Summer Sidewalk Sales Update

The sale has begun and it is the perfect time to scoop up a cute pair of heels and a new dress to wear out on one of these hot summer nights! I stopped through the mall today and checked out all the sales merchandise, so you will know exactly where to begin. Happy shopping!

Terese Zache: Up to 80% off selected merchandise

Jan Byce: Up to 75% off selected merchandise

Morgan Shoes: 40% off discounted shoes

Buddy Squirrel: 1/2 price red dot sale

Woldenberg's: 50-70% off selected merchandise

Rupert Cornelius: These scarves for $9.99 and up to 75% off selected merchandise

Pendleton: Up to 50% off selected merchandise

Cornblooms: Discount shoes galore, plus take an extra 20% off all boots

A Couple Brazilian Treats...

It has happened. I am becoming my father. As long as I can remember, he has been taking his parishioners (he is a pastor) out for a day of boating, fishing and conversation calling it "work". I would always smile and say, "Sure Dad, call it what you want."

Just a couple days ago, I went out for cocktails with the girls and called it just the same; work. After realizing how many amazingly refreshing summer cocktails the various restaurants around Hilldale have to offer, I thought it only fair and helpful to you, my loyal readers, to search out the best of the best. This of course meant vigorous research on my part, many grueling hours spent sipping and critiquing. But I was willing to accept such a laborious task, if it meant that you, dear reader now will know exactly which bar stool to grab when craving a local brew or a chilled margarita...

With that said, I started at the Great Dane, one of my favorite spots at Hilldale. Yes, there's the ridiculously tasty food, great service and their famous house-brewed beer, but I have a more important reason for visiting...the Brazilian bartender, Filipe, (my secret crush) and one of the sweetest bartenders in the business. As if stopping in for a smile and great conversation is not enough, this charmer has also got his own signature drink...and a fabulous one at that.

It is called a Capiroska and it's one Brazilian treat you shouldn't miss this summer! Filipe starts by muddling sugar and limes in the bottom of a rocks glass before adding a lot of ice and sweet Reyka vodka to complete the cocktail. I heartily suggest you enjoy your Capiroska on the Dane's outdoor patio in one of their very comfortable loungers. Also, take a cue from me, grab some coworkers and find some way to call it work. Happy sipping!

Sidewalk Sales

Maxwell Street Days aren't the only place you can find a bargain this weekend. Hilldale Sidewalk Sales start this Thursday, July 17th and run through Sunday, July 20th. If deals from all your favorite stores (like up to 80 percent off selected items at Terese Zache) isn't enough, your body will thank you for shopping in the air conditioning on this hot summer weekend. Check back Thursday for the detailed scoop on all the steals and deals happening this weekend!

A Race Worth Running....

Lately I have heard lots of victory stories from friends who have trained for and run marathons. I always listen contently and then give the same response, "I have such respect for you, that is just one thing I could never see myself being able to complete." Never much of a runner, I would prefer to throw on a pair of four inch stilettos and dance my calories away with a cute boy. Then it happened. I found my race. Kelly Ripa's first annual High Heel-A-Thon. The 150 yard dash, which requires racers to wear heels of 3 inches or higher while running, was held this morning in New York City and benefits the March of Dimes.

Although I didn't make it to NYC for the race this morning, it did inspire me to buy a new pair of heels (what a great reason, right?) and run my morning errands in them with pride. Looking for a little high heel inspiration? I suggest picking up one of these great pairs from Macy's.




Jessica Simpson "Neona" Peep Toe Pump




Steve Madden "Lockd" Pump

Simply Golden

So summer is in full swing, and between the madness of class, a couple jobs and all the rain we have had my tan is not as golden-brown as I would like. While some of my college-aged cohorts spend their mornings lounging by the pool or throwing around a frisbee, I have been spending my hours inside classrooms and office buildings. In a desperate attempt to look bronzed in my swimsuit this Fourth, I took the necessary measures and found a tanning bed.

While browsing through tons of offers at numerous tanning salons in Madison, I remembered my boss Leslie had mentioned a well kept Hilldale secret. Edward's Salon, a quaint little beauty parlor in the basement of Hilldale that offers more than the best perm in town; they have a tanning bed. Now, I know what you're thinking, "Who doesn't have a tanning bed these days?" Most places do, but few are rarely used (Edward's cliental are mostly sassy silver foxes) and inexpensive to boot!

I made my way over this afternoon to find out if the rumors were true. After filling out a tiny bit of information and paying a measly five dollars, I can officially report that my skin is now bronzer and more swimsuit ready for the weekend! I will definitely be investing in a package for the summer. Twenty five dollars gets you six tans, while $35 gets you ten. So get over to Edward's Salon for a little glow and enjoy the holiday weekend flaunting your best summer accessory!