Windy City & Twin Cities: Things To Do

I am doing a bit of a blog swap with Kendra over at Thornton Travel in Chicago.  She invited me to work on a collaborated project where we both discuss the things we love to do in our hometowns.  Here is what Kendra had to say about Chicago:

The Windy City is a great place to live. As a travel enthusiast, I love that my hometown is also a great place to visit. There’s a story that says that locals tend not to go and see nearby attractions, but for me that is certainly not true. Chicago has a lot to offer, and I enjoy taking advantage of the many things to do, see and eat here.

1. See Sculptures in the Windy City

I love art. One of the greatest places to see art for free in Chicago is along the Michigan Avenue Bridge. This bascule bridge extends the famous avenue across the primary branch of the Chicago River into downtown. The bridge itself is a must-see. The landmark also boasts several famous sculptures and otherworks of art that make it a great place to visit.

2. Get Water Logged in the Windy City

You don’t have to experience Chicago’s lake-effect snow to appreciate the city’s relationship to water. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, my city has been shaped by the water in many ways. One of my favorite ways to enjoy the water is with a visit to Shedd Aquarium. Located on Chicago’s Museum Campus near the lake, the aquarium houses over 1,500 species of marine life. Their Beluga Encounter provides visitors the opportunity to come face-to-face with a majestic beluga whale. (http://sheddaquarium.org)

3. Check Out the Windy City Skyline

Few skylines are as famous as Chicago’s. It features three of the country’s five tallest buildings. Two of the most iconic buildings here are the Sears Tower and the John Hancock Center. When picking a place to stay in the Windy City, be sure to select one where you’ll have a great view. There are plenty of hotels to choose from, luxury and historic, to budget and modern, there is something for everyone and every family.

4. Eat at a Windy City Diner

If you love diner food and Milk Duds, you’ll fall in love with Lou Mitchell’s. This iconic local diner serves up some of the best all-American food in the Windy City. While eating out in Chicago can be expensive, it never is here. As an added bonus, they always distribute Milk Duds to the kids and the ladies. This tradition started years ago when a friend and customer of Uncle Lou first invented the candy.

Of course, you can see, do and experience plenty more in my city. I always recommend coming more than once to get in as much sightseeing, shopping and exploring as possible. I hope you can visit soon.

Thank you Kendra!  We enjoyed hearing about Chicago.  It has been a few years since I was there last.  Lake Michigan sure adds beauty to the cityscape.  Now to tell you a little bit about my hometown, otherwise known as the Twin Cities area, or Minneapolis/St. Paul. 

Credit: Wikimedia Commons / PhotosByJeremiah

My family has only lived here a few months, so at times I still feel like a tourist when I am out and about.  Minneapolis/St. Paul area has it all.  They have history, architecture, night life, family fun, and events for any pallet.  We have first class restaurants and premiere shopping.

Forbes named Minneapolis #1 for America's Top Healthiest Cities.  There are parks, biking and running paths woven through the whole metropolitan area and suburbs.  Here are a couple main points that make the Twin Cities an amazing place to visit.

1.  Art and Theater

The Twin Cities area of Minnesota has arguably the best art scene between the East and West coasts.  They host world renowned theaters, such as the Guthrie and the Ordway Theaters, as well as more intimate settings such as The Children's Theater and the Chanhassen Dinner Theater.  Minneapolis/St. Paul also support dozens of art, cultural, and science museums, large ballets, dance and fold companies, filmmakers groups and more.  If you are in the mood for culture, you will certainly find it in the Twin Cities.  Some of our favorite museums are the Walker Art Center, the Science Museum of Minnesota, and the Minnesota History Center.

2.  Getting Reacquainted With Nature

If  green is your scene, Minneapolis/St. Paul is the location for you.  All around and through the cities are thick patches of tall, bushy trees and lush green grass intertwined with bike and walking paths for the residents and visitors to enjoy.  Deemed Land of 10,000 lakes, The Twin Cities carry on Minnesota's mantra from East to West.  Public parks dot the area and provide endless opportunities for fishing, picnicking, ice skating, biking, bird watching, boating and a plethora of other activities.  Due to their vigilance in keeping wetlands protected and maintaining dense forested areas even with urban expansion, along with their incredibly environmentally conscious residents, Minneapolis/St. Paul was named the 4th cleanest of cities in the world.  

