Love, love, love Oli di Oliva. Not simply for all the incredibly flavorful olive oils and vinegars they’ve gathered up from around the world (I’m addicted to their basil olive oil). Not only because they offer up these culinary treasures for sampling before bottling them fresh upon purchase, but also for a really terrific Grand Opening Special they’re offering to you, dear readers, (which though I honestly think you deserve , I swear I had nothing to do with). Here’s the deal, mention you read about the shop in this Shopaholic column or in the Savvy Shopping feature in the April issue of Milwaukee Magazine and throughout the entire month of April, you’ll receive a whopping 50 percent off any one bottle of oil or vinegar you purchase – even their incredibly awesome 18 year old balsamic! Can’t decide? Not to worry, their six bottle gift selection is a great solution. Hmmm, now, if I could only get their hours extended beyond the current Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday noon – 5 p.m. schedule, life would be triple sweet. 7606 Harwood Ave., (414) 256-8066, orodioliva.com.
Shoppers who regularly peruse the sale room at George Watts & Son won’t want to miss the store’s very first Annual Clearance Sale (April 1 – 8). Promising to be a great event, expect to find an inventory of overstocks, company discontinuations, retired designs in china, silver, stainless, crystal, fine linens, napkin rings, gifts and serving accessories that could change day to day. With it all marked 70 – 90 percent off, could a hostess ask for a better excuse to restock china cabinets and linen drawers? 761 N Jefferson St., 414- 290-5700, georgewatts.com.
Maybe it’s because lately I’ve been out and about on my feet doing a lot of photo shoots, but for some reason, I’m really hyped on Stan’s Spring Fashion Trunk Show, scheduled to run April 1 – 6. Not only will the store’s three locations be offering $20 off lots and lots of regularly priced pairs of ultra comfy men and women’s casual, dress and sport styles from manufacturers like Ecco Munro, Birkenstock, Finn Comfort, Dansko , they’ll also be doing free ‘Step Foot Scan Analysis’ and giving away a free pair of Smartwool Socks (a $15 value) with each footwear purchase. Simply put, you’ll walk in with tired old dogs and leave with happy smiling feet. 505 W. Silver Spring Drive, 414-464-1930, 17155 W. Bluemound Rd., 262-821-1130, 7405 W. Layton Ave. , 414-431-6300, stansfootwear.com.
Because staying in touch is key to remaining connected as a couple, A Woman’s Touch is offering the workshop TwoPlay: The Art of Making Out (April 5 1:30 and 3:00). If you’ve lost your spark, this is your opportunity to learn how to rekindle the subtle (or not so subtle) art of laying the ground work for intimate explorations. Along with a partner (of any gender or orientation), pre-registration and pre-payment of the $25 class fee is required. What, you say you already know enough about the subject to write a book? Well, their store is also offering an Erotic Writing Workshop (7 pm April 9 ) presented by Body Heat Femme Porn Tour 2008. The evening starts with a reading and book signing at 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.. Whether you’re currently a writer or not, it’s a great opportunity to explore the ins and outs of really personal expressions ($25 class fee). 200 N. Jefferson, 414-221-0400, a-womans-touch.com.
Ever wonder just how it is that South American wines have acquired a French accent? Well, WineStyles helps you figure it out with a tasting event (April 8 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.) by Jessica Bell founder of the Milwaukee Wine School. The shop is designed like a rustic European wine cellar, that makes easy work of wine selection by offering lots of wines priced $10 – $15 dollars categorized by style – bold, bubbly, crisp etc. Learn a little now and who knows, maybe you can impress your friends later, right? $30 fee per person ( $20 Wine Club members). 17000 W. Bluemond Rd., Brookfield, 262- 792-9463, winestyles.net/Brookfield.
Aside from a sweeping lake view, I’ve always felt part of the charm of Lake Park Bistro is it’s proximity to the Bocce Ball grounds. I love that in fair weather there’s always a group of people giving full attention to the precise art of ‘lawn bowling. Given that it’s been around since the Roman empire, it’s no surprise that a lot of the older gents engaging in the sport look like they would have learned it as boys in Italy. In the last few years it’s been gaining in contemporary popularity. Sometimes on a quiet summer afternoon hearing the subtle and satisfying sound of balls clinking together on a manicured lawn dappled with sunlight filtered through tree boughs, I find myself wanting to join in just for the pure charm of it. Luckily, should I (or any one of you) be so inclined, Design Within Reach stands ready with a truly traditional Bocce Ball Set with carrying case. 167 N. Broadway, 414-224-5353, dwr.com.
As Spring’s natural bounty of color surfaces, bid adieu to the blah of winter while you freshen up your own look with a stop in at Blush during it’s fun annual Spring Make Up Event ( April 4 & 5) . Simply book a complimentary appointment for a makeup application highlighting fresh new trends with Laura Mercier’s national and regional make-up artists andnot only will you get the goods on the latest looks and most current collections, there will be a free gift with purchase along with lots of pink champagne. Plus, helping round out spring’s fashion forecast, the ladies from Her’s and Gigi of Mequon will be on hand to offer lots of tips. Seriously girls, after last season’s storms isn’t it time to concentrate on the serious business of looking pretty? 249 N Water St., 414-272-1718, blushmilwaukee.com.
