I received my copy at the beginning of the week. I think Whitewater Cooks is a wonderful cookbook.

It is unusual to crave for the food at a ski resort cafeteria. But Fresh Tracks Café is not your typical ski resort cafeteria. Before acquiring Whitewater Winter Resort with her husband Mike in 1997, Shelley Adams spent 15 years as a popular caterer to the west coast film industry.

Shelley Adams finally gave in to the incessant requests of patrons who wanted her kept-secret recipes. In Whitewater Cooks, Shelley shares 80 gourmet recipes that she cooked over her career at Fresh Tracks Café and also as a caterer.

Whitewater Cooks is divided in 5 recipe sections: soups and bowls, salads and greens, savouries, salsas, chutneys and sauces, and finally sweet things.

Categories: EVERYDAY  FOOD + drinks  GIFT ideas 

To host a casual chic patriotic party, you need to think outside the box. You want to stay away from an overload of flag images. Be inspired by the color palette and the spirit of the celebrations.

I gather wonderful yet simple décor ideas to celebrate Independence Day. They are the best of what I saw this week on the Web. You can even use them if you are at the last minutes.

Drink Recipes

GlamDish featured wonderful drinks that would be great all summer. Cheers to Red, White & Blue! proposes a Chambeer (1 part Chambord, 3 parts beer), a Blue Mojito, a Blakberi Blues and a Blue Hawaiian.

Menu

Check out Rachel Ray’s Fourth of July feast for tasty recipes.  Check out her Berry Cakes with Cinnamon Whipped Cream.

Categories: TABLESCAPE  FOOD + drinks  HOLIDAY  FAMILY style 

I do not often talk about applications but this Facebook application is fun and well-done. Moreover, Praize'n'raze is produced by a talented team from Montreal.

The offices of Praized Media are on the same building than my company. I know the three owners because I met them at YulBiz and we hang in the small IT events around Montreal.

The CEO of Praized Media is no stranger to the blogosphere. I am talking about Harry Wakefield of MoCoLoco.com. It is a small world!

Before launching their main product, Praized Media created a Facebook application. Praize'n'raze was published a few days ago. But I must warn you that Praize'n'raze is quite addictive.

Categories: OFF topics 

Your old submissions to Tastespotting live again. I am glad I added new Google Alerts on my blog name yesterday because this is how I found out that Tastespotting is back online.

We know more about the big saga that led to the temporary close down of Tastespotting. A business split occurred between Jean of NOTCOT and Sarah J. Gim, the editor of Tastespotting.

Sarah is now the owner of Tastespotting. She continues to run the hugely popular food porn site. The front end and back end systems of Tastespotting had to be rebuilt. It is still almost at part with the original site.

What Is Lacking?

One important feature that is lacking is the preview of a submission. In an interview to Food Interviews, Sarah said that they are working on an improved version of the Preview function. The upcoming Submission Preview will give the users more powered than the original one. It should be ready in a week or two.

Categories: FOOD + drinks 

This UK glass and porcelain maker proposes a line of products that fits well into the casual modern entertaining lifestyle. By combining several pieces, you can easily reproduce the hip restaurant look at home.

What is great with LSA tableware is that you can serve cuisines from the World in their dishes. The key when buying an all white dinnerware is to put the emphasis on shapes. You need several interesting forms to add interests to your table.

I selected three collections: the Luna tableware, the Opal tableware and the Malo vases.

Luna incorporates bowls, serving platters and four sizes of plate. I really like the starter/dessert dish. Some suggest to harmonize Luna with the handmade Iona glassware series.

Categories: GIFT ideas  TABLEWARE 

The weather is bright, warm and sunny in Montreal. This is the perfect day for an holiday.

Like PoppyTalk, I wish to celebrate Canadian talents. Here are a few Canadian artists and designer products that are worth mentioning. Canada Day is the day to remember our roots so it does not matter that I introduced some in the past.

Housewares made by Canadians

The Trees storage box and the die cut felt trivets by bookhou are prettily modern.

Jenna Rose is another Canadian designer who makes wonderful housewares and fashion textile products. I have a thing for round textile storage box. There is an old-fashioned charm to her Rooftops Storage Box.

Categories: HOME decor  GIFT ideas  HOLIDAY  TABLEWARE 

Trois Femmes et Un Coussin imports and distributes high quality dinnerware made for restaurants, hotels and gourmets. They sell to the public too.

I am showing you their line of custom designed tableware. This modern series feels so much like summer. These items are pricier but not over the top. This is a place to shop in Montreal for wedding gifts.

The Candide oval platter (top left picture) sells for $120 CAD. The square dinner plate is $31.50 while the salad bowl is $34.50. This stylish breadbasket by Ferran Adrià costs $80 CAD.

I plan to stop by their showroom to get some plates and bowls for my prop collection.

3 Femmes et 1 Coussin
783 Gilford (corner Saint-Hubert)
Montreal, QC H2J 1N8
p 514.987.6807
Opening hours: Mon-Wed. 10-18 o’clock, Thu-Fri 10-19, Sat 10-17

>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: 3 Femmes et 1 Coussin

Categories: GIFT ideas  BIG events  TABLEWARE 

If you are still looking for ideas to celebrate Canada Day tomorrow, do not despair. I got an easy solution for you than is sure to impress your friends and family.

