Canadian
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Canadian
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
posted @ Saturday, July 05, 2008 8:00 PM | Feedback (0)
I am talking about summer 2008 color trends on Style Sheet, the blog of HGTV.ca.
Go ahead and learn about my color ideas for a fashionable home this summer.
English from Canada
You can spot the British heritage of Canadians in the way we write colour. And the Canadian spelling is grey instead of gray. We also follow some American rules. For example, we prefer organize to the British spelling (organise).
If the topic interests you, the Cornerstone's Canadian English Page summarizes the specifics of Canadian English.
Why I write in US English instead of the Canadian English? The answer rests in the fact that the majority of my readers are from the United States.
Via: Summer 2008 Colour Trends [Style Sheet]
Categories:
IN the press
TRENDS
posted @ Tuesday, June 03, 2008 8:05 PM | Feedback (0)
Remember the bold color glass kitchenware from Annie Michaud and the exquisite home accessories from Karine Bouchard.
It is that time of the year: Save and stock a few gifts for the teachers of your kids or hostess gifts.This Saturday, June 7th, 2008 is the biannual workshop sale of Gogoglass.
How this event works?
You can get pieces with little imperfections at a fraction of the regular price. I bought an orange lemon reamer at the same type of sales last Christmas.
The event has an educational side since you watch live artists creating pieces at their Marche Bonsecours workshop in Montreal Old Port. The event is from 10 to 17 o’clock.
To understand what is so special about their work, I invite you to read what I wrote when I visited their workshop last Christmas. I first introduced Annie Michaud’s blown glass kitchenware in August 2007.
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
GIFT ideas
HOSTESS gifts
posted @ Thursday, May 29, 2008 4:21 PM | Feedback (0)
I love cookbooks. It seems I never have enough. With so many books, which one to choose.
Save time and start with the 2008 finalists of the James Beard Foundation Cookbook Awards? After all, they examined the latest publications for us.
James Beard Foundation Cookbook Awards is said to be the highest honors for food and beverage professionals working in America. The awards reward excellence in 13 book categories.
I am showing you four books from the Entertaining category. These inexpensive books will each be appreciated as an hostess gift.
Canadian Nominee
A Canadian is nominated this year in the Entertaining cookbook category. I introduced Dish Entertains last year.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
HOLIDAY
FAMILY style
HOSTESS gifts
posted @ Tuesday, May 27, 2008 12:44 PM | Feedback (0)
I came across this little design studio in Vancouver that is making cute, 100% organic cotton handkerchief. Hank and Cheef can also custom make handkerchiefs for weddings corporate events and promotions.
A Little Bit of History
Kleenex was intended as a facial removal tissue at first. It became a handkerchief substitute later when some employees with allergies at Kleenex started to use the disposable tissues.
Let face it, handkerchief should never be used in our modern societies to blow your nose. What about our other facial little cleanup needs?
In Our Daily Life
We use disposable tissues for things that we could do with a piece of cloth. So maybe for these facial tasks, we could envision a more eco-friendly alternative. People with allergies and parents with young children will find them useful for drying the tears.
I am not ready to do it at this point. Maybe at some point, handkerchiefs will become fashionable as the reusable shopping bags. I cannot predict.
Categories:
FAMILY style
LINENS
posted @ Thursday, May 08, 2008 4:21 PM | Feedback (1)
The owner and designer of Cartolina Cards, Fiona Richards sent me a wonderful set of card samples. These greeting cards invite us to a multicultural trip through the centuries that wraps up in a fresh, modern twist.
Ancient Meets Contemporary
You catch influences of ancient cultures, especially India in the work of this independent design studio from British Colombia, Canada.
Fiona Richards grew up in Scotland. Her grandparents were dealers in old world Indian textiles. She often visited her uncle who was an illustrator. So it is not surprising that Fiona Richards successfully interacts with vintage patterns and infuses them with a modern distinctive look.
A pattern is printed on the front and the back of the cards. Therefore, these cards feel luxurious. Whether you are looking for a Have a Beautiful Birthday card, to transmit a Bravo, to forward your Best Wishes, to send Many Thanks, to celebrate Love in Wedding Wishes, check out their one of a kind catalogue at selected retailers across Canada, United States and Australia.
