May 2008 Entries
If you live in Montreal, you can participate in a cool contest. Sixty Boutique and Café Méliès invite you to enter to win the ultimate girl night out!
The Prize
The winner and three of her girlfriends will be pampered starting with a make-up session and Miss Sixty shoes before assisting to the Premiere of the movie. After watching Sex and the City, you will be heading to Café Méliès for complimentary cocktails and dinner.
How to Have a Chance to Win?
You must buy something at a regular price from now until May 27th, 2008 to participate. You will be fashionable with a Miss Sixty outfit. If you like their stuff, head to one of their 3 locations in the Montreal area.
- Downtown, the Flagship store: 1440 Peel Street
- Rockland Centre - Style Exchange/Sixty boutique
- Carefour Laval - Sixty boutique
Good luck! In all events, I am planning to see the movie with my girlfriends.
>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: Sixty Boutique
Learn more: Sex and the City, the movie
RELATED POST:
+ Where to eat in Montreal?
Categories:
OFF topics
posted @ Friday, May 16, 2008 1:48 PM | Feedback (0)
Finished up your invite or add a special touch to a thank you card with your own customized stamps. They are also appropriate to mark a special occasion, a kid birthday or something special happening in your life.
Where to buy?
The personalization process is the same whether you live in the USA or Canada. The difference is where you buy them. In Canada, you must use Picture Postage, a service from Canada Post in partnership with Canadian Bank Note.
In the United States, several companies own a vendor license from United States Postal Service to print customized postage. You can buy the stamps in the denomination that you need: postcard, envelop size and weight. Unfortunately, Canada Post offers only the customized stamp for the most current postage (standard letter under 30 grams).
How it works?
They all provide online a tool to design your postage using the same 3 steps. You first submit your own digital image. Then, you adjust your image into the stamp frame. Finally, you send your order.
In the United States, I like PictureItPostage by Endicia. There 2 main advantages are:
- bigger stamp – your picture is 1 1/2" x 1 3/16". Stamp is 2 1/2" x 1 9/16"
- background colors – which I like a lot.
Zazzle is another company that I discovered through Perfect Bound, a cute blog by a girl who day dreams about living abroad, dark chocolate and being a magazine editor. Today, she paired wedding invitations with customized stamps. Check her post; she did an excellent pairing job.
The special features at Zazzle are:
- you can write a small message text on top of your picture
- three sizes of stamp
- you can select pictures from the community gallery.
Canadian Way
The Canadian stamps look better in my opinion because they do not have a bar code. They look like regular stamp. But honestly, they are all pretty cool and can be as stylish as you design them. In Canada, you can buy a sheet of 40 stamps or a Keepsake Sheet of 20 stamps with a large image printed to keep as a souvenir.
Plan ahead and leave you plenty of time for delivery. These custom gifts make great gifts to new parents, grand parents or new homeowners.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: PictureItPostage - price: $18.95 USD for 20 large stamps
Buy online: Zazzle Custom Stamps – price: $16.95 USD for 20 medium stamps
Buy online: The Knot Wedding Postage Collection [Zazzle]
Buy online: Picture Postage – price: $24.95 for 20 stamps + a large keepsake image
Via: squared away [Perfect Bound]
Categories:
EVERYDAY
PAPER goods
GIFT ideas
HOLIDAY
BIG events
posted @ Thursday, May 15, 2008 11:16 PM | Feedback (0)
Cabanas are useful and charming. If I got a summer cottage, I would install a few so my guests can get change and put their stuff for the day. Having a cabana helps to keep your house clutter free while you are hosting a beach party.
I was charmed by the cabana next to the pool from the June 2008 of Canadian House and Home magazine. This cabana is available at Fresh Home and Garden in Toronto.
Typical white and navy nautical stripes are not my thing. I prefer the cool turquoise with earthy red shown here.
Thanks to Alex Newman and the Canadian House and Home styling team for presenting this beach house inspired by the Hamptons. The article is titled Water Colored in the magazine.
>>> Sourcing:
Photos credits: Virginia MacDonald for Canadian House and Home June 2008 issue, see pages 134-135 – rights reserved
Categories:
HOME decor
OUTDOOR
posted @ Thursday, May 15, 2008 5:05 PM | Feedback (0)
If you guess that the couple who owns the urban organic modern home store Stylegarage in Toronto lives in a lofty space, you are right. Except that they accomplished the look in a suburban duplex.
