Literature with Lederhosen

Party like a librarian? Jawohl!

Come to

Presented by The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library

There will be books and beer, food and wine, German music and dancing,
scavenging and tours, and games of brawn & skill. Oh, and librarians.

September 23, 2010 / 7–10 p.m.

$25 per person (advance) / $30 at the door

(bring your library card the night of the party for a chance to win prizes)

Saint Paul Central Library
90 W 4th St. Saint Paul

Attention, Herr Bookkopf and Fraulein Learnsalotten: Join us for Book It: The Party - this time we celebrate the 200th birthday of Oktoberfest! In the front courtyard of Central Library we will have two lighted tents – just like Oktoberfest in Munich. There will be German food (brats, sauerkraut, pretzels – what else?), wine, and beer from micro- and popular breweries.

Challenge yourself and your team in three games: hammerschlagen, tug-of-war (between individuals standing on stumps), and a beer stein relay. Central Library will also host a cell-phone-scavenger-hunt and tours.

James J. Hill Library will be the venue for author readings: Norah Labiner(German for Travelers: A Novel in 95 Lessons, published by Coffee House Press) and John Jodzio (If You Lived Here You'd Already Be Home, published by Replacement Press). Doug Hoverson, Minnesota Book Award-winning author of Land of Amber Waters (University of Minnesota Press) will be discussing the history of brewing in Minnesota and guiding us through beer tastings. His beautiful yet scholarly book offers “an intoxicating history of brewing in the North Star State.” —Minnesota Monthly

We are thrilled to announce that Patrick Harison will be roaming through the libraries and beer tents, playing his accordian for us. Patrick grew up in a home full of art, music and dance. His father encouraged him to pick up the accordion at age 13. Patrick learned how to turn the bulky and boisterous machine into a sensitive instrument by listening to and imitating the masters from every corner of the world. By 14, Patrick's professional career had begun. The heart of his musical education took place on the bandstands of Minnesota's bustling music scene working with artists as diverse as Connie Evingson, Coach Said Not To, Zeitgeist New Music Ensemble, Mandragora Tango Orchestra, Parisota Hot Club, John Devine, Sam Miltich, Mark Kreitzer and countless others.

Follow The Friends on Twitter or like us on Facebook and stay up-to-date as plans for Book It: The Party - Oktoberfest! develop. With Books & Bars moderator, Jeff Kamin and other spirited characters, this isn’t your usual library event.

After the author readings we will have dancing to German-themed music. Wear your dirndls and lederhosen and be eligible for a special prize.

Make your own pretzel necklace with our friends from Yelp. And if you discover you're just not that crafty, you can eat the evidence!

Book It: The Party! provides a unique atmosphere for a lively discussion of interesting authors, fun people, music, good food and drinks - all within a framework of supporting the Library.

Spaces are limited - please reserve early!

Connections of the Fabulous Kind

In the last few months I have experienced an explosion of connections. Correction, cool connections. And cool connections with locals, who happen to be women doing kick-ass things. I have always been a connector, it's what gives a concierge clout. But this recent pool of cool, are such a magical match to my local love of - art, photography, fashion, music, food, culture, cooking, technology, social media, events and true entrepreneurial spirit. I've been lucky to meet, eat, talk & toast with these talents & wanted to share what a few of them are up to...

First up, an event that combines local music and a local photographer's passion for her craft. Brought to you by two fantastic new friends: Eli of paperlily design + Kate of O'Reilly Creative who present:

The Jennefit: A Benefit for Jenn Barnett
When: Friday, March 26, 2010
Where: The Turf Club, St Paul, MN
Time: 9pm
Cost: $10


Then, cupcakes! An opening of the sweetest kind, involving again great Kate of O'Reilly Creative and another sassy lass, Sheela, who's sweets I've been seeking for years. But most recently via that simple birdie called, Twitter, I have connected with her again. By first meeting, you know Sheela's an individual, and she does what she wants and bakes what she wants. Who else would think up, Grapefruit Champagne, Vegan Chocolate Whiskey & Shamrock Shake cupcake flavors & have tatoos of a stand-up mixer & other bakery icons? Sheela's partnering with Emily and opening Cake Eater Bakery a coffee, cupcake, neighborhood spot, complete with CSA pick up and a Kids Happy Hour.



