Jul
26
Many restaurants offering Asian fare include szechuan dishes suggesting a tangy, hot pepper experience from the Sichuan Province of China. However, very few are authentic cuisine from this region and not all spices or peppers are created equal. In 2007, Little Szechuan open its’ door offering 200 dishes prepared by chefs from Sichuan.
MarkdownMom enjoyed one of the restaurant’s popular dishes Kung Pao Chicken and to 
entice the sweeter palate an appetizer of honey shrimp. Delicious! Get enough friends so that you can try at least 3 dishes with a heaping bowl of rice and tea–you won’t be disappointed! Moderately priced and served by a friendly staff.
An Authentice Chinese Dining Experience In The Twin Cities!
Posted in Cool Places, Frugal Gastronome, Markdown Mom's Twin Cities Tour Authentic Chinese Eating Experience in Twin Cities Authentic Sezchuan Sichuan Authentyic Sichuan Food Review Little Szechuan Restaurants in Twin Cities Szechuan
Nov
02
Northland Visions is one of MDMs favorite Twin Cities stores to purchase unique and artistic gifts. They feature works from local and regional American Indian artists and Native-Inspired products such as Growing Blue Flower soaps, lotions, and salves; Pendleton vests, blankets, and jackets with Native designs; beaded earrings, hair pennants, and bracelets; and sterling silver and turquoise rings, necklaces and more.
Also in-store, you can purchase bead design books; beads, sinew, leather straps, and jingles to make your own jewelry; sweet grass, sage, and smudge shells for clensing and prayer; and Minnesota-grown and produced wild rice, jellies, maple syrup, tea, and fry bread and soup mixes. They also carry large gift baskets with Northland Minnesota-Grown goodies.
Northland Visions-Native Art & Gifts of the Northlands
1113 East Franklin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone: 612-872-0390
Website: http://www.northlandvisions.com
Store Hours
Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm
Posted in Cool Places, Crafts & Hobbies, Tips
Feb
08
Did you know that over 85% of all American women are wearing the wrong bra size? Well, Oprah and the girls (Trinny and Susannah) from What Not To Wear do! Last summer they staged a Bra Intervention and had Susan Nethero, an expert bra fitter, help all the women in Oprah’s audience find the right bra size. Wearing the correct bra size can be very uplifting, no pun intended. Your clothes will fit better, you will instantly look slimmer and feel great, no surgery needed! However, if you weren’t in Oprah’s audience and missed the show, how do you know what bra to look for? No worries! Fashion Bug is having a free in-store bra fitting event. All bras are buy one, get one 50% off. But you need to hurry with this one as it is only this Saturday (Feb 9th) 10AM-6PM! While you are at Fashion Bug, check out their wide selection of 40% off jeans and 80% off clearance items! If you are unable to attend the Fashion Bug bra event, be sure to visit the Fashion Bug website to learn how to measure yourself for the right bra fit.
Save the Date:
Fashion Bug Bra Fitting Event
Saturday, February 9, 2008
10am-6pm
Posted in Consumer Smarts, Cool Places, Fashion for Less, Stores, Tips, Uncategorized
Aug
24
Having the look of a consignment shop, but the selection of a designer outlet is a genre of bargain stores that are in a class by themselves. MDM has come across a number of these entreprenueral enterprises, and when that occurs her initial reaction is to savor the moment and buy, buy, buy! These shops are the back wall clearance racks where all those great bargains are found.
Markdown Mom found one of these gems in South Minneapolis. Located at 4320 Excelsior Boulevard (952-922-2435), Opitz Outlet carries upscale overstocks that even the celebs would salivate over. Originally one of the first Twin Cities consignment stores, Opitz carries upscale consignments, but also designer overstocks. With discounts of 70% to 80% off msrp, bargain hunting fashionistas have a large inventory to choose from. Apparel, shoes, and accessories from top designers and now a fledgling housewares department make this a “must.”
If designers Charles David Anne Klein, Lauren, DKNY, Steve Madden, Prada, Kathy Vreeland, Minx at 70% off doesn’t get your bargain heart pumping, then you will have to step next door at the Opitz Annex where you will find blowout flat prices like dresses and name brand handbags for $5, and next week $15 women’s boots.
MDM recommends to take the time and look over these items for any small flaws, however, at 90%off+you can afford to take a chance at less than perfect.
MDM gives this place two thumbs up for bargain hunters! Your pocket book and closet will cry with joy!
Posted in Consignment Shops, Cool Places, Cost Cutting Corner, Fashion for Less, Uncategorized discount designer apparel & accessories
Jul
07
Clean lines, contemporary looks, a bit of wimsy, and great bargains greeted MDM at the huge IKEA store across from the Mall of America. Divided into two levels, the size of the store has proven somewhat daunting for first time visitors. MDM recommends making your first visit to the store during the weekdays and off-peak hours since weekends tend to be crowded; otherwise, you may have to leave a trail of crumbs to find your way out.
