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August 7th, 2009
Everyone has their own version of a personal hell. Some people wouldn’t be caught dead roughing it outdoors. Some get the heebie-jeebies at the thought of sensible shoes. Others break out in stress hives at the mere mention of commitment to anything—jobs, partners, babies… For these folks, keeping a goldfish alive is a stretch. But us? We hate clutter. It simply makes our skin crawl and causes some potentially harmful teeth-grinding. We’re constantly bugging our guy to pick up the enormous piles of paper strewn about our house that are mysteriously intermingled with a mish-mash of guitar picks, cotton balls, and miscellaneous man-junk. It’s enough to drive a tidy girl mad! Is it so wrong of us to seethe with contempt over a little bit of mess? Probably, but we can’t find a happy place when we’re annoyed, and frankly it takes all of our willpower to keep from thumping our guy on the head. Perhaps we should seek professional help before our teeth are worn down to nubs. |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | A Stylish Life We love finding an old piece of furniture or clothing and turning it into something new. We’ve painted, recovered, and sewed up everything from chairs to dresses. The results have been varied, but it feels very Pretty in Pink and totally stokes our creative juices. All this may be why we have an affinity for Style Minneapolis and owner Shayne. She carries all the things grown-up DIYers have dreamed about in her South Minneapolis shop. We love the antique touches (dainty glassware and plates, vintage earrings) as well as the DIY items—hi! Coveting the wine-bottle candles, the recovered antique furniture and Shayne’s own jewelry line which combines old and new for a very cool look. Add in the beautiful home accessories, adorable wool baby slippers, etc., and we’re pretty sure she would be a better friend than Duckie, hands down. The best part? Shayne offers classes in things like gold-leafing and faux-finishing, to help inspire your inner artist. Stop by and tell her you saw her in Minneapolis Picks, and you’ll get 20% off any of her classes. We think Andie would approve. Style Minneapolis |
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| 2 | Artistically Hip We’ve always thought of ourselves as cultural anthropologists and discoverers of the Twin Cities’ music, art, and “what’s hip” scene. So we gave ourselves a big ol’ pat on the back when we found Gallery Okto, a Mecca for ceramic and artisan crafts. Created by Maria Theodorou-LeMieux (an eighth-generation potter from Greece), Gallery Okto is home to her many works of art. We felt inspired by her detailed array of traditional graffito and slip-trailed clay plates (which would look amazing right above our fireplace mantel). We were dazzled by her numerous contemporary bowls made with bold colors and metallic crackling. Sprinkled among her creations are a variety of unique items including Jason Silverman mugs, sculpted graphite pencils (fun for the kiddies), Murano glass pendants, and woven silver-link necklaces and earrings made by Maria’s son Martin. (Guess the creative gene runs in the fam!) With an eclectic selection of artisan work from around the country, and dynamic Greek masterpieces, Gallery Okto is a can’t-miss artistic haven! Gallery Okto |
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| 3 | Wine + Food= Domacin We’ve always idolized great hosts, the ones who can throw parties with perfection, look amazing, create great ambience, make guests comfortable and still cook fantastic food. They must be born with magical powers, because we’ve never been able to understand how they keep the wine glasses filled and still make the risotto al dente. So imagine our awe when we entered Domacin Restaurant and Wine Bar, named after the Latin word “home” and embodying the Serbian meaning “host” (i.e. that awesome person responsible for making everyone feel welcome). With their craft perfected, we sat back and soaked in the rustic room, soft music, fine wine assortment and sophisticated smattering of nibbles. We started with the Wine Lover’s Plate (assorted cheeses, artisan salami, olives, smoked trout and almonds) and savored sips of Cuvee Forets Diverses Chardonnay. We delighted at the eclectic menu of Paella, mustard-crusted salmon, and pepper-crusted beef tenderloin complemented by a fruit-forward glass of Hardcore, a Mourvedre/Grenache/Cabernet Sauvignon blend from California. Satisfying sips and delish bites have left us with a new host idol. With our quest to learn their tricks, we plan on visiting often. Domacin Restaurant & Wine Bar |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Note Worthy We’re not great at remembering every birthday, baby, and bat mitzvah that life throws at us, but since stumbling upon Jack Cards we’ve been spreading happy thoughts and get-well wishes to everyone and their dog. This cool site makes selecting and sending cards super simple by offering up a seriously behemoth selection of vibrant cards for every possible occasion in every possible style. You can even personalize them with a message and have them addressed, stamped and delivered to you for mailing. Brilliant! |
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| 2 | Pure and Simple Up until recently we thought that the use of cork was limited to dart boards, wine bottles, and flooring, but when we spied a cute satchel made from this all-natural material we found ourselves doing a double-take. Enter Cork and Cotton, an online purveyor that masterfully marries punchy, unique fabrics with cork to create cool bags, pouches, and wristlets that perfectly embody eco-friendly style. Fact: Cork isn’t just for plugging up our favorite Napa Valley bevies. |
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| 3 | What a Sham! Modern bedding is basic—two pillowcases, two sheets and that’s all you need, right? But remember how nice shams look on a bed? From Palm Springs to Parsippany, the chicest beds are bringing back this forgotten favorite. A sham is such an easy way to add a pop of pattern and color to a room, and we are in total lurv with Rubie Green’s small selection, especially the bright, retro-inspired Tillinghast print in 300-thread-count organic cotton percale and eco-friendly inks. Heaven! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Savvy Savings at Baby Cakes We pride ourselves on being hip Mamas with an eye for style, so naturally we love Baby Cakes, a sweet site featuring trend-worthy gear for Moms and babes. From swank slings to baby leg-warmers, Baby Cakes has you covered, and now Picks readers can get 20% off their entire order, plus free shipping—use the code mplspicks at checkout! What: Minneapolis Picks discount at Baby Cakes. Cannot be combined with other offer or used on Gift Certificates. |
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| 2 | On the Catwalk Don your swankest ensemble, gather your favorite friends, and prepare for a serious fashion fix at the Allure Runway Show. Some of Minnesota’s hottest designers, stores, boutiques, and stylists will be on hand, showcasing the latest in hair, makeup, fashion, and music. This is an uber-stylish night that fashionistas shouldn’t miss! What: Allure 2009 Fall Runway Show |
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| 3 | Good Eats (and Drinks) Get your tickets now for a fabulous night of delish food and drinks, highlighting the Valencia, Murcia and Andalusia areas of Spain. Chef J.P. Samuelson presents a night of culinary delights that include eight unbelievably tasty tapas and one dessert—all served up alongside some satisfyingly decadent wines. Yum! What: Solera Chef’s Wine Dinner |
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Are we inspiring you to shop, dine, pamper, and do it in a whole new way? Then sign up a friend (or ten) at www.MinneapolisPicks.com to help us spread the Shop Local Love! |
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