The salty side of Emily & Sheela...

The sweet...
And the goods...
Also part of the Cake Eaters plan - a rotating assortment of locally designed Cake Eater t-shirts! With the amount of creative talent in this town, I predict a battle of cupcake vs t-shirt to consume me! Click on photo to purchase the first design...


Cake Eater Bakery Opening!
When: Sat, April 3, 8-6
Who: For the neighborhood and families
Open for business - April 5th open to Public

Where: 2929 E 25th Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55406

Another true entrepreneurial spirit is one I've blogged about before, Geri Wolf of StyleLaboratory - which most recently has evolved from a high-end event planning business to the first of it's kind, an Event Lab. I recommend visiting and test-driving the Style Stations on big-screen technology.

Here's another FREE reason to visit.

What: Learn How To "Take a Bunch of Flowers & Turn in into Art"
When: Wed, 4/14, 5-6 pm
Where: Gaviidae Commons II, Skyway Level
Register: http://ezregister.com/events/1391/


Another wizard-like woman I've connected with is Meghan Wilker of Geek Girls Guide and Clockwork. She is a geek girl and proud of it! On our first meeting, I kept thinking, this girl's left-brain powers trump mine by a mile. I was writing notes frantically while she provided me social media advice. She also gave me her time and advice on my site - check out Radar's recent "up-do". Annnnd, my blog will be updating too per Meghan's advice, but that's on my to-do list for my IT dept - which is me, myself and I.

Shortly after our first meeting, I received a Tweet from Meghan, "I have an idea for an event. Could be a radar PR/ marketing thing. Will email you tmrw with deets!"

Then came the email about a Glee Party, Meghan's second annual and she wanted to bring Radar in, "to promote and give you exposure". I'll do just about anything to someone who wants to shine a light on my little engine that could, Radar.

So together with Meghan out came the Glee Party Second Season Premiere Party!

Join Meghan Wilker (@irishgirl) and Nancy Lyons (@nylons) to celebrate the return of Glee, presented by Radar Concierge

Lastly, these connectors are also supporters, involvers, seekers and givers of information and knowledge. All balancing their other roles of busy Moms, Singles, Volunteers, Wives & Girlfriends.

Radar hopes you can hit some of these events, so you too can surround yourself with their spirit.

Another event Radar has to mention is, "Book It, The Party". Hope to see you all there next Thursday, April 1st, 7-10!

Perceive the world as good to you and it comes back.

Goings On Around Town

Punch Pizza, Wed, 12/16 only
Bring in a food donation(s) for the Second Harvest food bank and get a free margherita pizza (or 5.95 off any other pizza).CLICK HERE for COUPON
WHERE: All Punch Restaurants
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Crave Minneapolis Buzz Party, Wed, 12/16, 4-7pm
Learn why you will want to get involved with CRAVE, and meet some of the other most creative, interesting, and gutsy proprietresses throughout the greater Minneapolis/St. Paul area!
WHERE: Victory - 3505 W 44th St, Minneapolis
RSVP: Click here

LOVE THIS: StyledLife Shopping events:
SHOW (the) LOVE WOMEN, Wed, 12/16 5-8pm
Ladies sip sparkling wine and pick out gifts for the men in your lives with the help of the STYLEDLIFE® wardrobe experts. While you're there, fill out a STYLEDLIFE® Wish List to leave for your guy to ensure you receive the perfect present. Can't make it to the event? Send your Wish Lists to STYLEDLIFE®

SHOW (the) LOVE MEN, Thurs, 12/16 5-8pm
Gents can hand over your coat in exchange for a glass of scotch and review your significant other's SL Wish List and choose a sure-fire success to place under the tree.

__________________________________________________________________
Shop Ivy, now-12/24 -Join Ivy for fun Holiday Shopping & receive 25% off our finest selection of shoes, handbags, and clothing including lines such as DVF, Gestuz, Black Halo, PLV, Christopher Deane and much much more!

