July 2007 Entries
What is interesting about the Pod living concept is really the fact that you can quickly hide your mess by just closing the doors. It works like a charm if you suddenly have the urge to host a cocktail party at your place.
When you watch the media you feel that a key feature of the The Jade, a 57-unit condominium building in New York City is definitely the Pods. Developed by Yoo, a venture lead by John Hitchcox, Philippe Starck and Jade Jagger, the Pod is the realization of a principle we explored in my interior design education ten years ago.
What is the concept behind the Pod?
Enclosed within a single cube are meticulously laid-out utility rooms for the apartment. One Pod hosts the kitchen, the bathroom, the storage unit and even a washer/dryer closet as a free standing unit. Everything is hidden away with floor to ceiling doors. This design is tailored for small open space living.
If you are living in a loft, you can custom made your own Pod living. Choose the kitchen unit that you like, a closet for the entrance next to a storage unit. The pod does not have to be a perfectly rectangular shape either. This will give you more flexibility in the design of the space.
Like I said earlier, the Pod concept is nothing new. It has been studied before to find efficient way to live in small spaces over the modern eras. You can examine how luxury yacht kitchen units and RV are made to get ideas on how to place things in limited spaces.
Just remember that the idea behind the Pod is to centralize the utilities and to use it as a room separator. The more practical design will enable walking around the unit for all sides. Talk to kitchen cabinet makers to help you with the design of the unit. And make sure to include your contractor and your architect in the discussions for the technical aspects.
Not just for small kitchen
The bottom-to-top kitchen doors are not just for small spaces. You can build a regular size kitchen around that same principle. It looks sleek and neat. The door must disappear inside the unit while you are using the kitchen. The hardware is widely available nowadays.
My kitchen will be designed this way when we will be ready to build our summer house. My husband and I want a modern architecture 2-story house. I want as much as possible to integrate all the storage neatly around the perimeter of the house. I plan to use pod inspired block as room divider for the public area.
About Yoo
John Hitchcox is one of Europe’s most innovative design-based property developers. If you like design, Philippe Starck does not introduction with successful creations as diverse as packaging, everyday household products to restaurant interiors and hotel designs. Jade Jagger is a jewelry designer. Being the daughter of Rolling Stones rocker Mick Jagger and former fashion model Bianca Jagger, Jade is a globe trotter and a jet setter with an interesting life. Andy Warhol teaches her color theory when she was 4.
For my night post, I will introduce the second exquisite features of The Jade: its urban oasis roof terrace done in a totally different style. Be ready to get inspired by Ibiza, Spain and the Mediterranean hip lifestyle.
Sourcing:
Learn more: The Jade 16 West 19 Street, Central Chelsea in New York
Learn more: Web site of Yoo
Categories:
EVERYDAY
HOME decor
posted @ Tuesday, July 31, 2007 1:30 PM | Feedback (2)
If you have ever shop at Pottery Barn Kids, you know that the store is all about creating cute and almost fairytale environments for your children.
With all the fun kid accessories in the store, it is easy to design a theme birthday party if you shop there. Because their staff is fully aware that your kids love to entertain, Tabletop and Birthday Parties are spotlighted in their catalogue.
For play dates and celebrations, why not organize a Carnival event where kids can alternate between the acting roles of a concession seller and a Carnival visitor? Or if you entertain the kid at the beach, go with a friendly Shark luau party.
Pink and green birthday party theme
From table runners, dinnerware, table and chairs to personalized decorative items, this is the place where the kids are kings and queens. I am showing you the Polka Dot collection. The Hibiscus luau party is fun for a summer event.
Make sure to grab a Happy Birthday banner with the classic party hanging décor and a white cake stand. These items represent money well spent since you will be able to reuse them with new accessories. From a few basic elements you will can create many more new party themes for girls.
Personalized gift ideas
One thing for which Pottery barn is strong is the fact that we can put our name or initial in a lot of their exclusive products.
The rustic Thomas step stool and the personalized terry travel bag are two gift ideas that I like a lot for the young children. At this age, kids want to be treated as grownups. They are thrilled when you give them things that look like the grownup stuff.
Lots of other party themes
Other themes are the Soccer party, the Baseball party, the Shark Party and the Pirate party. In our modern society, these themes amuse boys and active girls.
The Pirates theme is well executed. It looks classier that the plates and place mats available at Toys R Us or from Disney.
One stop party central for kids
For each theme, you will find tablecloths, place mats, runners, plates, glasses, photo op canvas, hanging pennant flags, activity games and more party supplies.
This is not all. Their Birthday stationery from themed invitations, thank you cards and gift wrapping supplies look original and fun. If you are short on time, I suggest you visit a Pottery Barn Kids near you to find almost everything for your kid celebrations in one place.
A small lesson in marketing history
I assisted to a direct marketing conference in 2000 where the president (I think) of Pottery Barn was a guest speaker. I was impressed by the company approach at that event. They continue to inspire me today.
Did you know that the kid division at Pottery Barn existed because of a group of employees were desperately seeking great furniture to decorate their baby and kid rooms? They worked hard to persuade the direction that there was a market for better and more fun kid furniture. Today it sounds so obvious.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Birthday parties and celebrations at Pottery Barn Kids
Categories:
PARTY supplies
KIDS party
posted @ Monday, July 30, 2007 8:27 PM | Feedback (2)
We are seeing the popularity of cupcakes at birthday parties, baby showers and even as wedding cakes.
The Cupcake wave caught Montreal over the last twelve months with the opening of several cupcake shops; we had none before. We are more used to the taste of French pastries here. So we may judge cupcakes from a different viewpoint than most Americans.
My mom often baked cupcakes for me when I was a little girl. The icing was a nicely done frosting of the right thickest and she even put sprinkles. So I fully understand the nostalgia and the deep feeling towards cupcakes that is all over the cupcakes industry. But the stylish hostess is worried.
Go for stylish cupcakes
Nostalgia is one thing but the world has evolved and even more on how we present food. I am showing you different alternatives in cupcake decoration in order for you to avoid my DON’T version taken from the style shot of Sur La Table Web site.
The stand can work but I do prefer tiered cake stands. The Wilton Cupcakes 'N' More Dessert Stands are available in two formats: one for mini cupcakes, ones for standard size cupcakes.
Why the DON'T cupcakes are bad and should be avoid at all costs? From a taste and health matter, there is far too much icing and sugar treats. Style wise, the decoration has no focus. It seems chaotic at best. You can do better than that when entertaining children and grownups.
So I crossed the vast universe of cupcakes to find you nicer alternatives. Strangely, a small cupcake shop in Malaysia called Cuppacakes is the winner of my style competition this morning. All pictures from the left are Cuppacakes’s creations. You have to admit that we are on a higher plain of cupcake design here.
This book (top pictures) with different cupcake decoration ideas can teach new tricks. So people complained that the recipes in Cupcakes by Joanna Farrow are so so but everyone agrees that the decorations were great.
The art of mix and match cupcake designs
What is great about cupcakes are an event is that you can mix and match flavors and decorations. The key elements are that all your decorations must share a common theme and the same color palette.
Apply the same theory that when you mix and match patterns when decorating a room to cupcake design. The effects are more interesting if you do not limit yourself to a single decorative look on all your cupcakes. Cuppacakes’s pictures clearly illustrate that fact.
