I realize this has nothing to do with shopping, but given the situation, I think you’ll understand. A neighbor of mine found a little white dog roaming around Juneau Park and though she’s done everything any dog owner who’s lost a pet would hope someone would do, including taking the dog to her vet to check for a microchip, plastering the neighborhood with signs and taking it home to live with her own dog, obviously what she wants most is to reunite the dog with its owners who have to be frantic with worry. I know how’d I’d feel if dear delightful Kippee ever flew the coop, so on the chance that someone out there might know something and deliver good news to the comment section below, I thought I’d try to help in the reuniting process.
Love lovely things? Then you won’t want to miss the third-annual Blow Out Sale at George Watts & Son April 12-24. You’ll find amazing pricing on hundreds of things, from dinner plates to teacups, stemware to serving pieces and linens to placemats, including up to 90 percent off on gift items. Oh, did I mention there’s also a Dollar Table? 761 N. Jefferson St., 414-290-5700, georgewatts.com.
April 8 through 11, Wheel & Sprocket rewards bicycling enthusiasts with the biggest Bike Expo in the country, loaded with clinics, seminars and savings on thousands of children’s, road, mountain, touring, time trial, sport hybrid, cruisers, recumbent, electric and specialty bikes, accessories, parts and clothing. They’ll have lots of representatives from cycling manufacturers, riding clubs and advocacy groups on hand, too. Admission is free. Wisconsin Expo Center, State Fair Park, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave., wheelandsprocket.com.
Feeling rather photogenic? You’ve got till May 1 (10 a.m.) to upload a photo of you showing off your favorite Lela outfit or accessory to enter the boutique’s first-ever Facebook Fan Photo Contest and win one of three $25, $50 or $75 store gift certificates. Psst…once you’ve entered, the trick is to get lots of people to vote for you. 321 N. Broadway St., 414-727-4855, lelaboutique.com.
Getting free stuff can be as easy as getting together with friends when houseparty.com pairs up with Williams-Sonoma with an invitation for you to host a dinner party in your home, highlighting the delicious possibilities of cooking with Calphalon’s Unison Nonstick Cookware. Should you secure the spot, you’ll be instructed in expert cooking techniques during a Nonstick Slide & Sear store demo and sent off with a Party Pack loaded with hosting tips, an instructional DVD, a Caphalon Unison nonstick grill and griddle, Chef Michael Symon’s Live to Cook cookbook and some exclusive store gifts both for you and your guests. Find out more at houseparty.com/splash/calphalondinnerparty. 2500 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa, 414-771-3755 & 5800 N. Bayshore Dr., 414-967-8879, williams-sonoma.com.
Because it’s not always about you, why not help Faye Wetzel of Faye’s win a Small Business Entrepreneur Contest by simply taking a gander at the video posted on newdeal.verticalresponse.com and casting a vote for her store. Speaking of which, now through April 11, during the big BOGO Sweater Sale, with every sweater you purchase (including featherweight cashmere), you’ll save 50 percent when you buy a second. 1505 W. Mequon Rd., 262-241-8386 & 18900 W. Bluemound Rd., 262-432-0070, fayes123.com.
The South Milwaukee Spring Downtown Market, being held April 10 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.), offers a glimpse of what’s in store at their Summer Markets taking place Thursday afternoons and evenings June 3-Oct. 14. Shop more than 30 vendors offering art glass, hand-painted birdhouses, artisan jewelry, homemade soaps and pastries as well as local apples and eggs. The event, held at the Bucyrus International Heritage Building on10th Avenue just north of Milwaukee Avenue, also highlights the South Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce, local nonprofits and the musical talents of area youth. For more info visit smdowntownmarket.org.
