A few weeks ago I saw a posting in my blogging community asking for bloggers to do a boudoir mini-shoot for a local company. I've always been intrigued by boudoir photography but it's a bit out of my price range for something only my husband and close girl friends will see. The opportunity for a free mini-shoot with Pixies Boudoir Photography, in exchange for me sharing my experience, was something I could not pass up! So...one evening I met up with 4 other female bloggers for one of the most fun photo shoots I've done in a long time! Seriously, so much fun! Despite all my talk lately about weight loss, I really am comfortable in my own skin. Plus, I'm a pretty open person. Some of the other girls, not so much. Doing the mini-shoot at Pixies Boudoir Photography was way out of their comfort zone and they did it to test the boundaries of their zone. None of us regretted the choice to do the shoot. We were all excited by how we looked after our make-overs. If you want to … [Read more...]
Barley + Vine Restaurant Opened in Lakeville
Last week Hubby, I, and two of our friends had the opportunity to attend Barley + Vine Restaurant's soft opening. We were very much looking forward to checking out the new place in town as we live within walking distance from it and have seen the building change venues way too many times. We were not disappointed with our visit! Only the name has changed on the outside of the building, but the inside is better than the previous restaurant. Gone is the crazy blue tile behind the bar, replaced with a real copper penny backsplash and a subtle ceiling. The layout of the dining room seating seemed less crowded and the overall atmosphere was inviting. Our server, Emily, was knowledgeable on the menu and helpful in deciding what we wanted to eat. The staff we talked with seemed genuinely excited about working. As with all opening nights, there were a few kinks but I'm not going to dwell on them. The staff will get into their groove. The food was delicious! We started with a … [Read more...]
2016 Minneapolis Boat Show Ticket Giveaway
Once again the Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show is coming to the Minneapolis Convention Center. Once again, Hubby and I will be attending and we can't wait! We've been to the boat show for the past three years. The first year we didn't quite know what to expect so we went without a plan. The second year we just wanted to learn more about what was available to us in the boating world. Last year we went with a plan to find a marina at which to slip our boat for the summer. We found that and more! It was a great experience. This year our plan is to find more things for our boat since now we spend the entire summer on it. In addition to the regular features such as Paddlefest, virtual boating trainer/simulator, Fred's Shed (DIY seminars), and the antique and classic boat display,this year's Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show will feature 2 full size Sea Doo personal watercraft ice sculptures, an Up North With Wings, and a demonstration from Skyhigh … [Read more...]
We Day Minnesota 2015
Two years ago I attended We Day for the first time. I was motivated but completely overwhelmed at the end of the day. I had no clue what We Day entailed and no clue how it would change my life and the lives of friends. We Day is a day long celebration of kids doing good in the world. Inspirational speakers such as Chelsea Clinton, Marlee Matlin, and Henry Winkler and concert acts such as Ciara, Nico & Vinz, and Natalie La Rose make We Day a star studded event full of energy and dedication to change. You can’t buy a ticket, you have to earn it through service and making a commitment to take action on at least one local and one global initiative. WE is We Day, Free The Children and Me to We. Together, our three brands make up a family of organizations that work to empower each of us to make the world a better place. We are all connected. Together WE change the world. There are many different ways to get involved in the WE movement. One is through We Schools. The We … [Read more...]
The Haunting Experience on Highway 61 #MNBloggerBash
This past Saturday I attended my first ever (that I can remember) Minnesota Blogger Bash. It was at Zywiec’s Haunting Experience on Highway 61 in Cottage Grove. Man was it a good time! I am not required to write about The Haunting Experience on Highway 61 nor am I required to mention any other sponsors that were there, but it was so fun I feel like I need to share! Please be sure to read my "things you should know" at the end of this post and enter the giveaway for tickets for you to go see The Haunting Experience for yourself! The evening started off with some socialization with fellow bloggers and pampering by Spalon Montage Woodbury. I got a much needed massage and if you look closely at our pictures, you'll see that the girls and I got colorful hair extensions! We also tasted Zywiec's famous pork chops with seasoning made just for them. I highly recommend getting at least one while you are there! Next we got a lights-on, behind the scenes tour of the haunted houses. … [Read more...]
Fresh Thyme Farmers Market opens in Bloomington MN
I received compensation in exchange for helping to promote Fresh Thyme's Grand Opening. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Fresh Thyme Farmers Market opened it's first Minnesota store in Bloomington this morning. The doors opened at 6:45 am and from the gossip I overheard at the store this afternoon, it has been a steady crowd ever since. If you can call a grocery store pretty, that's what I'd call Fresh Thyme Farmers Market. The colors of the store are bright and the atmosphere was fun. Which ever isle you walked down there was someone there to help or answer questions. I'm not sure if its just because today is the Grand Opening, but I really hope they keep that level of service! What makes Fresh Thyme so special? Well, let's go to their website for answers... At Fresh Thyme Farmers Markets we believe you shouldn’t have to give away the farm to feed your body nutritious food. We’re on a mission to improve the way our communities eat by offering fresh and healthy … [Read more...]