Stylish with healthy choices
There is more in frosting than the rich butter cream icing. Be creative and use ingredients in moderation. Why not top your cupcake with a delicious Mango meringue, a Matcha tea cream cheese frosting or a Raspberry flavored handmade whipped cream icing? These will add new flavors for the guests to enjoy.
Making whipped creams for icing
Personally, I used icing sugar instead of superfine sugar to add consistence and put it back to the fridge before icing my cake.
Others cooked 2 tablespoons of flour and 1/2 teaspoon of milk while stirring continuously, let it cool down and add the mixture at the end to the whipped cream. I also discovered that you can stabilize whipped cream with gelatin.
If you are new to whipping cream, start with an extremely cold stainless steel bowl to whip your cold whipping (heavy) cream. Use an electric beater or an immersion blender with special attachment. Stay alert to not overbeat because you will end up with butter. Always store whipped creams in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
The commercial formula Oaetker Whip It is a popular method to stabilize handmade whipped cream. Many use gelatin, so I give you the recipe here.
How to make stabilized whipped cream?
The steps from Baking911.com to stabilize your whipped cream are:
- Use 1 teaspoon gelatin soaked in 2 tablespoons cold water for 2 cups of cream.
- Place water in a small pan. Sprinkle plain gelatin over its surface. Let it sit for 5 minutes while the gelatin absorbs the water and softens.
- Stir the gelatin over low heat, until completely dissolved. Let cool, but not get cold.
- Then, whip the heavy cream with superfine sugar until barely stiff. Add cooled gelatin all at once to cream during whipping. Stop whipping when it forms soft peaks.
I gave you enough ideas to start making stylish cupcakes. I will continue to inspire you as I will come across other amazing design ideas or recipes for your cupcakes.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Wilton Cupcakes n More Dessert Stands available at Sur La Table store
Cupcakes: For COACH 65th anniversary / legacy collection soiree designed by Cuppacakes on Flickr
Cupcakes: Baby's day out soufflé by Cuppacakes on Flickr
Cupcakes: Secret garden - special engagement with satin ribbons by Cuppacakes on Flickr
Buy online: Blog of Cuppacakes
Buy online: Cupcakes by Joanna Farrow at Amazon.com
Recipe via: How to make you own whipped cream on Baking911.com
RELATED POSTS:
+ Super Mario cupcakes
+ Sprinkles cupcakes
+ Cupcake desk cards
Categories:
BABY showers
KIDS party
CAKES
posted @ Monday, July 30, 2007 1:33 PM | Feedback (3)
I usually suggest kitchenware as hostess gift ideas. But etiquette does not rule out bringing something else. If you are staying for the weekend at a friend house, you can give her something more personal.
Magazine bags, tote bags and wallets will thrill the fashionista and the ones that like to be organized. I received an email from Oktak announcing that everything in the store is 10 to 30% off until August 7, 2007.
For a hostess gift, take a look at the Pink Kitchen fabric. Select either the magazine bag or the square rainy day bag. Or you can choose zipped pouches or framed mini pouches in other fun and colorful fabric.
Arriving with a handmade product is usually perceived as more thoughtful gift. It feels more special. And you are almost sure that the hostess does not own the exact same thing.
About Oktak
Oktak produce handmade bags designed by Manhattan-based Aki Takada. All bags are made of 100% cotton fabric with a few in rare vintage textiles from the 60's or 70's. One exception is the line of "rainy day bags" made of bright-colored, water-repellent fabric.
I am the proud owner of an Oktak going out purse. I adore it. Have a look at their summer collection while the quantity lasts.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Bags at Oktak
Categories:
GIFT ideas
LINENS
posted @ Sunday, July 29, 2007 11:45 PM | Feedback (1)
Starting now, my Friday’s night post will be about the little things I bookmarked through the week on my notebook. Things that did not have make my editorial schedule. This way, we will start the week with fresh ideas.
Yesterday, I received an email from Heather at Skinny laMink to tell me about her new floral pattern tea towels called Summer Weeds on her etsy shop. Available in Burnt butter and smoke blue.
Oxo launched a new corn stripper. One innovation is a holder that also calculates individual portions of the corn kernels. This handheld device got the attention of Apartment Therapy: The Kitchen and NOTCOT.
Pam from Housemartin displayed more of her exquisite bouquets this week. One flower caught my attention so I asked Pam what variety it was. It happens to be an echinacia cone which is the center of the flower after the large pink daisy - like petals have fallen off. Wow! Something gorgeous and ecological at the same time.
An idea that sounds good on paper but that needs some refinements to satisfy me. Waste and Want is a chopping board that allows you to store your chopped vegetables on one side and the waste on the other. The trays are held in place by magnets to allow easy removal. Designed by Peter D’Alessandro, the problem is that the thing is too bulky and the railing is a nuisance when you cut food. Waste and Want board still manage to make it to Yanko Design, Core 77 and Josh Spear. I find it funny that Yanko Design and Josh Spear used the same title for their post: Waste not, Want not. A little bit of creativity, messieurs.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Summer Weeds Tea Towels in burnt butter on shinnylamink etsy shop
Learn more: TODA Industrial Design work on OXO corn stripper
Flowers: Summer brights on Housemartin blog
Learn more: Waste and Want by UK designer Peter D’Alessandro
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
PARTY supplies
posted @ Friday, July 27, 2007 7:42 PM | Feedback (0)
I am a North American girl who dreams of living her old days in a small and charming European village. I am often scouring the Web for great European stockists.
This morning, I came across the wonderful party collection at Cox and Cox Mail-order Company. I discovered at Cox and Cox an impressive source of products for entertaining in style.
Celebrating a wedding, a birthday or an anniversary
What is great is that if you are crafty and have the time and energy, you can make your own confetti cones in a box. You can shop around for a charming wooden box or go to a stationery store to decide on a fine paper box. Insert a simple top tray on which you drilled some holes. Make the cones by rolling square pieces of fine heavy weighted paper like for Belgian French fries.
Forget about the paper confetti. Simply fill the cones with the delightful mixture of delicate lilac, ivory blue and pink delphinium petals. That is what you get in the Confetti Box kit at Cox and Cox for £45. In fact, you can visit the garden market or a florist to grab small flower petals. Think about using lavender or other garden herb flowers.
Having fun with an Origami game
The Love Origami pack is a sweet little game to do at a wedding and a wedding anniversary party. When you sit at the table for dinner, have fun with the other guests. Choose a colored heart and lift the flap to discover a romantic love phrase underneath.
If you are crafting your own Origami fortune cootie catcher pack, you can do it for any occasion. For a baby shower, read out baby facts or fortunes for the parents to be. At a sport team party, you can write predictions for the new seasons or anecdotes about the last season.
The idea here is to write about something that people will have fun reading and discussing. Think about it as an ice breaker or a party starter.
Adding flavors to the grill
The Fragrant Outdoor Firelighters are great for BBQ grilling. Each pot is filled with bay leaves, thyme, rosemary and chili so they smell delicious. Their aromatic smoke gives food fabulous flavor to whatever you will be cook on the barbecue. At £10 for a pack of 12, bring these Fragrant Outdoor Firelighters over to the hostess the next time you got invited to an outdoor party.
Creating ambiance with lights and fire
I talked often about the importance of a magical entrance to your party. These wood flares certainly add drama. There wooden logs are impregnated with flammable liquid. I simply adore this look for a party at the cottage.
These fire-retardant paper bag candle lanterns are adorable. Sold in pack of 10 for £10, they are a cheap way to create a magical entrance.
