Embracing the Season Festivities in Minneapolis

Minnesota around the holidays is something truly magical. The fresh white snow that blankets the streets, cold crisp air and bundling up in your coziest clothes. This holiday season join in on some of the many festivities the Minneapolis-St. Paul area has to offer. Ride on the north pole express or visit the European Christmas market at the Union Depot in St. Paul. Make a thermos of hot coco and go on a adventure to find the best holiday lights in your neighborhood. Go see the nutcracker at the Orpheum or join in on the Holidazzle activities. Either way, there is no lack of fun and festive activities for the whole family this holiday season.

The Union Depot station in St. Paul has a North Pole Express where you take a magical train ride and includes a visit from Santa! Visit Santa's Workshop at Bachman's in Minneapolis for a fun for all ages play called "Who wants to be a toymaker?". With various times on Saturday and Sundays, this will be a one of a kind holiday experience. 

Another fun holiday activity is visiting one of the many winter markets going on in the Twin Cities. Cities like Minneapolis, St. Paul, Edina and Bloomington all have wonderful winter markets with a multitude of vendors and a variety of beautiful, unique handmade items. Minneapolis has the Holidazzle that goes on from Friday November 23rd to Sunday December 23rd. They have food tents, ice skating, kids activities, movies nights, kid zones, holiday markets and a fireworks display. Visit www.holidazzle.com to learn more about all the amazing activities and events going on in Minneapolis. 

If you are still looking for more holiday fun visit the MN Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen. You can view the Winter Lights display that they have or finish holiday shopping at their holiday market. They also have live music, breakfast with Santa and seasonal cooking classes. You can visit their website arbwinter.umn.edu to learn more. 

For more holiday activities visit your community website or Facebook's events page to see what's going on around you. Lastly, although the holidays can be stressful don't forget what this season is truly about. Be thankful for all the positive things in your life and embrace the time you spend with loved ones. 

To learn more ways to keep you and your family happy and healthy, visit our website www.oxborochiro.com. 

By: Julia Jacobson, Office Manager

Oxboro Family Chiropractic, P.A.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving 

Thanksgiving is a time to surround yourself with loved ones, indulge in delicious food and be thankful. To avoid overindulgence, feeling uncomfortable for hours after eating and remain stress free, use these tips to take control of Thanksgiving. 

Don't forget some exercise this Thanksgiving. Whether it's in the morning or in the afternoon your body will appreciate it. Try taking a walk in the morning before all the madness begins or do an after dinner walk with your family or a friends. Either way make time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Since Minnesota can be quite chilly this time of year, make sure to bundle up and dress appropriately. 

Eat breakfast. Fasting in order to save room for Thanksgiving dinner can lead to overeating. Hydrate to dominate. Check in with yourself throughout the day and make sure you are staying hydrated. Don't go crazy with appetizers! Make sure the appetizers you are eating are in moderation. This ensures that you have enough room for dinner! Also try using a smaller plate, this helps with portion control and avoiding over eating. Try chewing slowly and listening to your body when it is full. Wait a minute or so before going up for seconds to let your body tell you when enough is enough. Don't stress over food. It is Thanksgiving and it is okay to indulge yourself every once in a while but if you do indulge, don't punish yourself. 

Lastly, enjoy yourself! We all know the holidays can be stressful but they don't have to be that way. Anytime you are feeling a little too stressed take a step back, take some deep breaths and remind yourself what the holidays are really about. Make sure to give yourself enough time. No one likes to rush. Plan out what you want your morning to look like and try to stick to that schedule. Also get enough sleep the night before. Enough sleep will not only help control your appetite on Thanksgiving but also ensure you have enough energy to last the whole day! Finally, enjoy meaningful conversations and interactions with friends and family you don't see every day. Enjoy your time with your friends and family and be grateful. 

To learn more ways to keep your family healthy and happy visit our website at www.oxborochiro.com. 

By: Julia Jacobson, Office Manager

Oxboro Family Chiropractic, P.A.

Sources: 

https://greatist.com/health/fit-healthy-thanksgiving-tips

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/5-tips-for-a-healthy-thanksgiving_us_5a0f4753e4b0e30a958506bb

Fall Activities and Wellness

Fall is here! The leaves are changing, the air is getting crisp and the days are getting shorter. Fall in Minnesota is really something special! The leaves transform into vibrant orange, yellow and red, the smell of apple cider lingers and the crisp air refreshes your lungs. This fall find something to do outside with your kiddos, fur babies or friends. 

 

This fall spend some time outside! Visit a pumpkin patch or an apple orchid. Pick your own apples and pumpkins at Afton Apple Orchard in Hastings, Apple Jack Orchards in Delano or the University of Minnesota Apple House in Victoria. On a rainy day visit a museum or a temporary traveling exhibition that you find interesting. Check the Minneapolis Institute of art, American Swedish Institute, Science Museum of Minnesota, Walker Art Center or the Minnesota Children's Museum websites for information on temporary exhibitions. You can also visit the Explore Minnesota website to find a museum that you have never been to. 

