All I Want for Christmas...

Is a Christmas card from you. That's right. A REAL Christmas card.

Thanksgiving was great...but I really, really LOVE Christmas. I love so many things about it that I am going to have to space myself out here and stick to one particular subject or I will go off on a crazy, merry merry, ho ho ho, red and green type of tangent....but you get it, I really love Christmas. And I love to get Christmas cards, so all of you out there that are thinking of going all Paperless Post on me...save it.

I need the real deal, the hang it on my wall and admire it kind of deal. The "look how much the kids" have grown type of thrill. I understand we need to do our part with the environment and all, but just not with the
Beloved Christmas Card.

The Annual Codding Christmas Card Catastrophe

I also understand that it's neither an easy task, nor an inexpensive one. There's the annual get the kids shined up and lined up with smiles on their faces photo session (cha ching), there is choosing your card (double Cha Ching depending on how big your list is and how elaborate your design is), then there is the time involved in addressing each envelope, and finally the postage. It's a cost I don't want to total up each year. But trust me....I appreciate all you do to get me that sweet card each year. It goes on my pantry. Everyone admires it for at least a month. I pack it away and then admire it again the following year when I unpack the enormous Target bin of Christmas paraphernalia. I really, really appreciate the effort and tradition of the The Christmas Card, so please. I beg you. Don't go paperless this holiday season.

Whether you get your card at Shutterfly, Snapfish, Costco, Minted, Target, Tiny Prints, Fine Stationery, or use your photographers own design, just gimme something I can put on my wall. I know it's piggy of me, but I am pro paper all the way for certain things that involve traditional correspondence. I still have not fully embraced Evite and a thank you note just can't be sent by email. And the cherished Christmas card, please Santa...

don't let it go away.

Happy Thanksgiving!

But most of all, be thankful.

Happy Turkey Day to my beloved family and dearest friends!

Cheers!

love, kristin

Corduroy

Corduroy Blazers, Pants and Suits Get Hip - WSJ.com

I know it's a little early in About Town to be getting personal, but please indulge me for a moment. Each weekend the Wall Street Journal puts out a very cool section titled, "Off Duty". In one word, it's fabulous. Every page is filled with tidbits about food, wine, fashion, decorating, etc...it's one of my new favorites. Anyway, last week WSJ declared that corduroy is back and it's cool!! Why does this excite me so? Well let me tell you....

Back when I met my darling husband at the tender age of 23, he was wearing corduroy, lots of corduroy. Pants, vests (gasp!), jackets, you name it, he wore it. And continued to wear all things corduroy. And still does. His friends used to say that he dressed like a 50 year old man when he was in his early 20's and my sweet hubby always said he didn't care. He loved his corduroy, his tassel loafers, his pleated pants, and his Eddie Bauer sweaters. Oh, and did I mention he smoked a pipe in college? So when we met and began to date I attempted to mold my sartorial little Sherlock Holmes of a boyfriend into the hip San Francisco wine sales man that he was. But no...he wanted nothing to do with my influence and continued to be quite content in all of his soft, wide wale glory, telling us "hipsters" that corduroy will definitely make it's comeback. Someday. And that justice would finally be served. And I bet if you ask him, this corduroy lover that became my husband in spite of his fashion sense, he will tell you that corduroy was never out.

Well Lee, today we all stand corrected as your day has finally come and the WSJ has declared corduroy one of the coolest trends of the season. You win, my love. Put on your forest green cords and strut your stuff like the peacock you are. You always wore it proudly, but now there is no need to defend yourself any longer. Your fashion choice is legit. And you look as adorable as the day I met you. In your corduroy.

Do You Rue?

The answer is "Yes I do!"

The second highly anticipated online issue of Rue hit today and let me tell you, it's gorgeous!

Interior designers/fashionistas/bloggers extraordinaire Anne Sage, Crystal Gentilello, Caitlin Flemming, and Alaina Kazmarski, have done it again. This is truly one of the most clever collaborations on fashion, interiors, and entertaining. Well done, ladies. Congratulations!

If you don't already Rue, I highly suggest you do.

Style in Spades

Kate and Andy Spade's New York Apartment

is this not the most warm, inviting living room?

I can only imagine the conversations that have taken place around this table...maybe they will invite me to dinner sometime

a rather subdued corner

I love that the matchbox collection was photographed- very cool

lacquer paint! I wish I had the guts to pull off something this bold-exquisite!

I have always wanted a checkerboard floor in my kitchen

check out how paintings cover every inch- it totally works!

more of that beautiful art filled entryway

I love this fun use of color and pattern- even in the powder room


Come sneak a peek into the beautiful, warm, inviting home of Kate and Andy Spade! It is layered with rich, personal details and gorgeous splashes of red, green, turquoise and brown. I love that they have literally run out of wall space for their art collection so it is beginning to snake around the doorways. This New York apartment is sophisticated yet comfortable and friendly- you just know they have had some really great parties here!


