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MINNEAPOLIS PICKS™ |
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life + style in the Twin Cities
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June 12th, 2009
When our co-worker was dumped we found ourselves being tapped to play wing-woman for a night of frivolity and man-hunting. After the appropriate boo-fest and ceremonial plying of chocolate, we reluctantly hit the circuit wondering if the rules had changed since our single days.
Were our low-riders low enough to separate us from our Mom status, but high enough to keep the ol’ undies (and dignity) in check? Was it still okay to accept drinks from strangers? And what about dancing? Did she expect us to bust the proverbial move? Stir the big soup pot? Do the tootsie-roll (gasp!)? The mere thought of our booty shaking like a couple of pigs under a blanket made us want to sprint home to the comfort of our Snuggie, but then someone handed us a Cosmo and we realized nothing had changed (save the dance moves), and proceeded to have a darn good time. |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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Suburban Haven
We’re downtown-bound five days a week, so we often get the itch to venture outside the construction-cursed city limits. Last week, our cousin offered us a getaway weekend at her crib on Lake Minnetonka, promising a bonanza of prime shopping destinations worth our while, and boy did she deliver!
As a new mommy, her style epitomizes ease and comfort without cutting corners on chic clothing, so it’s no surprise that Martin’s is her local go-to for a treasure trove of trendy threads. We can attest to an array of luxe Michael Stars tank tops in every color with several offering delicious details like ruffle, lace and shimmer. Layer on a Velvet jersey wrap and slip on some Joe’s Jeans to get the ideal day-to-dinner outfit in a cinch. We scored the celebrity-donned tribal-style woven scarf by Tolani that spruced up our plain cotton tank, and couldn’t leave without at least one Yummy Tummy camisole to smooth out our jelly belly!
Hitting the mother lode of effortless style at this bayside shop will surely have us working (and waiting) for the weekend!
Martins
212 Water St.
Excelsior, MN 55331
952.473.0238
www.martinswayzata.com |


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In a Lather
When the Garden Club came for lunch, mom always put out little rosettes in pastel hues that she called “guest soaps” which we swear no one ever used because they were too pretty. Luckily we weren’t burdened with that “don’t waste the good stuff” mentality, and happily lather up with reckless abandon anytime we’re presented with French-milled soap or bubble bath.
That’s why our love of The Soap Box knows no bounds. Catering to those who wouldn’t dream of holding back on soap usage, this shop offers up a carefully honed selection of top-notch bath and body products we love, like the lust-worthy, high-end brands Nuxe and Au Lait, both perfect for pampering our finicky skin, and the London based Truefitt & Hill bath gel that makes you feel like you’re headed for high tea with the Queen—swanky!
They also stock a slew of other must-haves including a fab mix of aroma sticks and California Baby goods, and if you’re still riding that fig candle trend, the Figo E Pera version smells like a dream. Best part? There’s not a rosette-shaped guest soap in sight.
The Soap Box
350 Second St.
Excelsior, MN 55331
952.474.4652 |


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Personalized Perfection
We remember one holiday of our youth when all the girls in the family got that season’s must-have: a monogrammed sweater. Seeing our very own initials on that Nancy-Reagan-Red knitwear sent a thrill from the tips of our big permed hair to the soles of our topsiders. Even the grief our BFF felt when she didn’t receive her own monogrammed beauty could not dim our own ardor for the personalized lifestyle.
Enter Serifina. This suburban shop is a personalization haven that aims to help you embellish, emboss and basically mark your territory on all of your worldly goods. The hottest baby gift around is the “Lovey,” a combination blanket/stuffed animal, stitched with the little sweetie’s name, and graduates will adore the grosgrain terry bath wrap, with super-tough Velcro for co-ed bathroom security. And we love that you can add names, initials, or messages to everything from frames and baskets to throws, bags and leather goods.
Shop now and mention Minneapolis Picks—Serifina will gift you with a free personalized cosmetic bag with any purchase!
Serifina
436 Second St., Suite 101
Excelsior, MN 55331
952.474.2100 |


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Chick Picks: |
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Animal Appeal
Are you a softie when it comes to your four-legged friends? Then hit Petunias in Excelsior to score one of the new pet candles by top-notch jewelry designer Kathy Kuhl.
Each candle is made from clean burning eco-soy natural wax, hand-poured into a recyclable glass tumbler, and adorned with a high-quality collar—complete with engravable tags that can be personalized to pay homage to loyal companions. Plus, $1 of each candle sale benefits ARF and the Homeward Bound Rescue Organization—bonus!
www.PetuniasOnThird.wordpress.com |
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Love at First Site
It’s official: Our love of cheese curds, Cosmos, and European men has forever been surpassed by our new-found love for the drop-dead gorgeous Sam bag by Neiko.
This ultra-luxe beauty sports a rich, hand-stained, camouflage print on soft Italian leather, and is embellished with tough-looking chrome handles, metal feet, and grommet detailing, making it the absolute epitome of cool. And the fact that it rocks our work attire and our fave jeans makes it versatile to boot!
www.neiko.com |
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Make Dad Feel like a Hero
If your father taught you to ride a bike, catch a fish or bake a cake, he might be your hero. And we found an adorable way to say “Thanks, Pop” for all those years of putting up with you.
These handmade paper Father’s Day cards from Portland artisan MollyLee feature a few designs to choose from, but our favorite is the “Why He’s Your Hero.” You have a box to write in the exact reason why!
www.mollylee.etsy.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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Swarovski Trunk Show at The Bead Monkey
Inject your life with a little sparkle by attending the Swarovski Crystal Trunk Show at The Bead Monkey. Today through Monday, June 15, crafty mavens with a flair for style can purchase a slew of eye-catching crystal stunners by Swarovski including ultra-chic pendants, beads and pearls. Don’t miss your chance to score one-of-a-kind finds at this exclusive event!
What: The Bead Monkey’s Swarovski Crystal Trunk Show
When: Frida, June 12–Monday, June 15
Where: The Bead Monkey, 3717 W. 50th St., Minneapolis
Contact: 952.929.4032
Visit: www.thebeadmonkey.com |
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Art with a View
Check out a slew of artistic goods at Art-on-the-Lake on Lake Minnetonka. This juried art festival features an irresistible variety of must-haves including beautiful sculptures, chic jewelry, original paintings, photography, and mixed media pieces (to name a few). Plus there’s live music and snacks a-plenty, making for lakeside fun for everyone!
What: Art-on-the-Lake
When: Saturday, June 13–Sunday, June 14
Where: Excelsior Commons on Lake Minnetonka, Excelsior
Visit: www.excelsiorartonthelake.com |
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Making Fashionable Waves
Be the first to check out the scorching hot looks of summer at the 3rd Annual Poolside Fashion Show hosted by MOA style guru Sara Rogers. A bevy of local designers and national brands will be eliciting oohs and aahs while Full Jazz Band with Singer provides toe-tappin’ tunes. Don’t miss this ultimate pool party!
What: Vita.mn’s 3rd Annual Poolside Fashion Show
When: Thursday, June 18, 7–10 pm
Where: Calhoun Beach Club, 2925 Dean Parkway, Minneapolis
Cost: $15/general admission,
$25/runway seating and a swag bag
Visit: www.vitamn.indietickets.com |
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