Outdoor Table Clips are a must for windy days to hold in place your tablecloth. Opt for simple designs because they will not interfere with your tabletop decor. Glass droplets look more stylish so I prefer them. These grape table clips can be dressed up or down to make it works for all occasions.
There are many more interesting products at Cox and Cox Mail-order so I invite you to have a look. I am pretty sure you find some inspirations for your next party. I shown you stuff from two categories: the Garden section and the Gorgeous Weddings & Parties.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Predict Your Future: Girl Power! Cootie Catcher instructions
Buy online: Web site of UK stockist Cox and Cox
Categories:
PARTY supplies
posted @ Friday, July 27, 2007 12:29 PM | Feedback (1)
My husband, Jerome Paradis, created this recipe after I told him about the Surubao drink that I saw on David Rocco’s Dolce Vitae. The way to go when you want to create a martini from another cocktail recipe is to adjust the alcohol and juice proportions. This is a trial and error situation to find the right balance.
We made these raspberry martinis for many events over the last year. Our recipe is perfect as it is. So much that our friends do not wish that Jerome’s invents a new martini; they want our Surubaotini.
Freshness is key
Since raspberries are in season, it is the best time and cheaper to try it now. The better the raspberry, the better the drink will be. People often think that the quality of alcohol is not important when you are making a cocktail. Wrong! Premium liquors always make better cocktails.
There is no shortcut for excellence. You squeeze the lime juice as you go and you crush the raspberries one batch at a time. That is where having two 3-piece shakers come handy because you can prepare 4 martinis at a time.
What brand of vodka goes in a Surubaotini?
If you are a true vodka fan, you know every brand of vodka tastes different. I will tell you another time all about how to host a vodka testing event. It is fun and easy to do.
We tested a few vodkas to find the perfect match. We prefer Wyborowa vodka for the lively dry taste it brings to this raspberry martini. In a New York Times article about a vodka taste test, you can read about this vodka from Poland:
The Wyborowa, which comes in a striking bottle designed by the architect Frank Gehry, was elegant and mysterious and seemed to keep drawing us in.
Ingredients for 2 large Surubaotini:
- 13 x fresh organic raspberries
- 1 tbsp of raspberry syrup - we use Teisseire
- 1 tbsp fruit sugar (superfine) or regular refined sugar
- 1 lime
- 2 ounces of light cranberry juice – we use Ocean’s Spray
- 4 to 5 ounces of Wyborowa vodka – adjust to your taste
- 2 slices of lime to garnish
- about 4-6 ice cubes
Instructions:
- Combine 7 raspberries, the raspberry syrup, the sugar and the freshly squeezed juice of a lime on the previous ingredients. This is where the lemon reamer comes handy on your bar kit.
- Use a pestle (muddler) to crush and mix the ingredients
- Add vodka and cranberry juice
- Add ice and shake vigorously in a metal shaker until the mixture is quite cold
- Put 3 raspberries in the bottom of each martini glass (use large glasses if available, otherwise you might have a bit of mixture left)
- Pour the mixture in two martini glasses with a tea strainer on top to filter out the raspberries remains and the ice cubes
- Garnish each glass with a slice of lime
- Serve and look at your friends while they take their first sip
Virgin Surubaotini
Jerome created a virgin version of his martini. You prepare the virgin cocktail exactly the same way except for two things:
- you replace the vodka by soda water
- you stir instead of shake to avoid the soda water splashing on you.
Enjoy both versions in good company.
Sourcing:
Via: Surubao recipe from David Rocco's Dolce Vitae
Link: A Humble Old Label Ices Its Rivals published on the New York Times - Dining and Wine section
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
posted @ Thursday, July 26, 2007 4:49 PM | Feedback (2)
Cocktails are a big part of at home entertaining. Before you can aspire to become a mixologist, you need to start with the tools of the trade.
I bought my first barware essentials while I was attending University. My husband is the official bartender in our friend groups. Often, he must bring his gears because many people are poorly equipped for making cocktails at home. To help you set up your bar, I compiled the must-have bar tools.
Shaker
I prefer the 3-piece shaker to the Boston shaker (half stainless steel, half glass). The 3-piece shaker is definitely more stylish. I do have both styles at home. Since I suggest that you own two shakers for efficiency reason, you can one of each if you are not sure which one you prefer.
A strainer is usually integrated on the cup of the 3-piece strainer. So if you afford one good item, this is the bar tool to get first.
Like everything in life, better quality shakers perform best. Try to get a double insulated shaker; it is cleaner to operate because it does not produce condensation.
Jigger
The advantage of the 3-piece shaker is that you get one measuring cup. I suggest you also get the modern double jigger as you need more than one measuring cup. The double jigger is quite practical because both measures (1 ounce and 2 ounces) are in your hands.
Strainer, bar spoon, bar knife and ice tongs
These are the basic tools with the jigger that is cheaper to buy in set. The stand is useless in my opinion as you can store the cocktail tools in the Boston shaker, the ice bucket or a stainless steel bowl for condiments.
I am showing you the Janssen Bar Set on sale right now at Crate and Barrel for $39.99 (reg. $59.99). It even has a basic ice bucket. This is a utilitarian cocktail hour kit.
Ice bucket
You cannot make cocktails without ice cubes. You will also need a sink or a waterproof bowl nearby to throw away the ice cubes. That is a basic technique of making martinis.
I prefer ice bucket with a cover. Again, I recommend a double insulated ice bucket to avoid condensation leak.
Fruit tools: Lemon squeezer / reamer, a juicer and a zester
Pure juices and real fruits make the best drinks. If you do not own a zester, a bar knife will do the job if you are skillful.
Fruit Muddler / Caipirinha Pestle
Muddler is required to prepare modern martinis, mojitos and caipirinhas. Check out my blog later because I will post the recipe of the best raspberry martini in the universe. You need a muddler to do it.
I bought the Fruit Muddler / Caipirinha Pestle from Rosle at Cooking.com and I like it a lot. Rosle produces quality kitchen utensils. I prefer to buy better quality kitchen tools. It is money well spent because they will perform well for a very long time.
Tea strainer
Since you use pure juices and real fruits, you cannot make the best looking cocktail drinks without a tea strainer. That is an essential tool for the chic hostess.
If you get these bar tools you can prepare many drinks that will impress your guests.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Janssen Bar Set at Crate and Barrel
Buy online: Rosle Cocktail tools at Cooking.com
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY supplies
posted @ Thursday, July 26, 2007 12:23 PM | Feedback (5)
Personalization is hot these days. Social stationery does not escape this trend. The mother and daughter team of PosePrints.com launched a new instant-order approach to customized stationery. In plain English, your printed stationery has a character that looks like you.
PosePrints.com wizard allows consumers to create a digital look-alike pose image or cute caricature of themselves or their friends from a wide range of pre-drawn facial features and accessories. This is the same principle as when you design your Mii but with a nicer look. I tried the interface on PosePrints.com and it is easy to do.
If you are not familiar with the concept of avatar and Mii, you can read on wikipedia
A Mii (IPA: [mi]) is a digital avatar created by Nintendo for the Wii's Mii Channel. Miis are customizable and allow the user to capture a likeness or caricature, or capture the personality of themselves and others.