The top level of the store is the Showroom where you can see a full set-up by room. On this level is a restaurant & café. This is the level to jot down the numbers of the individual pieces you wish to purchase and pick-up on the 1st level below. If you are purchasing items, MDM recommends parking on the upper level, which places the customer at the entry of the 1st level.
IKEA is open daily from 10am-9pm, and the restaurant café from 9:30am-8:00pm. You can get breakfast for 99¢ until 11 a.m. Ikea provides instructions how to shop its’ stores online, so be sure to take a look before your first visit because it will avoid a lot of confusion. IKEA provides wheelchairs, superior to the Mall of America, and has had electric carts, too for its’ customers–although at this writing they were not available. Strollers are also provided, and Ikea has storage lockers to place packages from other stores or coats for a 25¢ fee that is refundable. Bags and shopping carts for keeping track of merchandise are provided, too. All products are written in swedish, but the pricing code will tell you if you can pick-up the item or will have to special order it, additionally each item list its’ dimensions and other valuable information to assist in your decision.
MDM especially liked the 1st level Marketplace that contained throw rugs for $1.99, prints, designer accent lighting, housewares and so much more. A sample of items you can find include stainless kitchenware, lighted shelving, bamboo plants, designer rugs,etc. MDM did not fail in her mission to locate the clearance section. In the left corner of the Marketplace as you are entering, you will find an "As Is" and "50% off" sections that include furniture and other items. Take your time and you can find some real bargains and be sure to ask about shipping and delivery if you are unable to take it with you.
The Swedish Food Market had some great chocolate filled cookies and MDM was able to find a stainless steel cheese slicer/shaver–can be used to shave chocolate as well–for $4.99.
You could spend the entire day at IKEA if you have to, but MDM recommends that if you have the time, take IKEA in stages to appreciate all that it has to offer. Bring your own bag(s) to take your goodies home or pay a nominal 5¢ for each. Worthy of several visits especially if you like finding all those neat design accents and materials that you see on your favorite decorating shows, at bargain prices. Hats off to the Swedes for combining utility and style.
Skål!
Posted in Cool Places, Cost Cutting Corner, Decorating On A Budget, Frugal Gastronome, New Trendy Items, Stores, Uncategorized
Jul
05
The Big Bowl Restaurant serves fresh Chinese and Thai dishes in a trendy, posh atmosphere. The restaurant pride’s itself in serving meats from free-ranging organic local farms free of antibiotics and growth hormones. There are also many delicious options for vegetarian patrons, such as Pad Thai
Noodles, vegetable potstickers (pictured right), and tofu curry.
The dishes are a tad pricey, but well worth the cost. Many of the dishes are fresh and wok stir fry in front of the customer. Consumers can chose from a menu of appetizers, sit down dishes, the gourmet dish of the day, or their famous BIG BOWL. THE BIG BOWL is a self-serve buffet line of fresh vegetables, which are then brought to the chefs who cook them in large woks with any choice of meats (chicken, shrimp, beef) or tofu.
The BIG BOWL is also famous for their home-made ginger ale beverages, which come in a variety of flavors or alcoholic beverages. MDM recommends their original ginger ale served with a slice of lime (pictured left). This house recipe is DELICIOUS and REFRESHING after a hot summer’s day and, of course, after a hard day shopping !
The tailored, button-down waiters are charismatic and the service excellent. Having not previously been to this restaurant, MDM’s waiter thoroughly explained the menu and suggested a sit-down menu instead of choosing the BIG BOWL. He obviously was trying to convince patrons to select the more expensive meals, and commented that the BIG BOWL options may be TOO OVERWHELMING for first-time diners!!!! MDM thought this was quite humorous so at the end of the meal when the check was brought to the table, she wrote a comment on the sale receipt —–
"I WAS OVERWHELMED BY THE DELICIOUSNESS!"
The BIG BOWL is located in various locations throughout Illinois and Minnesota and Reston, Virginia. Check out The BIG BOWL website for a location near you: http://www.bigbowl.com/index.html
Posted in Cool Places, Trendy Restaurants, Uncategorized
Jul
04
Several Minnesotans celebrated the Taste of Minnesota events held at beautiful Harriet Island in St. Paul, Minnesota on June 29 through July 4th. Among the many festivities were free concerts, prize give-aways, and carnival rides for the whole family and pony rides, carnival games, and Radio Disney for the kids. Also available were riverboat rides touring the Mississippi River, with an option to view the fireworks display on the night cruise.
Forty-five vendors were also scattered throughout Harriet Park selling everything from the traditional American carnival foods– hotdog, brat, fries, mini donuts,soda, and beer to Minnesota favorites–mashed potatoes, turkey drumsticks, sweet corn, and wild rice casserole dishes, to the more unusual but tasty picks such as Hot Roast Beef Sundaes (roast beef and mashed potato bowl smothered in gravy), Indian Tacos, sweet potato fries, and Island Noodle’s Wok Fried Soba Noodles (pictured right). 
