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Contemporary Christian band MercyMe, of the 2001 “I Can Only Imagine” fame, play tonight at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand.

Multi-platinum award winning contemporary Christian rockers MercyMe take the stage tonight at the Minnesota State fair to perform hits off their newest CD ‘The Generous Mr. Lovewell.’  If you’ve yet to experience the live performance MercyMe puts on, then take a quick glimpse of this:

Now that I have your attention, I recommend catching the band Billboard Magazine named “the Christian songs artist of the decade” live tonight at the Grandstand at The Great Minnesota Get-Together.

For tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com or visit the official Minnesota State Fair website for details.

Even if you choose to skip out on this performance tonight, I definitely recommend making the 15 mins drive from Promenade Oaks apartments and enjoying all that is the Minnesota State Fair!

When it comes to living a healthier life, it’s the little things that count.  Making some minor tweaks and changes can yield major results when it comes to living a better life.

There are many ways that living in an apartment, like Promenade Oaks, can actually lead to a healthy lifestyle.  If you break down your day to day activities, you’ll find that there are times when exercise can be implemented and areas can be improved on.  Here are some simple exercise and health tips for apartment living that will help you maximize your daily fitness.

• Always take the stairs no matter what.  The escalator and elevator are the easy and lazy way out.  Maximize the caloric burn by taking the stairs no matter how many flights you have to climb.
• Make more trips whenever possible. If you are going to have to go and get a newspaper and do laundry, break it up into two separate tasks instead of combining them. You’ll get more exercise.
• Run your errands, literally.
• Use a bicycle to go on longer errands or to go to work.
• Make a vigorous apartment cleaning part of your weekly schedule. Put on some music and really get to it!
• Rearrange furniture periodically. It will help keep the place looking fresh, and provide you with a little extra exercise.
• If you have a dog, walk it often. You’ll both be happier and fit.
• Schedule a workout in the Fitness Center.  Once you’ve figured out the best times, walk there and get your warm up in before you take to the treadmill.
• While watching television, do push-ups or crunches while the program is on commercial break.

(image via flickr user myyogaonline)

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With these tips and tricks, you’ll turn your hours of cleaning into just minutes per week.

With kids, school, work, weekends, and even a good television show standing in our way of getting our apartments clean, there are ways to lessen the blow when it comes time to finally clean.  Depending on our situations, for instance if you’re a single bachelor, it may be easy to clean, and keep clean, our apartment homes.  But even if you’re a single mom with two children, these tips can help minimize your cleaning time.

Divide it up.  There are weekly cleaning necessities that must be done to maintain a clean home.  Dusting, vacuuming, wiping down, and washing must be taken care of…but not all at once.  Throughout the week, divide up the jobs and take care of each one on separate days.  Even try multi-tasking to make cleaning not seem like cleaning; next time you’re on a lengthy phone call with your family, walk around and dust!

Maintain while you live.  A lot of our messes tend to happen while we’re accomplishing a task.  Next time you’re making dinner, clean up while the food is simmering or in the oven.  If you have time, go ahead and wipe down the oven and sweep the kitchen.  Maximizing your time during these daily tasks will help keep the cleaning from building up.  Other ideas include starting the dishwasher before bed and wiping down the bathroom sink after you wash your hands.

Make it easier on yourself.  Every home needs a good day of detailing.  Schedule a good season deep cleaning session every four months or so to tackle those tough jobs like window cleaning, washing down the walls, and shampooing the carpet.  With these done, you’re home can run on auto-pilot.

Do you have any tips to minimize the time you spend cleaning your apartment home?  If so, leave a comment below or on our Facebook Wall.

If you’re like me, all of the upcoming end of summer BBQ’s and sports tailgate excites and scares you!  Let these tips save your stomach and digestion while still enjoying the festivities.

With the summer winding down, the time has come for everyone to get in those last-of-the-season barbecues and outdoor picnics.  This doesn’t even include the upcoming football weekend tailgates, the mecca of all barbecues.  The charbroiled taste of meat and veggies is something I could never live without; however, I can live without the upset stomach from the day’s gluttony.  If you too love the finger foods, beer, and ground chuck, try these tips to help your stomach love them too:

Slow down: I know, it’s hard!  But when the hot dogs are plump and ready, grab one and take your time while you eat them.  Concentrate on actually chewing your food and talking in between bites.  This will help your food break down easier when consumed patiently.

