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January 4th, 2008
Yes, we may still be trying to shake off our New Year’s Eve hangover (canned champagne that comes with its own little bendy straw is oh-so-cute, but oh-so-deadly), but that doesn’t mean we aren’t stoked and ready for a fresh start and a new year. We have decided to try the “make every day count” mantra this year. Trying new workout classes, reading less internet gossip, volunteering more than twice a year, taking a French class and trying to shop 100% local are tasks that—when broken down into days and weeks—seem much more doable than the our typical “eat-healthy-don’t-drink-workout-more” resolutions that seem to just get worse after we say them aloud. This year we hope you’ll join us in one of our day-to-day tactics: shopping local. Doing so supports your neighborhood and community, gives the little guys a chance to make it, provides you with awesome things that not everyone else will be wearing, and opens the door to meet new, cool, hip store and restaurant owners who just may become your next BFF! And, natch … tell them Minneapolis Picks sent you! |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | Walk Hard After freezing our toes off in sparkly heels meant for warm-weather climates this past New Years, we have finally decided to embrace cold-weather gear. Specifically shoes. And for fashionable foot options we headed to Bay Street Shoes in Calhoun Square, where footwear is both cute and warm. This unisex shoe and accessory store wins local accolades year after year, and it’s no surprise why—the selection is a mix of quirky, alternative and practical. With an emphasis on European brands like John Fluevog and Donald J. Pliner, the offerings are colorful, comfortable and cozy. The Ugg Waverly boot is a perfect combination of tough black leather and buckles and practical warm shearling lining. And the Fluevog military-style knee high boots are the answer to our practical girly needs—the oversized eyelets and ribbon satisfy our cute tooth while the rubber soles help navigate icy sidewalks. And with a great selection of men’s shoes including Blundstone and cool casual kicks, grab your man and get shoe shopping—and tell them Minneapolis Picks sent you! Bay Street Shoes & Accessories |
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| 2 | Bowl-licking Good In college we were called the “Soup Girl,” because we would eat soup pretty much every day. We love soup! Luckily we have come a long way from canned varieties, and now seeking out great soup is something of an obsession for us, especially in the cold winter months. Broders’ Cucina Italiana fulfills all our soup desires, no matter what’s on the menu (soups change daily). Sort of the like the little sister of Broders’ Pasta Bar, the cozy, relaxed atmosphere is all Italian deli, with cured meats, cheeses and olives coexisting with daily specials. And while we always seem to walk away with a grocery bag of goodies, it’s never before we have secured a window seat and enjoyed a bowl of soup. We can’t recommend the Tomato Bell Pepper soup enough—we have been known to lick the bowl clean, it’s that good. You may have to elbow for room, especially at lunch, but you’ll understand that a little jostling and waiting is worth it when you take that first spoonful. Mamma mia….. Broders' Cucina Italiana |
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| 3 | We Do As wide-eyed youths we’d wile away the hours envisioning our wedding day, or more accurately our wedding ensemble, which at the tender age of thirteen was the only part of the big day we could actually plan. And while the puffed-up, overly ornate dress of our late 80s dreams still lingers fondly in our memory, our sense of style has thankfully evolved. Enter Che Bella. This chic boutique boasts an eclectic selection of gifts and wedding-related goodies, ranging from kitschy baby wares and velvet handbags to custom jewelry and wedding shoes, all at a price that’ll leave you smiling. We’re completely smitten with the striking wedding veils and eye-catching hair accessories, many of which are handmade by owner Jennifer Meyer. She perfectly captures timeless elements, while at the same time incorporating contemporary flair, for a truly one-of-a-kind look that is simply stunning. So if you’re hearing the toll of wedding bells, or if you’re just looking for a standout gift, stop in to Che Bella. It’s the modern girl’s answer to being beautifully hip. Che Bella |
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| 4 | Green is Good A few years ago we thought “going green” was limited to recycling and organic food. We never would have given a green gift because, well, there didn’t seem to be anything good to give. Fast forward to today, and stores like Twin Cities Green are making green gifts not only cool to give, but super fun to receive. It’s the quantity of neat stuff and pretty-to-look-at items at this Uptown store that keeps us going back for gifts of all kinds. Babies are covered with adorable, all natural clothing and bath products, Valentine’s Day can be smartly addressed with eco-friendly jewelry, recycled Mardi Gras bead bowls (one of our faves), or art from found materials by local artists. And for weddings, you now have a place to buy eco-friendly linens and blankets made from bamboo and organic cotton. So next time you need a gift and want to shop local and stay green and give a gift that will truly be enjoyed, stop by Twin Cities Green! Tell owners Ryan and Tina you read about them here! Twin Cities Green |
