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August 22nd, 2008
We’ve long been accused of being picky, of being a perfectionist, of giving in to our OCD, but we say: we just like what we like. What’s picky about that? So what if it takes us an hour to decide between the red flats and the blue? Who cares if we like our sauces on the side and our food not to touch? In the long run, does it really matter that we spend hours mulling over everything from which color to paint our bedroom to underwear? Our deep contemplations about the minutia of life harm no one, and as far as we’re concerned we’re not picky—we’re particular—completely different! That said, there’s one thing we never have to ponder: the spot-on style of our new reusable bags by Ecologie. Forward this issue to five friends and cc: picks@minneapolispicks.com and you could win a pair of their fabulous totes! |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | Guilt-free Indulgences Eating organic doesn’t mean what it used to: overpriced spelt and greenish-grey buckwheat casseroles (we had a vegan roommate in college who liked to force-feed). Nor does shopping for organic clothes and accessories entail hemp bajas and a dab of patchouli to the jugular. No sir! Today’s organic must-haves include decadent vodka, the au natural allure of organic lingerie, and decking out our houses with fabulous eco-chic accessories like those we spied at Cool Planet Goods. Each square foot of this downtown Minneapolis boutique is packed with a wide array of planet saving options that are as practical as they are beautiful. From local handmade pottery and Blue Sky recycled glass jewelry, to the Restore cleaning products and super efficient light bulbs, it’s hard to leave this earth-friendly outfitter without an armful of sustainable goodies. We flipped for the vintage rubber wallet by English Retreads. Made from reclaimed truck inner tubes, it’s eco-perfection for our earth-conscious man. Shopping and helping the environment one fabulous accessory at a time? What’s not to love about that? Cool Planet Goods |
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| 2 | Me, Myself, and I We give and give. Co-worker needs help with a project? Done. Friend needs counseling? We say “cry on our shoulder”. Hubby needs clean laundry? We scrub-a-dub-dub. Heck, even the dog gets more beauty sleep than we do, so when a gal pal mentioned a salon that offers a comprehensive menu of relaxing spa treatments, we ditched our everyone-else day for a personal day! Enter downtown Stillwater’s Japa Salon, a relaxing haven whose self-indulgent attitude is stylishly reflected in their ambient chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling mirrors. Of course Japa offers the typical salon fare of hair-cuts, colors, waxing, and nails, as well as a host of make-you-look-younger options. Need a little skin renewal? We loved the Multivitamin Exfoliate Peel which literally erased about 10 questionable wrinkles (yes, card us please!). Craving a massage? Enjoy the “Forget all your stress” 60-minute knead-session (heavenly). Feeling time constrained? Check out the express Kerastase hair-treatments that are sure to make your locks look like Eva Longoria’s on the red carpet. How’s that for your personal best? Japa Salon |
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| 3 | Summertime and Sticky Chins Some things are worth waiting in line for: Duran Duran’s autograph post-concert circa 1984, the good coasters at Valley Fair, any sample sale, Prince at First Ave… and now we can add to that list a scoop (or three) at Sebastian Joe’s. This Minneapolis staple usually has a line of a few people, but come summertime that line can stretch. And stretch. And stretch some more. But we say this is a good sign that something wickedly good is being scooped up behind that counter! While we are partial to the plain old scoops—two in a cup, with a sample spoon (which, btw, seemingly makes it last longer)—there are so many delicious sundaes/malts/splits (not to mention yogurts and sorbets) that the person who craves everything and the kitchen sink for their sweet fix is in luck. So stop by, ignore the line (it’s never as long a wait as it seems), and try a scoop of Pavarotti or Raspberry Chocolate Chip—or one of the 24 other rotating flavors. And embrace the drip! Sebastian Joe’s Ice Cream Cafe |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | A Passion for Fashion To say we’re denim-obsessed is a gross understatement, and we’ve become masters at scouring the internet for the designer brands we crave. For on-par style at prices that won’t break the bank, look no further than Meringue Boutique’s semi-annual sale. August 25–31 savvy shoppers save 25-80% off brands like William Rast, Juicy Couture, and Seven for all Mankind (to name a few)! With $50 denim, plus tees and casual pants for as little as $10, we’ll have enough spare change to splurge on accessories! Bonus: Use code PICKSFREE for free shipping! |
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| 2 | Hop Online Some days our precious babes are screaming, pooping nightmares, and there’s just no way we’re leaving the house with them, and that’s when we turn to pain relievers, oh, er, Grasshopper. This playfully compelling children’s boutique is stocked with the wildly delightful goodies we crave for our tots. Cool wooden toys, adorable clothing (that grows with our kids, no less), and stylish artwork make this notable online retailer a no-brainer for all of our 3am shopping needs. |
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| 3 | Reuse in Style We’ve been trying to wean everyone we know off of plastic bags for quite some time, and while most of our entourage is on board, we still have a few naysayers amongst us who bemoan the lack-luster style of the affordable and reusable bag (since when is plastic so chic?). Luckily we discovered the fashion-wise totes by Ecologie. Not only are they available in a myriad of fun and flirty colors, but at a mere $3 each they’re easy on the pocketbook. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Deep Discounts, High Style Style mavens rejoice! Ultra-luxe local darling Urban Junket is having a stellar sample sale that is sure to induce shopping euphoria! Stop by their showroom the first week of September to get your hands on a bevy of beautiful, high-quality, handmade leather bags at 40–75% off retail prices. Ooh! We just got shivers! What: Urban Junket Sample Sale |
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| 2 | Laugh Out Loud If you dig sarcasm and blatant rants mocking everything from entertainment and politics to religion and cultural happenings, then Lewis Black is your man. This Comedy Central host and Daily Show contributor is known for feigning mental breakdowns over the little annoyances of life, all while making you laugh. What: Lewis Black |
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| 3 | Ye Good Olde Tyme Are you looking to channel your inner wench or fair maiden? Do beer-cheese soup, wine, and bustiers get you all riled up? If so, then head to the Renaissance Festival. Good eats, jousting knights, entertainment, and a note-worthy marketplace featuring wares by local and national artisans make this a perennial favorite. What: The Minnesota Renaissance Festival |
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Summer’s almost over, but don’t let it get you down! There’s still plenty of fun to be had, boutiques to be shopped, and cocktails to be consumed (in moderation of course). Enjoy! |
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