Exploring: Downtown Hastings, MN

I had so much fun with last week's post about Hudson, WI that I thought i would try to make this a weekly series where I explore a small town and share some of the great adventures I have along the way.

Last Thanksgiving my friend Vicki asked me to run the Thanksgiving Gobble Gait 8K with her in Hastings.  I had never spent much time there and just figured it would be like any run.  Let me say, it was one of the most beautiful runs I have done!  All of the money from the race is donated to the Hastings Family Service which serves the local community.  What started as a small run has now grown to over 2000 runners.

Post Race Photo with Vicki (right) and her friend Stacie (center)

Although it was cold and went, it was SO WORTH it!  Just being able to say I did it and knowing my race fee went to someone in need felt pretty darn good!

The race started and finished on Main Street in Hastings and although it was cold and wet, I fell madly in love with Main Street!  There are tons of cute little shops and restaurants.  Its very quaint and a nice little day trip. From the Downtown Business Association of Hastings, MN, " The Historic Downtown Business District of Hastings, Minnesota. You'll find charming shops that feature; Antiques, Collectibles, Gifts, Fashion, Imports, Toys, Pottery, Jewelry and many one of a kind specialty items and services. Most of our shops are located in preserved historic buildings dating back to the 1800's."

Right now they are redoing some sections of Main Street so my photos may be a little limited in the angles as I was simply trying to photo without all the yellow tape and orange cones.   However, even though it was under construction we were still able to navigate to all the shops with no trouble.

My friend Jayme has super awesome taste and had told me about Eye Candy Refind, so I HAD to check it out.  (If you've ever been in the Loft at Viva Voce Salon in Hudson, they have several stunning pieces from Eye Candy!!) After a quick trip to their shop in Hastings, I was sold!!  First of all I LOVE the owners.  Super bad ass ladies who run a great shop with gorgeous pieces!  They are SUPER friendly and totally willing to help you with anything.  (and I mean anything, I'm still looking for my card catalog and they are too!).   I ended up buying a gorgeous buffet my first trip there and continue to get inspiration every time I go to their shop!

My buffet table from Eye Candy

I absolutely adore the signs, furniture and decor in Eye Candy Refind. They also do painting classes in the Hastings Store as well if you want to learn how to chalk paint.  Additionally they share TONS of new pieces on their Instagram (eye_candy_refind) and Facebook Pages.  If you're looking for a one of a kind, quality piece at an affordable price, check out Eye Candy!!!

If you're someone who wants to DIY your own furniture pieces then stop into one of the many antique shops in town!

Vintage Inspirations

The Emporium Antiques

A few others:

Second Street Antique Mall

Antiques on Main

If home decor isn't your thing, they also have cute little clothing shops as well!  One that is always a stop when we are there is Lah-Tee-Dah Boutique.  They have adorable clothes at very reasonable prices!  You will also find that unique piece you wouldn't find online or at a mall.  That's what makes small town shopping so special.  You don't look like everyone else and you're supporting a local business.  

Other shopping locations for gifts and goodies:

Gifts Galore

Tenacious K's

Mississippi Clayworks

Meyer Co

Let's be honest, after all that shopping I'm usually starving and (in my opinion) the BEST place in town is the Busted Nut.  We completely stumbled into the Busted Nut on a whim when we were picking up my buffet from Eye Candy.  It was the best decision ever!!  Fresh peanuts when you sit down and cold beers!  But better than that is the food.  I have been there several times now and I am never disappointed.  Last time we were there, a friend said "This is the best mushroom swiss burger I have ever had!"  I typically order the Chicken, Bacon Ranch Wrap with waffle fries and season sour cream and it's AMAZING!!!  (See below)

Although the Busted Nut happens to be my favorite, there are lots of other choices while in the downtown area.

Restaurants:

The Onion Grille (I've heard this place is awesome too!)

