Picture Saint Paul

Lululemon

2012-03-16T07:42:00.000-07:00

I should probably just have my paychecks sent directly to the store from now on.

Yoga mats? I think we have some of those.

Yeah, we have that.

Entryway tile art. LOVE!

Temple Grandin has her squeeze machine, I have Lululemon yoga gear. It's like a hug for my body all day long! SO GLAD Lululemon came to Grand Avenue!!!

First Lemondade Stand of the Season!

2012-03-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

You know it's spring when................

Not only did they sell FRESH SQUEEZED lemonade, but they also were selling Girl Scout cookies if you were so inclined. The BEST part of this stand (besides the fact that it was just a stones throw from my house), a 10 year old girl, saved up all her birthday and Christmas money plus her allowance and bought this gorgeous wooden Lemonade stand all on her own! Love it!!!

Laurel Avenue

Cleveland Wok

2012-03-09T21:09:00.000-08:00

On, uh, Cleveland. Duh. Damn good buffet and very reasonably priced.

Signage

2012-02-23T20:52:00.000-08:00

Found some really cool signs on West 7th street on the side of Hinding Company Heating and Air.

915 West 7th Street

Bzzzzzzzz

2012-02-23T07:53:00.000-08:00

Who knew professional lacrosse would be so much damn fun to watch live???? Not this girl. And I love that The Swarm isn't a swarm of bees, it's a swarm of.....anyone???? anyone???? Buehler??????

MOSQUITOS! Now THAT'S Minnesota for you!

Xcel Energy Center, West 7th and Kellogg.

Word of the day....HOOCH!

2012-02-22T10:18:00.000-08:00

This word is underused. I think we should start a movement to revive it. Who's with me?
Trader Joe's liquor department, Randolph and Lexington.

Look Up

2012-02-21T08:38:00.000-08:00

While shoppers go about their business, an artist is perched above the groceries painting whimsical scenes. Art is EVERYWHERE you turn in this busy store. Trader Joe's. Randolph and Lexington.

Eagle Street Girl

2012-02-19T09:36:00.000-08:00

Great spot for a girl date! West 7th and Kellogg.

Color Changes Everything

2012-02-17T15:52:00.000-08:00

New Ceiling Display at Midway Target.
Hamline and University.

In the Spirit

2012-02-14T08:55:00.000-08:00

If you take a close look, you'll see that those bagels are actually heart shaped. Awwwww!
Bruegger's Bagels. Grand Avenue

Unraveled

2012-02-12T09:30:00.000-08:00

The folks at The Yarnery are so nice! They'll wind your yarn for you for free. A HUGE help when there are 2 rambunctious cats at home who want to "help". Grand Avenue

Let Me Call You Sweetheart!

2012-02-11T21:24:00.001-08:00

Stores are gearing up and it won't be long now....................Kowalskis, Grand Avenue.

Another Full Moon

2012-02-07T19:05:00.000-08:00

Amazing to see the moon so big and full, lighting up the night sky.

Scott's

2012-02-07T11:38:00.000-08:00

I love a good independently owned and operated business. I only wish Scott's was within walking distance of my house!

St. Clair Street between Hamline and Snelling.

There's a New Kid in Town.

2012-02-02T18:50:00.000-08:00

And I think I'm in love.

Freestyle Yogurt, Lexington and Randolph.

An entire wall of delicious flavors.

An entire room full of toppings.

And even MORE toppings, and fudge sauce!

And it's all SELF SERVE!

You pay by weight and even THAT is up to you.

Spin the wheel if you dare to gamble for a lower price per ounce.

Even the bathroom is a good time!

All with a fun surfer motif and surfboards for tables.

So get your asses over there Saint Paul.

Yes, even in the middle of winter. It will warm you right up!

Looking Up.

2012-02-01T18:05:00.000-08:00

Saint Paul's skyline is gorgeous in its entirety or bit by bit.

Winter Carnival!

2012-01-29T13:04:00.000-08:00

I love this place that celebrates winter with such a fun party! AND serves wine from an ice bar! Awesome!