There were several FREE hour-long concerts for the entire family. All the bands were spectacular, but without a doubt the best was The Village People who made an appearance on June 29. The concert brought together both older and younger generations, and an eclectic crowd ranging from baby boomers, punk/rock, sporty, and preps. The Village People still high-spirited and energetic engaged the crowd with their jokes and commentaries ending in their famous song, "YMCA."
If you missed out on this year’s events, don’t worry. The Taste of Minnesota will be back next year. So check the website or newspaper for details in June.
HAPPY 4th Everyone!!!!
See the Taste of Minnesota website:
http://www.tasteofmn.org/
See The Village People website:
http://www.officialvillagepeople.com/
Posted in Cool Places, Editorial, Entertainment, Uncategorized
Jul
02
For those of us who remember the 50′s, 60′s, and 70′s, the question should be if retro ever left? However, when MDM held an estate sale a few years ago, it was quite apparent that a new, younger generation had rediscovered the style of the baby boomers childhood, and appreciated the funkiness, fun, and flavor of the era. Peter Maxx designs, the sleek look of vibrant orange, sea kissed aqua, and the flame red of naugehyde furniture, kidney shaped tables, geometric fabric and more married with the minimalist contemporary approach to design.
Although it can be hit and miss, your best bargains to find this retro look are garage sales, estate sales, and thrift shops. However, to save time and absorb the essence of this design era in one visit, your best bet is a shop specializing in retro. MDM did just that on her latest Tour of the Twin Cities at Swank Interiors located near the U of M at 1910 University Avenue in St. Paul. Foregoing malls, this specialty shop is part of the "St. Paul Retro Loop," a loose association of 5 stores specializing in vintage and retro apparel, furniture, accessories and more. These shops not only sell period 
merchandise, but are buyers as well.
MDM found reasonable prices such as a poster of Marlene Dietrich for $90, lucite grapes for $12, McCoy large pot for $40–better than online auctions. The lower level was packed with merchandise awaiting pricing. Never hesitate to take a peek, if allowed, in the storeroom for new merchandise and if you see something that appeals to you, inquire–you may end up with a find!
These are cool sites to hang out with others who have a passion for this time period, and owners and staff have a wealth of knowledge that they will gladly share for the asking. Merchandise changes weekly, so if you can’t find a particular piece mention it, oftentimes the owner/staff will be on the lookout and will give you a call if you leave your name and number with them. For the unique item that doesn’t require instructions to put together, these retro specialty shops are worthy of investigation.
Posted in Collectibles, Cool Places, Decorating On A Budget, Uncategorized, What's Hot New And Undiscovered
Jun
19
Number 6 on MDM’s tour of the Twin Cities includes a visit to the St. Paul Farmers Market. Saturday and Sunday in Downtown St. Paul you will find this Farmers Market located under a canopy resembling a train station platform. Customers will find for sale bedding plants, including herbs, hostas, along with planters filled with grasses and luscious flora and fauna.
Although too early for the bountiful harvest that will come in the later part of summer and early fall, MDM found vendors selling in-season rhubarb, free range chickens, brown eggs, farm-raised bacon, and homemade soaps and lotions. For those who love farm fresh and organic produce and food, nothing is better than the diversity offered at local farmers markets.
To be green, MDM recommends bringing your own tote bag to carry your culinary and landscaping prizes. Most farmers markets open quite early at 6 a.m. and close by 1 p.m.. If you arrive early, you have a larger selection but for the real bargain hunters deals can be made on the last day at the last hour by many vendors. Some vendors may offer a punch card entitling the purchaser to free goods after a certain amount of purchases.
Click Here to See Spring and Fall at the Farmer’s Market!
Posted in Cool Places, Editorial, Uncategorized
Aug
10
A new phenomena in consignment stores is the consignment store chain. These consignment chains offer new advantages such as 1) an increase in buying power of discounted designer lots and 2) locations are more convenient not only for , but for sellers as well.
On a recent consignment store run, MDM found the Turn Style Consignment Chain, which has stores throughout Minnesota and select locations in Arizona.
The Turn Style Consignment Shop in the Higland Park area in Minnesota has a boutique like setting and features housewares, men’s styles, childern styles, women’s styles in misses and plus sizes, and accessories. The Turn Style store offers designer name brands such as Ralph Lauren, Prada, Karen Kane, and much more with savings up to 60-70% off the retail value.
MarkDown Mom found this wonderful Valentina mandarin top for a steal at $7. 
With a gold necklace and tailored pants, you will have one elegant look with money to spare.
Investigate whether or not your state has any consignment chain stores. It is well worth the effort!
Posted in Consignment Shops, Cool Places, Editorial, Uncategorized
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