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May 7, 2010
We really don’t know when it happened, but our mother has discovered the cryptic world of texting. We remember when she got her first “cellular” phone—pulling the antenna all the way up before answering, insisting it was too complicated to store numbers, never knowing who was calling (“Hello, this is Jean,”… “Yeah, hi mom, it’s me.”), and shouting into the receiver so that everyone within a 15-foot radius knew about grandpa’s herniated disc. But, alas, it made us realize that mom isn’t so old-fashioned after all. In fact, we think she’s gotten a whole lot cooler over the years. So text on, Mom, because we think UR GR8! Happy Mother’s Day! |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | Pssst! Joe Sent Me! We always want what we can’t have, whether it’s joining a party behind the velvet rope or that dress marked “hold” behind the sales counter. Now we’ve found a shop that makes us feel we’ve just stumbled into our own private speakeasy, with earrings where teacups of gin would be. To enter Katy Schmaty Jewelry, park at the body shop, look for the pink signs, and twist your way around the hallways. No need to knock three times—just enter and start admiring the funky baubles. Launched by a legislative-assistant-turned-designer, who began when she couldn’t find the right necklaces for bridesmaid’s gifts, this boutique packs plenty of punch into a tiny space. Check out the “beer-ings” for that “co-ed on spring break” vibe, or snap up some owl designs—this season’s “it” animal. Incorporating quirky pieces from vintagewear, beautifully colored accents, and lustrous gems, the designs offer a fresh new take on traditional looks, while the location itself offers a twist on the usual ho-hum strip mall. Don’t miss the Grand Opening May 7 and 8 for special deals and treats! Katy Schmaty Jewelry |
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| 2 | Euro-glam We were feeling sentimental lately… flipping through Mom’s old photo albums, and silently cursing our own “digital” age. Why does everyone look so much better in Kodachrome? We saw pictures of picnics and days at the beach; men in seersuckers and dapper hats, women in floppy straw hats and… gingham? Gingham. What a great idea! Fortunately for us, C’est Chic, in Minneapolis’ fabulously revamped Warehouse District, offers a fine line of throwback gingham that’s modern enough to blend with any wardrobe. Straight from Italy, designed by a nouveau movement based on the “greasers” of the 50s, these clothes are intended to grab your hand and jolt you back in time. We were equally thrilled with the French designers, Royal Tapisserie and Eva Tralala, affording us the most unique pieces with their oh-so-French flair. If you’re feeling a little Grace Kelly yourself, head over to C’est Chic (the entrance is just to the right of Moose & Sadie’s). With their heavy European background, they’ll even teach you how to knot that silk scarf around your neck! C’est Chic |
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| 3 | Beauty Starts from Within Yes, we know we look great when our lip gloss is freshly applied, but we’ve started to think that maybe the perfect new beauty treatment is just a dab of frosting on the nose—the kind that comes from diving face-first into a mile-high mountain of buttercream. Evoking that “Whipped Cream” album cover from Mom & Dad’s LP’s, the frosting signals “adorable, with a healthy appetite” in a way that mere Lancome never can. We credit our new appreciation for the beauty of the sweet life to The Sweet Retreat, a new Edina bakery featuring a multitude of choices, all baked fresh from scratch daily and frosted with homemade buttercream. Plain chocolate? Red Velvet? Peanut Butter Cup? If a pal needs a pick-me-up gift, this is just the spot, since fun gift stickers are offered with purchases. We especially like “He’s Dumb. Eat a Cupcake.” The “Feel Better. Eat a Cupcake” sticker has a special meaning, too. Who wouldn’t feel better—and maybe look better—after trying one of these delectable treats? That frosting-on-the-nose thing might just start a brand-new beauty trend. The Sweet Retreat Cupcake Boutique |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Ace of Cakes With a bunch of weddings around the corner, we want that perfect signature gift—something unique, personal, functional, and affordable. And engraved toasters and monogrammed towels have been done to death. We’re sold on The Cake Pan Lady. We simply select the pan size, color, design (dozens to choose from) and she’ll engrave “From the Kitchen of (name)” right on the top! Also a great Mom’s Day gift! |
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| 2 | In Good Company We miss social networking in true face-face form, building professional relationships and friendship at the same time, and sharing experiences with urban gals who’ve got sass, guts and a good story. Meet CRAVE, the latest fun and innovative way to connect. A modern marketplace of soirees, gatherings and online networking, it’s about girlfriends getting together and learning about everything there is to crave in the Twin Cities! |
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| 3 | Swap ‘Til You Drop After a spring-cleaning of our closet, we realized we’ve got some decent stuff to pass on. We may be done wearing some items, but they deserve a little recycled respect. Refashioner wants your outfit mistakes, too-valuable-to-give-aways, and one-wear wonders. Trade them with fellow style fiends by posting your pieces to the online closet and spending their value on other people’s stuff. Save cash, guilt, and the planet. Simply brilliant! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | High Five Celebrate Cinco all weekend with authentic Mexican flair. St. Paul’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in District del Sol is the largest Hispanic/Latino event in the state (and one of the top 10 in the U.S.) The free celebration features six blocks of food, five stages of live music, a parade, craft vendors, a salsa-tasting contest and more! What: Saint Paul's 2010 Fiesta |
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| 2 | Around Town What: Hopkins’ Girls on the Town Event |
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| 3 | Trading Trends Like combing friend’s closets for fab finds? Then a clothing exchange may be your thing. Drop off lightly used clothing by 5 pm Thursday, May 13, at Salon Ori, and earn spending points that can be redeemed on Sunday for “new to you” items. Fashion consultants and stylists will be on hand to help you pick the perfect outfit… and hairstyle! What: Clothing Exchange |
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We’re greedy, greedy, girls… must have more friends! Please tell your sassy/classy cohorts to sign up for www.MinneapolisPicks.com! |
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