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Ivy Hotel Holidazzle Deal - Located just 2 blocks from Nicollet Mall via skyway, the HOTEL IVY is offering $5.00 valet event parking in our underground heated garage on the evenings of the Holidazzle Parade!

Come for the parade and stay for dinner. Enjoy a special Holidazzle Holiday menu in Porter & Frye restaurant. Kid's menu complete with hot cocoa and dessert for just $5.95!

Are you on my E-mail list? More insider info there! Just sign-up above.

Guys, Dolls and More!

Another weekend full of local love...

"Bring your husband, boyfriend, girlfriend or co-worker to enjoy unique and complex pairings and as the flavors enlighten their palate, you can lighten the load with easy Holiday Gift shopping at your finger tips with jewelry from Silpada."

"Mary and her staff will be happy to talk about pairing beers with chocolate and how the different styles of breweries compliment different flavor profiles found in cacao."

WHEN: Friday, December 11th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
WHERE: Chocolat Celeste
2506 University Ave. West, St. Paul
RSVP: 651.644.3823

It's a great time to order your holiday gifts. 15% off all gift boxes of truffles and bonbons !



Guys, guys, guys, the last sale at MartinPatrick3, I Twittered, I Tweeted while Tim sipped high-end Scotch while trying on and purchasing 4 killer hats, all at 25% off. A couple of you went, some of you wondered if you should have. Now here's your second chance:

WHEN: Tomorrow, Sat, 12/12 from 1-4,
WHAT: 20% off Watches, Valet Boxes & Shaving Sets


WHEN: Saturday, December 12th, 7pm
WHAT: CURSTER'S DOLLMIGHTY Fashion Show



"Local Minneapolis artist Erin Currie creates extraordinary creatures know as Curster. Now Currie will spin her magic in the runway debut of a stunning clothing line inspired by the Curster’s aesthetic, Curster’s Dollmighty Fashion Show. The clothing is an artfully constructed layering of rich fabrics and hand embroidery, resulting in one of a kind dresses and casual wear with the perfect mixture of coquette, Victorian princess and Tank Girl."

"Also in SooVAC's Gallery Too, starting this weekend, we will be displaying various Curster creations, including plush sculpture, prints, paintings and t-shirts. A perfect one stop boutique for everything Curster!"


X-mas Sweater Bonanza Local Music Show!!

WHEN: Saturday, December 12th, music goes from 6:30 to 10pm
WHERE: The Beat (28th and Henn. Uptown)
WHO: Minor Kingdom w Total Babe and the Chord and the Fawn.

5$ or 3$ if you- wear an ugly sweater.



WHEN: 12/11, 12/17 and 12/18 @ 7:00 p.m.
WHAT: "Pink Pearls" Holiday Variety
WHERE: Neisen's Event Center Savage, MN

Last night I had a date with my parents, Bob and Mariel. We met at the Buffalo Tap in Savage before the "Pink Pearls" show. The Buffalo Tap alone was a treat, my Dad goes every Tuesday with the church guys, so he's a bit of a celeb there. Owner, John greeted us, said he had a "great table over here for you", then he continued to stop by a few times to make sure we where satisfied. Server Joanne, continued to mention the great reviews about the "Pink Pearls" show while chatting about her grand kids. It was a classic Minnesota dining experience, and I loved it.

So we ended dinner at 6:20, when my Dad said, "we better go". The show was 2 blocks away, so the 40 minutes he allowed was pretty safe. He he.

Two blocks away brought us to the Neisen's Sports Bar & Grill. Now I'm guessing this is the Mike Neisen I graduated with from Burnsville HS? Anyway, Neisen's holds quite the range of "entertainment" such as midget wrestling, cage fighting, Thai boxing and what we were after, the "Pink Pearls" Holiday Show.



