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July 16, 2010
We have a friend who regularly whips up gourmet meals with no planning ahead of time. She just wings it. Whatever our free-spirit foodie friend has in the fridge (no surprise—her fridge has way more of interest than ours), she can create coma-inducing cuisine. We used to ask her for recipes, but stopped when we could never get a firm response about ingredients. “Oh, I just cut up some shallots, sprinkled on cumin (come again?), pressed a little fresh garlic—use whatever seasonings you’ve got.” (Does Mrs. Dash count?) We once attempted her eyeball-it method over measuring cups, and our Risotto got a resounding Riso-No from our suddenly-turned-Gordon-Ramsey family. (Sadly, we had to agree—bleck!) So we’re not much for cooking. But you know what we are good at? Shopping local! Nothing gets our burners hot like discovering new and unique designers, digs and doo-dads in the Twin Cities. And we love to share! Forward this issue of Minneapolis Picks to 5 friends and CC picks@minneapolispicks.com—you’ll be entered in a win a $50 gift certificate to Foat Design or a $50 gift certificate to Flirt Boutique, which celebrates Bastille Day (July 17) with the shops at Snelling and Selby! |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | One of a Kind Design We were never the girls in grade school who showed up wearing the same thing as our friends. Nothing takes us more out of our OM than realizing we’re wearing the same tank as three other girls in hot yoga. Not that we’re snobs—we just like to show our own personality—not everyone else’s. Which is why we love Foat Design’s unique, eco-friendly clothing. Foat features three earth-conscious lines: couture, bridal and yoga/dancewear. We’re obsessed with the leg- and arm-warmers that are so stylish they can be worn straight from the mat to a date (just add heels... and a shower), and we also love the ribcage tube-top with a two-toned twist design. Want your wedding-wear to be one-of-a-kind? Bring in any heirloom dress and Foat will deconstruct it and turn it into a gown that fits your taste and body perfectly. Foat Design |
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| 2 | A Family Affair We’ve all gotten the gut sandwich when we get the call about an impending family reunion. We realize none of us got to pick our family, but it doesn’t really seem fair that so many nut jobs ended up with our last name. There is, however, a family you’ll be happy to call your own. At Familia Skateshop, skateboarding is in their blood—it is the only skateboard-only shop in Minnesota. When others are switching to bikes or snowboards, Familia is—you guessed it—still selling skateboards, shoes and clothing. And they have a reputation for selling select, hard-to-find gear. They even carry exclusive skateboarding shoes from Nike SB, Converse, Adidas, Vans, Gravis and Ipath. This stuff looks so sweet we could easily pull ‘em off while playing at the park or chauffeuring the kids. Though serious about skateboarding, Familia doesn’t take themselves too seriously. They host monthly art shows, dance parties and skate demos, making this one family you’ll want to get to know! Familia Skateshop |
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| 3 | A Cherry on Top Each year, around the Fourth, we get nostalgic for summers as a kid. We miss riding our bikes from dawn til dusk, lighting fireworks, swimming for hours, and countless trips to the ice cream shop. Life was simple and good. Happily, a bit of our past was recaptured when we visited Leo’s Grill and Malt Shop in historic Stillwater. With milkshakes on the brain, we found Leo’s a quintessential locale for all the food our diet doesn’t permit (and exactly what we would have eaten without care as wee ones!). Complete with pressed-tin ceilings, 1940’s antique signage, and old-school booths, Leo’s is a “classic” malt shop and diner, created in honor of Leo Buettner (a WWII vet with 11 children). With good ole’ family tradition in mind, Leo’s kids run the show, serving up the best cheeseburgers, fries, chips, sandwiches, and chocolate-raspberry milkshakes that the Midwest can offer. Enjoy the outdoor patio perched on the St. Croix River, or order an ice cream cone to go. Either way you’ll find that Leo’s is an experience to remember. Leo’s Grill and Malt Shop |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Head to Tote It was Emily Post who said, “It is impossible for a hatless woman to be chic.” It used to be that actresses and fashion icons were rarely seen out without a hat. Can you envision Greta Garbo sans her fetching floppies and eye-catching cloches? Didn’t think so. If you don’t own at least one, you’re in vital need of kick in the head, so to speak. (Don’t worry, we’ll be gentle.) From straw sunhats to fabric fedoras, Hat Attack carries cute, quality, celebrity-touting toppers and totes that you’ll easily nod your head at! |
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| 2 | Token of Inspiration We’re totally having a moment with global-inspired artisan jewelry. We find ourselves drawn to the stories they tell. But in order to find such exclusive pieces, we’ve typically depended on a little luck and a lot of research. Born out of a similar frustration was Boticca.com, a site that makes exotic, global designs accessible. It seeks out creative designers who combine edginess and exclusivity, and each piece featured on the site is purchased directly from the designer. |
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| 3 | Some Things Never Change We found a photo online of Cheryl Tiegs, circa 1976, and she looked so gorgeously sun-kissed, relaxed and louche that we thought (for a moment) we could recreate that ourselves. Haaa! (In all seriousness. She’s Cheryl Freakin Tiegs.) Anyhoo, these fabulous Piper sandals recall Malibu-colony beaches, Maryland boardwalks and senior-high summers all at once. Piper perfected them in 1971, and haven’t looked back since. We love the Tan, but the Purple, Red and Green are poking our eyes out, too! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Highly Entertaining Visit one of the most casual and cool neighborhoods in St. Paul this weekend for the 27th Annual Highland Fest in Highland Park. Enjoy a juried art fair, live music on two stages, more than 20 food vendors, the Beer Dabbler Showcase, a 5K, a strongman competition, a petting zoo, a costumed kiddy parade, amusement rides and more! What: Highland Fest |
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| 2 | Hammer Time Known as the quintessential Minnesota waterside city, Stillwater lives up to its stellar reputation with its annual summer celebration, Lumberjack Days. National-act concerts and lumberjack shows, along with one of the largest musically choreographed fireworks shows in the United States, is just a sample of the high-impact entertainment. Pretty good for starters, eh? What: Lumberjack Days |
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| 3 | MP Has Gone to the Dogs Omigod, we can’t get enough of the precious pooches on our “Pet Pick” contest page! Vote for your fave or enter your four-legged friend. There is still time to race to the top of the crop. Or when you’re at Paws On Grand, swing by the Minneapolis Picks booth and we’ll snap a photo of your pup for you! Winner gets great prizes! What: Paws On Grand “Pet Pick” Contest, presented by Minneapolis Picks |
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Though we can’t cook, we love food; and though we can’t sew, we adore fashion. You have lots of friends and family that can relate to us—and they need the skinny on good eateries and hot shops. Share Minneapolis Picks or sign them up for a free subscription! |
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