Twin Cities MN 2 by The 55 Spotlight

TWIN CITIES

MINNESOTA | VOL. 7

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FENG SHUI

IN

COLOR & DESIGN

Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.

It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.

In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.

Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.

According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:

Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of

control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.

The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.

Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.

NEW TRENDS FOR Weddings

After the thrill of an engagement, all attention moves to the upcoming wedding. It is a happy and exciting time for any couple and one filled with many choices and decisions. It can also be a stressful time if not properly organized. To make it a joyous event, a plan is essential and it starts with making lists of things to accomplish. Technology has made it much easier. There are on-line wedding planning tools for couples to use. Not only do they simplify wedding preparation, they save time and keep everything organized and in one place as opposed to old fashioned methods.

Post-Covid backyard weddings are out and luxury is in. Couples want their venue to be special, whether it is the country club, a spectacular garden, a historic estate, or a clear top tent for dancing under the stars. They want it to reflect who they are and their own personal love story and even their cultural heritage.

Oftentimes, couples are going for smaller, more intimate affairs. This allows more time to spend with people they care about most. It also helps with the budget and allows for spending on special effects or treats. Decor has shifted from traditional white to brighter, bolder colors. Couples can now more easily express their personalities. Food and flowers are often designed to be environmentally friendly using locally sourced products. Champagne towers add a touch of elegance and they have made a big comeback.

Hanging florals are a new and dramatic trend along with decorative ceremony aisles. Special effects lighting is another new trend. For a really unique look, go for a custom dance floor as the dance floor is often the center of the action at the wedding party. A new special effect is called cold sparks. The best explanation is indoor fireworks which add drama and sparkle to any event. They can be used in a variety of ways. Use them to light up the bride and groom’s entrance to the party, for first dances, or for the couple’s departure.

It is all about creating a memorable experience unlike any other. If you don’t have a lot of time to plan and implement all that is required for your wedding, consider hiring a wedding planner or pick a venue that coordinates the details for you. Country Clubs and Hotels are good at that as they often have excellent party planners on staff. Although a private wedding planner will add to the expense, they make sure the entire process runs smoothly from design issues, overseeing the budget, sending invitations, tracking RSVPs, managing vendors, and coordinating the schedule of the wedding. At a minimum, be sure to have someone in charge on the day of the wedding for any last minute issues that arise.

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

DATES TOURNAMENT

JULY 1 - 7

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 15 - 21

JULY 22 - 28

JUNE 29 - AUG 4

AUG 5 - 11

John Deere Classic TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois

* Schedule subject to change

Genesis Scottish Open ^ The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

TBA Event TBA, TBA GOLF

Barracuda Championship Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood), Truckee, California GOLF

3M Open TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minnesota

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Olympic Men’s Golf Competition # Le Golf National, Paris, France GOLF

Wyndham Championship Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, North Carolina

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

AUG 12 - 18

AUG 19 - 25

AUG 26 - SEP 1

EDEX CUP PLAYOFFS

FedEx St. Jude Championship TPC Southwind, Memphis, Tennessee

BMW Championship Castle Pines Golf Club, Castle Rock, Colorado

TOUR Championship East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

+ Signature Event

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

2024 LPGA

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE TWIN CITIES

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

JULY

4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY

The Fourth of July — a time for swimming in the lake, rock skipping, shopping, agate hunting, donuts, long hikes, canoe trips, fudge, fireworks, and time with your family. It’s the true kick-off for summer here in the north woods and we’d love to have you join us! For more info visit: http://tinyurl.com/5bah4kyv

JULY 27 | VINTAGE FEST

Totally Rad Vintage Fest is a curated vintage event with vintage vendors, activities and more! Feel the nostalgia as you shop from vintage vendors, challenge a friend at the free vintage arcade, strike a pose at the throwback photo ops and jam to the tunes being spun by the live vinyl Dj. Our team is constantly dreaming up and building new activations for the event. You never know what new will be at the event. For more info visit: totallyradvf.com

AUGUST

AUG

1 - 11 | FRINGE FESTIVAL

The Minnesota Fringe remains steadfastly committed to it’s core principles: producing opportunities for artists of a wide variety of backgrounds, abilities and experience levels; creating novel ways of engaging with the performing arts; and a continuing commitment to accessibility for artists and audiences. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/548x3mem

AUG 10 - 11 | STREET ART FEST

The Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival is a free and unique downtown art experience for residents and visitors that celebrates street art in all its forms. The festival takes place annually the second weekend in August and features chalk and spray art, murals, performance, craft, food and fun! For more info visit: mplsstreetartfest.com

