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I need both hands to count on my fingers how many friends I’ve got who’ve opened up their hearts and homes to feral (untamed) cats. And all of them, I’m happy to say, have succeeded in coaxing the wee wild ones into civilized pets to one degree or another. But I don’t have enough fingers or toes to tally up all the cat owners I know who would go to the ends of the earth to keep their kitties safe and happy. Even my dad, who wasn’t particularly fond of cats, came through for cats, when years ago, he stayed up into the early hours of the morning to help our cat deliver her first difficult litter, including a “still birth” kitten. After placing the little dead kitten in a box to be buried the next day, my dad went off to bed. But sometime before the alarm went off, certain he heard a weak mewing coming from the box he got up again. Sure enough though obviously struggling, the kitten was alive but alas his mom rejected it so it fell to my father to bring it fully back to life with a little creative straw to mouth resuscitation. In the morning when my mom told us the story of the “miracle” we looked at my dad as a sort of hero. It was he who decided we would keep this tough little critter and name it Lucky. It was he who loved him best for the rest of his life. Why am I telling you this? Because my guess is there’s a lot of you out there who even if you don’t own a cat, wouldn’t want a feral, stray, abused, unwanted or critically injured cat to suffer. So I wondered if you knew about the 14th-Annual Auction to Benefit Happy Endings, the nonprofit, no-kill organization run entirely by volunteers. It’s happening Nov. 20 (3:30 p.m.) at the Tommy Thompson Youth Center at State Fair Park (640 S. 84th St., West Allis), and 100 percent of the money raised goes to provide a safe haven for these needy felines to shelter, feed and medically care for them until permanent homes can be found. Right now they’re able to help about 200 cats, but should you stop by and do some bidding on all the donated antiques, furniture, collectables, jewelry, household items, gift certificates, gift baskets and more they’ve collected for the cause, who knows, they could probably help a whole lot more. All donations are tax deductible. For more information, visit happyendings.us.
I still shudder recalling a wedding where I was one of four young bridesmaids draped in purple velvet and lilac satin with my hair fashioned into a big puffy vintage up-do thanks to the bride’s crazy love of the Edwardian Gibson Girl era. Thankfully, bridesmaid horror stories like mine are becoming a little less prevalent as savvy brides have so many options for lovely sidekick dresses that support, yet never overshadow her own. In contrast, the favorite wedding party I was a part of was one where all bridesmaids wore the same periwinkle color and silk fabric dresses but in different styles to flatter our individual figures. Because more and more brides are open to the idea of embracing a little individuality, you’ll be happy to know that now through Nov. 30, Miss Ruby Dress Boutique is offering a $20 discount on dresses from the Siri bridesmaid collection (in addition to peeling off 10 percent on the purchase of 3-6 dresses or 15 percent off on 7 or more dresses ordered in the same color and fabric). Coordinate or duplicate, this sale is a good one. 522 N. Water St., 414-755-2900, missrubyboutique.com.
SAVVY STUFF TO DO
GIVE IT UP: Ever since the first show was held here in the city, I’ve been a huge fan of the annual Milwaukee Fine Furnishing and Fine Craft show spotlighting American artists and designers committed to creating all sorts of fabulous things for the home by hand. That’s why I’d love to take this opportunity to give a shout out to all the Best of Show winners who earned big points for the design elements, expression of detail, creativity, craftsmanship and visual impact conveyed in their work. And most especially to those hailing from our fair city like Gregory Kirby of Kowata Tree, Bay View’s Jordan Waraksa, David Hinterberg of Bernwerks and Jeremy Shamrowicz of Flux Design! To find out more, visit finefurnishingshows.com.
TAKE A HOLIDAY DRIVE: Celebrate the season out of town with family-friendly Festive Friday Eve events presented by Cedarburg’s Cedar Creek Settlement Nov. 19 & 26 and Dec. 3, 10 & 17 (5-9 p.m.). Each evening embraces and put a holiday spin on different holiday themes such as the appeal of the 1950s, seasonal home decorating, unique gift shopping, celebrating with kids and yuletide food and entertaining. All are a great excuse to stroll through all the interesting gift, specialty and antique shops, galleries, artist studios, winery and restaurants tucked into this historic, restored 1864 woolen mill and enjoy its adornment of garlands, wreaths, luminarias and thousands of lights. For a full list of activities, visit the website, 6340 Bridge Rd., Cedarburg, 866-377-4788, cedarcreeksettlement.com.
Make the Village of Kohler your destination Nov. 19 – 21, and you’ll find the American Club brimming with fine holiday gifts, decorations, candies and baked goods offered up for sale by national artists and craftspeople during the 28th-Annual Holiday Market. Admission (good for entire weekend) is $6 adults and $1 for kids under 12 (sorry no strollers). While you’re there, enjoy the delicious Holiday Market lunch buffet ($15.95) offered Friday and Saturday (noon – 2 p.m.) in the Wisconsin Room. 419 Highland Dr., Kohler, 800-344-2838, americanclub.com.
