Five years ago when teenage son Justin needed spending money, master knife sharpener Lee Frederick seized the double opportunity to pass along skills while sharing irreplaceable time working side by side with his son. In the process of learning Justin, who turned out to be as just as gifted as his dad, pushed Lee to adopt more modern, state of the art techniques and soon a family business was born. To date, The Sharp Brothers have honed over 50,000 knives into ultra fine shape. Foodies with a vested interest in cooking equipment will appreciate how easily this father and son duo takes the dullness out of their lives. Simply drop your knives off in the box outside the family home at 4945 N. Bartlett or for quicker service, stop by their fully equipped shop truck parked every Saturday (8 a.m. to noon) at the East Town or swing by the Brookfield Farmer’s Market (7:30 a.m. till noon) and they’ll take care of them while you shop. You can also catch them 1 – 5 p.m. on Sundays at the Bayside Garden Center. Thesharpbrothers.com.
Tying into the Milwaukee Historical Society’s June 30 premiere showing of the new movie Public Enemies, starring Johnny Depp (see milwaukeehistory.net for tickets), Lela helps guests aiming to ‘dress the part’ by offering 10 percent off to anyone mumbling the code word Dillinger at the cash register. Milwaukeehistory.net. 321 N Broadway. 414-727-4855, lelaboutique.com.
Running out of ideas for cool kids parties? How about booking a pampering two-hour stint at Serenity Day Spa. Their Lil’ Spa Diva party for girls 4 – 9 offers mini bubbly manicures, spa-licious pedicures, sparkle makeup and hair glitz with the spa taking care of invitations and decorations, supplying pink robes, headbands and slippers, presenting a princess tiara and sparkling juice ‘champagne’ toasts to the birthday girl and handing out fun gift bags. There’s also music, dancing, craft time and a runway show complete with boas. All in all, it’s a great way to introduce kids to the fun of feeling special. The Junior Spa Diva package aimed toward girls 10- 14 features do-your-own yogurt honey facials, mini –fizzy manicures, spa-licious pedicures, funky glitzy up dos and lots of glam & glitz makeup for one spa-taculous party. 2120 N. Mooreland Rd., Brookfield, 262-970-9750, serenityday-spa.com.
The Milwaukee Indie Fashion Market hosted by Fashion Ninja on June 27 (noon – 7 p.m.) offers up clothing, handbags, jewelry and accessories from over a dozen talented city designers (admission $1). Fashion Ninja is also looking for volunteer models to give form to their July 25 fashion show – a fun way to network and gain some valuable experience in the fashion field. 315 N. Plankinton, 414-481-3865. Fashionninja.com.
CHECK OUT
June 25 – June 27 at Mark Pasch Ltd: Save 30 – 50 percent on select men’s, women’s and young men’s spring and summer fashions. 333 W. Brown Deer Road, Bayside, 414-351-5634, markpaschltd.com.
Beginning June 25 at Harleys: save 30 – 70 percent on all men’s seasonal fashions and accessories. 4009 N. Oakland Ave., 414-332-3404, harleys4men.com.
June 25 at Luci: Special Martini Night: New makeup line, laser light consultations, mini massages, hair styling, a $300 shopping spree giveaway, free jewelry with $50 purchase and the chance to meet some local celebrities. 532 N. Water St., 414-226-0114, luciboutique.com.
June 25 at Fred Ladies Night includes special sales, cocktails, appetizers and an introduction to the store’s new and improved VIP program offering everyday discounts, access to trunk shows, private parties and events. 524 N. Water St., 414-273-3733, fredboutique.com.
June 27 at Soaps & Scents (east side location only) Fragrance Day: 25 percent off savings on all soaps, lotions, potions, colognes, perfumes and body oils for the whole family, including those already marked down. 2628 N. Downer Ave., 414-962-6566.
June 27 at East Towne Jewelers Grape Event: Enjoy nibbles and drawings to win free bottles of wine. Spend $100 or more on Pandora’s expressive jewelry line and receive a free set of lovely wine glass charms. 1515 W Mequon Rd., Mequon, 262-241-8007, easttownejewelers.com.
Through June 28 at Blush Black Dot White Dots Sale: 50 – 75 percent off on lots of overstock skin care, bath and body products, candles, perfume, men’s cosmetics, jewelry, cosmetic bags and more. 249 N. Water 414-272-1718,blushmilwaukee.com.
June 29 (noon – 4 p.m.) at Sprout Ford Models Search: Looking for photogenic little ones aged 6 months to a year. 320 E Buffalo St., 414-289-0844, sproutkid.com
Through June 29 Design Within Reach: Save 15 percent off the store’s core collection. Through July 7: Save 20 percent and get free shipping on all their cool outdoor furnishings. 167 N. Broadway, 414-224-5353, dwr.com.
Though June 31 at Soho Gallery: Save 70 – 80 percent on unframed, hand painted contemporary to traditional canvasses. 532 N Water St., 414-273-7646
June 30 at Luscious (Shorewood location only) Ladies Night: Wine, nibbles and discounts – like buy one dress and get your second half off. 4407 N. Oakland Ave., 414-755-8139, shopluscious.com.
Through June 30 at Luscious (downtown location only) Grand Opening Sale: Get25 percent off everything in the store. 522 N. Water, 414-755-8139, shopluscious.com.
Through June 30 at Vieux et Nouveau: Buy any one handbag and save 50 percent 50 percent off a second. 1688 N. Franklin Place, 414- 287-9049, boutiquemilwaukee.com.
Don’t miss this week’s Culture Club column for a rundown of what’s happening in the arts.