A sweet deal for my readers
Jennifer Harland of PosePoints.com contacted me yesterday to announce her new product. I got a nice deal for all At Home with Kim Vallee readers. Simply type the code KV5POSE into the comment field at the check-out process to receive an extra 5 cards per 25-card order. A $10 value! :)
PosePrints.com has developed a nice concept in social stationery, invitations and announcements. Design options will be continually updated to include new elements, models and seasonal styles. These are a little subset of the caricatures you can create right now.
More design options starting next week
In fact, if you have funky short hair like me, Jennifer told me that by next week the customization wizard will offer more short hairstyles for females. It made me realized that my mother had beautiful short hair all her life. So maybe that is why I like having short hair; this and the fact that it suits my face better.
The order takes three to five days to be custom-made. Your order is shipped directly from the printer to the customer. PosePrints.com only fulfills shipping in the United States for the moment. Have fun customizing you next invite card to your image.
Buy online: Put your personalized pose on invitations, announcements and stationery of PosePrints.com
Categories:
PAPER goods
posted @ Wednesday, July 25, 2007 6:42 PM | Feedback (2)
Following my last week trend report on raw material, I noticed that July-August 2007 issue of French Elle Décoration published several articles about this design style.
Once I reviewed my inspirational styled photographs it became clear that Blue Nature designed most of the pieces I wish to highlight.
Bleu Nature is born out of a wondrous exploration of driftwood-a free-spirited, untamed material by Frank Lefebvre in 1995. They got many lines including one inspired by the novel of Robinson Crusoe.
To keep things simple in this post, I am only showing you the work of Blue Nature for the new Mystique Hotel located in Oia on the Santori Island, Greece. The hotel shows that charms and simplicity can feel luxurious.
A collection of raw material furniture
The raw material trend works so well in bare white rooms of these villas. Many of the furniture and accessories were designed for the Hotel. Forget faux-bois, here all the pieces are made of old wood often found on sea shore.
Here the design is real wood mixed with manmade pebble furniture used as benches and tables. The dining set is the piece of resistance for me. Imagine a romantic dinner or lunch with this view. Beluga is name of the living room table, also shown of the top left picture with ceramic accessories.
The Marie Crusoette candelabrum is amazing. This is a conservation piece that you will cherish for a long time.
A tableware line and ceramic accessories
The ceramics collection of Bleu Nature is based on simplicity of form and color. Flat surfaces and the natural curves of stone slabs meet each other half-way in many accessories.
The raw look can continue with the tableware. Igloolik plates on Nagori Dapple-grey skin place mats reveal a Nordic feeling.
I will take about this look later this fall when the weather drops down. Furniture and accessories complete this look. Some of these pieces have been introduced in the Summer 2007 collection.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Web site of Blue Nature
Vacation: Web site of Mystique Hotel located in Oia on the Santori Island, Greece
Photo credits: Tendance Blanc, Bleu, Bois… in July-August 2007 issue of Elle Décoration magazine and Blue Nature's Web site
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
HOME decor
TRAVEL
posted @ Wednesday, July 25, 2007 12:16 PM | Feedback (0)
I went to DemoCamp Montreal 3 tonight. Jerome, my husband, presented one of his software creations. That is why I am so late on my blog schedule.
Maybe it is the result of being around geeks all night long but this nifty digital kitchen gadget starts to grow on me. Named DaysAgo, this unique device counts the days so you do not have too. Winner of several awards including the Good Housekeeping Good Buy Award 2007, it was featured last February on Oprah.
How does DaysAgo work?
You activate the device before placing it on the food container. There is no need to attach it to another unit or system. The device will display the number of days since you activate it. It is battery operated – a battery can run for about 18 months.
Not just for food, Days Ago simplifies your life by keeping track of the last time you watered your plants, you cleaned the fish tank, and you did litter box refreshment and so on. This is perfect for a household with many occupants.
Even if you are not interested by this product, visit their Web site for the Refrigerator Storage Chart that was reproduced from the US Food & Drug Administration.
The magnetic DaysAgo Digital Day Counter works best for jar lids and refrigerators. Get the suction for plastic and glass containers. They are sold in package of 2 for $10 USD.
Another example of technology that is beneficial for humanity. That is it for now. To stay sharp, I am going to play a round of Brain Age on my Nintendo DS.
Sourcing:
For Americans, buy online: Web site of DaysAgo - howmanydaysago.com
For Canadians, buy online: Days Ago Digital Day Counter at GoneShoppoing.ca
Learn more: Refrigerator Storage Chart - Fresh Tips on howmanydaysago.com
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
posted @ Wednesday, July 25, 2007 12:57 AM | Feedback (0)
Beautiful tea towels are a little indulgence. If you let them hang around your kitchen, even your everyday dish cloths must look good.
Make sure to keep a few special ones in your entertaining supply kit. Typically, friends end up washing the dishes. The stylish hostess proudly reveals her exceptional tea towels when she has company over.
So why not get a set of tea towels as a housewarming or a hostess gift? To make it simple for you, I compiled by top 3 dish cloth sellers on etsy.
PataPri from Chicago: Designed and Hand printed by Yuko Uemua
Make your kitchen happy by adding colorful and pretty kitchen tea towels is the mantra of PataPri. I bought several tea toweIs from PataPri last June. I adore them. The color palettes, the hand printed patterns and the strong sewed hanging hook. Their tea towels are made of 100% white linen.
The look is modern, the color combination looks fresh and the pattern themes are diversified. This is my favorite kitchen teat towels seller. Every towel arrived nicely folded and tied with a string in a clear protective envelop.
This is one thing that is so amazing when you buy on etsy. The packaging is much an excitement to see than the products you buy. This fact simplifies your gift wrapping.
PataPri tea towels cost $14 each; money well spent if you ask me. There is a set of three for $40 USD.
Skinny laMinx from Cape Town
I really like the chic innocence vibe that you get from the Eep Tea towel available in olive, tomato and slate. It is called Eep because that's the noise these kinds of birds make.
This cotton hopsack tea towel has been screen printed with her bird of a feather drawing.
These towels are the cheapest at $10 USD each. By looking at the pictures, they appear to be of similar quality than the PataPri. Except that PataPri kitchen towels are made of linen and they have a better made hanging hook.
Run by a talented woman that is an illustrator, writer and designer, Skinny laMinx has a broad production. Take a look at her cushions and her magnets for the fridge.
Tea towels for the cottage with Artgoodies
In summer time, we are often invited to the lake cabin of a friend. For nature lovers and summer houses with a rustic charm design, I found the perfect tea towels from artgoodies.
There is a lot of drawings to choose from. You can opt for a squirrel, an owl, a quail, a deer, a rooster, a bunny, birds, butterflies and even a sailboat.
What is great is that you can save by buying a six pack or a set of 2 themed towels. Take a look at the barnyard buddies towel set or the woodland friends towel set.
These 100% cotton kitchen towels have been hand printed with linocut block prints. Each towel measures 20x28 inches and comes wrapped in a green satin ribbon.
July 25th, 2007 update:
PataPri and SkinnylaMink have each their own blog. See below for the links.
Sourcing:
Buy online: PataPri etsy seller
Learn more: Blog of PataPri
Buy online: SkinnylaMinx etsy seller
Learn more: Blog of Skinny laMinx
Buy online: Artgoodies etsy seller
Categories:
GIFT ideas
LINENS
HOSTESS gifts
posted @ Tuesday, July 24, 2007 12:41 PM | Feedback (4)
Tonight I leave you with a set of inspirational shots. I took it from The Knot Web site. You can reuse these ideas for any milestone party. It gives me the chance to tell you a few design secrets.