Not so much: Another tough task, but doable.  At your next BBQ or tailgate, try limiting yourself to one plate of food.  Often we snack on everything and even ‘try’ a hamburger while we wait for everything to be done.  This results in us overeating and wreaking havoc on our stomachs.

Drink Water: Water will help keep you hydrated and your body functioning normally.  Early in the season, it will be warmer outside so keep a bottle of water handy at all times.  Water will also help fill you up so you’ll eat less.

Avoid fried foods: This is the toughest one, if you ask me.  Fried foods are usually a staple at barbecues and tailgates.  From chicken wings to french fries, these delicious friend morsels seem to be everywhere.  Do yourself a huge favor and skip all of these this season.  They are highly acidic and result in terrible heart burn and indigestion.

Follow these three tips this barbecue season and your stomach should thank you!  It will be a challenge, but give it a shot one time and see if it makes a difference in your body.  There are thousands of  healthy tailgate recipes out there, so do some research and get creative with your offerings!  The last thing you want to do is spend the entire Minnesota Vikings’ game not in your seat.

(Image via Wikipedia)

With the onslaught of comic-inspired movies hitting the theatres, the comic book scene is stronger and more mainstream than ever.  If you’re a fan of the original medium, then this Saturday, August 21 you better be at The Soap Factory to witness the 1^st annual Minneapolis Indie Xpo.  The show is a one-day celebration of indie comics and cartoonists.  The underground comic scene is flourishing and demanding an exhibition that would bring all of the like-minded individuals together to show off their creative work.

The show has a very fresh feel and look to it, something that will surely attract new comic fans that attend.  The venue is brilliant and the perfect setting for up and comers to make some sales and spread the word.  Best part…admission is free for fans!  All of the exhibitor’s spots are filled for this year’s event, but if you are interested in exhibiting your work in the future you can jump on the waiting list.

Even if you aren’t a traditional fan of comic books, I highly suggest you make the trip to The Soap Factory this Saturday and take in all of the creative genius on display.

Now I’m no chef by any means, but I have mastered the quick, easy, and healthy meals.  A focus on the “healthy” has forced me to be extra creative when it comes to breakfast foods.  When it comes to breakfast, there a ton of options that involve pre-packaged microwave breakfast meals that will leave you feeling lethargic with fat and preservatives.  I want to give you something you can feel good about making and eating.  Sure, a bowl of cereal is quick and could be healthy.  But let’s get creative!  Today I’m going to share my favorite quick concoction that you can whip up quickly before work.

1. Oatmeal Pancake-  This name is singular on purpose; you should only need to make one pancake to satisfy your hungry.  The ingredient are simple: One pack of your favorite oatmeal (I prefer an all natural oatmeal like Holly’s) and two egg whites.  In a bowl, using a fork, mix the oatmeal and two egg whites until well blended.  Once blended, in a non-stick pan, create a “pancake” and pan fry over medium heat.  When the bubbles form and pop, it’s time to flip it over.  Once both sides are thoroughly cooked, plate your oatmeal pancake. Serve with preserves, honey, or syrup, and fresh sliced fruit.  Simple as that!

If you choose to try this recipe, please leave a comment below or on our Facebook page!

(Image via Flickr user foodistablog)

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Former Professional Basketball player returns to Minnesota to open a 61,000 sq. ft educational basketball space in Eagan.

Late 80’s University of Minnesota basketball star Richard Coffey is back in the Twin Cities. The former Minnesota Timberwolves player is the founder of Minneapolis Select Basketball, an organization that promotes youth basketball leagues with an education twist.  Coffey and his organization just recently locked down a deal to lease out 61,000 square feet of space at the Lexington Business Center in Eagan, Mn.  The industrial spot is being converted into a facility with 7 hardwood floored basketball courts and three classrooms.  Minneapolis Select Basketball will share the space with Howard Pulley Basketball, another group focused on bringing an education aspect to the basketball world.  Between the two groups, the facility will have programs available to kids in the 4^th grade through High School.  The project is slated to be complete by the end of the year.

