julie.pfitzinger's blog

In 2007, when a group of Edina parents learned that Art Adventure (formerly Art Masterpiece) might be in danger of cancellation in the elementary schools, they came together to make sure the program, which brings art into the classroom once a month for students in grades 1-4, continued not only to survive but to thrive. Launched in the mid-1970s, also by parent volunteers, the program became such a success that it served as a model for the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) to develop a similar curriculum now used in schools statewide. Read more about Keeping Art Adventure in the Classroom

Because an ordinary life is extraordinary: This is the tagline for Lilja LifeStories, a company founded by Edina resident Mary Lilja to help people tell those extraordinary stories of either their lives or those of a beloved family member.

“In a world that is overly obsessed with celebrity stories, the ones that are truly the most profound are the stories of our own lives,” says Lilja. Read more about Let Lilja LifeStories Tell Your Story

Rhubarb is an unassuming addition to the backyard garden. Every year, its stalks might get a little taller and its large green leaves a little more expansive, but it’s not going to invade the rest of your space. It will be right where you left it last year, ready to be sliced, sugared and tossed into muffin batter, maybe alongside its seasonal soul mate, the strawberry. Sigh.  Read more about Rich with Rhubarb Recipes

Going to the farmers market with food writer Meredith Deeds would be a lot of fun. First of all, she has a wealth of knowledge about the locally-sourced produce, meats and more that you find at your favorite market each week. She never brings a list, simply reveling in what looks good now and what might taste really good later. Her enthusiasm would likely be contagious, so you might find yourself unloading a big bag of kale when you get home and wondering … “What was I thinking?” She’d have your answer: kale chips. Read more about Inspiration You Can Taste

As a self-admitted “non-crafty” type, I have respect, admiration and, yes, a touch of envy towards those who are always looking for their next project. The idea of Pinterest, the new social-media website where the crafty types can gather to share ideas, intrigues me. That’s why a place like Mish Mash Studio, located next to Snuffy’s Malt Shop on Valley View Road, is my kind of store. Read more about Mish Mash, This That

It’s always exciting to spot that first robin in the backyard or see tender daffodil shoots peeking out of the brown dirt. There may be no Minnesota season that is more welcome than spring time, when we shake off those gray days and put away that down jacket for a few months. If you’re looking for ways to boost your five senses as we greet this new season, we have ideas ranging from bountiful bouquets of tulips to beautiful music to the delicious taste of asparagus, artichokes and morel mushrooms. Read more about A Spring Soup Recipe to Awaken Your Senses

Talk about a mid-life career change. After several years working as a newspaper and radio journalist—including a stint as a stay-at-home dad to three young daughters with film-inspired names (Lara, Maria and Sophia) while his wife Julie finished medical school—Edina resident Steve Boman was in his late 30s when he decided to follow his passion and apply to the prestigious University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts. Read more about Steve Boman Takes on Film School