And I’m not alone, just listen to what Wisconsin’s Poet Laureate Marilyn Taylor has to say about our lady of the hour: “Shut Up &Write! is one of those rare volumes that truly does it all. In addition to being a practical ‘how-to’ guide, the book provides priceless advice on the care and feeding of the Inner Writer…Judy Bridges serves as her own best example of what excellent writing can be.” If you’ve ever been drawn to the heartbeat of the written word in any of its many forms or persuasions, you won’t want to miss meeting up with the lady. Or the special guests she’s bringing along, just a few of the nationally recognized published writers whose success Bridges has encouraged along the way like Shauna Singh Baldwin, author of English Lessons, What the Body Remembers, The Tiger Claw and We Are Not in Pakistan; Douglas W. Jacobson, author of Night of Flames: A Novel of World War Two; Karen McQuestion, author of Scattered Lives and Easily Amused; and Jeannée Sacken, author of the young adult novel Talking Bones. Look, I’m not saying the evening holds the key to unlocking creative centers that will lead to publishing mega success, but then again, I’m not saying it won’t. And if you can’t make it to this event, mark your calendars for Dec. 1 (7 p.m.) when Bridges will share her expertise along with a stage full of writers she’s inspired at the Rising Stars event at Next Chapter Book Store (10976 N. Port Washington Rd., Mequon, 262-241-6220, nextchapterbookshop.com). For more info on Judy Bridges visit redbirdstudio.com & redbirdredoak.com. 

SAVVY STUFF TO DO

GET PROPERLY FITTED: This week Meseret Gebre Egziabher (Mesi for short) celebrates the official opening of Minoan, her upscale intimate apparel shop on Silver Spring Drive in Whitefish Bay. Befitting a shop name that pays homage to the ancient women of Crete who were the first in history to wear supportive undergarments alteringg the shape of their figures, she presents a fine selection of comfortable, beautiful and sexy lingerie created by the finest American, French, Italian and German designers in sizes 30 to 46. A native of Ethiopia, Mesi’s passion for providing women with great fitting foundation garments took root 10 years ago when she and her sister opened Saint Tropez, a discerning lingerie shop in Addis Ababa that continues to serve sophisticated customers to this day. After marrying her American husband, it was only natural that she would pursue her dream of establishing a shop of her own in this country. And she has, an elegant one that specializes in proper fitting undergarments to ensure the women who wear them feel as confident and beautiful as possible. 509 E. Silver Spring Dr., 414-961-7777.

BAT YOUR EYELASHES WITH CONFIDENCE: Tired of the daily application of mascara? Looking for a beauty treatment that allows you to shower, swim and exercise without the hassle and mess of smudging, running, smearing and flaking? Good news. Now through the end of the year, Blush is offering a special LashDip promotion that provides a perfect coat of waterproof, eye-sensitive mascara that lifts, curls and separates while increasing lash volume and length for up to six weeks. For $200, you get the initial application, a three-week lash refreshment appointment to maintain lash line and an after-care LashSeal product for at-home maintenance. Spend $100 more and you’ll receive a corner set of individual long wear artificial lashes. As a natural redhead with a lifelong love/hate relationship with the daily application of mascara, this sure sounds interesting to me. 249 N. Water St., 414-272-1718, blushmilwaukee.com.

BUY A FUTURE MASTERPIECE: Swing by the MIAD Student/Alumni Art Sale Nov. 13 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) to purchase all sorts of original art, photography, prints, painting, sculpture, furniture, jewelry and more from emerging and established artists. Hey, who knows, you might just get lucky. We all know how valuable those early Warhol’s turned out to be, right? Admission to the sale is free, but $20 will get you into the review party Nov. 12 (5-10 p.m.). 273 E. Erie St., 414-291-8070, miad.edu. 

