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July 11th, 2008
When we were wild and crazy singles we often took trips on a whim. More than once we hopped in our car and hit the open road with nothing but a bag of clothes, some road-trip tunes, and whatever guy we were with at the time. It was all so carefree and off-the-cuff. Now that we’re married with kids, a mere weekend away has us planning two weeks in advance, and popping Advil like street junkies. We make ginormous lists for everything from clothing to in-car entertainment (portable DVD players rock!). We pack snacks, books, games, pillows, and beach towels. We gather stain-sticks, extra shoes, bug spray… seriously, the list goes on and on! By the time we’re ready to head out the door, our Hyundai is packed to the roof, looking as though we’re headed cross-country rather than three hours north. Oh, to be young and unfettered… |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | Voted Most Fashionable High-school reunions mean ex-boyfriends, ex-friends, and annoying (and untrue) memories about who we used to be, not who we are now… which is why there is nothing more important than the perfect outfit for the “I’m sexy and uber-successful, how ‘bout you?”-fest. Forget the diet, the haircut, the facial—without the perfect get-up you might as well not show up! Enter Ensemble, our savior in all things fashionable and reunion-ready. From fancy to casual, we drooled over the metallic Gold Hawk tunic dress (the epitome of H-O-T), the ultra-swank Y Question pants, and exotic Chan Luu tops that capture our laidback bohemian vibe. For the “I’m-not-trying-too-hard” look, we coveted the Morrissey denim capris and the Corey Lynn Calter vintage sundresses. Living up to its namesake, Ensemble also offers accessories, including local artisan jewelry inspired by ancient civilizations. (Yes, we‘ve traveled the world, haven’t you?) Homecoming queen? Most popular? We can’t go back in time, but we can make them wonder why they never noticed our keen fashion sense before. Mean girls, eat your hearts out. Ensemble |
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| 2 | Wrap It Up We’ve been saying congratulations, it’s a boy, thank you, and happy birthday a lot lately, and just when we thought we were running out of chic ways to do this whole present-wrapping, card-bearing thing, we discovered Paper Source. By the time you leave this compelling paper boutique, you’ll be convinced that the gift wrap is the best part of any present! Paper Source |
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| 3 | Shiny, Happy, Happy Hour People We love us some happy hours—they make getting your drink-on cheap, gathering with friends easy, bad first dates tolerable, and horrible bosses forgotten (for the moment)… Luckily we have the $2 happy hour at Figlio’s. What makes it so special? The many options, for one: Monday through Friday enjoy a traditional 4–7 pm happy hour, and also a 10 pm–12 am reverse happy hour. And on the weekends? Get ready for happy hours from noon to 7 pm. Yes, you read that right. All day on the weekends you can drink and eat—it’s like a happy hour times seven! And during all these happy, happy hour times, there is a special $2 menu. Tap beers, glasses of house wine, upscale bar food like fries with gorgonzola and tomatoes, Caesar salad, mini Margherita pizzas… all $2. It’s like happy hour nirvana. We suggest going early and staying late—stake a spot by the windows for some Uptown people-watching, or snag the big party table near the bar, and see just how far $2 takes you! Figlio’s |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Beach-Worthy Reading Our choice for this year’s vacay? Are You There Vodka? It’s Me Chelsea, by stand-up comic Chelsea Handler. Whether she’s feigning a honeymoon, or reflecting on the awkward moments of her youth, this book aims to please with its genuine honesty and hilarious reflections. |
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| 2 | Pretty Woman If you were to peek into our makeup tub (we surpassed “bag” at fourteen), you’d find a ton of foundations, veils, shadows, and cheek tints. Our current obsession? The mesmerizing palettes at Mixology MakeUp. This fabulous line goes on like a dream, comes in an array of colors, and is gentle enough for us gals who’ve been cursed with super-sensitive skin. Plus, they donate 5% of monthly sales to worthwhile causes. How cool is that? |
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| 3 | The Bird is the Word When we were pregnant there was nary a spinning Pooh mobile on our registry. We wanted our offspring to gaze up at something colorful and captivating, while at the same time stylish and original. We found all of the above in a sweet little origami mobile. Folded traditionally using vivid, high-quality papers, and adorned with Czech beads and Swarovski crystals, these delightful cranes are sure to calm even the fussiest of babes. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Storming of the Block Party Come summer it doesn’t take much prodding to get us in the party spirit, so when we heard “Bastille Day” we said, “Sign us up!” This lively celebration includes live music from bands like Romantica and Black Blondie, scrumptious organic foods and drinks, and a fabu flea market for your shopping enjoyment. |
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| 2 | Summer in the City Gather your posse and officially kick off the Minneapolis Aquatennial by hitting the biggest free outdoor concert in our fine state. Not one, not two, but three fabulous acts will be on hand to rock your socks off. Tim Mahoney opens, followed by The Fabulous Thunderbirds. And the headliner? Blues Traveler, baby. What: The Labor Neighborhood Block Party |
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| 3 | A Treat for the Wee Ones Grab the little people in your life and treat them to a fun-filled day at the theater! The Children’s Theater Company brings to life the perennial children’s classic, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Kids will enjoy a laugh-out-loud time, and you will be crowned Super Mom, doer of all things fun. What: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie |
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So much fun to be had, so little time. Hit the city hard dear readers, and do us proud! And please—if you like what you see—tell a friend to check out www.MinneapolisPicks.com. We love making new BFFs. |
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