Minnesota

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DIY: Cooking with Minnesota Wild Rice

 

Why Wild Rice Matters in Minnesota

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Wild rice, or manoomin, is deeply rooted in Minnesota’s history and landscape. It is the state grain of Minnesota and has been harvested for centuries by Indigenous communities, especially the Ojibwe, for whom wild rice is both a sacred food and a way of life. Naturally grown in the state’s lakes and rivers, true wild rice is not rice at all, but an aquatic grass with a rich, nutty flavor and a firm texture. Today, it remains a symbol of Minnesota’s connection to water, seasonal harvests, and traditional foodways.

 

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Cooking Tips for Canoe Wild Rice

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Canoe wild rice is a hand-harvested, parched, and unblended Minnesota wild rice, meaning it cooks differently than mass-produced or cultivated varieties.

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Before Cooking

• Rinse briefly in cold water to remove excess starch.

• No soaking required, but soaking 30–60 minutes can slightly reduce cook time.

 

Cooking Basics

• Use 3 cups water or broth for every 1 cup wild rice.

• Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

• Cook uncovered for 45–60 minutes, until grains split open and curl.

• Drain any excess liquid and let rest for 5 minutes.

 

Helpful Tricks

• Salt the water lightly at the start for even seasoning.

• For extra flavor, cook in vegetable or chicken broth.

• Wild rice freezes very well—cook once, enjoy multiple meals.

• Texture should be chewy and nutty, not mushy.

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Easy Wild Rice Recipes

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1. Simple Buttered Wild Rice

A perfect first taste that highlights the grain itself.

• Cooked wild rice

• Butter or olive oil

• Salt and black pepper

Toss warm rice with butter and season to taste. Add chopped herbs if desired.

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2. Minnesota Wild Rice Soup (Quick Version)

A comforting classic inspired by Northwoods kitchens.

• Cooked wild rice

• Onion and celery, sautéed

• Vegetable or chicken broth

• Milk or cream (optional)

Simmer vegetables in broth, stir in wild rice, and finish with milk or cream for a cozy bowl.

 

3. Wild Rice & Cranberry Salad

Great warm or cold.

• Cooked wild rice

• Dried cranberries

• Chopped nuts (almonds or pecans)

• Olive oil and a splash of vinegar

Mix together for a lightly sweet, nutty side dish.

 

4. Wild Rice Breakfast Bowl

Unexpected and delicious.

• Warm wild rice

• Honey or maple syrup

• Butter or milk

• Dried fruit or nuts

Serve like oatmeal for a hearty Minnesota-style breakfast.

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Make It Your Own

Wild rice pairs beautifully with mushrooms, squash, root vegetables, poultry, and herbs. Use it as a base for soups, stuffings, casseroles, or grain bowls. Every batch connects you to Minnesota’s lakes, harvest traditions, and seasonal rhythms.

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Happy Cooking!

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New Mexico

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How to Make Your Own Feather Dream Catcher

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Welcome to your dream weaving experience! This Dream Catcher Kit includes everything you need to craft a stunning turquoise boho-style dream catcher. Perfect for crafters of all levels—whether you’re new to DIY projects or a seasoned creator.

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Kit Includes:

• 2 metal hoops (5-inch size)

• Turquoise string (pre-cut)

• Natural feathers (turquoise & white mix)

• Decorative beads

• Clip-on charms

• Instruction guide QR code

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Step 1: Wrap the Hoop

• Start by tying one end of the string securely to the metal hoop.

• Begin wrapping the string tightly around the entire hoop until it’s completely covered.

• Tie a knot to secure the string and trim any excess.

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Step 2: Create the Web

1. Start with a new length of string and tie it to the hoop.

2. Work your way around the hoop by looping the string over the frame every 1–2 inches, creating evenly spaced loops.

3. On the second round, loop the string through the midpoint of each previous loop. Continue this pattern inward.

4. Keep tightening the web gently as you work—you’ll see the classic dream catcher pattern form.

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Step 3: Decorate with Beads (Optional)

• Slide decorative beads onto the web as you go. These represent dreams and add sparkle to your design.

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Step 4: Add the Feathers

• Cut 3–5 pieces of string (3–6 inches long).

• Thread a bead onto each string and tie it at the bottom of the hoop.

• Insert a feather into each bead hole and secure it. Repeat with as many feathers as you like.

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Step 5: Final Touches

• Clip your included charm onto the frame or center of the web.

• Add a hanging string at the top of the dream catcher.

• Fluff your feathers and adjust the design to your preference.

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Step 6: Display & Enjoy

Hang your finished dream catcher above your bed, near a window, or anywhere that inspires peace and positivity. Traditionally, dream catchers filter out bad dreams while letting positive ones drift through.

 

 

 

Maryland

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Howard EcoWorks is a Maryland-based nonprofit dedicated to restoring local ecosystems, improving watershed health, and building climate resilience through community-based projects. One of their missions is to create sustainable landscapes that benefit both people and wildlife.

