Ridgedale’s Mamapalooza 2013: Spring Fashion and Beauty Event

I am beyond excited to share this upcoming event with you guys, and I think you will all love it too!! On May 11th, the day before Mother’s Day, Ridgedale Mall is hosting an event called Mamapalooza! It’s going to be a day for women to enjoy fashion and beauty plus get pampered! This FREE event (yes, it costs you nothing!) will be so much fun!

Let me just tell you a little bit about all the featured activities that will be going that day:

1. Enter to win giveaways and a free makeover sponsored by Aveda New Reflections
2. Spring shoe fashion show
3. Special performance by Stages Theater
4. FREE mini-makeovers by Sephora
5. FREE food and wine sampling by Macy’s
6. Meet local stylists to get tips for your wardrobe
7. Meet KOOL 108’s Lee Valsvik

Oh and a big PS – I will be one of those local stylists I mentioned in activity #6! I know! I’m pumped!!

AND – the BIG feature that I just have to mention is that Ridgedale Center is running a contest where you could win one of FOUR makeovers (a $500 value in hair, makeup and outfit!)

Want to enter to win? You can do so here: Facebook.com/ridgedalecenter

Oh and another big PS on that last bit, I am styling one of the winners of the contest!! That winner will definitely be going home as one beautiful, stylish woman! 🙂 So excited!!!

Mamapalooza Spring Fashion Event Details

• Where: Ridgedale Center (Minnetonka, Minnesota)
• When: May 11th from 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
• Cost: Free!!!
• What: Weren’t you paying attention? Read the above, silly!

I hope you guys enter to win a makeover. How can you resist? It’s easy peasy to enter and that payoff is going to be awesome. If nothing else, will you at least stop by and say hi to me at this awesome event? You know where to find me 🙂

Hearts,
Sarah

FRAAS Mystical Waters Spring/Summer Scarf Review

You may have caught my recent post about wearing scarves in the spring. That concept is going to fall right in line with the feature I’m going to do today on FRAAS scarves! I love wearing scarves no matter what the weather because it can completely change an outfit from blah into huzzah! (Yeah, I just made that up.) So when I had a chance to review one of these scarves for FRAAS, I was so excited to try it out!

“It is astounding what a difference a scarf can make to the total look.” Said Ken Krieger, VP of Sales for FRAAS. And he couldn’t be more right. Have you ever stopped and looked in a mirror on the way out your door and felt your outfit was missing something? Most likely what you are missing at these times is some sort of accessory. It will add that final piece of flair to your look, that we often times go without.

A little bit on FRAAS, The Scarf Company…

FRAAS has been in business for over 130 years. They were founded in 1880 by Valentin Fraas, and they’ve since grown to be the world leader for shawls and mufflers, under leadership of descendants of founder Fraas. They are constantly developing new designs and concepts and putting products of outstanding quality out there for fashion-conscious consumers.

This Spring and Summer 2013 Collection

There is a beautiful line-up of FRAAS scarfs for their spring/summer 2013 collection. They focus on three different stories: Mystical Coast, Jungle Fever and East Meets West. These all feature the greatest materials, neat color schemes and patterns; plus the fact that they are so easy to wear makes these scarves an absolute must.

Meet the Mystical Waters Scarf

The scarf that I got to test out (and the scarf you seen in the photo above) was the Mystical Waters scarf in coral. This scarf also comes in turquoise for those of you who like the blue/green palette instead!

This might just be the comfiest scarf that I own. It’s super soft, lightweight and breathable. Perfect for spring and summer weather! And this is an oversized scarf too, so it measures 40×72 inches – much longer than most that I’ve tried! This is so nice because I was able to wear it as an infinity scarf and wrap it around my neck three times!

You don’t have to wear your scarf the same way every time either. With this scarf, you could wear it as a sarong, a shawl or wrap, or draped around your neck with a white tee and jeans. The looks are unlimited!

Where Can I Get One?!

This scarf retails for $48.00 and you can purchase it on Fraas.com or Amazon.com. You can also call the company directly by calling 212-575-0191.

So what do you think? Will you be adding one to your spring and summer wardrobe?

Hearts,
Sarah

Disclosure: I received a sample of this scarf in order to review and complete this post. I was not paid to write this article, and all opinions are my own.

