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Daily Quick Links | 2008.08.04 edition

quickdailylinks20080805

This is my daily collection of interesting stuff that I read via my RSS feeds or that I saw on the Web.

+ A one-of-a-kind hammock designed by Karin van Lieshout in collaboration with Rachel van Outvorst. It took an immensible amount of work to produce this handmade hammock. Their monkish work also includes several pendants, a huge chandelier and a cool sea urchin chair. Via ROOM & Serve

+ Certain fabric colors for the Nurseryworks Storytime Rocker are at 50% off at Zac and Zoe. The idea to look for it came to me after reading about the best scavenger finds on Ohdeedoh. Do not bother to check the ad since the Craiglist listing has now expired. Via Ohdeedoh


Categories: HOME decor  FAMILY style  KIDS + BABY  HOME + GARDEN 

posted @ Monday, August 04, 2008 1:07 PM | Feedback (0)

The 7 Links of the Week 2008.08.04

Every week, I compiled the list on Sunday from what bloggers published over the last 7 days.

1958 Edward Fickett house :: small dinner snack basket :: klein dytham leaf chapel

+ The Los Angeles Times talked about how a 1958 Edward Fickett house hangs on to its contemporary cool. The current owners are huge fan of this architect since this is their second Fickett house. The interior is a feast for the eyes. I really like the hip sun umbrella next to the pool. Via Apartment Therapy Los Angeles

+ This pretty snack is from a collection of charming photos sent by emma to the famous Holly of Decor8 for Haug Maus, her latest blog project. Haus Maus is Holly’s diary about living part time in Germany.


Categories: CAKES  DINING  HOME + GARDEN  MODERN architecture 

posted @ Monday, August 04, 2008 12:39 AM | Feedback (0)

Top 7 Links of the Week 2008.07.27

I am introducing my new weekly must read section. I compiled the list on Sunday from what bloggers published over the last 7 days.  Enjoy!

shinki katoh trays :: cookies by la tartine gourmande :: repurposed housewares by real simple

+ I fall in love with the Shinzi Katoh trays with square handles available in the USA at Penelope’s. I have a thing for trays. The drawings of Shinzi Katoh are so adorable. So many cool stuff features his design. I am looking forward to introduce his treasure boxes on an upcoming post. Via ohdeedoh

+ I adore eating homemade cookies. They are great to bring on the road, for a picnic or as hostess gifts. Bea baked her Dark Chocolate Chip and Nut Cookies with 5 types of flour. As usually, her pictures add to the pleasures. Via La Tartine Gourmande


Categories: HOME decor  FAMILY style  KIDS + BABY  HOME + GARDEN 

posted @ Sunday, July 27, 2008 2:27 PM | Feedback (0)

Tastespotting is Back

tastespotting

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  DINING 

posted @ Thursday, July 03, 2008 1:06 PM | Feedback (4)

Tastespotting has been shut down | News Flash

tastespotting fairwell

A few minutes ago, I went to Tastespotting. I wanted to submit my story about Hiring a Chef for a dinner party. I prepared my 250 pixels square picture hoping that I selected the right shot to impress the Tastespotting editor that will see my submission. Then, I saw that message.

I am sad today because Tastespotting was the site to discover food related blogs. NOTCOT still operates a few other sites under the same business model.

I do not want to get involved into the politics but I feel sad for the blogging community in general. We lost a great way to discover great food related stories.

Tags:


Categories: OFF topics 

posted @ Friday, June 13, 2008 4:23 PM | Feedback (3)

Apartment Therapy Presents as a Housewarming Gift

Apartment Therapy Presents by Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan

Last night, we went to Costco. Every time we go there, I stop at the book sections because Costco typically sells the book cheaper than the bookstores.

I find it easier to buy book at Costco since we drive to go there. I do most of my shopping by foot; so weight is an issue.Otherwise, I buy my books online.

You probably noticed by now that Apartment Therapy is one of my all-time favorite blogs. To show my support, I bought yesterday Apartment Therapy Presents. I enjoy it! Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan wrote a book filled with inspiring decoration ideas.

What is inside the book?

Like his blog, the book showcased real apartments done by real, talented people. Interior designers created a few apartments. Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan mostly selected amazing spaces done by homeowners. You will be surprised that most homeowners have an artistic or design background.


