We See Great Things

Our knowledge of White Bear Lake has primarily been limited to its brief but memorable mention in the movie Fargo (go Bears), so when our pal invited us to swing by his White Bear home for a BBQ, we thought: road trip! (Albeit short.) Four wrong turns later we arrived in downtown White Bear Lake. Not exactly our destination, but we like to roll with the punches.
 
We found this ultra-quaint suburban wonderland playing hostess to a myriad of compelling storefronts, including local favorite Good Things. Packed with a bevy of fabulous finds, this inspired boutique houses notable clothing from spot-on brands like David Kahn and XCVI, as well as chic garden goodies, kitschy aprons, beautiful jewelry, cute shoes, cookbooks, greeting cards and toys. We were completely smitten with their vast selection of offbeat cocktail glasses and chic tableware, perfect for the swank al fresco garden party we have planned for next month. 
 
Topping it off, the sweet selection of heavenly scented candles and bric-a-brac catapult this fresh, sophisticated boutique into the realms of trend-worthy greatness. Definitely a good thing!

Good Things
2184 4th Street
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
651.426.0625
www.seegoodthings.com

Urban Oasis

We don’t know if it’s our northern practicality, or our deep-seated fear of gettin’ half naked, but we’ve always been intimidated by the whole “spa scene.” So in an effort to expand our comfort zone, we decided to throw caution (and clothes) to the wind and treat ourselves at the exceptional new Ivy Spa Club.
 
A true oasis in our urban jungle, Ivy specializes in the fabulously irresistible, offering up manicures and facials, romantic “couples massages” and decadent mud wraps that are sure to leave you melting! We indulged in the Harvest Renewal, an ultra-luxe body treatment that begins with a body scrub and Vichy Shower, and culminates with a hydrating massage. By the end of our session we were so relaxed we were weak in the knees. Seriously—we nearly collapsed trying to don our flip flops. Oh, and did we mention their cutting-edge fitness area? Stocked with state-of-the-art equipment, it’s sure to inspire even the most reluctant exerciser (like us) to shake that arm waggle.
 
Now the big question: How can we budget in daily visits?

Ivy Spa Club
201 Eleventh Street South
Minneapolis MN 55403
612.343.3131
www.ivyspaclub.com

Not Just For Records

The other day, while sharing a much-needed molten-chocolate fudge torte and a bottle of pinot noir we got to talking about celebrity gossip. Specifically, celebrity workouts. So what’s with spinning, anyway? Other than that Nicole Kidman seems to be staying irritatingly svelte with it, baby bump and all.
 
Then a friend of a friend who we hadn’t seen in months (and looks fabulous) mentions Northeast spinning studio Pedal. We don’t usually confuse exercise with fun, but Pedal’s super-friendly, exceptionally trained instructors keep spinning classes lively—and they’re making us reconsider. And the best part? (Besides the mega calorie burn.) The state-of-the-art flat screen TV’s. While we pedaled our legs off, Southern California’s gorgeous landscape flashed by, and we’re not talking weird computer generated images, we mean someone recorded bike-lane footage of all the best parts of L.A. for us spinning fools to be distracted by.
 
Ok, we know this is hard to believe, but for a split second while spinning through downtown L.A. traffic (on our way to the beach), we actually considered trading in our Manolo’s for messenger bags. 

Pedal Studios
21 5th Street NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612.644.5900
www.pedalstudios.com

Picture This
 
You’re dressed to kill for date number three—an intimate dinner at your new crush’s abode. Midway through the lobster bisque you feel a grumble, then a gurgle, then you politely excuse yourself and make haste to le toilette. 
 
Even on your 40th date, you don’t want to be associated with anything bathroom-related, and thanks to Just A Drop you can maintain your illusion of sweet-smelling perfection by eliminating 98% of personal odor. Keep loverboy’s focus on the night ahead, not the eau de poo. Take that, awkward moment!
 
www.justadrop.net

Be Still Our Modern Hearts

When we got married, invites were all peach turtle-doves and intertwining hearts. We had such a lousy time locating something that satisfied our modern sensibilities while at the same time pacifying our rocker husband that we ended up making all 200 invitations ourselves—by hand.

Luckily today’s brides can score beautifully compelling invites for their pending nuptials by shopping Cecily Ink. Their custom designed invitations are chic, modern, and customized to fit each happy couple’s sense of style.

www.cecilyink.com

It’s In The Bag

There was a time when we would briefly pause prior to bagging our groceries and pose the question: Choke a fish, or kill a tree? But not anymore, thanks to the onslaught of reusable bags that now grace the market.

Our current fave? The eco-friendly fabric bags by JP Monkey. Sized like a typical paper grocery bag and made from durable upholstery weight fabrics, these bags are uber-stylish and destined to garner compliments next time we shop.

www.jpmonkey.com

Thirty Blocks O’Fun

Kick summer off right by taking in the 35th Annual Grand Old Day celebration. This perennial favorite once again promises great music, as well as a 70’s-themed parade, an International District, a family fun zone complete with petting zoo and pony rides, an expansive art fair, and free massages and samples compliments of Burt’s Bees.

What: Grand Old Day
When: Sunday, June 1, beginning at 8 am
Where: Grand Avenue in St. Paul
Visit: www.grandave.com/grandoldday

Calling All Brides

Planning your big day? Don’t miss out on your chance to score gorgeous gowns for the upcoming nuptials by shopping Bridal Accents Couture’s fabu floor sample sale. Exquisite gowns from top designers like Nicole Miller and L’ezu are on sale for 30–90% off. Also included: veils, shoes, flower girl dresses, tiaras, and jewelry.

What: Summer Sample Sale at Bridal Accents Couture
When: Saturday, June 7, 10 am–4 pm
Where: 4401 County Road 42 West, Savage
Visit: www.bridalaccentscouture.com

Drink Beer, Do Good

Help combat homelessness by rockin’ the day away at Finnegan’s ShamROCK. Featuring a hi-larious bottle-cap Fashion Show, beer-pong tournament, the beautiful beer-toting Finnegan’s Lasses, killer tunes, tasty food, and of course plenty of Finnegan’s beer. And 100% of the proceeds benefit Heading Home Hennepin. Go on—drink some beer, do some good.

What: Finnegan’s ShamROCK
benefitting Heading Home Hennepin
When: Saturday June 7, 2–10 pm
Where: The Cabooze Outdoor Stage,
917 Cedar Ave South, Minneapolis
Visit: www.finnegansshamrock.com

Cocktails and Karaoke

Support the Minnesota Orchestra by attending their glam fundraiser at Orchestra Hall. The night kicks off with a cocktail reception, and includes a concert featuring the music of ABBA, Osmo Vanska, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the fabu Finnish group Rajaton. Food, dancing, and karaoke round out the night! Come dressed to impress:  Retro or cocktail attire encouraged!

What: Concert and Party at Orchestra Hall, benefiting the Minnesota Orchestraʼs educational programs
When: Saturday, June 7, beginning at 6 pm
Where: Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
Tickets: $100
Visit: www.mnorch.org