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June 5th, 2009
We’re not one-hundred percent on this, but it occurred to us the other day that we might be a redneck, or at least be inadvertently harboring some redneck tendencies, which got us to thinking: can born and bred city girls with a penchant for pretty things even be rednecks? We don’t watch NASCAR (sorry if you’re a fan—kiss, kiss), but we do watch an abhorrent amount of questionable reality TV (ahem, “Rock of Love”). We don’t have our working TV sitting on top of our non-working TV (anymore—it was college—don’t judge), but we do have a ginormous freezer chilling on our front lawn (we’re reno-ing our pad). So really in reality we’re just a couple of spare tires and a Frito-pie away from the completing the whole image. Scary. Know what’s not scary? Free stuff! Forward this issue to 5 or more friends and cc: picks@minneapolispicks.com for your chance to win a cool baby blanket for keeping or gifting from www.oneluckybaby.etsy.com! |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | Think Outside the Box Something about summer sunrays motivate us to do more than get glowing skin, because every year an infusion of inspiration hits us and we go all “Trading Spaces” on our place. Recently, we repurposed a wicker coffee table, painted the kitchen floor blue, and once again dug up a collection of cherished cherub figurines. Usually our winged treasures end up back in the box because of their kitschy charm, but this year we were overcome by creativity and discovered a neat new way to let our angels shine. With hundreds (possibly thousands) of fabulous frames to choose from, Mitrebox Framing Studio can make amazing art out of whatever you may have hidden away—mid-century magazine covers, seashells from a summer vacation, or your old baby blankie. This indie-style studio-meets-boutique boasts a bountiful selection of insanely adorable gift cards, rich-hued wrapping paper and original retro-style paintings. With a growing selection of vintage jewelry and Cupcake Saturdays, this shop masterfully mixes eclectic items with sweet sensations. There’s no way we’ll be waiting until next summer to return! Mitrebox Framing Studio |
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| 2 | Garden Magic Our favorite movie growing up was “The Secret Garden,” a tale of magic, life, health and enchantment. We decided, as a tribute to such a lovely story, to create our own floral refuge in the comfort of our backyard. Our perfect spot for ethereal home and garden décor is Nature’s Harvest. Right off of main street Wayzata, this floral haven is a one-stop shop for summer decoration and pampering gifts. Half shop, half greenhouse, we cooed over their vintage pots, trickling fountains, decorative chandeliers, funky plant holders and gorgeous selection of flowers (including Dahlia and Coleus). Our noses tickled at their lovely selection of bath and body in scents of verbena, lemon, and olive lavender. Gorgeous displays of inspiring cookbooks (“Cooking in Provence,” “Cooking Country of France”) had us imagining outdoor dinner parties surrounded by Paddywax candles and Tracy Porter plates (check out the Rhapsody collection). From fresh flower and silk arrangements to custom designs for weddings, proms and events, Nature’s Harvest is sure to create the magical floral and accessory assortment of our dreams. Nature’s Harvest |
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| 3 | Gangsta Style We’ve always had an obsession with the roaring twenties and all of its gangster history. We love the idea of danger, the mystery of sneaking away to hidden speakeasies, and the underground cultural movement of jazz music and flapper fashion. So we were thrilled when we found our own modern-day version of a Capone and Dillinger retreat. Enter Phil’s Tara Hideaway, a bar and restaurant hailing from the mid-twenties. Tucked just off of highway 36 in Stillwater and built entirely of logs, this wooden refuge holds a mystique of the past, but offers Greek-inspired cuisine that makes you pleased to be eating in the future. Not only is it filled to the brim with character (large wooden bar, close-nestled tables, dark lighting), the food is fantastic. Hearty staples of fish, duck, steak and potatoes are complemented by Mediterranean pastas, gyros, lamb chops and spanakopita apps. We were tickled to discover that every morsel of food was mouth-wateringly delicious and our service was spot-on. Like a blast into the past (with excellent ambience, food and bootleg) Tara Hideaway certainly is the Real McCoy. Phil’s Tara Hideaway |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Yeah, Baby, Yeah After attending our tenth baby shower of the season we thought we might pass dead-out if we laid eyes on another registry filled with sheep, duckies, or otherwise overly cutesy emblazoned onesies. Our solution? Dare to be different by shopping at One Lucky Baby! This style-centric Etsy purveyor is loaded with blankies, bibs, burpies and toys, all of which are available in a variety of punchy modern prints that are sweet enough for tots and cool enough for Moms. |
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| 2 | Whoa Nelle! While we can’t live without our slew of ginormous bags that tote everything from our crackberrys and underwear (don’t judge) to sippy cups and cameras, lately we’ve been craving a little downsized style. We struck gold with the chic handbags by Nelle. This uber-talented local designer’s clutches are simply smashing and can dress up a pair of jeans one day and compliment a cocktail dress the next, making for truly versatile style. |
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| 3 | Right on Time We once had a houseguest who stomped his muddy boots off on our newly mopped floor, and then proceeded to leave sweaty beverage rings on every surface in reach. After that experience we hung up a “remove shoes” sign and stocked up on cute coasters at 12fifteen. This hip letterpress is pumping out prints we love in a bevy of cool designs and colors that will perfectly protect our furniture in style. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Treasure Hunting at The Bead Monkey Do sparkly baubles make you giddy with delight? If so, grab your crafty cohorts and hit The Bead Monkey’s fabulous Swarovski Crystal Trunk Show. From June 12 through June 15, style-centric DIYer’s can score a bevy of beautiful crystal treasures including stunning Swarovski pendants, beads, and pearls, making for an exclusive event that can’t be missed! What: The Bead Monkey’s Swarovski Crystal Trunk Show |
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| 2 | Good Times on Grand Get ready to meander down Grand Avenue plying your mouth with tasty eats and bevies, your ears with rockin’ tunes, and your shopping bags with fabu finds during the 2009 Grand Old Day celebration. Check out the “green” themed parade, the Family Fun District, top-notch art, street performers, or one of over 20 live bands. Ahhh, summer… |
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| 3 | The Beauty of Helping Join the eco-friendly taj salon & spa at their first annual fashion show, taj mode. This cutting-edge style haven will be showcasing the top-notch talents of their beauty gurus alongside some stellar live tunes. Proceeds benefit the Community Emergency Assistance Program, so prepare to feel warm and fuzzy while getting your fashion fix. |
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Did you know that Minneapolis Picks aren’t just for women? We’re a great go-to resource for the shopping- or dating-impaired males in your life! If your honey needs a little hint-hint, sign him up for www.MinneapolisPicks.com. It’s free and you’ll stand a better chance of scoring something you want (handbags) rather than something he thinks you want (an innovative new pet-hair remover) |
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