OK, so I got myself a rescue puppy. A little cup o’sunshine, so cute, and all who met her either asked me about or shared some opinion as to what breed she is. Tired of the mystery, I had my vet do a DNA test and it turns out the Kipster is a mix of Miniature Schnauzer and Alaskan Malamute, news that immediately explains her affinity to last winter’s onslaught of snow. Sweet and smart and filling up my life with unbridled, unconditional love, she is in a word, perfect – except, perhaps, for just one tiny thing. True to her terrier bloodline, along with her daily walks, she definitely needs some serious active play at least once a day. And being busy as a bee, I don’t always have the time to keep her amused. Luckily, I fell upon what has to be the BEST DOG TOY ever, The Chase- It. Available in two sizes (there’s even one specifically made for cats & ferrets) this sturdy flexible thing-a-ma-jig is like a fishing pole that features an ergonomic handle and a stuffed squirrel attached to its strong, braided nylon line. Designed to be used by owners of all ages and levels of mobility and energy, all you just have to do is sit, stand or run around while squiggling the squirrel about to give your pooch a great, engaging session of interactive fun and exercise. DOGS LOVE IT!!! Plus it makes a great training tool. The toy is the brainchild of Janet Brown-Smith, who invented it in an effort to drain a little energy from her two active Shelties. Believe me, if your dog is a little too wound up for its own good or needs to get more exercise or stimulation, you’ll find this toy a godsend. Check out the videos on company’s Web site, chaseitpettoys.com. You can order one online or pick one up at Animal Antics in the Wisconsin Humane Society, (4500 W. Wisconsin, 414-431-6222, wihumane.org) or Natural Pet, (2532 E. Oklahoma Ave., 414-482-7387, thenaturalpetllc.com).
Speaking of man’s best friend, Planet Dog succeeds in its mission to provide playful premium toys to dogs of all ages with the introduction of their Old Soul chew and squeaky toys specifically designed for elderly dogs. Sized for small, medium and large pets the collection includes their trademark Orbee-Tuff Balls and Bones and Slobber-Wick Squeak Buddies and Bones. This compassionate line treats old dogs who still want a good gummy chew to extra soft and uniquely pliable stretchy materials, accommodates weak snuffers with extra doses of natural mint oil and helps failing eyesight along by using high contrast colors (hey, I thought dogs were color blind?). The company also donates a portion of the profits from all products sold to the Planet Dog Foundation. Available at Pet Supplies Plus. 5300 N. Port Washington Rd, 414-964-7255 & 4505 S. 76th St, 414-545-9790, petsupplies.com.
And lastly, dog lovers hoping to rub shoulders with other pooch pals should head to Metropawlis Pet Boutique and Bakery on Saturday, May 10 between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. for their free Buddy Brunch. Share tips, stories and training secrets over complimentary coffee, donuts and dog treats. Enter to win a free Metropawlis gift card. Go online quick to join the VIP (Very Important Pet) email list and you’ll receive 10 percent off any purchase made in the store during the event. 317 N. Broadway, 414-273-7387, metropawlis.com.
It’s all about diamonds, diamonds and more diamonds at the totally luxe Erickson Beamon Trunk Show that Valentina will be hosting May 16 and 17 at their Mequon location. Featuring the exquisite jewelry created by the “designer to the designers,” Karen Erickson and Vicki Beamon, collections to choose from include Premier, inspired by a Tiara exhibition at London’s renowned Victoria & Albert Museum and Rose Cut, their modern interpretation of antique Victorian jewels. Having wowed the world of runway with designs ranging from street fashion to haute couture for clients like Givenchy, Marc Jacobs and Donna Karan, their fans include celebrities like Nicole Kidman and Cher. Seriously, if you’re planning to ratchet up your style quota, this promises to be a dazzling opportunity. 505 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, 262-241-4122, evalentina.com.
Speaking of stuff that sparkles, Shoot the Moon Photography, noted as one of the city’s most distinctive fine art portraiture studios, has partnered with Harry C. Glinberg Jewelers to create a one of a kind, extravagant and unique Luxury of a Lifetime gift package. It works like this, first you choose from a collection of one of kind jewelry pieces that includes a stunning 21 carat diamond necklace,12 carat diamond bracelet and earrings showcasing center 1.46 carat stones surrounded by .65 total carat weight diamonds. Then you have the beauty of you in your exquisite diamonds captured with a private, professional fashion photo shoot that also offers the indulgence of fine wine and cheese. And if that’s not enough, you also get your pick of one of the following treats – a custom made leather coffee table book made up of twenty 5×7 images, a portrait print (up to 50 inches) in your choice of finishes, a photo frame from the studio’s gallery, all studio session fees waived for a lifetime or a lifetime 15 percent discount at the studio. Worth over $175,000 individually, as a gift package everything will only set you back a mere $85,000. Not bad considering the wow factor and how much you’re bound to save over the long run. For more info please contact Joy Vertz, 262-240-9848, 10050 N. Port Washington, Mequon, stmphoto.com.
Still speaking of the glittering diamond, are we veering away from the standard four C’s (carat, clarity, color and cut) as a standard of quality? GemEX Systems of Mequon, developer of the BrillianceScope that measures the sparkle (or Light Performance) of a diamond, seems to think so. According to President Randall Wagner, this new element of scientific technology, a new measure of judging a diamond’s beauty, is revolutionizing the industry worldwide. Find out with a visit to any location of Zales or Kay Jewelers in the city to see the Gemex rated diamonds for yourself.
