Good morning! Today’s Twitterview is with Mandy of the @IvySpaClub. Looking forward to talking to her about health & fitness.

Mandy:    I’m excited to chat with you!

To start Mandy, when did the Ivy Spa first open it’s doors to the public, and how big is it space wise?

Mandy:    Ivy Spa Club, along with Ivy Fitness Club, opened in February of 2008. We live on the entire 2nd fl of the Hotel Ivy.

So, in total we are 17,000 square feet.

That’s a good sized space! What was the goal/focus of the spa so that it would stand out from other spas in the area?

Mandy:    Downtown Mpls didn’t have a real destination spa. The owners wanted a luxury hotel setting.

Ivy Spa Club also is the largest, full-service spa. We have a large relaxation area and a wealth of spa amenities.

It’s truly a getaway in the middle of the city

In having a spa & fitness club together, a lot of good healthy work can be done there. What spa services do you offer?

Mandy:    We have 90+ services with inspirations from all over the world. We use some of the finest facial and body products.

These services include massages, body treatments & scrubs, nail services, hair services, makeup & airbrush tanning.

Have you ever experienced any for yourself, Joel? If not, you must visit asap! Everyone deserves a little pampering.

I should mention we also have specialty treatments for expecting mothers, new mothers, people w/sensitive skin, etc.

Yes, everyone does! Some men though are squeamish about spas. Do you have any male specific treatments?

Mandy:    Ha! Yes, we know there may be a stigma out there, but we actually have quite the male following.

Some of our male-focused services include: men’s maintenance manicure, deep tissue and sports massages, haircuts, etc.

We also have a Gentleman’s Fitness Facial and carry a lot of fabulous products for men’s skin and hair care.

We love to see men enjoying pedicures and other spa services as well! We’re all human and must care for ourselves.

Nice! In addition to spa services, there also some Ivy branded products. Can you share what some of them are?

Mandy:    Our Ivy Signature line includes body lotion, bath gel, shampoo, conditioner, bath salts, massage oil and more.

They come in a variety of sizes from 1.5 oz to 32 oz. And they smell divine!

I’ll have to get a travel pack in the mail to you!

Fun! :) In addition to the spa, there is also a fitness club. Is it just an “open” gym or are trainers also available?

Mandy:    We have a team of really experienced trainers. Jacob, for instance, was in the Army and knows how to make you sweat!

He’s helped transform bodies like you don’t normally see. Along with him, we have other trainers.

They have exp. with different body types and any restrictions people may have. We also pride ourselves on our classes.

We have Barre classes, lunchtime yoga, & cardio/boot camp classes, etc. They are usually small for a better workout.

With it being the beginning of the new year, are there any special deals that the Ivy Fitness Club is offering?

Mandy:    Oh, yes! For those who join now, we are giving 300 Ivy dollars, good for spa, salon and fitness services.

For anyone within a company that is close to us, we also offer corporate discounts. Contact @kalsorie for more info!

Kristin is our fitness mgr! 612-353-3579 or kristins@ivyspaclub.com.

Share with those unfamiliar with your location, what your address is and what your hours of operation are.

Mandy:    We’re on the 2nd floor of Hotel Ivy on 2nd Ave and 11th Street S. Close to the Convention Center. 201 11th Street S

Ivy Spa is open 9 am – 8 pm Mon-Sat and 9 am – 7 pm Sun. Ivy Fitness is open 6 am – 8 pm Mon-Sat and 9 am – 7 pm Sun.

Some get nervous about parking. We offer valet parking (comp w/some services) and there are ramps or street pkg.

We’re also skyway connected. Stay warm!!

Joel:    That’s great Mandy. Thanks for taking time today to share what the spa and fitness club has to offer on #MNMOtv!

Mandy:    Absolutely! This was fun! Let me know if you want to visit for a getaway in the city. Thanks Joel!

(Conducted on January 9, 2013)

Good morning. Hopefully your commute went well for you today in MN! Today’s Twitterview is with @stylebymax owner, Ellen Hertz.

Ellen:    Hi Joel. Speaking of commutes, what IS the deal with the washboard road? I’m looking forward to our “chat” today!

Tell us a little about yourself Ellen. Where are you from and what kinds of things interested you while growing up?