Karl's Red Rock Cafe (Breakfast and Lunch)

Bella Vista

Spiral Pizza

While I was walking around taking photos, I saw the sweetest scene in Reissner's Meat and Grocery. I was transported back 50 years. (or what I imagine life to be like 50 years ago).  Two older gentlemen were standing in the business enjoying a conversation and a coke.  It was the most refreshing, simple moment they were sharing.  They didn't have cell phones out, they weren't distracted by anything but what the other person was saying.  It truly warmed my heart.

One thing that always catches my eye when I'm in town is the Meyer Company Sign (Carhartt, Levis, shopping).  It again, takes me back to a time before modern technology.  And while I don't know the history, I imagine it was put up in the early years of Jc Penney, Montgomery Wards, Sears Roebuck Co.  Just the lettering takes me back to flipping through catalogs at grandmas house.  

  

As you find your way out of town, take a minute to see the beautiful new bridge that was built in 2014.  It's stunning at night and beautiful during the day.  

Hastings is only a short drive from the Twin Cities on Highway 61 South, and about 45 minutes from Western, WI.  I love any excuse to get down here to shop and eat!  (and there may or may not be a casino stop or a stop at Ellsworth Creamery on the way! Pretty sure we'll be checking out Ellsworth in the near future so I can go back for more fresh cheese curds!)

I hope you are able to seek out new adventures in Hastings or any of the towns I mention along the way.  It's such a fun journey for me to check out new places and bring friends along for the ride!

XOXO

Kristen

Stitch Fix: Fix #31

One of the questions I get asked most often by people who used to read my blog (before my long hiatus) is if I still do Stitch Fix.  The answer is yes.  I've only taken one break from Stitch Fix and it was when I was pregnant with George. What's wonderful about Stitch Fix is that they offer maternity clothes as well.  I have heard from a few friends who have tried the maternity stuff that they absolutely love it.

Every box has a little note with style cards attached and the first line of my note was, Happy 31st Fix Day!  What?! 31 fixes already. I simply cannot believe it.  That's well over 2 years (plus a hiatus) of fixes.

What is Stitch Fix?

Stitch Fix is a monthly or as you request clothing service that's delivered to your door. You sign up, fill out their Style Profile, and then pay $20 as a styling fee. They send you clothes that match up with your profile. If you purchase something, the $20 is applied against your purchase. If you do not purchase anything, then the $20 is forfeited as a "styling fee."

Gilli

Bethany V-Neck Knit Maxi Dress - $78

I LOVED the print on the Maxi skirt. It was vibrant teals, corals with navy blue and a hint of off white. The skirt was absolutely stunning and super comfortable. However, that's where the love of this dress ends.  The criss-cross top makes my already large chest look even larger.  It also ties in the back (or front) and since it's a higher waisted dress all I could think of was this would be cut if i was 8 months pregnant, which I'm not.  Verdict: Returned

Market & Spruce

Mariam Knit Dress - $68

This dress was quite possibly the most comfortable dress I have ever worn.. the trouble was simply getting it on.  I hope I can explain this properly.  It was a basic larger striped dress and then the smaller stripe was attached at the sides/shoulders and you could adjust it.  At first I had all of the material in the front, but half of it was meant for the back.  I would have loved this dress if I could have removed this weird top.  And trust me, I looked at it and looked at it, but the idea of having to alter a dress that's already $68 and it's a knit dress?  Not going to happen. Verdict: Returned

Loveappella

Macks Lace Detail Knit Top - $44

The only thing right about this top was the color.  The rest was a mess.  There is lace detail on the sides and around the shoulders/arm holes (which you can't really see since my hair is over it). It had a very tight spandex fit to it and no matter how loose of jeans I picked or how much I sucked in, this top did me no favors.  Verdict: Returned

Market & Spruce

Aaron Embroidered Blouse - $58

I'll admit, this top was cute.  I wasn't super keen on how it was almost more of a halter and I would have to wear a strapless bra with it, but it was a very comfortable top that was flattering on my body shape.  I liked the color and the light embroidered detail.  Here's the thing, this stuff isn't cheap. I have to remind myself that although I'm paying a $20 styling fee and if I don't pick anything, yes, I lose it.. but if I pick something that I wouldn't normally pay $58 for in a store, I'm way over spending.  If this top would have been in a lower price range, I would have likely kept it.  Verdict: Returned

Bancroft 

Carlota Hammered Coin Earrings - $28

Not my style. Not my jam. No way I'd ever wear these.  They stayed in the box. Verdict: Returned.