If any Promenade Oaks residents are interested in more information, please visit www.mplsselect.com.

(Image via Wikipedia)

Have a friend? Have a bike?  Then you’ve got yourself some plans for the weekend!

I know what you’re thinking, “There’s no way I can compete in a bike-run relay this weekend!”  Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s not as bad as you think.  Besides, it’s never to late to get fit.  Actually, it’s quite rewarding and I promise you’ll thank me later.  The Get Fit Bike-Run Relay event is designed for both the seasoned athlete and the weekend warrior.  The format is set up in a way that gives you a break between runs, alternating with your partner every 1 mile.  In the end, you’ll end up running 3 miles and biking 3 miles along the beautiful Highline Trail in Eagen.  This is technically a “duathlon,” but call it what you want…this is a great way to push your body to test your own limits. Besides, the post-race breakfast is supposed to be one for the ages!

Registration runs until Saturday, August 14 at 4:45am.

Here are the details:

When:             Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 8:00 am (Directions)

Where:            Highline Trail 4400 Nichols Rd Eagen, Mn 55122

Fees:                $75/$80

(Image via Flickr user Danielle Walquist)

Opening your kitchen cabinet door should NOT resemble a cartoon closet disaster!

I LOVE the layout of my kitchen at the Promenade. It’s just right for a cook like me. I LOVE to cook but my time is usually pretty limited. One essential element to enjoying each culinary experience is ORGANIZATION. Our kitchens are certainly roomy, but I still have to keep order if I’m to find what I need.

When I lived alone I never organized the pan cupboard. Opening the door in my kitchen was just like a cartoon … everything would come piling out leaving me ducking for cover! But without an appreciative audience to cook for, I simply didn’t cook much and I certainly didn’t care about having my pots and pans stacked just right. Now that I have a family, all of that has changed. I prefer and I NEED a well-ordered kitchen. How else will I avoid an avalanche of Sippy Cups and other sundry kitchen items?

There are a few things in my kitchen that have tormented me for years beyond the ever-lovin’ Sippy Cups. The biggest offender is that diabolical hand mixer! If I didn’t know better, I’d say it tries to strangle me with its cord every time I use it. And I’ll be dipped in cake batter if the little mixing attachments don’t go for the jugular! Finding proper storage for a mixer is essential to your sanity and I’m all for retaining every ounce of sanity that I can!

My own personal bias toward clutter-free counter tops have led me to one solution I’ve enjoyed greatly.  Rather than keep my toaster on the counter top, I keep it on a tray that I can easily slip in and out of the cupboard below. The tray catches the crumbs and also makes storage and retrieval a snap.

Organizing odds and ends with baskets or plastic storage boxes is a wonderful solution that can save valuable real estate under your cabinets. Using clear plastic boxes means you can stack them and still see what’s inside making it easy to snag-n-use on the fly.  Keeping your Kitchen Organized is EASY with these KITCHEN ORGANIZATION TIPS.

How about you? How do you organize your kitchen?

Join your friends and neighbors at the annual Dakota County Fair, August 9-15 in Farmington!

Enjoy all the wonders of a county fair with candied apples, cotton candy, funnel cakes, clowns, games and down home fun around every corner! Nothing says U.S.A. like a county fair! Don’t miss the 2010 Lawnmower Derby on Wednesday August 11 at 7:30, The Mutton Bustin’ Contest on Saturday, August 14 at 3:30 or the Kids Rodeo complete with a Greased Pig Chase on Saturday, August 15 1pm.

There are tons of SPECIAL EVENTS planned for the fair this year,  from the Dakota Dash to the Catch a Calf Contest.  There’s something for everyone this year!

Get your TICKETS today! So much fun, so close by! Driving is EASY!

Military Day is Wednesday, August 11th.
Military and family enjoy FREE admission and FREE parking for all with proof of service. It’s Dakota Counties way of saying THANK YOU for your service to your country!

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