Ellen:    I’m a native Detroiter & a die-hard U of Michigan fan! As a little girl, I had dreams of being a singer and/or dancer.

I also really liked art classes, @ when I was in h.s., spent all of my xtra time in the jewelry & weaving studios.

I was also always into fashion,even as a kid! It started with the hair ribbons/head bands & I moved on from there.

Lots of energy and creativity it sounds like. :) As an adult, what lead you to opening your own store?

Ellen:    I always knew I wanted 2 own a jewelry store. I think it’s in my blood-Max was grandfather & had a store for 54 yrs.

I spent 21 yrs. in corp. America in the consulting industry,&when ppl asked what I would do if I left,I said I would

open a store — so that’s what I did! I had been making “mental” notes about it for probably 15 years.

In 2005, I decided that it was the now or never time & I didn’t want to have a “coulda, woulda, shoulda” moment later.

Good for you to take the “leap” and follow a dream. How did you come to pick the SLP area to open?

Ellen:    Thx! I live in SLP & was following the development of @Excelsior_Grand & really liked what was happening.

I like the whole urban community vibe & realized it would be a gr8 place 4 people to come to “have a day”.

Nice plan. For those new to you and your store, can you explain the concept and what you offer?

Ellen:    Sure-I would 2! Max’s is a fine jewelry/home decor/specialty chocolate boutique. I try really hard 2 bring things into

the store that others in town aren’t carrying. We try 2 have as many exclusives as we can -at any point in time, about

90% of what we carry is exclusive 2 us in the area. It’s really important 2 me that things aren’t manufactured overseas

Ppl often ask about the chocolates in a jewelry store -They’re both passions of mine-I actually had some already 2day!

When it comes to jewelery, what price range do most of your good fall into? As for chocolate, what forms do you carry?

Ellen:    The price range for the jewelry is broad — from around $50 all the way into the 000′s. In terms of chocolate, we have

toffees,caramels,truffles,and LOTS of bars — from all over the world. We even have a chocolate shoe/purse set!

If it doesn’t have chocolate in it though, we don’t carry it! Even our candy canes for Xmas are filled with chocolate.

Are you running any specials or deals right now? What are your hours of operation?

Ellen:    M-F, 10-7; Sat, 10-6; Sun, noon-5. We’re staying open late on 12/21 (until 9) becuz we’ll be in the middle of our

Anne Sportun jewelry trunk show.We are not running any specials right now, but our semi-annual sale begins on Dec. 26

We have a reward program whereby a customer earns 10% of the value of their purchases in points that can then be used

as $s off of a future purchase.We have been known 2 let customers use their points as they earn them at this time

of year! :)

Do you have an online-store, and what’s your physical address so that people can find you?

Ellen:    With the exception of gift cards,we don’t have an online shopping capability. The reason 4 that, and it’s a much-often

discussed/debated topic, is that when it comes to jewelry, I am not buying multiples of most everything we carry.

In other words,we’re not inventorying lots of stock — once it’s gone,it’s gone, Sometimes it’s a piece the artist can

remake and we’ll ask them to do that. Sometimes, it’s a true 1-of-a-kind. So that just makes it hard to do online.

We’re happy to send out anything that we have that someone sees online. We’re at 3826 Grand Way at @Excelsior_Grand

Thank you very much for your time and comments today on #MNMOtv. Have a great week, and keep up the good work!

Ellen:    Thank you so much Joel – this was a lot of fun — and very different. I like it! Have a good one and happy holidays!

[Conducted on Dec 12,2012]

The selling of pizza is an ever growing and expanding business.  From frozen pizzas to take-n-bake pizzas. From large family sized pizzas to personal pizzas made to order just for you.  It’s a finished product that comes in all sorts of shapes, sizes and flavors.  You can be sure to find one that fits your taste and style.

The owners of Solos Pizza Cafe spent a long time trying to get the ingredients and taste of their pizza, just right.  In fact, they went through 42 different crusts to get their crust to have the right crispness and chew that they were looking for.  Talk about working hard to make their customers happy with their product!

