Explore Your World

It’s official. That big, blue, home-goods store (you know, near the mega mall) has hit its peak with us. Sure, we have various pieces from them peppering our living space, but as we get older, so does our taste. We want quality pieces for our home that will not only stand out, but also stand the test of time.

I.D. Inside Design fits the bill with beautiful items for the home that make basics like furniture, rugs and lighting into artwork. Even mirrors are elevated to another realm—something you’ll want to look at while looking into. With an emphasis on global offerings, you’ll find items from all corners of the world, but with a contemporary feel. We love that they have a retail store open to the public, and also a cost-effective interior design service—a bonus for those of us who are challenged by creative yet functional concepts (i.e. bean-bag chairs do not a comfortable couch make).

So keep Sweden in mind, but consider expanding to other countries—you may just find a piece that you’ll still have 40 years from now!

ID Inside Design
212 3rd Ave. North, Suite 106
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612.317.0045
www.id-insidedesign.com

The Best Type of Gathering

There are three things in life we’d trade for all the moolah in our bank account: fancy food, friendship and travel. Now envision a place that combines all three without stealing too many of our sweet little pennies!

Enter NorthEast Social Club: an eclectic, artsy eatery that embodies a bit of Minnesota Nice, Parisian Ambience and Southern Catering, all at a reasonable price. From the bustling atmosphere of patrons sampling sophisticated wines to the scandalously bare ladies on the contemporary canvas artwork, there’s always something interesting to look at. And the food doesn’t disappoint either. We love the scallops with cauliflower purée, red wine jelly and green beans (positively delicious), and the half-pound burger dressed with smoked cheddar, pickled jalapenos, onions, and Thousand Island dressing. For dinner you can’t beat the pan-roasted Poussin with wild mushroom risotto.

NorthEast Social Club is a perfect spot for celebratory occasions, a romantic date, or a girl’s gossip session. And if you like music while you nosh, you’ll love NE’s live piano player railing out the tunes. Here’s to glasses and forks raised!

NorthEast Social Club
359 13th Ave. Northeast
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612.877.8111

The Baby Game

If there's one thing we dislike, it's showing up to a baby shower with the same gift as another guest. We can't count how many times we've watched a mom-to-be fake her surprise when she opens yet another duplicate.

Then there’s Peapods, a toy and baby-care store that offers a unique assortment of eco-friendly gifts for mom and baby. We instantly fell in love with the brightly colored, inflatable bouncing horses in the front window, and there are kid-size tables set out with all sorts of toys to play with (we couldn't help but drop some marbles down a marble run). Some of the toys are made right here in Minnesota, like Doodles wooden toys and Lolly Dollys (stuffed dolls shaped like rattles). The store also sells clothing, dishware, books, music and nursery decor among other things.

Next time we find a invitation to a baby shower in our mailbox, we know where to go. And for all the moms-to-be out there, Peapods also offers a in-store gift registry to make sure you can register for gifts as unique as your baby-to-be.

Peapods
2290 Como Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
651.695.5559
www.peapods.com

Move Over, Cupcake

What’s cuter than a cupcake? A cake pop! Just the fact that we get to indulge in bite-sized pieces of cake is enough to make us swoon, but put it on a stick? Instantly we’re dedicated devotees.

And now we can make these gourmet treats right in our own kitchen. Forget rolling lopsided balls of dough yourself. The Cakepop Maker by Babycakes has non-stick baking plates to ensure a perfect finish every time. Sweet.

Cakepop Maker by Babycakes

All a-Twirl for Amanda Pearl

A lifelong handbag obsession means we’re always on the hunt for something new and fabulous. Unfortunately, many of the items we covet (hello, It Bags!) are out of our price range. So when we spotted an Amanda Pearl clutch in the hand of an A-list celeb, we figured it would be another not-gonna-have.

Real quick: These are not bargain items. However, if you check out her website, you’ll find gorgeous pieces that won’t leave you late with the rent.
 
www.amandapearl.com

Possibly the Best Toothpaste Ever

Well, not ever, but we really like it.  Forget plain old drugstore mint—this is the good stuff!  We always have a tube stashed in the downstairs bathroom, so we can leave it out for houseguests and be like, “Oh, right, this is our regular toothpaste.  This is how we roll.”

Marvis actually comes in several flavors, but we heart the Jasmin Mint.  Aside from the purty purple tube, it has a delish taste that actually makes you savor brushing your teeth. 

www.bigelowchemists.com

Just So Adorn-able

N’etc. welcomes local jewelry designer Karla Haugen of k.h. designs—she’ll display 200 pieces at her trunk show during the Edina Art Fair. Haugen’s masterful artistry is evident in her diverse collection, made from materials such as textured leather, Swarovski crystal, Ethiopian crosses, pearls and gems from across the globe. Trés chic!
 
What: Karla Haugen Trunk Show
When: Friday, June 3 – Sunday, June 5
Where: n'etc., 5005 France Ave S., Edina
Call: 612.922.9321
Visit: www.khdesignjewelry.com

Father Knows (Gifts) Best

Twelve of dad’s favorite Galleria stores have selected their most popular Father’s Day gifts, making it easy to find the perfect one for dad. Purchase one of the 36 featured gifts, bring your receipt to Galleria Guest Services, and you’ll be entered in a drawing to win one of three sweet gifts: Twins tickets, Weekend at the Westin or a pair of Tiffany cufflinks. 

What: Galleria’s First Father’s Day Event
When: Friday, June 10 – Sunday, June 12
Where: Galleria, 3510 West 70th St., Edina
Visit: Event info

Show Some Leg

Get the girls together at Primp for the Summer Dress Soiree! They’ll bring out brand-new dresses, perfect for the never-ending summer weddings, showers, birthdays and BBQs. New merchandise will hit the sales floor throughout the day, and Primp will be serving up champagne and mini cupcakes, complements of A Piece of Cake.
 
What: Summer Dress Soiree
When: Thursday June 16, 4 – 9 pm
Where: Primp, 618 Selby Ave., St. Paul
Visit: www.primpyourself.com