Recent content from Connie Nelson
The cutest rescue dogs in Minneapolis pose for pictures in hopes of getting adopted
A Minneapolis photographer takes glamour shots of rescue dogs to help them get adopted.
Famous 'Curly Girl' hairstylist now urging women to embrace their gray
With her new book, a longtime stylist hopes to free women from the tyranny of coloring gray hair.
Beauty secrets and shortcuts of an artfully composed garden in St. Paul
A mishap inspired a St. Paul woman to create — and refine — her artfully composed garden.
Intense Minneapolis workout helps you build strength – by keeping you off balance
A full-body workout, developed in Minnesota, uses unstable platforms to build strength.
Lake of the Isles jogger is waging running battle against trash
Tom Cousins is at Lake of the Isles almost every morning and almost every day of the year.
Readers say when it comes to book length, 'less is more'
Many long books are fine, of course, but folks don't like books that just go on and on.
Fall chores are part of living in Minnesota – do them now
A little bit of extra yard work this autumn will pay off in the spring.
Are you tired of reading 500-page-plus 'epic' novels?
Even if the stories and the writing can't support the length, bigger has somehow become better.
20 things you didn't know about Minnesota's famous Honeycrisp apples
Not only is the Honeycrisp apple celebrating 20 years of good taste, but the Minnesota-made favorite also is reminding us that it's thoroughly rooted in the North Star State.
Hate to work out? Eden Prairie gym has the workout for you
A new ungym-like gym delivers an effective workout for everyone — except gym rats.
What's a 'mindfulness triathlon'? Find out July 1 in St. Paul
To gear up for the Wanderlust 108 triathlon, you might want to practice something that can be harder than running: sitting still.
Twin Cities writer wants to help caregivers find 'balance'
Some tips on "Finding Your Joy in Compassionate Caregiving."
Photographer captures rare sight of baby owl climbing to safety in Twin Cities park
Who knew that owls could climb? When an owlet fell from its nest, the fuzzy little critter was driven by instinct to get home.
Body-positive yoga enthusiast wants to help you 'change your life'
Frank, funny, profane yogi tells everyone how to start practicing in her new body-positive book.
Better health? New Zealand doctor says it's in your genes
A New Zealand doctor explains how evolutionary biology can give you a plan for better health.
Minnesota architectural writer starts new column, "Lost Twin Cities"
Say hello to "Lost Twin Cities," a monthly column by Larry Millett, a man of history and mystery. Millett is a born-and-bred Minnesotan who has…
Tips on how to get what you really want, from a 'reformed quitter'
Author Betsy Schow gently instructs the quitter in all of us to set personal goals and power through to the finish line.
Bayport woman's passion for planting leads her to become a constant gardener
By following natures lead, a Bayport woman learns life lessons through her garden.
Beyond building blocks: Museum as playground
For the kids who'll be attending the Minneapolis Institute of Art's Cityscapes Family Day on Sunday, architecture will be just another word for fun.
REVIEW: 'His Bloody Project,' by Graeme Macrae Burnet
FICTION: This gripping novel set in the Scottish Highlands of the 19th century was a finalist for the Man Booker Prize.
That's no torture device: Plymouth gym's Megaformer class offers 'Pilates on steroids'
Plymouth gym's Lagree Fitness Method uses Megaformer machine for a total body workout.
'Hard-charging' new Minneapolis gym pushes you to 'true maximum'
Fly Feet Running includes running, strength and mobility training and stretching.
Why these Twin Citians take photos of buildings
A group of Twin Cities photographers learn about local architecture through their camera lenses.
Review: 'Notwithstanding,' by Louis de Bernieres
FICTION: Quirky but true-to-life stories out of a quaint English village.
Want to be an Alpha? Check out Life Time Fitness' full-body workout
What it is: Alpha is a full-body workout that emphasizes what Life Time Fitness calls "functional fitness." The exercises — from walking lunges to jumping…
Bookmark: The joy of rereading old favorites
Travis sells junk. That’s what he does for a living. But he wasn’t going to sell me a hardcover of “Gone With the Wind” with…
Running is freedom for 6-year-old Plymouth girl with hydrocephalus
Plymouth first-grader born with hydrocephalus loves 5Ks.
Review: 'Mister Monkey,' by Francine Prose
FICTION: In this sharp satire, actors on the skids put on a production of a mawkish play about a monkey.
Review: 'Little Nothing,' by Marisa Silver
FICTION: "Little Nothing" is the tale of a tiny girl born to elderly peasants who goes through many metamorphoses.
British psychologist wants to put you on 'fast track to happiness'
British psychologist and professional coach Robert Holden will speak at St. Louis Park event on how to " follow your joy."
How to reduce pain and gain flexibility with simple movements
Feldendkrais increases flexibility with light, easy, soft, slow and smooth movement.
What is a metabolic assessment, and how can it help you lose weight?
Knowing how many and what kind of calories you burn can help jump-start your workout.
Looking to lose weight? Here's how a nutrition assessment can help
You needn't be an elite athlete to get your goals, diet and activity evaluated by the EXOS-Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center in Minneapolis.
Woodbury's CycleBar spinning workout tones your arms and your legs
Boutique gym offers spinning combined with upper-body exercise.
Mpls. meditator helps Stillwater prisoners find moments of Zen
For the past 17 years, Patrice Koelsch has been bringing quiet to a chaotic world.
New Minneapolis rowing gym delivers 'one-and-done workout'
There's a revival in rowing. We tried out a class, and here's what we found.
Snow? Cold? Now? What should Minnesota gardeners do?
Coaxed by way-too-warm weather (we've been running 10 to 20 degrees above normal), buds are breaking and tulips are popping out of the ground. Now cold and snow are in the forecast.