Saturday, May 10 is Flower Power Green Day Fair on Brady Street. Stop by 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to get eco-savvy with talks about green gardens, homes, closets and garages. Not only will individual shops be pairing up with green partners, businesses like We Energies, the Urban Ecology Center, The City of Milwaukee Recycling Program and Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful are also hopping board. All along the street enjoy hip floral designs created with organic materials displayed by both merchants and residents. Shoppers can also check out specials like sales on earth friendly products at Anomaly Design or find great buys on organic denim jeans, cotton undies and yoga fashions at Miss Groove and Miss Groove Intimate. Drop off your used tennis shoes at Sweet Kicks to be donated to the Nike Reuse-a-Shoe program (who break them down to create children’s playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts) and get a great deal on cool shoes during the store’s weekend Mother’s Day Buy One, Get One Free sale. Bring gently used clothing for donation to the Goodwill and Aala Reed will take 20 percent off the cost of your purchase. At Detour, save 20 percent on any pair of Nudie Jeans by Sweden’s Maria Erixon Levin, one of retail’s most adamant proponents of human rights and the environments. Along with running its biggest accessory sale ever, Boutique Vieux et Nouveau will be staging a unique Street Beat Fashion Show. Get an up close and personal look at spring and summer clothing, accessories and shoes as models parade up and down the street 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. and again at 3:00 – 3:45 p.m. For more info check out Events at bradyst.com.
Over in the Historic Third Ward, between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 8, Lela welcomes friend, loyal customer and Milwaukee Ballet star Raven Wales who will be meeting and greeting her fans, signing autographs and sharing lots of stories about life on the stage. So stop in, sip some wine, shop for spring and get discounts on tickets to the Milwaukee Ballet for May 15-18 performances. Note to smart shoppers, sign up quick to receive store emails and save 10 percent on all purchases made during the event. 321 N. Broadway, 414-727-4855, lelaboutique.com.
Celebrating its Grand Opening, Allen Kitchen and Bath invites potential design and remodeling clients to stop in the showroom May 15 through May 17 to browse great traditional to contemporary kitchen and bath displays. Time your visit for Thursday 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. or Saturday Noon – 4:00 p.m. and you’ll also enjoy chef prepared hors d’oeuvres and specialty wines. Don’t forget to enter a drawing to be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday for a $2500 gift certificate as well as an in-home wine or dinner party. 102 N. Water St., 262-395-7100, allenkichenandbath.com.
Milwaukee Futon – Yoga Eastboasts the city’s largest selection of fine quality futons and hardwood platforms bed. During their Springtime Sales Event, you’ll find the lowest price on both plus lots of stuff to support your yoga and meditation practices. 316 N. Milwaukee, 414-727-5483, livnlite.com.
How’s this for delicious decadence? On May 8 at 7:00 p.m., Grapes & Grain is holding a Chocolate Tasting. Join chocolatier Julie Waterman, owner of Indulgence Chocolatiers, as she introduces handmade artisan truffles and tarts paired perfectly with some terrific wines. ($30 per person). 11301 N. Port Washington Rd. 262-240-0206, grapesandgrain.com.
Has the glorious warm weather of late whet your whistle for outdoor living? Lucky you, on May 15 through May 18, On The Deck will be holding one of their biggest sales of the year. Save up to 30 percent on all in stock furnishings, accessories, grills, hammock, umbrellas, cushions and lots, lots more to make the most of our wee window of summer fun. 124 E. Wisconsin Ave., Oconomowoc, 262-567-1155, visitonthedeck.com.
Got a garden? Well chances are you’ve got creeping, crawling, fuzzy, furry or in-flight critters that are pretty interesting (to say nothing of educational) to your kids. Children are invited to stop by Shady Lane Greenhouse Saturday, May 10 at 2:00 p.m. to learn more when Julie Poetzel, Biology Teacher at Menomonee Falls Middle school, conducts her Garden Critters Class. Fresh herbs more your thing? Check out the Herbal Delight Class May 13 at 6:00 p.m. and learn more from Master Gardener Kathleen Awe about planting, harvesting and cooking with these bits of plants that add loads of flavor. And if a taste of the tropics is more up your alley, stop in for the very popular Be The King of Your Jungle Class, covering care, feeding and winter storage. Presented by Dan Westphal of Monrovia Growers, you’ll find out how easy it is to grow bananas, bamboo, figs, mandarins, lemons and limes in our Midwestern climate. A donation of 5 canned goods to be donated to a local food pantry is all that’s required to attend any of the classes. W173 N7388 Shady Lane, Menomonee Falls, 262-259-1660, shadylanegreenhouse.com.
Pop a balloon and save some cash at Stan’s during the Balloon Blast now through May 17. Tucked inside hundreds of balloons in each store is the potential for 10 – 50 percent savings off everything in the store. A timely excuse to shop shoes and sandals from Clarks, Rieker, Trotters, Red Wing and Rockport as well as handbags and socks. Glendale, Greenfield and Brookfield locations, stansfootwear.com.
Still don’t have something special for mom? Book two 50 minutes facials at Neroli Aveda Salon & Spa and you’ll receive two complimentary Eye Zone Treatments (a $40 value). Look, if these don’t get passed along to mom, who’s to know? 325 E. Chicago, 414-227-2888, nerolispa.com.
Fans of Viktor Viktoria take note. The only locally owned store in Mayfair mall, this retailer keeps getting so popular, it’s had to move again (it’s the third time) to a new larger location across from the food court. Doubling their square footage, they’ve managed to triple their inventory just in time for Spring and Summer.2500 N. Mayfair Rd., 414- 479-9860, viktorviktoriashop.com.
Are you opening a store? Or, if do you already have one, are you having a great sale, terrific in-store event or about to offer something unique you’d like city shoppers to know about? Email me at savvystyle@wi.rr.com.