It is a good quality pizza to eat.  The crust does have a good balance of being crispy,  but it also has a good amount of chew to it as well.  The pepperoni has good flavor to it, and the sauce also had a nice flavor to it.  Not watered down by any means, and bland just isn’t on their menu.  In addition to pizzas, they also have salads.  They currently don’t have a gluten free crust option, but they do have a crust that is under 500 calories if that interests you and your hunger.

They are a growing brand that currently has 3 locations in Minnesota, 1 in Eagan, 1 in Maple Grove and 1 in Plymouth.  The eating area in their Plymouth location is a bright and colorful space.  Very inviting to people in a hurry to just eat-n-go, or to those that aren’t in a rush and wish to enjoy their meal at a slower pace.

If you go with a group or a big appetite, be sure to try out their popular garlic bread puffs.  So when you’re looking for a quick and freshly made meal with a wait time of around 5 minutes, be sure to give Solos Pizza a try.

Be sure to learn more about Solos Pizza by checking out the video below!

Minnesota is known for it’s winters, (with the exception of the 2011/2012 winter, but we don’t talk about that one.) and so anything that draws people to the outdoors for fun and excitement is welcomed. Skating, sliding down hills, skiing, snowmobiling and many other activities are draws for many that live here.

Another draw for those living or visiting Minnesota for the 2012/2013 winter season, will be the Ice Castles at the Mall of America.  Built on the North side parking lot, or just East of the IKEA store.  They range in height anywhere from roughly 10′ – 12′ high, and some have tunnels that separate them for you to be able to get around or through them.

They are illuminated with lights inside of them, so at night they are a spectacular sight to see.  (As a word of caution though to those with ankle, knee or hip issues, you will want to be cautious when walking in the area, as the ground is not level due to snow and ice that was used to create these castles. Heels of any kind would not be a good idea for you to wear.)  As you tour the area, you might find a person or 2 playing with fire, or you may see one of the Ice Castle princesses enjoying her reign.

If you’re in need of a bit of refreshment while visiting, hot chocolate and mini donuts are available for you to indulge in. Many families will enjoy this, and young children will be especially excited to see it.  No doubt many family and kid pictures will be taken with the Ice Castles as the backdrop. Tickets for the site are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids.  A very visual display of what can be done with winter weather and lots of water!

Hello everybody! Welcome to today’s Twitterview with @Real_Genevieve! Lets get things rolling!

I’m ready

Great! We’ll talk about your work, but lets first talk about your experience with Hurricane #Sandy. Where were you?

Genevieve:    I was in Jersey City during hurricane Sandy….coming from MN I’m a dramatic weather lover, having no power for 8 days and

worrying the walls would fall in…not so fun.

I just feel terrible for all of those who lost their homes. We have a bit of survivor guilt here in Manhattan

I’d imagine it was difficult. Did you learn anything about yourself or change your view of priorities on anything?

Genevieve:    I learned that people were very dirty before electricity, time wo tech spent with children is so important, that the art of

conversation is something we should practice more fluently, and getting up and going down w the sun…is pretty incredible

and in the end, helping people in need makes you feel bigger, always

I would imagine so. Are you, your family and your home restored back to normal now?

Genevieve:    We are. it’s just helping the shore communities now that are still wo anything.

That’s good! :) Lets move on to your design/judging work. What shows are you currently work on for #HGTV?

Genevieve:    I”m shooting my new show….Genevieves Renovation which is at my own house which will air on @hgtv July 2013

I leave for DC day after Thanksgiving to shoot this years White House Xmas special….@hgtv

I’m also leaving for California in Feb. to shoot the next Design Star @hgtv

Your own house being renovated on @hgtv? That sounds like it would be a very personal show. Has it been?

Genevieve:    Yes, it is very personal, very invasive but really incredible to have the time to work for myself

Some judges on talent shows have said that judging and giving opinions is tough. Is it for you with #DesignStar?

Genevieve:    Tough? no. But a lot of the audience thinks you’re being mean when in

reality we’re just being honest and doing our job at the same time, trying to help the talent.

How is the product endorsement/support work been going for you lately?

Genevieve:    Good! I have a successful rug line with @capelrugs just launched my 3rd collection

working with Mirassou wines, Valspar Paints, and SC Johnson oh and Lowes

That’s awesome! Being such a creative person as you are, can it be difficult to turn your brain off and just relax?