Evening Commute

2012-01-27T14:53:00.000-08:00

Bumper to bumper traffic leaves you plenty of time to enjoy a lovely sunset.

Snooty Patooty

2012-01-26T17:33:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure there's not a Louis Vuitton store in Saint Paul. Edina Galleria.

And so it begins......

2012-01-24T15:21:00.000-08:00

....if picking out appliances is THIS stressful, I'm not sure I'm gonna make it through this kitchen reno. All Inc. Plato Boulevard near Harriet Island.

Blustery Day

2012-01-20T06:01:00.000-08:00

Winter has OFFICIALLY arrived folks.

Journeys Secondary School

2012-01-17T14:55:00.000-08:00

Now housed in what used to be the location for Open School, this building is home to Journey's Secondary School and boasts some gorgeous, student created art work. Check it out!

Western Avenue.

New Breakfast Spot

2012-01-16T13:25:00.000-08:00

The hubs found a new breakfast spot. The hashbrowns were awesome and my pancake was bigger than my plate! Service was fantastic and we will be back.

University Avenue and 280.

It Was A Blast Red Bull! Thanks!!

2012-01-15T10:48:00.000-08:00

Despite the enormous crowd, the slippery slopes and unsure footing, the cold and the horrid stench of Red Bull everywhere, I thoroughly enjoyed my second trip back to Crashed Ice.

And Saint Paul represented! The crowd was jolly, happy, helpful and kind to those around them. Sure, there were some drunkards here and there, but the Minnesota nice shone through.

And although I couldn't see much of the actual competition through all the bodies, the noise of the crowd helped fill in some of the gaps.

And the cameras everywhere caught all of the action. I look forward to the re-broadcast coming up next week! Thanks Red Bull and THANK YOU SAINT PAUL!!! I'm just so seriously in love with you!

CARAY-ZEE!

2012-01-14T12:20:00.000-08:00

The Red Bull Crashed Ice Event is in town, their first event in the US! It's crazy nutburgers and I LOVE IT!!! Check it out.

Mire la luna loca!

2012-01-11T06:15:00.000-08:00

The full moon has been delighting us here in Saint Paul over the past week.

Had I actually taken the time to get out my big gear and my tripod, I probably could have gotten some killer shots. But what I snapped with my point and shoot will have to do.

Various locations. Saint Paul.

Anthropologie

2012-01-07T12:37:00.000-08:00

Finally made it into Anthropologie last night. Visually stimulating but my feeling is "Good luck with ALL that!". Right merchandise for the area but wrong pricing. Grand and Victoria.

Hells to the Yeah!

2012-01-06T21:05:00.000-08:00

Track with the Cathedral of Saint Paul in the background.

Saint Paul will be hosting the Red Bull Crashed Ice event. I'm so excited I could pee. Seriously.

Track with Capitol building in the background.

Never heard of this event before but now that I've been introduced I'm DROOLING!!! Can't wait to see it live. All within 3 miles of my house. BRING IT!!!!

Curve with a jump.

Hand Carved Holidays

2011-12-27T16:29:00.000-08:00

My mother hand carved an entire Nativity scene over the past 3 years. She finished it just in time for the 2011 holiday. Amazing.

Oklahoma.

Merry Christmas Saint Paul!

2011-12-26T18:12:00.000-08:00

Rubber Ducky Nativity Scene

Lamb of God Rubber Ducky. Hilarious.

Angel Rubber Ducky is on a cotton ball cloud!

GORILLAS!

2011-12-17T18:01:00.000-08:00

This months gorilla yoga was held in the food bank warehouse for the Emergency Food Shelf Network. It was kind of awesome.

Feline Precarious

2011-12-16T09:45:00.000-08:00

Saint Paul is home to many beloved pets.

Some of them are training to become acrobats and have dreams of running away and joining the circus.

They practice where they can until they can make their escape.

Dreary Days

2011-12-15T08:48:00.000-08:00

I'm all for the warmer weather, but it does come with a few drawbacks. The Cathedral of Saint Paul as shot from my vehicle on John Ireland.

