Making Fleece Blankets For A Local Charity!

With our Christmas spirit still hanging in the air, we look forward to ringing in the New Year of 2014!  Our presents have been opened and the shopping has ceased, well except for a few returns or exchanges from presents received. We made fleece blankets for a local charity this past weekend with our E&A friends, for those in need so that they too can be filled with warmth this holiday season!  We are awaiting our ugly sweater & white elephant party this week, to keep that holly jolly attitude alive.  But how are we going to celebrate this past year and celebrate the one to come? With an E&A New Years Eve Bash, that's how!  As we await our annual dress up party, we think about our year and where we were when we started with E&A... The people we've met, the friends we've made, and the ones we have yet to meet! If 2014 is anything like 2013 was, then it's going to be a great year! Check out our club and make E&A one of YOUR New Year's resolutions! Events And Adventures Minneapolis

"Racing" For Last Minute Gifts!

Christmas is in less than a week!  I’m not sure why I’m so surprised, because it does this every year… sneaks up on me.  But that’s a good thing we have a Mall Scavenger Hunt and Last Minute Shopping before the actual day of the gift exchanging!  While we team up and set off on our hunt for the items that will give us the most points, we will have the chance to grab that last minute gift we have been searching for.  A two in one!  Although a group photo with Santa will be the “icing on the cookie”, the time of standing in line could lose us some valuable time… do we go for the big items and hope everyone else goes for all of the smaller ones?  Or do a little of both?  That’s the strategy each team will have to come up with.  So as we are hunting and scavenging and grabbing those last minute gifts, we will be racing to the finish… either for a team win or maybe a win in completing our own Christmas lists.  And on the subject of completing those final presents, maybe think of YOU… and sign up for the New Year’s Eve Bash just ONE WEEK after… that way we get to spend more time with our fellow E&A-ers and not only celebrate the Christmas spirit together, but we get to ring in the New Year together!   10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2… 1!
Start off 2-0-1-4 right with Events & Adventures! Events And Adventures Minneapolis

More From New York........

Traveling with E&A is awesome. Not only do they do all the planning work, but we get to hang out with members of the other cities. I had such a great time! For many of us it was our first time in New York City. I got to experience the city with friends not only from Dallas but also Minneapolis, San Jose and Vancouver. I met a bunch of new friends from other cities too. I love that E&A scheduled the best stuff for us. Carnegie Deli, Radio City and the Rockettes, Hop on & off bus tour, boat tour around Manhattan Island with a fabulous narrator that knew, well, everything about the city’s history. The holiday lights are awe-inspiring. We had time to do our own thing, too. We got discount tickets for Broadway shows. Spiderman Rocked! Visited the Empire State & Rockefeller buildings-WOW. Sat in the audience of my first TV show. Really cool. We ate all kinds of delicious food (think I’ll be paying for that for a while). How can you stop when it’s EVERYWHERE? Thank you so much for a great trip! I’ll remember it forever! 
Events And Adventures Travel

Who Doesn't Love Chocolate?

There is nothing better than sinking your teeth into a soft, sticky rice krispie bar dipped in chocolate!  Yes, that is the experience we had with our Fondue Favs night at the Melting Pot.  Walking into the lounge reserved just for our group, we see the chocolate fountain running with constant flowing chocolate, with the strawberries and other treats for dipping.  To its left, we notice two pots of nothing other than cheese fondues, both different flavors accompanied by a variety of breads and other dippers!  But besides the great food, is the fun conversation we have with our fellow E&A-er's... We sip and sample each others martinis or cocktail concoctions and get to know each other a little better.  In this casual, yet classy setting, we have that chance again!
Events And Adventures Minneapolis

Live from New York… it’s Events & Adventures!

