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October 24th, 2008
We joined our friend’s gym just for the spinning classes, and our friend likes this guy there though she’s never talked to him. So on the first night of spinning, lo and behold, he’s in the class! We—being sweaty and “with boyfriend”—didn’t have much on our minds other than not dropping dead during the ordeal (ahem, the class), but we could see her sneaking peeks at him in the mirror as she pedaled ever so passionately. Just the idea that flirting can be done while sweat is pouring from every gland is anathema to us. We wouldn’t have the nerve to risk Gym Guy getting a swig of our spin-stink on the slim chance that he’d find our musk appealing and promptly ask us out for sushi. And we definitely wouldn’t want him to see us up close in our sports bra—hello, uni-boob! (It’s like a loaf of bread where breasts should be.) So we applaud our friend and the shameless audacity it took to exchange a few words with him after the class. She’s on a man-hunt, baby, and all we can do is sit back, spin, and enjoy the show. P.S. Need a good gym bag, a reusable grocery bag or a tote for your tots’ gear? Forward this issue of Minneapolis Picks to 5 friends and cc Picks@MinneapolisPicks.com, and you could win a free pair of adorable |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | Know Your R&R Last weekend we finally broke down and let our ruggedly handsome honey drag us north for what he promised would be R&R. After two days of having to catch our food, douse ourselves in nature’s cologne (bug spray), and use leaves in disturbing places, the only thing left we wanted buzzing around us was a little L&L—luxury and labels. To regroup required more than the mall—we needed superior service and style selection all in one sophisticated space, and boy did we find it. OPM is the latest upscale boutique in the Metro to feed our fashion addiction. With an art gallery-esque industrial-design backdrop, this modern shop showcases luxe lines by Catherine Maladrino and Botkier. We were star-struck for Hollywood’s most coveted Morning After bag by Rebecca Minkoff in black and white, and green with envy for red carpet designer Jay Goddfrey’s spaghetti-strap emerald silk mini-dress, perfect for an evening of dancing. We Midwestern gals may enjoy the great outdoors, but we are still all about class and convenience. With OPM, we don’t have to take a trip to satisfy our souls! OPM Boutique |
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| 2 | Vive Le Cheeseburger At nineteen we backpacked through France with our best friend. Besides trenchcoat flashers, stinky overnight train rides, and hostels with questionable cleanliness standards, we had a blast. We especially adored the cuisine and the ever-so romantic culture. (Who wouldn’t kiss a pleather-coat-clad, cigarette-smoking, greasy-haired Parisian who says he loves you underneath the Eiffel Tower?) So we were delighted to the Louvre and back when we stumbled upon Salut Bar Americain. Decorated in French bistro style with an American twist, Salut lets us nibble on our favorite delicacies amidst noir-et-blanc checkered tables, rouge walls, retro posters, and trendy tunes. Renowned for their Pommes Frites (voted best French Fries in the Twin Cities), they also cook savory burgers-avec-fromage and Croque Monsieur. Daily fresh fish tops the menu and we drooled over the oysters, Scallops Basquaise, and Sole en Papillote (Swiss chard). Reminiscent of our “traveling and eating on a budget” days were the tasty thin-crust pizzas in options like artichoke, shrimp, and espangole. Bar Americain is now hosting late-night (10–12 pm) weekend happy hours with discounted drinks and hors d’oeuvres. We’ll salut to that! Salut Bar Americain |
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| 3 | Bikes Are Freedom. Get Some. With gas, insurance, monthly payments and replacing fading brakes, driving can be like a kidney punch to your wallet, and that’s not even taking the environmental and political hullabaloo into account. So we decided to park our money-sucker and get a bike at two-wheelin’ hot-spot One On One Cycles. Tucked away in the Warehouse District, sits this bicycle nirvana. Independently owned and run by passionate Twin Cities cyclists, their staff will hook you up with a ride that fits your needs. Bianchi, Surly, SWOBO bikes and more, plus every accessory you can imagine. If you’re looking for something vintage, used or eccentric, check out the basement’s junkyard. You might need the patience of Buddhist monk, a hacksaw and Peter Venkman’s Proton Pack (it’s gotta be haunted down there), but hidden gems await. Additionally, One On One houses a coffee shop and art gallery. And from bike rallies to book signings and art exhibitions, they can host a raging party. That bike you’re eyeing just may come with a whole new social scene. |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Green Is Good We’ve been slowly ambushing everyone with Earth-friendly products, but for some reason a few stragglers just aren’t embracing the whole reduce, reuse, recycle mantra that we’ve been (nicely) shoving down their throats. However, we’re positive that Baggu bags will win over the final nay-sayers. These ultra-roomy bags are available in a vast array of eye-popping colors, are incredibly durable, light as a feather, and are made to fold up into a little pouch, making them perfect for stuffing in your purse. |
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| 2 | Spooktacular Find We have this friend who loves October events so much that she calls dibs on every weekend of the month. First it’s Fall Harvest, then it’s pumpkin carving. Then, well, it’s Halloween. What better gift for the hostess with the spooky mostess than a sassy apron set with festive, spider-webby black lace and a charming rick-rack trim? Nothing, that’s what! With a bit of retro fanfare and lots of femininity, we just may get two. |
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| 3 | What a Beautiful Smile Remember those toothpaste commercials from the 80s where the lady wouldn’t stop licking her teeth? She’d run her tongue over giant pearly whites and say something like, “Mmm… I do this all day. I can’t help it. It’s freaking me out but it’s so good.” Anyhoo, we get it. Rather, we got a new Ultreo toothbrush. Designed at the UW, it’s the ultimate in sonic technology. Our teeth are whiter, they’re smooth and shiny, and, mmm! We can’t stop! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Beautifying Baubles at il Vostro Looking to expand your fall accessory wardrobe? Then look no further than fashion haven il Vostro Boutique. They’re having a fabulous trunk show this Saturday featuring the luxe and lovely jewelry of designer Helen Wang. Stop in to score your new statement piece and receive 15% off during the event! What: Helen Wang Trunk Show |
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| 2 | Grand Opening Gala at OPM Just when we think nothing new is looming on the horizon, a chic new boutique sets up shop to prove us wrong! Get out and show new girl OPM some Minnesota-love by hitting their stellar grand opening celebration. It includes a peek at their new digs and a cool fashion show to get you drooling! What: OPM’s Grand Opening |
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| 3 | Fright Night at the Clubhouse Celebrate Halloween at local hotspot Clubhouse Jaeger! This ghoulishly glam party not only features live music and slammin’ Halloween drink specials, but also patio bonfires, a haunted basement lounge and a fabu costume contest complete with prizes. Tickets sell out fast, so hit Tatters or Cliché to score yours while the getting’s good. What: The Dead Hate the Living |
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If you’ve got our astrological luck, you’ve been lacking in the “good karma” department lately. Turn it around by telling your friends about Minneapolis Picks! |
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