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April 23, 2010
It was our bestie’s birthday last week, and she chose to celebrate low-key and on the cheap, so we agreed to fetch some three-buck chuck and a Red Box, something we feel like we’ve been doing all winter for a chill-out fix. While it was a nice time, it had us thinking of other ways we could have fun without breaking the bank (or a $20 bill, for that matter). Now that it’s warm out, we’re ready to rediscover the budget-friendly entertainment this city has to offer. Here are some of our favorite suggestions… Bike along the Mississippi Mile and take in breathtaking views. Tour Fort Snelling and pack a picnic. Look up free live music and movies in parks across the Metro. Go on a treasure hunt—hit up rummage sales and thrift stores. Visit museums that are free or have a free day. Check out the cute animals at Como Zoo. Sit in the cheap seats at Target Field. Sign up for a free brewery tour at Summit, Surly, or Flat Earth Brewing. Whatever you choose (try them all!) just remember, it’s time best spent with a pal! |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | She’s Gone Country With warm weather upon us, we were feeling a little frisky. The car windows were down. We pulled our cotton clothes out of storage. White tank top, check. Vintage Levi’s, check. But something was missing. Cowboy boots. A seemingly “must have” item that’s been on our list for ages now. And where else would a honky-tonkin’ girl go to find the cutest cowboy boots than Mojo & Moxy? This southern-styled “country chic meets rock n’ roll” boutique quickly transported us to the heart of Texas. We found ourselves surrounded by hip 1921 jeans, brazen bangles with chunky, turquoise beads, and happily, our long-sought-after cowboy boots, straight out of Colorado. We even picked up a cute new tee from Junk Gypsies. If the spring buds have got you feeling your oats, then make your way to Mojo & Moxy, open the first Thursday through Saturday of each month. You’ll be two-steppin’ in no time, and tell them Minneapolis Picks sent you! Mojo & Moxy |
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| 2 | Spice it Up It was our weekly girls’ night, and we were up for something new. The only thing our old stand-bys had in common was that we could all find something on the menu. Gluten-free? Yep. Vegetarian? Uh-huh. Meat & potatoes? You betcha. Could there be some “one size fits all” place we had not discovered? Fortunately, one of our cunning companions had heard of Ginger Hop, and boy, did it fit the bill! With self-described Pan-Asian fare, Ginger Hop is sure to please. While best known for the curries, they also offer local spins such as Walleye Satay. A nod to the Northeast neighborhood (their slogan is “East meets Northeast) is found in their Kimchi Reuben sandwich, as well as the Mr. Fu-Mansky Burger. One of girls ordered the Panang Curry, which arrived as a veritable pork roast set in sauce and rice. And what girls’ night would be complete without martinis and a little live music? Ginger Hop has both. Our favorite was the White Cosmo; and be sure to check out The Honey Lounge downstairs (in the former Jitters location). Whether it’s girls’ night out or a first date, keep Ginger Hop in mind. Comfortably set in the heart of NE, it’s a sure crowd-pleaser. Ginger Hop |
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| 3 | Gimme Some Sugar We had a hankering. This wasn’t your typical “grab a pint of rocky road” hankering. No, it was a from-the-depths-of-our-souls longing for something not only sweet, but a tad gourmet. Maybe it was the warm sunshine after so many months of cold that brought that old tune to mind: “I love Paris in the springtime…” But French baked goods in America’s heartland? Is that even possible? We’d heard tales of Sweets Bakeshop, so we decided to try it out. Entering Sweets was like stepping into a dream. White walls surrounded us, housing shelves of pretty cupcakes on footed platters. These inspiring delicacies were art in themselves, and we felt almost guilty taking that first bite. Almost. Sweets’ focus is primarily on delectable French macaroons and moist cupcakes. Of the latter, they offer 9 daily flavors. Our summer skirts will forgive us, but we just had to try them: from chili pepper to chocolate with goat cheese. They also do custom orders—perfect for all the wedding and baby showers we have coming up! The next time your sweet tooth bites, think “Sweets Bakeshop.” Little pieces of edible art; countless flavors of yum! Sweets Bakeshop |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Precious Porcelain We’re pretty sure we’ll never swim the deep blue sea seeking buried treasure, but we kind of like the idea of someone thinking we just might have when they take a look at our vase from the Sunken Treasure Series from Blue Room Pottery. Potter Marietta Theodorou-LeMieux adds texture, shells and a slight iridescence to these aged-looking vases, which are made with recycled clay. Look for them at Marietta’s Grand Avenue gallery and on Etsy under Blue Room Pottery. |
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| 2 | My Baby Love With a handful of friends expecting, our baby shower invitations are stacking up and staking claim of our summer weekends fast. Since every mother wishes only health and happiness for their munchkin, we’ve got the just the gift in mind. Caldrea’s Sweet Pea Baby Gift Set collection includes products that are specially formulated to go easy on baby’s skin, clothes, linens and nursery surfaces. And their delicate fragrance smells just like spring. |
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| 3 | Spring’s Powers Something about spring makes us want to show our flirtatious side. Chalk it up to our romantic sundresses or bicep-baring guys seen basking in the sun on bar patios and parks. Of course, with slip dresses and potential hotties on the scene, we need to ditch the granny panties pronto. Our go-to underthings: Hanky Panky’s cute and comfy lacy numbers. Find them at a variety of metro shops, such as Martin’s and Flirt Boutique. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Showing Shoppers Love Consistently playing its part as the go-to for unique gifts and giving love to local-made goodies, Bibelot is showing shoppers even more love during their weekend spring sale. Get 20% off all gifts, clothing, jewelry, paper goods and eco-friendly products. Plus, get a $10 gift card with you spend $100 or more. Get ready to bring your shopping game! What: Bibelot Storewide Spring Sale |
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| 2 | Moulin Rouge Meets Minnesota Minneapolis may never be confused for Paris, but the City of Lakes will feel like the City of Lights during the high-end fashion ball and Ballet of the Dolls benefit. Experience a full, avant-garde cabaret with four luxury runway shows and a pop-up boutique. Fashion supplied by Gretchen House, John Novachis, Specs Optical and Ann Lambrecht Jewelry. What: Fashion Ball “Cabaret Catwalk” |
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| 3 | Native Style Oh, how we love the local celebrities who never forget us. Especially designers like Christopher Straub, who is a Minneapolis native and season six winner of “Project Runway” (loves). To culminate MNFashion Week, Straub is bringing his spring collection (and special guest, supermodel Janice Dickinson) back home. Witness this high-style runway show firsthand. What: Christopher Straub Premier Collection |
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Know what we can’t get enough of? Making new friends! So go ahead and tweet your heads off about Minneapolis Picks, or sign up a friend for her own free subscription at www.MinneapolisPicks.com. Xoxo! |
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