 Flying in from all over the country… we’re finally here in the Big Apple!!  Imagine meeting someone for the first time… in New York… for your first time in the city!  If the distraction of the traffic isn’t enough, what about the buildings and architecture, the buzz of Times Square, the roar of the night clubs, or even the scents from the food trucks lining the street?  For most of us, it was our first time here… as we walked to our dinner location this evening, I loved hearing the “OMG’s” and “Look at that!” from the group behind me, as I led them down 5th Avenue, then over to 7th, through Times Square… the light was enough to want us to put our shades on, but standing in the middle of the glowing lights, I saw the awe in their faces… as people surrounded us, walking about, not caring that it was our first time here… we took pictures, we looked at our maps… we were tourists tonight, and we were ok with that!  As we walked, we thought about our feet and possibly questioned the shoes we wore today, but when we finally hit the famous Carnegie Deli, got seated at our own table and got right to ordering, we knew the walk was worth it!  As we look at the menu, we see other plates going out to other tables… “Woah” and “Is that the size??” is what came out of their mouths… but as we got our own plates set in front of us, we couldn’t help but take some photos!  And don’t forget the New York Cheesecake for dessert… I have never tasted anything like it… as we talked about what we wanted to see and to plan our next day of adventures, I couldn’t help but think about how great an opportunity this was to meet some fellow E&A friends from our clubs around the country, let alone, check off a New York City visit on our bucket lists!  And on only day 1, all I have to say is… “Oh New York… we have only just begun!” Events And Adventures Minneapolis

Sharing Thanksgiving Together As An E&A Family!

In preparation for the upcoming holiday, we have a Pre-Thanksgiving potluck dinner.  Each year I make not only a turkey, but also a ham (even though I'm not much of a ham fan), but most people are!  We gather at the office and start snacking on the appetizers that were assigned per each members last names.  Last year, we were lacking stuffing AND mashed potatoes, so I made sure this year that they were covered!  We had some wonderful salads and awesome desserts to accompany our potluck meal!  And the best part about it was the "together-ness" of sitting around a large dinner table all decorated up for the Thanksgiving Holiday, and toasting our friends to another great time together.  I think for this Thanksgiving, we should be thankful that we have the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends through E&A!  Cheers! Events And Adventures Minneapolis

E&A Volunteers To Spend a Day Building at Twin Cities Habitat’s First Ever Net-Zero Energy Home...

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity invites a wide array of volunteer groups to help build community at Habitat build sites. Be it a group of co-workers, members of the same faith community, or even a family and friends celebrating a birthday together, there are few better ways to spend a day together than making a difference in the life of a well-deserving family.

On Saturday November 9th, Events & Adventures volunteers helped put the finishing touches on Twin Cities Habitat’s first ever net-zero energy home. This unique home will have solar panels for generating electricity and hot water. It will be the most efficient home Twin Cities Habitat has ever built. The family that is buying it is getting special training on all of the home's green features. By the day’s end, our team of 8 Events & Adventures members equally agreed that "when you give to others, everyone wins!"

This is one of the charities that we volunteer with and what's great about these events is that it's a 2-4-1... you get to meet new people AND help out a family in need!  There is always an opportunity with E&A!
Events And Adventures Minneapolis

Another Awesome E&A Trip Coming Up!

Can't wait to hang out with over 40 of my E&A friends on the 18th Annual Events and Adventures Whistler Ski Trip. We will be leaving on Thanksgiving, but will get there in time for a wonderful Thanksgiving feast with our E&A family. We will be staying in the Village for easy access to Chairlifts and Gondolas for some AWESOME skiing during the day and all the nightlife at night! We let you know how it all turns out, but if it is anything like past years there will be much to talk about! 
                                       Events And Adventures Minneapolis

Facing Your Fears!

Have you ever been Rock Climbing?  For me, this is only my second time, but it is one of the coolest things I've been able to try with E&A!  Our most recent event was cosmic style where we climbed to the beats of our favorite songs with glow-in-the-dark rocks and colors changing all around us.  Imagine this... strapping on your shoes and then tightening the straps on your harness, and walking up to the glowing rock wall... looking up... while the beat of the music is matching the beat of your pulsing nerves.  A 30 foot wall?  Looks like no big deal... until you get halfway up and you realize you're officially off the ground... JUST DON'T LOOK DOWN!  And it's not that I have a great fear of heights, it's just something that I'm not used to!  Much like it is meeting new people... but once you control your breathing and focus on one step at a time, you are calm again.  And before you know it, you are at the top and rapelling down... You touch the ground and smile to yourself in victory!  This is something I never would have tried if it hadn't been for E&A... I'm slowly getting over my fears of trying new things, but each time I do, I'm one step closer to finding myself, and who I truly am!  Now onto the 60 foot walls... NEXT TIME!!
Events And Adventures Minneapolis

Happy Veterans Day and So Many Awesome Events!

