I WILL SURVIVE!

January 27th, 2010 § 3 Comments

When I visit my hometown in Florida, I get the same question – how do you survive Minnesota winters?  I always answer the same- underground parking, skyways, staying indoors, and my trusty Uggs, of course. As we’re in the midst of winter, I ‘ve been pondering that question, because one can only stay indoors for so long before going a little stir crazy, so this post is dedicated to the things, big and small, that add a dose of sunshine to my winter and help me forget that it is 7 degrees outside, at least temporarily. 

via metromix.com

Spontaneous mid-week dinner dates with my husband to new restaurants. We tried Bar La Grassa tonight.  With no reservations, we cozied up to the kitchen-side bar.  The restaurant has great energy, from the music playing in the background, constant crowd streaming in, to the attentive, friendly staff.  And the meal was so worth the calories! The unexpected flavors were a real treat for the senses. We would easily order the same next time- 

- Seared sea scallops
- Soft egg and lobster bruschetta (I was a little skeptical but our waiter told us this was one of the most popular items on the menu- it was delectable!)
- Sphagetti carbonara (the really cool thing about their pasta dishes is you can order half or whole sizes. I say start with the half order and you can always upgrade to the whole if your still hungry OR order two different halves to sample more of the menu- perfect for indecisive patrons like myself. )

On a side note, check out live the fancy life’s great review on bar la grassa for some other great menu picks.
 

Reliving the holidays spent in Florida through pictures.
My favorite thing to do when I travel is to walk the city until I can’t walk anymore. It is the best way to get an authentic feel for the different neighborhoods, discover eclectic shops, restaurants, and cafes, and get a little exercise in while exploring the new locale.  Walking is exactly how I found my all-time favorite Thai restaurant. My husband and I spent a few days at the Hotel Gansevoort in Miami after our wedding and everyday after lounging at the pool and beach, we would walk to Lincoln Road, an open air, pedestrian only street lined with shops and restaurants.  One afternoon, we took a chance at Sushi Siam restaurant on Lincoln Road and the red curry chicken was so life changing that we returned everyday for lunch for the rest of our trip. We got to visit Sushi Siam again over the holiday and shared this treat with my sister and brother. If your in Miami and love Thai food, you must try! It will not disappoint. Plus, the patio side dining is the perfect spot for people watching. I’ll be back again one day! 

View from our hotel room at One Bal Harbour

A long dinner filled with great conversation and lots of laughs at Sushi Samba Dromo

simple, no-fuss outfit appropriate for an outdoor evening dinner yet comfortable enough to walk around south beach

 urban outfitters blazer
vince metallic top
blue cross-body purse I gave my sister for xmas (of course I’m wearing it first! so wrong!)
free people leggings
buttons booties from my bootielicious post

 

oranges in december! what's not to love about that?

 And last but not least, hanging with my friends, getting to know acquaintances better, and meeting new people.
Tomorrow I get to meet lots of great, creative ladies and try Restaurant Max at The Hotel Minneapolis for the first time thanks to my new and I can already tell we’ll be great friends, Jessica

Have  a great rest of the week and a fantastic weekend everybody!
L

Natalie Portman in Rodarte for Target

January 14th, 2010 § 1 Comment

Natalie Portman in Rodarte for Target dress via VIEW ON FASHION

It’s high fashion at the Target prices we love!  The Rodarte for Target collection is kinda old news, but when I saw the pic of Natalie Portman wearing a piece from the collection,  I had to share. The collection will not be in stores for very much longer. If you have not had the chance to check it out, you can peep it online, here.

My picks:
Lace Tights - the price is right at $12.99
Mesh Lace Cardigans - picture this worn over a vintage tee, leggings or skinny jeans, and heels= effortless style

Keep your eye on the Target Go International line. Next up- Zac Posen this April!! You’ve seen his designs all over the red carpet which  retail in the thousands (think up to tens of thousands) and soon we’ll get to play without breaking our bank when the limited edition hits Target this April.

Have a great day everybody!
L

Ok to Spanx on a First Date?

January 8th, 2010 § Leave a Comment

via spanx.com

All in the spirit of fun.
Inspired by my friend who lives in the city of bright lights, long nights.  

Don’t see an option that fits the bill?? Create your own by commenting below!

xx Lisa

need an excuse to toast?

January 5th, 2010 § Leave a Comment

Head to Toast.

Toast Wine Bar & Cafe
415 1st Street North
Minneapolis, MN 55401-4305

Open since December 2006, Toast is a North Loop neighborhood gem. This wine bar and cafe is the perfect laid-back locale with an extensive global winelist and simple American fare , from cheese sampler plates to gourmet flatbread pizzas. 

Walking distance from my house, my husband and I frequent Toast often to catch an after work glass of wine and a cracker thin crust pizza (adding sausage to the black olives, artichokes, red pepper, goat cheese, spinach provolone pizza is one of our favorite combos).  The dim lighting is the perfect setting to escape the usual dinner-on-the-couch-in-front-of-the-tv routine and to reconnect face-to-face with your partner. And it is equally delightful to invite friends to experience this local treat. For a sweet ending, don’t miss the warm carrot cake with brown butter caramel sauce.

The rundown- our menu:
chambers muscato de asti, Australia (sweet- think dessert wine) $7
ringbolt Cab, Western Australia 2007 $8
black olives, artichokes, red pepper, goat cheese, spinach provolone thin crust pizza $10
spicy sausage,  tomato pesto sauce, ricotta baked polenta $14

other favorites:
barbeque chicken with green onions and provolone thin crust pizza
italian sausage, banana peppers, tomato, and provolone thin crust pizza
cheese selection
warm carrot cake with brown butter caramel sauce

happy hour specials from 5-6pm Tues-Sun: 
Order 1 glass of any glass pours and get a second one for free with each order of our thin crust pizzas!
And/or
get any bottle under $40 for half price!

It’s local and toast-worthy!

xx lisa

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