Anastasia Nevels, 3, wasn't having any of it when told that she needed to be quiet Thursday while designer Joe Ruggerio made a presentation at Sofas and Chairs.
"I don't want to be quiet," Anastasia clearly told her mom, Lucy Nevels, an international purser. Anastasia then demonstrated her determination NOT to be silent. So mom stepped outside the Minneapolis store with her child. Following them outside, I tried to help Lucy reinforce the point that this was one of those times when speaking was not allowed, just like some times at preschool.
Anastasia didn't say a peep to me. But she was taking it all in.
Ruggiero, host of HGTV's "Homes Across America," told guests pretty much what you can hear him say at startribune.com/video. "My collection is really about living in your home. I love the idea of making every room a living room," Ruggiero said. "I also like the idea of fabrics and furniture that are pet-friendly, kid-friendly and are designed for enjoying and loving your home. I don't like the idea of separating a room: 'You can't go in here, you can't go in there.'"
So no need to worry about guests roaming around a FURNITURE STORE eating and drinking? "Even my wood pieces, you can put a cocktail on top of the wood," Ruggiero said. "Someone spills a glass of red wine, someone spills spaghetti sauce? Not to worry; easily cleaned up."
That worry alleviated, I set about mingling, unconcerned about how some adults weren't being respectful of others' expensive belongings. I kept running into young Anastasia, more than a half-dozen times, and each time she softly informed: "I'm being quiet now."
Even when caught jumping on a bed with Esme Klopp, daughter of co-owner David Klopp, who also has a son, Harrison, Anastasia proudly said the words that were becoming her mantra: "I'm being quiet now."
The eligible bachelor One of Joe Ruggiero's daughters, Meg, is married to a Twin Citian whose name is Montana.
