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...]
10 Spring Break Staycation Ideas
If your family is like mine, you neither have the time nor money to spend on a vacation for spring break. Though it would be fun to go somewhere warm and relaxing, it's just not feasible. Try these 10 spring break staycation ideas to help you and your kids feel like you had a vacation get-away even though you didn't. 1) Have a dance party I'm not talking about a small, spur of the moment dance party. I'm talking a full-blown dance party. Invite some friends over, blow up some balloons, find some funky lighting, and crank up the music! Turn your house into a dance club! 2) Put together a large puzzle It usually takes my family at least a week to put together a 2000-3000 piece puzzle. Ton of fun, entertaining, and a great bonding experience. 3) Do science experiments We've got some great science experiments right here on Toys In The Dryer. 4) Go camping inside Though it's spring, in MN it's still too cold to camp outside. Instead, grab some blankets and chairs and make … [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...]
Floating M&M Experiment
Lately the girls have been very excited to come home from school and show me the science experiments they've been doing in school. The DIY Lava Lamp was one Nutty did and today's Floating M&M Experiment is one Tottie did. For this experiment all you need is a glass of cold water and M&M candies. Drop one or more M&Ms into the cold water and wait... ...and wait...you'll see that the candy loses it's color and begins to turn white. Continue waiting (about 10 minutes or so). Do not disturb the water. You might see tiny bubbles beginning to form on the candy and you'll see some chocolate starting to peak through. Suddenly you'll see bits of shell start to break lose and the "M" will rise off of the candy! It's kinda cool! This Floating M&M Experiment works because of water solubility. The hard candy coating that contains the printed "M" is not water soluble. While the rest of the shell (the part that contains the color) dissolves … [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...]