Happy Veterans Day and Thank You to the Men and Women that have served and continue to serve our country!

I am so ready for another week of Awesome Events! There's a Monday Mixer, Laser Tag, Indoor Volleyball, Paint Your Plate, Wild vs Panthers, A Day in Duluth, Billiards/Dance Night and Brunch & Ice Skating! Signing up now for my Favorites...woohoo!

Events And Adventures Minneapolis

We Bundled Up For A Hayride!

Even after our first snowfall just a few days ago, our fall season is still upon us.  It's kind of backwards, actually, the leaves are falling off of the trees on top of the snow on the ground.  But that doesn't stop us from enjoying the beautiful autumn weather for a hayride!  We climbed aboard the wagon all bundled up with our hats and mittens to brave the chill of the air.  The hot cocoa and cider definitely aided in our warming up as we rode along the trails.  All we could hear was the sound of the horses hooves hitting the ground as they walked and the slight breeze rustling through the trees.  We saw some deer that were definitely not afraid of us, as they just looked up and stared, then went back to munching on the tall grass along the trails.  We talked, we laughed, we huddled up for warmth... all as we took in the views of this beautiful clear night!  We arrived back at the stables just as the sun was setting and just in time for a bonfire!  Roasting smores and hot dogs was an added treat as we filled up our cups again with something hot!  Definitely a night to remember with our fellow E&A friends!
Events And Adventures Minneapolis

Fall In Minnesota!

What does a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, a hay ride and an apple orchard have in common?  Answer is:  Fall in Minnesota!  It may be pretty generic and average to others, but to us, it makes us excited for our beautiful autumn season.  With our event last weekend at the Apple Orchard, picking our own apples, our upcoming Corn Maze/Fall Festival event and football season in full swing, we are definitely getting in the Minnesota spirit... even though we cannot say much about our hometown team, we never lose hope.  So let's enjoy the weather, the season, and let's get out and meet some new people!  However, don't blink too fast, cuz the leaves will have changed and will soon be on the ground... So keep your eyes open for any new possible adventure!  
Events And Adventures Minneapolis

Haunted Houses Party Bus Tour!

Tis the season of Halloween and E&A celebrates in style!  For our thrill-seekers, we have a Haunted Houses Party Bus Tour... first of all, you have the party bus... seats lining the bus so everyone is facing one another, not one, but TWO light up dance poles in the center aisle, and a bathroom with wrap around mirrors (I don't know the point of that, but it goes with the experience, I guess!)... so we start off with some dance music and pretty soon you see people cheers-ing and laughing and then, of course, dancing! Getting from the front of the bus to the back may be a challenge, but it didn't stop most of us from mingling throughout the bus until we arrived at our first haunted house!  TerrorFest... and that it was... well done by these folks, even though I may have been the one who was the most reluctant to go in!  I'm glad I did... it was a blast!  And after the screams and the laughter, we were exiting and getting back on the bus, and onto the next haunted house experience.  This time to the "Halloween Capital of the World":  Anoka, MN!  Held at the fairgrounds, we were able to donate some canned goods for the local food shelf for a discounted entry fee!  What a great idea!  So as we weaved through the gates, the laughter continued in anticipation of what was to come.  I was in the last group to enter... and I want to thank my members who told the actors my name... "Megan.... Meeeeegaaann...." was being screamed and shouted as we walked through... and after all of the scares and screams, the fog and cobwebs, and not to forget the chainsaws and electric chairs... we were once again free into the night and
boarding back on the bus to laugh, drink, and dance again... now this is a way to have a party AND to enjoy the Halloween season!
Events And Adventures Minneapolis

Halloween Bash 2013!