Genevieve:    I can’t turn my brain off unless the electricity is out or I leave the country. This is why I need to leave the country.

often, just how I”m wired.

Sure. In the design world, are there any big “shifts” that have been happening? Like colors or styles.

Genevieve:    There are always big shifts in desgin…we follow fashion traditionally

Right now, it’s all about plums, burgundys golds and pewters, very barouque, very over the top castle style

It’s quite heavy, I”m trying to deconstruct and make it feel cool.

To close, what do you hope to accomplish in the next year? Thanks again for being a part of #MNMOtv today Genevieve. Enjoy your free time!

Genevieve:    This coming year, is a new life. I’m creating a new home have a new relationship, doing new shows, it’s a transition, a really

Happy, healthy transitional year. You have to go through a couple hard ones to get to the good ones. Time for good

Thanks for having me!

Chris Stanford is a reporter and anchor for WCCO-TV in the Minneapolis/St. Paul television market. Chris primarily covers stories relating to consumer products, but he also covers the latest current news going on in the community.

How and why did Chris get interested in working in the news business?  Any interesting stories that stand out to him in his career?  When he’s not working, what kinds of things does Chris enjoy doing?  If he wasn’t cover the news or consumer products, what would he be doing? Get to know Chris from this 3-part interview with him.

In Part 1 of his interview, he shares what he first wanted to be when he grew up, how he got interested in journalism and reporting the news. Learn also where he got started in the news business.

In Part 2 of Chris Stanford’s interview, he talks about his start as a journalist in Wisconsin. He then talks about coming to WCCO and discusses the kinds of story ideas he’s sent from businesses and PR firms to cover.  He shares one company’s interesting subject line in an email that was for a new kind of bathroom product.

In the Part 3 of the Chris Stanford interview, he talks about his favorite sport, favorite thing to do when he has free-time, his perfect meal and what goal he has for himself.

Hi everybody! Welcome to today’s @MNMOmag Twitterview with interior designer @opulencebyT (Tiffany Hanken). Lets get started!

Hi Tiffany! Tell us a little bit about your background. Where did you grow up and how did you get interested in design?

Tiffany:    Hi Joel! Thank you for having me. I grew up in WI on a farm. I decided to remodel a old hunting shack at age 12.

This is where my love for interior design started!

Whoa! At age 12?!?! So what did you do to the hunting shack. Was it for you or someone that you knew?

Tiffany:    I turned it into a small home, added windows, built a shower out of a cow trough and metal pipping.

It was just a playhouse/fort for us kids.

Me and the neighbors were able to shower as it rained. Talk about Eco-friendly! Ha

Sounds like a good start. So did you take schooling on design and construction in HS and a vocational school?

Tiffany:    I was exposed to construction in HS than, went 2 Community Colleges for Interior Design.

How would you say that your design-style developed? What kinds of things did you expose yourself to creatively?

Tiffany:    My design style has developed by my travels to Europe and abroad. I exposed myself to all works of art and fashion.

Most of my inspiration comes from Hotels around the world or anything inspiring.

That’s a good idea. So what kind of projects do you and your company do now? Single rooms? Entire houses?

Tiffany:    We do anything from a Loft remodel downtown to an entire house remodel, to restaurants in Mpls.

We will also just remodel a master bedroom or bathroom, while staying in tune with the rest of the home.

What are some trends in colors and materials that you are seeing right now that are popular?

Tiffany:    Neons – pinks, turquoises and bright blues, also my fav color trend Midnight Mystery, influenced by The Great Gatsby.

Midnight Mystery is dark charcoals, grays, saturated browns and navy’s. All eluding mystery.

For materials, it is natural elements, wood, faux bois patterns, and metals or gadgets with a whimsical edge.

Good to know. If someone is looking to make a change or update in their home, what’s the best way to contact you?

Tiffany:    By email – tiffany@tiffanyhankendesign.com or phone 952.454.4294. I am happy to consult on any project!

Joel:    Super! Thanks for your time today Tiffany and sharing some of your story on #MNMOtv. Have a great day!

Tiffany:    Thanks again Joel! Have a fabulous day too!