We had a front row seat, so it paid to be early, right Dad? The show was just what I needed to really get into the holiday spirit. A combination of "Eileen Pearls" self-help inspiration through comedy, tribute songs, classic Christmas songs and original songs written & performed by the three, 100% Norwegian sisters, Kjersten, Alisa & Kara, who make up the "Sister Production". I kept imagining "Pink Pearls" would fit well into a Garrison Keillor show. The song, "The Aunts" is a nod to their beloved Mom & her two sisters which included a simple "Food, Food, Food" chorus. Throughout the song, the sisters danced & sang on and off stage, bringing out loads of food - lefse, hotdish, pies and more hotdish. A tribute song, "Rollin, Rollin' Rollin" sang with choreographed rolling pin moves and original lefse lyrics, was quite adorable. The classic Christmas songs were performed beautifully, "O Holy Night", "Do You Hear What I Hear" and many more. My favorite song, "Snow", an original written by Kara, was stunning and reminded me what it means to be a Minnesotan, I included lyrics below.

If you have MN roots, which many of you do, "Pink Pearls" is a light-hearted, feel-good Holiday toast to chasing your dreams, embracing who we are, where we come from and the land we love, especially at this time of year.

SNOW
We know it's cold in Minnesota
they wonder why we stay
smile at each other jokin' about how we're movin' south someday but the snow comes and goes and we're still here storm after storm year after year old man winter is stubborn and proud and so are the folks who keep hanging around

Blow snow blow
blow us into next year
sit at the window during a storm and watch the neighbors house disappear blow snow blow from here to kingdom come my car won't start my toes are numb and I wouldn't trade places with anyone

Winter is long in Minnesota
the snow birds take to flight
the source of the north
the days run short
sunlight drains into the basin of night
we're a little thick headed and a little thick skinned we lace our boots up and we dig our heels in but everyone bows and bends and spins when there's a clipper in the wind

Baton down the hatches, secure the locks and latches get beneath the quilts bright patches before the Iceman snatches

Blow snow blow
Blow in your downy night
release the geese
reveal the swan
trump the grey with a blanket of white
Blow snow blow
and cover everything
beneath the sheet your work complete
your masterpiece unveiled in spring

Blow snow blow
blow in as bright as morn
and the in the quiet after the storm
I'll be right here in the place
I was born.

A NYE like no other...

Just announced:

NEW YEAR'S EVE
FARM DINNER IN THE CITY!

At Corner Table for New Years Eve, Scott Pampuch has worked with the city to close off 43rd street and set up a farm style dinner table in a heated tent. "If you attended the dinners this year, this is a great way to end the year. If you missed this year, this could be the best dinner yet, so please join us"!

New Year's Eve
December 31st, 2009
Reception starts at 6pm
Dinner at 7:00pm
$150.00 per person
5 course with beer and wine

Tickets only available online at Tour de Farm

A Saturday of Frosting and Friends

The local yoga couture company, Foat, offers workshops and not just around yoga, there's one about cupcakes! So if you'd like to spend a Saturday frosting with friends, this workshop's just for you. Sweet uh?!

Beer, Cycling, Nessie, Yo & Downward Dog

The "What's Ups" for this weekend:

TONIGHT, July 9th: OM Indian Beer Tasting at Sorella Wines & Spirits

The contenders:

Flying Horse: A crisp, clean lager beer; the people of India consider it to be the finest beer in the world.

Kingfisher: Brewed in copper urns since 1857 and uses crystal clear water, delicate grain malt, and fine hops.

Maharaja: The winner of the Silver Medal at the World Beer Championships, this premium Pilsner has hints of fruit with grainy, pale malt aromas.

Taj Mahal: A beer for the serious connoisseur; brewed from only the finest water, grain, hops and yeast.

NOW - July 26th: Cyclist fans - Birchwood Cafe's Live coverage daily of the Tour de France

Featuring French Press Peace Coffee, Pâtisserie, French Ale, Quiche Lorraine, Brioche French Toast, and our infamous Tour de Lance Turkey Burger all month long. And Tour trivia too!

SATURDAY, July 11 : - Yo Gabba Gabba! - 5 pm, Opening Reception at Pink Hobo

"Yo Gabba Gabba! is an Emmy-nominated and Bafta Award winning pre-school series shown weekly on Nick Jr., Noggin and other cable networks around the world. Probably the coolest, most A-list children's television series since...well, time began, this show features indie cartoonists, indie rockers and celebrities. Yo Gabba Gabba!'s costume design, illustration and artwork have been up for awards left and right during the lifetime of the show, so expect to be impressed at this exhibit, which will be up until the end of the month."

