It's a Date in a Dress!

My favorite "movement" this summer is the viral site that allows you to simply share with the world a photo of you in a dress. Click below and look through all the photos, have you contributed? Radar has...

And one sweet, little local photo gallery, le Tiny Galerie is offering tonight, July 13 complimentary photo shoot of local ladies in their frocks...



An example of their sweet and soft photo style...

4th of July in the Metro - lots of Boom, Bang!

I just passed along some 4th of July information and thought I'd share all that the metro has going on for you and your family.

Some of the biggest Independence Day events happen in Downtown Minneapolis and Downtown St. Paul.

Minneapolis: Red, White and BOOM celebrates Independence Day with music, entertainment and family fun on the Minneapolis Riverfront on July 3 and 4. Fireworks at 10 p.m. on July 4.

Saint Paul: A Taste of Minnesota runs from July 2 - July 5 at Harriet Island, downtown St. Paul. Fireworks every night at 10.15 p.m., with the biggest bangs reserved for July 4. Entry to the festival is ticketed and even more expensive than last year, starting at $20. But Harriet Island is on the west bank of the Mississippi, across from downtown St. Paul so you can get a great view of the fireworks for free from the east bank in downtown.

Cities and communities across the Twin Cities metro area hold Independence Day celebrations, and fireworks displays.

Here's a list of fireworks, festivals and other Independence Day events in cities across the Metro Area. All events are on July 4 and have free admission unless otherwise noted.

Powderhorn Park, Minneapolis is the venue for the second of two firework displays in the city of Minneapolis. An especially family-friendly event with live music, children's activities, and local food vendors.

Excelsior/ Lake Minnetonka The only official firework display over Lake Minnetonka is the finale to a day of Independence Day events at the lake. Fireworks over a lake are especially pretty with the reflections from the water.

Woodbury: Ojibway Park hosts the celebrations, with live music playing and fireworks at 10 p.m.

Oakdale: Tanner's Lake Park hosts the July 4 celebrations with fireworks at dusk.

Richfield's 4th of July: A free, multi-day community event from July 1 - July 6. A car show, music, parade, pie eating contests and many other festivities. Fireworks on July 4 Veteran's Park at 10 p.m.

Bloomington: The Summer Fete on July 3 celebrates Independence Day with fireworks at dusk, around 10 p.m. at Normandale Lake Bandshell.

Apple Valley: incorporates Independence Day celebrations into the annual Apple Valley Freedom Days, June 25 - July 4. The Apple Valley fireworks are one of the biggest displays in the Twin Cities. Fireworks at 10 p.m. at Johnny Cake Ridge Park.

Lakeville: The Panorama of Progress, the Pan-O-Prog, is in its 43nd year. Over a week of celebrations including a car show, parade, sports tournaments and more. Pre-dusk fireworks, followed by the main firework show after dusk. at Lakeville North High School.

Eden Prarie: The Hometown Celebration at Round Lake Park culminates in fireworks at 10 p.m.

Edina: has a parade instead of fireworks. The Edina Independence Day Parade begins at 10 a.m. at Edina City Hall on July 3.

Afton: The 4th of July Parade starts at noon. Afton House Inn also offers river cruises to watch the Hudson fireworks on July 3 and Stillwater fireworks on July 4.

Blaine: Blaine's Blazing 4th has celebrations and entertainment on June 25-27, and on July 4 at Aquatore Park. The fireworks will be at the National Sports Center at 10 p.m. on July 4.

White Bear Lake: The annual Manitou Days festival ends on July 4 with fireworks at 10 p.m. at Memorial Beach.

Chanhassen: Chanhassen celebrates Independence Day on the 3rd and 4th with a packed family-friendly event schedule. Fireworks are at 10 p.m. at Lake Ann Park.

Eagan: 4th of July FunFest in Eagan runs from July 1 - July 4. On Independence Day, there's the Funfest Parade at 10 a.m., and fireworks at 10 p.m. at Central Park.

St. Louis Park: Fireworks at 10 p.m. at Aquila Park.

Hudson, WI Hudson's Booster Days festival runs from July 1 - July 4. Plenty of free music and entertainment, a carnival, parade, waterski show, and fireworks on 3 July.

Fort Snelling: cannons firing and other period military themed Independence Day festivities from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., admission charge.

Mystic Lake Casino, Prior Lake A free outdoor concert followed by fireworks on the casino grounds.

