As there’s no end to the delight she’s dropped into my life, it’s no secret I’m pretty well besotted with my pal Kippee who turns 3 on Valentine’s Day. As a rescue pup without any official date of birth, I felt justified in assigning her a hearts and flowers birthday. Plus it seems right that after falling under the spell of her insane unconditional pet love, I’ve been tweaked by things that once were way off my radar. For example, ask me which doggie booties stay on the longest, and I can direct you with confidence to those little rubber “balloons.” In the mood for baking off some dog treats? Wait, I’ll check my recipe files. And seriously if you don’t have 40 minutes to spare, don’t even bother to ask me how Kip is doing. So of course I’ll be wandering the aisles of the Great Lakes Pet Expo Feb. 6 at the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park. And so should you if some dog, cat, ferret, rabbit or reptile has stolen your heart because there’s a little something for everyone. Exhibitors include vets, shelters, rescue groups, training clubs, manufacturers and retailers of pet food, clothing, toys and supplies, animal photographers and groomers along with experts on clicker, military, police, rescue and disability training. Pick up tips on nutrition and health care and watch entertaining demonstrations of herding, carting, freestyle Frisbee, agility and lure coursing. You’ll also get a glimpse of the event’s first annual Animal Idol winner. Oh, and did I mention tons of shopping for everything you need and lots of fun stuff you’ll want? Admission $6 adults, $3 children under 10 ($1 off with donation of non-perishable food item), but sorry, no dogs allowed. Wisconsin Exposition Center, 640 S. 84th St., 414-319-9801, petexpomilwaukee.com.
Milwaukee Buck Dan Gadzuric and his wife, Lissete, have launched the Milwaukee Cinderella Project, a prom dress donation program that helps young girls who might not otherwise be able to afford to go to this pivotal high school event. To receive a free dress, girls submit a short essay on why they deserve it, a letter of support from an adult mentor and attend a workshop covering issues of nutrition and fitness, self-esteem and healthy relationships. Dresses will be distributed April 3 at the Bradley Center while the girls are treated to food, beverages, music and the advice of personal shoppers who will help them choose the most flattering dress.If you’d like to help by passing along a clean, barely used, still fashionable dress, there are city retailers standing by ready to collect them and offer you something in return. For instance, Feb. 1-7, Blush (249 N. Water St., 414-272-1718, blushmilwaukee.com ) is handing out free goodie bags and giving complimentary color touch-ups to anyone dropping off a dress. And through March 15, Luci (532N. Water St., 414-226-0114; 5724 Center Parkway, Bayshore, 414-967-7933, luciboutique.com) is taking 25 percent off on any dress purchased with the donation of a prom dress. Until April 1, any shopper dropping off a dress at Shorewood’s combined Fred/ Luscious boutique (4407 N. Oakland Ave., 414-967-7760, fredboutique.com)will receive 50 percent off that day’s purchase. And Lela (321 N. Broadway, 414-727-4855, lelaboutique.com) invitesshoppers to bring in their used prom dresses March 22-28 in exchange for $20 off the purchase of any new dress in the store.Don’t have a dress? Not to worry, money helps, too, so send donations to P.O. Box 9, Mequon, Wis., 53092. Forinfo on other drop-off sites, visit gadzuricfoundation.org.
Sending a love letter or friendly shout out to someone serving in the armed forces? Swing by Broadway Paper for Operation Heartfelt Feb. 6 (noon-5 p.m.) to enjoy complimentary mini cupcakes, save 20 percent on greeting cards and have the store mail your greetings to military bases for free. Shoppers sending civilian mash notes won’t get free postage but will save 10 percent on cards. Everyone can pick up clever tips for creating personalized valentines from a representative of guest vendor La Familia Green, hear live jazz and find out ways to keep your heart healthy. 191 N. Broadway St., 414-277-7699, shop.broadwaypaper.com.
Win love points with your sweetie pie and make a reservation for Watts Tea Shop’s Valentine’s Day Brunch on Feb. 13 (9 a.m.). They’ll step up with a delish romantic meal (including champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and an extra special dessert). You, however, will be responsible for all the sweet talk and lovesick expressions. $24.95 per person. 761 N. Jefferson St., 414-290-5720, georgewatts.com.
Speaking of love ever after, given they’ll have the entire store to themselves, brides with an eye for contemporary style won’t want to miss the Wedding Parties at Crate & Barrel Feb. 7, 14, 21 & 28 (9-11 a.m.). While you wander at your leisure alongside your dearly intended, mom or best friend, pulling together your dream gift registry, chat up other brides-to-be, get advice from experts and enjoy nibbles, drinks and music. Oh, and did I mention you’ll also receive a lovely hand-blown glass bowl to take home? Parties fill up fast, RSVP now. 2450 N Mayfair Rd., 414-258-9500, crateandbarrel.com.
Because Elite Sport Clubs know a thing or two about keeping fit and looking good, it just makes sense that they’re hosting a free Fit Into Fashion show, highlighting spring trends in active fashions on Feb. 11 (6:30 p.m.) at the club’s north shore location. In addition to complimentary Bloody Marys and hors d’oeurves, local boutiques participating in the show (Les Moise, Etcetera, I See London, Castle Fitness, Aala Reed and SHOP) will each be giving away a $50 gift certificate during the event. RSVP by Feb. 9. 5750 N. Glenpark Rd., Glendale, 414-351-2900, eliteclubs.com.
