No matter how over par you putt, Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers can make you feel like a pro with a photo taken alongside the coveted Wanamaker Silver Cup Trophy. Simply stop by the downtown store on April 30 (noon-3 p.m.) or the Whitefish Bay shop on May 1 (11 a.m.-3 p.m.), and while you’re there put your stroking skills to use, winning fun prizes while entering to win tickets to the 2010 PGA Tournament at Kohler’s Whistling Straits. 763 N. Broadway St., 414-271-1342 & 417 E. Silver Spring Dr., 414-964-1242, schwanke-kasten.com.
Seriously, free wine? Yup, on May 1 (1-3 p.m.), the Waterford Wine Company is hosting an absolutely free “For the Love of France” wine tasting, featuring a selection of lush to rustic reds. Should robust spirits be more to your liking, attend the store’s “North American Whiskey: American Spirit” tasting May 4 (7 p.m.) when for just $20 per person you’ll sample everything from California single malts to Kentucky still reserves and Canadian ryes. 1327 E. Brady St., 414-289-9463, waterfordwine.com.
If cellulite, unwanted hair or age spots have got you down, take heart, cause May is Med Spa Month at Prettycity.com. Visit the site for a list of non-invasive skin-saving beauty services and treatments that could cost up to $450 any other month, discounted to just $99 at participating medical spas across the city.
Witness how well the creativity of local designers have met the challenge of illustrating this year’s futuristic fashion theme at the fourth-annual Fashion Revolution Show on May 1 at the Milwaukee Art Museum (700 N. Art Museum Dr.). The fun begins with a red carpet photo op and opening reception (7 p.m.) and continues with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, a showcase of local vendors, the opportunity to network with industry professionals, a terrific runway production featuring REMIX and an after party at Kenadee’s. Can’t make the show? See lots of one-of-a-kind fashions and accessories from indie designers at Sheena Luckett’s (the woman behind the show) Boutique Revolution. 5209 W. North Ave., 414-807-3275, thefashionrevolution.com.
Thanks to recent renovations, shopping the Miss Ruby Boutique has only gotten better. Women will find one side of the shop’s airy loft space serving as a wedding boutique featuring contemporary bridal, bridesmaid and formal gowns while the other features a wonderful selection of day to evening all-occasion dresses. 522 N. Water St., 414-755-2900, missrubyboutique.com.
Who hasn’t been uh, flashed by a less than flattering view of some dude’s derriere as he bends over to fix a toilet, work on a car or whatever. Since the sight rarely qualifies as eye candy, bravo to Duluth Trading Co. (purveyors of ingenious work-related clothing) for designing something to keep the visual agony to a minimum. The company’s new Longtail T is three inches longer than standard, so a tucked in shirt stays tucked in, effectively eliminating the dreaded “plumber butt.” It’s also made of beefy, 100 percent cotton with reinforced seams, and it’s available in a variety of colors and styles. $14.50 at duluthtrading.com.
Think Ace Hardware and Whole Foods have nothing in common? Well think again cause new environmentally safe odor-eliminating products by Fresh Wave are now available at both stores. Made with natural ingredients such as lime, pine needles, clove, aniseed and cedar wood, the spray, odor-neutralizing crystals and soy candles easily get rid of odors caused by sweaty shoes, musty towels, greasy frying pans, smoky ashtrays, smelly pets and just about everything else that’s icky.
On May 1 and 2 (shoo) will hold a huge spring sale celebrating the opening of its new Madison location (109 State St.). Whether you shop here or there, one thing’s for certain, you’ll save 25 percent on just about all of the fabulous, out-of-the-ordinary shoes for men and women as well as artful accessories. Or stay home and shop online and enter discount code Madison25. Sporting great shoe style couldn’t get any simpler. 241 N. Broadway St., 414-765-2355, shoostore.com.
IN ANTICIPATION OF MOTHER’S DAY
Sprecher Brewing Company has a special Tour and Stop & Shop lined up for May 2 and May 9. After taking one of the hourly tours (beginning at noon) and entering a raffle to benefit Breast Cancer, mom can take a spin around a temporary shop in the indoor beer garden (11 a.m. and 4 p.m.) showcasing sponsors such as Ralph Lauren Fragrances, Welke’s House of Roses, Beauty Control, Clarins, Lis Sophia/Miche Bags and others offering products, free samples and complimentary beauty treatments. She can also stop by the Rathskellar where Chiropractic Company and Pravo will be giving $10 10-minute professional massages. Finish up with lunch or early dinner buffet (noon- 4 p.m.) provided by Bravo Cucina Italiana. Fee for tour & shop $4 adult, $3 seniors, $2 kids, U.S. Military free. Buffet cost $10 adults, $5 children. 701 W. Glendale Ave, Glendale, 414-964-2739, sprecherbrewery.com.
