Shop 'til you drop

My mom defines the words, "power shopper". She is the Yoda of a screamin' deal (minus being green and wrinkly)  I was pulled aside at the tender age of thirteen and she whispered in my ear. "never pay full retail, my young Jedi." (ok, she didn't call me Jedi) Shopping with my mother was comparable to a modern day boot camp. We would rise before the sun, hustle out to the car while she yelled, "got the maps?" "check!" "coffee?" "check!"  "granola bars?" (come to find out this would be our only food for the next 10 hours, wtf?) "check!" 

"are you wearing clothes with minimal buttons?" (important to be able to strip down in 20 seconds or less, didn't you know shopping is a competitive sport?) "check!"  We would promptly arrive in the Twin Cities as soon as it struck 10am. (let the games begin!)  She would drag me to every TJ Maxx and Marshalls within a 40 mile radius of the Cities.  (translation, all of them)  We would end the day at Loehman's for what I referred to the most humiliating part of the day. I remember walking into the dressing room and to my horror saw thirty half naked women trying on clothes.  My prepubescent body was not about to show these complete strangers my training bra! (can't pop for a frickin' curtain?!)  We'd hit Fuddruckers for a build your own burger bomb and fries and talk about how well we did. (there should be a medal for what I just went through) She had some words of wisdom that I still carry with me today.
1) "Look how much money I saved by buying this." (isn't that an oxymoron, but I'm in!)
2) "This old thing? I brought it years ago." (I just saw her clip the tags, she's good!)
3)  "Never bring in all your loot at one time. Slowly piecemeal it in throughout the week." (sheer genius at work here)
4) "Honey, you're built like your father, it's best to avoid leggings". (well, she's still my mom, after all)
Don't have the stamina for power shopping with Mom, try a relaxing manicure and pedicure at Marcdaniel Salon instead. 
Where:  Marcdaniel Salon located in Maple Grove
Why:  It's gorgeous, relaxing and the perfect way to bond with your mom.
What to expect:  Marcdaniel is a full service salon with a very talented staff.  Two of our favorites are the Martini-Classic Manicure which includes filing, cuticle care, ex foliating mask, anti-aging serum, arm and hand massage and a finishing butter to make you feel and look 10 years younger. ($31)
Hydrating Pedicure- an hour and 15 minutes of pampering, starting with a tantalizing clay mask, followed with a warm towel wrap and leg massage, finished off with polish. ($52)