Perfect for the Holidays - To Send and To Give

Sending a thank you note is always in good taste. Sending a thank you on a lovely piece of stationary or unique note card is even better. Which is why we dig Noteworthy in downtown Missoula. In our hi-tech, super-rushed world of email, Facebook, and ridiculously abbreviated text messages, it’s quite lovely – not to mention refreshing - to receive a handwritten note. There's just something wonderful about finding a crisp envelope in the mailbox and then lingering over the words on the page. Any thank you is appreciated (yes, even a texted one), but the handwritten note is always best. Agree or not? 

In the meantime, we’re recommending a set or two of gorgeous blank note cards for stocking stuffers, secret Santa goodies or hostess gifts. 

Gift Giveaway Today/Plus a Holiday Cocktail Party

Six Minute Style has teamed up with our friends at Red Rooster in downtown Missoula for a fabulous gift giveaway. All you have to do is show up at Red Rooster today, Thursday, December 3, between 5 and 8 p.m., and mention Six Minute Style (to one of the fabulous Red Rooster employees). If you are one of the first six to do so, you’ll receive a lovely gift bag packed with all sorts of goodies. How easy is that? Even better, today is Red Rooster’s Holiday Cocktail Party, so they’ll be plenty of mingling, shopping and sipping. Hope to see you there (with gift bag in hand!). If you're not following us on Twitter , please consider doing so. We have lots more gift giveaways to come...

Six Minute Style at Red Rooster Tomorrow

We visited Red Rooster yesterday and fell in love with pretty much everything in the store (that includes the wonderfully charming sales team!). Gorgeous dish linens, tons of holiday trinkets, dish and cookware, adorable little wind-up toys and so much more. As I was struggling to slice up my sourdough baguette last night, I couldn't help but think what a great gift a shiny new knife would make. Red Rooster has an entire wall dedicated to this culinary staple. Pop on by and let Heather or Matty hook you up with all the best holiday gift ideas.

If you're looking for the perfect time to visit, mark your calendar for Thursday, December 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. when Red Rooster and adjoining Coco Atelier are hosting a holiday cocktail party. We're anticipating great fun. AND ... we have something special lined up for Six Minute Style followers. Follow us on Twitter and/or check back here tomorrow for all the details. Without saying too much about our little surprise ... it's free, it's a gift, and it's for you! Quantities are limited, so be sure to get the scoop on how to get your gift by staying tuned. Hope to see you tomorrow.

Six Minute Style Visits China Woods Missoula

For years, I’ve driven by China Woods with merely a passing interest. Yesterday, I heard one of their ads on the radio and decided – on a whim – to pop in. And so glad I did. What a cool little (okay, unexpectedly large) shop. Furniture, mirrors, wall hangings and all matter of knickknack, paddy whack from points Far East. They’re having a cool trunk show this weekend with a nice selection of wool jewelry, hats, ornaments and other accessories. I picked up a few things that should make for fun and unique stocking stuffers. And how we love “unique” at Six Minute Style! Check it out at 716 Dickens St, Missoula.

Holiday Gift Ideas

I stopped at the Book Exchange this morning to grab a quick latte while my son was at the Y for his weekly swim lesson. Went in thinking "coffee," but came out thinking how many great gift ideas they have on hand. Tons of Montana-themed books (fly-fishing, hunting, Glacier National Park, grizzlies) as well as cookbooks, puzzles, 2010 calendars, kids books and activity kits, advent calendars and so much more. We love the idea of supporting local businesses, so will be returning soon with a list (not to mention time - those swim lessons are only 30 minutes!). So, if you're on the hunt for stocking stuffers, Secret Santa or Hanukkah gifts, swing by the Book Exchange.

And don't forget the coffee/tea lover. You can grab a Liquid Planet gift card while on site as well. Happy local shopping.

NW-Themed Wine Dinner at Blue Canyon

We're thinking about attending the upcoming wine dinner at Blue Canyon (next to the Hilton) on Wednesday, December 2 at 6:30 p.m. The theme is "Wines of the Pacific Northwest."  Who doesn't love a great NW wine? Plus, we got a sneak peak of the menu (still in draft form, but more than enough to make us drool) and are loving the idea of sipping while savoring Seared Sea Scallops, Grilled Hutterite Duck Breast (Love, Love, Love Duck!) and Braised Beef Short Ribs. Did we mention the Wild Mushroom  Goat Cheese Bread Pudding or the Prosciutto Wrapped Alaskan King Crab Cake? And how about the White Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Bombe for dessert? Not sure which is more exciting - the great wines or the to-die-for foods. Perhaps the mix of the two will make for the perfect evening. If you're interested in attending, call the restaurant at 541-2583 ASAP to book your seat. Happy Feasting.

Good Times at the Good Food Store/Turkey Shopping

Just picked up a fresh turkey at the Good Food Store. If you're thinking about going today, do! Live entertainment, free coffee and pumpkin bread, and lots of familiar faces. It's a fun shopping experience there this morning. Didn't see one frown in the crowd. Guess the line was around the building at 7 a.m. this morning. Eek! So glad I waited until 8:30. No line at all, but still fairly crowded. I asked if they were well-stocked with the Thanksgiving bird and they said, "yes, plenty to be had." Happy shopping. Now go.