You could also go to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and do the 3 mile drive. The changing colors that the Arboretum has to offer are spectacular. You could also take a day trip or a weekend trip up to the north shore and take a hike at one of the many state parks the north shore has to offer. Otherwise drive down to Redwing or Stillwater and take a stroll along the river and have lunch downtown. If you are looking for weekend plans go and see a show at the Orpheum or the Varsity Theater. You could also go to a Vikings, Gopher or Wild game and cheer on your favorite team. 

There are also many Oktoberfest, fall harvest and Halloween events to choose from. Carlo Creek Winery in Alexandria has an Oktoberfest celebration as well as Deerwood, Waconia or New London, MN. During September 7th through the October 27th Wabasha has its annual SeptOberfest. Here  you can enjoy German music and food and can view different exhibits like largest pumpkin and a pumpkin derby. Or in Stillwater they have their annual harvest fest on October 13th and 14th which includes a chili cook off, tractor pull, wine and beer tasting and a giant pumpkin boat race on the St. Croix River! If you are looking for a scare visit Valleyscare in Shakopee or the new Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular event at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley. 

Like any time of year it is important to remember to stay hydrated. During the summer months this can seem easier but when cold weather hits it is harder to tell when you are thirsty, so make sure you are drinking plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. Also dress in layers. Minnesota weather is unpredictable and you want to be able to be comfortable no matter what mother nature has in store for the day. Lastly with kids back in school this means kids getting sick. Boost your immune system by limiting sugar, eating in season nutritious food, washing your hands frequently, getting regular chiropractic care and getting enough exercise. 

If you are still looking for more fall fun visit the Explore Minnesota website or your local community website. For more ways to keep your family happy, healthy and entertained, visit our website at www.oxborochiro.com. 

By: Julia Jacobson, Office Manager

Oxboro Family Chiropractic, P.A. 

Source: http://www.exploreminnesota.com/travel-ideas/10-things-fall/

Staycation

When planning a vacation very few of us ever think about staying close to home. However traveling can get expensive and cause even more stress. Between the cost of air fare, hotels and lodging, transportation and the cost of experiences once you arrive at your destination, vacation can add up quickly. Next time you are planning a vacation think about keeping it closer to home or taking a staycation. There are many pros to taking a staycation or being a tourist in your own town. It is more cost effective, you don't have to take time off work, arrange transportation or lodging or worry about being in an unfamiliar city. Here are some things to try when being a tourist in your own city.

Try things that you wouldn't normally do in your city. Take a tour of a popular landmark like the Minnesota State Capital in St. Paul, the Mill Ruins Park or Mill City Museum in Minneapolis. Visit a museum that you have never been to like the Minneapolis Institute of art, the James J. Hill House, American Swedish Institute, Science Museum of Minnesota, Walker Art Center or the Minnesota Children's Museum. Rent a Nice Ride bike and take a self guided tour around lake Bde Maka Ska, Lake of the Isles, Lake Harriet or Lake Nokomis.

Embrace the four seasons that Minnesota has to offer. In the summer rent a boat on Lake Minnetonka or visit Minnehaha falls. In the Fall go to the Minnesota Landscape arboretum in Chaska and take the 3-Mile Drive, watch the leaves transform into vibrant red, orange and yellow. Also visit an apple orchard and pick fresh apples, drink fresh pressed apple cider and take a hay ride. In the winter visit Buck Hill for snow tubing or Afton Alps for skiing and snowboarding. You could also go root for the Wild at a Minnesota Wild game at the Xcel Energy Center in downtown St. Paul. In the Spring check out the roaring Mississippi river at the Stone Arch Bridge over St. Anthony Falls, watch the flowers bloom at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory or visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Gardens.

Check out a local events, fairs or festivals. Go to the Minneapolis Farmers Market or go to one of Minneapolis's many music and movies in the park. Try something new at the Dakota County, Carver County or Edina Art Fair. See a concert at the Grandstand at the Minnesota State Fair. Attend the Pizza Luce Block Party, Twin Cities Pride Festival or the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Visit your community website to see what other events are going on around you.

When taking a staycation make sure to step outside your comfort zone and be adventurous, but also enjoy yourself. Try something new, eat a new food, visit a new place or try a new activity and along the way you might discover a new favorite restaurant, hobby or activity! Being a tourist in your own town allows you to see a city you see every day in a new light. It also gives you a well deserved break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life while staying close to home.

By: Julia Jacobson, Office Manager

Oxboro Family Chiropractic, P.A.


Source: https://experiencelife.com/article/how-to-be-a-tourist-in-your-own-town/