And now turning attention to the wedding season…
If your girl goes all gooey for gold jewelry, swing by 3rd Ward Jewelry this Gallery Night and Day April 16-17 to see a stunning collection of rings (hint, hint), earrings, bracelets and necklaces by master designer Ayesha Mayadas. Her work in both white and yellow gold beautifully reflects the flowing balance and rhythm of nature that inspires her. 241 N. Broadway St., 414-289-0886, 3rdwardjewelry.com.
Taking advantage of its new bi-level space, Fred Boutique has expanded into bridal and wedding attire. Just what does that mean to dewy eyed shoppers? Plenty of traditional and non-traditional engagement, bridal shower and rehearsal dresses, wedding destination and honeymoon attire as well as custom-designed gowns, veils and accessories at great pricing. Other shopping perks include in-house alterations seven days a week and a 25 percent discount for bridal parties booking wedding consultation appointments. 522 N. Water St., 414-270-1009, fredboutique.com.
And should it fall upon your shoulders to throw a bachelorette party, look no further than A Woman’s Touch. You’ll find them loaded with all sorts of invitations and party supplies sassy to outrageously risqué, including the ever-popular Penis Piñata, games like Pin the Mister on the Man and Pick up Dicks, plus flirty bridal gifts like 52 Sex Games for the Wedding Night. With an option to book a private group Pole Dance or How to Pleasure Your Man class, you’ll find plenty of ways to make your event fun and fabulous. 200 N. Jefferson St., 414-221-0400, awomanstouchonline.com.
For something a little more relaxing, you might want to consider a spa party at Serenity Day Spa, a popular and pampering way for ladies of all ages (including little divas) to celebrate birthdays, bridal events or just about anything else. Offering a choice of services and refreshments, all that’s left for you to do is relax. Prefer to unwind solo? Inquire about their Monday through Friday specials like $99 for a pair of hour-long Swedish Massages or Signature Facials, $55 for a Basic Manicure and Pedicure or their $99 Swedish Massage and Signature Facial combo.2120 East Moreland Blvd. (Highway 18), 262-970-9750, serenityday-spa.com.
Or what about treating the girls to something especially delish like a chocolate tasting party? If you gather together at least 10 of your nearest and dearest, Julie Waterman of Indulgence Chocolatiers will fill you in on the history of chocolate and its production before guiding you in how to properly taste it with the help of a sampling of her wonderful creations. 262-510-9980, indulgencechocolatiers.com.
And finally for the creatively inclined, you can always arrange a private demo/lecture/sale event with Grotta & Company, where you can find out all about the nationally acclaimed collection of brilliantly graphic, hand silk-screened home and fashion accessories they design right here in the city. 207 E. Buffalo St., 414-273-8066, grottaco.com.
Brides on a budget interested in creating and adding their own personal touch to wedding bouquets and centerpieces will find the informative step-by-step DVD floral class from Flowerduet.com fills their needs beautifully. You’ll learn tips of the trade from florists, including how to choose fresh flowers and maximize their bloom and how to fashion centerpieces and hand-tied and wrapped bouquets like a professional.
Grooms looking for gifts to give thanks to the guys standing up with them have plenty of options at Allen Edmonds. Choose from magnetic and wallet money clips, card cases, weekend or elegant executive wallets, dress belts, silk ties and shoe kits all priced under $100. Feeling extra generous? Hmmm, have you thought about presenting each of them with a pair of discriminating dress shoes to wear on the big day? 18900 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield, 262-785-6666; 11043 N. Port Washington Rd., Mequonm 262-241-4266, allenedmonds.com.
And finally, since people marrying later and often for the second (or even third) time often already own most of what they need to set up a home, shopping for traditional wedding presents can get tricky. If you’re not keen about stuffing a check in an envelope, how about arranging for an interior design or feng shui session with an expert from Peabody’s or Elements East to direct them in refashioning what they have into their new life together? 109 E. Silver Spring Dr., 414-332-3530 & 5000 W. Vilet St., 414-264-4170, elementseast.com; 8655 N. Deerwood Drive, 414-962-4550. Brown Deer, peabodysinteriors.com.