Imagine walking into a room, full of dressed up fellow E&A members, whether it is your first event or your fiftieth... it has got to put a smile on your face!  From super original to super heroes, from scary to humorous, and everything in between!  Some had masks where you had to guess who it was, but eventually they would laugh or say something, and you'd have it figured out!  If this is your first event, it might take you a little longer, but that is what's great about these big parties that E&A has every year... it's an ice breaker in itself!  You all have something in common tonight... you're all dressed up as someone other than yourself!  Tonight... you can be anyone you want to be!  This is a night where "nerds" get along with Gangsters, and flappers get along with ghosts, and a devil can sit on an angel's lap... tonight... anything goes!  So whether you met someone new (or will have to re-meet them again, when they are out of costume) or got to catch up with someone you already knew, then mission accomplished!  All of you super heroes did your job and saved the night!  Especially on the dance floor!  Two words:  DANCE-OFF!  So until next year....

Events And Adventures Minneapolis

Making New Friends!

The best part about Events & Adventures is the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.... not in a forced one-on-one kind of way, but a casual, group setting.  For us in Minneapolis, it was just last Friday at our New Member Ice Breaker and Cosmic Bowling event!  I think the scariest part for new members, is going to that first event... not sure who you will meet, wondering if you are wearing the right outfit, making sure you're not late, looking for others who might be in your same boat... but guess what??  There ARE people in your same boat, wondering that same things that you are!  You may be a little tense when you first walk in, but after some chatting with the others, you realize that you have hobbies in common, or that you grew up in the same city, or that you live in the same city now... and your nerves ease a little bit.  Then we move into the bowling alley where current members are waiting to meet you... you may tense up again, but as soon as the lanes are chosen and the bowling gets rolling, it's a no-brainer!  This was one of the best decisions you could have made!  So cheers to making new friends and to many more to come... this is just the beginning!
Events And Adventures Minneapolis

Outdoors to Indoors!

My favorite time of year is here!  The smell of bonfire fills the air, the leaves start to change and then fall... hence the name of the season.  And because of these changes, our events have to adapt and change too!  We are on our last week of outdoor volleyball before we move it indoors!  So no more cold toes from the wet, chilly sand and playing with bare feet, instead we are tying up our tennis shoes and hitting the hard courts!  But no matter where we play, we have smiles on our faces, because we are among our E&A friends!  So here's to the outdoor courts... until we meet again... in spring (hopefully)!  It is Minnesota after all!

Events And Adventures Minneapolis

Another Great Hike!

I was thinking about how great our summer was and all we have done and accomplished together, and one of our August hikes came to mind.  A simple afternoon hike can turn difficult depending which path you choose.  If you hike in a park, there are usually maps and paths to guide you, but sometimes it's fun to "off-road" and take the path less traveled.  We started out on a very wide, tarred path with many people surrounding us, then it slowly got more narrow with no one else in sight.   Boulders came to be an obstacle, so we started to climb.  I looked back, as I was leading the pack, and the looks of determination on the faces behind me, told me to keep going.  We went up and then we went down and then up again.  When we arrived at the landing overlooking the river, we all took in the view... as we all took a drink of water as well.  We took a victory picture then and as we headed back, I was thinking about how our lives are much like this hike was... may seem simple at first, but there are difficulties along the way.  What goes up, must come down, much like our climb on the boulders.  But the best part about it is that we learned something about ourselves as we did something we may have never done before... we pushed ourselves, where other times we might have just given up... and we did this because we first took a leap of faith and joined E&A.  This may be the first step, but it's not the last... and I'm looking forward to sharing many more of these victory moments together!

Events And Adventures Minneapolis

Minnesota Themes!

Some of my favorite events are centered around Minnesota themes:  Tailgating before a Saints game, meanwhile throwing around a football and tossing some bean bags...... or a Twins game, eating peanuts at the stadium and cheering on our home team together.... then the State Fair comes around and we enjoy it with a scavenger hunt, searching around the fairgrounds for various items, new foods, and of course SAMPLING any food that comes on a stick!  But my absolute favorite is enjoying our beautiful outdoors with a bonfire and roasting smores!  Have you ever had a marshmallow with a rolo melted inside, sandwiched between a graham cracker and a fudge-stripe cookie?  I highly recommend it!  I'm looking forward to what our Minnesota Fall has to offer!

Events And Adventures Minneapolis