Happy New Year from Steamboat Springs!

Last Mintue Gift Gallery

Mrs Strong stationery. The ultimate, beautiful little luxury.

I am in love with these little monogrammed plates from La Plates. Look at the patterns and color!! The endless possibilities- create your own signature look.

The most gorgeous coffee table book this season. Jamee Gregory's New York Parties, A Private View takes a look inside exclusive parties of some serious tastemakers. Great party design and invitation ideas, plus an in depth look into Tory Burch's apartment, which we all know is where I would like to go when I die.

My idea of heaven.




If you have never seen Bravo's "Nine by Design" about the crazy lives of Robert and Cortney Novogratz and their SEVEN children, it's a treat. Downtown Chic is a cool design book that showcases their work in New York City and offers tips about child rearing, traveling, and navigating the world with a large family. Fun stuff.



Andrea Immer Robinson does exactly what the title suggests. She takes wine and makes it simple, approachable and enjoyable. Andrea has penned so many great books and wine guides, go to any bookstore and take your pick. She won't disappoint.



The New Yorker has always been a tastemaker, literally.
Secret Ingredients- The New Yorker Book of Food and Wine is "a feast of delicious writing on food and drink, seasoned with a generous dash of cartoons." What a perfect combo.




I haven't jumped on the Ipad bandwagon just yet, but I'm getting close. That many people can't be wrong...


One of my favorite authors is Dominique Browning. Slow Love Life talks about how to mellow out in the crazy, hectic world we leave in. A good way to start 2011.





John Derian paperweights. I love these!



John Robshaw makes the most beautiful bedding, quilts, and pillows. All hand block printed in gorgeous colors and textures.




Alice Waters new book Edible Schoolyard documents her journey about revolutionizing the school lunch.
Beautiful photos, inspiring stories, and a concept I believe we should adopt across the country to feed our school children. Don't they deserve better?

I am not a huge hip hop fan, but I am in awe of Jay-Z. His gorgeous new book Decoded is "provocative, evocative...part autobiography, part lavishly illustrated commentary on the author's own work, Decoded gives the reader a harrowing portrait of the rough worlds Jay-Z navigated in his youth, while at the same time deconstructing his lyrics."

Isn't everything about Louis Vuitton gorgeous? Yes, but if the pricetag on one of their handbags is a little much for you, try this gorgeous book. Locally you can pick one up at Styled Life.

Love these leather poufs in a wide spectrum of colors from John Derian. I would have them all over my house if I could...like little drops of candy coated color, they make the perfect perch for your feet or an extra spot for seating.

Martini's & Mistletoe

Martini's & Mistletoe

This past Saturday I hope fun was had by all at our annual holiday party, Martini's & Mistletoe. Flowers by Garden Gate in Edina, food by Broder's, servers by Hire-a-Host, liquor by France 44, glasses by Apres Party Rentals. Shake it up with 80 of your good friends and you get a rockin' good time with people dancing on your coffee table. We finally pushed the last revelers out the door (literally) at 4am, tucked one into our guest bedroom and called it a night.

A very good night.

Cheers and Happy Holidays!

b

I Spy..

luckily he doesn't bite

or maybe he does..

the amazing molly rice

me and mr. c

celebrating the season

DJ something something

the llama and his handler

with my little eye just about the coolest party (holiday or otherwise) I have EVER attended, and let me tell you, I've been to a few. The talented force beyond Spyglass Creative, Molly Rice and Andy Slothower put on what is surely the most fabulous soiree in town. Can you say not one but TWO roaming llamas, a papier mache tiger that was like something out of a Chinese New Year parade, full bar, amazing food (complete with a round of 10pm sliders from Lurcat next door), and a seriously cool DJ rockin' all kinds of vinyl. Oh, and did I mention the folks on stilts? Is your head spinning yet? Put it all together in the hippest office space downtown and you've got yourself one hell of a bash.

Now I have to go get ready for my holiday party tonight...yikes.

La Belle Vie

the photos do not do justice to the beauty of the dining room

510 Groveland- quite possibly the most handsome building in Minneapolis

Rarely do the worlds of food, wine, and interiors collide as beautifully as they do at La Belle Vie.

510 Groveland is one of the most exquisite landmark buildings in Minneapolis that is home t Chef Tim Mc Kee's artful cuisine. It is timeless, classic, romantic, and surprisingly unstuffy.

The food could be considered "fancy" fare, with three and five course tasting menus, but offering ala carte options as well. The pan seared foie gras with apple, blis maple syrup and hazelnuts was beyond words- but let's just say tender, sumptuous, and decadent. The sea scallops with fennel soubise and white asparagus and truffle- truly a heavenly experience. Always beautiful, always an experience and always utterly delectable. The service is spectacular and attentive. As far as the wine program, Mr. Bill Summerville the darling sommelier extraordinaire has got it under control. He will gladly give his recommendations, or graciously guide you through the dense, carefully chosen, eclectic list.

The food at Belle Vie is amazing, but I need to tell you I was absolutely drooling over how beautiful this place is inside. I have dined here on several occasions, always in awe of this Grand Dame of architecture, but only last night did I notice how gorgeous the chandeliers were and how beautifully the gold leaf ceilings played off the diffused light in the hallways. From the exquisite woodwork to the original windows, 510 Groveland is a delight in all it's intricate, architectural splendor. The bar is beautiful in it's own right; the ideal spot for an intimate meal of small plates and cocktails.

I'm thinking it might be the perfect gathering spot for a certain monumental birthday that is coming up rather quickly...Mr. C?

the bar at belle vie- perfect for a birthday bash