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August 6, 2010
Albeit a little late (okay, a lot), we’ve succumbed to Facebook’s and Twitter’s world domination. While we’ve had accounts for some time, it was only until recently that we thought all the pokes, posts and pretense simply made life more complicated. We didn’t understand how anyone could care what kind of sandwich we just ate or which You Tube video made us LOL. What radically changed us? Minneapolis Picks! Since 2007, we’ve been offering up insight into the Twin Cities’ best shops, salons, eateries and events on a weekly basis, making thousands of fabulous friends in the process. But with local info pumping out at a mile a minute, we are now dedicated to keeping you informed and entertained on a daily basis! Friend us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! You’ll find even more shopping and dining tips, short-notice sales, and upcoming events. Whether a bustling business or shopping-savvy friend, we welcome our Picks peeps to post-up—maybe you wanna tell us you love us, in which case, we love you more! |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | Oopsie Doozies Another birthday, another year older—oh, how our kidlings grow up fast. This year we wanted to do something special for our little girl, something different. A pool party? Been to one this summer… and our take-away? A giant toilet bowl with high liability. Arcade and pizza party? We opted for one last year. Let’s just say, one too many kids running around with bellies full of breadsticks. We were properly stymied. Then we heard about Doozie Chic, a children’s boutique in Stillwater that operates as both a shopping and “princess party” destination. The first floor was filled with funky, out-of-the-ordinary kids’ clothes, while the second floor was immediately dubbed our daughter’s “dream play room!” Pink shag throw rugs lined the floors, while tea party furniture stood at attention, awaiting miniature guests. The curtained stage, complete with dangly chandelier, was fit for the most precocious of eight-year-olds. When visiting, be sure to bring your little one along. Once they discover the second floor, there’ll be no pulling at your leg as you browse the racks. Doozie Chic Boutique |
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| 2 | In Good Company There are three things we can’t live without: family, food, and wine (and perhaps a little TLC from our hubby!) We love gathering around a table with good company, entertaining stories and yummy eats. We especially admire any place that makes fabulous food and offers an extensive wine list, bonus points for a cozy atmosphere perfect for conversation. Enter Reve, a restaurant where the emphasis is on fine dining with a small-town feel. Located on Main Street in downtown Stillwater, Reve is part outdoor café and indoor restaurant, featuring gourmet soups, salads, sandwiches, pizzas and pastas. We love the casual ambiance, people-watching, and finger-licking fare. A sampling of Smoked Sweet Corn and Gouda Artichoke Dip, Ham on Pumpernickel, and Seared Scallop pasta had us stuffed and in a state of much-deserved bliss. Keeping with our motto, “You can never have too much a good thing,” Reve hosts a Monday through Thursday happy hour from 4–6 pm, where wines are $3 a pop. We just might have found a whole new dining room for our family get-togethers! Reve 324 |
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| 3 | Stay and Play So we were hoping to bust out of town for a vacation this summer, but it’s looking like a no-go. Keeping the kids excited about another staycation is challenging, but we rocked it on this one. The Mill City Museum is housed within the former Washburn A Mill that was once the largest flour mill in the world. The museum showcases the birth of Minneapolis through its rise as the nation’s milling epicenter. When the mill closed in 1965, the doors were locked, and everything was simply left behind. A fire in 1991 destroyed most of the mill, but the landmark, just sitting there for 25 years, was rediscovered. Not to be missed is the Wonka-esque, eight-story Flour Tower ride, including your return to the museum via glass elevator. The other is the movie written by and starring humorist Kevin Kling. The kids will have fun and won’t even realize they didn’t leave town. And you might discover you still have a thing for the doughboy. Mill City Museum |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | The “F” Word Facebook is hard work. Between the friending and poking and tagging and stalking, it doesn't take very long to get all tuckered out. That's where this comfy icon pillow comes in. Now you can take your face from the Net to a nap. This fleece bad-boy is perfect for snuggling after a productive day of internetting, or to pound your fists into after you've been de-friended. Also fun: the RSS, Gmail and Twitter icons. |
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| 2 | For Your Nose Only We have a serious crush on James Bond. Never mind the specific actor in the 22-odd movies—we’ve loved them all—from Sean Connery to Daniel Craig. Our secret weapon to feeling sexy? This rechargeable purse fragrance in the shape of a bullet from Juliette Has a Gun. Hidden ammo is oil is made of Moroccan rose, musk and the wild scents of wild fruits. We feel like Bond Girls with just one dab. |
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| 3 | My Thai We’re not ready to say goodbye to the beach yet, but we’re slowly preparing ourselves by finding ways to extend that beachy feel into the fall. (Think Pina Colada-flavored martinis, and decorating the yard with tiki torches.) If you know you’ll really miss the sand, sun and water, we’ve found a way to carry it with you. Shades of blue silk fan out into a spectacular shoulder bag from Ebay’s World of Good, which promotes eco-friendly products from around the globe. World of Good |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Vision of Love You’ve been dreaming of it since you were little. If you’re tying the knot, it’s time to find the dress of your dreams. Priscilla of Boston’s gowns represent the timeless elegance every woman envisions for herself. And during their Trunk Show, you can enjoy 10% off—but only for a few more days. Set your appointment with destiny now! What: Priscilla of Boston Trunk Show |
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| 2 | Lucky No. 7 Seven local designers including Calpurnia Peach, Laura Fulk, Emma Berg, Max Lohrbach, Ivan Idland, Danielle Everine and Kerry Riley (Needle & Black) take inspiration from seven new flavors of Vitaminwater ZERO. See jewelry from ROX from Robyn Robinson and enjoy tracks spun by DJ Jonathan Ackerman while sipping on Vitaminwater ZERO cocktails. What: vitaminwaterZERO presents Flourish |
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| 3 | On the Fringe Sucker for Shakespeare? Mad for musicals? Crazy for comedy? Join Minnesota’s largest festival of the performing arts with 169 shows in 12 genres at more than 15 venues in the Metro. All shows are locally produced and acted. Ticket prices vary, with discounts for seniors, students, MPR members and kids. Find a seat and enjoy the show! What: MN Fringe Festival |
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We can never have too many friends, and we rarely run out of secrets, sales and specials to download to you! Friend us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and stay in the loop. But don’t keep us all to yourself! Suggest us to your friends so they can follow us, too! |
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