For well over a year, I’ve really enjoyed the on-air fun I’ve shared with Bob Reitman Gene Mueller, Gino Salomone & Amy Taylor on WKTI’s laid back and loose Morning Show. Especially since every Wednesday, the gregarious gig provided a terrific opportunity to alert listeners to new stores, great sales and interesting products. But alas, all good things come to an end. Ironically this week during the time slot I would normally appear the announcement came that the show was ending and Gene Mueller was moving to WTMJ’s Wisconsin Morning News. Let it be noted that I will miss my pals and the energy of those early morning visits to the station to spread the word on city style and shopping.
That said, back to getting the word out on the web….
A couple of other things going on in my world are definitely impacting on my personal shopping habits. First of all I got a puppy. What kind you ask? Well, according to the woman who stopped the two of us during a walk along the lakeshore, she’s basically “one intolerably adorable dog.” Though determined not to spoil my little rescue pupster, I have found myself hitting stores like the Natural Pet (2532 E. Okalahoma, 414-482-7387, www.thenaturalpetllc.com), Metropawlis, 317 N. Broadway, 414-273-7387, www.metropawlis.comand Pawprints (5686 Broad Street, Greendale, 414-423-5800, www.giftsforpaws.com) with a vengeance and always leaving with something great and fun to keep both me and the pooch amused.
Also as my calendar fills up with invites to wedding showers and ceremonies, my mind is on marriage this month. For instance did you know that The Cooking Store offers kitchen themed Let’s Get Cooking Bridal showers that takes the panic out of planning? Whether you choose to do a hands on cooking class or watch a chef demonstrate it all, it’s a great way to learn, expand skills, collect recipes and enjoy yummy food. Plus easy to keep the focus on cooking given the store’s kitchen themed gifts, options for personally embroidered aprons to mark the day and ideas like creating an inspiring keepsake recipe box filled with each guest’s ‘recipes of love’ offering the happy couple a little personal advice or words of wisdom. (V. Richards Plaza, 17115 W. Bluemound Rd. (262) 785-9800, www.thecookingstore.us)
Speaking of weddings and special occasions, woman of all ages will find lots of elegant options for fashion and accessories at The Clothes Line. Presented by style and color, the store is easy to shop, and offers a full range of options for mothers of brides and grooms, young women heading off to proms, travelers packing for cruises and just about any other shopper who wants to dress up for a big night out. (17115 W. Bluemound Rd. 262-754-8198, www.theclotheslineonline.com
As an aside, somewhere along the way I picked up this Wedding 911 list of what any responsible Maid of Honor should have tucked into her handbag in case of little Big Day emergencies and thought I’d pass it along:
- Band-aids
- White out or chalk to remove grass stains
- Travel size hair spray
- Clear nail polish
- Needle and white thread
- A bit of white duct tape
- Hand wipes
- Safety pins
- Floral wire
- Small scissors
- Super glue
- A list of telephone numbers for all of the wedding party
In the market for wedding gifts? All spruced up with new seasonal home furnishings and accessories, spring has definitely sprung at The Home Market. See for yourself during the shop’s Newness of Spring preview party and save 20% off all purchases – including custom orders. What to buy? Lots of vintage French furniture, textile designer John Robshaw’s new tableware line inspired by ethnic fabrics, plus luxurious bed linens from Bella Notte. Local artist, Lindsey Schuurman, will also be on hand to introduce her exclusive line of nature inspired note cards, stationery and prints for Lark Press. Saturday, May 19th from 10 to 6pm. 222 East Erie Street, phone: 414 755 2165 www.thehomemarket.net
Or what about a pillow? In exclusive boutiques across the country the wonderful, expressive, hand printed, hand dyed and printed silk charmeuse pillows created at Grotta & Co. carry priced tags of about $300. But city shoppers heading to the source will find them priced between $50 and $75 while they last. (Friday’s 12:00 to 4:00 pm, 207 E. Buffalo St., 273-8066, www.grotta.com).
And here’s some advice for those new to outfitting a home ( or not) – an informed customer is a happy and satisfied customer and Flanner’s Home Entertainment knows it. With the store’s ongoing Technology Seminar Series, shoppers, both novice and expert, get the opportunity to learn about both the basics and the bells & whistles of what’s new in the market. Free and fun, it’s easy to find out how to chose a television or design a surround sound system that works with your budget. And best of all there’s no sales pitch. 16220 W. Bluemound rd. 262-789-1195, www.flanners.com)
Kick off the planting season with confidence. Attend Private Gardener’ssecond annual Dirt Ball event. All you have to do is show up with your pots or the dimensions of your planters – they take care of the rest by bringing in blooming plants, flowering trees, vines and edible plants, serving refreshments and offering up everything else you need – including expert advice for a truly impressive container garden! (May 19, 190 N Broadway, (414) 223-4747,www.privategardener.com)
Continuing on…
Each spring and summer, a historic barn in Cedarburg morphs into Cedar Chic,a temporary boutique loaded with new and vintage fashion home and gift giving finds. Artfully arranged by theme, this season’s products highlight the appeal of lazy lake cottages, outdoor entertaining and feminine style. All in all it’s a great excuse for a gal pal shopping excursion especially if you wrap it up with lunch or dinner at an area restaurant. Through May 20 – Thursdays 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays noon-4 p.m. N50 W5050 Portland [Lakefield] Road, Cedarburg, 414-708-1470 or visit www.cedarchic.com)
BUY IT NOW…
HeadtoBeans & Barleyfor one of the best selections in the city for cool, creative cards, great for marking any life occasion or sending along just for the heck of it. Known for its focus on healthy food products, a great deli and deliciously wholesome restaurant, the popular specialty market does an equally good job of gathering up a mix of fresh, fun modern home and gift items. In short, stop in to shop soon. (1901 E. North Ave., (414) 278-7878, www.beansandbarley.com)
Available at Relax the Back, it’s said that performing two simple 5 minutes stretches a day on The Lumbar Extender – a lightweight portable arch will “improve posture, increase range of motion and relieve back pain do to tight muscles, excessive flexion and poor spinal alignment.” Guess what? I’ve tried it and it does! Developed for pro golfers and made in Wisconsin, the device has been endorsed by physicians, chiropractors, physical trainers, yoga instructors and professional athletes. (410 W Silver Spring Dr., (414) 967-2225,www.relaxtheback.com)
