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Things to do, places to eat

Time to get your coin ready, or should I say pennies because Cub pinch for pennies event is happening! 



When you bring in your pennies, you’ll receive a Cub gift card worth twice the value. So bring in five dollars, get 10. ($5 minimum)

You must be 18 years of age and no employees, affiliates nor immediate family are not eligible.

The six locations you can visit are Maple Grove, Blaine East, Crystal, Apple Valley, Phalen, Maplewood West.



Not to be undone by the usual Lunds baking sale, the Hy-Vee baking sale is this weekend and has great deals as well.



Tell your friends and your auntie and them to run to Hy-Vee this weekend because they have all your baking needs for a steal.


Hy-Vee Baking Sale 

IV butter $2.49

Hy-Vee brown or powdered sugar $1.98

Hy-Vee flower $1.48

Hy-Vee cream cheese $1.28

Hy-Vee baking chips $2.48

Hy-Vee pretzels $.99

Hy-Vee pie crust $1.88

Carnation evaporated milk $1.28

Hy-Vee peanut butter $4.88

That’s smart spices $.88

Buy one get one free Hershey’s candy

Buy one get one free Hershey’s chocolate bar


These deals are definitely worth stacking up on!

Published 11/1/24 updated 11/2/25

Looking to shop local this holiday season? I’ve got you covered. There are plenty of Twin Cities makers markets to find the perfect gift.



Twin Cities Holiday Markets You Don’t Want to Miss



A Merry Marc Hue Christmas pop-up

Marc Hue brings his flare to a Holiday themed patisserie in Linden Hills. Open now through December 31.

The Black Market

First and foremost, I want to tell you about the Black Market featuring black owned businesses throughout. You will find plenty of black owned vendors selling candles, African jewelry and accessories, T-shirts, and so much more. Plus get your soul food fix while you shop at the many food vendors. November 18th, Eustis Ave., Saint Paul.

Four Seasons Nordic Village Market 

The Four Seasons Minneapolis is hosting their Nordic Village Market. Sip complimentary hot cider while visiting local makers nestled inside cozy cabins selling everything from jewelry, candles, and more. This winter market runs now through January.

Side note: We went to their launch this past weekend and had a great time!

Dayton’s Winter Makers Market

Dayton’s fans will love the opportunity to shop with 80 local retailers and makers in this historic downtown Minneapolis space. It runs from November 16 through December 30. 700 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis.

Bachman’s Winter Farmers Market

Listen, if you’ve haven’t been to Bachman’s on Lyndale, where have you been? It is only the best place to head for a year round greenery that will boost your spirits. They will host their winter farmers market on November 11. 6010 Lyndale Ave., South Minneapolis. 

Wagner’s Winter Farmers Market

While you’re visiting local Minneapolis garden centers, head to Wagner’s Field + Festival Holiday Indoor Market. Starting November 4 through December 17. There, you’ll find rotating list of vendors, local bakers and artisans.

European Christmas Market

Head to the Union Depot in Saint Paul where you’ll be transformed into a quaint little European market where you can shop handmade crafts, and unique gifts from local vendors and taste European foods.  Runs weekends, November 24 through December 17.

This is just a small taste of some of the Twin Cities holiday markets. Just remember to shop local to support local businesses this Christmas.

Happy shopping!

If you want to know who’s giving away free food for SNAP, here’s a quick list to find the help you need.




We all know that SNAP benefits stop in November and that means they’ll be a lot of hungry folks in the cities Minnesota. Approximately 440,000 Minnesotans receive food stamp benefits. Most of which are children, seniors, and adults with disabilities. This affects everyone not just people of color. 


Restaurants


Here’s a quick list of a few restaurants and businesses that are going above and beyond to help those in need.


Taco John’s will give you a free bean or beef burrito plus potato ole's at all locations. Just asked for the "community special."


Hope Breakfast Bar – get free pancakes to take home from 7am to 9am at their Saint Paul location beginning November 3.

1 S. Leech St. Saint Paul.


Mill City Farmers Market – present your EBT card and receive $10 in farmers market bucks for free. Use it to buy fresh local food.

750 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis


Surly Brewing - get free kids item from 3 to 6 PM starting November 4.

520 Malcolm Ave. NW., Minneapolis


Eastside Market – any get $50 of free groceries with your snap EBT card. Valid November 5th–30th.

962 Burr St., Saint Paul


Heights Pizza man - free pizza slices, salads, and cheese bread to those in need.

4045 Central Ave. NE., Columbia Heights


Whiskey Creek BBQ is offering a Whiskey Creek Meal that includes 1.5 pounds of pulled pork, two medium sides for cornbread, and buns. This is the best deal I’ve seen!

8690 E. Point Douglas Rd. S., Burnsville


Grocery store and delivery


DoorDash will offer free delivery and no service fees for EBT card holders on your grocery items. Use at Hy-Vee and Dollar General.

Gopuff will give a $50 credit for groceries in two $25 increments one from November 1st–15th and the other November 16th–30.