Photo courtesy of Brian Roberts

3.  Whoop For Your Team!

I would probably make a whole group of Minnesotans mad if I left out their fabulous sports teams :0}

With so many of it's residents fit and health conscious, plus some that just like to be spectators to the sports, the Twin Cities area hosts an excellent selection of top performing sports teams. The Twins, Saints, Vikings, Timberwolves, Wild, and Swarm are all here to name a few.  Twin Cities is also home to two of the top sports venues in America: Target Field and Xcel Energy Center.  

4. Families Welcome!!!

I hear that the Twin Cities is a smoken' place to be young and single...or old and single for that matter.  I don't know much about that since I am married and the proud mother of three.  I can tell you that Parenting Magazine named the Twin Cities in the top 5 cities for families.  We SewCakeMakers are all about family fun and getting out to discover our beautiful new home town.  That is probably because we find ourselves in a new home so often {compulsive over-movers right here ;0}  If I were to go into all of the fun-filled family activities there are awaiting you here in the Twin Cities, this article would never end.  I can send you to some sites though that have fabulous lists of activities and updated calendars so you can pick and choose for yourself.  

Science Museum of Minnesota

Mpls/St. Paul Magazine has an issue out this month with a host of places to visit, restaurants to try and even volunteer opportunities here in our home town.  I was so excited to find this list while waiting at the doctor's office, I ran over to the book store and bought it.  After that, I realized every place mentioned was on the website.  So, whether you buy the magazine or just read online, check that list out before you visit or decide on what to do this weekend.

Theaters at Mall of America

AlphaMom.com has an awesome list of activities and things to experience with your kids.  I have never heard of half of these.  I am really excited to start checking these activities off the list!

Last, but not least, check out or Tourism in Minnesota page and see what else we have to offer. 

Whether you live in the Twin Cities area now, or are simply thinking of visiting, I know you will find more than you ever imagined in the way of things to do and see.  With all of our sources for art, theater, nature discovery, sports teams,and host of family activities, I know that you will enjoy your stay in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.    

The following sites provided information for some of the material presented about the Twin Cities:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Paul,_Minnesota
http://www.exploreminnesota.com/things-to-do/index.aspx
http://www.stpaul.gov/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis

Never Take Life for Granted

I recently received an email from a follower sharing her heartfelt struggles she has been through the past few years.  It moved me so much, giving me such gratitude for my much easier life, I wanted to share it with you.  

Never Take Anything for Granted

On November 21st, 2005, only 3 1/2 months after my daughter was born, I was given a diagnosis that forever changed my life. I was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer. I was suddenly face to face with one of my greatest fears. I knew I was facing an illness that could be fatal. Yet, at the same time, I also found a strength that I never thought I could possess.

I was referred to Dr. David Sugarbaker, one of the worlds leading mesothelioma doctors. When I went to see him at Boston's Brigham and Women's hospital, he actually gave me a sense of hope. He told me that the statistics  for surviving mesothelioma for more than five years after being diagnosed were a slight 2%. However, there was no reason why I couldn't be a part of that percentage. I decided right then and there that I would be one of the survivors. I would be a mother to my baby girl. Yet first, I would have to face the fight of my life.

Over the next year, I fought this disease with everything I had. I had my left lung removed, as well as the surrounding lining that was home to the tumor. The surgery took place in Boston, 1900 miles away from my daughter, who was now six months old. It was hard to leave her with my parents while I went into surgery alone. I spent the following months undergoing chemo and radiation, while still being a mother to my baby girl. Thanks to wonderful family and friends, my little girl never even knew I was sick for almost her entire first year of life. We truly celebrated Lily's first birthday, not just for her, but because we knew that my cancer battle was almost at its end. Just less than a year after I was diagnosed, I completed my last treatment.