REVOLT Fashion Show: April 27th, 2013

Love fashion and helping out a good cause? Then I’ve got a great event for you to check out tomorrow. On Saturday, April 27th, you can attend REVOLT4hunger and help feed the hungry, plus check out some hot new fashions.

Intrigued? You should be. Did I mention that there will also be a cash bar with specialty cocktails and you can sample complimentary, locally brewed beer as well?

All proceeds will be going to Finnegans Community Fund to help feed the hungry in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas.

Here’s the details:

When: Saturday, April 27th, 2013

Time: 5:45PM – Doors Open
6PM – Beer Tasting, Cash Bar, Silent Auction (bid to fight hunger!)
7PM – Fashion Show Begins!

Where: FACES Mears Park Atrium in Saint Paul, MN
(380 Jackson Street, St. Paul 55101)

Cost: General admission is free. VIP seating is $50 per seat and includes table seating along the runway and an exclusive swag bag!

How: Get your tickets to REVOLT4hunger here!

Sounds like an awesome night, plus it’s a great opportunity to help out around your hometown! Check it out 🙂

Hearts,
Sarah

Minnesota Pet-Friendly Places

Things are so much easier when you’re able to bring your pets along. I say this mostly because if I have to leave my pup for more than 3-4 hours, then it’s a no-go. She’s young yet so she is usually squatting with puppy eyes when I get home from longer trip, just waiting to use the bathroom.

Anyways, that being said, when I find things that I can bring her to, it just makes life easier! I don’t need to run home and let her out and/or feed her then leave to get things done.

That being said, I wanted to highlight a few places you can bring your dog around Minnesota that you guys might enjoy!

Shopping With Pets

Shopping with your pet can be fun! Here are some places you can shop with your dog or cat:

• Petco and Petsmart locations
• Smitten Kitten (off Lyndale in Minneapolis)
• Urban Outfitters (Uptown)
• Primp Cheap-Chic Boutique
• Rick Rack Boutique (Minneapolis)
• Magers & Quinn Booksellers (Minneapolis)
• Common Good Books (St. Paul)
• Corazon (Minneapolis)
• Gear Running Store (Edina)
• Hoigaard’s (St. Louis Park)

Eating & Drinking With Pets

Of course, sometimes you want to just sit and enjoy a drink or cup of coffee or a bite to eat. Some places you can do this are:

• French Meadow (Minneapolis)
• Sebastian Joe’s Linden Hills – Patio Only (Minneapolis)
• Amore Coffee (West St. Paul)
• Bob’s Java Hut
• Coffee & Tea Ltd (Minneapolis)
• Gigi’s Cafe (Minneapolis)
• JJ’s Coffee & Wine Bar (Eden Prairie)
• Sister Sludge Coffee
• Wilde Roast Cafe (Minneapolis)
• Amore Victoria
• Birchwood Cafe (Minneapolis)
• Bread & Pickle
• Longfellow Grill
• Lucia’s Wine Bar
• The Lowbrow
• Toast Wine Bar & Cafe
• Victory 44
• Trattoria Tosca

Parks For Your Pet

Pets need to burn off energy somewhere, but where is the best place to go when it comes to Minnesota pet parks? Here’s a start to the thousands:

• Ruff House Canine Indoor Social Club (Edina)
• Brooklyn Park Off-Leash Dog Exercise Area
• Crow Hassan Off-Leash Area
• Crystal Community Dog Park
• Cleary Lake Dog Park
• Elm Creek Park Reserve
• High Bridge Dog Park (St. Paul)
• Locke County Dog Park
• WAG Farms Dog Park

Resources For More Info

I used the Sidewalk Dog Directory resource to find these awesome pet-friendly places. They have loads more and it’s definitely worth checking out! They also have great resources for pet grooming, dog walkers, veterinarians, boarding, doggy daycare and more!

The Sidewalk Dog website also has a HUGE directory of dog parks around the area. Visit their Dog Parks page to check out their long list.

If you’re looking for a place to stay or visit and you want to bring your pet, check out BringFido.com to explore your pet-friendly options.

I hope this helps you guys out when it comes to finding great places that love your pet as much as you do. Well, almost anyways 😉

Hearts,
Sarah

HAMMS Event: Saturday April 20th

If you don’t have any plans for tomorrow (Saturday, April 20th) then you should check out the Hamms event going on at the old Hamms brewery shipping docks in St. Paul. The event goes from 10am to 7pm and is open to men, women, and DOGS! (The pup will totes be coming with hubby and I!)

