We stopped by The Muddy Pig in St. Paul one snowy afternoon when Rob's brother, Sam, was visiting us a few weeks ago. It's a little hole-in-the-wall with a nice, simple, but high-quality menu and a great beer list, so it's exactly the kind of place that goes on the list when one of our brothers visits.

I got the Buffalo Chicken Salad and was really pleasantly surprised when they served me a big salad (with no croutons!) with a whole, juicy chicken breast on it. The seasoning was more of a dry-rub than a Buffalo sauce, which I wish I had known so I could have gotten balsamic vinaigrette instead of blue cheese, but whatever--it was delicious. Rob and Sam enjoyed sandwiches and a few beers and we had a great time.

The Muddy Pig

162 North Dale Street

St. Paul, MN 55102

Food 3.5/5
Service 3/5
Atmosphere 2.5/5
Prices & Specials 4/5
Paleo-Friendly 4/5

Happy Friday! I have lots of links for you today.

To Read (and Listen)
17 People On The Most Important Thing They Wish They’d Learned Sooner
The 18 Essential Minneapolis Restaurants. I've only been to three of these--Pizzeria Lola, Brasa, and The Strip Club, but we have a Butcher & the Boar reservation for our anniversary!
We started a book club at The Eighty Twenty and our March picks have been posted! I'll be leading the One More Thing discussion.
I had no idea that Chris Carrabba had a new band but he does and it's everything! Thank you Diana for making me aware of this interview--I've been listening to their stuff all morning and I can't wait to buy the album.

Pretty Things
I'm seriously coveting this bar cart. $950--no big deal, right?
You guys, these sunglasses are $5.80. I bought them in black/brown and wear them every day.
I'm excited to have Philly Loves Lacquer--a vegan, handmade nail polish brand--as a sponsor this month!
This top is seriously springy and cute. I'm ready for fun tops and sandals!
Never in my life have I worn a jumpsuit, but I might give it a shot for this one.

Frozen
I finally saw the film over the weekend, so I've been all about it this week.
How pretty is this cover of "Let It Go?"
I hate to give this woman any more traffic, but I had to share this incredibly ridiculous and offensive take on the film.
I much prefer (and agree with) this piece.

To Watch
I loved every minute of this Game of Thrones Season 4 Foreshadowing and was sad when it was over.
(Speaking of Game of Thrones, how cute are these guys?)

--

This weekend, Rob and I are planning another Happy Gnome lunch date and heading to the jeweler to pick up our wedding rings! I also want to read, work out, and get myself organized since I'll be heading to Virginia in just one week! I'm working on a super exciting collaboration with La Crema and I absolutely can't wait to start sharing details with you all!

What are you up to this weekend?

I try really hard to always be reading a book. Sometimes I'm reading more than one, but that often doesn't end well. I tried to read

The Hobbit

 and re-read

Jane Eyre

over Christmas and as a result, they both lie half-finished and untouched for some time on my bedside table. They are beautiful books, but they didn't stick with me enough to go on. But there are books (and characters) that have stayed with me throughout the years.

Sophie

taught me that there's more to the world than I can ever see or know.

Atonement

is sad and beautiful and overflowing with richness and showed me just how much power there is in literature.

Clarissa

 taught me about perseverance and complexity.

Where the Wild Things Are

 taught me the impact a picture book could have and ignited my passion for children's literature.

What books spoke to you in a way you didn't expect?

This post is in response to the following prompt: "

Tell about periods when you haven't read. What were you doing? Where and when do you read best?

" (From 

Old Friend from Far Away

, page 160.) As you can see, you can take a prompt and go any direction with it. If you've written a response of your own, please share it below in the comments! 

P.S. Visit 

this post

 for next week's prompt.

P.P.S. If you'd like to join The Eighty Twenty's book club, you can learn more

here

.