While you’re in Kohler, make sure to swing by The Shops at Woodlake for the “Tie one on” event at Wisconsin Trader featuring Carmen Carter and her fun, handmade Saucy Girl Aprons for the whole family and receive complimentary monogramming on the purchase of any holiday apron. Head to Scentualities for an all-day Holiday Jewelry trunk show and get a free pair of earrings with every necklace you buy. Bring the kids to Movers & Shakers on Saturday (1-2 p.m.) to meet award-winning children’s book illustrator Renee Graef who’ll be signing her book B is for Badger: A Wisconsin Alphabet. 725Q Woodlake Rd., Kohler, 920-459-1713, shopsatwoodlake.com.
LET SOMEONE ELSE WALK IN YOUR BOOTS: Even though the cold has yet to hit, it’ll be here sooner than you think, so SHOP is stepping up to help the needy bear it a bit better by partnering with the Milwaukee Adventure Boot Camp’s Big Boot Recruit program and collecting gently used women’s, men’s and children’s boots now through the end of December. Come on, surely you’ve got a pair you can part with. 1918 E. Capitol Dr., Shorewood, 414-962-4030, shop53211.com, milwaukeebootcamp.com.
SAVVY STUFF SEEN
At Mark Pasch Ltd.: There’s just somethin’ about seeing a man remove his suit coat and roll up the sleeves of a crisp white shirt with nonchalant confidence that makes me swoon. Feeling at ease with clothes and fashion (just like manners) starts early, and this store knows it. It’s why they carry a full collection of young men’s (size 10-22) suits, sports coats, dress shirts, neckwear and accessories to rival their dads. 333W. Brown Deer Rd., 414-351-5634, markpaschltd.com.
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Now till it’s gone at Design Within Reach: Save serious bucks (33-80 percent) during the store’s Year End Floor Sample Sale of great modern home and office furnishings. Interested? Get there quick because at these savings, stuff goes fast. 167 N. Broadway, 414-224-5353, dwr.com.
Now through Nov. 21 at Faye’s (both locations): Save big – 25 percent big – on all the current, cool coats, shoes and boots (love the sleek all-leather Belle riding boot from Sigerson Morrison with wraparound zipper) in the store, even if it’s on sale. 1505 W. Mequon Rd., 262-241-8386 & 18900 W. Bluemound Rd., 262-432-0070, fayes123.com.
Through the end of November at Blush: Celebrating its sixth year as one of the city’s best sources for beauty, customers are treated to a complimentary mini lesson with Melissa to learn how to glam up for the holidays. Or how about this month’s hour-long special Maple Facial, rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, for just $75 and a complimentary upgrade. Feeling pale and punk? Get your glow going with an instant tan or 30-minute facial for just $30. 249 N. Water St., 414-272-1718, blushmilwaukee.com.
Nov. 13 & Nov. 14 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) at Rummage-a-rama: You just never know what you might find at this indoor rummage sale. Admission $4, $2 with a donation of non-perishable food items to the Hunger Task Force. Wisconsin Products Pavilion, 640 S. 84th St., 414-899-0893, rummage-a-rama.com.
Nov. 18 (7 p.m.) at White Star & Luci: Guys and gals are invited to toast the season at a special Holiday Party featuring exclusive discounts, giveaways, great music, an open bar and stuff to nosh on. 524 N. Water St., 414-226-1957, facebook.com/shopwhitestar & 532 N. Water St., 414-226-0114, luciboutique.com.
Nov. 18 (5 – 8 p.m.) in the Village of Greendale: Girls Night Out offers shoppers in-store specials and free gift with purchase of $20 or more at area shops. Stop in at a Test Kitchen cooking demonstration (5-7 p.m.) featuring the Taste of Home Almost Homemade and save 50 percent on the purchase of the cookbook. For more information and a 20 percent off Taste of Home Outlet coupon, visit discovergreendale.com.
Nov.19- Jan. 8 (10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.) at DeLind Gallery of Fine Art: Shop a Holiday show of original paintings, drawings and sculptures by gallery, guest and regional artists as well as recent acquisitions chosen especially for seasonal giving. 450 E. Mason St., 414-271-8525, delindgallery.com.
Nov. 19-21 at the Learning Shop: Save 15 percent off every toy in the shop during the annual Holiday Sale. 2911 Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa, 414-475-9577; 17435 W. Bluemound Rd., 262-789-6994, Brookfield; 8665 N. Port Washington Rd., Fox Point, 414-352-7010; 5431 S. 76th St., 414-423-7294, Greendale, learningshop.com.
Nov. 19-21 at Samara Studios: All decked out for the season, the store throws its annual Holiday Wonderland party treating shoppers to sales, complimentary refreshments and thousands of ornaments and gifts items. 5211 W. North Ave., 414-444-8100, samaratudiosonline.com.
Nov. 20 (2-4 p.m.) at the Central Library: Big sale of used holiday themed and children’s books. First-floor meeting room, 814 W. Wisconsin, mpl.org.
Dec. 9 (6-8p.m.) at timothyj: Aimed at those who like to drink and eat in well-designed spaces, the showroom’s Bitters Event shows off the newest in kitchen/bar design while treating attendees to beverages and food fashioned by handcrafted cocktail by Bittercube, Great Lakes Distillery, The Spice House and other city favorites. $20 per person, early registration suggested. 225 S. 2nd St., 414-224-8552, timothyjkitchenandbath.com.
