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MINNEAPOLIS PICKS™ |
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life + style in the Twin Cities
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November 21st, 2008
We’re not sure, but we think we might be getting old. Not that we look it, mind you—we’re still terribly stunning, and mostly wrinkle-free—but because we’ve noticed a sharp decline in our willingness to stretch our wings and try new things.
In the heyday of our youth we were up for anything, anytime, anywhere. Bungee jumping off a bridge? No problem. Canoeing through Voyagers simply to cozy up to a hot philosophy major? Count us in! We were good-time gals ready to take life by storm… but now? We can barely peel our mid-30s butts off the sofa long enough to muster up a book club. We’d lower our heads in shame, but that would involve effort.
Do you need a spirit-lifter? Forward this issue to five friends and CC Picks@MinneapolisPicks.com and you could win a lovely necklace from Liebling Designs. See below for more details! |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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Shop to the Heart
When we were in preschool, we loved playing dress-up. Feather boas, brown curly wigs, grandma’s jewels, tutus, ruffle tops… you name it, we were fancy and fabulous. Then we grew up, got a corporate job and started wearing black suits with closed-toed shoes to work. Not exactly the picture of glamour. So when we heard about a place where the dress-up fairytale lives on, we were ecstatic!
Decorated in sparkling chandeliers, worn mirrors, funky furniture, and vintage fabric wallpaper, La Rue Marche gives a nod to ambience and apparel that is both fun and ultra chic. From feminine lingerie to unique Hazel dresses and couture Ryn tops, it’s the perfect place to find your true expression. Their sexy and sophisticated selection of shoes, clutches, handbags, and the humorous gift oddities (towels that read, “He looked so good from a distance”) make it a one-stop shop for style, and Tamara, the adjoining artisan-crafted jewelry shop, sports vintage charms, necklaces, and earrings created from Euro-wood, metal and mirrors.
La Rue even does wardrobe consulting and hosts private parties, making it an espresso shot for imaginative shopping.
La Rue Marche
513 Second St.
Hudson, WI 54016
715.386.1969
www.laruemarche.com |
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Paper Prima Donna
We recently attended our niece’s princess-themed birthday party. Halfway through our third-ish glass of big-girl punch, we rolled up our sleeves and checked out what the impromptu princess-art station had to offer, and boy, were we glad! We happily set about hogging the glue sticks, teal paint and glitter from a giggling gaggle of pigtailed girls, and left wishing every day was craft day.
Thankfully we discovered Paper Rock Scissors, a discerningly lovely stationery store with an upscale emphasis to satisfy our inner craft-stress. They stylishly stock a wide array of sleek and chic wedding invites, pretty birthday accolades, holiday greetings, and punchy mod baby announcements, all of which are as lovely as they are reasonably priced. We love their collection of custom-designed gems and DIY options, perfect for adding a personal touch to any occasion.
Insider’s tip: They encourage prospective customers to make an appointment in advance so birthday and party plans can be given an extra dose of their creative attention. That’s the kinda nice they are!
Paper Rock Scissors
821 West 43rd St.
Minneapolis, MN 55409
612.436.0750
www.paperrockscissor.com |
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Livin’ La Vida Locavore
We love being green. We dig it when our food is fresh and organic. We love supporting local farmers and small businesses. But when winter hits Minnesota, just where are we supposed get fresh and local produce?
Try Local D’Lish, a tasty food purveyor that will have Northlanders chowing down like our West Coast sisters all winter long. This warehouse district shop is stocked with a bevy of scrumptious local foods, heavenly body products, and the freshest-of-fresh produce all year long. That means lip-smacking honey from Ames Farms, handmade butternut squash fettuccini from Jakeeno’s, and Scrub Your Butt Soap Co. hand salve straight out of Rochester. Savvy shoppers can also score fresh Minnesota greens in the snowy depths of winter, courtesy of DragSmith Farms, making Local D’Lish a one-stop shop perfect for whipping up a feast that’s good enough to impress even the finickiest of palates.
