|
 |
January 1st, 2010
We love the start of a fresh New Year. It’s a time to forget about last year’s bad dates, bad hair, bad bod, and bad booze choices, and once again vow with all of our womanly resolve that “we will do better!” Last year we achieved none of our resolutions, and darn it, this year we’re going to make good! We vow to join a book club that actually reads the book—as opposed to just being a front for wine-swilling and gossip. We vow to exercise more and complain less while doing it. We vow to drink more water and less beer, to eat better, and most importantly, we vow to keep bringing you the best local destinations all year long! You, dear readers are the peppermint to our patty, the Laverne to our Shirley, the gin to our tonic, and we vow to do right by you. Happy New Year! |
||
Minneapolis Picks: |
|||
| 1 | Baby it’s Cold Outside We’ve consumed our fair share of holiday goodies and have dined out about a billion times in the past month. As cliché as it sounds, our New Year’s Resolution is to whittle those glaring scale numbers down to a reasonable size. Thankfully we’ve found our source for active inspiration in 45˚. Located on Main Street in Stillwater, 45˚ is the epitome of a well-equipped sporting goods store, with all the benefits that local can offer: laid-back, accessible and reasonably priced. We found gorgeous sweaters, vests and shirts by Ibex, and beautiful Merino-wool sweaters (sure to keep us warm as we ski the slopes and trek the trails). From Keen hats to Cloudveil gloves, Rab jackets to handy eco-bags, Vasque boots to Superfeet insoles, 45˚ literally has us (and our man and our wee one) covered from head to toe. For outdoor adventures of a more intense nature, 45˚ provides plenty of gadget and gear options (like sleeping bags, back packs, and dry sacks). So say goodbye to the couch, and hello to the great outdoors. 45˚ |
|
|
| 2 | Creative Dating We stick our fingers in our ears and hum loudly when our girlfriends insist that women should never plan dates, to which we say: Pshaw! When our Friday night “date” is the “Wings ‘n Suds special” at an odious sports bar with sticky floors, we must take matters into our own hands. Thankfully, we’ve found a date-night locale that’s creative, fun and affordable in Simply Jane, an ultra-inviting studio space that catapults imaginative dating into a whole new realm. Patrons with a penchant for thinking outside the date-box can drop in, select a pre-stretched canvas, then go crazy with the well-stocked supply of professional paints and brushes. Not artistic? No worries! Simply Jane’s friendly instructors teach simple ways to make your work pop, plus you can bring your own bevies to sip while you brush, and Pizza Luce offers a 10% discount when they deliver to the studio, making for an evening that’s fulfilling and filling. Date nights are Wednesday and Friday, so say goodbye to Wings ‘n Suds, and hello to being a super-creative super-couple. Bonus: Mention Minneapolis Picks and Simply Jane will waive your Studio Rental Fee! Simply Jane |
|
|
| 3 | High on Style For us, the words “closeout prices” don’t often conjure images of a pleasant shopping experience. Instead, we see rows of cramped, barely-sorted merchandise that’s on the floor as often as it’s on the rack. Not to mention crabby salespeople and shoppers who turn bargain hunting into a contact sport. (We’re still recovering from Black Friday.) But MODE has turned that stereotype on its head. The shop is clean, spacious, and well-organized. When we visited, our nostrils knew something big was happening. It turns out the boutique was having a designer fragrance event, selling full-sized bottles for just 15 bucks! We also scored an organic cotton hoodie from of-the-moment West Coast brand Topo Ranch, and a soft bamboo henley from Rain Frog Apparel. We also scouted jeans, sleepwear, shoes, and accessories. And the boutique isn’t just high-class—it also has a conscience. MODE does an amazing job of focusing on organic, sustainable clothing whenever possible. The great prices will have you leaving the store all aglow, and so will the staff. These ladies are warm enough to thaw any shopper’s chilly mood! MODE |
|
|
| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Bon Voyage That darn economy kept us from jetting away on our dream vacay this year, but in 2010 we are bound and determined to pack our bags and bid a fond farewell to the frozen tundra—at least for a week or two. To keep hope alive, we’re going to bring some good juju into our lives via the adorable passport covers from Bridget Davies. Hand-embroidered on silk with whimsical travel designs, we are sure we are going to need one soon. Any day now… |
 |
|
| 2 | Minding Our Manners We learned at a young age, thanks to Mom and Emily Post, to promptly pop a thank-you note in the mail whenever we receive a prezzie. So naturally, we like to keep a collection of adorable and enchanting cards on hand for just this task. We plan on sending out the modern-yet-folksy wooden cards from Night Owl Paper Goods to acknowledge our holiday gifts. Sustainably harvested and eco-friendly, it’s a unique thank-you that friends and family won’t soon forget! |
 |
|
| 3 | Hostess with the Mostest We’re the butt of family jokes due to our kitchen ineptitude, and during the holidays, we are totally forbidden from bringing important dishes like stuffing, yams or turkey. We’re assigned “safe” items like a bottle of wine or bakery rolls. But we always look feminine and stylish in custom aprons from The Hip Hostess. In adorable prints like Pink Mocha or paisley Melon Splash, they’ll keep the focus on you, instead of what you’re dishing. |
 |
|
Hip Happenings: |
|||
| 1 | Friday-Night Fun What better way to shake off last night’s hangover than by popping into the Bryant Lake Bowl for a little nosh, a little sip, and a whole lotta underpants? “The Underpants Show” is a delightfully tart little ditty, courtesy of Lili’s Burlesque Revue, featuring jazz, comedy, and of course, the timeless art of the tease. Check it out! What: “The Underpants Show” |
 |
|
| 2 | Buy Local, Save Big Just because the holiday melee is over doesn’t mean the shopping fun has to end! Think outside the big-box and shop for handmade goods at the Grand Hand Gallery in St. Paul. Now through January 10, patrons with a penchant for style can save up to 75% off high-quality must-haves, including chic jewelry and clothing. What: Sale at Grand Hand Gallery |
 |
|
| 3 | Back to the 80’s Bust out the 80’s-wear, tease your hair, and get ready to party at Glitter Ball 3, benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters. Super-awesome fun includes big-hair makeovers by Jungle Red Salon, 80’s drink prices, PBR on tap, and for the more discerning palate: wine and chocolate. Dance-worthy music, too, and a Headbangers Happy Hour beginning at 6:30 p.m. Totally go! What: Glitter Ball 3: Big Hair, Big Hearts |
 |
|
Help us grow our circle of friends and share the Shop/Eat/Explore Local love—sign up a friend for a free subscription at www.MinneapolisPicks.com! |
|||
Be sure to visit www.MinneapolisPicks.com and check out past issues in our archives. If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to check out www.MinneapolisPicks.com and subscribe for free! It's easy--there's a box in the upper left to enter your email address. If you would like to make a suggestion, please email us at contribute@MinneapolisPicks.com. Share your favorite ideas for Picks, tell us about terrific products or services, announce a sale or event, or let us know what you think of Minneapolis Picks! Website and weekly issues maintained by Studio Ridge.com. |
|||
