Music, time to listen up.

We have ourselves scores of musically talented locals. Have you been out to support one? Here's a couple to catch.
New on my list - Makeready, playing this Friday at the Terminal Bar, 9pm, with The Melvilles and The Slacks.

Then the sweet steady sounds of Quarter Arce Lifestyle, playing Tuesday, March 4th, 8 pm at The Fine Line. And then you have another chance at their CD Release Party, Nomad World Pub, Friday, March 21, 9 pm. For other QAL "local" shows? Head to Auckland, New Zealand, where the two founding brothers are originally from. But, think of the money you'll save if you just catch them here.

New Music Venue: The Hollow

Nyo way? Or way? An ancient dining art form arrives in Mpls...

I saw in the Strib this week and just received my email blast below from Temple Restaurant, here’s what’s going on in local sushi:

Temple has been noted for its unique and beautiful presentation of Sushi. Now Temple continues in its pursuit of presenting sushi as a true form of 'Art.' Nyotaimori and Nantaimori are accepted traditions in Japan of serving sashimi and sushi off of the body of a woman or a man. It has been practiced for centuries, initiated as an art by the Geisha Community.


We are pleased to announce that Temple Restaurant is now taking reservations for Private Nyotaimori and Nantaimori Events for both small and large groups.

For further information or to book an event, please contact our Event Coordinator at info@mplstemple.com or
call 612-813-5418.

Temple Restaurant and Shinto Lounge
1201 Harmon Place
Minneapolis MN 55403
612-767-3770
www.mplstemple.com

I'm still debating on trying this myself. I'm an art and food lover, but not sure if I can take them lying down. How about you? Take my poll ---->

Things I love this Valentine's Day

I'm a sentimental, romantic mush. So Valentine's Day is a holiday I love. So cliche I know, which I don't love, but whaddya do...

Here's my list of lusts:

• Skyways - no other city has 'em like we have 'em, they are true angels this time of year aren't they?


• Monte Carlos wings - hands down the best in town. If you've never had them, go get your love-affair started...


• The city lakes - As I walk Lake Harriet, often I share the love with some guy ice fishing while listening to his transistor radio. Opposites really attract.

• Hunt & Gather Antiques for their vast supply of vintage Valentines.


• Our bouquet of diverse talent. A day doesn't seem to pass that I don't meet a local with some sort of creative talent. From a stained-glass aficionado to a secret seamstress.
• The Valentine card that arrived today from my Mom and Dad. It was our first card with the words "daughter and her husband". What I love is knowing how happy it made my Mom to send and seal it with a kiss.
• Our lovely dining options that set the Cupid mood - Grand Cafe, Lucia's, Georgio, Crema Cafe, Heidi's, Cave' Vin. Limited on food, but unlimited on romance, Bev's Wine Bar.
• Those damn conversation hearts.

• MSP International airport. It's the launch pad to escapes and dreamy destinations. And it's the home base when I'm ready for the comforts of home.
• That I will once again be celebrating the day with my husband, the mushiest of the mushes...

So what do you love this Valentine's Day? Whatever it is, celebrate it.

Warm up with a Cookie...

This is a smart one too. She's Cookie Coleman, her talent shines by day as a local event planner, and, if lucky, about twice a year you can eat up her sweet singing side.
Tomorrow night at The Dakota, she will be pouring out her specialty, jazz standards, and they go down like a fine wine. So go drink her up, and grab dinner too, the food is a match to the talent. Oh and joining Cookie will be world class musicians! Another oh, the price, $5!

How Lucky are we!

Mega shopping mag, Lucky, gave the Twin Towns a shout-out in their February issue. Local stores they found worthy:

Bella Lana
Bluebird
Clutch Boutique
Covered
Design Collective
Hunt & Gather
Ivy
Letterbox
Luehmann
Salon Rouge
Seleil Brule'
Walker Shop

Kudos to all!

2008, what are you going to do with it?

Resolutions are everywhere, you have 362 days ahead, pick a few to do something different:
You want to read more this 08. Here's a book club that expands your mind and your brew buds. Check out: "Books and Bars", a monthly reading club that shares view and brews at a local fav, Bryant Lake Bowl, 810 W Lake St, Mpls, booksandbars.com
It's not a resolution without exercise, but here's a trainer that comes to you, homfit.com

Need to get organized? Orgtoday.com

Want to update or personalize your style? Here's a couple mavens: Linda Froiland, she works with local celebs and locals like you and me. There's also StyledLife, an upscale boutique store and consulting service in one. Gaviidae Common 2, 6th and Nicollet, 612-5400.

Looking to improve your beauty routine? Did you ever think your lip balm was unsafe? Guess what, I hate to be a downer, but... The US does not require the FDA or any other government agency to approve the safety of our cosmetics and body care products. The European Union now bans more that 1,100 chemicals found in these types of products vs. the US ban of only 10. Check this site to see what's in the products you are using everyday: CosmeticDataBase.com. So where can you go for safe options? Becky Sturm of Storm Sisters Spatique believes in a 100% organic approach and will match what's best for your skin, hair, nail and body type. Labels may be unfamiliar (many are from Europe), but they are safe and thoughtful products for your body's health. Storm Sisters, 635 South Smith Ave, 651.221.4668

Want to DO more?
Hey, there's snow, snowshoe.

Go listen to music, Cafe Maude, The Beat Coffee House, Artists Quarter, 331 Club.

Looking for an artsy, ice-fishing style venue? Can do, The Art Shanty Project.

Dress for yourself and get noticed. Here's some inspiration from local eye-catchers and the blogger that snaps them, Minneapoline.

Sip Afternoon Tea at the St Paul Hotel.

We have Wineries, go on a tour.

Learn how to curl! St Paul Curling Club.

Take in local Fashion in a fiesty way, become an M-Club member and get your tix to: Fashion Fight Night.


Support up-and-coming chefs. Lunch is open M-W, 11-1 in the Gourmet Gallery, the Culinary Student Department of the Arts Institute International.

Grab 14 friends and be the first fools in April, take a PedalPub Tour.
Go and see art, even better buy it, MplsArt.com.


So resolve to be, do, see, shop, listen a little differently this year. It will do you and our fine cities some good.