Urban Modern Style
Their interior design borrows to the loft-chic style. You can feel the warm sensibility of the organic moderns style. The house has a lot of warmth due to an extensive use of wood.
Amanda Schuler and David Podsiaglo live in this house with their 18-month-old son. Let’s review their cool entertaining spaces that are featured on the June 2008 issue of Canadian House and Home magazine.
Dining Room
You may say another chalkboard. For me, it triggers childhood memories. So I still dream of a chalkboard wall in my own home.
The pendant light, cool wall-mounted wine rack, the table and chairs are all from their own Gus* at Stylegarage collection. They designed and manufactured the furniture under the brand Gus Design Group in Toronto.
Discover the design philosophy behind their kitchen and dining room by watching a video interview on Canadian House and Home. You get a better feel of the size and layout of the space in the video.
Low Maintenance, No Fuss Backyard
The backyard is a great example of a low maintenance urban backyard. A perfect solution if you prefer entertaining to gardening or taking care of the pool. Even if you prefer a different style of furniture, you can get inspired by the layout and divisions of the space. Make adjustments to fit your lifestyle and priorities.
I really like to get the long wood tray to serve my baguette bread. It looks so modernly chic.
>>> Sourcing:
Video: Loft-Style Living [Canadian House and Home]
Photo credits: by David Bagosy for Canadian House and Home June 2008 issue – pages 136-141 – rights reserved
Categories:
HOME decor
OUTDOOR
FAMILY style
posted @ Thursday, May 15, 2008 2:58 PM | Feedback (1)
It feels almost like summer. You could bring the Daydream swim ring and Day dream beach ball to complete my first birthday party theme. If you want bright colors, get inspired by the Moroccan pattern.
Revive your inner child spirit and throw some beach balls at a grown up pool party. These designs are brand new. Designroom Group launched them on April 15th, 2008. They have other patterns including a camouflage and a punk pattern.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Beach Ball Daydream by Designroom Group – price: $12 USD
Buy online: Swim Ring Daydream by Designroom Group – price: $12 USD
Buy online: Poolside collection by Designroom Group
Via: {outdoorables!} [Daisy Chain]
RELATED POST:
+ First Birthday Party Ideas for a Girl
Categories:
EVERYDAY
OUTDOOR
PARTY supplies
KIDS party
FAMILY style
posted @ Wednesday, May 14, 2008 12:24 PM | Feedback (1)
I hosted a casual Mother’s Day event this year. My husband and I invited our mothers for an intimate breakfast.
My husband cooked wonderful omelets. I have to say this was his best ever. He prepared a Swiss cheese and mushroom omelet with freshly cut chives from our garden.
Tableware
We kept the tabletop really simple. The beauty emerged from the charming plates and cups. It was also the first time I ate in my new Chirp dinnerware set by Lenox. This 2007 pattern is so adorable.
I could have placed the plates over my Birds 'n Trees placemats from Modern-Twist like I shown you here. But a checkered tablecloth caught my eyes that morning. I bought this cotton tablecloth at La Maison Simons last year.
I bought my Vertu flatware by Retroneu at William Ashley in Toronto the year it was launched, i.e., in 1991. I still love it today. This flatware model is discontinued since 2003.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Chirp Dinnerware by Lenox – price:$99.95 USD per 5-piece setting
Buy online: Silicone placemats by Modern-Twist at Lekker – price: $22 USD
RELATED POST:
+ My recipe to successfully design a tabletop
Categories:
HOLIDAY
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
posted @ Wednesday, May 14, 2008 10:31 AM | Feedback (0)
This is the coolest hammock I ever seen. At a price tag of $19,500 this is not for everyone. Still, we can all appreciate the stunning design of this 113 inch diameter hammock.
You can drape it for privacy or more protection against the sun. It is supposed to be more stable than the regular hammocks.
The standard size day bed and the huge hammock are perfect to party under the sun. It looks so hip. The San Francisco based company Henry Hall Designs proposes fine outdoor furniture in an array of modern and traditional styles.