Prior Lake: The annual Prior Lake Boat Parade in on Independence Day afternoon, and then there wil be fireworks over the lake at 10 pm.

Oh My, May...

Three Radar Members Doing Stupendous Things in May...

I first met Amy Gattie on a local photo shoot - she now is a friend, Radar supporter/Member & a talented documentary filmmaker. She has been working tirelessly on this mostly self-funded, powerful documentary she began 4+ years ago. This is her first public screening...

"Too Cold Out There Without You"

Bryant Lake Bowl Theater - Wed, 5/5, 6-9 pm

"We are having a work-in-progress screening/fundraiser for "Too Cold Out There Without You," a documentary film about the Rev. Christopher Fike."

"When the Rev. Christopher Fike was ordained as an Episcopal priest in 1999, he was a straight, married mother of two children named Sarah. By 2004, amidst a crisis in the Church over gender and sexuality, Chris completed his transition and now identifies as a man. "Too Cold Out There Without You" looks at how to manage the anger, fear and resentment that arise when someone you love changes unexpectedly."

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You'll have to guess which Caskette is a talented, powerhouse of a business woman in her "day job", a Radar Member and friend who happened to marry Tim & me and perform at our wedding...

The Amazing Caskette's!

The Fitzgerald Theater on May 8th, 8:00 pm

(more details here)

Delna: "The feather shrugs are finished, the gowns properly bedazzled, butterflies are ready, and our hearts are a flutter! The big show at The Fitzgerald Theater on May 8th is coming! We Caskettes sure hope you can join us for the show, after party at the St. Paul Hotel and breakfast at Mickey's Diner too!"

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~ Radar Exclusive Event ~
Here's yet another Radar Member and friend doing her own thang, April Mueller a mom to Martha, Prudence and Penny for 7 months now. And here they are:

Born in Connecticut, these cool chicks are Silver-laced Wyandotte Hens, and have just begun to lay their eggs at April's S. Mpls home. I've been curious to witness this new way of bringing a bit of farm fresh living to an urban setting. Curious also to learn what's involved in urban chicken care? What their living arrangements are? How often they lay? Does what they eat really affect how the eggs taste? And how to keep them safe in our extreme seasonal conditions?

If you're curious too or just wonder if fresh laid eggs really do taste better, then join me for Radar's First Urban Field Trip! Thanks to April, Martha, Prudence and Penny, we are welcome to hang out, see how they live and maybe witness an egg-laying. And a 1/2 dozen of their eggs will be given away!

"Meet The Chicks Field Trip"! Saturday, May 15th, 11:00 am

Email Jen to sign up for this free outing (bring the kids too!)
(address to come via email)

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.

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.

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!

No stopping the shopping

The Twin Cities retailers, artists, restaurants and farmers are not letting us ignore the upcoming holidays. Lot's to get a jump on this weekend and all filled with local goodness and deals.

Friday & Saturday - November 13-14
Cache at the Casket - 50 local artists showcasing their talent in pottery, jewelry, textiles, mixed media and more. ChowGirls catering and live music tonight.



Friday & Saturday - November 13-14, and Friday & Saturday - November 20-21
Diane Nelson's Crafts & Art Sale - My friend Maridee passed this along to me, it's the classic craft sale in her Mom, Diane's, home. Diane has been doing this sale for 20 years? Bring your Mom and/or Grandma, they will love it and you will too.


Friday, Saturday & Sunday- November 13-15
Martin Patrick 3 20% off Storewide, the best Mpls men's store in my opinion.


Friday, November 13th, last day to pre-order your organic turkey from the Mill City Farmers Market


Friday, the 13th - BlackBlue - is hosting a party of Polaroid photography by local artist Nadine Gross. More than 500 unique shots will be for sale with wine, cheese and 10% off all store merchandise for the entire evening!


Saturday, November 14, 11 am - 5 pm, Cargill Lounge, Walker Art Center - Local-to-Global Jewelry Artist Mart.
Designs by local, national and international talent, many of which will be at the sale event.



Order deadline-November 15th - "Extend a warm invitation to your friends and family in Grand Café style this Thanksgiving with our take-home holiday feast. Chefs Radle and Pichler's roast Wild Acres turkey, stuffing and gravy are available for only $25/person along with a variety of traditional sides. Four person minimum per order. All orders must be picked up by 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day."