Place cards and table-number centerpiece
The top left picture is so simple and beautiful. Start with a well designed printed table identifier tag. Do not hesitate to hire a graphic designer and to personalize designer tags. You can glue on both sides the printed label on a white foam core. Finish the top with a nice satin ribbon. I will insert a green flower tip to have more flexibility in fixing it into the grass. Select the style of the container to fit with the rest of your table décor. Voilà!
Fruits or vegetables make lovely place cards. You probably have seen it before but I like this idea. It is usually more elegant to print the information on a colored paper in the same hue as the fruit or vegetable. The key is to use the most beautiful waxed fruits you can get. That means that it is best to not use organic food because it lacks the preservative coating.
How to distribute party favors
The middle picture on the first row is an interesting party favor. As guests left, they picked up a letter-shape sugar cookies iced in white and pink or green. On the back, the sticker closure provided the newlyweds’ new address.
Bags must always be neatly presented in a container. Here, presenting the party favors in repetitive rows on a wood tray add a touch of class. The server job is to make sure that the plan stays intact until the last party favor is distributed. In fact, you see on the previous shot how the bags become a mess if they rest without a container.
Color palette
Green and pink makes a wonderful festive color combination. It can be dress up or down. A lovely idea for a girl birthday or a bridal shower is to give away flip flops as party favors. You prepare a metal bucket per sandal size. And write the number of a stick.
A touch of traditional elegance
Finally, I want to show you the pure elegance of the classical entertaining style. Even if I am a modernist, I can fall in love with traditional settings like these. You can ask your mother to borrow her stuff or hunt the antique shop to stock a few authentic pieces. There are a must for when you host a formal event.
Inspirations: Several weddings taken from the Real weddings section on The Knot Web site – you need to be a member to see them
Categories:
PARTY ideas
GIFT ideas
posted @ Monday, July 23, 2007 8:38 PM | Feedback (2)
Kitchen accessories are the typical wedding gifts. But why ones make the best wedding gifts?
Yesterday, I came across the 2007 design awards for the Best Cookware & Tableware Product compiled by Grand Designs magazine. I give you my top 3 choices.
Grand Design Awards 2007 winner
My first choice is the Balance scales designed by Hannes Mayer for Mayerunthiele. A Balance Kitchen Scale with porcelain bowl that rely only on gravity and a clever rocker to calculate the weight. The balance scale works without a battery or electrical power. Perfect if you attain a green wedding.
The kitchen scale is available in silver, graphite and gold. A high quality design red dot design award winner 2007, this kitchen scale is not an ordinary product. With a price tag of £129, the Mayerunthiele’s Balance scale is a beautifully designed practical gift. You can use the bowl for other cooking tasks and the balance can be wall mounted.
The finalists
My second wedding gift idea is a stylish flatware set. Maisy by Louise Jenkins for Habitat brings a unique look to any table. I really enjoy the beauty of the laser etched floral pattern onto 18/10 mirrored stainless steel cutlery. The design reflects on one the strongest current trends right now. A 16-piece cutlery set costs £139 at Habitat.
My third choice is the 1930s Modernist London Homes Plates and Mugs designed by Hannah Dipper and Robin Farquhar for People Will Always Need Plates. I prefer the new brighter colors to the original soft palette. This is a limited edition.
The collection includes six English bone china plates and six mugs illustrating the minimal beauty of white-rendered pre-war modern masterpieces across London. The mugs cost £10 each while the plates are £25 each. The store Eden and Eden in San Francisco carries the line.
Two dinnerware sets
Beautiful every day dinnerware are always appreciate by the happy couple. You sais that you cannot eat in higher quality dinnerware daily. You can consider Sophie Conran for Portmeirion. Since I bought a few pieces for myself, it is clear that I am a fan of Sophie Conran’s tableware.
The Denby China collection is crisp, simple and yet satisfyingly gorgeous. This collection will please couples that look for simple classic elegance on their table. A 16-piecedinner ware set costs £147 on regular price. You can also buy them by place setting.
About Grand Designs TV series and magazines
I am a huge fan of Kevin McCloud the British designer, writer and television presenter. He is interesting, charming and knowledgeable. Since 1998, Kevin works on Grand Designs, an amazing architecture and design show that chronicles the making of a house in one episode.
In Canada, we only were able to watch Grand Design Abroad, a spin off chronicles of properties outside the UK. Delightful to watch; I even convinced my husband to watch every episode with me. If a Canadian or American TV channel finally broadcasts this remarkable TV series, you will be hooked on Grand Designs too.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Balance scales designed by Hannes Mayer for Mayerunthiele
Shop for: Maisy by Louise Jenkins for Habitat
Learn more: London Homes by Hannah Dipper and Robin Farquhar for People Will Always Need Plates
Shop for: 1930s Modernist London Homes Plates and Mugs at Eden and Eden in San Francisco
Learn more: Sophie Conran for Portmeirion
Buy online: China by The Denby Pottery Co
Via: Grand Designs Magazine 2007 Awards
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
posted @ Monday, July 23, 2007 12:17 PM | Feedback (0)
Sale report: 20% off on all Riedel stemware at The Bay until July 26, 2007.
My muffin presentation got some coverage on the blogosphere. A few bloggers honored me and I want to return their support. In alphabetic order,
Absolutely Beautiful Things featured one of the kitchens I displayed earlier this month in Kitchen Love – part 2. Absolutely Beautiful Things is produced by an Interior Decorator from Brisbane, Australia. I like to visit her for inspirations. Later this year, she will turn 30 years old. I invite you to take a look at her birthday’s inspirations so far.
I was happy that I inspired Jen from An Eye for An I:nterior to plan a romantic picnic with her husband. Making time for special moments keeps the passion in a couple. I know a thing or two about this subject. My husband and I will celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary next September. I am a regular of Jen’s blog. Last week, Jen introduced us to several portfolios from movie / photo shoot location firms. Have a look at An Eye for An I:nterior. You will see home decors that will make you dream.
Then, Apartment Therapy: Chicago talked about my blog and made a reference to my muffin presentation. I assume you are all familiar with the admired AT:Chicago. I am an avid reader of their blog and the entire AT franchises.
Scandinavian design is such a source of inspirations for me. I like to visit Purple Area, a blog written in Swedish. This blog is full of wonderful treasures for the eyes. In bonus, you get an English synopsis in every post so you are not completely lost. Purple Area brought out my latest post on backyard design for entertaining. Take a look at a table top from Better Houses and Homes where you get white plates highlighted by pink orchids in turquoise glasses. A fantastic palette.
The blogosphere is full of blogs with wonderful ideas. We are lucky to experience this incredible time. Enjoy it!
Via: Kitchen Love - Part 2 published on Absolutely Beautiful Things blog
Via: 134 Because Of Love published on An Eye for An I:nterior blog
Via: Blog: At Home With Kim Vallee published on Apartment Therapy: Chicago blog
Via: Terass för umgänge published on Purple Area blog
Categories:
IN the press
posted @ Monday, July 23, 2007 1:12 AM | Feedback (0)
Instead of talking style I will talk about function. Whenever you are designing an outdoor space for entertaining, you must fulfill the function before the styling can begin. My 5 tips are to design a backyard for grownups.
Plan well defined areas
Staying at the exact spot for the entire party during is quite boring. The best party designers know that time seems to pass faster if you move your guests around from one area to the next.