What is it? The Hamms event is a “Minnesota Market with a twist”. You’ll find products for guys, gals and pooches alike. Plus, while you shop the 25,000 sq ft space, you’ll get to sip some wine and beer, enjoy some grub and check out some food trucks. Sounds awesome, right??

The founders of the Hamms event have pledged to give up to $5,000 to one of the vendors there to help them take their business to the next level. Your ticket sale will help make up the funds for this, so come on and get your tickets here! It’s $10/person and kids under five years old are free.

I know some of you are going to skim this post to see what’s up, so I’ll highlight the important details for you. Ready?

1. Who: Local Minnesota Vendors
2. What: 25,000 sq feet of shopping local products for men, women, and dogs plus wine, beer, and food
3. When: Saturday, April 20, 2013 (10:00am-7:00pm)
4. Where: Old Hamms Brewery Shipping Docks – 713 East Minnehaha Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55106 (top floor)
5. Why: To feature some great products, and give up to $5,000 to one lucky vendor to help their business

I’ll be there, and I know lots of others who will be as well. As for the vendors, you will definitely want to check them out. Here’s a list of some of the awesome Minnesota brands and products you’ll find tomorrow:

• Cocobear
• Fidelis Co.
• Urban Junket
• Moss Envy
• Mammaste (how cute is that??)
• Epitome
• Unrefined
• Scrappy Products
• Bodylish
• Kedrin
• Irely Intimates
• Worker B
• Nelli Designs
• Jeanne Beatrice
• And LOTS more…

Oh, and one last thing. You should check out the sponsors who helped make it happen.

That’s all for now. Hope to see you there!

Hearts,
Sarah

How to Wear a Scarf in the Spring

Have you ever wanted to wear a scarf with a spring outfit but you weren’t sure if it was a faux pas or fashionable? Well fret not, it’s totally fashionable, you just have to know how to ‘make it work’ – aha. See what I did there? I added a little Tim Gunn into this article.

Anyways. Let’s get down to business. Wearing scarves in the spring: totally do-able. Here’s a few ways to make your outfit complete with a beautiful scarf.

Spring Scarf Fashion by mnhousewives featuring a printed cardigan

First things first, you can’t pair just any scarf with any outfit. That being said, most other things are a go. But if you want a starting point or maybe some inspiration, here are a few pointers:

1. Choose a lightweight scarf. No heavy cottons or thick cashmere. Those are for winter, this is spring.

2. Go with light, bright and vibrant colors. Nothing screams spring like florals and cheery hues.

3. Pick your patterns. Spring is fun, show it in your style. Fun birds, leopard prints, and colorful houndstooth can make a scarf pop.

4. Style your scarf around your outfit. If your outfit is casual, choose a casual scarf. If your outfit is a bit more formal or classy, choose a classy or formal scarf. Easy!

Follow these four tips and you’re bound to be one fashionable girl this spring! (It will be spring someday, I promise!) 🙂

Hearts,
Sarah

April Birchbox Opening: New Samples!

Eeek 🙂 Today I got my April Birchbox. I’m always so excited when I see our postman drive by with my pink box in his hand! I dashed out there with the pup to grab it, and eagerly opened it up to see what I’d find this month. Here’s what I found!

So what the heck is it all? Okay, let me give you the details:

Skin&Co Sicilian Body Gel – This soap is from Rome and smells DELICIOUS, plus it is packed with antioxidants.

Nexxus Youth Renewal Rejuvenating Elixir – I’m not sure what Birchbox is trying to tell me with this whole antiaging business but I’ll take it. This shine-boosting serum helps dry hair and reduce age-related hair breakage.

StriVectin Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles – Again with the old jokes, Birchbox. Well this cream helps decrease fine lines on your face and also helps to rid puffy circles. When I used it, the pressure under my eyes seemed to subside. I’m going to continue to use it!

Weleda Body Lotion – Those three packets of body lotion will be wonderful. I got three different scents: Pomegranate, Sea Buckthorn and Wild Rose. Made in Switzerland from natural essential oils. So far, I’ve used the Pomegranate and it smelled very nice and was really moisturizing without staying sticky.

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics – This anti-shine mattifier is made to go on beneath your makeup and should be applied to your T-zone to eliminate shine. I’ve used this quite a few times now and it really does exactly what they claim it will do. It mattified immediately after I used it and lasted all day long. Great product!

Hearts,
Sarah