Roast Turkey, Stuffing and Gravy .....$25per person/$100 min
Mashed Potatoes (Quart)........ $7.00
Green Bean and Wild Mushroom Casserole (Pound)....... $8.00
Whole Cranberry Sauce (Pint) ......$6.00
Glazed Carrots (Quart) .......$7.00
Local Apple Pie .....$15.00
Local Pumpkin Pie..... $15.00


Friday November 13th & Saturday November 14th - STYLEDLIFE hosts acclaimed Atlanta based designer Anna Balkan for a very special jewelry trunk show Ms. Balkan's gorgeous jewelry is made of Bali gold, sterling silver, beads, pearls, antique carved jade, Baltic amber, and Swarovski crystal. Each piece is designed and hand-crafted with particular care for the colors, textures, and reflection of each material. 10 percent (%) of all Balkan's profits are donated to STOP International, a humanitarian organization dedicated to fighting the trafficking of human beings as involuntary sex workers. In addition, STYLEDLIFE and Ms. Balkan will donate 100 percent (%) of the proceeds for each "circle of life" necklace sold to support STOP International and put an end to human trafficking.



Friday, November 13th - "Presence of the Holidays," a gift mart at Suburban World Theatre


Whew!! Radar hopes the above let's you check some things off your list!

Be a Dear to Yourself This Weekend

A couple local businesses are targeting woman this weekend while their men are targeting deer. Whether you have a husband who hunts or you are just in need of some girl time, here's who hunting you down...



While the cat's away, the mice will play! Come celebrate hunting opener at Flirt on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 3:00-7:00pm. Guests will enjoy champagne, cupcakes, and 20% off one item. Click the below for details...


And Mom's for your little fawn, it's the Walker Art Center's Free First Saturday with many creative options for the kids, and this weekend's event is, Rock Out!


Remember, Radar welcomes guest bloggers, what are you doing this weekend? Share it with my followers and me!

Mad for Modern

I have a soft spot, (which began 9 yrs ago as an obsession) for mid-century modern. I thought the obsession was going to be a phase, but today my love for it continues. Part of that obsession included driving by a flat-roofed mod home just around the corner from my apartment in Uptown. I would slowly drive by and wonder when, not if, I would get to see inside that mysterious modern masterpiece.

In 2002 Tim and I move moved into that home, I still pinch myself 9 years later. It was built in 1949 - true to the title of my favorite era in architecture and design.

So this personal passion of mine has overlapped into a perfect professional project. Radar was just brought in to handle the coordinating for the National Trust for Historic Preservation and their "Modern Module" event at Christ Church Lutheran in Mpls. Christ Church, first constructed in 1949, is on the National Register of Historical places and was designed by masters father and son architects, Eliel Saarinen and Eero Saarinen.

Details on this event, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 6-10: National Trust for Historic Preservation is holding a series of events designed to focus attention on places from the recent past, including Modern buildings and landscapes and other socially and culturally important post-war resources. Called “Modern Modules,” the two-day events held in cities across the country will kick off with a panel discussion on leading-edge topics in the field of preserving modern and recent past places.

Local bonus, food by Chow Girls, desserts by Beyond Chocolates and retro tunes spinning by Jake Rudh.

If you can't make the event, Radar highly recommends taking in a tour of Christ Church or a Sunday service. And a church insider shared that Saarinen's daughter/granddaughter, Susan Saarinen, a landscape architect, has committed to re-designing the Church's landscape. This is believed to make Christ Church the only public project in the world to have 3 generations of Saarinens.

Not Six, Seven for the Calendar

My calendar is filling up with events that allow for local community support and local (I'm gonna say it, holiday) shopping, Radar encourages you to add them to your calendars...

Starting tonight, the greenest of green events, Free - Eco Boudoir at Twin Cities Green.



The most unique line-up of green offerings I've seen, such as:

• Live Eco-Sleepwear/Underwear/Lingerie Fashion Show
• Workshop from Smitten Kitten - Uptown's own progressive adult toy and equipment shop!
• Local decadent treats and organic cocktails courtesy of our sponsors!
• HOT HOT HOT Organic mattress demonstrations!
• Make your own underwear from reclaimed fabric workshop - sponsored by the Do It Green! Resource Center

Opening tomorrow, Fri, Oct, 9 - StyledLife's new FlagShip store in the Galleria. if you are a Radar follower, you know I am a huge fan of this retailer, Kevin Quinn and his team do everything right. For some insight on this fashion, trend and brand ultra-forward thinking new store, read AliShops blog.

