Shop Minnesota?  Yeah, Sure, You-betcha!
 
We love it when family and friends come to town—it gives
us an excuse to be a tourist. While we do not wear fanny packs and carry a map, walking the skyways, visiting the MOA and doing the chain of lakes is a nice break from our usual hood-oriented adventures.
 
One place we always jump at to show our guests is the Mill City Museum, and not just for the cool tour and amazing short film about the Twin Cities. No, what really grabs us (and our wallet) is their gift shop. It is the perfect mix of Minnesooota-themed gifts and general items that can fulfill any birthday or holiday need. From the moose hats and posters of regional landmarks to locally made items ranging from kitsch (state-shaped wooden blocks) to cool (the statement-making jewelry by area artists), it’s a gift giver’s heaven, and one that makes us proud to live here!
 
Next time the family is in town, make a stop at the Mill City Museum Shop so you and your guests can stock up!
 
Mill City Museum Shop
704 South 2nd St.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612.341.7555
www.millcitymuseum.org

Groovy Digs
 
Marilyn wore Chanel No. 5.  Jackie O. had those glamorous sunglasses. And Jerry Seinfeld never looked quite right without a sport coat and tapered jeans. Everyone wants a signature piece, and your home is no exception.
 
Spinario Design and Gallery is the perfect place to pick up
that one-of-a-kind conversation piece. Specializing in mid-century furnishings (with a splash of classic war-era and funky pieces from the 70s and 80s), this Northeast Minneapolis furniture shop has just the thing to give any space some pizzazz. From cleanly designed Danish Modern coffee tables to Dunbar-style couches and chairs, they’ve got chic-retro design down pat—so much so that east- and west-coast designers routinely look to them for unique pieces. Spinario also has a fabulous collection of Hollywood Regency-style décor for those of us looking for that old-Hollywood-meets-Jean Harlow sort of vibe. And let’s be honest—who wouldn’t want to wake up in starlet-worthy surroundings?
 
Be sure to plan your Spinario visit ahead of time—they’re only open Fri.-Sun. (or by appointment during the week). We swear you won’t be disappointed!
 
Spinario
1300 2nd Street NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612.396.1860
www.spinariodesign.com

Art in Full Circle
 
You’d think after four years of art school and countless visits to galleries, museum shops, art shows and craft fairs we’d have found a favorite or two to feed our fine-arts appetite. But every place ends up being either too cold, too commercial, too spendy or too… well… crafty. (Cross-stitched toaster covers?) We had just about given up on ever finding aesthetic peace when we were referred to Gallery 360.
 
Gallery 360 is not your typical art-shopping experience. The cream-painted, wood-paneled walls give this neighborhood gallery a country-like welcoming feel…. minus the gift shop chochkes. Their wide (and highly scrutinized) selection says they’re serious about the artists they embrace. We were dreamy over Jennifer Davis’ whimsical pastel-colored paintings and the handcrafted Raku ceramic pottery by Drake Jackson.
 
We were in such a frenzy over the leather and gemstone flower cuff bracelets by Nakamol that we’ve decided every woman should have one—so happy holidays, Mom! (Sister, BFF, babysitter, accountant…)
 
Gallery 360
Xerxes and 50th
3011 W. 50th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55410
612.925.2400
www.gallery360mpls.com

Heavenly Bodies
 
We’re bored to death with the same old lingerie selection found out the local department stores and at a certain, ahem, secretive sister’s storefront. But just when we were about to throw undies to the wind, we discovered The Lake and Stars.
 
This chic online purveyor stocks a heavenly assortment of beautiful underpinnings that effortlessly exude an ethereal beauty meets modern luxe vibe that is nothing short of stunning. We’ll take two of everything please (hint, hint, honey).
 
www.thelakeandstars.com

Buh-Bye Winter Skin
 
The winter is more foe than friend when it comes to our skin, so naturally we’re always on the lookout for something new and fab to sooth our savage beast. Currently our hearts belong to Margarita Bloom.
 
This kitschy bath and body haven is loaded with an array of luxurious products, perfect for pampering winter-ravaged skin, and with soaps shaped like cupcakes and body scrubs modeled after martinis, this little shop is fun to boot!
 
www.margarita-bloom.com

Almost an Artist
 
We took our pal’s youngster to the Children’s Museum where she (okay, we) became obsessed with this ginormous paper press. She of course was terribly impressed with our soggy, smooshed masterpiece. Us? Not so much.
 
Luckily our pals won’t be on the receiving end of one of our big, flatty spit-balls thanks to Bellis Studios. Stocked with a delightful array of holiday cards, gift tags, coasters, and wedding invites, this stylish store is sure to please with its fresh spin on paper.
 
www.bellisstudios.com

New Year’s Eve Done Right

Hot parties are the gin to our tonic so naturally we’re stoked about the New Year’s Eve bash at International Market Square. This uber-swank gala is the place to ring in 2009, offering up stellar tunes by a bevy of talented DJs, as well as a fabu high-fashion runway show featuring the killer-cool styles of Drama, VState, and OPM. 
 
What: The ReSOULution & Crystal Ball New Years Eve Party
When: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 9 pm–2 am
Where: International Market Square, 275 Market St., Minneapolis
Cost: $40 advance, $50 at the door, VIP $80 advance,
$100 at the door
Visit: www.nyempls.com

Urban Mavens Unite
 
Show our local business owners some love by hitting Urban Maven, an event showcasing an array of products and services ranging from aromatherapy and tasty baked goods to jewelry and handbags. Need more incentive? Try relaxing massages, a trunk show, and delish drink and app specials. Do’er up, ladies!
 
What: Urban Maven Small Business Showcase
When: Saturday, Dec. 20, 10 am–6 pm
Where: Trocaderos Event Center, 107 3rd Ave N., Minneapolis
Visit:  www.urbanmavenguide.com

Film, Food From Across the Pond
 
European ads are known for their hilarity, their wit, and yes, their oft-times racy mayhem, which is reason enough to hit the British Television AD Awards. But if you need another then let it be the tasty goodness of Wolfgang Puck’s Brit-inspired happy hour, complete with pub food and drinks. FYI: This will sell out. Buy tickets now.
 
What: 2008 British Television Advertising Awards
Where: The Walker Art Museum, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
When: Ongoing through Tuesday, Dec. 30
Visit: www.walkerart.org