City Guide: Girls' Night Out

WELL, it felt good to get back into normal clothes yesterday after Sunday's "octogenarian" bash! I'm all for a theme party—and bingo—but I'll pass forever on the double-wide, elastic-waist shorts (pants?) I pulled off a Goodwill rack to wear to the occasion. Skinny jeans have never felt better! 

Today's post is a little different! Bea, who blogs at ExploreMPLS, is sharing five fun spots for your next girls' night. Having good girlfriends is so important, and I love that her ideas prioritize that relationship. I had never heard of Gyst (which has been open for over two years, where have I been?) until reading her recs and had to try a wine flight for myself at the quaint fermentation bar right off Eat Street (see below! Lol to my friend Jackie quietly admiring the spread in the last photo. We were kind of dying over the butcher block tables, Olivia Pope wine glasses—even the glowy, pinkish light pouring into the windows). Scroll for all of Bea's picks. And cheers to girlfriends.

THE DAY TRIP

Wedge & Wheel | Stillwater

Go for the cheese. 

This cute cheese shop curates the best cheeses and meats of the moment—a great way to try new flavors you might otherwise skip over. I recommend the Big Board to share as a meal. My favorite part is you can buy and bring home anything you like.

THE NEW HOT SPOT

Lynhall | Lynlake

Go for the community. 

With long tables and high ceilings, this welcoming and charming spot has a modern cafeteria feel. Walking in for the first time, I was immediately greeted by a server who explained how to order. Some of my favorites are the Steamed Bun, Beet Farro Salad and French Silk Pie. 

THE ACTIVITY

Lab Mpls | Loring Park

Go to get your hands dirty. 

This requires some planning ahead because you need to purchase tickets and some classes sell out fast! My sister and I did the Cocktail Lab for my birthday and it was so fun! We learned how to make 3 different kinds of cocktails and the supplies were set up in the most Instagram-worthy way. 

THE CLASSIC

Café Lurcat | Loring Park

Go for the ambiance. 

This is one of the prettiest restaurants in the city—I love it because I feel like I'm in a different city. In the summer the patio is filled with white furniture and umbrellas and twinkling lights in the evening. My favorites on the menu are the Pot Roast, the Apple, Cheese & Chive Salad, and—of course—the Cinnamon Sugar Donuts. 

THE ADVENTURE

Gyst | Eat Street 

Go for the wine flights. 

With Kombucha on tap and a drink called Brine & Soda, there is something new to try every time. I tried a sparkling wine flight, the Motherboard and Grilled Cheese and all were delicious—plus, they serve extra bread so you don't have to ration your bites! They also focus on sustainable farming, which is just one more thing to love.

Thanks, Bea! 

blueprint juice cleanse

By coincidence, I got a massage (perfect timing for a sore leg muscle), haircut (emergency, as always) and facial (learned my skin needs more Vitamin C) all in the course of a week. The health & beauty trifecta made me feel fresh and recharged on the outside, so it only seemed right to let my inside in on the action, too. I'd wanted to try a juice cleanse for a while, but didn't want to spend hundreds of dollars or commit to an entire week of liquid nourishment. I spotted these trendy little juices on blogger Grace Atwood's Instagram (the power of packaging!), searched her site for a testimonial (found here), then looked into BluePrint™ myself. Because I could choose the length of my cleanse (one day to get just a taste and keep cost down) and level (beginner!)—and because I'm in a no-time-like-now mood lately—I decided to drink up. I scheduled delivery so I could consume the juices on Monday (despite having more time for working out on weekends, I always seem to go to sleep Sunday feeling off track and in desperate need of detox). Today's Tuesday, and I'm happy to report a positive experience. I don't feel like a new person, but I wasn't expecting that after just one day of juice. I do feel clean and extra-inspired to stay the healthy course (at least until the weekend!). A play-by-play of the six steps:

images via

6 AM: Woke up with hot water and lemon. 

I love the purifying feeling of this most-basic beverage— 

it always makes coffee seem like muddy sludge in comparison.

Pledging to swap Folgers for citrus water
whenever I don't need  the extra kick of an Americano.

8:30 AM: Arrived at work and promptly poured
a hot peppermint-spearmint tea.

10 AM: First juice of the day: Green Juice. 

Not painful, but also not pleasant. It was hard to swallow normally
after eyeing the seaweed-y swirls of romaine, spinach and kale.
I got halfway through the bottle in an hour and left it at that.

