Natural wonder

Q How often are you in Minnesota?

A I'm here once a month [visiting her significant other, world explorer Dan Buettner]. I come in and we hide away, have some time together. But he keeps the house so cold! He's a real rugged guy.

Q Where do you live the rest of the time?

A I have a house in California, in L.A., that I'm remodeling. I'm ripping out my beautiful Italian tile, because it stains and chips, and replacing it with Cambria [Tiegs is a spokeswoman for the Eden Prairie-based countertop manufacturer]. It's green because it's made from natural quartz, and in the process of making the slabs, they recycle 100 percent of the water. It's not porous, so things don't sink in -- no red-wine stains or lemon-juice stains. I'm a slave to that [Italian] tile. I can't wait to be rid of it.

Q How did you get interested in green design?

A Ed Begley Jr. is a dear friend of mine. He has a show, "Living with Ed," about green living. I told him, "Please come over and tell me what I can do to green my house."

Q What other green features are you incorporating?

A I'm interested in solar panels and windmills on the roof to generate electricity. I have two hybrid cars, and I'll never go back, although I might go all electric. And, to save the best for last, I'm looking at samples of Astroturf for my back yard, so chemicals aren't sinking into the earth, and you don't waste water.

Q How do you live differently when you're here, in the Twin Cities, vs. when you're in L.A.?

A I don't work while I'm here. I don't bring a computer, and I rarely use my cell phone. It's more of a vacation. We go to the Calhoun Beach Club. Dan got me a rowboat for one person, and I row around on Lake of the Isles. And I read a lot.

Q What have you read recently?

A I just finished "Water for Elephants." I loved it. I also read "Eat, Pray, Love." I liked the "Pray," but I didn't think she was very grounded when it came to "Love." That relationship is not going to last.

Q Describe your perfect Sunday.

A Tea, toast, reading the Sunday paper. I like watching football, then maybe my son and I will go to a movie. Maybe do yoga. Then have a cocktail or a glass of wine with Dan, overlooking the city ... then dinner at home. You must stay home on Sunday night.

Q Do you cook? Do you have a signature dish?

A Yes. Dry roast chicken with almost-burned potatoes.

Q Are you a fan of "America's Next Top Model"?

A No. I find those reality shows so mean. They make me very uncomfortable. You don't have to be mean, even to get someone to improve.

Q What's your favorite room in your house?

A My bedroom. It has ebony floors, a white goatskin rug that looks like snow and feels so soft. I have a British colonial bed with mosquito netting. The sheets are embroidered red and black. There's a fireplace with two gargoyles to watch over me. It's feminine and masculine. I think it's very sexy.

Q You recently reached a milestone birthday [60]. How did you celebrate?

A It's a wonderful time. Now I think I know it all, even though I don't. On that night, Dan and my son and I went to the Bel Air hotel for dinner. I laughed so hard I was doubled over, crying. It was a wonderful night. The next night, my ex-husband's mother had about 26 people over. We sat outside with candles and flowers, and a dear friend sang to me as one of my gifts.

Q You've been quoted saying, "Like anyone else, there are days I feel beautiful and days I don't, and when I don't, I do something about it." What do you do?

A I exercise. That always makes me feel good. I drink a lot of water and always eat right.

Q How about Botox -- pro or con?

A I tried it once, but it made me frown. People said, "What's the matter, Cheryl, why are you frowning?" I have a skin-care line, Ageless Woman [www.agelesswomanonline.com], and I use that.

Q What do you know now that you wish you'd known when you were 20?

A I wish I had known more about the relationship between a man and a woman. I was like a little puppy running around with my tongue out, wanting to play. I didn't know how to make a relationship work. I wasn't centered.

Q And how do you make a relationship work?

A Give and take, constant compromise. Sometimes I get my way, sometimes he does. In the end, if he's doing some of the things he wants, it makes you happy.

Kim Palmer • 612-673-4784