Need a gift? Here's more that your average options...

I just had brunch with a friend who happens to be a working mother of two. So she's clearly busy. She mentioned a recent errand that required shopping for a gift. She expressed mild frustration that beyond the expected local small chain of gift stores, there's just not many options.
I sympathized with her. And then realized no working mother of two would have the time to buzz about the city, looking left and right for the next store, restaurant, art gallery, etc like I do with fervor. So I shared one store that I know would bring her some relief and success in her next gift shopping mission. Corazon, Mpls Warehouse District (Washington at 2nd Ave N) store hours: Mon-Sat 9:30am - 7:30pm / Sun 10am - 3pm Phone 612.333.1662. Mpls Longfellow (Lake and West River Pkwy) store hours: Mon-Sat 10am - 8pm / Sun 11am - 5pm Phone 612.276.0198. A former Patina employee opened this must-needed DT spot which is more that just a store. Local art for sale fill the walls and rotates constantly. Each rotation brings show openings, complemented with wine & hors d'oeuvres. I have an appreciation for stores that go beyond retail and make shopping entertaining and inviting.
Driving away from brunch I continued to think of other options for this busy friend as well as others in this predicament. So here's a list of options that you may not find on the beaten track of town:
Gallery 360, 3011 W 50th St, 612-925-2400 Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Thurs til 8pm, Sun 12pm-5pm. This store's emphasis is on locally made merchandise. Many of which are kicked-off with show openings with, yep, ditto on the wine and hors d'oeuvres. You will find clothing, hats, scarves, jewelry, art, cards, soaps, pottery as well as some imported items. Very few expected offerings.
My recent blog mention, Letterbox, 2741 Hennepin Ave, 612-870-4529, T-F 11am-8pm; Sat&Sun - 12pm-6pm. Closed Mondays. Beyond the best card selection in town, Letterbox offers beautiful stationery, books, serving platters/bowl sets (I have a few, since NO ONE else carries these styles), candles and pens. And again, there is a parking lot, which is a plus in the city!
For the ultra-urbanite, Electric Fetus, 2000 4th Ave. S, (612) 870-9300. M-F 9am - 9pm, Sat 9am - 8pm, Sun 11am - 6pm. Besides having the best CD-buying experience ever, there are actually some unique gift choices, but again it's urban, nothing for Grandma in here. Items range from jewelry, clothing, purses, hats, scarves, kitchy stuff, retro candy, books, bags and rock posters.
For the overly organized man or woman on your list with demanding style, Russell+Hazel, 44th & France Ave (4388 France Ave S) 952 929 9000. Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, 10am - 6pm, Tues and Thurs, 10am - 7pm, Sundays, noon - 5pm. This Mpls company was the brainchild of 2 former Target buyers. R+H's "work/style" products are found all over the country as well as in the UK, Canada, Greece and Japan. And we are lucky to have their Flagship store right here in Edina!
And don't forget the artsy museum store, there are the obvious - The Walker Art Center Gift Shop, The Weisman Art Musuem Gift Shop. But please also consider the non-profit option with hand-made with care wares, Soo Visual Arts Gallery, 2640 Lyndale Ave S Mineapolis, MN 55408 | 612.871.2263. Wed 12pm-6pm, Thurs 12pm-8pm, Fri 12pm-5pm & Sat 12pm-4pm or by appointment.
Still at a loss? Shoot me an email, I will steer you straight!

Passion for Fashion!

I have a love-affair with fashion. I have memories of outfits far back to the age of four. I recall my Grandma telling me, "you won't always care so much about how you look". I was mortified at her prediction, but can safely say the romance still lives on.
I am also a big supporter for all-things local in the Twin Cities. So to combine these two passions, is something I need to share. I hope you and your friends can support one or several of the glam events below during MNFashion Weekend, MNfashion.org:

The time is near for MNfashion's Fall Fashion Weekend; five days of
fashion shows, fashionable parties, and fashionable people. Come out
and show your support for Minnesota's fashion industry and see some of
our most talented fashion designers show their fall lines.