Sat, October 10th, 10am-Noon,Free. If you're a modern lover, this home tour supports conservation, it's a national organization I've been following, Docomomo (DOcumentation and COnservation of buildings, sites and neighborhoods of the MOdern MOvement)


Sat, October 10th, 6-9 pm, Free. Art at 801, art too risky to purchase as a gift? Just getting out and supporting it gives our art community a lift.

Wed, Oct 14th, 6-8 pm - "A Men's night of Distinction"



Monday, Nov, 2th & Dec 7th - First Mondays at The Commodore - No formal site or invitation for this hidden two time holiday shopping event in the classic 1940s space of the Commodore Hotel in St Paul. One vendor I highly support is VintageWearsWares, Sheila will be there with her stellar vintage steals.

Thurs, November 5th, 5-9 pm, Maiden Minnesota - A celebration of Minnesota-based, women-owned companies, many that have been recognized as leaders in creative design. The fun, socializing and charitable shopping event will feature goods and services by leading women-owned businesses, as well as help support and raise awareness for Free Arts Minnesota, dedicated to bringing the healing powers of artistic expression into the lives of abused, neglected and at-risk children and their families.


Have something on your calendar Radar should know about?

So many food events, so little time!

Ok, the MN State Fair food fest is over, now let's focus on food from our local farm land. Here are a few events that offer nothing on a stick, but do offer more meaning to what you're eating.

Tomorrow, get it while you can:

Celebrating Local Food, Creating Permanent Community Spaces - Gardening Matters and the Midtown Farmers Market host a two-part film event: “Celebrating Local Food, Creating Permanent Community Spaces”

Who: Gardening Matters and Midtown Farmers Market
What: Movie screenings of Scott Hamilton Kennedy’s The Garden and Chris Taylor’s Food Fight (Twin Cities’ premier).
Both film showings will include a post-film discussion panel.
Where: The Riverview Theater, 3800 42nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406-3504
When: The Garden: Wednesday, Sept 9th, 7-9pm
Food Fight: Wednesday, Sept 16th, 7-9pm
Ticket Information: $10 at the door, no advance sales. Doors open at 6:30pm.

Cheese lovers!
Lucia's is proud to present a special free cheese tasting from Shepherd's Way Farms . The tasting will take place in the Wine Bar with a selection of their award winning cheeses, each of which are handcrafted just outside Northfield, Minnesota. Come support a great local farm and enjoy a glass of wine and some delicious food.
When: This Friday, Sept 11th, 5:00-7:00 pm


This Sunday, local food org, Simple, Good, and Tasty will hold it's September local food dinner a little bit different - "the biggest, best, funnest local food Pot Luck that the Twin Cities has ever seen. SGT will provide the pig - you bring your family, friends, and a dish to share. This is a great, inexpensive opportunity to meet local food enthusiasts, cook up your CSA/farmshare bounty, and eat great food."

The meal will be held at Minneapolis' Boom Island Park. Boom Island is conveniently located near downtown, and features a playground and great views of downtown Minneapolis.

Tickets for the event cost only $10 (to cover the cost of the pig and the park shelter), and kids are free.Because this event requires an upfront investment on the part of SGT, we're asking attendees to pay in advance.
When: Sun, 09/13/2009 - 5:00pm

Also on Sunday, the Black Dog Café pairs up with innovative St Paul Chef, Shelagh Connolly, from the infamous Mildred Pierce restaurant, to bring you market dinners at the Black Dog Cafe. To ensure the freshest quality, Shelagh will purchase ingredients on Sunday morning at the St Paul Farmers Market located across the street from the Black Dog Café. Come and join us as Shelagh accepts the challenge of what is fresh andhow to cook it in the limited kitchen available at the Black Dog.

The Black Dog Café has long been a supporter and regular user of the St Paul Farmers Market. Look for daily specials using market produce and products. As a long time patron purchasing produce and products from the Market over the years The Black Dog has decided to take this one step further and prepare a full wine dinner.

Vegetarian and Meat options are available. Reservations are highly recomended. Seating is limited and tables may be shared. $40 includes dinner and wine. Tax and Gratuity not included.

When: Sun, 09/13/2009 - 6:00pm