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| 5 | On the Hunt We love walking into a home that has a little bit of quirk to it, like a vintage mermaid lamp or retro chalkboard used to greet guests. It’s the perfect conversation starter, and makes a style statement—two things everyone should aim for. So when you need a little style and creativity pick-me-up, head to Hunt & Gather. Two floors of plenty of rooms with so much stuff you’ll walk out wondering if you actually saw everything. Don’t miss the vintage mismatched drinking glasses that will cheer up any table, the matching couch and chair with a whipstiched horse head on the back, and the mid-century modern lamps, perfect for a sleek and minimal décor. And for those girls who are more fashion than furniture, the selection of the rhinestone necklaces (perfect for dressing up a tee and jeans) and impeccable vintage dresses, purses and jackets is outstanding. So start the new year with something new to you—stop by Hunt & Gather and tell them Minneapolis Picks sent you! Hunt & Gather |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Thanks Schmanks Indeed We try to practice the “shop local” vibe we preach, and this local artist makes supporting our neighbors just that much easier. Her mantra is “Sweet declarations of hatred and ill will in the form of paper goods, apparel, plushes and Mean Bags,” and somehow she makes curse words on greeting cards seem appropriate. Our fave? The “Thanks Schmanks” greeting card in a retro pink wallpaper print. So make a statement with your paper statements and send a card from Maybe You Should Die! |
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| 2 | Home Town Skin Care For the holidays we got some body products from our beloved sister-in-law, including our new favorite winter-weather ally: Aveda Hand Relief lotion. This stuff is the real deal: it smells good, feels delightful, and best of all makes our hands look less like a spider web and more like a baby’s bum. With vitamins A and E—and, uh, licorice extract?—we plan on buying one for every room. Plus it’s from Aveda, which is like shopping local on a global scale! |
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| 3 | Age is Just a Number The other day we spotted a few new gray hairs. This, in addition to all the wrinkles we’re getting around our mouth. We’re accepting the facts—we’re getting old. But with the help of 29, we don’t have to look it. An age-protecting color cosmetic line, 29 utilizes the benefits of grapeseed extracts, known for protecting skin against free-radicals and pollutants. With exquisite colors, tons of antioxidants and a name inspired by the highway that runs through Napa Valley, we’re ready to drink this stuff up. |
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| 4 | We Like You, Too We love her brother so its no surprise Amy Sedaris is on our bookshelf, as well. Her book “I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence” is a perfect entrée into her slightly twisted yet genius and overall quite adorable world. It’s a hilarious guide to entertaining, with tips for everything from properly freezing meatballs to dealing with intoxicated guests. Her sense of humor is so unique, and “I Like You” is part of our every sassy hostess’ party planning arsenal—make it part of yours too! |
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| 5 | So Many Good Things, So Little of Your Time Even thought the holidays are over, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, Mother’s Day and all the rest of the days when we are expected to buy gifts loom ahead. So what to get your boss that says you are promotion-worthy? Your BFF’s dog on its 2nd birthday? Your soon-to-be mother-in-law? How about a gift basket full of wine, art, pet treats or chocolate? Nobody does gift baskets like Total Basket Case. Each one is modern, unique and customized … sure to please any recipient—human or otherwise! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Tapas and Tops One of our fave local stores is getting ready for a fashion show! Go early and enjoy the delicious tapas and affordable wines at La Bodega in Uptown, and stay for the local—and affordable—fashions from Cliche. We always walk out of there with something in hand, so we can’t wait to see what’s on the runway! What: Fashion Show hosted by Cliché |
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| 2 | Winter Wonderland Did you know the Saint Paul Winter Carnival is the nation’s oldest and largest winter festival? We didn’t—but we know it’s fun! We love the terribly awesome Minnesota foods, parades and ice skating, but there is something for everyone. So turn off the reruns and get ye buns outside! What: Saint Paul Winter Carnival |
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| 3 | Pucks and Ponds If you and your friends want to soak up some sports (and check out some good looking guys while at it), head over to Lake Nokomis this month for the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships. Beer, food, music and, well, men playing hockey will make for a fun and free time! What: U.S. Pond Hockey Championships |
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| 4 | Art for the Masses Madonna isn’t the only Frida Kahlo freak—we have seen this breathtaking exhibit twice now, and encourage all others to do the same. Her life was like a soap opera, and her self portraits reflect her moods—kinda how we feel looking at high-school photos of ourselves. See it before it’s gone…. What: Frida Kahlo Exhibit |
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| 5 | Bringing the Bling Didn’t get the baubles you really wanted over the holidays (or need a Valentine’s idea to give your sig other a nudge)? Check out the new line of jewelry by local artist Talin Vartanesyan now at Ensemble. Brilliant gemstones are combined with antique and silver pieces that are plucked from all over the globe, available only at local Linden Hills shop Ensemble. What: Talin Vartanesyan jewelry collection |
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What are your New Year’s resolutions? We love hearing from readers, so send your goals, thoughts and ideas for new places we should visit this year! And keep your eyes and email boxes peeled because we are taking Minneapolis Picks to a more frequent level in the next few months (another of our goals…). Happy New Year! |
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