Share some quality time, save $30 and get a free gift when you and your mother book an hour-long refreshing, softening and nourishing Rose Facial during the We Love You Mom special going on at Blush. Or bond over a pair of brow-shaping services for just $16 each (a savings of 10 percent). Go for a new look and trim $10 off the cost of a mother/daughter makeup lesson. Book a mother-daughter spa day, and you’ll earn savings on all three services, plus get a $10 gift certificate. 249 N. Water St., 414-272-1718, blushmilwaukee.com.
Colorful and uniquely flexible, Izzy and I hand-crafted bead crochet bracelets and necklaces by local designer Jacquelynn Ives feature Swarovski crystals, pearls, semi-precious gemstone and hand-blown glass focal beads and natural stone pendants set in sterling silver. Buy one now for mom and you can skip the shipping charge at izzyandI.com.
For something fun yet practical, how about a pair of polka dot (or plain) washable cotton protective gloves to protect mom’s hands and manicure from the grim and lingering scent often picked up when pumping gasoline? It might seem silly, but keeping mine in their handy storage bag tucked into my glove compartment has really made a difference. Available at pumpgloves.com.
Get special pricing at Juxt on lovely gifts for moms of all ages like Pine Cone Hill and Kaftan PJs, spring and summer tote bags and Khall shea butter soap and bath salts in milk, lilac and pomegranate scents. Get a free shower/bath gel with purchase of $50 or more. 1504 Underwood Ave., 414-257-1710, juxthomebaby.com.
Sporty moms might fancy two new jewelry collections by former Milwaukeen Dana Hoiles (wife of retired MLB player Chris Hoiles) aimed at the fashion-forward and sports-minded. Designs in her moderately priced Winn collection consist of sterling silver golf clubs, hockey sticks and baseball bats tastefully tweaked into hearts, crosses and the Star of David while the more precious All Star Collection features offerings like a delicate pave diamond and ruby baseball pendant. For more info visit danahoiles.com.
Indulgence Chocolatiers has come up with a couple of delicious treats for mom. Like Wine Truffles featuring a reduction of Caymus 2007 Special Selection Cabernet (available now to May 21). Or how about a yummy bouquet of chocolate truffles in delicate flavors like rose petal, orange blossom and lavender? At indulgencechocolatiers.com.
CHECK OUT
Now at Neroli Salon (all four locations): Free Light the Way Candle featuring organic lavender with the purchase of a $100 gift card. 414-227-2888, nerolispa.com.
April 29 (5 p.m.-12 a.m.) at White Star: This new men’s boutique celebrates its Grand Opening with cocktails and sushi, hair styling by Groom, a live DJ, giveaways and an after party at Decibel. 524 N. Water St., 414-226-0114.
April 29 (5-10 p.m.) at Luci: Divas Night out features complimentary sushi, martinis and beverages, hand waxes by DiCarlo Salon and makeovers by Daniel Richon. 532 N. Water St., 414-226-0114, luciboutique.com.
April 29 (4-7 p.m.) at Capricio Salon & Spa: Ladies Night Out event features primping, pampering, mini massages, customized Microzone treatments and make up applications. RSVP $25 per person. Fee can be applied to product and facial package specials. 3041 N. Oakland Ave., 414-967-0100, capriciosalon.com.
Through April 30 (8 p.m.) at Open Book: Help close a chapter on the store all while saving a whopping 40 percent on all books and gifts. 4093 N. Oakland Ave., 414-431-3170, openbookcoop.com.
Through April 31at Luci: Buy any dress and save 50 percent on the purchase of a second one. 532 N. Water St., 414-226-0114, luciboutique.com.
Every Sunday in May (2-6 p.m.) at Boswell Book Company: Shop a green market featuring plants, baskets and local crafts. 2559 N. Downer Ave., 414-333-1181, boswell.indiebound.com.
May 1 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) at the Central Library: Readers of all tastes can pick through tons of new and used books and books-on-tape priced at just a dime apiece at The Friends of the Milwaukee Library used book sale. 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., 414-286-3000, mpl.org.
May 6 (noon-8 p.m.) at Mark Pasch Ltd: Men will find great fashion at special pricing during a trunk show featuring Eton Sweden Shirts, Donald J. Pliner Shoes and Ross Graison sportswear. 333 W. Brown Deer Rd., 414-351-5634, markpaschltd.com.
May 13 (4:30-7 p.m.) at Anew Skin & Wellness: Spring open house features various treatment demonstrations, gift bags, a raffle, a 15 percent discount on products and one future booking, and hors d’ oeuvres and beverages. RSVP by May 6. 19265 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, 262-373-1810, anewsw.com.