I have long admired Kate Spade and her beautiful yet functional handbags, as well shoes, clothes and accessories. Her husband Andy (brother of David) is the creative force behind Jack Spade- the men's complement to Kate Spade. Together they are a creative force in the fashion world and their apartment seriously reflects their style, love of art, and joie de vivre. I absolutely love it!

These shots were taken by Todd Selby, the wildly talented photographer behind The Selby.


All photos are courtesy of his amazing website of work. Check it out!!

Bowling and Bocce

Typically, I like my bowling with a pitcher of beer and some greasy pizza, but when the folks from Pinstripes in Edina invited us to their soft opening for a night of free drinks, food, and bowling, of course we said said "Yes!" without hesitation. So we packed up the kids and set out for a little fun. And we were blown away.

Forget the pitcher of beer, I could get used to bowling with real wine glasses, Parmesan and fig flatbread, and bowling balls in an assortment of beautiful, bright colors. Boasting 16 lanes, 6 Bocce courts, a bistro, wine cellar, and separate event space, this place is absolutley enormous and gives new meaning to the words "bowling alley". Pinstripes was packed to the gills and we still received excellent service from a very knowledgeable staff. We were thrilled that in spite of the crowd we were able to keep our collective broods happy by securing two lanes next to one another while a "shoe valet" brought our bowling kicks to us (we were the first to EVER wear them!!!) and the friendly waitresses kept our glasses full. The scoring screens were pretty slick and luckily there were people on hand to give us a quick tutorial. Overall, this place rocked! I have a feeling we will be spending a lot of time in this bright, beautiful, bowling alley of sorts with our families and friends.

love these colors!

Never been worn!

Love is the Law

If you were anywhere near the Twin Cities in the mid 80's you must remember The Suburbs. You know, as in "Rattle my Bones" and "Love is the Law"? The ones who attracted a crowd with peroxide dyed hair that fell very perfectly over one eye and wore black t-shirts with a line up of what looks like Lego Star Wars figurines...remember? It was in some supper club type joint with deep red banquettes that I cannot recall the name or location of that I smoked my first clove cigarette (and it was inside said joint with the red banquettes!!! gasp) and danced to the music of The Suburbs in a mosh pit of sweaty people before the "mosh pit" even existed. Or maybe it did, but I certainly never had any exposure to it being cocooned deep in the real suburbs.

It was dark, smoky, and loud as we were under the watch of my friend's older ninth grade brother who distributed the cloves and told us to beat it. There were three of us 7th grade girls decked out in our black t-shirts and Guess jeans and we danced our tiny junior high butts off to one of the greatest bands to ever come out of Minneapolis. I will never forget the feeling of freedom that night gave me and I wish I was able to relive it again tonight with what will no doubt be a huge crowd of 40 somethings shakin' their thangs remembering the good old days of junior high and clove cigarettes. Not much has changed since then other than the fact that you can't buy clove cigarettes anymore, and even if you could you certainly couldn't smoke them inside. We all may have a few more gray hairs and a wrinkle or two, but the ability to dance, sing at the top of your lungs, and enjoy music the way we used is something that never goes away. Now we are just sore the next day...

The Suburbs will be rockin' First Avenue tonight at 7pm. And it's only $20 bucks a ticket. Go shake your thang...

Color, please.

Color, Color, Give Me Color!

deGournay wallpaper- to die for! love the orange mohair chairs

A study by Katie Ridder

Michael S. Smith's "Poppy" fabric

Anne Coyle Interiors - I am all about the upholstered headboard


I have a thing for Chinese lantern light fixtures

Love the pop of color in the fixture against the stark backdrop

All my favorite colors at work

Love this chandelier!

I am a complete fool for color...give me turquoise, a little coral, a dash of brown, apple green, screaming hot pink. I love them all and the eye candy above is no exception. If I could have my entire house explode in a Willy Wonkaesque wheel of color, rest assured I would. But I am the only female in my home and I am not sure it would go over so well....so I will live out my fantasy right here and in my imagination. Aren't these rooms beautiful!?

Thanksgiving Treats

Are you hosting the big day this year? Asked to bring some wine to your grandma's house for the feast? Fear not. Here are a few good suggestions that will have people thanking you for bringing such great additions to the table.

If you are the host, make the table spectacular. It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive, but this is a special holiday so make it count. Make everyone feel welcome at your table- including the children. This is a day for sharing and giving thanks- asking the kids to elaborate on what the day means to them could become a wonderful tradition, and create some sweet, memorable stories in the meantime. Use handwritten place cards, and something natural on the table such as pumpkins, gourds, persimmons, or pomegranates. They all make great centerpieces and add an earthy, organic element to your table. If you are a guest make sure you convey your appreciation by never showing up empty handed! Bring a jar of roasted nuts with a handmade label, some seasonal flowers, or a beautiful candle by Diptyque. A kind gesture such as a creative hostess gift may secure your place at the table again next year and it just simply shows you appreciate the hours of effort your host spent preparing and cooking.

