New Year’s resolutions, made in energetic bursts of determination near the end of December, quickly lose power and fizzle out in a month or two. It takes a lot of effort to change one’s lifestyle, especially after growing comfortable in established patterns of living. But in the spirit of the impending political, social, and economic change of the forthcoming year, let’s all pledge to keep our resolutions in 2016. Lucky for you, there are local resources to help you out, no matter your resolution. What do you hope to accomplish in 2016?
If you want to…
Read more: Check out one of Minnesota’s many independent bookstores. Common Good Books, Subtext, Micawber’s Books, Magers and Quinn, and Birchbark Books have massive, varied collections that consciously showcase Minnesota writers. They give us some of their reading recommendations here.
Go an adventure: Try some of the state’s more niche activities. Bubble Soccer is a trendy new sport while the mysteries at Trapped Puzzle Rooms will make you feel like a kid again (a game of Clue, anyone?). If you’re prepping for an overseas expedition, learn the lingo and experience language classes and immersion programs at the American Swedish Institute and Concordia Language Villages. And of course, any trek outdoors during a Minnesota winter is an adventure, and there are plenty of places to go hiking or snowshoeing.
Treat yourself: These affordable splurges make great self care-style gifts. Alternatively, Hydrotherapy has been making waves locally as a rejuvenating spa treatment, and Soothe on-demand massages bring licensed massage therapists straight to your door with as little as an hour’s notice.
Be more cultured: The Walker Art Center frequently brings in local and national artists, musicians, and performers to discuss and showcase their craft. Start by attending the Out There festival in January. The Cedar Cultural Center is known to attract big-name performers as well as local groups with a focus on multicultural arts. For MNMO’s January arts and entertainments picks, check here.
Learn or refine a craft: Whether you’ve been meaning to finish writing that book, or have always been interested in learning how to make a ceramic pot, classes are a good source of motivation and offer a break from the daily grind. Learn the art of bookbinding or papermaking at Minnesota Center for Book Arts and get in touch with your inner Fitzgerald at the Loft Literary Center. Northern Clay Center offers ceramics classes and workshops for all ages, and the Minneapolis Institute of Art offers adult sketching classes in the museum’s vast galleries.
Be more altruistic: You can never be too Minnesota nice, right? Local nonprofit organizations are always looking for volunteers. People Serving People and Feed My Starving Children combat poverty and hunger on a local as well as international scale. Habitat for Humanity helps to shelter the homeless here and abroad. Visit the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits to find an opportunity catered to the issues that matter to you.
Eat healthier: Whether you you’re just adding a couple more veggies to your plate, or completing cutting specific foods (sugar, fats, gluten, etc.), taking a cooking class with friends or your special someone is a good way to feel excited about your new eating lifestyle. If you’re overwhelmed with cooking new recipes, get local and fresh ingredients, or pre-made meals, delivered right to your door.
Eat local: Minnesota’s thriving food scene affords countless opportunities to eat local. New restaurants continue to pop up throughout the state, and locally owned co-ops like Mississippi Market stock plenty of Minnesota-grown food. The Food Building in Northeast is host to Red Table Meats, The Lone Grazer Creamery, and the new Draft Horse restaurant, which serves meats and cheeses crafted right in the building. The freshest local food and artisan products are also available at any of the state’s countless farmers’ markets.
Shop local: Try stopping by one of several locally driven businesses and cooperatives. Uptown MN features art, clothing, and food from local vendors. D.NOLO is a retail concept store that houses multiple local boutiques. Wilson and Willy’s puts a modern spin on the classic general store, featuring goods from local manufacturers in a sleek setting. Your shop local resolution will be easy to conquer with the help of our weekly Shopping Guide on the TC Style Blog, highlighting the best sales, shopping events, and store openings.