To make the best use of this trick from the trades I suggest you plan a barbecue / food preparation area, a lounge area and a dining room. Place the lounge area as far as you can from the dining room.
Do not put too close either the barbecue from the dining room because of the heat and the smells. Plan to get a few sitting places close by the barbecue. A simple bench works fine. This way, a small number of guests can hang around comfortably with the cook.
Create a bar station
Nice outdoor bar furniture is widely available in stores so that custom build furniture is usually unnecessary. I suggest wood or stainless steel finishes for their durability. I really like the sleek look of the stainless steel shelf unit than we see here in the backyard of Peter Fallico, a popular host on HGTV Canada.
If you can, plan three or more bar stools. One design element that I adore is the long, deep cooler box. It is so chic. You can have it custom build to fit your space. Think about having a cover shelf for when you do not use it as a cooler.
Mix out the lights
Lighting creates the ambiance. It is as important outdoor as it is indoor. Plan for electric fixtures but leave room for candle lights and solar battery-operated movable lights. This way, you can modify the lightning according to the mood suitable for your current event.
Vessel is a company who makes great portable models for adults and children. You can see several luau portable lamps hanging along the modern Moroccan inspired lounge from an episode from Take it Oustide TV series.
Provide some shaded areas
Sun may be too hot sometimes and too much of a good thing makes it bad. I always protect the dining table from the sun because eating under the sun is not pleasant. It hurt the digestion. You can plan for a removable at will shading solution.
On this point, many backyards missed the boat. Putting some shading structure creates a sense of intimacy that is desirable on a backyard. It adds drama. And with such a large selection of sun block outdoor fabrics, this is no reason who cannot find one that you like.
Have a fire place
Everybody enjoy a fireplace. For colder nights, they are even a necessity. Since this is not something that can be moved easily, place it wisely. People like to circle around a fire. But the fire should not feel uncomfortable when you sit on the lounge or the dining room.
To enjoy your backyard longer, think about adding patio heaters. They are quite affordable these days.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Lighting products by Vessel
Photo credits:
Peter Fallico's Backyard taken from Canadian House and Home magazine, Cottage Issue July 2007
Four projects from Take it Outside TV series
Categories:
OUTDOOR
posted @ Friday, July 20, 2007 10:07 PM | Feedback (3)
If there is one thing that can simplify the life of parents with young children is the advent of calling cards. This way, you always have on hand a little piece of paper with the important information and facts about your children.
With all the play dates, kid birthdays, baby sitters or new preschool teachers that your child attends to or sees on a monthly basis, it saves you times and money. Calling cards do not only help you. They help the other parents to stay up to date. When you arrive equipped, you increase the chances to be invited again.
What to write on a mommy / daddy calling card?
At the minimum, you need to print your names, address and phone numbers, the name of each child. Printing the birthday dates is appreciated by the other parents.
Put down important medical information and allergies. Include your cell phone as well as your home number. This is a lot of information to put on a 2 x 3.5 inches piece of paper, spread the info with a recto/verso design look a lot better.
That is exactly what you get at Cardsformoms.com – see number 1 on my montage. I am showing you two of their models designed to serve kids with allergies and fears. Their Frog Family Card Design is fun. Having a different card than the crowd makes people remember you more. An advantage when you are dropping your kid for the first time at a play date.
Something interesting at Event Bliss is that you can coordinate the calling card design with matching 3 x 5 inches (or 4.25 x 5.5 inches) stationery notes. The notes come handy when you want to add instructions, say for a sleep over party. This way the host person identifies you right away. Models from Event Bliss are marked number 4.
Not just for moms, calling cards are for dads too
Fathers are more involved in the child life these days. You can see it by the new breeds of parenting site for dads. I know that my friends who are new father participate a lot in the day to day education of their child. And you have the case of split family. So fathers too need calling cards.
I spoke earlier to Lindsay Stephenson, the designer and owner of Penny People Designs about this. She told me that most of her clients are still mothers but that couples opt for a join calling card. Penny People Designs look more feminine. The So-chic Blue card is the most popular choice for couples – shown as number 3.
I think the stationery industry is missing out an opportunity by not offering manlier calling card designs. A Touch of Whimsy Designs has one of most stylish, personality themed selections. Information-wise is the strict minimum. Being hip and urban, I like their Little Bugaboo Mommy Card – shown as number 2.
An interesting gift for new parents
For a close friend, a sister or brother, getting them their own calling cards is an original gift idea. I suggest you give each parent their own set at the baby shower party or when the baby is born. Mom and Dad Calling Cards are not expensive.
At Penny People Designs, the minimum order is 100 cards but you can split it into two models. So for $65 CAD, you have something for each parent. If you ask them, they can work on a design with you. Lindsay and her team are nice people to work with.
You can get 30 cards for $12 USD at A Touch of Whimsy Designs. Event Bliss starts at $60 USD for 100 cards. Cardsformoms.com sells 100 cards for $50 USD.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Mommy Business Card Design Gallery at Cards for Mom
Buy online: Mommy Cards at A Touch of Whimsy Designs
Buy online: Mommy and Daddy Calling Cards at Penny People Designs
Buy online: Mama Calling Cards + Coordinating Stationery Gift Sets at Event Bliss
RELATED POST:
+ New parent calling cards
Categories:
PAPER goods
BABY showers
FAMILY style
posted @ Friday, July 20, 2007 1:24 PM | Feedback (5)
Today, I want to talk about a formal outdoor dinner party. I selected a French style theme because French cuisine is truly elegant. This may be the perfect occasion to hire a chef at home.
Tips on how to hire a chef at home
Whenever you are hosting a formal at home dinner party, it is best to hire the kitchen staff along with the service staff. Even a small group of 6 to 8 persons requires a lot of work to prepare and plate an exceptional menu. Let’s face it, we want to enjoy the night with our friends, not being in the kitchen stressing out. The best hosts are the one who have the time to entertain their guests.
With the chef at home trend, you should not have any problem hiring a chef of your liking for your event. You can look on the Web or contact the best caterers in town.
But do not be surprised if the number of staff persons they suggest is higher than what you expect. Formal dinner requires more works. When you hire a chef at home, it starts with a meeting with the chef to plan the menu. They often worked with a sommelier, so you can harmonize the wines and the dishes.
If you have a few special wines, it may be the perfect occasion to drink them. In this case, tell your intention in advance to the chef so he comes prepared with meal ideas at the meeting.
I am showing you pictures from the renowned French chef Georges Blanc as an inspiration of the type of food you should serve at your event. These photos are dishes you can taste at his restaurant located in Vonnas, France. In 1981, Georges Blanc won his third Michelin stars. Sadly, he will not win a star for the efficiency of his Web site.
A chic French outdoor dinner party
The furniture is from Brocade Home outdoor collection. The chandelier on sale at $399 USD is available in pistachio, pebble or clear crystals. I select dark furniture because the look is more classical. The brocade fabric is a must.
I went to Gracious Style for the dinnerware, flatware and glassware. Monogrammed dinnerware looks great in a formal setting. Because the dinner party is outside, you can use some hint of color. The patterns are simple and traditional.
I absolutely adore contemporary Limoges dinner set by Raynaud. I show you Tropic in green, pink and blue. You can have your monogram to the pieces. You can mix it with the Pareo charger. These dinnerware models are in my top 5.