Categories: REVIEWS  HOUSEWARMING gifts 

posted @ Saturday, June 07, 2008 2:47 PM | Feedback (0)

At Home with Kim Vallee is a Favorite of The Nest magazine

favorite blogs from the nest magazine summer 2008

Nestie’s favorite blogs are must-reads and guilty pleasures from the staff of The Nest.

The summer 2008 listing is out. I am glad that At Home with Kim Vallee is listed as a “favorite” under Entertaining.

Nesties' Favorite Blogs

I share this honor with three other amazing blogs:

The Nest magazine is only available through subscription for delivery in the United States. I was looking for an issue so I want to thank Katie, a Public Relations Manager at The Knot for sending me this material.


Categories: IN the press  REVIEWS 

posted @ Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:55 PM | Feedback (4)

Call for Help with The Nest Magazine

featured in The Nest magazine Summer 2008

A Montreal Girl Geek told me last week that At Home with Kim Vallee is featured on The Nest magazine. As far as I know, my blog is the favorite blog of their readers and staff in the Entertaining category. Sadly for me, this magazine is not available in Canada.

I just sent an email to a Public Relations Manager at The Nest Magazine. We will see what they answer. In the meantime, I am asking for help from my US readers.

Did you read that article? Can someone send me a copy of the Summer 2008 edition of the Nest magazine? I will send a thank you gift. If you interested make sure to fill the email text box (not published) and write a comment.

>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: The Nest


Categories: IN the press  REVIEWS 

posted @ Wednesday, May 28, 2008 6:55 PM | Feedback (3)

Kirtsy replaced Sk*rt

kirtsy!

It is now official. Sk*rt became Kirtsy. The look of the Web site is identical. They just updated the logo and the URL.

If you use FeedFlare by FeedBurner, you need to remove the Sk*rt this personal flare you created before and add kirtsy to your FeedFlare.

Via: Kirtsy Back in Business [Chris Brogan]


Categories: OFF topics 

posted @ Monday, May 12, 2008 2:34 PM | Feedback (0)

Vote for the New Name of Sk*rt

skirtlogo

I do not know if you heard but the Digg for Chicks is changing its name. You can read of all the details on sk*rt corporate blog.

In true sk*rt fashion, sk*rt hosts a fabulously fun contest and turn the naming decision over to you, their clever readers.

With 235 comments so far, 9 names are still in competition. Names that get too few votes were discarded today. A new name was added today. The vote will be wrapped up by Friday May 2 at midnight PST.

I have already casted my vote. Since I did it through the comments, my opinion is already public:

  1. First place; SheSaw
  2. Runner Up: Kirtsy

Visit sk*rt, the blog to see the entire list and vote.

>>> Sourcing:
Via: Sk*rt is Over, Long Live Sk*rt: Women's Site Holds Vote for New Company Name [ReadWriteRead]


Categories: OFF topics 

posted @ Thursday, May 01, 2008 12:01 AM | Feedback (0)

Style Sheet: The New HGTV.ca Blog

style sheet by hgtv canada

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  HOME + GARDEN 

posted @ Wednesday, April 30, 2008 10:53 PM | Feedback (3)

Revealing my Beauty Secrets Tag Challenge

chanel sinkcare and foundation : m.a.c. makeup : clarins skin care

My Two friends Muriel Ide of MI2  and Nathalie of Gustav & Nat voyagent tagged me. I am glad!

This tagging exercise gives me the chance to talk about a topic that is dear to my heart. I never spoke about it on my blog. I am talking about makeup and beauty products.

My mother taught me that a woman never goes out without makeup. She is a feminine, business woman. She taught me how to properly cleanup my skin and apply a skin cream when I was 13 years old. I cannot be absolutely sure that I have fewer wrinkles because of my daily skincare routine but it does hurt for sure. So why take the chance?


Categories: OFF topics 

posted @ Monday, April 21, 2008 2:06 PM | Feedback (9)

Back to Normal: Loading Problem Solved

dechiffrer

I want to apologize to all my readers for the inconvenience. You probably experienced a loading problem when visited my blog over the last week or two. I am happy to report that everything is back to normal now.

