Forget chocolates on the pillow. To celebrate receiving the coveted AAA Four Diamond Hotel status, the upscale and stylish Iron Horse Hotel is bestowing four unset diamonds (1.6 carats) to one lucky guest staying with them between now and Dec. 15. The winner, who will be announced during the public Four Diamonds White Party at the boutique hotel Dec. 17, can also have Lake Hill House jewelers fashion the diamonds into a piece of one-of-a-kind jewelry. 500 W. Florida St., 888-543-4766, theironhorse.com, lakehillhouse.com.
Think your pretty little one is pretty special? Looking to have your kids bring in a bit of the bacon? Check out the Ford Model Casting Call for children 6 months to 12 years of age at Sprout Nov. 21 (noon-2). Have photos taken by the agency and save 15 percent on purchases. 320 E. Buffalo St., 414-289-0844, sproutmilwaukee.com.
Hubby off hunting? Why not make the most of it? Grab your BFF, head to Kohler Nov. 20-29 and take advantage of the Deer Season Widow package, which includes a night at The American Club (standard guest room rates start at $85 per person based on double occupancy),a $30 gift certificate (per person) for The Shops at Woodlake, a bottle of wine for the room and a 30 percent discount on any indulgent Kohler Waters Spa service. 419 Highland Dr., Kohler, 800-344-2838, destinationkohler.com.
Given the economic climate, independent retailers, small business owners and designers are all atwitter about Ad Diner, the Web site brainchild of former award-winning Wisconsin ad agency professionals Randy and Cindy Gunter. The site offers a menu of ready-to-use radio, television, print, billboard and direct mail ads that can be customized with logos and content for a fraction of what a typical ad agency might charge. Businesses buy the exclusive use of any ad within their market for one full year. Creative types also benefit as the site distributes ads designed and submitted by advertising agencies, production studios and freelancers who are paid a royalty each time their ad is sold. Sounds like a win-win right? Find out more at addiner.com.
The Irish Fest Center invites one and all to the ninth annual Celtic Boutique on Nov. 21 (9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.). Pick up traditional, imported and handmade gifts, books, jewelry and arts and crafts that celebrate the traditions and tastes of the world’s brightest and most-talented people (being of Irish descent, you understand I had to say that, right?). Also featured are scones, potato soup and other yummies at Café Celtique. 1532 Wauwatosa Ave., 414-476-3378, irishfest.com.
Like most women, I’ve had my share of bridesmaid dress horrors, so naturally I loved the option one bride gave me. With friends of various sizes and shapes, she chose the color and left us to choose the style we felt was most flattering. So smart. Brides who like the idea, best head to Miss Ruby before Nov. 30 where they can save $20 per dress on three or more differently styled options ordered in the same coordinating color or fabric. 522 N. Water St., 414-755-2900, missrubyboutique.com.
On Nov. 20 (5-9 p.m.), the holiday customs of the United Kingdom kick off the first of Cedarburg’s five Festive Friday Eves held through Dec. 18 at the Historic Cedar Creek Settlement. Get a sense of how Christmas is celebrated in Scotland and England with live music with Derek Byrne, performances by Milwaukee Scottish Country Dancers, a strollingbagpiper, a visit from Father Christmas, freshly roasted chestnuts, shortbread, scones, wines, cookies and cider. N70 W. 6340 Bridge Rd., Cedarburg, 866-377-4788, cedarcreeksettlement.com.
Feeling overwhelmed at the idea of tackling Thanksgiving dinner? Both Good Harvest Markets help you get ready by hosting a fun and festive Early Bird PJ Party Nov. 21 (6-9 a.m.). Offering 5 percent off purchases during the event, the stores up savings to 10 percent off for all who shop in jammies, robes and slippers. Also making eating well extra easy are complimentary hot apple cider, coffee, tea and bakery samples, fall crafts and storytelling for the kids and a free 12-pound turkey giveaway at each store. 1850 Meadow Ln., Pewaukee, 262-544-9380 & 346 N. Broadway, 414-727-3560, goodharvestmarket.com.