Cabinetmakers, wood carvers and do-it-yourself aficionados can look forward to the Wisconsin edition of national Woodworking Shows Feb. 5-7. Enjoy free educational seminars, classes and clinics, product demos, a terrific selection of books addressing all levels of expertise, loads of tools and related supplies, a showcase of winning projects and the opportunity to speak with accomplished guild and club members. Admission $10 with online coupons available for reduced admission, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave., thewoodworkingshows.com.
Sick of the season’s bluster? Stay inside and take advantage of some pampering Winter SOS deals cooked up by the Knick Salon and Spa. Options include a Knick Retreat package with an hour massage, Knick Signature Facial and Aromatherapy Shampoo and Style normally priced at $185 for $150 or a free Deep Conditioning Treatment with any color service. 1028 E. Juneau Ave., 414-312-7947, knicksalonandspa.com.
Frugal fashionistas looking for a way to help Haiti are invited to attend a fun city fundraiser sponsored by MyCity Promotions and Apple Holler Restaurant, which will be donating 100 percent of its sales to the American Red Cross. After asking women to peek into fashion packed closets, do some pre-spring cleaning and pull out clothes, shoes and accessories to contribute to The Haiti Fashion Project, they’re throwing a runway show Feb. 5 (8-10 p.m.) at MOCT, where you can place silent bids on all donated clothing and accessories. All in all, a clever way to recycle and breathe new life into old wardrobes while helping those far less fortunate. Admission is free and includes complimentary appetizers, but RSVP is required. E-mail emily@mycitypromotions.com. 240 E. Pittsburgh Ave.
Prettycity.comdoes its bit to remind women to take charge of their heart health by partnering with The Heart Truth, the organization that initiated the healthy heart awareness movement in 2001 for its Love You campaign. Together they’ve gathered salons, spas and medi-clinics across the county that are offering a variety of pampering beauty services at the discounted price of $59. Check online for a full list of what’s available around town at salons like Anew, Capricio, Eva Luna, Options, Freya, Nova, Well Spa and more.
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Feb. 6 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) at the Central Library: A sale of used romance novels and cookbooks sounds perfect for all you romantic chefs out there. 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., 414-286-3000, mpl.org.
Feb. 6 & 7 at The American Club: At the annual Jewelry and Accessories Show, the sparkle of one-of-a-kind pins, earrings, bracelets and unique scarves, hats, purses, clothing and other treasures designed by artisans from across the country make Valentine’s Day shopping a cinch. Complimentary glass of sparkling wine with each $5 admission. 800-344-2838, destinationkohler.com.
Through Feb. 7 at Design Within Reach: Pick up cool modern furnishings at 15 percent off regular pricing during the Knoll Classic Sale. Included is a free upgrade to the store’s White Glove Service, which means any sale item purchased will be delivered and assembled in your home for free. Heck they’ll even take away the packaging. Also take note of the Sleep Promotion going on Feb. 8-23, which shaves 15 percent off all bed linens, beds and mattresses. 167 N. Broadway, 414-224-5353, dwr.com.
Feb. 10 (1-6 p.m.) at Blush: Reserve an appointment to get expert one-on-one advice for creating flawless looks by concealing shadows and brightening up baby blues, greens or browns with Laura Mercier’s Under Eye Perfecter. 249 N. Water St., 414-272-1718, blushmilwaukee.com.
Feb. 12 (7 p.m.) at Open Book: Feel the fire of the tango up close and personal at a cabaret performance of Elixir Dancers (featuring former Milwaukeean Nina Tatarowicz), accompanied by dynamic arrangements of traditional Argentine tango by Madison’s Quinteto Yzafa ensemble. Refreshments served, performance begins at 8 p.m., tickets $15 at the door. 4093 N. Oakland Ave., 414-431-3170, openbookcoop.com.
Feb. 13 (10 a.m.-noon) at The Tool Shed: For a sensuous gift that keeps on giving, sign you and your loved one up for the hands-on Couples Massage Workshop. $40 Pre-registration recommended. 2427 N. Murray Ave., 414-906-5304, toolshedtoys.com.
Through Feb. 14 at Neroli Salon & Spa: Get a free Brow Wax ($18 value) with the purchase of any facial with select aestheticians. 325 E. Chicago St., 414 -227-2888, nerolispa.com.
Through Feb. 14 at DeLind Gallery: Got a babe who loves beasties? Just in time for V-day, $20 Beasties miniatures standing 2 1/2 inches tall created by artist Linda Lenz are just $10 a piece. 450 E. Mason St., 414-271-8525, delindgallery.com.
Through Feb. 21 at Artist and Display: Artists of all ages will find deep savings on quality paints, canvas, paper, markers, easels, drawing tables, tools and supplies during the store’s huge winter sale. 9015 W. Burleigh St., 414-442-9100, artistanddisplay.com.
Through Feb. 27 at The Institute of Beauty and Wellness: Take your pick of a free Salt Elixir or Herbal Body Wrap with the purchase of any facial, or opt to get a complimentary manicure with any hair service. 342 N. Water St., 414-227-2889, institutebw.com.
Through February at Blush: Get a free ala carte upgrade ($35 value) when you book this month’s Chocolate Espresso Facial, which is chock-full of antioxidant cocoa powder and espresso beans and perfect for firming and hydrating skin. $75. 249 N. Water St., 414-272-1718, blushmilwaukee.com.
