Today is National Ice Cream Day. July is National Ice Cream Month. So now is the perfect time to tell you about my ice cream summer. I can't take credit for this idea. A few years ago, prompted by how fast the long summer days seem to fly by, I wrote a post called "What Will You Do With Your Wild And Precious Summer?" In it, reminded myself that we don't need to wait for the weekend or a vacation to enjoy the season; picking a few things you really love can bring you little p

The best things happen when you get off the interstate and start cruising the backroads. The Old Red Old Ten Scenic Byway, which runs parallel to I-94 in the central part of North Dakota, is no exception. I have nothing against the interstate system. It's efficient, I'll give it that. And sometimes you really do just need to get somewhere fast. But the scenic route is just more fun. And it's usually much less stressful too. You can slow down, unclench your shoulders, relax a

“The is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” Scandinavian Proverb On this, the 200 millionth day of social distancing, I’m restless. So I’m doing what I always do when this mood hits. I’m getting outside, even in winter. I know it seems counterintuitive to be active in the cold when you’re worn out and run down. It’s hard to get motivated when you need a sweater just to sit in the house. Hibernating is necessary sometimes. I get it. But when that weird, jittery k

This is a season of giving. But it’s also been a weird, depleting year. So give yourself a break and look for easy Christmas gifts to make and give. (Or maybe just them to yourself. You’ve earned it!) And I’m using the term “make” very loosely. The last item on the list just needs a recipe and a bow, so when I say easy, I mean it. This year has been hard enough. Let’s not make things any harder than it needs to be. As with everything in 2020, please practice pandemic safety w

Winter is usually a season of rest and realignment. 2020 has been mentally and physically exhausting, so we need cozy winter things to lift our spirits more now than ever. When I feel frazzled and feel like my energy is going everywhere at once, it helps to slow down, get comfortable and focus only on my senses. When I’m stressed, it helps to turn my attention inward, take in my surroundings and practice mindfulness in quiet, simple ways. Nothing grounds me in the present mom

I have a secret; I actually love cold weather. I crave a winter reset. I like to rest, reflect, and recalibrate during these short days and long nights. This is pretty much sacrilege to say in the upper Midwest, when this season can feel dark, bitter and endless and discussing (or maybe lamenting) the weather is practically a sport. But hear me out. Winter is a reset button. By reducing our options and forcing us inside, it also forces us to look inside ourselves as well. Win

When the temperature drops, layers are the secret to packing for cold climates and staying warm and comfortable both indoors and out. These layers aren’t the giant snow pants and massive parkas that immobilize you like the kids in “A Christmas Story.” They’re packable, comfortable and cozy enough to keep you warm in the harshest elements. One of my proudest travel moments came during a tour of Erfurt, Germany. We’d been tromping around for a few hours when my guide, a local,

When you practice yoga outdoors in the deep freeze of a Minnesota winter, the usual prompts to “feel your breath” and “visualize your breath” take on a whole new meaning. In a cozy yoga studio, they sound like soothing spiritual reminders. Outdoors in winter, they are starkly practical. Feel my breath? Sure thing. I’m pulling deep, icy breaths down into my lungs right this second, thanks. Visualize my breath? That’s even easier. Even the most peaceful poses, like standing wit

“In winter she curls up around a good book and dreams away the cold.” – Ben Aaronovitch, Broken Homes I always want to write about winter. I always want to curl up and read in the winter. It’s far from my favorite season, but it’s often my most creative and productive one. I’m thoughtful and focused in cold weather. I embrace stillness and look for connections. If you’ve read any of my most recent posts, you don’t need me to tell you any of this. But if you’re new to this sit

Minnesota has more than 10,000 lakes (11,842, if you want to be exact — which I do) and long winters, so it’s no surprise that the state offers lots of ways to enjoy all that ice and snow. You could simply go ice fishing if you want to go the traditional route. But I prefer a walk (or a paddle or a climb) on the wild side. Here are a few fun ways to experience the ice in my home state this winter. Be sure to add your favorites in the comments section below! Scream for an extr

I am standing by myself, as alone as one can get on the edge of the Domplatz, a historic square in Erfurt, the capital city of the German state of Thuringia. People stream toward the Christmas market, its small wooden huts glowing with light. Music plays. Friends laugh. Kids bundled up in snowsuits peek out from behind their parents’ legs and waddle towards each other, their chubby hands outstretched as they squeal, then retreat to their positions to hide their faces again. T

I was pondering a New Year’s Eve message for this dark, beautiful and often challenging time of year. But when I took a break and scrolled through my Facebook feed, I came across a note from my friend Paul Robertson, who put things so much more beautifully than I ever could. So it’s his words that I’ll share with you tonight. I met Paul through roller derby (which is really part sport and part big, zany, worldwide family), where I’m an announcer (and an occasional photographe

Forget the roses — Prairie Style File readers want decadent desserts, local craft beer, a romantic getaway and a cooler full of aged parmesan for Valentine’s Day. (And not necessarily in that order.) And that’s why we all get along so well. The most recent #PrairiePlaces Twitter chat just confirmed that I really do have the best readers in the world. From sexy restaurants to sleepy prairie town getaways, their picks are definitely not just for couples. Here are a few reader s

I had one of those weeks this week. Between computer problems, impossible to find sources, rescheduled meetings and odd editorial requests, everything was taking about ten times as long as she it should have. It was apparent by Thursday morning that, while I was fully caffeinated and more than ready to work, nobody else was. So I said “screw it” and built snow art instead. It was awesome. Let me back up for a second. My high school friend Katie runs a marketing agency in Mahn

“In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.” Albert Camus During a particularly fabulous #PrairiePlaces Twitter chat earlier this week, readers like you shared suggestions for how to beat cabin fever and fun ways to stay active during the winter. I learned about some cozy coffee shops and cool cross country skiing trails. They suggested two winter festivals, a few restaurants to try and even a haunted (?!) underground location. I thin

“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.” – Neil Gaiman Happy New Year, everyone! I like the idea of using a new year to take stock of what’s working and what needs to change. But what’s really been on my mind over