For those of you who aren't familiar; Stitch Fix carries sizes XS-XL and 0-14 as well as both maternity and petite.  (They have shoes now too!).  It's not age or body specific, they do try to meet your tastes and likes! If you're interested, here is my referral link. I receive a $25 credit for you signing up and once you sign up you can have other friends sign up under your personal link. (The credit isn't applied until the first box ships!)

XOXO

Kristen

Stitch Fix #10 - My Fix Reviewed

I've had a few people ask me if I quit doing Stitch Fix... And the answer is no! I actually took a break from receiving a fix for a while because I was on this AWESOME weight loss journey. I wanted to celebrate my loss by getting a fix towards the end of my boot camp. (Which will be another post when it's officially over this week!)

What is Stitch Fix?
Stitch Fix is a monthly or as you request clothing service that's delivered to your door. You sign up, fill out their Style Profile, and then pay $20 as a styling fee. They send you clothes that match up with your profile. If you purchase something, the $20 is applied against your purchase. If you do not purchase anything, then the $20 is forfeited as a "styling fee."

Colibri Paisley Print Sleeveless Top

Market & Spruce

I LOVE the color Teal...maybe it's because winter has been so dreary and cold and I am simply ready for a little color in my life.. I just love the way it compliments my skin tone (even my "winter skin color").  It's so bright and happy.  But the shirt... I adore this paisley print.. I think my inner 80s girl is coming out!  The split neck collar and sleeveless features are my favorite... I think I'm simply ready for warmer weather!!    Verdict: Kept

Kate Distressed Boyfriend Jean

Kut from the Kloth

Oh my gosh! These jeans are so friggin' cute!!  I am a SUCKER for boyfriend jeans.. I think it's because I have thicker thighs and these are actually comfortable and fit my legs.  The slight distressing and darker color are awesome - love them... However... They were a size too big :(  They were falling off of me so I had to send them back.  The good news is that Nordstrom's carries this, so I ordered them a size smaller. YAY!!!  Verdict: Returned 

Geno Halter Blouse

Skies are Blue

When I first saw "halter" I was immediately disinterested... but then I put it on and it was relatively cute.  I loved the colors and the print... but it was completely see through.  So the crummy part was that it required a tank underneath it.. so while I could pull this off with a strapless bra, I would have to coordinate a tank under it and then you could easily see the straps.. as a mom this is way too complicated and too much work while getting dressed.. so I had to return it!  Verdict: Returned

Filbert 3/4 Sleeve Popover Blouse

41Hawthorn

This color... I adore coral.. it make me look naturally tan whenever I wear it.. so of course I was totally pumped when I pulled this little gem out of the bag.  Unfortunately I don't have a ton of luck with these tops.. I think I'm just too picky!  I didn't like the sleeves on these. They were a scalloped cut and weren't super tight around my arms but were tight in the shoulders.. and I just need to be comfortable.  Verdict: Returned

Emer Polka Dot Tall Straight Leg Pant

Margaret M

Still can't figure out why they are sending me 5'4'' KV tall pants.. but I will refrain from complaining because last time I did I ended up getting Petite sized clothes... which I am not petite.  So when I got these I was a little disappointed... they are JUST LIKE the last pair of tall straight pants I received.. that I don't think I ever did hem. So while these had super cute little polka dots on them, they were too long, too big and not keepers.  Verdict: Returned

For those of you who aren't familiar; Stitch Fix carries sizes XS-XL and 0-14. It's not age or body specific, they do try to meet your tastes and likes! If you're interested, here is my referral link. I receive a $25 credit for you signing up and once you sign up you can have other friends sign up under your personal link. (The credit isn't applied until the first box ships!)