12 PM: Time for juice #2, Pinapple/Apple/Mint. 

Delicious. I could drink this all day.

1 PM: Another peppermint-spearmint tea.

2 PM: Second Green Juice. 

I was tempted to skip it and have another tea because I wasn't
fighting any hunger, but figured I should get some of the nutrients
lurking in that dark green stew (ha). (Slowly) drank a little
over three-fourths of the bottle this time—pat on the back.

4 PM: Time for juice #4 already—Spicy Lemonade, 

which goes down easily. I feel like the day is flying.

6:15 PM: Got home from work and cracked open juice #5, 

a Beet/Carrot concoction. This was the toughest part
of the twenty-four hours since it's normally when I have a handful
of sweet trail mix or spicy peanuts after a day resisting snacking. 

I was tempted more by habit than actual hunger.

7:30 PM: Started in on the Cashew Milk
while watching The Voice (are the judges not hilarious this season?). 

I was skeptical of the creamy white liquid, but the cinnamon
and vanilla made it a sweet treat. I went to bed satisfied.

This one-day Renovation Cleanse was pretty easy to do without any prep (no headaches, no fatigue, really no hunger), and now looking at the descriptions of Renovation versus Foundation, I realize the Foundation Cleanse is a better match for me based on my eating habits. I'll try this level next time, and maybe for—gasp—two days?! Perfect way to start October! Until then, I'll "maintain" with a Tasting Flight. Dying to try a Coffee Cashew!

simply balanced obsession

Hello, September! This month is all about back-to-school, fashion, the return of football—and like any flip of the calendar, a fresh start. If you're well into post-grad territory, don't quite have a NYFW budget and your team lost last night, celebrate the first signs of fall with a wholesome pantry pick-me-up courtesy Target's Simply Balanced—you'll get the same happy buzz as when you catch a glimpse of the catwalk I swear—a relationship several years in the making for me. My introduction to corporate life happened in the shining, bustling halls of Target. With headquarters connected via skyway to the downtown Minneapolis location, "store runs" (for coffee, to see the latest merch set, to pick up personal items while networking) were a regular part of the day. And with the team member discount, getting my groceries at the Big Bullseye was not only convenient, but practical. While I no longer work there, old habits die hard—and there's a familiarity with the brand and expectation for what I will find on the shelves that Whole Foods, Hy-Vee and co-ops can't quickly erase. Simply Balanced is the new (or updated) owned brand at Target, spanning a range of dairy, fresh and frozen foods free of artificial flavors, colors and preservatives—many are certified organic. The brand officially launched last June, but I only noticed its prominence this summer, and lately it's been sneakily stocking my kitchen cabinets. I didn't intentionally set out to sample Simply Balanced, but the fresh packaging and tasty-looking products caught my attention. And held it. I'm hooked on everything I've tried—and my Target runs are now almost ramped up to their old frequency. Some of my favorites:

WITH BREAKFAST: Chia seeds
Chia seeds are said to control hunger and act as a natural energy booster. They have a mild, nutty flavor that's a light alternative to granola in yogurt and an extra bit of crunchy sustenance when sprinkled on peanut butter toast. Plus adding these to your diet will make you feel like a total Gwyneth (in a positive, health nut way).

FOR DESSERT + SNACKS: Dried Mango, Cantaloupe and Strawberries
I like a little something sweet at night, but chocolate hasn't appealed to me lately. These sweetened dried fruit chunks taste like candy—and are a great alternative to Hershey. I eat the addicting little guys right from the bag, but Target suggests adding them to salads and granola, which also sounds delicious.

AFTER THE GYM: Pineapple Coconut Water
I can't find an image of this online, but the packaging looks just like the Zico carton (different from the Simply Balanced Essence Water). Coconut water is super hydrating and packed with potassium, which makes this sweet and refreshing beverage satisfying fuel post-workout. Just swap it in any time you'd normally grab a Gatorade.




I've also put the Spicy Italian Chicken Sausage in pasta and paired with sauteed onions and peppers, and happily, it tastes just like the "real thing." Still on my shopping list to test: Coffee + Mocha Yogurt, Mint Green Tea and Sparkling Grapefruit Juice. Try some of these this weekend and start September on a high note!