CASH IN ON LOTS OF BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS: Sharing the same street in the Village of Wauwatosa, a trio of great shops - Magnolia & Co., Underwood Gallery and Vino 100 - celebrate customer support with their annual Underwood Anniversaries Party Nov. 12 (5-9 p.m.). Enjoy "nibbles, noshes and tempting libations" along with 25 percent off entire purchases at Magnolia & Co., a 15 percent discount on all art and gifts, plus 20 percent off Eangee Lamp orders at Underwood Gallery and 10 percent off all bottles of wine along with live jazz (7-10 p.m.) at Vino 100. Saturday shoppers will enjoy the same sales and specials. 1442 Underwood Ave., 414-256-0885, magnoliaandcompany.com;1430 Underwood Ave., 414-476-1255, underwoodgallery.com, 1442 Underwood Ave., 414-456-9463, vino100tosa.com. Meanwhile, River Boutique and Yarn (18900 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield, 262-641-7427, riverboutiqueyarn.com) celebrates its first year in Brookfield by offering knitters and creative fans of the art lots of surprises and specials all month like Secret Word Discounts each Saturday, coupons in their e-mail newsletter, bids taken on fashionably knitted samples from yarn companies, prize drawings, special sales, 20 percent off all stock yarn, special classes and more. And as always, complimentary coffee, tea and hot chocolate for all who come to sit and chat during the store’s popular knitting circles. For more info, visit their website. Officially in business for three years now, Indulgence Chocolatiers (indulgencechocolatiers.com) thanks customers with some especially yummy treats. Order $25 or more before Nov. 12 and not only will you get a free Cranberry Pumpkin Seed bar (my definite favorite), but you’ll also receive a complimentary box of four seasonal truffles. Now that’s a deal. Just enter “Anniversary” as your coupon code while ordering online. Help Boutique Vieux et Nouveau (1217 E. Brady St., 414-287-9049, bvenboutique.com) celebrate its seventh anniversary Nov. 17-20 and you could win one of seven complimentary two-hour fashion consultations, get 7 percent off all purchases as the store donates 7 percent of sale profits to benefit breast cancer awareness, receive a free shopping bag to redeem later for 5 percent off a future purchase, enter to win drawings for free fashion accessories and gift certificates, and enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks. Heck, even beloved animals get into the birthday act when Spa Paw & Tail Premier Pet Resort (5055 S. Emmer Dr., New Berlin, 262-784-7297, www.spapawandtail.com) celebrates its first anniversary Nov. 13 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.). Enjoy a party featuring holiday photos, free hot dogs, $5 nail trims, discounts, giveaways, options for free puppy playtimes and much more. 

LET A KID GET COOL & CREATIVE: At the Nov. 13 (10 a.m.-noon) Spin Art event designed especially for kids, pop-up shop Heavy Rotation makes it super easy for children of all ages to create a free spin art poster or fashion their very own spin art tee shirt for just $10 a pop. 207 E. Buffalo St., 414-708-9820, heavytees.com, minirotation.com.

GET TIPS ON SPARKLING STYLE: At a special Sparkle show Nov. 18 (5-7 p.m.), industry expert and Waterford superstar Jorge Perez will be on hand at George Watts to meet with shoppers to offer his tips on adding personality to bridal registries (a concept founded by the renowned table and gift shop) and glamorizing homes for holiday entertaining. Enjoy complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres, a live modeling show of Zita Boutique fashions, a luxury drawing and special appearances by acclaimed Watts Tea Shop Chef Jason Stevens and Michael Gaffney of HGTV’s “Flowers Uncut.” The evening also will reveal the winner of the highly collectable Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year’s Eve panel (one of just five removed for charity), which has been on store display, during a silent auction to raise money for S/V Denis Sullivan.761 N. Jefferson St., 414-290-5700, georgewatts.com.

SHOP LIKE A PAMPERED FASHIONISTA WITH PLENTY OF PERKS: Milwaukee Downtown makes it super easy for suburban shoppers to see what more than a dozen exclusive stores in the heart of the city have to offer with four Holiday Daytripper Shopping Excursions scheduled for Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14 & 21. For just $20, sign up to enjoy Coach USA bus transportation to and from various suburban Park & Rides locations, a light breakfast at George Watts, a personal shopping guide, plus VIP discounts, promotions and amenities at select retailers. Reservations required. For more info, visit milwaukeedowntown.com, call 414-220-4700 ext. 5 or e-mail Sarah@milwaukeedowntown.com.

CHECK OUT

Now at Lela: bring in three or more items of non-perishable food to donate to the Hunger Task Force of Milwaukee and receive a $10 credit in your store account. 321 N. Broadway St., 414-727-4855, lelaboutique.com.