The Springtime collection by Varga Art is gorgeous. For a perfect match with Tropic, get the Varga Art exclusive stemware collection that can be monogrammed. The blue, pink or green colors were color matched with the Raynaud Tropic dinnerware. That is stylish.
I selected a true French flatware masterpiece with Marie-Antoinette by Mariposa. Handmade as it once was for 18th century royalty, this fine Victorian flatware features lustrous handles and ornate silver cuffs. It looks old and beautiful.
The Oak Leaf Pitcher is detailed with an acorn and oak leaf border. Hand crafted from solid pewter, this is a gorgeous pitcher that can worked as well in a rustic setting than in our French style formal outdoor dinner table. At $275 USD, this pitcher makes a wonderful wedding gift.
Sourcing:
French cuisine: Web site of Georges Blanc
Buy online: Outdoor collection at Brocade Home
Buy online: Raynaud Tropic dinnerware collection at Gracious Style
Buy online: Varga Art glassware at Gracious Style
Buy online: Marie-Antoinette flatware by Mariposa at Gracious Style
Buy online: Oak Leaf Pitcher at Gracious Style
RELATED POSTS:
+ French Country Dinnerware for fall
+ Pink French Toile Baby Shower
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
PARTY ideas
posted @ Thursday, July 19, 2007 8:02 PM | Feedback (1)
I am running late today on my normal story schedule; I will post it this afternoon tonight. But in the meantime, I have a message of interest for all great Canadian bloggers. You can submit your blog or nominate a Canadian blog that you admire to join a friendly blogging tournament. It is a great way to get exposure and to discover the best of Canadian blogosphere.
I was thrilled this week when I received my invitation. I am officially in. I am new to this; but I guess I may need the support of my readers. So I will let you know. I start to go through the list of new blogs I discovered through the 1 % army.
If you are a member of Facebook, check out the Canada's 1% Army (Marketing/Media Bloggers) group for more information. Otherwise, you can get the details on Buzz Canada Web site.
An extended view of friendship through social networks
If you are in Facebook and want to add me as my friend, I invite you to do so. A popular blogger Robert Scoble with his "Add me as your friend" approach started this trend. You may not know about this story. My husband wrote a simple follow up article on the impact of Facebook and the definition of friends in social networks. He pointed out related links.
And do not worry. I will come back to our regular programming style starting with a post on French style outdoor party.
Link: Canada's 1% Army (Marketing/Media Bloggers) on Facebook
Link: The 1% Army Wants You - A Tournament of Canadian Marketing/Media Blogs
Link: Facebook: how to make Robert Scoble is Media's life simpler
Categories:
IN the press
posted @ Thursday, July 19, 2007 12:35 PM | Feedback (1)
This story is a nice follow up to the Jello shots. It is about liquid and fruits.
Serving individual water bottles in a cooler is handy but it is not very good for the environment. There is a growing trend in US chic restaurants and city halls to ban water bottles.
Become a trendsetter by serving tap water in pitchers at your summer parties. The key is to do it in style. You can upscale the look of the most basic glass pitcher just by inserting beautiful fresh fruits and herbs in the water.
You see here how the vibrant red, yellow and green increase the water appeal. The idea is to add color and a light flavor to the tap water.
How to decorate and spice up tap water?
Berries, apple slices, pear slices, citrus and herbs are the obvious choices. Spices, like anis, add a nice touch. Think about your menu or the event theme to decide what to put in.
Grapes look great but they are mostly a decorative touch. You may pierce them to release some of their flavor. You can get inspired by sangria. Even vegetables can work. Take cucumber and celery for example, they will add a fresh taste.
You can use individual frozen fruits if you do not have firm fresh ones on hand. Europe’s Best is a brand that freezes berries in whole and other fruits in large pieces. Another technique is to add small pieces of fruits or chopped herbs when you are making ice cubes.
You can put mint, lemon thyme, basil or lavender herb in your water. Whole branches look the best.
Water popsicles
I also read about this Dutch designer, Nienke Vording who is experimenting with how to revitalize water in our own home. This is a tiny bit esoteric. From Nienke Vording's Web site, we can read that
Through research it became clear that if polluted substances just mechanistically are filtered out of the water, still prints of them are present and the molecule - and crystal structures are not yet reestablished. Water that floats freely and makes contact with minerals will be able to regain its vitality and its crystal structure.
So Nienke Vording designed a few devices for home consumption. One is the Ice Lolly pop natural laser crystal stick. Whether or not this is true, the fact remains that its Ice Lolly pops are stunning.
For a hot summer day event, why not make water flavored popsicles instead of the juice ones. You will get a lot less calories and an even more refreshing taste.
My plea against disposable glasses
Excuse me about the disposable glasses and the sugar low bags. I took the picture in a food court. I take this opportunity to encourage you to limit your consumption of disposable glasses as much as possible.
If you have too many guests, think about renting or borrowing glasses from your neighbors and friends.
The green movement only reinforces my dislike of disposable glasses. They are far from stylish but more importantly, if your outdoor party is in a windy place, they make more spilling damages than good. I have seen it happened too many times at barbecue parties.
And how many of you really recycle them when you have a party at home? I am a tree hugger that likes to consume but who tries to do it responsibly whenever I can.
If you just start with the fruit-flavored tap water pitcher, you will put smiles on many faces.
Learn more: Web site of Europe’s Best
Link: Ice Lolly by Dutch designer Nienke Vording
Via: Designing Water for Consumption published on Core77 Design blog
Photo credit: Taken by Kim Vallee in a MBCo bakery
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
OUTDOOR
DISHING tips
posted @ Wednesday, July 18, 2007 9:16 PM | Feedback (7)
I want to talk about the opening party of my artist friend Bettina Forget. It gives me the chance to talk about party design planning.
Bettina is a talented painter. I like her work. She was my office neighbor across the hall over the last years. She just moved to the next door building because that building is full of art galleries. Naturally, she hosted an opening night on May 31, a Blue Moon night.
Bettina gets her inspiration from the stars. Therefore, the Blue Moon was more than appropriate as the theme of her opening party. This was a simple but fun event.
Let the theme take its course
One thing that this event shows is that you do not need elaborate décor to create a festive event. In this case, Bettina wears a vibrant blue wig. I was wearing clothes of the same blue. So clothing can be a part of the décor and they do not necessary have to look like costume.
Her signature drink was Blue Rasperry Jello vodka shots. I think it is the most stylish due to the color. Limiting yourself to one single color really looks the best.
Basic Jello shot recipe
The alcohol replaces the cold water in making the Jell-O. If you find that the Jell-O do not set properly, reduce the alcohol and increase the cold water. The rule of thumb is the higher the proof of the alcohol, the more cold water is required for the Jell-O to set.
For vodka shots, the ratio of 65% vodka, 35% cold water is fairly common. Some people complained this recipe makes a weak Jell-O shot. But I do not think that you should taste the alcohol in this shot. That is not a martini. Still, many people totally replace the cold water with vodka. I suggest you experiment to find out what you prefer.
Tips from Jell-O Shot Connoisseurs
Jell-O sticks to the cup. Bettina provides nice colorful toothpicks so we can break out the Jell-O shooter. Some people suggest Dixie cups that have a wax lining. I got two more solutions for you:
- spray the cups with non-flavored (for baking) Pam it would not affect the taste or the effects property; the Jello shooter will easily slide out
- for a different look, make them in a square cake pan, cut it in squares and place them in a cool service tray. I would put the tray over crushed ice. People will use a colorful toothpick to grab one.
