Lifestyle

Holiday music that puts you in the spirit
It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas, and MPR News host Angela Davis talks about your favorite holiday music. Freshen up you playlist and hear what other people are listening to this December.
Stargazing tips from a Dark Sky Festival organizer on the North Shore
Minnesota’s North Shore is home to one of only 15 certified International Dark Sky Sanctuaries in the world — and this weekend, it will host a festival celebrating the magic and importance of stargazing and dark skies. Caroline Torkildson, a dark sky advocate with Starry Skies North, the Duluth chapter of the International Dark-Sky Association, joined host Cathy Wurzer with more.
Midtown Global Market celebrates its 15th anniversary — with a cookbook
The Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis is celebrating its 15th anniversary, and for the first time ever, the chefs and business owners who fill the bustling market are putting together a cookbook. Trung Pham, one of the original vendors at the market, joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk about his story and the story of the market.
Buying Minnesota-made for the holidays
How’s that holiday gift list coming along? Host Angela Davis helps you shop local for the holidays. Learn about Minnesota makers and retailers where you can find local goods for everyone on your list.  
Getting outdoors this winter 
The difference between enduring winter and enjoying winter might be as simple as finding an outdoor activity that makes you happy. Host Angela Davis talks about winter biking, snowshoeing, skiing and other ways to have fun in winter. 
Homemade and heartfelt gifts cheer both giver and receiver
Do you bake or craft? MPR News guest host Stephanie Curtis talks to people who are making gifts for the holidays as a way to relieve pandemic stress and pass on joy from the heart. 
Reviving Ojibwe spiritual traditions, one pet at a time
Several members of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in northern Minnesota are working to address animal neglect on their tribal lands — and in doing so bringing their community closer to its spiritual roots.
More veterans with PTSD will get help from service dogs, thanks to the 'PAWS' Act
Service dogs have long helped veterans with vision or mobility problems. Now the PAWS Veterans Therapy Act will help connect specially trained dogs to some veterans with symptoms of traumatic stress.
Claire, a Scottish deerhound, has won the National Dog Show for the 2nd time
The show reopened to spectators this year in Philadelphia. Claire, a 4-year old Scottish deerhound, won best in show in 2020 too. It's the first time in 20 years that a dog has won twice in a row.
Here's an America's Test Kitchen recipe for keeping Thanksgiving (cranberry) saucy
For Thanksgiving, consider an orange cranberry sauce. It's a tangy, bright dish that will cut the richness of some of the staples like mashed potatoes and gravy.