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Chosen by The Cheap Chick
One In, One Out
I have a clothes shopping rule that has served me and my over-stuffed closets well. Every time I bring a new item into my closet, I have to donate something from my closet (or consign it, if I think the item will sell). One item in, one item out. That way, I never have to buy new hangers! Well, okay, that’s not the real reason. That way, I alway know what is lurking in the depths of my closets, and stuff isn’t just being shoved to the back to make way for the new. If I’m not wearing something, someone else could.
So wear do I donate? It depends on time, volume, and whether or not I need a coupon. Typically, I’m pressed for time, so I drop my donations off at the Goodwill in Roseville, which I pass my way to work. If I want a coupon for my next thrift store shopping spree, I donate to Savers. Also, if I have a ton of stuff to donate, I’ll typically go to Savers – either in Columbia Heights or Bloomington.
And if I want to consign, and I have the time, I hit up Nu Look Consignment in Minneapolis (call to see if you need an appointment first). If I’m consigning on the fly, it’s either Clothes Mentor or Turn Style in Roseville.
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Our Park System Kicks…
…it into high gear! Yeah. I’m trying to swear less as I get older. Moving on.
In Minnesota, most people would not think of heading to one of our many amazing parks for Valentine’s Day. February 14th is the dead of winter in our state, not what you would consider romantic. But that’s where you would be wrong! There are a ton of low cost, high romance activities going on in the Twin Cities park systems.
Head out to Baker Park Reserve in Maple Plains to the Baker Ski Chalet this Saturday evening. There, you and your sweetie will enjoy a catered dinner, followed by a candlelit cross country ski to a campfire in the Park. Cost is just $25 per person, and yes, that price does include the cost of ski rentals. Baker Ski Chalet does require you to make a reservation by February 7th. Spots are still available, so act fast.
If you enjoy getting outdoors, but you aren’t much of a cross-country skier, head over to Eastman Nature Center in Dayton. They are hosting a Valentine’s Day dinner with live music for just $35 per person. After dinner, you’ll stroll down a candlelit trail that ends at a bonfire. You even get to meet their live captive owl… which isn’t very romantic, but is still cool. Reservations are open until February 10th.
If you need a location a little closer to the Cities, look no further than Silverwood Park in St. Anthony. They are hosting dinner, dessert and live entertainment on Valentine’s Day, catered by Common Roots Café. After dinner you can stroll along a, wait for it, candlelit trail. Or, you can try your hand at kick-sledding, and tour the islands in Silver Lake. Cost for tickets is $35 per person, and reservations are required by February 8th.
These three dinners are brought to you by the Three Rivers Park District. For more information about the Park’s Valentine’s Day events, and to make reservations, log on to Three Rivers Park.org http://www.threeriversparks.org/events/Groups/valentine-programs.aspx.
If you are 21 or older, the Park people recommend bringing along a bottle of wine to any of the events. And I recommend bringing along my favorite $20 or less bottle of red, Claret by Coppolla vineyards. You’ll find it for less at Costco’s wine department.
If you want to create your own romantic evening in one of our parks, check out these favorites:
Go ice skating at Centennial Lakes Park in Edina
Enjoy the indoor gardens (and the warmth!) at Como Park Conservatory in St. Paul
Run and flirt at the Valentine’s Day 5K at Lake Harriet in Minneapolis. You can still register for the race for a masochistic $39. Or just go and cheer on the runners for free!