Simply read the casual and relaxed guide prepared by Cheryl Chan for The Vancouver Province. The owner of Bright Ideas Event Coordinators, Sharon Bonner and I share party ideas to help you organize a fun Canada Day party.

The story covers every elements of your party from venues, décor, food and drink menus, activities, and settings. I wish to thank again Cheryl Chan for this interview.

Traditional Dessert

Pouding chomeur is a classic, comfort food dessert in Quebec. Adults and kids love the taste. I will prepare and showcase the three most typical recipes. You get to see the difference between the original pouding chomeur recipe up to an upscale version served on individual ramekins.

Categories: FOOD + drinks  PARTY ideas  HOLIDAY 

If you travel to Chile's southern coast, make sure to stop by the San Alfonso del Mar resort to swim in the biggest swimming pool according to the Guinness Book of Records.

At more than 1,000 yards long, this saltwater man-made lagoon covers 20 acres of land. It goes down 115 feet deep and holds 66 million gallons of water.

Canoeing, sail boating and scuba diving are amongst the several water activities available at this amazing swimming pool.

A Manmade Lagoon

The need to build a huge swimming pool next to the ocean comes from the fact that the seashore is not always hospitable for safe swimming. The water temperature may too cold; the tides may be too strong.

This pool is the mastermind of Fernando Fischmann, a biochemist and Chilean real estate developer. He imagined this pool back in 1997 when he planned San Alfonso del Mar resort. In a Reuters’ video, I learned that seashores in Chile are notorious dangerous due to rough tides and strong rift currents.

Categories: OUTDOOR  TRAVEL 

This story is just in time for Canada Day. Who can resist these amazing teepees?

A green living trip to Yukon offers us a chance to go back before the start of our country, to explore our wilderness while enjoying all the convenience of the best green travel experience.

It is fun to be able to indulge in luxury when we travel. I know I do. I would like to explore the natural beauty of the Canadian North someday.

It is now possible to visit Yukon in style and live a unique eco-tourism experience. This is a green vacation spot for people with a good budget. If you are planning a trip to Yukon, take a look at the amazing green resorts from Perfect Earth Tours.

Unique Accommodation

You can stay in a cabin suite but the ultimate experience is to stay in a teepee. The teepees are custom made with organic canvas. Each hardwood floor teepee features all the amenities that you find at a luxury hotel room.

Categories: HOLIDAY  TRAVEL 

I am not a fan of magnets on the fridge unless they are really special. On that point, the Dorogaya magnetic calendar clearly qualifies.

This is a great improvement over the typical paper calendar that you see on so many kitchens. Better yet, you will feel great opening the fridge door if you hang a reusable calendar.

The magnetic calendar can have a prominent space on the central message board of any household. You can place one in your home office.

How it works?

Every month is represented by a 3-letter abbreviation chip. Special chips, like Deadline, Arrival, Departure, Drink Day and Don't Drink Day, keep track of important dates and appointments. It seems that the Ukrainian graphic artist Serhiy Chebotaryov created his Dorogaya magnetic calendar with students in mind.

Categories: EVERYDAY  HOME decor  GIFT ideas 

The Summer Lovin’ card collection designed by Megan Nutley of Silhouette Blue really puts you in the mood for a summer party. 

I like Megan's summer collection because these icons evoke simple pleasures. The basic youth charms still seduce us.

My favorites are the bike, the lawn chair and the Popsicle. The greeting cards of the Summer Lovin’ collection are also sold individually on the Silhouette Blue’s Web site.

The Hula Hoop is available as a fill-in invitation set.

>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Summer Lovin' Card Collection by Silhouette Blue on etsy – price: $10 for set of 6 cards
Buy online: Float Personalized Stationery Set by Silhouette Blue on etsy – price: 25 for a set of 20 note cards with envelops
Buy online: Hula Hoop Party Invitation by Silhouette Blue – price: $10 for 8 fill-in invites
Buy online: Summer Lovin' Individual Card on Silhouette Blue – price: $3 each

Categories: PAPER goods  FAMILY style 

Last week, I went to the 40th birthday party of a friend. P. was the DJ for the night. He played tunes that were significant to the several epochs of his life. Although these vintage illustrations are way before his time, these drawings inspire me.

All the cards designed by Kai of Kootie’s Closet are available on etsy as personalized note cards, hello cards or thank you cards.

Living in Florida, Kai works as a graphic designer specializing in mid-century & modern illustrations, vintage inspired patterns and vintage graphics restoration

Her gift tags would complement well a kitsch party theme. Use them for your party favors.

The 50s bicycle is adorable. I really like the details of the drawing. Why not organize a ride in the country with your friends this weekend?

Categories: EVERYDAY  PAPER goods 

Kat Nouri, the founder and creative director of Modern-Twist, informed me today about her latest products. I am a huge fan of Modern-Twist ever since I first lay my eyes of their products.

Modern-twist brought silicone to your table with placemats, fun coasters, napkin rings and wine tags.