If you are in a hurry, add one packet of Knox Gelatin to every large box of Jell-O and it will set in 30 minutes.
Jell-O will gel at the bottom of your container when mixing so run hot water on the outside of the container to melt.
Orange Peel Jello Shots Recipe
A girl wrote this recipe on DrinkStreet.com, I had to share it with you because it is sweet.
My friend made the coolest Jello shots I have ever seen. They were orange slices except instead of the orange part you got Jello on the peel. It looks really cool and they are way more fun to eat, this is how she did it:
- cut oranges in half
- spoon out all the orange stuff
- mix alcohol and Jello normally
- pour Jello mix into balled out orange halves and let set
- once set, cut into smaller normal sized orange slices
Oh, and of course keep some normal orange slices around for designated drivers so they can be part of the fun as well.
If you buy organic oranges with a thin rim, I suggest you do really round slices that you served frozen. It will look more sophisticated. People can eat everything, even the rim.
Vodka Rasperry Jello Shooter Recipe
- Pour half boiling water over your Rasperry Jello powder. Mix it and let it rest as usual.
- Pour half vodka stored in the freezer
- To top them, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice into each shot. No need to stir.
What is a Blue Moon?
A Blue Moon occurs when in a month you got two full moons. This usually happens every two and a half years. So if your husband tells you he will do something for you at the next Blue Moon, you may have to wait longer that you expect.
I saw on Bettina's facebook profile that she received a blue Jello shot as a gift. What a lovely way to thank her. I am just sad I did not think about it first.
If you want to see the paintings of the talented Bettina Forget, her current exhibit We are Stardust at Visual Voice Art Gallery ends August 11, 2007. I encourage you to have a look. Notice that the gallery is closed for vacation from July 6 to 23, 2007.
Learn more: Web site of Bettina Forget
Recipes: Jello Shots on DrinkStreet.com
Art exhibit: Visual Voice Art Gallery in the Belgo building, downtown Montreal
Photo credits: Bettina Forget's Blue Moon Opening Party pictures taken by Bernard Bujold - rights reserved
Photo credit: There's Always Room by furryscaly on flickr
Photo credit: Orange Peel Jello Shots by Patrick Haney on flickr
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
posted @ Wednesday, July 18, 2007 11:32 AM | Feedback (0)
This post is long overdue since I announced it last May. But I was unable to find in Montreal the right baking tools until now. I phoned and visited many specialty stores without success so far. I almost gave up but I wanted it so bad that I have all the facts.
What is so special about my way of serving muffins?
To be truthful, the design originated at MBCo. Montreal Bread Company is a hip little bakery franchise concept with three locations in Montreal. MBCo makes tall straight and narrow column muffins, reaching 3 inches in height.
You get a 2-inch diameter muffin with no angle and without its typical cap. A lot more stylish look especially if you take the time to tie raffia ribbon around the muffin. The parchment paper is put before you cook the muffins.
If you have several flavors, identify them with colored raffia instead of the natural one. Here, I use an orange raffia ribbon to identify a carrot muffin.
For a brunch, lay out the muffin on a cake pedestal. Yesterday, Toast and Tables posted a nice compilation of cake stands. Setting the cake stands in a tier way is more spectacular.
Tricks of the trade for baking these muffins
My mistake was to think that you need a round ring of at least 3 inch height to make this muffin. No, it works with a ring of about 2 inches in height and diameter. You use your usual muffin recipe that you prepare at night.
Butter the inside of the round rings, insert a 3 x 9 inches parchment paper sheet, place them in a sheet pan and fill up to 3/4 with the muffin batter. Let them rest for the night; cook your muffins in the morning. The muffins will extend more due to the resting period.
The guy at MCBO told me they used wax paper on my muffin yesterday. I prefer parchment paper because wax paper is flammable. I also think that parchment paper look nicer after the cooking. You can see the better results on the top right picture versus the bottom one. But if you stay close by the stove, you are probably fine with wax paper.
If you are looking for 2 inch diameter, 3 inch height round rings for cooking, I found the online store of Pastry Chef Central. Located in Florida, they deliver in the States and in Canada. They sell professional grade baker tools so they are more expensive ($56 USD for a set of 6 forms) but I think they worth it. The ones I found are made in France.
I still think that the round ring of 3 inch in height will make a more uniform straight muffin. But in the meantime, I will give the lower round rings available here a few trial runs.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Single serving tall round rings at Pastry Chef Central store
Learn more: Web site of Montreal Bread Company (MBCo)
Learn more: Cake stands are stacking up as a top registry item published on Toasts and Tables blog
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
FOOD + drinks
posted @ Tuesday, July 17, 2007 7:48 PM | Feedback (4)
With so many tips on entertaining to talk about, I decided to publish more often. Starting today, the new schedule is two posts a day on weekdays; one post around noon 1 o'clock p.m. and another one before or after supper time. There is no set to my schedule. I hope you enjoy it. Now that I tried the schedule for two weeks, I made the little adjustments. See above for the current program.
Categories:
IN the press
posted @ Tuesday, July 17, 2007 12:27 PM | Feedback (3)
A lot of people still interpret natured theme floral arrangements just as a simple grouping of native flowers. But without going to the creative extremes that only a talented florist can do, you can make your own chic raw style flower arrangement.
Cleverly layering moss balls and pebbles with a few prop accessories on a clean lined cake stand can look magical. This great centerpiece that I stumbled upon in the green Friday Flickr favorites of Creature Comforts blog is a living proof. I put the stylish raw centerpiece beside simpler natural bouquets so you can immediately catch the style differences.
The raw material trend is growing every day. You get the faux bois outdoor furniture. Indoors, studio wellspring revealed a luxurious living room with fabulous textured accessories and a magnificent black tree stump table.
Last Friday, Jen from An Eye for an I:nterior blog spoke about the real beauty of stylish raw décor. Look at this table top with concrete place mats, I told you that the raw materials are invited to the party dinner.
Jen is redoing her dining room right now. Although, it would not fit Jen's space, you can get inspire by this raw wood table and Scandinavian chairs that I saw on desire to inspire blog last Saturday. The clash of styles adds lots of interest to this minimalist white room.
I could continue for a while. With so many bloggers revealing beautiful and chic nature inspired designs, now is the time to integrate raw, natural materials into your party décor elements if you want to be in.
Design of Vauvert restaurant at Hotel Saint-Paul
In Old Montreal, the new Vauvert restaurant (the rebirth version of Cube) has a raw bar top and black fur seats. The concept of Vauvert was developed around a 150-year old Quebec legend called La Chasse-Galerie. Legend has it that in the winter lumber camps of Quebec years ago, loggers could sail over miles of snow-covered terrain in a chasse-galerie (witch canoe) to see their sweethearts simply by making a deal with the Devil.
The Vauvert restaurant design is more a masculine but men and women feel comfortable in it. You can catch elements from the chic raw movement. But Vauvert is very chic and hip. The restaurant is in the urban modern chic Hotel Saint-Paul after all.
Link: Friday Flickr Favorites - Gorgeous Green published on Creature Comforts blog
Link: and the frosting… published on studio springwell
Link: 125 I Like It RAW! published on An Eye for An I:nterior blog
Link: Malina Pearson publishing on design to inspire blog
Link: Web site of Vauvert restaurant at Hotel Saint-Paul in Old