Pink Hobo is a modern geek gallery in Northeast. Everything from children's books to computational art can be found here at any given time. They throw some great parties with all their arty friends too, so check out their opening receptions.

The Hobo keeps regular hours Monday through Friday from about 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. but you've gotta knock on the door because they keep it locked.

Have you heard about the Lake Creature ("Nessie") on Lake Harriet? "Once upon a time, in a far away land, a young Lake Creature left her parents' nest and went searching for a home of her own. "Where will I live?" thought the Lake Creature as she began her adventure. "It must be someplace very special. It should be friendly and beautiful. It should have lush green landscapes, fragrant flower beds and scenic byways. And most of all, of course, it must have lakes – lots and lots and lots of lakes!"

SATURDAY. July 11th 9:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m. - Remember the store, "Sister Fun"? The quirky, cute owner is still in business online and is having a sale:
Sat. July 11th 9:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m.
2080 Hartford Ave. - Highland Park
St. Paul, MN

PLAN AHEAD: SplitRock Urban Retreats
Create your own mini-holiday with a half-day urban retreat. SplitRock's first yoga and wine tasting was such a success that they've added 2 more dates this summer! If you missed out or want to go again, sign up today. Here are photos of the first event from my friend Nicole:




Sunday, July 19*
Morning Yoga and Brunch with the Winemaker, $95
10:30 Vinyasa Yoga in the vineyard with Alissa Johnson, RYT
11:30 Napa Valley Brunch prepared by Chef Jason Hadley (sample menu on the web site)
12:30 Private tour of the vineyard and winery
1:30 Personal tasting of the Saint Croix Vineyard wine selection

To register: Email info@splitrockretreats.com. They can send you a pay pal link or you can mail a check to:
Amanda LaRiviere
3908 17th Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55406

Celebrate Good Times, Come On!

Whether if it's with your graduate, your daughter, your dad or your BFF, there are special ways to celebrate the special day to the everyday:

Tomorrow at Mitrebox Framing Studio & Gifts, a Frosted Inspiration art opening:



The Walker's summer-only Garden Grill, eats for $5 or less:


Don´t forget about Live Lobster Sunday at Jax Cafe. Be sure to reserve your 1 ½ lb. Whole Maine Lobster with soup or salad, potato, and vegetable for $30!! Order by phone, in person, or online.


Grab a patch of grass and celebrate summer with a new book, Abby Sunshine, with a little one in your life. A talented friend did the charming illustrations.


Celebrate yourself with a new concept, Split Rock Urban Retreats. What are urban retreats? Local and regional outings that let you do something good for yourself and indulge in the good life, all while featuring homegrown businesses and attractions... like, say, an afternoon yoga and wine tasting retreat at Saint Croix Vineyards in Stillwater.

Business owners, Alissa and Amanda are offering a Friends and Family Inaugural Event, on Saturday, June 20, here's the day's line-up:

-Noon vinyasa yoga class in the vineyard, led by Alissa
-Napa Valley style lunch, prepared by Chef Jason (Amanda's husband and Culinary Wizard)
-2:00 Private tour of the vineyard and winery
-Wine tasting featuring complete Saint Croix Vineyard Selection

To get up and running,they're offering this inaugural event at $50 (full value $100).

HURRY ONLY 3 SPOTS left - To Register: Simply email Alissa - alissamjohnson@gmail.com

In the Future: Split Rock Urban Retreats will launch a full business, complete with other urban retreats (yoga play for mom and kiddo, anyone?) and customized retreats for bachelorette parties, showers, corporate retreats... you name it! Watch for developments and a website soon!

Celebrate dinner out with your tiniest one and order Sweet Cheeks organic baby food right off the menu!

Restaurants catering to these mini munchers:

128 Cafe in St Paul:

Or Birchwood Cafe in the Seward Mpls neighborhood:


So there ya have it, from big to small, now go and celebrate.

Memorial Day Weekend, aka Summer is Here!

Noooooooow, it feels like we've arrived. Summer, the season we all deserve, after that, that winter...

Here's Radar's kick-off of suggestions on seeing, doing and making this summer in the cities memorable.

