From Hibernation to Exploration: My Summer Recs Are In! (Issue #105)
A fun Twin Cities guide to spots worth your time this summer (plus what I’ve been watching, reading, and loving lately)
Hi friends!
Before we dive in, I want to direct your attention to some exciting news I shared last Friday.
Sincerely, Celisia recently turned TWO, and I’m taking a moment to reflect on how it’s working, what could change, and what you actually want in your inbox. Even though we’re separated through computer screens, we’ve built a cool community here, and I want to make sure your voice is heard as we continue to shape this little newsletter into the best it can be!
Whether you read every word or just skim the headlines (no judgment!), your feedback truly means a lot to me!
It’s just a few questions and takes 2–3 minutes tops. As a thank you, I’ll be giving away a $50 Visa gift card to one person who fills it out. 💌
👉🏽 Take the survey here.
Seriously, your voice helps shape what this space becomes. Thanks for being here.
And now onto our regular programming! 😎
It’s finally feeling like summer in Minnesota, which means I’m outside a whole lot more, soaking up the sun and making up for that winter hibernation. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been bopping around Minneapolis and St. Paul, and I’ve picked up some new local favorites I’m excited to share!
If you’re a fellow Minnesotan, consider this your summer adventure list. And if you’re not, maybe this will convince you to plan a trip (just don’t come in February 😂).
I attended the grand opening of this small spot, located right next door to Magers & Quinn Booksellers in Uptown, and I loved everything about it! The owner/operators were super friendly and welcoming, and they’ve crafted a personable brand with some fun menu options.
If you visit Mosaic, make sure to pop next door to Moona Moono, a new retail shop and café that celebrates all things Asian and Asian American culture! I went in there a few weeks ago and got a notepad that looks like a stick of butter. :)
This one’s a bit of a drive for Minneapolis folks, but worth it. I ended up here after seeing a TikTok rec, and it totally delivered. I had the Strawberry Cheesecake Latte, and Andrew got the Cereal Milk one. Both were delicious!!
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Wild Vintage Collective + The Clapping Monkey House of Coffee
Located in the same building, these two spots are the perfect recipe for a rainy day adventure! The Clapping Monkey has great drinks (including a ton of banana-flavored things, haha), and Wild Vintage Collective is a *massive* antique store with tons of vendors to explore! Grab a coffee for fuel and dive in!
My hairstylist told me about this St. Paul escape room, and it looks like such a cool, immersive twist on the typical format!
My sisters got me a gift card here for my birthday, and I’m really excited to check it out. They have a range of arts and craft classes, including candle making, ring making, and even cookie decorating!
Time Magazine: World’s Greatest Places of 2025
TWO Minnesota spots made the list (!):
Vinai: A restaurant serving incredible Hmong food in Northeast (I went for my birthday and it lived up to the hype).
Alexa’s Elixir: A massive outdoor art installation by Thomas Dambo located in Detroit Lakes. I haven’t been, but the photos look spectacular and I’m excited to check it out this summer!
Explore Minnesota + Visit Saint Paul’s recommendations of ways to experience Hmong culture
This short video features six restaurant recommendations and four places to visit, perfect if you’re looking to explore more of Minnesota’s Hmong community and history.
Lenny the foodie (@no.table.manners) on Instagram
Lenny is a local foodie whose account always puts new places on my radar. Gorgeous videography, and the vibes are always right.
A round-up of things to watch, read, and listen to as you head into the weekend.
New York Magazine: Everyone Is Cheating Their Way Through College by James D. Walsh
A disturbing but eye-opening look at how AI is changing higher ed. I do think AI can be useful, but I am very worried about the learning young people are missing out on by taking such a tempting shortcut.
Podcast: GD Politics
When ABC cancelled the FiveThirtyEight podcast, host Galen Druke pivoted fast and launched GD Politics. If you liked the original, you’ll love this one too.
Netflix: North of North
This new show follows Siaja, a young Inuk mother navigating life in the tiny Arctic community of Ice Cove. The trailer looks super fun! Many indigenous stories are often restricted to historical retellings, so I love that it brings a modern, present-day lens to Inuit life.
Things to try + share in the group chat.
A few months ago, I bought this minimalist wardrobe capsule guidebook, and it’s been surprisingly helpful! It includes suggested core pieces plus 100 outfit ideas–most of which I already had in my closet.
Okay, I don’t even have a dog, but this ad from The Farmer’s Dog had me HOOKED! Their mission is to offer high-quality foods that stand out in a market full of highly processed pet food that humans would never touch! They don’t make cat food (yet), but maybe that’s for the best because I would be tempted!! 😅
Have a great weekend!
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