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November 28th, 2008
Thanksgiving is not our favorite forced family function. We don’t eat the critters, we don’t like parades, we really don’t like watching our Uncle Burt scratch his rear-end with a fork while simultaneously pulling quarters from behind our ear, and we hate the mountain of dishes that we’re forced to wash alongside our female relies while every man belly’s up to the boob-tube to watch football. Now before you start mailing us your rotten leftovers in response to our negativity, please know that we’re thankful for so many things: health, friends, loyal readers (kiss-kiss), our homes, cute shoes, the slimming effects of black, puppies, peace, jewelry, and last but not least, wine. We simply feel that green-bean casserole isn’t needed to prove it. Rant done. Hope your turkey-day rocked! |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | Well Hello, Gorgeous! Despite the past months spent agonizing over our dwindling 401K, a Ford Focus running on fumes, and the irritatingly dry skin we seem to be experiencing, we’ve always prided ourselves on our ability to rise above less than desirable circumstance’s (or at least have the resourcefulness to find a doctor to prescribe it to us.) So we aim to fend off our flagging confidence with some show-stopping style. When looking to impress, feeling pretty is half the battle, and clothes that exude feminine confidence with a flash of intrigue are what make N.E. new-comer Belle Reve our new go-to. This meticulously designed shop stocks a bevy of twenties-inspired cocktail dresses by Foley + Corinna – the edgy yet elegant all-over fringe number was our favorite—and we warmed right up to a luscious winter coat with faux-fur trim in a muted green tone. Cross-continental designers include By Francine, the quintessence of French femininity, and Korean line, Mcginn, known for its classic yet ethereal styles. When times are tough, our wish list may lengthen, but a girls gotta check-off at least one item (or three) when faced with such slammin’ selections like those found at Belle Reve. Belle Reve Boutique |
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| 2 | Lick Those Buns Last New Year’s, we resolved to take up jogging. Conveniently, our friend who lives near Lake of the Isles said she’d be happy to make it a date, so every weekend for nearly one year, we parked at her place and hit the trails. This would be great exercise and we would be bragging smugly for maintaining our resolve, if it weren’t for one little problem....a bun problem (no, not those buns). We’re addicted to Isle’s Bun and Coffee. One weekend it’s fresh squeezed orange juice after a jog and the next it’s full-blown cinnamon bun addiction. We can’t stop! The cinnamon rolls are warm, gooey, and beckon a big scoop of extra cream cheese frosting, and it doesn’t help that a self-serve container of frosting is always next to the coffee lids and napkins. We love that the baking is done on premise and the smell alone is so divine—butter and sugar melting together in decadent harmony...Oh, screw it. At least we jogged there. Stop by mid-week and skip the long lines and tell’em that Minneapolis Picks sent you in to check out their buns! Isle’s Bun and Coffee |
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| 3 | Pamper Your Pets We’ve been known to splurge before bills, but in our defense the electric bill doesn’t come in the form of a 50 percent off suede handbag at the boutique next to our dentist’s office. Yet, just as we managed to pull off suspenders during an ill-advised period in the early nineties, we’ve always found a way to pay our bills on time. But before rent (and after purses) comes indulging our beloved pets, and since we started frequenting Bone Adventure our four legged BFF’s have gotten the star-treatment. This Twin Cities legend is stocked and back-stocked with everything a pet could need, including sparkly rhinestone collars, luxe and comfy dog beds, yummy organic cat nip for your felines freaky pleasure, and squeaky toys as far as the eye can see making it a virtual pet nirvana! We loaded up on doggie-delish homemade milk bones in the shape of cupcakes and organic kibble, then marched ourselves to the nearest bar. We’re sure our pets won’t begrudge us our need to sip a martini and look for shoes before heading home. Bone Adventure |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Do-Goodery Done Right |
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| 2 | You Dearie, Are an Artist In a former life we worked for a Big Brother-type employer that sent us to India. For three weeks. Once the culture shock wore off, we realized we had a zillion photos of the most amazing people and places... and no idea what to do with them. |
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| 3 | Domestic Goddess As soon as Winter hits we get all nesty and start fantasizing about baking cookies and simmering homemade soups. And though we’re fond of the sexy bikini-girl emblazoned apron our bro-in-law kindly gifted us with last year (yeah right), we thought we should invest in something a little more us. Boojiboo to the rescue! This cute Etsy crafter perfectly captures a retro-chic vibe we love while at the same time maintaining the modern appeal. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Drink Wine, Do Good Start your weekend a little early by attending Bouquets Wine Tasting Benefit at the Como Zoo. Toss back samples from over 80 fine wines, snack on delish hors d’oeuvres and chocolates, and know that your imbibing will help our animal brethren at the zoo as well as promote and support the beautiful Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. What: Bouquet’s Wine Tasting Benefit |
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| 2 | Art, Art, and More Art Beautify your home while at the same time giving props to budding young artists by attending the College of Visual Arts Holiday Art Sale and Auction. Featuring the works of talented students, faculty, and alumni, ranging from eye-catching original paintings to chic jewelry, this spot-on sale will leave you stocked up with gifty-goodies for one and all. What: The 2008 CVA Holiday Sale and Silent Auction, benefitting the CVA scholarship fund |
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| 3 | Growling Belly’s Be Gone Being hungry sucks, but going hungry? That just ain’t right. Help Second Harvest Heartland raise some much needed funds for stocking their food shelves by hitting the Hunger Relief Concert at Whisky Junction. A mere $10 gets you in to listen to the toe-tappin’ tunes of The Melvilles, The Mediocritones, and Open Bones. What: The Hunger Relief Concert, benefitting |
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Want to gift everyone you know without spending your hard-earned dollars? Sign them up for www.MinneapolisPicks.com! It's free, and they’ll think you’re quite the hipster when you tell them it's from you. |
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