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AUG 17 | PORCHFEST

Uptown Porchfest will feature multiple, spread-out, overlapping concerts during a single afternoon that attendees can enjoy while wandering the neighborhood. Basically, it will be a huge local jam session. For more info visit: uptownporchfest.com

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 1 - 2 | STATE FAIR

Always 12 days of fun ending Labor Day, the Great Minnesota Get-Together welcomes 1.9 million guests annually to a world-class showcase of livestock, agriculture, horse, art, talent and creative activities competitions; 500 food items; 900 free entertainment shows; the Mighty Midway and Kidway; Grandstand concert series; 1,000 vendors; exhibits for kids and adults; a fireworks show each evening; and more! For more info visit: mnstatefair.org

SEPT 1 - 29 | RENAISSANCE FEST

King Henry and his royal court invite one and all to his 16th Century European village featuring 16 stages of exciting entertainment. Over 250 artisans fill the Festival marketplace to display and sell their handcrafted wares for a truly unique shopping experience. Patrons can interact with hundreds of memorable characters roaming the village streets as well as view live armored jousting throughout the day. Come celebrate this season by visiting the Festival grounds in Shakopee, MN. Huzzah! For more info visit: renaissancefest.com

SEPT 28 | BLOODY MARY FEST

Experience an unforgettable morning celebrating the most beloved brunch cocktail of all time at Bloody Mary Fest! Indulge in unlimited samples of bloody marys, craft beer, and more. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2y77pvvu

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

TWIN CITIES

OCTOBER

OCT 1 - 29

| HARVEST FESTIVAL

Come celebrate fall with Twin Cities Harvest Festival and the St. Paul Saints baseball organization! Wander through the Twin Cities largest corn maze featuring the St. Paul Saints. See if you can find all 15 team trivia questions hidden throughout the maze! Enjoy our 1st annual car show, jump in the corn pit; stroll through the straw bale maze; and enjoy live music, a petting zoo, a hayride, inflatables, a giant slide, and more! For more info visit: twincitiesmaze.com

OCT

- 6 | MARATHON

Make the most out of your weekend in the Twin Cities for the 2024 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend! From exploring the Health & Fitness Expo, getting the whole family moving with Saturday events, and celebrating our signature Sunday events, we’ve got you covered with our Marathon Weekend Itinerary. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/v7dzx8z4

OCT

- 14 | FILM FESTIVAL

You will find that the Twin Cities Black Film Festival is a rapidly growing, premier film festival in the Twin Cities featuring films written, directed, produced and starring African-American talent here in the Twin Cities as well as across the country. Our goal is to show diverse talent across the spectrum in films. The film selection committee strives to bring the ‘best of cinema’ to be promoted and screened for thousands of people during the four-day festival! For more info visit: tcbff.org

NOVEMBER

NOV

- 16 | FALL MARKET

Join us at this free pop up experience showcasing local goods, art, and businesses. A can’t miss event! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/rff78m4s

DECEMBER

DEC 1 - 31 | HOLIDAY FESTIVAL

This year, get up close and personal with the expanded GLOW

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TWIN CITIES

Holiday exhibits at St. Paul’s CHS Field. GLOW features over a million lights, sElfie Plaza, Enchanted Forest, Bright Bikes, Tremendous Tree, the GLOW Spectacular, and so much more! For more info visit: glowholiday.com

JANUARY

JAN TBA | ICE CASTLES

A must-see winter wonderland with twinkling lights, magnificent archways and towers, fountains and slides ready to be explored. By day this frozen castle glimmers with glacial blues and after dark the ice formations create a magical glow. Located at Long Lake Regional Park in New Brighton. For more info visit: icecastles.com

FEBRUARY

FEB

1 - 2 | THE GREAT NORTHERN

The Great Northern celebrates our cold, creative winters through ten days of diverse programming that invigorate mind and body. In an era of changing climate that threatens our signature season,

we seek to create community, inspire action, and share the resilient spirit of the North with the world. For more info visit: thegreatnorthernfestival.com

MARCH

MARCH 5 - 9 | HOME & GARDEN SHOW

The Minneapolis Home & Garden Show is a vibrant marketplace where you can shop for home-related products and services, experience stunning displays to help inspire your next home project, connect with industry experts, and enjoy informative presentations from renowned local and international home professionals. For more info visit: homeandgardenshow.com

APRIL

APRIL TBA | FILM FEST

As the largest annual celebration of international cinema in the region, MSPIFF43 promises another exciting lineup of 200+ films from around the world, plus an exciting

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

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array of parties, panels, visiting filmmakers, and special guests. For more info visit: mspfilm.org