Vintage Fusion
The Fusion range mixes teak and stainless steel. The best part for me is the falling pool. I always dreamed of a pool like that.
Vintage is made of stainless steel and synthetic resin. Inspired by the curved plywood chairs of the 1950’s, Vintage line proposes a chaise lounge and a stackable dining chair. As you can read on Henry Hall Designs Web site, the Vintage revives an era of visionary design for the outdoors.
>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: Cocoon Hammock with Terrace Base by Henry Hall Designs – price: S19,500 USD
Via: The Cocoon Hammock [The Green Head]
Categories:
OUTDOOR
posted @ Wednesday, May 14, 2008 12:58 AM | Feedback (1)
Kitsch has a good and a bad side. For me, this patio snack set is on the cute good side. I came across this 1950's cute milk glass breakfast or snack set through Jenn Ski’s blog.
I bought it from a friendly etsy seller. She inquired if the package arrived intact. Blue Sky Days sells fine vintage and handmade goods that she collected over the last 8 years.
This set brings a new style to my tableware collection. The design feels fun and out of the ordinary. In the 1970's, my mother has milk glass cups, so I guess there is an emotional connection. My husband likes it too.
This snack set is ideal to serve breakfast. Since I prefer drinking my morning coffee in a larger cup, I can serve yogurt or a fruit in the cup and put my toasts on the plate. Luckily, it harmonizes with my coffee/tea cup from my Chirp Dinnerware set by Lenox.
At lunch, I can serve a panini with a small soup or salad in the cup on a terrace.
I am saying thank to graphic designer and artist Jenn Ski. Without her, I would have missed this etsy find.
>>> Sourcing:
Shopping: Blue Sky Days [etsy shop]
Buy online: Lenox Chirp Dinnerware [Lenox] – price: $99.95 for a 5-piece setting
Via: Etsy Find [Jenn Ski]
Categories:
EVERYDAY
TABLEWARE
posted @ Tuesday, May 13, 2008 12:58 AM | Feedback (1)
There is a new way to personalize your invitations with the launch of silhouettes by PosePrints.
You can add a couple, a bride or a pregnant mother. Same sex couples are represented by two male silhouettes. Strangely, lesbian couples are not represented.
The different between the female models are three hair styles. The silhouettes are also available in several colors.
There are less customization options than with the personalized avatars. Still you can find a suitable fit. The pricing is the same for all poses.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: silhouette models with navy spots [poseprints.com] – price: $50.00 for 25 cards
RELATED POST:
+ Personalized avatar on social stationery
Categories:
PAPER goods
posted @ Monday, May 12, 2008 10:41 PM | Feedback (1)
I received an email from Janine who is thinking of doing a garden party for my daughter's first birthday.
She feels that all of the kids party decorations look so passé and cheesy. I have to agree with her. She asked for some ideas. I am proposing a cool flower theme.
Party Planning
A first year birthday is often more for the parents and family since the baby is not well aware of what is going on. It is best to plan for a two-hour party. Schedule some activities to play with the kids.
Flower-Power Décor
The cakes for the 10th anniversary of Cakes by Tatiana were my inspirations. Located in Ottawa, Cakes by Tatiana has a list of distinguished customers including two former Prime Ministers of Canada and Adrienne Clarkson. The two cakes are creations by award-winning pastry Chef Tatiana Vorobej.
I do not expect you to get such an exquisite cake for a first birthday. The flowers and spheres can be reproduced on a larger scale for your garden. Make a few vignettes that you spread across your space to define and cheer up your garden.
A cheap version is the cute Flower Ballons created by Martha Stewart. The steps by step instruction are published on Martha’s site. It is not complicated to do. Fill pails with a baby friendly toy (sandbox tor for example) and insert a paper daisy to dress it up. Reserve the lollipops for older young kids or distribute them to the moms.
The Menu
Since you need to entertain and take care of the babies, keep the menu simple. Serve bite foods, sandwiches and snacks. As long as you make your food look pretty, serving simple foods look sophisticated. And it can look stylish without a lot of work.