I learned a lot during my year long battle with cancer. You should never take a single thing for granted. I look at life differently now because of my illness. I appreciate even the smallest details. They are all there to remind me what it feels like to just be alive. I have met many wonderful people along the way. Some of them may not have survived their battles, but they will forever live in my heart. It is for them, as well as myself and other mesothelioma warriors, that I want people to be aware of this deadly disease. It is a real disease that requires more than just a single television commercial. It affects real people and deserves our awareness.

 I will continue to live my life with appreciation for all of the little things. I never want to take anything for granted. I live each and every day like it just may be my last.

Heather gave me the link to her blog,  www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/heather 

so you can go there to find out more.  Heather, Super big congratulations for beating the disease and living to tell about it!!!  Thank you for sharing your deeply personal story with us and giving us a little perspective on life :0) 

Last Minute Gifts Chat Sum-up

Hey ladies!  Just thought I would drop a line to tell you about the fun chat I was able to be a part of yesterday.  It was totally fun, and as usual, a little crazy getting all the ideas from my head typed out fast enough.  There were some really good ideas I had never thought of.  If you would like to check out the sum-up of the gift ideas discussed, you can find it at TheMotherhood.com.

Thanks again TheMotherhood.com for inviting me to co-host!!!

Let's Chat {Gift-Giving Edition}

Still finding yourself in need of gift ideas???

Join me and my Fabulous Co-Hosts tomorrow for a live, text-based chat all about Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas.  Looking for meaningful gifts?  Sometimes you just need inspiration from other creative minds.  Join us and trade gift ideas and step-by-step instructions for making beautiful gifts by hand, as well as ideas for thoughtful store-bought gifts.

At 1 p.m Eastern Time {That's 11 a.m. Arizona time :0}  

click on the link below to join us...

www.themotherhood.com

I will be co-hosting with these other Talented Craft Bloggers:

Heidi, Honeybear Lane, http://www.honeybearlane.com/

Kelli and Kristi, Lolly Jane, http://lollyjaneboutique.blogspot.com/

Kendra, Me and My Insanity, http://www.familyeverafterblog.com/

Rachel, Family Ever After, http://www.familyeverafterblog.com/

Hope to see you there!!!

Blog Swap with Kaysi from Keeping It Simple

Hello everyone! I am super excited to be here with you today!!

Let me introduce myself, I'm Kaysi

Here are a few things about me:

I am the mother of three boys, ages 5, 3 and 1 and a little girl on the way

I have been married to an amazing man for 7 years

I love chocolate!!

I love color, green is my favorite but brown and blue are up there

I like to keep things simple, not overdo them

When I get a spare moment, I love to craft or look at crafts

Each day of the week, I have something different.

Motivate me Monday, that's where I have link party and you get to show me all the cute things that you have done.

Tutorial Tuesday, I give a tutorial of a craft that I have done

Whatever Wednesday, this is my day that I put anything up.

Scrapbook Thursday, this is the day that I post a scrapbook idea or give a scrapbook tip

Fridays are the days that I do Blog swaps with other bloggers.

Here are a few things that you can see at my blog:

Autumn Blocks

Car Seat Redo

Flower Shirt

Chalkboard Dresser

Toilet Paper Pumpkin

Basket Lining

Scrapbook ideas

You should stop on by and see what else I have!!

Thanks for having me today, it's been a pleasure!!

from Keeping It Simple.

Dressed for Success

Just incase you missed me over at Making The World Cuter, here is my guest posting project... 

I have had this project swimming around the murky waters of my brain for quite some time.  I wanted a fun way for my 2 year old to get dressed and thought this idea would work.  Do you have a sweet child that can't seem to get ready and out the door for the school bus?  They can't find socks...shoes...underwear...You name It!  I am thinking this cute little clothing stand will solve all of our problems on those rushed mornings, while adding a little bit of fun.

I actually made two versions.  A (literally) stripped down version, then my dolled up girly-girl version

We will start with the stripped down version.  I began with some strips of 1x2 (only $0.89 at our local Home Depot), 10 painted clothespins, two wooden cutouts of my son's hands (you can use chipboard if you don't have a saw), a head (printed on cardstock and modge podged to wood or chipboard-you could even use foam core if you have some handy), and lastly but not in my picture, a base-mine was made from 1x12" pine.