Photos via Target

discovery: mouth

Gather 'round, gather 'round! I just made the most exciting discovery that is my new FIRST STOP shop for gifts and occasions of all shapes and sizes (confession: I'm actually a little hesitant to post this because I kind of want to keep it my own little surprise-and-delight weapon, but .... sharing is caring). Mouth packages indie food products into themed bundles that are so finger-licking cute you'll create full-blown celebrations out of barely-there whispers just for an excuse to buy one. Order one-time deliveries or monthly subscriptions for your bridesmaids, gracious hostess, new crush or sweet-tooth grandpa. My parents dream in pate and dried peppercorns so (spoiler alert Mom!) one of these artisan samplers will be perfect for their anniversary next month. Maybe the Hot Stuff Taster (they'll love the spicy Bloody Mary mix) or my own handpicked curation of cheese and crackers for a weekend at the lake. I could happily spend all day and night browsing Mouth's seemingly endless supply of painfully (in a hurts-so-good way) creative assortments and reading the deliciously smart & descriptive copy—while I nibble whiskey sour pickles and sip an aperitif (courtesy of the "happy hour in a bag"), of course. The smartly-designed site even features a feed showing trending products and a location-based log of who viewed and bought what. Talk about addictive. Are you salivating yet? Have an amazing weekend! Find something to celebrate (inspiration below).

because dorm food is a little depressing: #Classof2014

because it's summer and you shall eat ice cream for dinner: Vegan Caramel Sauce

for all the headaches—happy father's day: Bourbon of the Month

for landing a new job (or being awesome at the current one): Bring Home the Bacon

support the early morning marathon training: Guatemalan Coffee

for the breakup: French Toast Chocolate Bar

all images via Mouth

pancakes and benjamin braddock

I've got some things going for me, but when it comes to cooking, I'm not winning any James Beards. But lately I've been motivated to make some simple dishes (including an amazing quinoa, chickpea, cucumber and tomato salad) and loved the process—so I'm riding the wave. When friends were discussing brunch plans last weekend, it occurred to me that I've never made the most basic of all breakfasts: pancakes. I don't typically like starting the day with a big meal, but I've been feeling really domestic and content with downtime at home—and lazily passing the morning with a thick stack of flapjacks and magazines on my sun-soaked balcony is the perfect low-key activity for that mood. If you want to chill out without the carbs, enjoy a Dustin Hoffman marathon. I'm making an effort to see more classic movies and made good on that goal during yesterday's thunderstorm with The Graduate. I love learning the background of an actor's real life relative to what's happening in character—and it's fascinating to watch Hoffman knowing his performance "made" his career. Some superficial research revealed that the 30 year-old was unknown before being seduced by Mrs. Robinson, his casting made "conventional good looks" no longer an on-screen requirement, and he turned down a lot of roles following Graduate fame for less glamorous theater gigs. So interesting. Can't wait to continue the study with Rain Man and All the President's Men. Hope your week's off to a great start (and if not—line up a Saturday pancake fest to look forward to)!

Chocolate: reminds me of my mom's fluffy cocoa-infused 'cakes that were such a sleepover hit.
Lemon Poppyseed: lightly sweet with delicate texture—interesting, but subtle.
Banana Nut: the nutty crunch gives it a hearty feel and robust taste.
Espresso Chip: an indulgent way to get that great coffee flavor and energizing caffeine kick (sans teeth stains!).

la croix and lulu

I used to despise sparkling water (my mom drank lemon Klarbrunn when I was little), but I think it's a taste you acquire as you get older, like coffee. Lately I can't get enough. It helps that La Croix has amazing flavors. And now that it's getting warmer, it's time to start making the easiest little sangria that my friend turned me on to last summer. I've mentioned before that I'm not the craftiest or fussiest girl around. I can appreciate making something for the pleasure of the process, but sometimes you just want the cold drink. Combine wine and La Croix (and a few ice cubes) and you got it. I love the cranberry-raspberry with red and peach-pear with white. So light and refreshing when it's hot and humid. And warmer, longer days mean there's more to do than hunker down with cocktails at home: more motivation to spin at the gym down the street, more incentive to meet friends for half-price apps, more daylight. Lululemon's new &go line helps you fit everything in by blending traditional yoga wear and date night details. I think I like it. Adding the Tech Mesh Tights and open-back tanks to my cart first! Shop it here, sizes are selling out fast!