Eww.

2011-12-14T08:48:00.001-08:00

Drive away please. Drive far, far away. Roseville parking lot.

Frosty....

2011-12-13T11:04:00.000-08:00

...with the warmer weather we've been having, I fear old Frosty is not long for this world.
I'm mellllllllllting!!!

Mural

2011-12-12T13:02:00.000-08:00

Painted by the Saint Paul Star Program along Hamline.

InVocation

2011-12-11T13:26:00.000-08:00

It's a yearly tradition for me to go and see my awesome neighbor Sara perform in this holiday choir. Proceeds benefit the Emergency Foodshelf Network. Macalester Plymouth United Church.

Winter Has Arrived Folks....

2011-12-10T11:43:00.000-08:00

Dunlap & Laurel.

And the winner for the most lights ever on a giant tree goes to.......

2011-12-09T06:59:00.001-08:00

Check out the person in the foreground for a size reference. Summit Avenue

The Cedar

2011-12-07T08:21:00.000-08:00

Saw 2 amazing bands there last night, but The Cactus Blossoms took me right back to my teen years spent busing tables at my Mom's country bar, The Lone Wolf. Classic country with 2 guitars, 1 stand up base, a violin and the steel guitar. Twangy heaven.

Cedar Avenue.

Hola Señor Sol!

2011-12-06T06:42:00.000-08:00

The sun becomes somewhat elusive around here in the winter. (It's grey and snowing as I type) It's enough to drag a gal down in the dumps, so I like to take advantage of stopping whatever I'm doing and appreciating the sun whenever it makes an appearance. Hola! Agradable verle. Gracias por parar cerca. ¡Vuelto otra vez pronto!

2011-12-05T08:05:00.000-08:00

Orpheum on the outside.

Orpheum on the inside.

Orpheum Theater

2011-12-04T14:49:00.000-08:00

My first trip to the Orpheum. Not thrilled with the show I saw but totally amazed at the gorgeous venue. Hennepin Avenue.

2011-12-03T08:14:00.001-08:00

Love this car. It lives on Griggs Street.

Meals on Wheels

2011-11-30T06:51:00.000-08:00

I'm a little late with this post but just wanted to share with you some of the visual treats I received when h and I did Meals on Wheels this Thanksgiving. But the biggest gift of all was the sober reminder of how incredibly blessed I am. Delivering Thanksgiving Dinner in a card board box to a family of 4 living in a Super 8 Motel will do that to a person.

The Bulldog

2011-11-27T17:12:00.000-08:00

Shuffle board. Darts. Sunday drinking. Awesome. Love it. Corner of 4th and Wacouta.

You just can't beat it!

2011-11-20T20:14:00.000-08:00

Low prices. High quality. And some serious "ahhhhhhhhh" factor. Yes please!

Oh, and btw, OPI Grape Jelly is the best color EVER! 720 Cleveland Avenue.

Terrible Name, But Tasty Tacos

2011-11-17T06:59:00.000-08:00

The reasonable price and tasty tacos make the brutal fight in the parking lot to find a space almost bearable....almost.

The Rusty Taco located in the Trader Joes Complex. Randolph and Lexington.

Wild Turkey.....IN THE MORNING????

2011-11-16T06:02:00.000-08:00

Yup! Found this flock just behind my building on my way into work. I've seen them once or twice before but this is the first decent shot I've gotten. Loving my new camera's ability to zoom with such sharpness.

Just behind Colborne Street near the railroad tracks.

It just keeps on...........

2011-11-15T12:29:00.000-08:00

The beauty of this autumn continues to amaze me. No snow as of yet, motorcycle rides in mid November, leaves that just take your breath away. Thanks Mother Nature. You done good!

One little boy appreciates the joy of the season!

Bearing It

2011-11-14T16:50:00.000-08:00

While I am not a fan of the silly Coke Christmastime Polar Bear AT ALL (way too cutesy for this chick) I did think this was a clever display. Midway Rainbow.

Bring it on..

2011-11-11T09:20:00.000-08:00

The Pleasure Barn is officially prepared to celebrate some holidays.