Nov. 12 (4- 8 p.m.) & Nov. 13 (10-5 p.m.) at Christmas in the Grove: Shop an exhibition and sale of handmade crafts, folk art, jewelry, dolls, gifts, ornaments, wearable art and more created by more than 50 area artists. Admission $3. The Elm Grove Women’s Club, 13885 Watertown Plank Rd., Elm Grove, egwc.org.

Nov. 12-13 at Miss Ruby Boutique: Brides booking appointments for the Steven Birnbaum Bridal Collection trunk show will not only save $100-250 on orders placed, they’ll also see how the designer’s Broadway costume design background inspires lovely show stoppers perfect for their big day. 522 N. Water St., 414-755-2900, missrubyboutique.com.

Nov. 12-14 at Olive Fine Organic Living: For every donation of a non-perishable food item you bring in for the Hunger Task Force of Milwaukee Food for Families program, get $2 off the purchase of anything in the store. Oh and fittingly, if it’s an organic item, you’ll earn a $3 savings. 10910 N. Port Washington Road, Mequon, 262-241-8063, oliveorganic.org. 

Nov. 12-14 at The Flower Lady. A Holiday Showcase at this florist/gift shop means the best prices of the year on ornaments, lots of store specials, treats to eat and, of course, plenty of inspiration for seasonal decorating. 1460 Underwood Ave., 414-259-0999, theflowerlady.com.

Nov. 13 at Broadway Paper: The more holiday products shoppers buy during a celebratory Holiday Open House, the more they save. Like 10 percent on purchases under $25, 15 percent on purchases of $25-50 and 20 percent on total purchases more than $50. In addition, they’ll enjoy giveaways, live music and for those spending $100 at the store, receive a free mini-collage ($110 value) from Front Room Photography, which will also be on hand offering complimentary mini-portrait sessions. Shoppers purchasing their hi-res images are invited to have them made into holiday cards on site. Registration suggested for portrait session (frphoto.brownbookit.com/schedules/bwp1). 191 N. Broadway St., 414-277-7699, shop.broadwaypaper.com.

Nov. 13 (10 a.m.–3p.m.) & Nov. 14 (noon-4 p.m.) at The Home Market:  Unique seasonal shopping officially gets underway with the store’s Annual Holiday Preview Weekend. Enjoy complimentary and tasty treats as well as a 20 percent savings on all purchases as you explore what this lovely home furnishings boutique has to offer. 222 E. Erie, 414-755-2165, thehomemarket.net.

Nov. 15-20 at Neroli Salon & Spa: Enjoy treats and save 20 percent on all spa services booked in January and February 2011 during the Holiday Open House. 325 E. Chicago St., 414-227-2888, nerolispa.com.

Nov. 18 at Five Hearts: Women on the hunt for up-to-date fashions are invited to Glam Up while enjoying free makeovers compliments of Neroli Salon & Spa, appetizers, cocktails and holiday store specials all night long. 153 N. Milwaukee St., 414-727–4622, shopfivehearts.com.

Through November at Metro Eye: Inventory Clearance Event translates to 50-75 percent off select frames, $100 off featured Lindberg frames and special groups of frames available in buy two, get one free mode. metroeye.biz.

Now through Dec. 3 at Design Within Reach: Sleep sale shaves 15 percent off cool, collected and contemporary mattresses, sofa sleepers, pillows and bedding. 167 N. Broadway St., 414-224-5353, dwr.com.

Through Dec. 6 at Percy’s Fine Linens: Fire damage be damned. Owner Laura Smith makes sure this upscale bed, bath and kitchen linens store continues to serve loyal customers despite losing the roof over their heads. Save 20 percent off all special orders from fine manufacturers like Matouk, Abyss & Habidecor, Sferra, Le Jaquard, Garnier Thebaut and more, plus get free delivery and gift-wrapping with phone and e-mail orders. Call to arrange a special sample viewing or choose from online options available at various company websites. 262-377-2005, percysfinelinens@gmail.com.  

Now through Dec. 31 at SHOP: Partnering with Milwaukee Adventure Boot Camp once again, the store accepts gently used women’s, men’s and children’s boots for donation to the Salvation Army, which will distribute them to keep local families warm and dry this winter. 1918 E. Capitol Dr., Shorewood, 414-962-4030, shop53211.com.