via  

eat dessert first

Driving home from Trader Joe’s on Saturday, the green and yellow Greenbush Bakery sign on Regent Street caught my eye – I remembered seeing the name on a Best of Madison list. When I first moved to the city I was a rock star about trying new restaurants and hotspots, but haven’t been as exploratory lately. Blame winter and my budget. But last night I forced myself out of the rut and into the unassuming shop that looked from the outside like it could be a hardware supply store – conveying an authentic "we do donuts, not decor" personality. I usually save sweets (and general indulging) for Saturday and Sunday, but this was about getting to know my neighborhood and trying new things – and certain sacrifices must be made. An old-fashioned chorus of bells rings obnoxiously when you open the door, but the sugary scent that floats in the air makes you immediately forgive it. At 6 pm, the counter was still chock full of glazed and frosted puffs – a win for the working girl. And for two bucks, I went home with two tens. Snacking on the delicately crispy, airy donuts while watching Juan Pablo make a fool of himself was just what Monday needed. It's going to be a good week. I can taste it. If you're not persuaded to press pause on your healthy routine for just one morning, stay the course with NYFW (day six currently underway) model Josephine Skriver, who's dishing on her pre-show breakfast here.

zzesty gift-giving

Sending my first Christmas gifts out in the mail today! I picked everything up at ZZest, a café & market in my hometown run by a couple who live right around the corner from my parents. Jerry and LeeAnn have owned and operated several restaurants in Rochester over the years; this, the newest. The space is half gourmet pantry, half dining room, with a large open bar that offers dynamic views of the chefs at work amidst bright burners and chopping knives. In the summer, I die for the wood-fired pizza on the outdoor patio (the salty hand-pulled mozzarella is beyond); in winter, it’s seasonal mussels – and I don't leave town without a doggy bag of skordalia. Swing in next time you're in southeast Minn! Long and tasty tangent aside, wishing you a HAPPY WEEKEND full of artisan eats and holiday cheer! 

snackin' easy and fancy

Playing host for the holidays? Most of my friends are sipping (OK, swigging) the Pinterest Kool-Aid and churning out all kinds of DIY things that would make Martha Stewart giggle with delight, but I like to keep the measuring, boiling and general monkeying to a minimum (hey, less prep, more party). Flip to my page ‘cause it doesn’t get much easier – or tastier – than Trader Joe’s Marcona Almonds. They’re softer than regular almonds and pre-seasoned with rosemary and salt – the taste you can see! They are SOGOOD and feel gourmet, which is important when entertaining – good luck getting people back over if the appetizer tray is just Triscuits. Round out the spread with candied pecans, hummus and pita, charcuterie and cheese. Even Martha's mouth will water.

Folgers French Vanilla

It’s not as trendy as Dunkin’ or as sexy as Starbucks, but Folgers French Vanilla is its own brand of magic. For someone who likes her coffee without milk or sugar, it has just enough flavor to keep me coming back without the awful aftertaste of syrupy-sweet creamers. It's mellow and creamy, and my parents would probably say it's not strong enough, but I'm not yet at the point where I need my coffee to electric shock me out the door. And the aroma. The aroma is half the experience, and friends who stay with me invariably ask what it is filling their mugs. I'm convinced it actually would rouse you from sleep like the commercials claim. I picked up the scent at my friend Stacy’s lake house, where her mom stocks the grounds – thanks, Nance! – and now really can't leave for work without it. Plus, it's pretty cool that the brand introduced commercially roasted coffee to the masses. Sing it with me now, "The best part of waking up..."

Earth Balance Coconut and Peanut Spread

The talk show may be kaput, but Oprah's Favorite Things are still kicking! This year's list of goodies is live. As always, it's sprinkled with unique & useful gifts, the latest and greatest gadgets, and little morsels to enhance your everyday — tasted and tested by the most influential woman in the world. 

Holiday ideas for family and friends are bubbling around in my brain, but one thing I'm gifting myself without delay is the Earth Balance Coconut & Peanut Spread. 

photo courtesy earthbalancenatural.com

The creamy or crunchy spread is a mouth-watering way to wake up morning toast that's still a nutritional & bright-eyed breakfast. If you're riding the health-nut train, you can happily haul this aboard because it's 100% natural, vegan and gluten-free. 

Dig deeper because there's more to unwrap: Oprah's Favorite Things 2012. 

Goop Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie

Founded in 2008, Goop is Gwyneth Paltrow’s digital lifestyle publication and many women’s “most trusted girlfriend” on the web. The curated collection of fashion, wellness, travel, cooking guidance and more is updated weekly to share the kinds of tips that organically pass among your friend circle.

