By Julie Lawrence Special to OnMilwaukee.com Published May 08, 2010 at 10:43 AM

The Historic Third Ward is once again a-buzz with new activity this spring.

Ryan Braun's Waterfront
opened in early April, a new restaurant called Chili Lili's is poised to take over the former Holiday House spot at 525 E. Menomonee St. (stay tuned for more information as it develops), and next weekend a new boutique called Bangles and Bags makes its debut.

Co-owners Jeanette Dvorak and her business partner Susan Steiner describe their venture at 159 N. Broadway as "a new jewelry, accessory and handbag boutique that features the latest styles and looks of the season. We specialize in trendy jewelry, unique handbags and special occasion purses."

The shop, which is hosting a grand opening Saturday, May 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., also features a wide variety of wallets, scarves, hair accessories and more.

And there's good news on the cupcake front. Milwaukee Cupcake Company, a delicious new bakery located at 316 N. Milwaukee St., is just about ready to open. Co-owners Debbie Gale, Lynn Kobussen and Karen Neuser are hoping Saturday, May 15 is the big day.

Julie Lawrence Special to OnMilwaukee.com

OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Julie Lawrence grew up in Wauwatosa and has lived her whole life in the Milwaukee area.

As any “word nerd” can attest, you never know when inspiration will strike, so from a very early age Julie has rarely been seen sans pen and little notebook. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee it seemed only natural that she major in journalism. When OnMilwaukee.com offered her an avenue to combine her writing and the city she knows and loves in late 2004, she knew it was meant to be. Around the office, she answers to a plethora of nicknames, including “Lar,” (short for “Larry,” which is short for “Lawrence”) as well as the mysteriously-sourced “Bill Murray.”