Until next month my dear friends... Thank you for all of your support!  It makes me happy to know you enjoy reading these posts and miss them when I take a break.   

Much love,

KV

Stitch Fix #9 - My Fix Reviewed

I kind of forgot that I was getting a Stitch Fix this week! I was so excited when I came home to the box on my front step!  How did I forget?  Well it's been so hectic with Christmas shopping, working, planning a weekend trip out of town followed by a work trip out of town that I simply forgot this was coming!  I had briefly looked at my shipping notice to see what I was getting but didn't take much time beyond that.

I was so happy to see that I had the same stylist Desire again!  I love that she pushes me outside the box with some of her choices for me.  This month definitely had a few pieces I wouldn't normally pick for myself so I was looking forward to trying them!

What is Stitch Fix?
Stitch Fix is a monthly or as you request clothing service that's delivered to your door. You sign up, fill out their Style Profile, and then pay $20 as a styling fee. They send you clothes that match up with your profile. If you purchase something, the $20 is applied against your purchase. If you do not purchase anything, then the $20 is forfeited as a "styling fee."

Lyndie Cowl Neck Top

(Laila Jayde)

This was a simple black knit top that had a loose cowl neck.  There was an interesting detail on the shoulder but I was already turned off by the neckline that I knew I wasn't going to keep it.  It's funny how you look in the mirror and see something and it's "okay" but now that I see this in photos it's definitely a no.  

Verdict: Returned.

Rizzo Pull-On Skinny Ponte Pant

(Liverpool)

I have been wanting a Ponte knit pant and when I put these on they were PERFECT!  I was so in LOVE with these pants the minute I put them on.  They fit in length (hard to see with my boots on) and they fit in the waist and legs. I like that they have the pockets on the back so they don't look like leggings but fit nearly as comfy.  

Verdict:  Definitely a keeper!

Courtney Knot Studs

(Bay to Baubles)

NO.

Roxanne Striped Fringe Cardigan

(RD Style)

When I pulled this cardigan out of the box I was thinking they sent me a rug instead of a sweater.  But after I figured out how to put it on, I was pleasantly surprised. This definitely isn't my style but it was a fun piece!  I liked how comfy it was and I like how it paired so nicely with the ponte pants.  I had to throw this awesome headband from Ruffle Couture for the full "look."  Challenging myself to try new things is the EXACT reason I signed up for Stitch Fix.  While I don't foresee myself dressing bohemian, I like the vibe this outfit has. Adam even agreed that it looked good (minus the fact that I have a muffin top!). 

However, the shoulders in this sweater didn't fit right. They didn't stay put and kept falling off so it ended up not being a keeper for me. I was a bit bummed but it gives me ideas of other things to try!

Verdict:  Returned

Christine Lightweight Ombre Scarf

(LA Made)

Most of you know that I LOVE a good scarf!  This one had the potential for being one of those but I just couldn't get into this one.  I liked the royal purple/blue ombre idea, but I just don't think it worked for me.  It was very lightweight and I couldn't tie it to make it an infinity.  I added it to the cowl top to show off the stunning color but it just didn't do it for me.  Plus, I can't justify spending $44 on a scarf.

Verdict: Returned

For those of you who aren't familiar; Stitch Fix carries sizes XS-XL and 0-14. It's not age or body specific, they do try to meet your tastes and likes! If you're interested, here is my referral link. I receive a $25 credit for you signing up and once you sign up you can have other friends sign up under your personal link. (The credit isn't applied until the first box ships!)

Each month you have the opportunity to make notes to your stylist.  Of course I asked to have Desire again next month.  I also opened it back up to dresses.  I am heading to NYC in January for my friend Ashley's birthday and will be going out to a few speakeasies while we are there. I'm going to have to dress up so looking forward to what she comes up for me next month!