Friday, September 20, 2013

Fall Bucket List

Last night was the first night in quite some time I went to sleep leaving the windows open throughout my apartment. I woke up feeling so refreshed with the crisp fall air pouring in. It was nothing short of magical. I promptly brewed a cup of caramel drizzle coffee, lit a pumpkin spice candle, and pulled out some of my fall décor that has been hiding in the closet for a year. I don't think there is a season us Minnesotans appreciate more than fall. Though I can't quite admit I'm ready for summer to be over, I do love fall more than anything.

Since summer flew by faster than I had expected, I started thinking about all the things I wanted to do but never quite got to because there just weren't enough weekends. This prompted me to think about all the things I want to do this fall, and I quickly started a new note on my iPhone so I wouldn't forget about them. After all, since this season is just kicking off I actually have time to get to everything on my list!

Here's a few of the activities on my list:


  1. Visit Parley Lake Winery - Some of my girlfriends and I visited this winery/apple orchard last fall, and I can honestly say that day was one of the highlights of my year. Is there anything better than a perfect fall day, your girlfriends, and wine? We loved it so much, we've actually planned to go back next Saturday, and I couldn't be more excited!
  2. Have a BBQ - I can't host one myself, but I've got plenty of friends who can. 
  3. Go to the Minneapolis Farmers Market - This is something I failed to do this summer, and it maybe actually be more enjoyable with the cooler weather. I am some what of a health fanatic, and loading up on fresh produce excites me. Plus, I live less than two miles from the Lyndale Ave market, so there are no reasons for me not to make at least one stop on a Saturday morning.
  4. Walk around the Chain of Lakes - This is something I do on a regular basis regardless, since Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, and Lake Calhoun are all less than a mile from me. I'd like to do it even more, so I can soak up as much fresh air as possible before I hibernate for the winter months. Especially once the leaves start to change.
  5. Sit by the fire -  I'm not really sure where I could check this off the list other than back at my parents house, so good thing I'm headed there this weekend. I know my dad will be more than willing to have some drinks, roast some marshmallows, and relax by the fire on Saturday night.
  6. Get ice cream from Sebastian Joe's - Whether its the Linden Hills or Franklin Ave location, I've got to get one last cold treat before it's too cold.
  7. Dinner on the patio - Dinner, drinks, coffee, lunch, etc. There are countless patios to enjoy in Minneapolis, and again, I'd like to get to as many as possible before it's too cold.

What's on your fall bucket list?
 
Written by Jenna Maxfield
 
 

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Parade of Homes


Parade of Homes

It’s that time of year again! Parade of Homes books are out and it starts September 7th and goes through September 29th.  The homes will be on display Thursday through Sunday noon to 6pm.  Whether you are looking for a new home to buy or just want to have a fun day of looking at million dollar listings, this is something free and fun to do! You can pick up a Parade of Homes book from your local Holiday for free.

 You can also visit their Dream Homes.  These are listings that are typically over $1 million and have some sort of unique features.  They cost $5 to get in but it is a tax-deductible admission that helps the BATC Foundation continue their work building and remodeling homes for deserving families, so you can be happy knowing it is going towards a good cause! (The rest of the homes are free to get in) The three Dream Homes are located in Chaska, Wayzata, and Afton. 

You can visit www.paradeofhomes.org for more information.
 
Written by Melissa Bye