Despite the fact I cut my finger on a freshly super sharpened knife blade while dicing red pepper last week, having my trusty food prep tool revitalized by The Sharp Brothers was still well worth it. Maybe you remember me telling you about Lee and Austin, a father and son team who employ state of the art techniques to keep knives as well as scissors, shears, pruners, trimmers, lawn mower blades and chisels operating at their best? Well, last weekend, kitchen knives in hand, I decided to take my own advice and pay them a quick visit and was amazed at how Lee honed each of them to an even sharper edge than when they were new. Accessing their expertise is easy and convenient as every Saturday they set up shop at both the East Town Market (8 a.m. to noon) and the Brookfield Farmer’s Market (7:30 a.m. till noon) and on Sunday’s you’ll find them at the Bayside Garden Center (1 – 5 p.m.). Simply drop off all the stuff you want sharpened and let them work their magic while you shop. Plan on going to Brookfield? Better get there early, as they get pretty busy. Thesharpbrothers.com.
Designer Conrad Ayala is another local fellow who deserves a bit of notice. First, because he operates UtimatePokerSupplies.com, an extremely popular website offering everything someone with a passion for poker could require including custom designed poker chips that can stand in for everything from business cards to party invitations to wedding favors. Second, because of his offshoot website, Dogpokerchips.com. It’s loaded with colorful gaming chips featuring graphic renditions of over a hundred different breeds of dogs plus the option to personalize them with an image of your very own pooch. Available as key chains, single chips, packs of ten and sets of 100 and 500 tucked into mahogany, aluminum and oak carrying cases, the chips make a terrific gift and are often sold or raffled off by rescue groups to raise money for pups in need, something that makes animal lover Conrad very happy indeed.
I also want to give a nod to Laura Cole owner of Aala Reed who is partnering with the Milwaukee Rescue Mission to help men feel more comfortable in rejoining the work force by offering them the confidence of looking their best during interviews and at their new jobs. Generously granting 30 percent off store purchases now through August 9 in exchange for the donation of gently used donated clothing, she’s also making shoppers feel twice as nice for helping out. 1320 E. Brady St., 414-226-2252, aalareed4men.com
CHECK OUT
August 6 (5 – 8 p.m.) at the P.H. Dye House (home to Picture Perfect, Moda 3, Sprout, A New Bloom & VP Gallery): Stop in during the building’s monthly First Thursday Gathering for a glimpse of glass jewelry by Tammy Rae Johnson, free Mary Kay Cosmetics facials, live music by Undying Allegiance, appetizers, refreshments and other specials of the evening. Fans of cool stuff fashioned by Flux will find a limited edition of the local design team’s modern timeless home furnishings, wine racks, tables, bar stools, arbors and trellises at great prices at Picture Perfect. Shoppers will also save 60 percent off assorted artwork in the store’s Back Room during their August Clearance Sale. 320 E. Buffalo St., 414-271-3712
August 1 – 15 at Percy’s: Celebrating it’s first year under new ownership, this premier linen and lingerie shop holds an Anniversary Sale treating shoppers to 20 percent off all in-stock merchandise and 10 percent off special orders. 11041 N. Port Washington Rd., 262-241-9343
August 4 – 7 at Lela: Save 20 percent off all La Vie Parisienne Jewelry by Catherine Popesco. Made in France, this feminine collection inspired by elements of the Byzantine, Baroque and Victorian eras, is made from vintage molds and features expert enameling and fine crystals. 321 N Broadway, 414-727-4855, lelaboutique.com.
August 4 – 9 at Luscious (Shorewood location): A joint Yard Sale with sister store Fred offers up fashions, accessories, jewelry, shoes and handbags at a 50 – 70 percent savings. Slightly damaged seasonal goods are also available for just $5 apiece. 4407 N. Oakland Ave., 414-755-8139, shopluscious.com.
August 8 (1 – 3 p.m.) at Artist and Display: Providing all materials needed the store invites shoppers to express themselves during a free demo exploring the creation of 2.5” x 3.5” artist trading cards, an intriguing new art form. 9015 W. Burleigh St., 414-442-9100, artistanddisplay.com.
This week at juxt: During the Pine Cone Hill Pajama Extravaganza buy two pair of super cool and comfy cotton voile Kaftan PJ’s for just $39.95 (retail value $64). Available in sizes XS – XL. 1504 Underwood Avenue, Wauwatosa, 414-257-1710, juxthomebaby.com.
Thru August 15 at Blush: Receive two free travel sized body products from modern spa line B. Kamins when you book a full leg wax or total body polish. Make an appointment for both and they’ll toss in a couple more gifts. 249 N. Water St., 414-272-1718, blushmilwaukee.com.
Thru the end of August at East Towne Jewelers: Kicking off the store’s 25th year in business, shoppers are treated to 20 – 50 percent savings on sterling silver, gold and platinum bracelets storewide (with just a few exceptions). 1515 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, 262-241-8007, easttownejewelers.com.
Currently at Shoestringhome.com: Lots of new fresh fabulous stuff for you and your home that’s perfect for summer living.