Local D’lish also hosts the Winter Farmer’s Market the third Saturday of every month—it features more than 30 local vendors, easily catapulting Minnesota into a year-round foodie’s delight!
Local D’Lish
208 N. 1st St.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612.886.3047
www.localdlish.com |
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Chick Picks: |
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Ban the Nugget
To say we're freakishly busy is an understatement. Between work, kids, and a bazillion other obligations we barely have time to breathe let alone prepare a healthy meal.
Enter Relish, the gal-on-the-go's answer to creative home-cooking. For $7 per month you can choose from a ton of tasty recipes, and Relish will provide a categorized grocery list of ingredients. Recipes are quick and easy, and 5 dinners and sides cost less than $95 per week at the store—a substantial savings for sticking to a list!
www.relishrelish.com |
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Bloomin’ Gorgeous
There’s nothing we love more than beautifying our bods with some come-hither blossoms, so it’s no wonder that we can’t get enough of the Victorian-esque charm of Liebling Designs.
This Etsy crafter knows her way around a bauble, offering up a captivatingly kitschy assortment of drapey earrings alongside stylish necklaces and chokers, expertly intermingling pretty beadwork with floral grace, and making them equally perfect for a day at the office or a night on the town.
www.lieblingdesigns.etsy.com |
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Bye-Bye Brown Bag
We loved our Smurfette lunch box when were little, not only because the Smurfs rocked, but because we instantaneously became the talk of the school when we strolled into the cafeteria toting that thing. Yep, we were trendsetters.
But as adults we crave something a little more chic. That’s why we love the lunch kits at Plum Creek Mercantile. Stocked with bamboo utensils, snack bags, and even a Kanteen, these hip kits are the perfect mix of big-girl cool and functionality.
www.plumcreekmercantile.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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Treasure-Hunting
Escape the chilly fall air at Cache at the Casket. More than 35 fabulous local artists will be offering up exquisite wares ranging from textiles and glass to photography, and the spot-on jewelry of Kuhl Studio and Sarah Michaela Designs are not to be missed! Delish food, wine, and live jazz by the InsideOut Band complete the mix.
What: Cache at the Casket
When: Saturday, Nov. 22, 6–9 pm; and
Sunday, Nov. 23, 11 am–4 pm
Where: Casket Arts Building, 681 17th Ave. NE, Minneapolis
Cost: Free
Visit: www.casketarts.com |
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Retail Bliss
When we found out that eight of our favorite boutiques had joined forces for one fabulous day of shopping we darn near swooned with delight! This Saturday, score 25% off a single fashion item at each of these chic retail havens, plus enter for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree. Sales and shopping sprees? Be still our beating hearts!
What: Northeast Holiday Fashion Boutique Crawl
When: Saturday, Nov. 22, 10 am–7 pm
Where: Belle Reve Boutique, Bibelot, gh2, Key North,
Melrose Antiques, Pacifier, Parc Boutique, and
T Lee Fine Designer Jewelry
Visit: www.bellereveboutique.com and www.keynorthusa.com |
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Deck Your Walls
We were contemplating repainting our walls but that sounded like um, work and stuff, so we’re opting to do a little shopping at the MCAD Annual Art Sale instead. You can score some sweet original works by soon-to-be-famous student artists and talented alumni. From paintings and prints to toys and clothes, they’ve got you covered.
What: MCAD’s Annual Art Sale
When: Friday, Nov. 21, 6–9 pm; Saturday, Nov. 22, 9 am–5 pm
Where: MCAD Main Buildings, 2501 Stevens Ave., Minneapolis
Cost: $35 in advance, $40 at the door
Visit: www.mcad.edu/artsale |
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Ooh… so much great shopping, so little time! Have fun hitting everything on our list, and don’t forget to tell ’em that Minneapolis Picks sent you! |
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