We feel that Minneapolis gets enough press, so in honor of Earth Day 2011, here's a list of some of our favorite Saint Paul independent establishments...

1) Home & Garden Haven:

EggPlant Urban Farm Supply: Get all of your home gardening needs met at this cute-as-a-button farm store. If you are into super fresh eggs, EUFS can supply you with everything (including chicks) to make your own urban egg farm.

2) Foodie Finds:

Mississippi Market, Golden Fig, Penzey's Spices, Meritage and the Strip Club: Meat & Fish: Find local and organic raw materials for dinner at Mississippi Market, go one step further with epicurean delights from Golden Fig and Penzey's spices, or throw out the cookbook for one night and head over to the Strip Club or Meritage for a killer meal made with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.

3) Wino Wonderland:

Solo Vino: Choose from a variety of wines that have already been specially selected for their unique flavor and appeal. At Solo Vino, you can avoid that "Oops" moment of buying a crappy tasting wine because the label looked cool. All these wines taste good.

4) Hip Hangout:

Nina's Coffee Cafe: With soaring ceilings, as well as gorgeous brick and stone architecture; it's easy to see why Nina's is such a popular place. It doesn't hurt that the coffee is outstanding, the staff is super friendly and the pastries drool-worthy.

5) Beauty Emporiums:

Garden of Eden: Mix your own beauty ambrosia with G of E's famous personalized service. Choose from a myriad of essential oils and create your own one-of-a-kind scented perfume oils and lotions. Get a discount for your bottle refills too, how green is that?

Headquarters, Root, and Rat's Nest salons: Tucked away in downtown St Paul, Headquarters salon is a hidden gem. Book your cut with Noelle and your color with Katy, a pair that has collaborated for years to give their loyal clients precision cuts and cutting edge color. Or, call Root salon on Selby Ave to book your next shaggy lob or pixie with Heather or Molly. If you live closer to West 7th, the Rat's Nest is a funky little salon housing an unpretentious staff with serious talent. Janna is a favorite.

6) Fashion Fix:

Flirt, Allee Metro Chic, Picky Girl & (of course) Karma: Channel your inner fashionista while supporting local boutiques. Indulge in some pin-up inspired lingerie and pjs at Flirt for when you are feeling sexy-sweet. Embody feminine elegance and grace with an impeccably constructed frock from the Parisian influenced Allee Metro Chic. Shop Picky Girl for a darling, glam and polished look, and Karma for fresh, bohemian-chic delights.

This is only the short list, there are so many more amazing local businesses. If you love your local spots, make sure to pass it on - word of mouth is the best advertisement. Also, check out the 3/50 Project to see why shopping local improves our economy and quality of life.

~SC