Our website has a New Look, so I couldn’t resist a post about Nu Look, the best place to shop for secondhand kids clothes in SW Minneapolis. Moms with great taste hit this outpost to deliver their children’s castoff Oilily dresses, Ralph Lauren button downs, and other pint-size apparel. And we all know how kids grow like, well, sprouts (there I go again), so what a relief to be able to spruce up their wardrobes and save for a change.

City Pages once referred to Laurie McCann Crowell as a culinary alchemist, and these days that magic is apparent at Golden Fig Fine Foods on Grand Avenue in St. Paul. The shelves are stocked with regional gourmet foods, like farm cheeses and artisan chocolates, and her own infused vinegars and spice blends. My picks? A jar of Cardamom Roseade (a pink lemonade), made with fresh lemon juice, roseflower, and hibiscus (which gives it that rosy hue), and a dark chocolate raspberry candy bar.

I had a perfectly lazy weekend. Took the dog to one of my favorite stretches of urban tranquility—Nicollet Island Park—to roll around in the grass and take in the spectacular views of downtown and the Stone Arch Bridge. Then we meandered along St. Anthony Main and stopped at Pracna to sit outside with a crisp pint of Surly.

I’ve been working a frenetic pace this week, so I’m going to uncork a bottle a little earlier than usual today. Picked up my Pinot G. at France 44, and one thing I especially like about this family-run shop is that when I peruse the shelves, my search is super easy because of the careful labels that caption the various bottles. See that “eco-friendly” label in my snap? Brilliant.

Ever wish you could rob the closets of TC fashionistas? Let me suggest June’s high-end resale racks instead. I practically skipped out of the shop on Lyndale after purchasing several designer duds for a song; gently worn cast-offs definitely have the feel good one-upmanship on luxury items purchased new. Love owner Daune Stinson’s carefully curated selection, the lofty space, the Manolo Blahniks…

Lately I’ve been taking full advantage of my new bike (thanks Erik’s Bike Shop). Over the weekend I took the classic 9-mile route around the Chain of Lakes; drooled at the homes along Lake of the Isles; and stopped at the Bandshell on Harriet to catch some live music. The Southwest Journal alerted me to the fact that the June issue of Travel + Leisure named Minneapolis one of “The World’s Top Biking Cities.” Pretty cool that we boast the second most bike commuters in the U.S. (Portland beats us).

I swear that my home is half-furnished with the orphan antiques I’ve adopted from SW Minneapolis shop Hunt & Gather. Twenty-something vendors jam-pack every inch with their colorful, eclectic displays—spinning globes, mid-c. furniture, retro signage, and other treasures that aren’t too precious in price. I’ve gotten so bad that I can barely drive by without stopping. In fact, I just picked up a red rolling bar cart for a place to set grill tools and plates of food when I’m entertaining outside.

I procured these fresh peas at the Mill City Farmer’s Market last weekend. If you haven’t been yet, go. The setting was perfect for a sunny Saturday—right along the Mississippi River, with a band plucking away and people picnicking on the steps of the Guthrie—and the gems you’ll find at the farmer stands are worth the parking effort. Like these peas. For a snack, I like to unzip the pods and pop them right in my mouth. But I did reserve enough for a delicious salad of baby greens, fresh peas, prosciutto, and parmesan.

Hello there! This City of Lakes sign I pass on my way home is a personal source of pride. Living here, I feel lucky to encounter the best of two worlds—an active urban community against an almost bucolic backdrop of lakes and trees. Like you, I’ve got my lineup of favorite finds: bike paths, mom-and-pop shops, the best bagel in town… I’m no expert—just a friendly guide with a little time and a lot of curiosity. Hope you’ll join me every week for a spin around town.