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March 26th, 2010
Spring is such a tease. It tempts us with its warm-weather wiles, lingering in the air just long enough to give us a taste of the Fahrenheit euphoria we’ve been missing for months. Last week when the thermometer finally read 60, we eagerly shed our Sherpa, said “sayonara” to steadfast Jack Frost, and turned our attention to that hot, yellow, circle thingy in the sky. Ahhh… Then, Wham! The next morning we woke to find our frosty foe had snuck back into our lives, with its flaky friends in tow, and no sign of a seasonal swing in sight. Oh spring, you indecisive diva! So instead of waiting for spring to pursue us, we’ve decided to pursue it by heading out on the town to scope out some of the hottest (and most eclectic) trends—think militant tunics, bright jumpsuits, tomboy-chic sportswear, printed platform sandals, and bold, beaded jewelry. Next time spring wants to turn up the heat, we’ll be ready! |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | Save the Date One thing we love is opening up the mailbox and seeing a beautiful envelope with our name elegantly scrawled on the front. We just know that whatever is inside is going to be exciting, will make us happy, and will be promptly posted on our refrigerator as a reminder of fun times to come. That’s why when we have memorable events we want to share, we skip the e-vites and head to Epitome Papers. Their product selection is some of the best in the Twin Cities: from traditional to modern, simple to elaborate, they carry lines that will satisfy any sensibility and every style, including a range of cool letterpress options (we are crushing on the line from smock—so whimsical and sweet!). Plus their staff is so helpful and hands-on that when you are done, your signature is subtly stamped on your creation in a way you maybe hadn’t even thought possible. Whether you need save-the-dates, a wedding or shower invite, a baby announcement or a surprise party card, don’t just send out an email—use Epitome Papers and wow your guests from the invite on! Epitome Papers |
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| 2 | This Stuff is Bananas Spring was upon us. We found ourselves surrounded with new life: daffodils, tulips, and, oh yes, babies! With Anne Geddes images floating in our heads, we sauntered over to Bananas to scope out the season’s best baby-shower finds. We were impressed with the strong balance between boutique and eco, including very-necessary Bum Genius cloth diapers, as well as an assortment of Etsy-esque handmade goods. We had our pick of earth-friendly toys, and were tempted by a darling line of silver spoons for baby’s first feedings. But we knew we’d hit the mark when we spotted the latest phenomenon in Baby World: the “Tummy Tub.” These European bathtubs make bath time so much easier by allowing baby to hang out in his favorite fetal position. We paired our tummy tub with the newly released Baby Silk sunscreen. No icky chemicals, and an easy towelette application (vs. cream) makes this a no-brainer for the beach! So before you head off to all those spring/summer baby showers, check out Bananas for some cool new items, as well as those stand-by classics! Bananas |
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| 3 | Cheap Date We love going on dates. Getting dolled up, putting on “going out clothes” (meaning anything not related to sweats or jeans), and looking forward to good food and lots of wine. And now that we’ve discovered Rinata’s Sunday “Date Night” menu, we are hooked on Sunday as our date night. Why? Well, let’s start with the fact that a 4-course meal is $20 per person. Yup. Then there is that sweet option of actually getting to choose your antipasto, insalata, pasta and dessert. Some of our faves are the butter lettuce salad with lemon and pancetta, all the bruschetta options, and their risottos, which absolutely melt in your mouth. Add to this the generous portion sizes, excellent service, cozy and intimate atmosphere, and the option to add a bottle of house wine to the deal for another $20, and let’s just say you will probably be getting real lucky after suggesting this for your next date night! So next time you want delicious food for way less than a date should cost, stop by Rinata on a Sunday. You’ll leave feeling satisfied—before the date is even over! Rinata |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Tie One On Either the 80’s have totally returned or someone manning the runways chose Minnie Mouse as their muse. Perhaps both, but (big) bows are back, and they look a lot like bunny ears. And just in time for Easter. Lady Gaga, we’re not, but we can pull off Blair Waldorf (we lurv Gossip Girl) at any given Sunday brunch. We adore Andrea’s Beau headpieces for hiding a bad hair day or prettifying a pony! |
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| 2 | The Original Journey Pendant We love to travel internationally. Well, we should say that we know we would love to one day. Until then, the Travel Channel, magazines and books will continue to whisk us away until we’ve stashed enough cash for that Med Cruise we’ve been dreaming about. Perhaps that is what intrigues us about the gold-strand gems by Laura Stark, whose creations are inspired by museums, travels, and boxes of photographs, drawings, and images found in magazines. Youthful and worldly! |
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| 3 | Music of our Lives Does your life seem rather ho-hum or eerily empty? Is there something missing, something no one has cared to bend an ear to? We’re here to help. Wait—before you think we want to be your psychiatrist (sorry, only retail therapy offered here) or offer you magic beans, we have ThinkGeek Labs to help you. (Phew!) The tech-heads are curing silent lives one Personal Soundtrack Shirt at a time. Including ours… “Rocky” theme, anyone? |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | It Takes Two-Pieces to Tango No need to visit a beach in SoCal to see bikini-strutting hard-bodies; don’t bother booking a flight to SoHo for the hottest fashions and performers in the country. Stay smack-dab in the middle of the Midwest and get the best of both worlds at the ARENA Dance event. Enjoy drinks and apps with grooving babes in beachwear. What: ARENA Bikini: Haute & Cold |
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| 2 | Cake for Days You don’t need a reason to relish in the deliciousness of cupcakes. Cake is for birthdays and anniversaries, but the cupcake is for everyday delight. Sugar-sisters Sheela and Emily know this. So they’re going beyond catering and Cupcake Fridays—they’re set to open a place for you to pick up pastries whenever your heart (or stomach) desires. What: Cake Eater Bakery Grand Opening |
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| 3 | Peddling Posters People who ride bikes like parties and art. How do we know? Because some of them created ARTCRANK, where cycling culture and poster art collide. Gear up to give back with Full Circle, a nonprofit that offers free bikes to homeless youth and teaches them bike maintenance. Ride to the show, and pedal home with some local art. What: ARTCRANK MSP Opening Night Party |
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