MNfashion's Fall Fashion Weekend runs from Wednesday September 19th to
Sunday September 23rd.

Check MNfashion.org for a complete list of events and happenings.
Contact info@mnfashion.org with questions.

Our Mission:
MNfashion is dedicated to providing resources and professional
development, allowing designers to establish a sustainable livelihood
in Minnesota. In doing this, we foster community and encourage
industry growth.

Schedule

Wednesday, September 19

Kick-off Event:
Eclecticoiffeur Guest DJs at Transmission
9om at Clubhouse Jaeger, 21+
923 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis

Thursday, September 20


"Happy Hour" at Local Motion
4 to 8pm
2813 Hennepin Ave S
Minneapolis


Minnesota Historical Society Collections Tour: Minnesota Dressmakers
of the Late 19th Century
7 to 8pm
Minnesota History Center
345 Kellog Blvd. W
St. Paul


Kjurek Couture Fall Fashion Show featuring Amanda Christine Designs
Doors at 830, show at 10
Cost- $10
Suburban World Theater
3022 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis


Friday, September 21


Russell Bourrienne- Studio Grand Opening and Website Launch
6 to 9pm
711 West Lake Street Suite 510
Minneapolis


House of Henry Trunk Show
6 to 9pm
Picky Girl
1326 Grand Ave
St Paul

Red Shoe Clothing Company Fall Line and Website Launch
7 to 11pm
Cliché
2401 Lyndale Ave South
Minneapolis


mplsart.com presents- Loves Laborers: Art as Fashion, Fashion as Art 2
8pm to midnight, 18+
600 Washington Ave N, Suite 104
Minneapolis

Saturday, September 22


House of Henry Champagne and Truffles Brunch
11am
Picky Girl
1326 Grand Ave
St Paul


Russell Bourrienne- Open Studio
11am to 4pm
711 West Lake Street Suite 510
Minneapolis


MNfashion Open House with mnartists.org
1 to 3pm
Tea Garden
2601 Hennepin Ave S
Minneapolis


Voltage 2008 Informational Open House
3 to 4pm
Tea Garden
2601 Hennepin Ave S
Minneapolis


ann alyse clothing Fall 2007 Trunk Show
4 to 6pm
Design Collective
1311 West 26th Street
Minneapolis


Eclecticoiffeur Cotillion
7pm- Invite only


Eclecticoiffeur Launch Party
Location to be unveiled closer to Fashion Weekend
9pm 21+
$10, including open bar


Sunday, September 23


MNfashion Workshop: Fashion Illustration
1 to 5pm
Textile Center of MN
3000 University Ave
Minneapolis
$30, space is limited to 20 students


Rectangle Designs Trunk Show - "Local Flora, Fashion and Food"
4 to 6pm
Design Collective
1311 West 26th Street
Minneapolis

Fast Food, but Not

This week for many families is the start of months of moving at top speed. From the moment the household wakes, it's a blur.
So what family household has time for a sit-down dinner at a restaurant? Sure there's the typical chains that yes can deliver at the pace you're looking for, but the options are tiring. And why not start fresh by making some smarter, healthier and local choices. If we eat locally from restaurants that support our local farms, everybody wins. And you feel better knowing that food is direct from the farm to the table. Here are a couple local, as well as reasonable options that have the tempo and wise offerings that can provide a new start you and your brood...
Punch Pizza, now with 5 locations (St Paul, Eden Prairie, NE Mpls, Uptown & Wayzata), one of which you most likely are buzzing around. Punch delivers food fast and creates it right before your eyes - the kids will enjoy the 4 minute pizza-making show, as well as the lively, casual atmosphere. And a slice of pizza does pack a lot of nutrition, especially since all ingredients are fresh and made to order.
Also in NE is the much talked about Brasa, (600 E Hennepin Ave, 612-379-3030). Serving simple food that is locally raised with care. Protein choices are chicken and pork with complimentary side dishes that echo Central and South America. The way to dine at Brasa is family style, so it's as though you are already home, but without the clean-up. The kids will fit right in, paper napkins and cups, and any night of the week you can find "birthday cake" on the menu. Order it! Life is worth celebrating, especially since you all just ate well, ate locally and made good time!