The 58 Club

2011-11-10T13:28:00.000-08:00

Of their 3 locations in the Twin Cities, we went to their Minneapolis branch which is the original location which opened as a speakeasy in 1928 during prohibition..

Their website has tons of history about the place if you are interested click here.

It was good, the fries were really great but the burger wasn't any better than what I can get right down the street from my house at The Nook.

I did take a shine to the restroom though. Visually, I liked all the tiles and squares and green.

5800 Cedar Avenue South

Best. Autumn. Ever.

2011-11-07T07:40:00.000-08:00

After kicking the ever loving crap out of us hearty Minnesotans last winter, Mother Nature appears to want to kiss and make up, as we are having the warmest, loveliest, most beautiful autumn that I can remember. Fingers crossed that she's not just prepping us for another ridiculous winter. Could this just be Lucy holding up the football? Egads I hope not.

New Shooter!

2011-11-04T08:34:00.000-07:00

After my last Elph met its tragic fate at the bottom of a toilet bowl, I picked up this new one. PURPLE!!! So far, it's taking pretty good shots.............or is that credit due to the photographer???

Gorgeous Sunrise!

Morning Light on the Schmidt Brewery.

Street Sweeping Day

2011-11-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

It's eerie when all the cars are off the street for sweeping day. Eerie but also beautiful. Makes me want to just lay down in the middle of the road for a while and watch the leaves flutter down.

TERRIFYING!!!!!!

2011-11-01T05:59:00.000-07:00

Saint Paul turned out in their frighteningly finest last night. I loved seeing all my little ghosts and goblins! I live on the best block in the universe! BOO!!!!

Sweeney's Saloon

2011-10-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

North Dale Street. That's where I'm heading. Uh-huh.

I've been crossing the river a lot lately.............

2011-10-20T08:50:00.000-07:00

.........but some places are just SO worth it! Murray's Steakhouse. South 6th Street, Minneapolis.

Too Good Not to Share

2011-10-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is Minneapolis but wow! How gorgeous! And you can see the Capella Tower reflected in the IDS building. Amazing view and sunset as seen from the Foshay Tower Observation Deck.

This year, the pumpkins came to US!

2011-10-17T12:53:00.000-07:00

Instead of journeying to a pumpkin patch to get our pumpkins, this year, one of my neighbors held a pumpkin patch in their yard. The farmers truck rolled up loaded with pumpkins, hay bales and corn stalk decorations.

The host family was serving hot apple cider along with other beverages. There was a jungle gym in back for the kids. It was a BLAST! And less than 2 blocks from my house! LORD I love this neighborhood!

Next year I should remember to bring my wagon!

Indian Summer

2011-10-11T06:08:00.000-07:00

We've had a recent burst of warm weather here in the Twin Cities. It's been kind of fabulous. Combine that with the show the fall foliage is putting on this year and this is by far the most miraculous autumn I have experienced here. These pictures are pale, pale versions of the reality here, but enjoy anyway.

Everything I Love...

2011-10-07T06:42:00.001-07:00

...right there all in one shot.

Sea You Later!

2011-10-06T08:20:00.000-07:00

Um, no offense Ned, but I doubt if buying seafood from the back of your pickup in a gas station parking lot thousands of miles from an ocean is a wise choice.

J & S Bean Factory

2011-09-28T07:42:00.000-07:00

Their coffee is roasted and ground on site and it smells AMAZING in there!
1518 Randolph Ave
http://www.jsbeanfactory.com/

J&S Bean Factory is a locally owned and owner-operated coffee company. Located in the Highland neighborhood in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the Bean Factory is a full-service roastery as well as an attractive neighborhood coffee shop that serves as a meeting place for families, business people, and politicians. The business supports local artists and musicians as well as provides fundraising opportunities for local schools, clubs, and church groups.

Yoga, Gorilla Style

2011-09-24T09:12:00.000-07:00

Zoo Entryway, Como Park.

Attended my first Gorilla Yoga event this morning at the entrance to the Como Zoo. We worked inside for about 45 minutes and then headed out into the sunshine.

