Martha Lueders

Minnesota’s Great Get-Together, where food-on-a-stick is a novelty and other strange food combinations become the center of attention. The Minnesota State Fair is a big ordeal in the state of Minnesota, locals travel from all the corners of the state to feast their eyes on the midway lights and enjoy greasy, unique foods on a stick. Minnesota’s State Fair is the largest in the nation in terms of attendance and deemed the best state fair in the United States.
Every year, it’s a tradition for m...

I used to vehemently promise myself that I’d start traveling the world after I lost 15 pounds.
After I had successfully shed inches off my hips and waist, a trip to Cuba would be my reward. I had this crystal-clear image of me standing in the streets of Havana. My arms outstretched, rejoicing in the fact that I finally reached one of my top bucket-list destinations. I’d be wearing for the first time that formerly-too-small, orange, paisley skirt I bought years ago.
(I can hear that NWT skirt ...

During times of isolation, we crave not only to reconnect with those around us but to connect on a deeper level. Art, in all its forms, help us celebrate, cope, and navigate the rollercoaster of emotions that life is so well-known for. Here are 15 Minneapolis and Minnesota-based artists that are shedding light onto our quarantine and deserve endless support right now.
Blue Swans
Looking for an emotional tune to help ease those quarantine blues? Looking no further than Blue Swans’ new album On...

We can all agree that we’re tired of listening to the same rotating playlists on repeat while in quarantine, especially on a Monday. Luckily, First Avenue will brighten up yet another week of working from home with their Facebook Live concert series.
Currently, First Avenue has postponed almost all shows until June due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In hopes to provide music fans with a creative outlet during quarantine, First Avenue has instead organized live performances and a virtual festival f...

What we miss most about going to work at the office was the fact that you could stop by the bar after a long day. Well, luckily, Minneapolis residents’ favorite Norseman Distillery is selling staycation cocktails, so there is no need to give up your favorite luxury cocktail during quarantine after all.
What’s in a Staycation cocktail kit?
Each staycation kit is packed with all the essentials, including a bottle of Norseman Craft Spirits and canned mixers. Each kit is packed with ingredients f...

The Mall of America was a hotspot to hang out, people-watch, and see what was new, but it’s still closed until June 1. Thankfully, with a little innovation, numerous retailers and businesses that call the MOA home have offered their customers curbside pickup to enjoy their favorite brands or treats during quarantine.
What to Eat & Drink
Baking Betty’s
Treat your sweet tooth to some delectable homemade cookies, pastries, or other confectionary delights. Baking Betty’s is gifting Twin Cities re...

“Minnesota nice” isn’t everything that it’s chalked up to be. In fact, Minneapolis has a dark, seedy history of crime spanning over decades. Crime was so prevalent that the city earned the nickname Murderapolis in the 1990s. Here are the top ten most infamous and notorious crimes that transpired in Minneapolis:

Minneapolis’s architectural style is hard to describe. Mix industrial facets with a sleek, modern aesthetic, and Minneapolis skyline’s charming appeal emerges. The city, which started as an industrial hot spot for flour and wood, has revolutionized over the years. Minneapolis’s architectural wonders embrace the city’s manufacturing history and offer up a crisp, modern take on design. Here are the top 10 most iconic buildings in Minneapolis:

What better way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo than with a strong, flavorful margarita? It only gets better if the party is at home. Turn up the music and whip up some guacamole; it’s about to get festive in here! These margarita recipes are so unique, your Cinco de Mayo will be better than ever.

A classic margarita is always a crowd-pleaser. We love the tip of adding chili powder to the rim for a little nip. The traditional lime and triple sec offer a balance between sour, sweet, and zany citrus...

We’re raising a glass to the superb musical talent and delightful brews of Minnesota. The Land of 10,000 Lakes has lots to boast about including their musical talent and breweries. Spending a relaxing night in? Jazz up your evening with these tunes and sometimes hoppy brews.

The current COVID-19 pandemic makes the world feel like it is collapsing around us, but Mojo Monkey Donuts saves the day. Well, at least for our taste buds. The beloved St Paul doughnut shop is offering no-contact curbside pickup and doorstep delivery to Twin Cities residents this Saturday and Sunday, they announced on Facebook.

Spring showers bring May flowers, but what about the rest of your yard? How do you get your lawn looking like it’s in tip-top shape? Here’s an easy to follow guide on how to get your lawn healthy and ready for an unlimited number of backyard barbecues.
Irrigation Check-up
If you have an irrigation system installed, it’s time to get it inspected. Summer is when your irrigation system will put into overdrive, so it’s best to inspect your sprinkler system before high season. In fact, the best ti...

Logic would imply that green spaces are already, well, green. Yet, there are ways to improve the eco-friendliness of your outdoor space. Hardscapes are relatively green, depending on what materials are used and whether maintenance practices are sustainable. Yet, there are a few additional ways that hardscapes and landscapes, in general, can reduce your overall carbon footprint:
Water Conservation at its Finest
Hardscapes help conserve water because they reduce the amount of grass in your yard...

Would you consider your loved one a pack rat? Trouble throwing away items, regardless of their value, is one of the telltale signs of hoarding. Hoarding can have serious consequences financially, physically, mentally and even emotionally. Hoarding negatively impacts an individual’s life by creating unlivable conditions due to the unnecessary clutter. Unfortunately, these problems are not usually addressed until disaster strikes. Here are some preventive tips to help you understand hoarding an...

When it comes to maintaining your home, how your home smells is often neglected. As we live in our space, we become accustomed to the smells and odors that surround us. Here are a few lingering smells that could be tainted the air in your home and why you should get them looked at by a professional ASAP:
Odors related to fire
The most common odors that are detected inside the house are odors that smell like smoke or if something is burning. Both of these odors are often associated with your h...