 

Their Seeds of Change Pollinator Native Seed Mix is specially curated to support bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects by restoring native plant habitats. The mix includes Maryland’s state flower, the Black-Eyed Susan, along with other nectar-rich wildflowers that bloom throughout the season, ensuring pollinators have food from spring to fall.

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Planting this mix not only brings vibrant color to your space but also plays an important role in protecting biodiversity and strengthening Maryland’s natural heritage.

 

Planting Instructions: Pollinator Native Seed Mix

1. Choose Your Site
   Select an area with at least 6+ hours of sunlight each day. Native pollinator plants thrive in open, sunny spaces but can also adapt to partial shade.

2. Prepare the Soil

   • Remove weeds, grass, or debris.

   • Loosen the top 2–3 inches of soil with a rake or garden fork.

   • Native plants generally don’t need fertilizer—these seeds are adapted to thrive in local conditions.

3. Sow the Seeds

   • Mix seeds with sand or sawdust to help spread them evenly.

   • Broadcast the mix over your prepared soil.

   • Lightly press the seeds into the soil by walking over the area or using a roller. Do not bury them deeply—most native wildflower seeds need sunlight to germinate.

4. Watering

   • Water gently after planting to help seeds settle.

   • Keep soil moist (not soaked) until seedlings are established, usually 4–6 weeks.

   • Once mature, many native plants are drought-tolerant.

5. Maintenance

   • Pull out weeds early so they don’t compete with young seedlings.

   • Expect some plants to bloom the first year, but the full beauty of a pollinator meadow often develops in the second growing season.

   • Leave plants standing through winter to provide food and shelter for pollinators, then cut back in early spring.

 

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Alabama

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The LEGO shuttle isn’t just fun—it reflects real history tied to Huntsville, Alabama, known as “Rocket City, USA.”

• The Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville was a central hub for NASA’s rocket development, including the Saturn V rocket that carried Apollo astronauts to the Moon.

• Huntsville engineers also contributed to the Space Shuttle program, developing propulsion systems and testing engines that powered launches from 1981 to 2011.

• Today, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville houses one of the world’s largest space collections and offers Space Camp, where kids and adults can experience astronaut-style training.

When you build your LEGO Space Shuttle, you’re echoing the same spirit of innovation and exploration that Alabama helped pioneer in America’s journey into space.

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The LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Space Shuttle lets you choose between building a Space Shuttle, a Lunar Lander, or a Rocket + Control Center. Below are the basic steps to get started with the Space Shuttle model. (Always use the official LEGO instruction booklet for piece-by-piece visuals.)

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Step 1: Organize Your Pieces

• Open the bags and sort by color or type (wings, tiles, bricks, small accessories).

• Lay out your building space to avoid losing smaller parts like thrusters or windows.

Step 2: Build the Shuttle’s Base

• Start with the rectangular fuselage platform.

• Add the lower panels and build up the frame.

• Attach landing gear so the shuttle can stand securely when complete.

Step 3: Construct the Cockpit

• Build the angled front nose using white bricks.

• Insert the black windshield piece for the flight deck.

• Place control tiles and a seat for the astronaut minifigure inside.

Step 4: Attach the Wings and Tail Fin

• Use large angled wing panels for each side.

• Add the vertical stabilizer (the tail fin) at the back of the shuttle.

• Ensure all are clipped securely for balance.

Step 5: Add the Rocket Engines

• Attach three cylindrical thrusters at the rear.

• Use grey and black pieces for engine detailing.

• Clip in flame elements (if included) for a liftoff effect.

Step 6: Cargo Bay & Satellite

• Build the shuttle’s opening bay doors using white hinge panels.

• Inside, assemble the small satellite and arm.

• Place the satellite into the bay for deployment.

Step 7: Final Touches

• Seat the astronaut minifigure in the cockpit.

• Test the opening bay doors.

• Admire your completed shuttle—or transform it into one of the two alternate builds!

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Oregon

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Assembling Your Bigfoot Puzzle by MasterPieces

Get ready for a legendary activity! Start by finding a flat, well-lit surface and sorting your 300-piece Bigfoot puzzle by edges and colors. Assemble the border first, then group similar patterns—like forest textures, shadows, or Bigfoot's silhouette—for easier progress. Take your time and enjoy the mystery unfolding, one piece at a time.

Bigfoot isn’t just a fun puzzle subject—he’s a legendary figure in Oregon folklore. With countless reported sightings in the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest, Bigfoot has become a symbol of the wild, untamed beauty of Oregon. This puzzle is more than a pastime—it’s a playful nod to one of the state's most enduring myths.

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Vermont

🌱 Crystal Growing Maple Tree: Official Terraformer Kit

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Brought to you by Copernicus Toys | Featured in your American Wanderlust Box

 

Bring a little magic to your windowsill with this DIY crystal-growing maple tree. Inspired by science and soaked in wanderlust, this official Terraformer kit lets you grow vibrant crystals that bloom like autumn leaves—no green thumb required.

