Favorite Places: Prague

Prague, Czech Republic

Visited: May 2007
Trip: Weekend trip while living in Amsterdam
Reason I'll always remember it: A place half way around the world that somehow reminded me of Minneapolis and how can you not fall in love with a town when beer is cheaper than water?!

All photos: Emma Wiedner

Favorite Places: Cabo San Lucas

New series I'm starting on the blog featuring my photography of my favorite places. Stay tuned for more from my adventures around the world.

The first in the series, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Visited: December 2010
Trip: Christmas vacation with my parents
Reason I'll always remember it: The trip I needed to escape and start new holiday traditions with new friends.

All photos: Emma Wiedner

Insights from the Opposite Sex

Eavesdropping. I'm so passionate about it I made it part of my career (consumer insights and anthropology).

Its one of my favorite things especially when it involves overhearing dating issues from the perspective of the opposite sex. Its what I would imagine being a spy during the cold war was like, but obviously less dangerous, so really nothing like that.

At the beach a few weekends ago with beach towels lined corner to corner it was inevitable to hear the guys next to us. What surprised me so much was their convo about one of the guys hooking up with this new girl who his friend was encouraging him to date. The guy sheepishly explained how she had just gotten out of an intense relationship and didn't think she wanted anything serious with him.

Ears immediately perk up.

Friend, "Well dude she's awesome and you should just ask her on a date and see how it goes. I'm sure she likes you."

Dude, "Yeah I'll think about it."

Emma thought bubble: "Dude stop screwing around and make an honest woman out of her and ask her on a date."

Then it hit me, the guys sounded just like my girlfriends and I. Nervous, unsure about everything, insecure with where they stood with this new person and terrified that however they played their next move they were going to screw it up.

Insight: Dating isn't easy for either gender the best we can all do is try and be honest with each other and hope for the best.*

*Obligatory Carrie Bradshaw wrap up line

Approaching

Heading back into the dating scene a few months ago I noticed guys in this state do not really approach women. I thought maybe it was me giving off a not into it vibe, but as I discussed this with both genders I learned it's not just me.

If a connection is made between two people in this city it's typically after they meet through friends and even then it's not guaranteed to get off the ground.

When I pushed my guy friends or guys I was seeing on why they don't go up to a girl they think is pretty and say hi, blah blah witty funny banter ensue. They answered point blank: "You all act like we're creepers if we smile and say hi to you."

And then I realized, in this aspect of dating, us the ladies were the issue. Mind blown.

Now I'm not saying this theory is scientifically proven and I've met and dated men after they've approached me, but I've also been stand offish and rude to a plenty majority and I've seen plenty of other women do this too.

A guy I was seeing a while ago, after he'd approached me, shed insightful light on this subject, "It's not just hard to approach women in this state you're given the brush off if you friendly approach anyone in this state." So true.

So the lesson in all of this, whether its dating approaching or trying to make friends in this city we could all be a little nicer to each other and not be so damn cliquey. Minnesota Nice should extend beyond just giving people directions.

Hair Info: Vintage Waves

Thanks to my new addiction Pinterest I've been finding an endless amount of hair tutorials and have been having a blast trying them all out the last few weeks.

Not claiming to be the expert on anything just wanted to share fun hair tips!

I've always wanted to know how to do 40s waves but really had no idea where to start. Thanks to thebeautydepartment.com I'm all set!

With the layers in my hair they're not full finger waves but give that retro effect without being too costumey.

Click here to see the step by step tutorial

Have any good hair tips you want to share?

Easy Summer Lunch

I've been on a huge Greek food kick lately, and only the Greeks could get me to consider a salad for lunch. I'm not a salad person in the slightest, maybe have one four times a year. I just don't find its enough sustenance or flavor and a lot of salads have so many preservatives on the lettuce that I just can't take.

Here's my take on a quick easy delicious Greek salad you can make for a weekend or work lunch. Next time I'll be adding grilled chicken for protein and so its more filling. Definitely try and enjoy it outside if you can!

Greek Salad
Serves: 1
2 cups of lettuce (romaine works fine)
1/3 cup green olives (halved with pits removed)
1/3 cup Greek pepperoncini (halved)
1/3 cup halved seedless cucumbers
2-3 slices of halved tomato
2 tablespoons Greek vinaigrette (I used store bought, but could definitely make your own with olive oil, lemon juice, dash or oregano and salt and pepper)

Toss all together and enjoy!

Shooting Fireworks

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend! I had a chill weekend in the city and threw a very relaxed BBQ on Monday.

One thing I love about living in Mpls is that its the #1 bike city in the country! Being able to bike from one end of town to another in 20 minutes and easily get to the busiest spot on the fourth without the hassle of parking is amazing!

Thanks to Pinterest my new obsession I've been finding great photo tutorials and found some great tips on how to photograph fireworks.

My photography is always a work in progress, but for my first time I'm pretty happy with them.

How did you spend your 4th?