Now that the temperatures have turned above freezing, it’s time to think about spring and starting over.

The best place for your wardrobe to start it’s freshening up: Houndstooth.

In Savage, the new shop is nestled in what would otherwise be a typical strip mall. However, walk in and feel like you’re in a sweet West Coast boutique.

The shop is stocked with an impressive collection of premium denim, ranging from the super reasonable to Denimocracy leggings ($70) up to more extravagant True Religion and William Rast styles. However, when it comes to prices, you’ll be pleasantly pleased to find them for slightly less. (Shhhh… don’t tell.)

Denim aside, there are tons of fabulous things to wear with the pants – from Alternative Apparel basics to cool tunics from Walter. You’ll also find the newly launched Halston Heritage line (as featured in the upcoming ”Sex and the City” sequel), which is sold out at many retailers.

That makes nicknaming Houndstooth “Style in the Suburbs” even more appropriate.

Houndstooth, 5749 Egan Dr., O’Connell Square, Savage, 952-440-2807

With the Olympics winding down, you might find that your young ones have been captured by the spirit of the games. So now, what can you do to capitalize on the inspiration from sports?

Tiger Athletics to the rescue! The family business was started two years ago by Stacie and Chris Clark. They use the idea of SAQ (speed, agility and quickness) that will translate to many different athletic activities, so kids have abilities that will carry them through whatever physical activity they want to tackle and not just sport-specific skills.

The mobile company works at multiple locations with teams, individuals and families. They also have summer camps and programs. There are even family training sessions (in Eden Prairie), which separates adults and children while keeping them in the same general area so they can watch each other and bond over a common experience.

Programs range for kids ages 3 up to 18, they’re a combination of age-appropriate and by skill. The training helps prepare them for whatever physical task might be presented to them – from a soccer game to a dance class to a round of kickball. For Tiger Athletics, it’s ultimately about building confidence so your children can take on anything that comes their way.

Tiger Athletics, register and get more information online at or call 612-695-8770.

Tell Savvy why you need/want/deserve a personal fashion makeover. The winner will receive fashion styling by Carrie Leum, owner of Corset Styling, and $250 to use at her Hopkins boutique. Plus, the winner will be featured in the premier issue of the Savvy.mn Magazine, coming in April.

One winner will be chosen and she must agree to be interviewed and photographed in before and after clothes and appear in the Savvy.mn Magazine. Winner must be available to meet stylist, photographer and writer during second half of March.

Corset Personal Styling, www.corsetstyling.com, offers personalized wardrobing services and a boutique at 715 Mainstreet in Hopkins. The company, which features brands that fit women from size 0 to 3X, specializes in great looks for today’s casual business environment.

Click here and then click Submission.

Fashionistas are getting ready for March 7. That’s the day French designer Jean Paul Gaultier launches a limited edition collection for Target. His tribute to the American woman features short skirts and mesh leggings with prices that can’t compete with his line for Hermes.

Did your dishwasher eat another spoon? Washing machine turn everything pink? This month, you can upgrade an appliance, get a government rebate and save money on your energy bills.

Call (877-230-1999) or go online (www.mnappliancerebate.com) to reserve your rebate for an Energy Star refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher or clothes washer. Then you have the month of March to purchase a new qualifying appliance.

There are a finite number of rebates available, ranging from $50 up to $200 (refrigerator and freezer require proof of recycling). Even if you don’t get on the initial list of 25,400 rebates, don’t be deterred—there’s a waitlist! You’ll fill out the same information and be notified later if you end up qualifying.

According to Julie Warner of Warners’ Stellian (yes, it is a family business), this is a good time to think about upgrading your home, whether or not you get a rebate. Replacing a washing machine that’s just 10 years old could result in $135 in energy savings per year.

Not to mention, saving water and detergent since new machines require much less. Plus, anything that makes doing laundry and dishes more fun or less painful, is a great investment.

Bored with your winter wardrobe, but not quite ready for spring? Here are a few items that will help get you through the rest of the gray days.

Jean leggings: If you love the skinny jean look, but don't like how uncomfortable some of the styles can be, opt for denim-look leggings which give you the look of skinny jeans with the comfort of leggings. These from Old Navy ($17) come with a cute zipper detail at the ankle and loads of stretch (cotton/poly/spandex).

Denim shirts: The denim shirt is popping up in so many variations this season -- from utility tunics to lightweight chambray tops. Wear them belted with a wide leather belt (see below) and layered over a long-sleeve knit. It's great for skinny black pants or leggings now and white shorts and jeans later.

