Holiday Markets in the Twin Cities

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Tis the season for holiday markets! I love checking off Christmas gifts for friends and family while supporting local vendors. Here’s a list of the holiday markets happening in Minneapolis & St. Paul in December.

I’ll add to this list as I find new events, and comment below if you know of one I missed!

December 2nd, 3rd & 4th

2nd: Olio Vintage

3rd: Lakes & Legends
Earl Giles Distillery

4th: Old St. Anthony Holiday Bazaar
Saint Paul Brewing

All weekend: European Christmas Market
Holidazzle
Field & Festival
Keg & Case
Fair State Brewing Cooperative
Carousel & Folk

December 9th, 10th & 11th

9th: Wild Vintage Collective

10th: Tonkadale
Forgotten Star Brewing

11th: Saint Paul Brewing

All weekend: European Christmas Market
Holidazzle
Field & Festival
Keg & Case
Fair State Brewing Cooperative
The Market at Malcom Yards

December 16th, 17th & 18th

17th: Lakes & Legends

18th: Saint Paul Brewing

All weekend: European Christmas Market
Holidazzle
Field & Festival
Keg & Case
Fair State Brewing Cooperative

The Best (Free!) Way to Get Into Plants

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If you want to start a plant addiction hobby, but don’t want to spend a ton of money doing it, I have good news for you! I’ve spent enough money on plants and have figured out a great free way to do just that!

The secret? Plant swaps.

What started off as a small collection of 3 big box store plants ended up blossoming into a new hobby, a collection of 40+ plants, and a fun new way to connect with people! I started with a few trendy looking plants (and ended up killing my first fiddle-leaf fig) and then moved on to the common plants. I bought pothos

I wasn’t sure what to expect at my first plant swap, but was so pleasantly surprised! Everyone was very kind, willing to talk plants and explain the care needs, and give out cuttings even though I didn’t have anything “worthy” to trade.

Search plant groups on Facebook or follow local plant people on Instagram to find plant swaps in your area, and don’t forget to search greenhouses and nurseries, they often host swaps themselves!

Here are some of my favorite plants I’ve gotten through plant swaps:

@laurenkortbein

the best way to get new plants?? plant swaps 😍🪴 #planttok #houseplantsoftiktok #plantswap #newplants #cebubluepothos #rubbertree #njoypothos #hoyasplash

♬ Swing Lynn – Slowed Version – Harmless

For those of you who have attended plant swaps before, what’s the best plant you’ve gotten?

Best Fall Activities in the Twin Cities

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Fall is my favorite season, and with it come some of my favorite seasonal activities! Visiting an apple orchard or pumpkin patch is something I look forward to all year round. Here are some of my favorite things to do in Minneapolis & St. Paul, Minnesota during the fall!

Pumpkin patch: Axdahl’s

Apple orchard: Aamodt’s

Fall drinks

Colder weather means it’s time for the best drinks…dark beers! Barrel Theory makes some of the best dark beers out there, and Waldmann is the epitome of a fall-themed brewery with its fireplace, vintage feel and history. But if you’re not a beer drinker, check out the new Emerald Lounge in St. Paul for some delicious and very vibe-y drinks.

Barrel Theory Brewery
Emerald Lounge
Waldmann Brewery

Movie night: Alamo Drafthouse

We don’t often go to movie theaters anymore, but I’m all for watching a good scary movie on the big screen while enjoying delicious drinks!

Minnesota Zoo: Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

Each year the Minnesota zoo brings in tons of artists to design beautiful and creative jack-o-lanterns, and puts them on display at night! Open now through November 5th, and make sure to get your tickets online before you go!

Holiday markets

It’s hard to believe it’s already that time of year, but holiday markets have started! Starting in late October or early November, you can find at least one holiday market happening every weekend.

Supper club

With the temperatures dropping quickly, it means it’s time for hearty winter food! And a classic Midwest supper club is the perfect place for all your favorites. We’re planning on hitting up the Laurel Supper Club in New Richmond, WI in November to kick off eating season. 😁

Spooky Season Book Recommendations

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Looking for a good thriller to get into during spooky season?? I loved these and highly recommend them!

Fall Plant Care Tips

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I know we don’t want to start talking about the “W” season yet, but it’s time to start thinking about it for your plants sake! Here are a few tips for how to ensure your plants make it through the cold season:

Stop fertilizing

Plants need an off season just like sports teams do! During the fall and winter, stop fertilizing your plants to give them a few months to focus on existing growth.

Decrease your watering schedule

With less sun and lower temps, your plants will likely need less water. I always recommend a moisture meter (this is the one I have) so you know exactly when your plants need water and don’t need to play the guessing game.

Continue leaf care

Don’t forget to dust leaves and check for pests! Getting rid of dust will ensure the leaves are able to soak up all the available sun. While you’re cleaning, keep an eye out for pests to avoid them spreading to nearby plants.

Increase humidity

Here in Minnesota, the air has gotten so dry that I’ve gotten static shocks from plant leaves! To add moisture back, add a humidifier or group plants together.

Wait to repot

Wait until spring to repot any new or existing plants. Since plants aren’t actively growing during the colder season, they’ll have a harder time adapting to a new home.

As needed:

Adjust plant locations

When the cold air hits and the heat turns on, make sure that your plants aren’t above a heat vent or near drafty windows!

Use grow lights

If you want to give your plants a little boost, give them a grow light or two! I have two of these lights and my plants love them.

@laurenkortbein

Time to start thinking about moving those outside plants indoors! 🥶#greenscreen #winteriscoming #outsideplants #plantcare #fyp #houseplants #houseplantsoftiktok

♬ original sound – laurenkortbein

The Best Vegetarian Chili Recipe

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🎉 IT’S THE FIRST DAY OF FALL!! 🎉

And you know there’s no better way to welcome in cooler temps and changing leaves than with a crockpot chili! Here’s the world’s easiest (and vegetarian) recipe I’ve perfected over the past few years.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can corn (drained)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 jar hot salsa
  • 2 cups vegetable stock
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (12 ounce) package veggie Chorizo crumbles
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Toppings for serving: sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, jalapeños

Instructions:

  • Put everything except toppings in the crockpot and stir well. Cook on high for 5-6 hours or low for 8 hours.
  • Serve with lots of sour cream and cheese on top!
  • Bonus points if you cook it in the back of your wagon! 😏

Introducing: Kortbein Creative LLC

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I have exciting (and not so “new”) news: I started my own company, Kortbein Creative LLC!

In January 2021, I decided to finally take the leap and start my own company, focusing on helping small businesses with their social media needs. I’ve been interested and involved in social media for a while, and through various side jobs and projects have come to realize that I really love helping small businesses connect and grow through social media.

If you’re interested in learning more about how I can help with your social media needs, please get in touch! Or pass this link along to anyone you know who might be interested. I can’t wait to connect with you!