Como Conservatory, Como Park.

Had a blast, laughed a lot and feel AMAZING! Can't wait for next week!

New Nook

2011-09-17T11:08:00.000-07:00

Fire destroyed The Nook, Saint Paul's favorite spot to get their Nookie on, back in December. They were closed for 5 months and re-opened in May. I LOVE the new interior, it feels more open and less cramped. And those Nookie burgers? Still the best in the business. YUM!

Skateboarding Barge

2011-09-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I was on Harriet Island and I spotted this barge parked on the Mississippi. There appeared to be a skateboarding show or competition going on onboard. There were ramps and rails and everything built onto the barge! It was pretty rad!

I wonder if they were playing the Violent Femmes while they skateboarded?

On second thought, maybe that was just what WE did when WE were kids?

Traffic Free Bliss!

2011-09-15T12:55:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday was the Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour. 30 miles of riding through city streets traffic free! Oh the sweet bliss! This coming Sunday is the Minneapolis version. Guess which chick is riding in BOTH these magnficient events? Yup. That would be ME! Wheeeeeee!

Haha-tomobile

2011-09-14T05:17:00.000-07:00

Seen in the Menards parking lot in Saint Paul. And yes, that is FUR on the roof. Love it!

The Final Numbers

2011-09-09T08:19:00.000-07:00

The Minnesota State Fair saw its third-best attendance ever this year, with 1,769,872 people passing through the gates between Aug. 25 and Monday. Sunday was a record-setter, drawing 229,943 people - the biggest second Sunday in Fair history.

And since I've been neglecting my poor little photo blog due to my crazy life, I'm sharing 4 pics instead of my usual 1. Enjoy!

Honey...

2011-09-01T05:46:00.000-07:00

LOVE seeing the honey bears each year. Had some honey ice cream this year with sunflower seeds. Delicious! Minnesota State Fair. Agriculture Building.

So Seedy.

2011-08-31T12:17:00.000-07:00

It is truly amazing what some people can do with glue, grains and seeds. Amazing likeness don't you think? Did Old Blue Eyes proud I think. MN State Fair, Agriculture Building.

Giddy!

2011-08-29T08:01:00.001-07:00

OHBOYOHBOYOHBOY!!! Fried foods on a stick and Princesses carved out of butter. The BEST 10 days of the entire year!

Left Behind...

2011-08-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

Dropped while on a stroll, this hat is awaiting the return of it's owner. 3 days so far. Hurry Back.
Dunlap at Laurel Avenue.

Writing on the wall..........

2011-08-25T07:02:00.000-07:00

The weather is glorious here right now. Perfect actually. But now that the sticky heat of summer has passed by, I can't help but fret about what is to come.....and it makes me want to cling to images like this for dear life. Take your time winter. Take your damn time. Lake Calhoun.

New Business...

2011-08-23T06:02:00.001-07:00

...Weathered Sign. I love it. Selby Avenue at Dunlap.

Local.

2011-08-16T09:42:00.000-07:00

Minnesota is BIG into locally owned businesses. (Dairy Queen, Caribou and Target are a few of our biggies.) In fact, one summer I watched as a new Ben and Jerry's sat deserted while there was a huge line outside Grand Old Creamery. I don't think Ben and Jerry's was on Grand Avenue for even a year. We showed them. Here's another local company. 60 years in business. Rock on.

Wow Mother Nature. Just Wow.

2011-08-14T17:59:00.000-07:00

Luck, Wisconsin.

I-35 W Memorial

2011-08-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

Visited it for the first time last week. Near Gold Medal Park.

Veggie Day

2011-08-12T05:46:00.000-07:00

Thursdays are known in my neighborhood as "Veggie Day", for that is the day that my neighbors walk half a block away to pick up their farm share....a bin filled with bounty from local farms. What's in the bins changes depending on what is currently being harvested. Many of my neighbors split their farm shares. I may have to get in on this action next year.

Did You Know.....

2011-08-10T06:50:00.000-07:00

.....that you can ride your bicycle directly underneath Twins Stadium???