Hope this helps friends!


Juneteenth is almost here! If you’re looking for Juneteenth events in the Twin Cities, look no further. I’ve got you covered.



What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a special holiday that black folks have celebrated for decades. Well before it got national recognition. It marks the time that the slaves in Texas, found out they were free, though they had been free for years.


Juneteenth events in the Twin Cities

Take a look at some of the Twin Cities Juneteenth events taking place this month.


June 14 Northside Juneteenth family festival – 3:49 PM 3:49 PM 11 PM to 4 PM

Sanctuary covenant Church


June 18, Juneteenth celebration 4 PM to 7 PM

First covenant Church, Saint Paul


June 19th, Juneteenth Minnesota 2025 12 PM to 6 PM

West Broadway, Minneapolis


June 19th, Soul of the Southside Festival 12 PM to 8 PM

3010 Minnehaha Ave. S.


June 19th, Maker Event 12 PM to 4 PM

The Coliseum


June 19th, Minnesota State Capital Juneteenth celebration

Minnesota State Capital


June 19th, Juneteenth Celebration 3PM - 7PM

7499 France Ave. S.


June 28 Soul Food Festival 4 PM to 8 PM


There are so many Juneteenth events going on and I hope that you get a chance to celebrate. I will add more events as I find out about them.


After just a few years at their of opening, Du Nord Social Spirits and Lagniappe will close permanently. Their final service will be held on Saturday, May 31.



They do plan to continue to host Du Nord on June 21 which is a free music festival inspired by the Spirit of New Orleans. All agents are welcome.

Be sure to support these local and black owned businesses before they close their doors.

Happy May friends! I know I’m a few days late. Don’t mind me, but I wanted to be sure I bring you some of the May events in the Twin Cities to look forward to.






Here’s a quick look at just a few of the happenings this month.




The Tulip House – blooming now

The Black Market May 3rd

Minneapolis Farmers Market Grand Opening May 3rd

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Art Fair May 10th–11th

Art a Whirl May 16 to May 18th

Black Market Alpha Car Show May 24th

George Floyd Rise and Remember May 23 - 26th

Hennepin Fest May 31st



There’s so much happening in the Twin Cities so whatever you do, get out and enjoy it! Also,
be sure to stop by for a list of things to do in the Twin Cities in the month of June!

Okay book lovers, It's National Independent Bookstore Day, and what better way to celebrate than by showing some love to our amazing independent bookstores right here in the Twin Cities! From cozy bookstores filled with used books and new book selections, Minneapolis and St. Paul are full of indie bookstores to check out.





Why support your local bookstore


I used to own a local books and music store and while large chain booksellers may be able to offer more, it’s the indie bookshop that really is the heart of the community. And when you support a local bookstore, you are keeping your dollars in the local neighborhood. It’s a win win!


Here's a list of must-visit independent bookstores in the Twin Cities:


  1. Magers & Quinn Booksellers: 

    An Uptown institution with a massive selection of new and used books. Magers & Quinn Booksellers



  2. Moon Palace Books: A community hub in South Minneapolis, featuring a cafe, music, and a large selection of books, including many local authors. Moon Palace Books



  3. Black Garnet Books: A St. Paul Black owned bookstore, offering a curated selection of books and art by authors and illustrators of color. Black Garnet Books



  4. Red Balloon Bookshop: A Grand Avenue staple in St. Paul, specializing in children's books but also carrying adult titles. Red Balloon .



  5. Strive Bookstore: A black woman owned bookstore in the heart of downtown Minneapolis.



  6. Milkweed Books, Tropes and Trifles, Comma, a Bookshop





So, this National Bookstore Day (and every day), skip the chain stores and support your local bookstores!

 Happy April friends! Spring is in full effect and there’s so many things to do in the Twin Cities.




Here are just a few of my favorite April events. 



Twin Cities Auto Show April 11th–13 & 16–19

Minneapolis Convention Center 


Her Story Book Fair April 12th

Midtown Global Market



The Black Market

767 N. Eustis St. Saint Paul.

A floral display next to art in a art museum


Art in Bloom April 24th–27th 

Minneapolis Institute of Art


These are just a few of the spring events taking place this month. I’ll continue to add more so check back.


What are you looking forward to this April?


The Giants Art exhibit has arrived at Mia and it features art from the Dean collection, the personal collection of Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz.



Celebrate black culture and history through this touring art exhibit. The Giants art exhibit includes 100 works of art by almost 40 artists. Including Arthur Jaffa, Kehinde Wiley and more.


The Dean Collection originally was curated and held at the Brooklyn Museum and is now touring around the country. It's last stop was in Atlanta.









I’m so glad it decided to come to Minneapolis! It is a beautiful collection with thought-provoking pieces. Giant Mia exhibit tickets are $20. Find the exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts from March 8th through July 13th.

2410 3rd Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN

Now for the best part. I’ve partnered with Mia to give away two tickets to the Giants exhibit. To enter, you can leave a comment here and for more entries, enter the giveaway on my Instagram!



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