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June 27th, 2008
The other day we were walking through Uptown when out of the corner of our eye, we spied a handsome admirer. Always the sucker for a cutie, we immediately stood up straight, sucked in our gut, and tried to walk like we didn’t know he was there. (A little junior high, we know.) We were brimming with confidence. We had on our best jeans, we were actually wearing makeup, and we were fresh from a massage so we were positive we had a whole sultry/relaxed thing going on. It would have been perfect had we not tripped on the sidewalk, throwing newly bought undies and black coffee into the air. We were mortified. The only thing that could have possibly made the situation more humiliating would have been if our pants had split, or if a bird flew by and pooped on us. Have you ever had one of those days? Then you deserve a treat! Forward this issue to five friends and ccpicks@minneapolispicks.com—you could score a set of fantastically fashionable reusable grocery totes from Gracen! |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | Singing in the Rain We think seasonal thunderstorms can be very exciting... mysterious skies, streaks of lightning, claps of thunder. Hello? They’re a built-in excuse to snuggle up to our man! And though monsoon-related romance can be fun, could someone puhh-lease tell the rain goddesses that enough is enough? (It’s technically summer, and we need some vitamin D!) Thankfully, we found a refuge from the downpour at Bumbershute. A newbie to 50th and France Ave., this modern boutique is flooded with trendy designer apparel and accessories. We noticed many of our fave European BFFs (okay, we wish) including Bulga handbags, Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses, Roberto Cavalli tops and Missoni skirts. We worshipped the line of Young, Fabulous, & Broke dresses that made us want to spend sunny days sipping Bellinis. Rain or shine, we were psyched to learn that this hotspot also offers closet cleanouts and personal shopping. Leaving Bumbershute, we felt a bit brighter. And with the sun peeking through the clouds, the only things we'll have to weather are questions about where we shop! Bumbershute |
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| 2 | Mon Cherie! Anyone who has ever sprinted their way through the airport knows the danger of stepping foot on a plane after a hydraulic-power hose-down of Armani Code (courtesy of the duty free shop). It’s true, we’ve smelled less than savory on many an in-law-bound flight. Thankfully, real life is not like the airport, and shopping for decadent perfumes is not like visiting the in-laws. Enter Cherie Boutique, a fabulous Euro-chic retailer that plays host to an amazing and alluring selection of high-end international perfumes, soaps, lotions, candles, and yes, even some dead-sexy lingerie. We swooned for the irresistible scent of the Bond No. 9 Union Square perfume, and we couldn’t get enough of the Diptyque scented candles, infused with herbal and fruity notes. And for the risqué bridal shower we have coming up, nothing beats their sweet selection of Hanky Panky lingerie. So the next time you find yourself airport-bound, take a tip from us—shop Cherie Boutique en-route. You and your travel companions will be thankful! Chérie Boutique Française |
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| 3 | Happiness Surrounds Us We once drove through a dinky little town that was positively crawling with garden gnomes. They adorned every lawn, and the local park had roughly a bajillion of them gathered en masse, cheerfully frozen, and looking like an extra-happy mini-mob. It was all quite strange. Thankfully the The Happy Gnome has erased this creepy vision. This standout bar features a truly ambitious menu that includes a ton of mouth-watering morsels which, in our humble opinion, are destined to become modern classics. From the succulent Citrus-Glazed Halibut to the Grilled Elk Sirloin in a red wine demi-glace, The Happy Gnome is easily catapulting bar food into a whole new realm. They also boast a staggering selection of beer and an extensive drink menu (the Ruby Red Cosmos are dangerously good), all in an uber-laid-back environment that beckons you to stay. This Selby Avenue hotspot was recently voted one of the 125 places to have a beer before you die. We say, why press your luck? Go get happy at the Gnome. The Happy Gnome |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | oh La La! We aspire to be as effortlessly stunning as our French sisters across the pond, and we’ve often wondered just what their secret is. Superior genes? Wine consumption? Try Votre Vu, a lust-worthy line of natural beauty products. Poised to launch stateside, this long-standing Parisian go-to boasts a vast selection of luxe anti-aging gems and hair care products. Try the frozen facial treat Le Sorbet, or Champagne Kisses lip balm, which perfectly enhances your pucker for a truly kissable pout. Email Trish to score your own! |
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| 2 | It’s in The Bag A few weeks ago we found ourselves juggling two kids and four grocery bags when it began to pour. We ran to our car, desperately trying to keep slippery kids in tow when suddenly our soggy paper bags gave out. We nearly cried. Now we never leave the house without our reusable grocery totes by Gracen. Ultra-sturdy and wildly chic, these eco-friendly bags are our new favorite thing, perfect for carrying everything from food to library books in standout style. |
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| 3 | Oh, Baby! Lately our friends have been popping out babies like a bunch of pregnant Pez dispensers, and frankly we’re tired of running out to snag new baby gifts. Our solution? Find one really cute gift that works for all of our gal-pals, and stock up! We love the super cute (and practical) Burp Me, Change Me set by local handmaiden Kelly Cowan. Ultra-absorbent with a modern flair, this is one gift that’s sure to inspire ooohs and aahs! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Show Your Pride Kick the Twin Cities Pride Festival off right by hitting the blacktop for the Uptown Pride Block Party. Not only will there be plenty of thirst-quenching beer and tasty organic foods, but also a fabu flea market, live music, and an appearance by the North Star Roller Girls. What: Uptown Pride Block Party |
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| 2 | Chow Down Where better to spend your Fourth of July weekend than at the Taste of Minnesota? Tons of dangerously delish fried foods, live music, fun carnival rides for the kiddies, a slew of vendor booths for your browsing enjoyment, and a ginormus fireworks show make this event a time-honored tradition. What: The Taste of Minnesota |
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| 3 | Rock the Block Get your tickets now for The Basilica Block Party. Always a rockin’ good time, this year’s shindig promises to not disappoint by serving up plenty of yummy beer as well as well-known national music acts. Be sure to catch Missy Higgins, Augustana, and Ziggy Marley (to name a few). What: The Basilica Block Party |
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Shopping may be our passion, but you all have our hearts! Get out there and do us proud Twin Cities, and remember to tell everyone about Minneapolis Picks! |
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