Oversized cardigans: Push that little lightweight sweater to the back of the closet. The newest sweater silhouette is an oversized sweater cardigan. Hitting anywhere from below the hip to knee-length, the chunky oversized sweater is the perfect cozy option for milder days; it is also perfect for indoor offices that are too chilly to go sweaterless.

Studded belts: Cinch your style with fall's boldest belt: the wide-waist style. Wear it with a blouse and a pencil skirt, over a cardigan or belt a dress (very Michelle Obama.)

The best croissants in the state might very well be from Edelweiss Bakery in Prior Lake.

Owned by Mark and Julie Bowles, the cozy spot on the corner bakes up fresh cookies, breads, danishes, donuts, cakes and other gourmet treats. In April, they’ll celebrate five years in a business that is the culmination of years of inspiration.

Mark Bowles lived in Europe for 15 years and worked as a tennis instructor. He met Julie (a native Minnesotan) there and returned stateside with the dream of opening a Euro-style bed and breakfast.

So he learned the baking business and some pretty incredible recipes (chocolate croissants included) and opened up a sweet neighborhood bakery where you can linger over soup and a treat. They’ll never push you out the door – at least not without a to-go bag in hand.

Edelweiss Bakery, 16186 Main Av. SE, Prior Lake, 952-440-2773.

Elizabeth “Bets” Dehn is the local beauty authority. You can read her product reviews and tips on Beauty Bets.

Here are her tried-and-true skinsavers for “midwinter malaise holding your face hostage.”

Switch to a creamy cleanser: Now is the time to preserve your skin’s natural oils, not strip them away with harsh cleansers. Creamy, milky, non-foaming face washes are super-gentle, do a fantastic job of lifting away dirt and makeup, and leave skin cushiony soft. Best Bet: Eminence Coconut Milk Cleanser, $36

Exfoliate, exfoliate! Those dead, dry skin cells are piling up and keeping your face from properly absorbing the moisture it needs. Buff them away 2-3 times a week (depending on skin’s sensitivity) with a gentle yet effective exfoliant. Best Bet: Origins Modern Friction, $38

Get steamed: Short of the rain forest, there is nothing more hydrating than a good steam. When you can’t get a facial, DIY with a pot of boiling water, a few drops of your favorite essential oil, and a towel draped over your head. Be sure to wash your face first, and moisturize afterward!

Mask the problem: Who says your moisturizer has to do all the work? Call in the big guns when your skin needs some extra TLC. During dry months, that means a moisturizing mask. Leave it on while you’re watching American Idol, or better yet—overnight. Best Bet: Korres Honey Thyme Mask, $29

Just fake it: Sometimes, no amount of sleep, salmon, or skincare will do. That’s when you have to fake it with makeup. Create luminosity by mixing a liquid illuminator with your moisturizer or foundation, then top cheeks with a bright, creamy blush for that just-jogged-5-miles glow. Best Bets: MAC Strobe Cream, $30 and Stila Convertible Color, $25

Sometimes, it’s nice to stay in and shop. But online and catalog browsing gets old quickly.

So turn off the technology, invite a few friends over and have Kay Thibodeaux bring the Fifth Avenue Collection jewelry to you.

She has been in home sales for 25 years and started working with the Fifth Avenue Collection about three years ago. The line works for her because it’s high quality at great prices and full of Swarovski crystals. Prices ranges from $20 up to $250, with most items in the $30 to $50 range.

She’ll throw a trunk show anywhere, for anyone. You can have as many or as few people over and there are no minimums, plus you’ll get free jewelry and half-priced jewelry, based on sales. There’s also no ordering – you buy the jewelry on the spot and take it home with you. It even comes wrapped as a gift or for you to open up for yourself. That’s true instant gratification.

Fifth Avenue Collection, contact Kay for more information through her website, e-mail at kay@giftsbykay.com or by phone 952-402-0353.

If you might be interested in becoming a home salesperson, stop by the “open the door to your own jewelry store” event on Tuesday (2/23) at the Embassy Suites Hotel at the Airport from 7 to 8:30. It’s free – just RSVP to Kay.

Vanessa Van Petten of RadicalParenting.com writes that playing board games with tweens and teens is a great way of bonding without having a long, serious talk. It's fun, can relieve family tension and is a nonpreachy way of sharing values. Here are five of her favorite games for families:

1. Scene It: For movie buffs.

2. Quiddler: A game of words.

3. Scategories: Good for laughs and all ages.

4. Pop Cranium: It's Pictionary, Charades and word games all rolled into one.

5. Apples to Apples: A great way to get to know each of your family members as a person.