Shannon
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When the Trail Tackles You
I’ve been tackled by the trail more times than I’d like to admit. Ankle pops, mud baths, and one legendary hair-do trail angel later, here’s what backpacking the SHT actually taught me.
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Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Cream: My Honest Review
I’ve been using the Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Cream for a while now and the results are real — fine lines reduced, dark circles fading, and smoother skin texture without a single adverse reaction. If you’ve been nervous about retinoids around your eyes, this is where to start. And trust me — do not…
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The Bridal Shower Survival Guide
Throwing a bridal shower? I’ve got you covered on the drinks, the glassware, and the wow factor. From a stunning punch bowl to chocolate fondue that makes everyone your best friend — this is your complete bridal shower survival guide. Because someone has to be in charge. 😄
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Foraging for Spring Wild Edibles on Minnesota’s North Shore
Last weekend, my friend Sue and I went foraging for wild edibles on Minneosta’s North Shore at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais. The class was called Foraging for Spring Wild Edibles and I had been trying to get into it for three years. This year, I finally vowed to get registered. The…
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ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum Review – I Put a Science Lab on My Face
I put a science lab on my face and I have zero regrets. Two months in and I’m completely hooked. The ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum has earned a permanent spot in my Skin Signaling Night Routine — and if you have sensitive skin, you’re going to want to hear about this one.
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MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Stove Review: A North Woods Love Story
Honest review of the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 backpacking stove from a real north woods native. Lightweight, powerful, and fuel efficient — find out why this little jewel earns a permanent spot in every pack.
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Afton State Park: Hidden Gem Near the Twin Cities
You know how time just passes by in the blink of an eye? It had been somewhere around eight to ten years since I had last set foot in Afton State Park. I’m still trying to figure out exactly how long it had been, because that first visit was the one that changed my life…
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Because Bonking Sucks: My Honest Review of the Platypus Big Zip EVO 3 Liter Hydration Bladder
Bonking — not to be confused with boinking — is not on my itinerary. Neither is running dry. There I was. On top of the Sawtooth Mountains on the North Shore. Hot. Humid. A typical Minnesota summer day on the trail. Three miles from the trailhead. Out of water. That was the last time that…
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Not Flashy. Just Reliable. My Honest Review of the Katadyn Hiker Pro Water Filter
Eight years. Two filters. One very important lesson about silty rivers. Let me tell you about a backpacking trip that changed my gear game forever. It was a 14-day trip on the Superior Hiking Trail. It rained for two days straight at the start. The rivers were absolutely silty from the runoff and my Katadyn…
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Keep the Cool Aunt Going: My Honest Review of the Katadyn BeFree Replacement Filter
Because 99.99% of protozoan party poopers deserve a fresh filter to crash into. If you’ve read my Katadyn BeFree review you already know she’s the Cool Aunt of my pack — lightweight, effortless, and completely drama-free. No pumping. No fussing. Just dip, squeeze, and sip. But even the coolest aunt needs a refresh every now…
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My Face Feels Happy: An Honest Review of the Laneige Water Bank Gentle Gel Cleanser
My face feels happy. My wallet feels okay. That’s a win. I have a confession. I spend a considerable amount of money on Latisse for my eyelashes. So the last thing I want is a harsh cleanser ripping them out every night. Because my eye area is non-negotiable, my barrier is non-negotiable, and that tight,…
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55 and Glowing: My Honest Review of the Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP
This little black bottle packs a wallop of greatness. I’m an unapologetic skincare junkie. I’ve tried the serums, I’ve done the research, I’ve spent the money — and I’ve learned some expensive lessons along the way. So when I tell you that the Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP is my go-to peptide serum by far,…
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55 and Glowing: My Skin Signaling Night Routine
Salmon DNA. Sea sponge needles. Stem cells. If that sounds like a science lab — you’re not wrong. This is my Skin Signaling Night Routine and it has completely transformed my skin at 55.
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The Cool Aunt of My Pack: My Honest Review of the Katadyn BeFree Water Filter
A Northern Minnesota backpacker’s honest review of the Katadyn BeFree water filter. Lightweight, effortless, and drama-free. Just dip, squeeze and sip.”
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55 and Glowing: My Honest Review of the Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair
An honest review of the Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair after two months of nightly use. A real Northern Minnesota woman tells you what actually works for sensitive, barrier-compromised skin.