Giving the Gift of a Card

I am a huge fan in both sending and receiving handwritten cards. Taking the time to pick out a card that matches the receiver, or receiving a card that is just for me. I am a sucker for that beautiful paper, matching envelope, the handwriting, the detailed graphics, the quality of the paper...oh just everything.
Since I recently got married, my husband and I gave many cards to our family and friends who played a part in our day. I immediately knew who would have cards of such significance - Letterbox, 2741 Hennepin Ave, 612-870-4529. Owned by the multi-talented husband and wife team Kimberley & Zach. Their story is fantastic, read about it on their site. They are smart, hip and ultra cool. Their talents also include customized announcements, invites and stationery. Letterbox is done right, and pushes the "envelope" in card-giving for us Minneapoltans that need a little push sometimes.
Please stop by this beautiful store, read the cards, buy one or two, write it out, seal it with a kiss and send it on...the lucky receiver will thank you. And I thank you too.

Summer + Sipping Sangria = LOVE

What's better than sipping a sangria in summer? Especially for Minneapolitans, where our time of sipping this jumbled up beverage is limited. In the last week I have sipped at a couple spots I had not been yet, Ena (46th & Grand, Mpls) and Birchwood Cafe (3311 E 25th St, Mpls). Ena's sangria, oranges and lemons afloat a dark, earthy red, very fitting for the sexy Spanish setting. Birchwood's was on the lighter side, white wine crowed with peaches, cherries and my favorite, pomegranates. Where will the next wonderful glass of Spanish enjoyment be??? If you have a favorite, please share....

FIrst Date, Last Date.

I'm sad. I found out earlier this week that after 11 years, Cafe 128 in St Paul was closing. Another 11 year run has been my relationship with my fiance, Tim. Our first date was dinner at 128 Cafe back in 1996. We had our last date there Saturday night. Cafe 128 was my first real localvore experience, a chef/family run kitchen, a small intimate setting, a staff that knows you and food that is locally raised and consistently savory. Tim and I have been in love with these types of restaurants ever since. So much so, our long-term goal is to open a restaurant of this type.
Last night, we did our Cafe 128 date right. I brought my camera, and captured walking up to 128 for the last time. A women eating outside took our photo by the door, she mentioned that we were one of many couples and families who were going through the same nostalgic evening. We sat in the same room as our first date. We ordered our favorite starter, our favorite salad, Tim order the full-rack of ribs and I the pork loin. We ordered just to order, we weren't that hungry. It was sentimental dining. I stuck our food, wine and desserts menus in my bag to stare at later, maybe in 11 years? There was a sweet, thank you message on the bottom of the menu from the staff.
We then sat, listened and observed what an intimate restaurant goes through when it comes to an end. We watched as the staff gathered, we chatted with two emotional 8 year-run dishwashers as they ate their last meal and said how much they loved their jobs. And then we heard the chef for the last time call out to his servers, "last call for food".
We were the last ones in the room and wanted to be, this is where we started. 128 gave us our first "taste" together of our passion for local, casually elegant dining. So all we could think to give the staff was a round of applause, and we did...

It's ok to be a Picky Girl...

As a girl, I can speak for them, yes we can be picky. Picky about having just the right shoes, bag, earrings, jeans, and of course with summer here, dress. There is such a place that fulfills a girls picky spots, Picky Girl in St Paul. The store is oh-so girly and ideal for a summer fashion find. The fresh, light and airy setting is a match to the stores feminine fashion and accessories lines. So be proud of your pickiness and head to the store that embraces you...
Picky Girl
Saint Paul
(651) 698-4107