New Twin Cities gym offers aerial fitness. Yes, you can do it.
What it is: A new kind of aerial fitness class that uses hammock-like slings to provide support and resistance and get your workout off…
Accidental historian: New Brighton teen captures Minneapolis in the '70s
It was 1968 and Mike Evangelist was 14 when the self-described nerd from New Brighton hopped a bus with a buddy and headed to downtown Minneapolis. The 11-mile trip changed his life.
Twin Cities area kids show how they're making our world better
Essays by Twin Cities area elementary school students reveal all the many things they're doing to make a difference.
New York Times now dissing Minnesota's beloved Honeycrisp apples
In 2014, the New York Times christened the grape salad a quintessential Minnesota Thanksgiving recipe. Now the paper has dissed the darling of the apple world — the Minnesota-developed Honeycrisp.
Star Tribune weekday comic pages will replace 'Stone Soup' with 'Big Nate'
Hang onto your hat: There’s going to be a change in the Star Tribune’s daily comics. Jan Eliot, creator of the comic strip “Stone Soup,”…
One Day University in Minneapolis offers college-level classes without the cramming
Brian Little has had a distinguished career, teaching at Harvard, Oxford and McGill. Still, he loves what he calls “professing” so much that his postretirement…
Review: 'The Dust That Falls From Dreams,' by Louis de Bernières
FICTION: The dramatic life of an English family unfolds during World War I.
Canoeing through historic lands, Montana's Missouri River Breaks
A guided trip through the Missouri River Breaks of Montana offers adventure and history in an unspoiled landscape.
Minneapolis shirt designer wants guys to lift their style game
Jason Hammerberg grew up in a typical Duluth family, the youngest son of an engineer dad and nurse mom — who loved to shop. That,…
A wet spring sets Minnesota gardens up for growth – and potential problems
As a Minnesotan, I feel a tad guilty for complaining about the weather — unless it’s 20 below. But I have to admit that our…
Day trip to Pepin, a star on Wisconsin's 'West Coast'
Pepin offers a day's worth of adventure — from four-star food and wine to quaint museums and art-inspired stores. Though it's less than 70 miles from the cities, the Wisconsin village can seem a world away.
Twin Citians, grab your rakes and go to it
Knowing when to rake is part art, part patience. “If you rake too early, you can harm the tiny grass plants,” said Sam Bauer, a…
Architects: Invest wisely in your nest
Who doesn't want to feel at home in their home? Regional architects weigh in on how to make choices you'll be happy with for the long haul.
Couple display the art of gardening
A creative couple rely on a unique form of organic design to turn their front yard into an award-winning destination.
Back-yard bounty
A passionate, learn-as-you-go gardener reaps the fruits of many years of labor in his Edina yard.
St. Paul city garden is front and center
A learn-as-you-go gardener transformed a small city lot into an imaginative, innovative garden.
How to shop the Home + Garden Show
You’ve always been able to pick up a chili dog and, say, a bottle of hot sauce, some jewelry cleaner or a ShamWow at…
Meet the community builders
In their winning United Way-Star Tribune essays, Minnesota students show us the simple, often sweet ways they've changed their worlds for the better.
Winter's early arrival puts a chill on home chores
Winter's surprise arrival caught many of us with a "to do" list that wasn't quite "done." But there are very good reasons to tackle some chores, no matter how unsavory the thought of battling the cold, snow and ice might be.
In Phoenix, a hike a day
The Valley of the Sun's many parks, preserves and peaks make for happy trails.
Spruce up your holiday table
Set a fresh and family-friendly Thanksgiving table by using what you have around the house.
Star Tribune Greengirls host a plant swap May 18
It's time for your plants to get growing: The annual Greengirls garden swap happens next weekend.
Greengirls are back online to talk about gardens
It's official: You can rake. Just ask the Greengirls, the Star Tribune's garden bloggers, who are making their season debut.
'Rhymes With Orange' comes to the Star Tribune's comics pages
Starting today, "Rhymes With Orange" by Hilary Price will be featured in the daily paper. Her punchline-driven panels (which she refers to as a "gag strip") also will appear on Sundays.
Who needs these 20 things when you have a smartphone?
The smartphone era has lightened our loads. Here's a quick look at 20 things we no longer need to lug around thanks to smartphones
Dances with buffalo in South Dakota
Once simply a tool to manage the herd, the annual Buffalo Roundup in Custer State Park has become a Wild West show.
Harriet: Jewel in the crown
It's the gem in Minneapolis' sparkling chain of lakes, mixing big-city splendor with small-town charm. An added bonus: It has its own little elf.
Do It Now: Rake those leaves
If you have a thick layer of leaves, don't let them stay on the lawn. They can mat down over the winter and cause your…
Living Green
What exactly is being "green?" And if it's so good, why aren't we doing more of it? Here's how we all can live greener -- and why we should.
The accidental prairie advocate
With the publication of her fourth book, a local garden writer solidifies her support for growing native plants.
They dared to dream of a better world - and won
The students who wrote the winning essays in the "Dare to Dream" contest have big plans for improving their communities.
Record heat is putting on the growth
Some plants are loving the heat, even if you're not.
Bunnies aren't pestering gardens, yet
Early spring has spared the tulips, but given them plenty to eat.
What's in, what's out in kitchens and baths
A national trendspotter sees a resurgence in remodeling and a renewed focus on nesting.
Sex-up gardening? This Aussie is trying
Garden design has never been a sexy subject. But a horticultural hottie is poised to change all that. This year, he launched yet another venture: a new HGTV show, "The Outdoor Room With Jamie Durie."
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