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November 14th, 2008
Lately our karma has been less than stellar, and we’re not talking about life’s little annoyances. Think a car accident (ahem, or three), an unsavory confrontation with a burly she-man, and the passing of our beloved, albeit feisty, cat Puddy. We were one step away from concocting a list of do-goodery when our friends hauled us out for a night of karaoke which, we’ll be honest, doesn’t normally float our boat. But after a knocking back a few cocktails, we found ourselves and our bad voices crooning away like we were channeling an American Idol contestant—and not one |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | Cozy, European Style We’ve always been slightly obsessed with European knick-knackery and fashion, from those crazy Russian nesting dolls to beer steins and mod Marimekko prints, so when we sought shelter from a sudden downpour in an uber-quaint Victorian on Grand Avenue, we hit paydirt. Danish Bohemia is an artful, euro-delight, filled with lovely finds from the land of oh-so-chic. Soft and slouchy sweaters and boho dresses hang nonchalantly among earthy ceramic ware, candles, and eye-catching pillows, ensuring that each corner of this petite boutique is stylishly filled with new surprises. We love their sweet baby goodies, perfect for our BFF’s impending bun, and their linens are the perfect mix of shabby chic and luxury. But what really stole our hearts (and lightened our pocketbooks) were the softly-chic handbags, totes, and accessories by En Gry & Sif. These truly stylish must-haves ooze European charm and are sure to garner compliments! So take a tip from our savvy cohorts across the pond and bedeck your abode (and bod) at Danish Bohemia. You’ll be taking comfy-cool to a whole new level. Danish Bohemia |
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| 2 | She’s Crafty We have always had a DIY streak, from pegging our jeans in 9th grade to making our Halloween roller derby outfit, so it’s no surprise that this holiday season we’re going the handmade gifts route. Our first stop? Crafty Planet, of course. This is a sewing girl’s dream and kinda like the cool club you always wanted to be in, only everyone, it turns out, is friendly, creative, and encouraging. They have the cutest fabrics ever from lines like Amy Butler and Denyse Schmidt, classes for the novice to the experienced, and loads of fun, whimsical patterns and kits (we love the retro-inspired embroidery guides—cute cutting and everything in between!). Whether you want to make a skirt, knit a pair of socks, or whip up some stuffed toys, their crafty staff have the knowledge and the goods to get you there—all with a decidedly hipster spin. So express your inner DIY-girl this holiday and give the gifts that friends and family will cherish forever. (Or make a little something for yourself.) Just tell them you read about the idea here! Crafty Planet |
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| 3 | We Heart Wine Back in our college days, we were known to frequent this one Chinese restaurant whose claim to fame was extra-greasy egg rolls and outstandingly cheep bottomless glasses of wine. We know, we know, tacky, but so was our hair, decorative sensibilities, and boyfriend. Thankfully, we’ve outgrown all three, but our wine-loving is here to stay and that’s where Bev’s Wine Bar comes in. It’s our new fave spot for cheap and good wine and appetizers. This darkly lit, exposed-brick wine bar is peppered with blonde wood tables and chairs, and boasts a precise and totally delish menu filled with mouthwatering fresh ingredients. We indulged in a glass (or three) of a decadent red while nibbling on fresh baguettes paired with olive tapenade and brie. And for dessert? A sinfully good chocolate torte (to soak up that wine). Just departing an art gallery? An NBA game? Sex World? Looking for a place to cozy up with your sweetheart, or dish to pals about your recent heartbreak? Whatever your pleasure (or pain), Bev’s is sure to feel just right. Bev’s Wine Bar |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Modern Marvels We secretly take pleasure in honing in on chic new finds that leave our pals green with envy, so when we spied the contemporary designs of Kathy Kuhl we knew we had found jaw-dropping perfection! |
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| 2 | 6-Pack, Sans the Beer Gut Our Grandpa was quite the globe-trekker, popping in and out of foreign ports that oozed with Euro-glam, and he always sent us a magnet as a souvenir. So it was no surprise that we got warm-fuzzies when we received a six-pack of magnets from Kate Grenier Designs. Artistically created from recycled bottle caps, these whimsical magnets come in a variety of themes from vintage prints to cowboy cool, making for fun and fab eye-candy for your Fridgidaire. www.kategrenier.com |
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| 3 | Smarty-Pants This hilarious little online purveyor is stocked with a ton of funny cards that perfectly express the sentiments needed to leave our pal in stitches. www.roastgreetings.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Dangerous Curves Ahead It took a while, but we learned to embrace our sassy, busty selves, so we were downright ecstatic to learn about the Busty Beachwear Bash at Nani Nalu. Not only can you catch a sneak peek of the 2009 swim collections that fit cup sizes A-E, but all special orders and pre-orders will be 25% off! Winter vacay, here we come! What: Nani Nalu’s Busty Beachwear Bash |
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| 2 | Chocoholics Unite! Get those fingers out of the trick-or-treat buckets and prepare to indulge in some chocolatey goodness that will put those over-the-counter candy bars to shame. The Twin Cities Chocolate Extravaganza is sure to please your sweet tooth, offering up chocolate and wine pairing, a chocolate martini bar, demonstrations, and even a fashion show with actual chocolate fashions. Sweet. What: Twin Cities Chocolate Extravaganza |
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| 3 | Call Us Bookworms Deep down beneath our hipster threads (yeah right) lurks a bookish, crafty nerd, so naturally we’re all over Book Arts Fest. Featuring the works of more than 40 local and regional artists offering up everything from handmade journals and letterpress printed cards to art prints, this DIY-centric event is sure to inspire creativity and one-of-a-kind gifts for the holidays! What: Book Arts Fest |
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Thanks for all the love you’ve been sending our way. We live for kind words and adoration! Sign your friends up for free at www.MinneapolisPicks.com for a really real feel-good feeling! |
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