Connections of the Fabulous Kind

In the last few months I have experienced an explosion of connections. Correction, cool connections. And cool connections with locals, who happen to be women doing kick-ass things. I have always been a connector, it's what gives a concierge clout. But this recent pool of cool, are such a magical match to my local love of - art, photography, fashion, music, food, culture, cooking, technology, social media, events and true entrepreneurial spirit. I've been lucky to meet, eat, talk & toast with these talents & wanted to share what a few of them are up to...

First up, an event that combines local music and a local photographer's passion for her craft. Brought to you by two fantastic new friends: Eli of paperlily design + Kate of O'Reilly Creative who present:

The Jennefit: A Benefit for Jenn Barnett
When: Friday, March 26, 2010
Where: The Turf Club, St Paul, MN
Time: 9pm
Cost: $10


Then, cupcakes! An opening of the sweetest kind, involving again great Kate of O'Reilly Creative and another sassy lass, Sheela, who's sweets I've been seeking for years. But most recently via that simple birdie called, Twitter, I have connected with her again. By first meeting, you know Sheela's an individual, and she does what she wants and bakes what she wants. Who else would think up, Grapefruit Champagne, Vegan Chocolate Whiskey & Shamrock Shake cupcake flavors & have tatoos of a stand-up mixer & other bakery icons? Sheela's partnering with Emily and opening Cake Eater Bakery a coffee, cupcake, neighborhood spot, complete with CSA pick up and a Kids Happy Hour.



The salty side of Emily & Sheela...

The sweet...
And the goods...
Also part of the Cake Eaters plan - a rotating assortment of locally designed Cake Eater t-shirts! With the amount of creative talent in this town, I predict a battle of cupcake vs t-shirt to consume me! Click on photo to purchase the first design...


Cake Eater Bakery Opening!
When: Sat, April 3, 8-6
Who: For the neighborhood and families
Open for business - April 5th open to Public

Where: 2929 E 25th Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55406

Another true entrepreneurial spirit is one I've blogged about before, Geri Wolf of StyleLaboratory - which most recently has evolved from a high-end event planning business to the first of it's kind, an Event Lab. I recommend visiting and test-driving the Style Stations on big-screen technology.

Here's another FREE reason to visit.

What: Learn How To "Take a Bunch of Flowers & Turn in into Art"
When: Wed, 4/14, 5-6 pm
Where: Gaviidae Commons II, Skyway Level
Register: http://ezregister.com/events/1391/


Another wizard-like woman I've connected with is Meghan Wilker of Geek Girls Guide and Clockwork. She is a geek girl and proud of it! On our first meeting, I kept thinking, this girl's left-brain powers trump mine by a mile. I was writing notes frantically while she provided me social media advice. She also gave me her time and advice on my site - check out Radar's recent "up-do". Annnnd, my blog will be updating too per Meghan's advice, but that's on my to-do list for my IT dept - which is me, myself and I.

Shortly after our first meeting, I received a Tweet from Meghan, "I have an idea for an event. Could be a radar PR/ marketing thing. Will email you tmrw with deets!"

Then came the email about a Glee Party, Meghan's second annual and she wanted to bring Radar in, "to promote and give you exposure". I'll do just about anything to someone who wants to shine a light on my little engine that could, Radar.

So together with Meghan out came the Glee Party Second Season Premiere Party!

Join Meghan Wilker (@irishgirl) and Nancy Lyons (@nylons) to celebrate the return of Glee, presented by Radar Concierge

Lastly, these connectors are also supporters, involvers, seekers and givers of information and knowledge. All balancing their other roles of busy Moms, Singles, Volunteers, Wives & Girlfriends.

Radar hopes you can hit some of these events, so you too can surround yourself with their spirit.

Another event Radar has to mention is, "Book It, The Party". Hope to see you all there next Thursday, April 1st, 7-10!

Perceive the world as good to you and it comes back.

Need some art framed? This sounds lovely...

Just the name makes me wanna go...

My love of art, talented, local and creative women will bring me to this art opening tonight. Get a jump on your Valentine's and check out Louisa Greenstock's interpretation of, "A Women's Place" at Gallery 13.

Guys, Dolls and More!

Another weekend full of local love...

"Bring your husband, boyfriend, girlfriend or co-worker to enjoy unique and complex pairings and as the flavors enlighten their palate, you can lighten the load with easy Holiday Gift shopping at your finger tips with jewelry from Silpada."

"Mary and her staff will be happy to talk about pairing beers with chocolate and how the different styles of breweries compliment different flavor profiles found in cacao."