Sadly with the loss of its lease, MP/two will begin a huge must-vacate sale on Nov. 18 (9 a.m.-8 p.m.) with savings of up to 60 percent on men’s and women’s contemporary fashions. The store dealt some serious style, and hopefully it will reopen soon somewhere else in the city. But until it does, look for much of the fashion you found downtown at Mark Pasch Ltd in Bayside. 825 N. Jefferson St., 414-272-4672, www.markpaschltd.com.
CHECK OUT:
Nov. 19 (5:30-7:30 p.m.) at George Watts: Expert Sean Monteque explains which crystal glasses pair perfectly with particular wines and spirits at the Riedel Crystal Wine Tasting. Receive a complimentary set of four Riedel crystal stems (considered some of the finest in the world) with every RSVP ($65 per person or $100 for two). 761 N. Jefferson St., 414-290-5700, georgewatts.com.
Nov. 20-22 at The American Club: Shop the 27th annual Wisconsin Holiday Market featuring local and national artisans. Admission is $6 for adults, $1 for children up to 12 years old (no strollers please).A holiday market luncheon buffet will be available in The Wisconsin Room. 419 Highland Dr., Kohler, 800-344-2838, destinationkohler.com.
Nov. 20 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) at Grotta & Co.: Shop unique velvet scarves and pillows specially priced and perfect for holiday gift giving. 207 E. Buffalo St., 414-273-8066, grottaco.com.
Nov. 21 (3-6 p.m.) at Larry’s Market: James Norton and Becca Dilley, authors of The Master Cheesemakers of Wisconsin, join fourth-generation Master Cheesemaker Kerry Henning to chat about artisan offerings and offer samples of delicious cheeses. 8737 N. Deerwood Dr., 414-355-9650, larrysmarket.com.
Nov. 21 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) at freckle face: Little ones are invited to a free turkey craft workshop. Meanwhile, moms are invited to save 15 percent on all towels, bibs, bottles and other bath and feeding products through Nov. 22. 244 N. Broadway, 414- 298-1488, frecklefaceboutique.com.
Nov. 21 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) at Central Library: The Holiday and Children’s New and Used Book Sale offers loads of literature for less. 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., 414-286-3000, mpl.org.
Nov. 21 (noon-3 p.m.) at Artist and Display: Artist Pamela Scesniak shows how easy and fun adding dazzle to holiday cards, arts and crafts with imitation gold leaf is, especially as it shines and gleams as much as the real deal does. 9015 W. Burleigh St., 414-442-9100, artistanddisplay.com.
Nov. 22 (1-4 p.m.) at Thief Wine: A Thanksgiving Wine Sampling, featuring white, red and pink holiday suggestions, takes the worry out of which wine to serve. $10, no RSVP required. 400 N. Water St., 414-277-7707, thiefwine.com.
Nov. 22 (noon-3 p.m.) at Bieg Boutique: A holiday fashion show offers ladies size 14 and up confidence-boosting inspiration and lots of designer options to wear to seasonal parties and celebrations. Refreshments served. RSVP requested. 301 Main St., Waukesha, 262-446-3879, biegboutique.com.
Nov. 24 (1-6 p.m.) at Blush: Get lessons on how to looking dazzling as the shop debuts makeup guru Laura Mercier’s sexy new Club Couture Collection. Free gift with Laura Mercier purchase of $50 or more. 249 N. Water St., 414-272-1718, blushmilwaukee.com.
Through Nov. 26 at Retique: Donate gently used clothing or accessories to receive a coupon good for 30 percent off any store purchase. 190 N. Broadway, 414-273-1797, amazinggoodwill.com.
Through Dec. 10 at Maurices (Southridge Mall location): drop off a new unwrapped gift for babies, kids, tweens or teens for donation to Toys for Tots and get a coupon good for 20 percent off any regular-priced fashion item. 5300 S. 76 St., 414-423-1065, maurices.com.
