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August 20, 2010
We so love mail of any kind… catalogs, invitations, checks, more Visa applications... but we love email even more (and Facebook and Twitter messages, too!) Betcha you didn’t know you can just hit reply to Minneapolis Picks and send us a note (as if you were replying to your best friend's email... and we like to think we’re up there). So if there’s anything you want to vent (insert your special neurotic insane thing here), to praise (you got a great deal on your favorite elbow balm today), or whine about (you can’t believe how mean this girl was to you in spin class) … anything at all, we’re here for you. So hit reply, and say hi! But if you can’t say anything nice, please don’t say it all, because we’re very sensitive... and we might kick you off the island. Forward this issue of Minneapolis Picks to 5 friends and CC picks@minneapolispicks.com and you’ll be entered to win some delicious mail from us—a $50 gift card for the newest St. Paul dining destination, FACES Mears Park! |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | Veganistas Sure, we love animals and we’re crazy about veggies, but we’ve always found the phrase “vegan fashion” to be utterly oxymoronic. So when we heard about a new shop where all proceeds go to support animal-advocacy programs, we were skeptical. With visions of unshaved armpits and clunky hemp sandals dancing in our well-coiffed head, we gingerly opened Éthique Nouveau’s door, ready to beat a quick retreat back to the mall. Quelle surprise. Yummy Big Buddha purses. Sparkly jewelry from local designers. Boatloads of luscious cosmetics, including Arbonne skin products and Suncoat nail polish. And a darling kids’ section that will make us Auntie of the Year at the next family birthday bash. The nicely turned out staff (we’ll admit we felt relief!) were super helpful, talking up “fashion with a conscience” so much that being a vegan seem almost, well, fun. Described as a fashion, beauty and accessories boutique for the person who cares, the shop gives us a chance to be kind to animals, kind to the earth—and honey, you knew this was coming, didn’t you?—kind to ourselves. Éthique Nouveau |
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| 2 | The Star Treatment We’re all about VIP treatment. We’re talking first-class seats on airplanes, box seats at Twins games, and backstage passes to Lollapalooza. So it’s not a surprise—when it comes to drinking and dining—that we enjoy the very finest. Enter FACES Mears Park, where excellent service is a given, and everyone feels like a Gold Card member. Nestled in the European quaintness of Lowertown, with floor-to-ceiling windows facing Mears Park, FACES is a true chef-driven restaurant, cooked up by chef David Fhima. Focusing on American food with a sophisticated French twist, the menu is a spread of reasonably priced gourmet salads (mmm, Nicoise), sandwiches (love the Monte Cristo), homemade pizzas, pastas, and divine desserts (Chocolate Butter Cream heaven!). While savoring flavorful explosions, we learned (straight from the creator’s mouth!) that only sustainable, local ingredients are used to invent each delicious dish. Contemporary décor, moderate prices, tasty fare and the attentions of the enthusiastic executive chef made us feel like celebrities. With a wine bar, bakery, and bottle shop to boot, FACES is officially our go-to spot. FACES Mears Park |
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| 3 | You’ve Got Me Floating We shop local and eat local, but when it’s time to get some exercise, we often succumb to the lure of the big chain. Sure, they have lots of classes and plenty of floor space, but not much personal attention. We’re newly committed to adding a local vibe to our shape-up regimen, and Invisible Bee, an intimate yoga locale that might be dubbed more of a “nook” than a studio, is a perfect choice. Tucked away in a cozy corner of a newly burgeoning section of Southwest Minneapolis, it features Hatha, Jivamukti and restorative classes. More energetic options include the twice-weekly running club, followed by Yoga for Runners. Teachers have the time and space to focus on individual needs and adaptations, and there isn’t a juice bar, pro shop or tanning bed in sight, just work from local artist Mikael Carlson and jewelry designs by Fiona Kelly. Named for a line from a Rumi poem: “Your soul has become an invisible bee," the Invisible Bee’s lack of pretension and friendly atmosphere kept us feeling lighter than air all day long. Invisible Bee Yoga Studio |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Material Girl No matter how badly we first avoided the recent 80’s trend, we should have known better. Black leggings? They got us. Blue eyeshadow? Yup, we caved. Shoulder pads? Guilty as charged. Now we can’t stop! To help feed our addiction, we’ve found the perfect place to house all our new punk-age war paint with makeup bags by Miss Violet Lace. Choose from splatter paint, floral and animal prints. Totally rad. |
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| 2 | There's No Shame in This Game Nookie happens. At least, that's what we're hoping for. As red-blooded, grown women, we proudly admit that we do, yes indeedy, get nakey with our guy. And when it's time for lovin’, why shouldn't we be prepared? This condom compact from Just in Case ensures that you're never at a loss for protection, and its ladylike looks keep your intentions on the d-lo (even if it falls out of your handbag). That kind of certainty makes having fun much more fun! |
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| 3 | Our Latest Obsession Finding the perfect pair of jeans is akin to winning the lottery. It’s rare, it can change your life, and all your friends want a piece of it. We hit the big one when we found Agave Denim, so we’re sharing the wealth. The cuts are super-flattering, the fashion cred is spot-on, the denim is gorgeous, and they use Lycra (no Spandex!) for stretch that doesn’t stretch out. They even make up to a size 34 in some styles. www.agavedenim.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Soles to Die For Best part of shopping local #142: They live to please their customers. After a monstrously successful summer boot event (lines down the block!) and a little begging from devotees, MODE is bringing back its Australia Luxe Boots special. (We’re dying for the slouch style.) Over 100 brand spankin’ new pairs… up to 75% off retail. Shall we race? What: Australia Luxe Boot Event |
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| 2 | Accessories Galore When it comes to accessories, we’re all about digging for treasures. Our go-to for a goldmine of vintage glam and retro rarities? Arc’s Value Village Thrift Stores. Luckily, this week has Buy 3, Get 1 Free Specials on women’s, men’s and children’s accessories—jewelry, handbags, shoes, hats and more. Help those with disabilities while stocking up! What: Accessories Sale: Buy 3, Get 1 Free Specials |
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| 3 | Roam on Over Coco Chanel once said, "Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.” Sadly, while comfy, beanbag chairs were far from sophisticated in style—until Fatboy's chic lounge bags. Join the ROAM Event when all Fatboys will be 15% off! Enjoy snacks and beverages while lounging in luxury and (you know it!) roaming their modern showroom. What: ROAM Event | 15% Off Fatboy Sale |
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| 4 | Take it to the Bank Ah, to feel like a college kid again—even if only for the close proximity to a campus. During the West Bank Music Festival (replacing CederFest), enjoy live music at a variety of eclectic venues, ethnic cuisine, and step into a pub or café to ingest anything from a Tempeh sandwich to a hand-crafted Imperial Stout. What: 1st Annual City Pages West Bank Music Festival |
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Flattery will get you everywhere. So feel free to tell us what you love about Minneapolis Picks, and then sing our praises to everyone you meet. Seriously people—neighbors, friends, coworkers, therapists, bartenders, third cousins twice removed… you get the drift! picks@minneapolispicks.com!
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