WHEN: Friday, December 11th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
WHERE: Chocolat Celeste
2506 University Ave. West, St. Paul
RSVP: 651.644.3823

It's a great time to order your holiday gifts. 15% off all gift boxes of truffles and bonbons !



Guys, guys, guys, the last sale at MartinPatrick3, I Twittered, I Tweeted while Tim sipped high-end Scotch while trying on and purchasing 4 killer hats, all at 25% off. A couple of you went, some of you wondered if you should have. Now here's your second chance:

WHEN: Tomorrow, Sat, 12/12 from 1-4,
WHAT: 20% off Watches, Valet Boxes & Shaving Sets


WHEN: Saturday, December 12th, 7pm
WHAT: CURSTER'S DOLLMIGHTY Fashion Show



"Local Minneapolis artist Erin Currie creates extraordinary creatures know as Curster. Now Currie will spin her magic in the runway debut of a stunning clothing line inspired by the Curster’s aesthetic, Curster’s Dollmighty Fashion Show. The clothing is an artfully constructed layering of rich fabrics and hand embroidery, resulting in one of a kind dresses and casual wear with the perfect mixture of coquette, Victorian princess and Tank Girl."

"Also in SooVAC's Gallery Too, starting this weekend, we will be displaying various Curster creations, including plush sculpture, prints, paintings and t-shirts. A perfect one stop boutique for everything Curster!"


X-mas Sweater Bonanza Local Music Show!!

WHEN: Saturday, December 12th, music goes from 6:30 to 10pm
WHERE: The Beat (28th and Henn. Uptown)
WHO: Minor Kingdom w Total Babe and the Chord and the Fawn.

5$ or 3$ if you- wear an ugly sweater.



WHEN: 12/11, 12/17 and 12/18 @ 7:00 p.m.
WHAT: "Pink Pearls" Holiday Variety
WHERE: Neisen's Event Center Savage, MN

Last night I had a date with my parents, Bob and Mariel. We met at the Buffalo Tap in Savage before the "Pink Pearls" show. The Buffalo Tap alone was a treat, my Dad goes every Tuesday with the church guys, so he's a bit of a celeb there. Owner, John greeted us, said he had a "great table over here for you", then he continued to stop by a few times to make sure we where satisfied. Server Joanne, continued to mention the great reviews about the "Pink Pearls" show while chatting about her grand kids. It was a classic Minnesota dining experience, and I loved it.

So we ended dinner at 6:20, when my Dad said, "we better go". The show was 2 blocks away, so the 40 minutes he allowed was pretty safe. He he.

Two blocks away brought us to the Neisen's Sports Bar & Grill. Now I'm guessing this is the Mike Neisen I graduated with from Burnsville HS? Anyway, Neisen's holds quite the range of "entertainment" such as midget wrestling, cage fighting, Thai boxing and what we were after, the "Pink Pearls" Holiday Show.



We had a front row seat, so it paid to be early, right Dad? The show was just what I needed to really get into the holiday spirit. A combination of "Eileen Pearls" self-help inspiration through comedy, tribute songs, classic Christmas songs and original songs written & performed by the three, 100% Norwegian sisters, Kjersten, Alisa & Kara, who make up the "Sister Production". I kept imagining "Pink Pearls" would fit well into a Garrison Keillor show. The song, "The Aunts" is a nod to their beloved Mom & her two sisters which included a simple "Food, Food, Food" chorus. Throughout the song, the sisters danced & sang on and off stage, bringing out loads of food - lefse, hotdish, pies and more hotdish. A tribute song, "Rollin, Rollin' Rollin" sang with choreographed rolling pin moves and original lefse lyrics, was quite adorable. The classic Christmas songs were performed beautifully, "O Holy Night", "Do You Hear What I Hear" and many more. My favorite song, "Snow", an original written by Kara, was stunning and reminded me what it means to be a Minnesotan, I included lyrics below.

If you have MN roots, which many of you do, "Pink Pearls" is a light-hearted, feel-good Holiday toast to chasing your dreams, embracing who we are, where we come from and the land we love, especially at this time of year.

SNOW
We know it's cold in Minnesota
they wonder why we stay
smile at each other jokin' about how we're movin' south someday but the snow comes and goes and we're still here storm after storm year after year old man winter is stubborn and proud and so are the folks who keep hanging around

Blow snow blow
blow us into next year
sit at the window during a storm and watch the neighbors house disappear blow snow blow from here to kingdom come my car won't start my toes are numb and I wouldn't trade places with anyone

Winter is long in Minnesota
the snow birds take to flight
the source of the north
the days run short
sunlight drains into the basin of night
we're a little thick headed and a little thick skinned we lace our boots up and we dig our heels in but everyone bows and bends and spins when there's a clipper in the wind

Baton down the hatches, secure the locks and latches get beneath the quilts bright patches before the Iceman snatches

Blow snow blow
Blow in your downy night
release the geese
reveal the swan
trump the grey with a blanket of white
Blow snow blow
and cover everything
beneath the sheet your work complete
your masterpiece unveiled in spring

Blow snow blow
blow in as bright as morn
and the in the quiet after the storm
I'll be right here in the place
I was born.

