Smith And Hawken Closing

Yesterday I received an e-mail from Smith & Hawken that they were closing. Through the years I have spent a lot of time browsing their brick and mortar store in Edina, Minnesota. When we wanted to buy a special anniversary gift for my parents 50th Anniversay the first website I checked was Smith & Hawken. We chose for their gift a plant a month for a year. The customer service was phenomenal! One of the plants came frozen in February. My mom called them and they made sure they received an additional plant later in the spring when it wasn't so cold here in Minnesota. I was so glad we purchased our gift from Smith & Hawken.

I was super impressed when I received their e-mail yesterday that they were closing. They took the time to thank their customers for the 30 wonderful years they have been in business. A very classy business decision to thank us for sharing garden love!

An article in the Marin Independent Journal hints that we may hear more from Hawken in the future!

Thank you Smith & Hawken for inviting me into your garden!

Benefits Of Water Exercise

There are so many benefits of water exercise! I spend a couple of hours a week in the water teaching aqua aerobics and I am certified through the Aquatic Exercise Association. I have been teaching for 12 years and I am constantly amazed at the benefits of exercising in the water.

As I prepare for my class I spend a little time researching information that I want to educate my clients about that day. It might be about the safety of working out in the water, or the benefits that walking backwards in the water will help lower back pain. I am amazed at the wealth of information about water exercise that is out there. There is always new research being done on how to best use the principles of water to get the most out of your time in the water.

I am lucky to teach in a pool where my clients can be in shallow or deep water. There is a comfort level to exercising in the water. Even if you are a non swimmer you can exercise in the water. In the shallow end where your feet touch the bottom you you have the stability of the bottom of the pool to guide you through your work out. In the deep end where your feet don't touch the bottom of the pool the buoyancy of the water will guide you through your work out.

Whether you are in the shallow or deep end the ability to move your body through increased range of motion feels so good on your joints. In the water you are constantly working against the hydrostatic pressure so your core is constantly engaging.

If you have been thinking about adding water exercise to your life do not delay! Call a club, rec center, community center, 'Y' or pool in your area. We would love to have you join us! If you have any questions please feel free to leave me a message here and I will get back to you. It is important to me to share the knowledge I have of the benefits of water exercise with everyone I know!

After class when my clients are gone I sit in the pool for a few minutes to relax. I recap the class that just passed and start planning for the next time I will be able to share the benefits of water exercise!

Minnesota Bike Trails

There are so many Minnesota bike trails to explore! If you live in the metro area or outstate there is a bike path waiting to be explored!

I feel very blessed to live in Minnesota where I have the opportunity to experience nature, be outside and get exercise all at the same time!

Jump on your bike today and explore all the Minnesota bike trails!

Enjoy The Ride

Take 3-1/2 minutes today to Enjoy The Ride!

Happy 4th Of July

Enjoy your day with your family and friends!

Soldering Irons

Evie's Tool Emporium is pleased to offer a couple of really cool soldering irons. Depending on what project you're working on we have the appropriate soldering iron for you!

30 Watt Soldering Iron

Summer Fete July 3rd, 2009 - Bloomington Minnesota

I love the 4th of July! In Bloomington, Minnesota we celebrate with Summer Fete on Friday July 3rd, 2009. Summer Fete is a day long event that begins at noon with a carnival. It ends at dusk with a fabulous fireworks display! Please bring your families and join us for a great celebration!