Hands down, my favorite dish at the Thanksgiving table is the stuffing. My husband Lee (who cooks every dish, every year, by himself, by choice) makes a variation on Ina Garten's sausage stuffing. So delish! Lee suggests substituting cornbread for the white bread, and make sure to use sweet Italian sausage with fennel. Makes all the difference in the world.

And last but not least, WINE! This is a perfect day to celebrate domestic wine, so uncork a few of the Napa Valley's finest selections from Orin Swift. These small production offerings are an ideal addition to any Thanksgiving meal- they are bold enough to stand up to rich sauces and your Grandma's oddball side dishes, yet subtle enough to enjoy all on their own. Forget the Riesling and Gamay this year, choose Orin's Sauvignon Blanc "Veladora" for your white and his Zinfandel based "The Prisoner" for your red. Beautiful wines, beautiful labels- your friends and family will be thrilled with your creative choices.

Enjoy and celebrate!

Introducing a Few of my Favorite Things

Welcome!

I thought a great way kick off this little project would be to introduce myself with a few of my favorite things. Come in, look around, and most of all, enjoy!

1. I think it would be appropriate to start with one of my favorite topics- Interiors!

As far as designers are concerned, there are many I adore. Kathryn M. Ireland, Suzanne Rheinstein, Tobi Fairley, Miles Redd, Katie Ridder, Phoebe Howard, Victoria Hagan, I could go on and on, but the genius that tops my list is Michael S. Smith. He is traditional, elegant, and luxurious without being over the top. Michael and I have a mutual love affair with color and texture which is one of the reasons why I adore his work. He is a regular in Elle Decor (another fave), which once a month I devour about an hour after it hits my mailbox.

2. Tory Burch. Simply put, she is a true tastemaker and an inspiration. Not only because she has the most fabulous New York City apartment, or is a ridiculously talented designer, but she is a dedicated philanthropist championing women's causes. Make sure you check out her gorgeous website and blog.

3. Carmel Beach, California. Far and away the most spectacular beach on the West Coast. Enjoy the chilly morning air with coffee, then watch the fog burn off to reveal Pebble Beach to the north and Point Lobos to the south. Come back for sunset to build a fire and enjoy a bottle of wine, both of which are sanctioned (and encouraged!) on this stretch of white, sandy California beach.

4.Dave Matthews Band. Not only are Dave and his band the hottest ticket in town and fantastically talented songwriters, but Dave himself is actually a vintner and organic farmer in Virginia. Named after one of his signature songs, Best of What's Around, the farm produces vegetables, medicinal herbs (Dave's wife Ashley is a homeopathic doctor), eggs, and cheeses. I wish I lived in Virginia so that I could be a member of his CSA! His small production winery, Blenheim Vineyards, is producing some killer stuff if you can get your hands on it.

5. John Derian. I never knew the art of decoupage could be so cool, and so beautiful. Artist John Derian is creating some of the most incredibly gorgeous decorative plates and paper weights, along with a limited collection of furniture and housewares. His brilliant designs and colors are always striking, especially when grouped and displayed as wall hangings. The largest collection outside of his New York shop is located right here in town at Ampersand in The Galleria.

6. Everyone needs a good psychic, right? Suzanne Krupp is THE go to lady for all the things you might care to know about your past, present, or future. She does readings over the phone (if you can get past her barking dogs in the background) so you need not be a local to experience her unbelievable psychic abilities. Call her, if you dare.

7. If you're like me and you love a good G&T in the summer and a nice dry gin martini anytime of the year, you know it must be made with Hendrick's Gin. Smooth yet crisp, this gin is it with it's subtle juniper notes and cool finish. For a thoroughly relaxing evening, pour yourself a Hendrick's martini and turn on The Real Housewives of Wherever. I will take any city, but prefer the gals from New York City. Get your Hendrick's locally at France 44 and your Housewives on Bravo.

8. The Minneapolis dining scene has been on the rise for the last few years, and Piccolo is one of the clear reasons as to why. This tiny spot on Bryant Avenue is turning out some of the most creative, flavorful, and focused food I have seen outside of San Francisco or New York. On a recent trip we tasted every dish on the menu. I guarantee you will not be disappointed, and will be left dreaming of the tempura fried fresh figs and the mortadella agnoletti. Doug Flicker is the hot local chef to keep your eye on.

9. Target and TJ Maxx. Whether you need groceries, diapers, cough medicine, cashmere gloves or a Prada handbag, these two spots have it all. Invaluable.
Can. Not. Live. Without.

10. My Canon Rebel XT digital camera. Heavy duty, yet simple enough for a totally non-technical novice like myself to turn out some great shots. Ask anyone that knows me and they will tell you my camera is always with me and I have been known to capture a great snap or two, which is certainly not due to my supreme photography skills, but rather the intuitive nature of my Rebel XT.

Cheers!