Categories:
PAPER goods
posted @ Saturday, May 03, 2008 9:52 PM | Feedback (0)
Dressing up your room with the right wallpapers adds sophistication to a dining room or living room. I typically prefer to put wallpaper on a single wall or two walls, depending on the room configuration.
British brands have a long history of making great patterns. Have a look at these patterns from Graham & Brown. This is a brand that teamed up with several designers to bring you striking designs.
A Look at My Favorites
Sophia from the Monsoon collection reinterprets Art Nouveau damask. You will be surprised how sophisticated a fuchsia wall can be.
No need to install wall paneling with Phantom from the Umbra collection. In case you did not already know, the uber stylish Canadian brand Umbra teamed up with Graham & Brown to produce its first ever wallpaper collection. The frame illustrations of Huddle pattern can bring something different to a room.
Categories:
HOME decor
TRENDS
posted @ Friday, May 02, 2008 2:35 PM | Feedback (0)
With what I do for living, you will not be surprised that I watch HGTV Canada a lot. HGTV just launched their blog cutely named Style Sheet.
Style Sheet blog design is adorable. It is so girly with a summer vibe. They manage to keep their posts short yet instructive.
I leave you with a story about a Laundry Room makeover they did on The Style Dept.. The laundry room was filled with nifty accessories and electronics. I recalled watching that episode. The Splurge Vs Steal Column is also interesting.
My little moment of pleasure, they like At Home with Kim Vallee (ref. blog roll).
Announcement
I will not post on Thursday; I have an important appointment that will occupy me all day long. Starting next week, I will be featuring 2 Guest Bloggers. I will keep the names a surprise.
Categories:
HOME decor
posted @ Wednesday, April 30, 2008 10:53 PM | Feedback (3)
The May 2008 of Canadian House & Home is the Green Issue. It is full of eco-friendly advices and products. What caught my eyes are 3 entertaining details.
Trough sink
The first one is an advertising picture by Ciot. The marble slat is gorgeous. It looks so modern.
I wish I have the space to install a through sink. Typically, you integrate the through sink in your preparation area. When you entertain friends, you use this long and narrow sink to chill bottles of wines, champagnes and beers. Check out the model by Kohler. This trough sink exterior dimensions are 60" x 8-1/4" with a basin depth of 5-15/16".
Categories:
EVERYDAY
HOME decor
posted @ Friday, April 11, 2008 12:41 AM | Feedback (1)
A mother wrote to me because she is looking for fun unique ideas for the graduation party of her daughters in May. They want polka dots for a theme with lots of bright spring colors!
I expanded on the polka dots theme for a trendier look. I went instead with fresh, bold patterns where dots are omnipresent. The final look is amusing and young.
Sharing Memories
The mother told me that the girls do not want the boring photo albums. A graduation party is a time to remember where you have been. So I will show you other ways to share memories.
For starter, I suggest distributing around the room notebooks with colored pens for people to write their taught. The unlined notebooks work the best for a party since people can draw or write their messages. Small notebooks are more practical because they are easier to carry around. Select a model that does not require a writing surface. As the girls will get older, they will be happy to have memorabilia of their graduation.
Categories:
PAPER goods
PARTY ideas
BIG events
posted @ Friday, April 04, 2008 2:59 PM | Feedback (4)
You won't be surprised if I tell you that I watch lots of cooking shows. We have a Media Center at home so for the past three years I stopped listening to live TV. I watch about thirty minutes of TV daily. That explains why there is usually a delay between the start of new shows on TV and when I effectively watched them.
That is the case with The Main, a show that was first aired October 1st, 2007 on Food Network Canada. A second season is already produced. I watched a few episodes this week and I like it. The Main is hosted by the first winner of Superstar Chef Challenge on Food Network which was an adorable Canadian guy from British Columbia named Anthony Sedlak.