I only recently subscribed for issues sent straight to my inbox, but am already fully addicted, most rapidly devouring the recipe register.

Simple yet oh-so-good, the Veggie BLAT will surely become a go-to dinner, and I can’t wait to snack on the hearty homemade granola bars as I haven't found a satisfying supermarket variety. There’s also an enticing smorgasbord of juices and smoothies I’m adding to my beverage portfolio ASAP, starting with the Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie.

As someone who turns up her nose to eggs and grudgingly chokes down orange juice only when sick, breakfast has always been a stitch in my side. My family teases about the time I ordered French toast with a side of toast at a post-Mass brunch. I agree this carb-heavy kind of feast isn't ideal, but many menus don’t offer much beyond omelets and frittatas. I had no choice.

In addition to my taste bud handicap, time is a limitation. I dawdle through morning showering, blowdrying and dressing, making pancake-flipping a non-existent possibility before catching the bus. I’ve been in a yogurt routine, interspersed with the occasional English muffin, but these AM meals quickly boil into humdrum monotony.

GP’s Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie is a godsend if you experience similar restrictions, but want to start the day in a purely nutritional, energizing -- and interesting -- way. 

photo courtesy goop.com

The blend of greens, avocado, protein powder, almond milk, cacao and fresh mint packs serious power that sustains til lunch. A hint of minty chocolate gives the ultra-healthy drink an indulgent tastiness that is the motivation to get out of bed and get to work. 

While contributing energy equal to a heaping plate of bacon, this liquid breakfast maintains the flat-stomach feeling you wake up with instead of cooking up the bloated belly of a lumberjack. Make a batch of the beverage before bed and freeze or refrigerate so you can grab 'n go at daybreak -- perfect for lollygaggers like me. 

A one-stop shop for reliable recipes [and all things lifestyle], Goop is virtual gold. I can’t stop reading. Props, Gwyn.

Williams-Sonoma Chocolate Chocolate Croissants

Between weddings and lake weekends, you'll inevitably be a house guest at some point this month. If you’re bored of arriving on doorsteps bearing the standard bottle of Pinot or unoriginal floral bouquet, instead offer your hostess a bundle of tempting pastries. The delectable treat signals a special occasion [unless you indulge in lavish spreads of French baked goods regularly] and graciously lessens the effort the entertainer must exert on your behalf.

Master pastry chef Jean-Yves Charon makes an exclusive double-chocolate croissant for Williams-Sonoma that is sure to sweeten even the sourest tooth – and guarantee your invitation to return, soon.

photo courtesy of williams-sonoma.com

Cocoa powder is added to the Belgian chocolate-infused dough to create a twofold chocolate assault commonly found in boutique patisseries. After rising overnight, the buttery confections emerge from the oven [with warm, melted centers wrapped in flaky, browned shells] before your coffee cools.

Snappy one-step prep ensures no one will be quarantined in the kitchen all morning, and the group can spend the day as intended: together.  

Blueberry Lemonade 4th of July Cocktail

The holiday of hot dogs, lake time and patriotism is here. Time to let the firecrackers rip. I wish I were in Michigan’s U.P. with my family as tradition dictates, but the untimely mid-week landing of the 4^th prevents such an excursion this year.

If you’re not spending the week partying and pontooning, ensure you take at least a few hours Wednesday to salute the land of the free. In addition to wearing some kind of star-spangled get-up, I’ll be toasting our nation with a festive drink.    

This blueberry lemonade cocktail is delicious year-round, but the components make it particularly relevant for Independence Day. Nostalgically sweet lemonade is mixed with vodka in the holiday’s traditional blueberry flavor for a no-fuss prep you’ll surely repeat. Garnish your glass with a few berries and mint leaves for an instantly festive feel. Happy birthday, America!

Shrimp Ceviche

When it comes to cooking, I like to keep it quick and easy, but still enjoy fresh and varied ingredients. After sampling this shrimp ceviche recipe at a cooking class earlier in the year, it’s seen heavy rotation in my kitchen.

The fresh avocado, tomato and lime juice are reminiscent of guacamole, but peeled shrimp makes this cocktail more substantial and satisfying than the heavy dip. The consistency of ceviche likens the meal more to a light seasonal salad than a mole you should scoop up with a strictly limited number of Tostito Golds.  

The mixture is most commonly served in fresh tortillas or paired with chips as an appetizer, but I also enjoy it unaccompanied. A light citrus wine [Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio] sweetly complements this meal [and most other things]. Cheers!