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✨ What’s in the Kit:

• 1 Paper maple tree (pre-cut and ready to bloom)

• 1 Growing tray

• 1 Packet of terraforming crystal solution

• 1 Set of instructions (but you’ve got the better version right here 😉)

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🔧 What You’ll Need:

• A flat surface

• A curious spirit

• Optional: A camera for those satisfying time-lapse shots

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🌿 Let’s Terraform a Tree:

Step 1: Unfold the Tree

Carefully open the paper maple tree so it stands upright in 3D form. Place it in the center of the growing tray.

 

Step 2: Add the Magic Elixir

Tear open the packet of crystal-growing solution. Gently pour it into the tray so it evenly touches the base of the tree. The solution will be absorbed like water through roots—except this time, you’re growing crystals.

 

Step 3: Step Back and Let Science Work

Leave your tree undisturbed in a warm, dry spot. No shaking, no poking—just patience. In about 30 minutes, you’ll see the first signs of crystal buds. Over the next 6–12 hours, your maple will transform into a dazzling crystalline forest scene.

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🌞 Pro Tips:

• Best results come from a dry room with good airflow. Humidity is not your friend here.

• Keep pets and curious hands away—this is a hands-off wonder.

• Once the tree has fully bloomed, display it proudly! (Just avoid water or direct sun for too long.)

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🧠 Fun Fact:

The crystals form through a process called capillary action—the same natural magic that helps real trees draw water from their roots to their leaves!

 

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Want to take your terraforming to the next level? Share your crystal maple masterpiece with us using #AmericanWanderlustBox and tag @AmericanWanderlustBox!

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North Carolina

How to Grow Your Venus Flytrap

From The Jonsteen Company

Get ready to grow one of the world’s most fascinating plants—native only to the Carolinas! Follow these simple steps to cultivate your very own Venus Flytrap:

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🌱 What’s Included:

• Venus Flytrap seeds

• Growing medium (soil pellet or mix)

• Planting container

• Instructions and care tips​

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🌿 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Soil
   Place the soil pellet in a small bowl and add warm water. Let it expand fully, then fluff it with a spoon or fork. Fill your container with the moist soil.

2. Plant the Seeds
   Sprinkle the seeds gently on top of the soil. Do not bury them—Venus Flytrap seeds need light to germinate.

3. Create a Humid Environment
   Cover the container loosely with a clear plastic lid or plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect. Place it in a warm, bright area (but not in direct sun).

4. Be Patient
   Germination may take 4–6 weeks or longer. Keep the soil consistently moist (never dry) using distilled or rainwater—tap water can harm the plant.

5. Transplant with Care
   Once seedlings appear and are large enough to handle, transplant them gently to a larger container with proper carnivorous plant soil.

 

☀️ Care Tips

• Use distilled or rainwater only—no tap water.

• Venus Flytraps need plenty of sunlight once established (at least 4 hours of direct sun per day).

• Do not trigger the traps for fun—it uses up the plant's energy!

• Feed with live insects (occasionally) only when mature.

• In winter, expect dormancy—this is normal. Keep cool and reduce watering.

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Montana 

Paint Your Own Yellowstone Wooden Magnet

Bring a piece of Yellowstone into your home with this fun and easy DIY project! Inside your American Wanderlust Box, you’ll find a wooden magnet featuring an iconic Yellowstone design—ready for you to bring to life with your own creative touch.

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What You’ll Need:

• Acrylic paints (included or use your own favorites!)

• Fine-tipped paintbrushes (included)

• A cup of water and paper towel for rinsing

• A steady surface and a little imagination

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Let’s Get Painting:

1. Start with the background. Use light washes to build soft skies and mountains—just like those famous Yellowstone landscapes.

2. Add details. Try painting detail into the mountains and around the trees.  Pick a color or pattern for the border. Thin acrylics are perfect for layering colors and adding intricate lines.

3. Let it dry. Acrylic paint dries quickly, but make sure each layer sets before adding more.

4. Seal if you’d like. For added durability and shine, finish with a clear sealant (optional).

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A Glimpse Into Yellowstone’s Montana Roots:

While Yellowstone National Park stretches across three states—Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana—the Montana entrance offers one of the most scenic and historic views of the park. The North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana, is home to the iconic Roosevelt Arch, dedicated in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt himself. Yellowstone was established in 1872, making it the first national park in the world—and it all started right here in the American West.

Montana’s section of Yellowstone is rich with geothermal wonders, sweeping valleys, and abundant wildlife. It’s where many visitors catch their first glimpse of roaming bison, elk, and even the occasional bear—all part of what makes Yellowstone truly magical.

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Display Your Creation:

Once your magnet is painted and dry, pop it on your fridge or magnetic board. It’s not just a decoration—it’s a memory, a story, and a handmade piece of your journey through the U.S.