The Main is fresh and dynamic cooking show. Anthony is about 25 years old. I feel that the music theme wants to portrait an edgier side than your typical cooking shows. But really his recipes target the average family and singles.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
posted @ Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:22 PM | Feedback (0)
Lisa Zuraw of sweetbeets produces the most adorable birthday cards. Lisa finds the inspiration for drawing her original illustrations by watching her children play. Her cards focus on infants and preschoolers from what I have seen.
Sweetbeets’ cards are eco-friendly. They are printed using vegetable-based inks on 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Her technique leaves a crisp impression that you can see and feel. That is the beauty of letterpress printing.
Sweetbeets will debut at the National Stationery Show in New York, May 18 to 21, 2008. So if you are going at the show, visit her at booth 2134.
There are many new babies in my circle of friends. That is why I started a reserve a few months ago. Her cards cost $5.50 each or make your own set of any 4 cards for $18 at her etsy shop.
Lisa Zuraw also writes Modeco Kids, a blog on modern and eco-friendly products for babies and children.
Categories:
PAPER goods
KIDS party
posted @ Friday, March 14, 2008 12:51 AM | Feedback (0)
If you want to learn and see what is hot or not in home decor, stop by the Toronto Interior Design Show (IDS 08) that will start tomorrow. The general public can assist Saturday February 23, 2008 from 10 AM to 7 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM.
I am planning to visit on Saturday. Admission is $16 if purchase in advance or $18 at the door for adults. Saturday's schedule features:
- International Design stars on the KRUPS Stage
- Seminars on all things design
- The IDS Workshops are new this year:
- Saturday’s workshop will be DESIGN & DECORATING TRENDWATCHING by Cobi Ladner, Editor at Canadian House & Home magazine and Mark Challen, Vice-President Communications also from the magazine. Unfortunately, the 100 places are sold out.
- There are some places left for the LIVING WITH A COMMITMENT TO GREEN workshop on Sunday.
- What's Your Design Dilemma? This is your chance for a free 15 min. consultation with one of ARIDO's registered interior designers. Appointments are on a first-come first-served basis and arranged upon visiting the ARIDO booth (1617).
Categories:
HOME decor
posted @ Wednesday, February 20, 2008 12:07 PM | Feedback (2)
After a career as a jewelry, fashion and accessories designer, Alison Dawson found a new vocation when she founded Chapeau de Gateau (cake hat in French).
As you can see, Alison Dawson produces stylish cake toppers. Every detail is taking care including delivering your one-of-a-kind cake topper in a keepsake box.
Ideal for wedding and any special occasions, each Chapeau de Gateau topper is handmade with the finest quality Mokuba ribbons. These ribbons are imported from Japan.
Cake toppers can be chosen from the Chapeau de Gateau line. For the ultimate in event design harmonization, opt for a custom designed topper.
The talented cake maker / decorator, Papillon Cakes, that I introduced two days ago, works with Chapeau de Gateau.
Categories:
PARTY supplies
BIG events
CAKES
posted @ Tuesday, February 12, 2008 1:21 AM | Feedback (1)
Like everything else, the cake industry has evolved a lot over the years. The popularity of the TV series Ace of Cakes gives more ideas to people.
If you want a one-of-a-kind marvelous cake, first of all know that it is pricey because it requires a lot of time and know-how to decorate these remarkable cakes.
These cakes are popular at weddings, since people often allocate a huge budget for their wedding cake. If you plan an extraordinary party for a milestone birthday, a 25th wedding anniversary, a baptism or a shower, you cannot pretend to host the ultimate stylish event without a fabulous cake.
How does it work?
The process starts with a consultation and cake tasting, often complimentary. Be prepared before you set up a meeting. It is best to sit down with the cake maker after you booked your venue. Figure out the style of your event first as the cake must harmonize with the rest of your theme and decorative elements. You need to have a pretty good idea of how many guests will assist or be invited.
Categories:
KIDS party
BIG events
CAKES
posted @ Sunday, February 10, 2008 12:19 PM | Feedback (3)
I received an email from Jennifer of Alphabet Photography to inform me of a new art product. I look at it because it intrigued me. What I discovered is a unique concept.