Now, when I got the thing all put together I discovered a couple things that needed to be slightly bigger/smaller.  The measurements in this post are updated to the measurements I would use if I were to make this project again.  You can use my crazy figuring, or measure your own child.  Whatever works for you.

Your cut list:

1x2- body-40", arms- 1@24", hips-1@12"

1x12- for base-15"

Cut out hands and head

I started out by attaching the 40" board to the base.  My husband recommends a block nailed to the back of the board and into the base to make the thing more sturdy and durable.  Also, you don't want the "body" board right in the middle of the base.  Make sure when attaching the "body", to attach it about 3-4" from the back of the base.  That will ensure the whole thing will stay standing when the center of gravity is changed with the addition of clothing. 

Next, I laid the board down on the table and placed the arm and hip boards where they go, 24" for the arms and 12" for the hips, and nailed into place.  I used my nail gun, but regular nails would work just fine.

Now, the clothespins were not my best friend.  I took them apart for painting...would not recommend it.  They are very hard to get back together.  When nailing on the boards, I twisted them so they were still together, but I could nail once in front of and once behind the hinge like in this picture.  That seemed to work and I didn't have to go through putting them back together all over again :0) 

Once all of the clothespins are in place, you can start loading your clothes.

Ummm, disregard the dirty socks.  They were the only ones I could find in his disheveled room in the middle of the dark night.  You can rest assured, however, that the briefs are clean!

Load your undies, socks, undershirt, then add your over clothes.  Or, you could load in reverse order so that the clothes are in the order you put them on. Whatever you prefer!

Whew!  That is much less embarrassing!

Now for my "Dolled Up" model.

You can add dimension to the hair by simply sewing lines in it before sewing the pieces together.  The piggies I was going to turn inside out, but decided I liked them with that sewn border.  Go ahead and stuff the piggies.

Your supplies for our little lady:

1x2- arms-1@24",  Hips-1@10", legs-2@20", head stick- 1@16"

1 body-I made a pattern and cut out of 1/8" wood

(you could also use chipboard or foam core)

10 clothespins

a base-1x12" pine 15" long

one felt head

various ribbons and bows

Lay your little lady out on a table and position everything where you want it.  Again, I used my nail gun, but good old hammer and nails work great.  I attached everything to the underwear, then turned the whole thing over and nailed from the backside as well.

This is what she looked like from behind. 

Attach the clothespins in the same twisty fashion as shown up above.  I went with as many clothespins as I did in order to accommodate cold weather layering or, like here in Arizona, the much smaller skimpy clothes we must wear to survive the heat.  The one thing I would tell you when placing your clothespins is to measure with some of your child's own clothing.  My kids were sleeping and rather than risking a tragic wake-up, I just guessed.  Not recommended!  The clothespins ended up just a little too close - All avoidable by having an actual outfit on hand :0)

Now for decorating the face!  I use REAL BLUSH!  It works wonders!  I even use real blush on my wood crafts.  It turns out so much more natural than paint.  Blush those cheeks, dab some paint on the end of a paintbrush for eyes, hot glue on a piece of ribbon or yarn for the mouth. 

Finally, I added ribbons on all of the clothespins and tied some ribbon onto the pigtails to give my hairbows a resting place too.  You know you don't have a complete outfit without hairbows :0)

Once she is all together, it's time to play dress-up!

There you go!  A home for your outfits the night before you wear them.  What else can you use this for?  They work great as a project holder for all of those precious paper creations.

  Leave off the clothes pins and use the arms to hold headbands and necklaces.  Hang ribbon down the arms and keep your hairbows on the ribbon.  Put velcro on the body and make huge paper doll clothes :0) Oh!  You could put it in the front seat of your car, in a booster seat of course, and drive in the carpool lane!  See, you NEED to make one!

Thanks again for letting me show off my project. 

The Sew*er, The Caker, The CopyCat Maker
at http://sewcakemake.blogspot.com