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August 14th, 2009
We have a co-worker who is constantly tooting her own horn about how young she looks. Apparently she’s always getting carded when she buys booze, cigs, lotto tickets, and most recently when she attempted to rent an R-rated movie. Every sentence out of her self-proclaimed youthful mouth seems to involve how young she comes off and how wrinkle-free she is, and how because she’s petite people think she’s 12 years old, and it must be genetics, and oh, btw, it’s suuuch a draaag and we don’t know how lucky we are. Blech! So, what? We’re a bunch of sallow, weathered old hags, ravaged by the sands of time? Pa-leese! We may not look like we’re 15 any more, but frankly we’d prefer to be mistaken as someone who could hold their wine and hit an R-rated double-feature rather than someone jonesing for a Jonas Brothers autograph at the MOA. |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | Suburban Surprise We were growing tired of the same ol’-same ol’ Southern metro offerings when it came to decorative housewares and hostess gifting, but then, on the horizon of suburbia we saw it: Gift Garden & Home. We held our breath. Could it be? A gifters haven in Eagan? With mild trepidation we entered this unassuming little boutique and we were beyond delighted to see shelves lined up, wall-to-wall, offering everything from beautifully beaded jewelry and luxe leather handbags to gourmet artisan bread mixes and stone bird baths that embody a garden-chic vibe we love. We found pretty, painted serving platters alongside heavenly scented candles, both perfect for swanking up our dinner party this weekend. And the beautiful set of black-and-white prints we scored are just what we needed to punch up our newly painted hallway. Also notable is their nice assortment of seasonal items, with a current focus on gardening and flora. Forty minutes later we left toting a bag full of goodies, inwardly tickled with our new south-of-the-river go-to! Gift Garden & Home |
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| 2 | Break-Up Therapy We recently split from our boyfriend. It was your typical lack of commitment sob story. Beyond feeling a tad self-pitying, our confidence was in the dumps. So we did what any logical girl would do… we chopped our locks and got pampered from head to toe. Enter Estetica, the salon and spa haven that miraculously made us feel like a million bucks while forgetting all about the loser ex. Located on Selby and Washington (hello, up and coming hot-spot), E is full service Aveda refuge housed in a charming and historic building. We enjoyed the works, including a full color, cut, brow tint, Brazilian bikini wax, Rainforest Radiance Mani & Pedi (complete with exfoliating scrub, Sea Science Remedy Masque, and massage), Outer Peace Facial (deep pore cleansing to scrub any last remnants of Him away) and finally a Caribbean Therapy full body treatment (ingredients create inner calm and renewed body senses). Truth be told, E was so rejuvenating that we even felt up for a post-pampering happy hour with our BFFs. Hands down the best way to get over an old love and move on to a new! Estetica Salon & Spa |
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| 3 | Goody Goody Gumdrops We love being the cool aunt for our nieces and nephews, a role we take very seriously—roasting marshmallows over the gas stove, watching scary movies late into the night and sneaking treats between meals (shh, don’t tell mom!) Such adorably devious behavior rekindles our inner-child and reminds us how oh-so happy a handful of guilty pleasures truly can make us. Nothing is as sweetly scandalous as Candyland, a destination full of gummy goodness, jujus by the jar and chocolate-covered concoctions. If popcorn is your pleasure, this place serves up freshly made daily mixes with lip-smacking names like “Flavocrunch,” a blissful blend of butter-toffee glazed nuts swirled into warm popped kernels. We amassed mouthwatering saltwater taffy in tropical flavors and snapped up some dually decadent “Chipos”—milk chocolate-covered potato chips. Armed with mouth-watering wonderments such as Jelly Bellies, malted milk balls and Sweet Tarts shaped like Legos, we’re sure to be a huge hit at our next adventure in babysitting! Candyland |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Botanical Bliss If you thought stainless steel was just meant for upping the cool quotient of your kitchen appliances, then think again, Sister! One look at the eye-catching originals at Nervous System and you’ll be looking at jewelry in a whole new way. We’re completely smitten with their chic Filament necklace. Masterfully handcrafted from stainless steel, each delicate branch is linked to the other for a fiercely organic vibe that we find positively ethereal. |
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| 2 | Rise and Shine On any given day we have to give a great big old thank-you to our friend Coffee, for without this heavenly elixir we wouldn’t be able to haul our butts out of bed much less interact with co-workers and family without biting their heads off, so it wasn’t a stretch for us to embrace coffee-n-cream soap tarts. Scented with rich coffee and buttery vanilla-bean undertones, this deliciously decadent little soap is our new favorite way to start our day. |
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| 3 | Apey For Ecopaper We love giving journals as gifts, but sometimes we get to thinking… how many virgin trees were cut down to make that adorable little notepad? Gulp! Suddenly our altruism feels a tad sinister. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Add a Little Sparkle If jewelry is the peppermint to your patty, then don’t miss the ultra-fabulous Karen Gilbert Trunk Show at Gallery 360. Stunning and artistic jewelry creations, plus tasty bevies and hobnobbing with the artist equals your chance to indulge in some truly beautiful and original designs from one of our nation’s top talents. What: Karen Gilbert Trunk Show |
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| 2 | Stag Party Love a good block party? Check out the Red Stag Block Party in NE. Tunes by Black Blondie, Romantica, Roma di Luna and others, plus appearances by the North Star Roller Girls start the day out. Then there’s a swank after-party at Red Stag featuring tasty organic eats and drinks to finish off the night. What: Red Stag Block Party |
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| 3 | Date Night Done Right We’re all about saving the Benjamins during this lackluster economy, but we’re not willing to sacrifice a good old-fashioned date with our sweeties. Axel’s Bonfire to the rescue! For just $55 you can score a three-course meal for two that includes a bottle of house wine and two movie tickets. How cool is that? What: Axel’s Bonfire Date Night |
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Do you have a friend who makes you feel like the runner-up at a beauty pageant? Forgive her transgressions and sign her up for www.MinneapolisPicks.com. You’ll prove yourself the better—and more stylish—person. XOXO. |
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