Starting from black and white photographs taken around the Niagara Region during the summer of 2007, you can custom your own word art. Their Web site has a pretty simple to use Create a word interface. You can adjust each photograph individually and see the result automatically. I did it for the name of my husband and my name.
Each photograph is a 4 x 6, so the art work does not take too much space. Depending on the number of letters, you can find an integrated photo frame or align several frames in a row. Look at Umbra; they are my favorite brand for cool and stylish photo frames.
An excellent gift idea
For the upcoming Valentine’s Day, Alphabet Photography proposes a personalized gift solution. Make sure to make a good lasting impression and select a series of upscale photo frames that match the decor.
Categories:
BABY showers
GIFT ideas
posted @ Monday, January 28, 2008 2:11 AM | Feedback (3)
Every year, Second Cup introduces a new holiday gift collection. Their catalogue is small and reflects trends. This year cozies and knitted bags share the spotlights.
If you are good at knitting and have the time, you can make your own. I am sorry that I did not find a pattern draft online but I guess it is not too hard to make if you have a teapot with you. Otherwise, make a gift set with a few mugs or a teapot from Second Cup, each with a removable cozy.
The cozy for the travel cup is more for aesthetic purposes but it looks so comfortable. If the gift recipients do not carry their own cup, why not knit a cozy for disposable cup? At least, there will be one less thing that they will throw away. And it is easy to carry in your purse all the time.
For wrapping your gifts, Second Cup proposes cute knits bags and fake leather magazine baskets. Because people will reuse the containers in their everyday life, these options are eco-friendly.
Categories:
GIFT ideas
posted @ Wednesday, November 28, 2007 12:26 PM | Feedback (0)
The booming of the renovation sector brought us many innovations at the hardware store. New tools have emerged to simplify our life. Here is one of these innovations for hanging stuff on your wall.
If ever try to group a set of pictures you know how it feels cumbersome to get all the holes at the right place. Sharing your frustrations, a Calgary-based decorating expert Liette Tousignant developed a tool that removes the fuss from this task. I just saw the TV ad and it seems pretty handy.
Hang & Level is a tool that precisely marks the hole. No more computations or guess work, you get it right the first time. They produce a few decorating articles with useful hanging tips.
Great stocking stuffer, this tool will be most appropriated by a friend who just moved to a new home. It is available across Canada at Canadian Tire, The Home Depot, Home Hardware and more stores. Americans can find Hang & Level at Linens N Things.
Categories:
HOME decor
GIFT ideas
posted @ Tuesday, November 27, 2007 12:44 PM | Feedback (0)
One great retail thing that came out of the Internet is to expand the market of lots of Indie stores and creators. My mood board this week is about inspiration and handmade objects.
1 | Milk and Cookies
In Inspired, At Last, JenJen of Milk and Cookies talked about the return of her inspiration for baking. The pictures that accompanied her post are surely a treat for the eyes.
2 | Poppy Talk
With her post we’re live, a fellow blogger from Canada proudly announced that her virtual street market Poppy Talk Handmade is up and running. I explored the site. I enjoyed my visit, except that the search product function is not fine tuned yet.
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
posted @ Saturday, October 06, 2007 8:45 PM | Feedback (0)
I am a huge fan of the Canadian fashion brand m0851. I live close by their flagship store in Montreal. My husband can testify that I always stop to look at their store window. I love the simplicity of their streamlined clothes and leather accessories.
I am thrilled about their way in the hospitality industry. You can enjoy the same design philosophy when you travel to Belgium. m0851 just opened three guestrooms on top of the new Antwerp’s store in a popular fashion street.
The balanced modern aestheticism and functionality of the rooms are typical of the m0851’s look and feel. The interior design is urban chic and has pure lines. The rooms seem very comfortable for the guests. An itty mini boutique hotel that is located near museums, trendy cafes and restaurants.
I am showing you the m0851 rooms because they are inspirational for when you having guest spending the night at your house. m0851 guestrooms are my pretext to talk about the ultimate guest room. When you design a guest room in your home, try to think of everything your guests may need.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
TRAVEL
posted @ Wednesday, April 18, 2007 12:21 AM | Feedback (0)