Local Challenge: #1

I know this is only about a week late. I have a good excuse... except, I don't. My sister in law came for a lovely visit, and I've got a serious case of Lazy Bones.

So, here we go-ooooooo!

LOCAL COFFEE SHOP:
The Blue Heron Coffeehouse
Winona, MN
Full disclosure, I work here. Nonetheless, it's super great.

We have a 6 ft (or so) wooden fish. The Fish was handmade by a local artist. It's a really bright and colorful space, with amazing food. The coffee is Fair Trade, organic, and roasted in Minnesota. The food is So. Good. The menu changes with whatever fresh, local ingredients are available. It's pretty great. No joke.

(xichuan noodles & heirloom tomato caprese)

I forgot to photograph my lunch before I started eating... and I forgot to photograph my beverage of choice. That day, it was 90-something degrees, so I had a Plum Lemonade. House-made, by the way. Local plums. It is the epitome of refreshment, and the loveliest rose color.
Om nom nom.

Local Challenge.

A blog I read displayed this badge:



Okay, I'll bite.
The Mister and I are always interested in supporting small and local whenever possible.
I clicked on the button, and read about the challenge.

This is going to be a way for us to get to know the area better. We're good as far as eating local. Most of our groceries come from our local farmer's market, co-op, bakery and on the rare occasion we eat me, a local butcher. I'm well acquainted with a few thrift stores, but I'd sure like to hit up Target less.


Prompt #1 is tomorrow!

Simple Summer Bliss: Root Beer Floats

He + She + rootbeer from the Lakeview Drive Inn + vanilla ice cream = best Independence Day since 1776.

Summer in the 'Snowta.

Boy am El Terrible at posting on this thing.

Venus zine was bought by someone who thinks feminism is irrelevant. What?

Dear Venus Zine;

We were in love once. I will always cherish the good times we had. Sadly, I think we need to break up.

At 24, I was hoping I wasn't too old for you. I thought we were going to make it work. Alas, due to some of the comments made by Ms. Beardsley that were quoted in a recent Chicago Reader article (and I know you know what I'm talking about), I have reconsidered. Anyone who thinks feminism is irrelevant or an "old-fashioned concept" is pretty lame. We can celebrate all artists, regardless of gender, even if we are just lousy feminists.

I know that Ms. Beardsley didn't mean her comments as a slap in the face to all of the women who read Venus... but it was. Feminism is about at old-fashioned a concept as equality, fairness, and a sense of pride in oneself. I know you need to grow-up, but to forget your history makes me feel almost... betrayed. I guess we just don't have the same values anymore.

If I wanted to read a trend filled "woman's magazine" devoid of substance, I would have read Jane. But I didn't. Because it sucked. Sometimes I would read Bust if there was someone I cared about on the cover, and I always read Bitch, but you and I... we had something special. I guess those memories will have to be enough.

I'm pretty disappointed, and I need you to know it's not me. It's you. I hope you will fare well in the future. It just won't be with me.

Sincerely,
K.

Christmas Preparedness!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the 2-Oh-6!

Minne-snow-ta doesn't kid around.

We are snowed in. Literally. They weren't joking when they sent out a Blizzard Warning. I chose the right name for this blog!

However, we are fully supplied with cocoa, soup and Christmas music. Let the snowing continue! Being snowed in with the love of one's life is pretty great.

After a few false starts and lots of pep talks from B, my Etsy store is ready to open! Lovely things are made, photos are taken and *even before I've opened* I have 10 custom orders!

Check me out on etsy!

Coming up for my store in 2010:
-handmade wreaths
-handmade hair accessories
-embroidered lovelies
-some super duper gorgeous vintage items

Speak. Hear. See.

Today is World AIDS Day. Today, we renew our commitment to fighting for equal access to preventative education, treatment and support for the people who have AIDS, and for their loved ones. 33 million people live with AIDS. The need has never been greater.

On October 5, 2006, my uncle Sean Robert Donovan, died from complications due to AIDS. He was 36 years old. No one knew he was ill prior to July 2006. In that short period of time, our family, especially my mother, was thrust into a situation millions around the world face. 

Our first question was "How sick is he?" Immediately, our thoughts turned frantic. What about all the people who may have been exposed to the virus and not known it? I had lived with my uncle for a short while, during which there had been construction on his house and the cafe he owned (where I also worked at the time). What about all of my cousins (most of whom were under 10), grandparents, aunts and uncles... my mom cleaned up his bloody nose just a week ago. 

Fortunately, after being tested, we found no one else was infected. It was a miracle. It was also the most terrifying experience of my life. The thought that not only my mother, but my 19 and 13 year old sisters, 8 year old brother could be sick... even now, when I know everyone is okay, the thought paralyzes me.

That is how AIDS spreads. The virus is not limited to addicts and prostitutes. It doesn't live only in far away developing nations. It's here. And we need to do something about it.

For more information on what you can do, please visit:

Amfar

Aids.org

Youth AIDS

World AIDS day

Handmade Neighborhood, Day 1

I sold out! In three hours. So I'm making lots more tonight! I definitely underestimated Winona's desire to buy handmade and support local artisans. I also forgot my camera. Insert forehead slap. 

I will more assuredly snap photos tomorrow.

Three...two...one...we have ignition.

Oh my goodness, oh my goooooooodness! Tomorrow is HANDMADE NEIGHBORHOOD! This is my first solo fair! In honor of that (and because I had to change my name anyway) I have a new Etsy store! Currently it's on vacation until after Thanksgiving. I need a little break.

sixhundredkisses.etsy.com

It's been a little intense with our little apartment and all this craftiness. I'm sure B. will be thrilled to have a clean den again! Currently, the floor and sofa are covered in pieces of this and that. It will be nice to craft slow and steady again.

I'll make sure to take lots of photos, and post them. Wish me luck.