Shopaholic

Question for ya. Shopping a store aisle the other day, I overheard a young couple trying to decide which bug spray to purchase to protect their new baby this summer. No, I’m not going to name the brand they were considering, but I will say it’s pretty popular and contains a fair amount of chemicals.
      Listening to the obvious concern for their child’s comfort, I found myself struggling with whether or not I should butt in. Should I share with them that skin is the largest organ of the body so their infant daughter might be better off buttered up with something more natural and organic? Should I steer them to Outpost or Whole Foods or direct them to Sprout where they’d find extremely gentle Dr. T’s Super Goop, which made with natural lemongrass and cedar rather than Deet to keep bugs at bay also offers SPF 30 protection from UVA and UVB rays? In the end I opted for minding my own business, but to be honest, I still wonder if I did the right thing. Any thoughts? 320 E. Buffalo, 414-289-0844, sproutmilwaukee.com.

 

Speaking of invading someone else’s space, I saw a pretty clever hostess gift at Magnolia & Co. Boasting the tagline “Spritz the bowl before you go and no one else will ever know,” Poo-Pourri bathroom spray’s natural lemon lime essential oils effectively stop um, problem scents at their source rather than simply ‘perfuming ’ them after they’ve become airborne. Though it works like a charm eliminating odor and potential embarrassment, I’m guessing some of its appeal lies in its well-designed packaging. Available in 2oz (perfect for work or purse) and 4 oz bottles plus fun gift sets which include rolls of fancy toilet paper. 1442 Underwood Ave., 414-256-0885, villageofwauwatosa.com.

 

As long as we’re on the subject, if you care for the earth as much as your pooch check out Flush Puppies, dog poop disposal bags made of a water-soluble PVA film that completely dissolves 45 minutes after being flushed down any standard toilet. Given that the dogs in a city of just 100,000 people will generate about 2 million pounds of doo doo a year, the idea isn’t as silly as one might think especially when the most popular alternative is to scoop the stuff up in leftover plastic shopping bags, which can spend up to a thousand years decomposing in landfills. The bags, packaged 15

to a pocket packet, are available at flushpuppies.com. Savvy shoppers signing up for a monthly shipment subscription can save up to 33 percent.

Finally to end this all on a sweet note, why not help little girls feel extra special with SCENT OF A NAME personalized perfumes, lotions, body washes and shampoos. Created from a blend of fruit, floral and spice scents, they make fun party favors. Find out more at rosemarysscents.com.

 

 

CHECK OUT:
July 8 (5:45 & 7:15) at timothyj Kitchen & Bath: Take a peek at the company’s new design studio during a flavorful Wine & Chocolate tasting event presented by sommelier Toni Johnson and chef Marc Bianchini of the Marc Restaurant Group. RSVP required. 225 S. Second St., 414-224-8552, timothyjkitchenandbath.com.

 

June 9 (6 – 10 p.m.) at the ReFashion for Life charity event benefiting Wauwatosa’s Common Ground Ministry/Elena’s House: This unique evening pairs cool countertops and cabinetry, plumbing and light fixtures, windows, flooring and hardware center stage with late summer and fall fashions. Enjoy a terrific runway show, great silent and voice auction, hors d’oeuvres, desserts and of course music. Tickets $40. Location: Callen Construction grounds and showroom S63 W13131 Janesville Rd., Muskego. For more info call 414-529-5509 or visit refashionforlife.com.

 

July 10 (8 – 10 p.m.) at American Science & Surplus: Rediscover the wonder of your place in the universe at a fun outdoor Star Party. Four hundred years after Galileo first gazed skyward, Astronomer Paul Chapman will help you explore the cosmos with one of the most high tech scopes the store has to offer. Bring the whole family for refreshments, fun contests, quizzes and giveaways. 6901 W. Oklahoma Ave., 414-541-7777, sciplus.com.

 

At Luci’s expanded downtown location: Lots more flattering fashions including styles for women of size, larger accessory department and pampering touches like a self serve Powder Room sponsored by Blush to freshen up and sample exclusive makeup and skin care lines like Laura Mercier, DuWop and BKamins. 532 N. Water St., 414-226-0114 & 1405 N. Oakland Ave., 414-967-1404, luciboutique.com.

 

 

At MP/two: July 2 shoppers save 15 percent off during the Wear Red White or Blue Sale. Also note on July 9, the store’s Bastille Day Sale begins. 825 Jefferson, 414-272-4672, markpaschltd.com.

 

 

At Blush: Got a friend looking for a great bikini wax? Refer them to Paulina and save $5 off your next appointment for her professional trademark waxing. 249 N. Water St., 414-272-1718, blushmilwaukee.com.