Astrid Recommends

ajsandell recommended this 1 year, 9 months ago

Great book, but a lot like watching sausage being made. No one comes off too well in this book and it's a little depressing to see how craven and opportunistic some people get. Still, made me happy I voted for Obama...

ajsandell recommended this 1 year, 9 months ago

I'm not a big new age or self-help reader, but this little book always helps soothe my agitated soul. It has simple advice that helps put everything in perspective. My favorite is to not take things personally, that the person who is on your back is working out their own problems -- so don't let their problems become yours.

And it really is a "little book" -- short and almost pocket-sized.

ajsandell recommended this 1 year, 9 months ago

When Pham's last restaurant, Azia, closed, I thought I'd never have his delicious cranberry-cream cheese fried wontons again...but I was wrong!

This is a great place for dinner with friends -- the adjourn to the chic Caterpillar Lounge in the back for cocktails.

ajsandell recommended this 1 year, 9 months ago

Loved this book! Never wanted it to end. Some people said that Hemingway fans wouldn't like it, but I think it portrayed Papa in a very fair light. It also made me miss Paris like crazy.

The writing style is sweet and lyrical. I'll probably read it again.

ajsandell recommended this 1 year, 10 months ago

I watch this to make sure that the mess in my apartment is still OK! I will say that one particular episode did make me hire a cleaning lady.

ajsandell recommended this 1 year, 10 months ago

Incredible story of how a city and the art history/conservation communities can together to save some of the most important works of art in Florence during the 1966 flood. I recommend it especially for anyone headed to or home from Florence.

ajsandell recommended this 1 year, 10 months ago

Amazing story of how art was saved during WW2. An absolute must-see for Renaissance lovers, visitors to Florence, Pisa and the Louvre. The stories are incredible.

ajsandell recommended this 1 year, 10 months ago

Makes me move in my seat whenever it comes on my Pandora at work. Never a bad time for ATCQ

ajsandell recommended this 1 year, 10 months ago

This is my go-to pick-me-up on a rough day. There's nothing like singing along with the determined little monkey who really just wants to ride on a pig.

ajsandell recommended this 1 year, 10 months ago

Shared plates are my favorite way to eat, and this place is perfect for it. Great vibe to the place and fun people watching. Fun for bigger groups -- a little loud for a date.

ajsandell recommended this 1 year, 10 months ago

My favorite Thai place in the Twin Cities. The veggies are always perfect and the spice factor is real -- not "Minnesota-style"

ajsandell recommended this 1 year, 10 months ago

So, I'm late to the party on this one, but I loved this book and narrative style. Only complaint -- hard to read one of the sections on my Nook. But I persevered! Worth the time.

ajsandell recommended this 1 year, 10 months ago

The 1890 sandwich is always worth the trip -- along with the jumbo-sized vodka tonics.

ajsandell recommended this 1 year, 10 months ago

My neighborhood quick-stop for dinner about 3 times a week! Great local cheese selection and love the mango chicken curry.

ajsandell recommended this 1 year, 10 months ago

I use it any time I book a hotel. But as usual, the complainers have the loudest voices. I will say that Trip Advisor along with good research, I've never gone wrong.

ajsandell recommended this 1 year, 10 months ago

I could spend every day of the rest of my life here and be happy. Sadly, my favorite painting, Veronese's Dinner at Cana hangs right across from the Mona Lisa...so crowded!

ajsandell recommended this 1 year, 10 months ago

I can't stop going! And really, who wants to?

ajsandell recommended this 1 year, 10 months ago

Can't travel without it! Saved me on airplane and train rides. I just wish it held a longer charge.

ajsandell recommended this 1 year, 10 months ago

I'm actually recommending the Florence and Siena locations -- but so happy that they've come to the states. My favorite gelato in all of Italy -- and I've eaten a lot of it in every corner!

ajsandell recommended this 1 year, 10 months ago

The best short-trip I've taken. Gorgeous, elegant, friendly.