I normally wouldn’t recommend ducking into strange vans with covered windows … but when it involves Bliss Spa, I’m willing to make an exception.

To get ready for the spa’s debut at the new W Hotel in Scottsdale, Bliss is asking residents to pick which local company’s brownies will be showcased at its in-spa “brownie buffet.” People who stop in the “Blissmobile” in Scottsdale Fashion Square can taste-test the three contenders and vote for their favorite. They’re calling it “You Be the Fudge.”

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If you asked me where people were so destitute they couldn’t even afford shoes, the first places that come to mind are far away – Africa, India, maybe South America.

But not Arizona.

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Who would you rather have switch places with a total stranger for about a week – your child’s mother (which, for most people reading this blog would be “you”), or your hairstylist on the week you’re supposed to get your hair cut?

Because, you know, it takes a long time to grow out a really bad haircut …

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We’ve been hit by some unhappy events at the Trib, so I apologize for a lack of posting.

But it’s time to get back up on the horse. (And no, this week’s Shoe Hot or Not contender is not a pair of cowboy boots.)

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I have absolutely no interest in “Sex and the City: The Movie.” Well, that’s technically incorrect, since that implies a neutral stance.

Let me rephrase that: I hate all things “Sex and the City” … (more…)

I have issues with this week’s shoe.

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Awhile back I was speculating about the plans to open a Martin + Osa store in Chandler Fashion Center, but mostly got the runaround from corporate types. A reader who saw my blog post gave me a big hint as to the plans — seriously, the kind of hint that makes you smack yourself in the forehead and say, “Duh! Why didn’t I think of that?”

He pointed me to the blueprints on the leasing plan.

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H&M announced today they’re going to open a store in Scottsdale in spring 2009. The press info says the 15,000-square-foot, single-level store is going the planned center called Scottsdale Quarter, which will be on Scottsdale Road between Butherus Drive and Greenway-Hayden Loop (east of Kierland Commons).

As this cycle of “America’s Next Top Model” went on, I heard more (admittedly sourceless) rumors that this had been decreed the time that a plus-size girl would win the whole thing. So despite Anya’s constant winning of challenges and being called first, it turns out to be Whitney who’s named … well, you know.

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Junky Trunk Boutique in Mesa will host a party and promotion celebrating the end of school 5 to 8 p.m. May 15. Included is a free gift with $60 purchase. The store’s at 3458 E. Southern Ave., the northwest corner of Southern and Val Vista. Information: (480) 954-4441.