This time, Kat introduces a new collection of modern and food-safe doilies. So no more paper lace cake dollies that you throw away at the end of the party.

Available in two patterns, Doileez deliver the same soft touch feeling and ease to clean than their reputable placemats. I owned several placemats than I totally adored.

The food-safe, hand-silk-screened Doileez are not just for decorating food presentations at parties. Doileez fit well under vases and centerpieces to protect fine wood furniture. The hardest thing will be to choose which one to buy between the Clusters or the Loop patterns.

Categories: HOME decor  PARTY supplies  GIFT ideas  DISHING tips  TABLEWARE  CAKES 

My final post as a guest blogger for Style Sheet, the blog by HGTV Canada, is up.

This time, I wrote a Steal versus Splurge post about bathroom accessories. Take a look at three indulgences that will enhance your bathroom experience.

Via: Steal vs. Splurge: Bathroom Accessories [Style Sheet]

Categories: HOME decor 

Having a small table when you go for a picnic adds comfort. You can use it for the food, your radio or a lantern. These two models are easy to transport.

The Adirondack folding side table is a cute option if you travel by car. Target sells in an impressive 14 colors. Prices vary with the colors. I am showing you the moss, the middle range price at $39.99.

I bought a modern version at IKEA a few years ago. I put it next to my terrace door to deposit bags and plates. I tinted with outdoor wood stain. It does not seem to be available anymore.

The Nacho Portable Folding Table is super easy to transport. It is ideal for camping and hunting trip. Available in several in several cloth colors, the only downside is that it lacks panache. Check the Folding Camping Picnic Tables department for more models and colors.

Categories: OUTDOOR  TRAVEL  FAMILY style 

Literal party themes are not my thing. You do not need to fill the room with maple leafs or over saturate the space with the flag patterns like it is suggested by the mass produced dinnerware and party supplies.

You can still show your patriotism at your party by doing it on a more subtle way. Deconstruct the element of the flag, reinvent the color palette by adding a trendy accent color. The idea is to create a unique modern and more sophisticated party scheme.

If you look closely at these styled pictures by IKEA, you can devise around the Summer IKEA collection a beautiful scheme to celebrate either Canada Day or the Fourth of July. At least, you will be able to enjoy the stuff the rest of the summer.

Dining On the Lawn Setting

Do a picnic in your backyard. Lay down several eating areas with DYNING, a beach mat available in red and light blue.Fill the floor with red and white HEMÖN rugs, SOMMAR table runners and GRENÖ round cushions.

Categories: PARTY ideas  PARTY supplies  HOLIDAY  KIDS party  FAMILY style 

You will use these 4 items over and over this summer. They will add style, function and a punch of color to your outdoor parties.

Jewel Flatware

I really like the four colors of the square enamels mixed together. Placing the four colors creates a more festive table than using a single hue. The magical number is to own 12 or 16 settings. So, it fits to buy a flatware set in each color.

Hot Buffet Station

If you already built an outdoor kitchen, the next thing is to set up a hot buffet station in your backyard. The brushed stainless steel BroilKing Buffet Servers come handy if you entertain a lot. The base can be used as stand-alone warming tray. Bring the set inside for an all-year long usage.

Categories: EVERYDAY  FOOD + drinks  PARTY supplies  DISHING tips  TABLEWARE 

Like many women bloggers, I carry a small camera on my night handbag.

The Facts

You need at least a better than average small point-and-shoot camera to take decent pictures. The only purpose of the phone camera is to send a picture to Facebook right away or to photograph people for your address book.

My smaller camera was outdated. Last year, I bought a small digital movie camera, the Sanyo CG6 to make videos. I thought I could use my small movie camera to take pictures but it produces washed off pictures. It is fair to say that I was due for a new sleek and thin digital camera.

How To Select The Right Point-and-Shoot Digital Camera?

I did some researches on the Internet and talked to people about my needs.Have a clear idea of what, when and where you expect to photograph. Taking pictures of food at a restaurant plus being able to photograph people at events summarize my needs.

Categories: EVERYDAY  GIFT ideas  OFF topics 

When I entertain at home, I prefer to cook easy to make but tasty recipes. The hostess should plan her event so she can enjoy the presence of her guests. This is why I like the latest book by Gordon Ramsay.

Entertaining Philosophy

A quote from Gordon Ramsay's Fast Food says it all:

"However amazing a dish looks, it is always the taste that lingers in your memory."

The stylish hostess makes an effort on food presentation. But we must accept that we are not Chefs either. My priority for easy entertaining is to design a stunning tabletop, cook a delicious meal and after, try to plate the food more beautifully.

About The Book

I do not really follow Gordon Ramsay on TV. I bought Fast Food because his cookbook provides tasty recipes built around menus and types of food plus some essential cooking tips.

You get recipes for fast soups, appetizers, antipasti, salads, sandwiches, eggs, working lunches, pasta, shellfish, fish, meat, vegetarian, side dishes, fruity desserts and creamy desserts.

Categories: EVERYDAY  FOOD + drinks  PARTY ideas  HOSTESS gifts