I tried to pinpoint the problem over the last few days. Eureka! I just tracked down the script from an external party causing the infinite loop.

So from now on, there will be no more just for fun external widgets on my blog. I will program only what is necessary to run my blog.

You may have noticed that I made several changes over the couple of weeks to simplify my blog layout. The category system had a facelift. I spotlighted previous stories. More changes are scheduled.

Thank you for your patience and your trust.


Categories: OFF topics 

posted @ Wednesday, April 16, 2008 2:21 PM | Feedback (1)

My Montreal Girl Geek Dinner Talk Last March

kim vallee and tanya mcginnity at March Montreal Girl Geek Dinner : Tibetan Om Restaurant

It has been a week since I spoke at the Montreal Girl Geek Dinner, an offshoot of the London Girl Geek Dinners started by Sarah Blow. These monthly events provide a welcoming atmosphere and a platform for learning in an informal environment, typically a local restaurant.

If there is a Girl Geek Dinner chapter in your town, I invite you to join. These meetings are not about hard core geek stuff. The proof, I was invited to speak for what I am doing right now.

That is one of the marvelous things about blogging: you do not need to be technologically savvy to succeed. But knowing about Search Engine Optimization (SEO), statistical tools, online advertising and social networks can grow your brand faster.


Categories: DINING out   OFF topics  DINING 

posted @ Thursday, April 03, 2008 1:28 PM | Feedback (1)

Picks of the Week on the blogosphere | 080331 issue

terra keramik : lounge tisch table by moree :  stylist carla seaver

A look at entertaining essentials: a beautiful dinnerware to serve great food, a glamorous living room to enjoy the sunset and a stylish outdoor room to sip your cocktails.

My 3 picks of the week

Blue Orchid Designs for Style Spotlight: Terra Keramik

This post introduced a new line of environmentally friendly dinnerware. This dinnerware is über stylish dinnerware according to Liene of Blue Orchid Designs. I really like the vast selections of rich, saturated glazes. You can select eight exquisite colors. The platinum rims bring sophistication to sophistication to an otherwise simple design.

If you are interested, the online store of Terra Keramik operates from Connecticut. They currently deliver within the United States, Canada and Australia.


Categories: HOME decor  OUTDOOR living  TABLEWARE  DINING  HOME + GARDEN 

posted @ Monday, March 31, 2008 3:35 PM | Feedback (1)

Kim Vallee to be Guest Speaker at this March Montreal Girl Geek Dinner

montrealgirlgeekdinner

I invite you to an event on March 26th, 2008.  I would like to meet you at the next Montreal Girl Geek Dinner. That night, I will be speaking about how to create your online brand identity from my own experiences.

If you are a blogger, you realized that blogging has made it possible to “become a media”. The concept of my speech is to share my experiences, be inspirational and exchange ideas with the group. See you there.

For more information and to confirm your presence, check out the March Montreal Girl Geek Dinner event on Facebook.


Categories: OFF topics 

posted @ Monday, March 17, 2008 12:40 AM | Feedback (0)

Introducing my new identity

As you can see, I got a new brand identity. I decided to opt for a cleaner look and a signature that fits better into my personality. This is phase 1. Some features will be added over the next week or two. I hope you like it.


Categories: OFF topics 

posted @ Thursday, March 06, 2008 12:33 AM | Feedback (2)

Back to our regular programming

backtoschedule

Every time a chapter of your life, short or long, finished you feel its impacts. That is what makes living so exciting.

As my frequent travel run ended last night, I am getting back to my regular schedule. What this means for you is that:

  • You get more daily posts – more tips, more inspirations
  • I will have time to create instructional videos
  • I can participate more in the blogosphere.

There will be more posts on the amazing things I did or I saw plus my guides on better living in style. Stay tuned; it should be exciting.

Coming soon: an improved Web site

In the upcoming days / weeks, I will deploy:

  • a new signature for At Home with Kim Vallée - the time has come to get a real identity for my brand
  • a revised, more relevant category system
  • new features to get to my content

What type of tree?

I took the pictures last week at Peju, a small Provencal family-run winery in Napa Valley. Since I forgot to ask, does anyone know what type of tree this is?


Categories: OFF topics 

posted @ Monday, March 03, 2008 11:55 AM | Feedback (9)

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