Another great weekend of "To-Dos"

Now-Sun 12/6 - 25% off all dresses and scarves at:

Speaking of Cliche, did you know Radar members get a year 'round discount? Membership does have it's privileges! Email Jen for member info: jen@radar-msp.com

And at Cooks of Crocus Hill:


Student art for sale at St Paul's Center for Visual Arts:


My favorite spot to "find a prize", Hunt&Gather and it's 20% off all weekend! Last night I stopped by H&G's for the preview party for this sale. I was impressed by the generous array of refreshments so stylishly displayed throughout the store. Next time Radar tells you to go to this preview party, GO!


And if you just need to get in the mood for the holidays, mosey on through H&G's festiveness, here's what I spotted last night:




Here's what I found at H&G to fill my house with Holiday cheer:

Vintage Paper Village Houses, so delicate and adorable...


And inflatable gift tags! So cute & can adorn your gifts! Cuz, remember, Radar can be your ELF this shopping season! For $15/hour I will SHOP. WRAP. DROP. Click for details.



And the Mother of all Cool Craft Shows, No Coast this weekend, December 4th (3 p.m. to 8 p.m.) and 5th (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).


And Monday, December 7th:

First Monday at Commodore
Monday, October 7th
4-8 pm


Enjoy cocktails and conversation in the renowned Art Deco bar. Hear Willie Murphy playing the grand piano in the lobby. And What Shopping! Browse and buy unique exotic treasures from world travelers, artists, designers, collectors and antiquers. Plan ahead for holiday gift shopping or to treat yourself.

The Commodore Hotel
79 Western Ave North
Saint Paul, MN
(Click here for map)

Also on Monday, December 7th @ 7PM I'll be hitting the "B Design" Holiday Show. This one is so "Under the Radar", there's no website to direct you to. All I can say is, the designer, Heidi Brandewie, is a talent. Her jewelry is so darn cute, so darn reasonable and displayed so adorably and thoughtfully throughout her cottage-like house that you will want to curl up & not leave. Please let her know Radar sent you!

5453 Dupont Ave S
Mpls 55419
612-823-3549

Whew!

Sugar Sugar is Sweet!

Sugar, ah honey honey
You are my candy girl
And you've got me wanting you.
Honey, ah sugar sugar
You are my candy girls
And you got me wanting you

My sweet tooth has been around, oh, since the beginning, my cavities are proof of my dying love for it. A true story, when I was a kid, I wanted to own Abdullah's Candies, it was my favorite place to go and spend my hard earned ironing-shirts-money.

Enough about me. I am beyond thrilled that new store, Sugar Sugar has opened! It's all candy!!!! Beautiful candy. Candy mustaches, candy perfume, bulk candy, chocolate candy shavings for your food or coffee, hard candy, basic candy, fancy candy. Candy. What gets my sweet tooth about Sugar Sugar is the beautiful packaging of the charmers. Making the gift of candy, a slam dunk.









What's also sweet about Sugar Sugar, for those who love graphics, is that the logo was done by Elvis Swift. The doodling expert.


My personal favorite line at Sugar Sugar, is Barcelona-based, Papabubble. So stunning, their candy rings were worn in one of New York fashion weeks runway show. Check out how it's made before it arrives on the shelf.



So whatever your sweet tooth screams for, head to Sugar Sugar and get your sugar high on!

Guild, Pop & Shop

A holiday pop-up store has opened on Excelsior and Grand, Guild. During November and December pop yourself over there, it's the "ABC Carpet & Home" of the Twin Cities, as mentioned by one of the 22 creative minds behind this concept. But without the ABC prices.


These 22 minds consist of locals with passions in art, fashion, jewelry and home furnishings from past eras to present. The talent of all these creative minds really shows in the beautifully thought-out store displays - all items intermix perfectly with each other.



One of Guild's shinning stars in my mind is kids clothing from NYC-based Kico. I was told this particular line is only available at Barney's, but the Kico connection loved the pop-up store concept of Guild, so whalaa, here it is.

Smart duds for your little dudes...




Cream cardigan with tulle. Lovely for a little lady.


Sparkling tafitta polka-dot dress...


So pop yourself into Guild! And if we all do, the temporary pop-up Guild, might just be around for the long haul! Props to that!