northern life
I didn’t realize the depth of my unmet need for outdoor adventure until I hastily concocted a winter tent camping trip over lunch one day with a co-worker. While I love exploring with my family, I read Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail thru-hiking memoirs all winter, and I am consumed by a longing to hike to […]
When Beatrice was little, people said to us all of the time, “She’ll sleep well tonight!” And we always laughed, but inside we thought, “Nope, she’s going to sleep the same as she does every night, because she’s always this active.” Since then I love to ask other parents what comment they hear most […]
Like we often do, because great minds think alike, Jen and I decided independently to get standing desks this year. If you’ve read any of the research, they are calling sitting the new smoking, and saying that even if you exercise regularly you cannot overcome the adverse affects of sitting at your work all day. I’ve […]
Forget filling your car with hand warmers and signal flares, true winter survival is about keeping your spirits up and your eyes on the prize (i.e. spring). Here’s a foolproof recipe to help you survive winter a.k.a. enjoy our fourth season. First, get comfortable. Head to your favorite pharmacy/co-op/Amazon and fill your cart with Vitamin D, a […]
How Eskimos Keep Their Babies Warm: And Other Adventures in Parenting (from Argentina to Tanzania and everywhere in between) by Mei-Ling Hopgood This book is my new favorite book for expectant or new parents, because it makes you feel awesome about yourself as a parent. Reading about a dozen different cultures and how they approach […]
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The Minneapolis skyline and Marshall Avenue bridge, from the running path on the St. Paul side of the river. It’s on. I’ve been stress-tested, blood-tested, and pressure-tested. I’ve been examined, reviewed, and notated. Poked, prodded, and medicated. And all the tests and medical professionals have come to the same conclusion: There’s nothing really wrong with […]
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The winner of our Mother’s Day Giveaway is Kristin! Kristin said: “I would like to nominate my dear friend, Amy. Amy has two boys, ages 1 and 3. She is an amazingly strong and courageous mother–she does so much with much less than most people. She is extremely loving to her boys, her family, and […]
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I’ve entered contests on blogs dozens of times, but have never been on this side of the fence, and friends? It is hard! I wish I could pull an Oprah and make everyone a winner, because all of the moms nominated so clearly deserve it. I’m glad the random number generator gets to choose and […]
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I hate getting my picture taken. What woman doesn’t? Bad hair, no makeup, big zit, I used to be skinny and now I’m not. I hate these jeans/top/shoes/outfit. I wore my glasses today. I take better pictures than my husband anyway. Sound familiar? What excuses do you use to stay out of the frame and […]
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I’m not a very good gift giver. I’m well intentioned but insecure, and too often imagine my gift accumulating dust in a closet. So I tend to opt for gifts that can be consumed (food or beverages, or experiences, like cooking classes or spa gift certificates). When I do give things I try to give […]
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We are so pleased to be giving away a custom mother-and-child photo session with Anna Mayer Photography to one Borealis reader’s mom, sister, friend, cousin, daughter, or loved one. Anna is an amazing children and family photographer who captures the beauty of babies, children, and families exactly as they are (though, Mom, she’ll make sure […]
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Happy Mother’s Day! How does your family celebrate? I plan to start my morning at the greenhouse and end the day covered in dirt, just the way I like it. (And as you know, Breanne celebrated Mother’s Day early, but I bet the day won’t pass her by without some celebration!) As our Mother’s Day […]
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