|
 |
July 2, 2010
We may have figured out the answer to one of life’s big questions. “How do you know when you truly love someone?” When you find yourself shopping for them instead of for yourself. We love our boyfriend to pieces, but we never thought we’d see the day when we’d be sidetracked by a huge sale on golf apparel over Tibi’s spring line—but there we were, at the register with an armful of Lacoste and not a color-splashed tunic in sight. Of course, new tops call for new shorts. And socks, definitely socks. (Side note: What is it with guys and holey socks?) And it’s not just clothes. You should see his bachelor pad. Formerly a haven to beer cans, sports posters and mismatched used furniture, it now preens with potted plants, window treatments and sofas cloaked in slipcovers with coordinating throw pillows, natch. Frozen pizza? Puh-leaze. A new spice rack and neatly organized cupboards (replete with cooking condiments) give us the ability to whip up a gourmet entrée for our honey any night of the week. We are not trying to change our man (refine, maybe); we simply want to shower him with gifts that say, “You mean more to us than… us.” But—yikes—purchasing DVDs over DVF? Hearing this out loud makes us wonder… are sale items returnable? |
||
Minneapolis Picks: |
|||
| 1 | Get Your Sexy Back(side) We’ve always managed just fine with solo shopping forays (as the bulging state of our walk-in closet will attest), but the real work, we believe, gets done when we bring a girlfriend along. Salespeople lie. Strangers have bad taste. But only your BFF will declare, with feeling, “When you put those on, girl, you definitely bring sexy back!” Dirty Denim Bar, an Uptown boutique with an ultra-hip denim collection and boozy décor, is the perfect place to take a pal who will be firm but kind when contemplating your rear end in a pair of jeans. Not only is this one of the only places around to find both men’s and women’s jeans from William Rast (the Justin Timberlake brand), they also carry Citizens, and the A-Team’s favorite premium denimwear, Affliction. The shop declares that they can help find a flattering pair of jeans for every body and every budget, so odds are good this one-stop location will be a successful shopping excursion for you and your pal. Now all you have to do is decide where you’re going tonight to show off your sexy. Dirty Denim Bar |
|
|
| 2 | Destination I Do’s Some of us had destination weddings. A fantabulous idea, but we found out the hard way it was easy to be ill-prepared. The little extras that regular beach-going folks use year-round went over our suntan-less heads, causing a lot of running around in the heat getting the extras aligned. It worked out in the end, but could have been avoided with some inside scoop. Westwood Hills Nature Center is 160 acres of animals, birds and bugs. Trails, including the 1.54-mile trail around Westwood Lake, are open from dawn to dusk, as well as the play area (perfect for sapping their energy for a good—and early—night’s sleep). The Interpretive Center contains a variety of live reptiles and big bugs, nicely contained in escape-proof glass aquariums, thank you very much, as well as the always-appreciated clean bathrooms. With limited hours, check the website for more info before you head on in. But with their large selection of show-me-the-sunny apparel and accessories, we know beach-bride-to-be’s will definitely find the time! Island Bride |
|
|
| 3 | Nurture with Nature We’re not there quite yet, but give us another couple weeks and we’ll be pulling our hair out trying to keep the kiddos occupied (and away from the TV) during these long summer days. A daily stream of requests must either be deflected or conceded—movies, malls, theme parks, sporting events. What are we, made of money? We need cool activities on Kool-Aid budget. Westwood Hills Nature Center is 160 acres of animals, birds and bugs. Trails, including the 1.54-mile trail around Westwood Lake, are open from dawn to dusk, as well as the play area (perfect for sapping sap their energy for a good—and early—night’s sleep). The Interpretive Center contains a variety of live reptiles and big bugs, nicely contained in escape-proof glass aquariums, thank you very much, as well as the always-appreciated clean bathrooms. Oh, and did we mention that it’s free? You can even check out a Park Pack backpack filled with all sorts of activities—for free! Want to let your young ones know money doesn’t grow on trees? Bring them to Westwood—and let the appreciation begin. |
|
|
| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Funky Flair We are usually pretty classic in our fashion style, but we’ve learned that a bright and bold accessory can keep classic from looking too plain, too dull or too ordinary. The necklaces from Elva Fields are just that—bright, bold and beautiful. With feminine touches and glittering adornments, these re-purposed vintage necklaces, sourced from flea markets and antique stores around the world, are simply perfection. We want every single one—baubles are our weakness! |
 |
|
| 2 | What’s Under the Bed? If the only things under your bed are dust bunnies and Twix wrappers, it’s never too late to heat things up … down there. Start with The 5 Things Every Woman-of-a-Certain-Age Should Have Under Her Bed, by Minneapolis’ own Fairy Godmother, Terre Thomas. Thomas, who also hosts monthly Restore the Tingle parties (next one: July 17 at I Like You), shows how good sex and sensuous pleasure bring energy, love and a terrific sense of wellbeing. You go, Godmother! |
 |
|
| 3 | To Your Health Veggies and fruits might not measure up to cake and cookies, but we try hard to get in the recommended daily dose. And now there's a new way to make sure you're getting your "servings"... Produce Organic Beauty’s fresh-picked line of tasty products. Sure, skincare isn’t a substitute for healthy eating, but Apple Kiwi Eye Cream and Pomegranate Grapefruit Lip Balm make us feel good on the days when we’ve been remiss. And isn’t that healthy in itself? |
 |
|
Hip Happenings: |
|||
| 1 | A Mo-Rockin’ Time Belly dancers, hookahs, Mediterranean tapas from Ansari's Grill, and hanging lanterns will set the scene for A Night in Morocco, the Tekno Doll Swimwear 2011 Collection Outdoor Fashion Show by local designer Jolene Danielson. The new collection of luxurious swimwear features sexy silhouettes and flattering fits. What: A Night in Morocco |
 |
|
| 2 | Block Your Calendar We look forward to this famous outdoor concert every year, and it’s finally upon us! The 16th annual Cities 97 Basilica Block Party’s two-day lineup includes bands like Weezer, Ingrid Michaelson, Spoon and more. Music under the stars with 25,000 other music lovers… it doesn’t get much better than this. What: Basilica Block Party |
 |
|
| 3 | Exc & The City Start with a beach town full of superior shopping, add a Girls’ Night Out and a street fashion show, and you’ve got one haute event! Excelsior boutiques present Exc & The City Fashion Show, featuring styles from Cythia Rae, House of Amore and Fede, and more. Get tickets at Cynthia Rae, Avanti Shoe Boutique, and Pantouf's, goody bag included! What: Exc & The City Fashion Show |
 |
|
Wanna get in on the lovefest? Well, we love you more than we love ourselves—ferreals! Why do you think we dedicate our lives to making sure you get the best buzz-worthy shopping secrets and events in the Twin Cities? Forward Minneapolis Picks to all your friends and show them how much you love them too! Or sign them up 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 Picks@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. |
|||