Further proof that the twin cities area is the most bicycle friendly place in the U.S.......as if you needed any!

House of Hope Presbyterian Church

2011-08-08T06:34:00.000-07:00

The steeple of this church catches the sunset so nicely! Summit Avenue.

First Avenue

2011-08-06T11:22:00.000-07:00

Technically in Minneapolis, First Avenue is an icon in the twin cities areas. Best known as the club where Prince rose to fame, First Avenue is host to an insane amount of talent. They occasionally also provide a venue in which you can dance your ass off. I should know. I woke up this morning without mine.

It's Wabbit Season.....It's Duck Season.....It's Wabbit Season....It's Duck Season.....

2011-08-05T06:09:00.000-07:00

.....it's MOTH season! There seem to be large moths all over the place right now. I found this whopper on my front door.

This door ROCKS!

2011-08-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

In fact, the whole building kind of does. Selby Avenue just east of Snelling.

Baby's 1st Mud Puddle

2011-08-03T05:10:00.000-07:00

National Night Out. Laurel Avenue.

Something Stinks..........

2011-07-22T07:30:00.001-07:00

Onsite Sanitation Shitter Parking Lot, Little Canada.

Hidden Spaces

2011-07-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

There are not a TON of outdoor patios here in the Twin Cities, given the climate. But I LOVE dining outdoors. Here's a little gem of a patio wedged between two buildings. It is a shared patio for both Cahoots and The Neighborhood Cafe. The brick walls, mismatched furniture, plants and hanging lights lend lots of charm to the space. Selby Avenue just east of Snelling.

Who WOULDN'T.......

2011-07-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

.....want a wigwam in their yard???? Corner of Portland and Lexington.

Don't you threaten me!

2011-07-19T12:33:00.000-07:00

Sometimes church marquees are funny, sometimes they are even punny, this one just kind of pissed me off.
Summit Avenue.

The Dog Days of Summer

2011-07-18T10:02:00.000-07:00

It is UNUSUALLY humid in the Twin Cities right now and people are just wilting. And I know some very dedicated boys who actually played a double header at this ball field yesterday. And God Bless their poor overheated parents for sitting through both games.

Midway Ball Field behind Central High School.

Hot!

2011-07-16T06:29:00.000-07:00

It's supposed to be hot enough to start a fire here today. Not much looking forward to it despite my intense love of summer. Randolph and South Chatsworth.

Holy Roses!

2011-07-15T12:42:00.000-07:00

The sign says it all folks. 5 dozen limit, through tomorrow.
I'll take 5 dozen thank you very much!
A. Johnson and Sons, Grand and Wheeler

Genius

2011-07-14T06:25:00.001-07:00

Because sometimes......that's just the TRUTH! Target Parking Lot, University and Hamline.

What a Zoo!

2011-07-13T06:10:00.000-07:00

Snelling and University should be avoided like the plague right now. I feel sorry for all the businesses along University right now taking a HUGE hit so the light rail can be expanded. In fact, there is more construction right now in Saint Paul than I ever recall in my 8+ years here. I kinda sorta don't like it at all!

Weather vain?

2011-07-12T10:34:00.000-07:00

Do you think this weather vane is embarrassed at its current condition? I mean......how do you point the way effectively when you are all slumped over to the side? Summit Avenue

Steppingstone Theater

2011-07-11T05:28:00.000-07:00

This building used to be all white and in a pretty sad state of disrepair. Now it's a theater with this sassy gal out front watching over things. I dig her. Victoria and Portland

Sweet Anticipation

2011-07-10T08:35:00.001-07:00

Sometimes there are long lines outside Grand Old Creamery. But it's ALWAYS worth the wait.

Hmong Independance Day

2011-07-07T14:06:00.000-07:00

Given that we have one of the largest populations of Hmong in the United States, it is no surprise that there is a large festival every year celebrating their culture and independence. I've never been to it but Como Park is always VERY crowded and busy. And they seem very partial to their bright umbrellas protecting them from the sun. Seriously, EVERYONE had umbrellas.