MAY

MAY 16 - 18 | ART-A-WHIRL

Over 1,400 NEMAA member artists, galleries, and businesses participate across all of Northeast Minneapolis at over 100 locations. Art-A-Whirl is a fantastic way to connect with artists in their own spaces, enjoy demonstrations and interactive activities, listen to live music, and enjoy local restaurants and breweries. Art-A-Whirl is free and open to the public. For more info visit: nemaa.org/art-a-whirl

JUNE

JUNE 20 - 21 | JAZZ FESTIVAL

The Twin Cities Jazz Festival, established in 1999, is a non-profit organization, with a mission to keep the art form of jazz alive and well in our community. Bring a lawn chair, grab a bite and beverage on-site or from a nearby dining establishment, then sit back and enjoy the syncopated rhythms of this year’s featured entertainers. Of course, dancing is most welcome, too! For more info visit: twincitiesjazzfestival.com

2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT

SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

MAY 25 - SUN 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 26 - MON 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 26 - MON 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 27 - TUE 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 27 - TUE 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - WED 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - WED 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 29 - THU 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 29 - THU 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - SAT 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - SAT 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 01 - SUN 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 01 - SUN 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 02 - MON 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 02 - MON 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 03 - TUE 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 03 - TUE 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 04 - WED 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 04 - WED 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 05 - THU 3:00 PM 1/2 Finals Singles Ladies’

JUN 06 - FRI 2:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 06 - FRI 5:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 07 - SAT 3:00 PM Final Women’s Single

JUN 08 - SUN 3:00 PM Final Gentlemen’s Single

DATE

2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

JUNE 30 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round

JULY 1 - TUE 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round

JULY 2 - WED 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round

JULY 3 - THUR 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round

JULY 4 - FRI 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round

JULY 5 - SAT 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round

JULY 6 - SUN 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round

JULY 7 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round

JULY 8 - TUE 11:00 AM

JULY 9- WED 11:00 AM

JULY 10 - THU 1:00 PM

Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals

Ladies' Singles Semifinals & Mixed Doubles Final

JULY 11 - FRI 1:00 PM Men's Singles Semifinals

JULY 12 - SAT 2:00 PM

JULY 13 - SUN 2:00 PM

Ladies' Singles Final & Men's Doubles Final

Men's Singles Final & Ladies’ Doubles Final

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

TRAIN EXPERIENCES Wonderful

If you haven’t traveled by train, you might like to try it. There are so many fantastic train trips available across the world. They offer opportunities not available any other way. There’s never the hassle of driving and missing the beautiful and scenic countryside. They are eco-friendly,

comfortable, relaxing and also offer refreshments. Trains start and end their journeys in cities and will transport you through diverse and incredible landscapes.

Here are a few amazing train trip options:

JACOBITE TRAIN BERNINA EXPRESS

If you are traveling in Scotland, be sure to check out the Jacobite. This journey is often described as the greatest rail journey in the world. It takes you 84 miles in total from Fort Williams in the highlands of Scotland to the most westerly stop in Arisaig. It passes by lakes and rivers including Lake Nevis, the deepest in Europe and through charming villages. There is a stop in Glenfinnan which was made famous as the site of the Harry Potter films. Then it is on to Mallaig which was founded in 1840 and is now a busy fishing port. It is a great spot for a walk or some shopping and dining. Try the fish and chips! Then take the return trip or consider taking the ferry to Skye and the Small Isles.

In Switzerland, be sure to check out the Bernina Express which is a 90 mile journey from Tirano in northern Italy to Chur in southeastern Switzerland. Highlights include unparalleled panoramic views of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, charming villages and shimmering lakes. With 55 tunnels through the mountains and numerous bridges and viaducts, the vistas are stunning. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the old town is actually car-free. The train has earned UNESCO World Heritage Designation due to its architectural features and long history.

SKAGWAY RAILROAD RAILROAD MUSEUM

In Alaska, don’t miss the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. A trip through history that began with the gold rush of 1898 when men sought routes to the Klondike and the White Pass. It began in Skagway and continued to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The train climbs from sea level to 3,00ft - a true marvel of engineering. Travel in a vintage train from Skagway to Carcass in the Yukon Territory. See snow capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing waterfalls. Visit Bennett Station and the White Pass Museum. You can do a walk through an old gold rush town. Then ride through remote sections of the lake that are otherwise only available by hiking the Chilkoot Trail.

In Parrish, Florida, visit the Museum and see the historic trains of the old South. Or take the 6-mile ride on an early 1900s train from Parrish to Willow to see a rail collection and exhibition. Also they host special train events including a train robbery experience.

Sanford

Maple

Serenity