Starting with this weekend:

It's Memorial Day, we know what that means. Take time to do just that. If you've have never been through Lakewood Cemetery, it is stunning, peaceful and filled with Twin Cities history. Lakewood will hold a service on Monday, 10.30 a.m. at the Soldiers Memorial. Following the Ceremony will be guided walking tours of the cemetery, horse and carriage tours, children's art activities, historical presentations, and music. The event is free and open to all.

Historic Fort Snelling hosts a Memorial Day tribute Timeline of the American Soldier on Monday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Costumed staff will help interpret United States military history, with characters from 225 years of history. There will be firing demonstrations at the fort.

The new exhibit at the Minnesota History Center, Minnesota's Greatest Generation, celebrates the World War II generation. A three-day opening weekend has family activities every day. On Monday, veterans are remembered with a Color Guard ceremony, World War II veterans, WWII re-enactments and short plays.

Memory Lanes Block Party!



Cliche, will hold an art reception for photographer, Laura Hallen, and offer 10% off storewide.



FiveTwoSix Salon, featured artists, including MJ Heubach and Booka B will collaborate on a painting while spinning original music, and MCAD grad student Aron Taylor will be making experimental sculputres/paintings. FREE

MCAD will host, Wizard of Oz according to Graham Rawle, "Using handcrafted miniature sets, carved sculptures, found objects, and other unusual materials (such as Pringles cans and spray-painted asparagus), celebrated British artist Graham Rawle crafted dynamic and oftentimes surreal illustrations for his re-imagining of L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz, including original characters and scenes that will be unfamiliar to those who have only seen the cinema classic. This exhibition features Rawle's Oz works--illustrations that "come alive in the strangest of ways."

Last weekend for the Ten Minute Play Festival at Bedlam Theater.


Bella Music Festival, here's what Chris Riemenschneider has to say: "this small but adventurous three-day jam bash makes up for its lack of big-name headliners with a familial vibe (carried over from its predecessor, the Big Wu Family Reunions) and its proximity to the Twin Cities (about 90 minutes south of town). The third annual lineup is loaded with acts from San Francisco’s hazy scene, including rootsy jammers Tea Leaf Green, former Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann (partnering with swamp-rocking Texan Rastafarian Papa Mali), DJ/musician/producer Bassnectar and quirky but truly funky indie-rap hero Del the Funky Homosapien. Minnesota groups range from twangy favorites Pert Near Sandstone and the White Iron Band to hip-hop stalwarts Heiruspecs and Dessa, to the usual psychedelic pack, including the Big Wu, God Johnson, Pleasure Pause and the Feelin."

Farmers Markets, visit one, buy from one, this helps local farmers and our community.

Visit the Lake Harriet Elf House - on the south side of the lake, if you have your own little people in your life, they will love to imagine what this official "little man" is all about.

(my God-daughter Grace & lil' sis, Kate)

Como Zoo - and go not just for the animals, hop on the classic carousel, which is a perfect backdrop for a beautiful photo. Here's a couple I shot for a wedding:


And the Como Zoo rides, which now make me sick, especially while taking a photo:


Rent an Ice Cream Truck for your party! Or at least follow Blue Bell Ice Cream on Facebook. Friending Blue Bell saves you the time from running after the truck! Although that feels more like summer.


Other ice cream you don't have to run for:
Sonny's, 466 Hamline Avenue So, St Paul 55105


Adele's Custard, in the quaint town of Excelsior.

Liberty Frozen Custard, yum, yum, yum and in a retro, renovated gas station.

Other casual eats that scream summer:

Brasa, which opens in St Paul this June!

Chef Shack, always at the Mill City Farmers Market on Saturdays:


But you can follow the Shack's other where-abouts on Facebook and Twitter here:



Now fairs, any kinds of fairs may not be your thing, but how about looking at them for their charm? Or for the time spent with family and friends. My Dad and I have been going to the MN State Fair together since I was 13, it's one of those events that I love, more so each year because of who I'm with:






We have a fair/festival almost every weekend this summer, make one an event with those you love. Fairs/Festivals


Well, how's that for a start to the summer? Get out, stay local, buy local and love local, it's good for you.