures. This ability to maintain temperature, helps to make the home more energy efficient as you do not need to use heating and cooling systems as much.

2) Underground Homes are Better Protected Against Mother Nature

Since you are underground, you are better protected from weather. This means that rather than fearing for your above ground home during a rain storm, hail storm or tornado, mother nature has already offered all of the protection against weather you could ever need.

3) Underground Homes are More Expensive to Build

Since you have to dig out an area for your home, excavation costs are way more expensive than a regular home. This means that the inital costs to getting the underground home of your dreams will be steep, but remember, your home will be efficient, which will save you money in the long run.

Flickr Creative Commons: Anup Shah

4) Underground Homes are a Contractors Dream

After, you dig out your hole, or cave for your new home, your home becomes very easy to build into the environment of your choosing. For this reason, your home is easy, but allows for creativity and ingenuity, which is a designers and contractors dream!

5) Underground Homes are Comfortable Places to Live

Underground homes promote a great environment for peaceful, stable, and comfortable living, because your home is stable against weather, connected to the earth, and promotes green living. These things will leave you with peace of mind and happiness in your decision that your chose to build an underground home!

Flickr Creative Commons: Anup Shah

Top Breweries in Minnesota

The Midwest is home to a large German- American population, especially in Minnesota. That is why this post is to celebrate all of the great breweries we have in this state! So if beer is your game or if you just enjoy a cold one, check out our list of the top breweries in Minnesota. Heck, it could be so good, it convinces you to move here! Also check out the link to 20 other great breweries from which this list was created!!

1) August Schell Brewing Company

August Schell Brewing Company calls New Ulm Minnesota home. Its brewery produces great beers like Grainbelt Premium, Schell’s Firebrick, Schell’s Octoberfest, and Grainbelt Nordeast. They truly have some great beer!

2) Summit Brewing Company

Summit Brewery also has wonderful beer! Based in St. Paul, it produces Extra Pale Ale, Saga IPA, Oatmeal Stout, and Summit Seasonals!

3) Cold Spring Brewing Company

Cold Spring Brewery, located in Cold Spring Minnesota, is the lesser, but better known brewery from Minnesota. It is popular for its beer called the Northern, John Henry, Olde Johnite, and Cold Spring!

4) Surly Brewing Company

Flickr Creative Commons: Cursedthing

Surly Brewing Company, who just relocated to near University Ave, has any fantastic beers! Their most popular are Surly Furious, Bender, Cynic, Coffee Bender, and Surly Abrasive.

5) Flat Earth Brewing Company

Our last award for top breweries goes to, Flat Earth Brewing Company. Their most popular beers are, Angry Planet Pale Ale, Northwest Passage IPA, Element 115 Lager, Belgian Pale Ale.