Take this cool tray of vegetables designed by Martha. I am sure you have seen those before. You can use square flower vases instead of the glasses or clear acrylic boxes. Start by cutting your vegetables. Cut each type on a same length. Blanch the asparagus, beans, cauliflowers and broccoli to give them a vibrant color. Serve the veggies neatly in the glassware sitting on a tray.
Get inspired by Revisiting the Sandwich Box for serving sandwiches to the adult guests. For the kids, you can serve the blossom sandwiches by Martha Stewart.
Baby Activities
Singing is always popular with babies and parents. Set up a singing circle in the garden where parents and kids can sit. A sandbox is always a fun activity for the little ones.
You can organize a small play. My sister in law asks her teenager babysitter to create a 10-minute show. The farmyard party photo canvas available at Pottery Barn will make great memories and older kids can participate.
Get a girls' first birthday bib for the day. Preserve the memories not just in photos and videos; store the bib and the other decorative elements in a cute keepsake cardboard box.
I hope this will inspire you. And Janine, keep me posted on how the first birthday of your little girl will turn out.
>>> Sourcing:
Party supplies: Flower Balloon How-To [Martha Stewart]
Inspirations: cakes by tatiana -10th anniversary [cakes by Tatiana]
Party supplies: Flower in Pail Party Favors [Martha Stewart]
Buy online: farmyard party photo canvas [Pottery Barn] – price: on sale at $24.99 USD
Buy online: girls' first birthday bib [Pottery Barn] – price: $12 USD
Video: Crudités with Buttermilk Peppercorn Dip Recipe [Martha Stewart]
Dishing up: Edible Blossom Sandwiches [Martha Stewart]
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
OUTDOOR
KIDS party
DISHING tips
PARTY favors
FAMILY style
posted @ Monday, May 12, 2008 3:54 PM | Feedback (2)
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)
My husband and I are having breakfast with my mother and my mother in law.
I wish all moms a great day surrounded with their loved ones. Happy Mother's Day!
This is a picture of my mother and I that was taken a few years ago at Mother's Day.
In fact, I delayed the delivery for about two weeks to be born on Mother's Day. I was a double gift for my mother. This is my excuse when I am late for a casual social event.
Categories:
HOLIDAY
FAMILY style
posted @ Sunday, May 11, 2008 12:18 PM | Feedback (0)
My favorite Mother's Day memory is the year my brother, sister and I (all in elementary school) pooled our money together and bought as much chocolate fudge as we could afford from our mother's coveted chocolate emporium. As Mom is a chocoholic, she was thrilled. And so were we, since, for some reason, we bought way too much chocolate for just one person.
The memory inspired me to create a Mother's Day menu designed with children in mind. Adult supervision is required, but the kids can do most of the work.
Breakfast in Bed for Mom
Breakfast is the easiest meal to prepare. And after all the tedious work that Moms do, they deserve a day to sleep in and enjoy a day off. Start the day off right with the most important meal of the day. And if there's chocolate involved, prepared by loving hands, it's sure to be an extra good day.
Breakfast Menu
- French Toast au Chocolat
- Sage seasoned sausage patties
- Fresh strawberries
- Coffee or tea
- Freshly squeezed orange juice
Recipes by Jennifer Mitchell
French Toast au Chocolat Recipe
This is easy for children to help prepare, as it bakes in the oven instead of cooking on the stove.
- 1 baguette – a day old
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup confectioner's sugar
- Chocolate sauce
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Lightly butter a 9 x 13-inch baking pan, slice the baguette into 1-inch slices, and place the slices into the pan.
- In a bowl beat the eggs, then whisk in the milk, sugar, vanilla and salt. Pour over the bread, and let it soak for 15 minutes.
- Bake the French toast for 30 to 40 minutes, until the egg mixture is set. Remove from the oven.
- Place the French toast on plates, dust with confectioner's sugar. Finish by drizzling the chocolate syrup over the top.
Sage Sausage Patties Recipe
You can always buy the ready-made variety. But if you're in the mood for a special treat, why not make your own?
- 1 pound ground fresh pork, chilled
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- In a bowl combine the ingredients, except for the oil, in a bowl and chill for an hour.
- Divide the mixture into 8 balls and flatten into patties.
- In a skillet heat the oil over moderate heat until it is hot but not smoking. Fry the patties for 3 minutes on each side and drain them on paper towels.
Presentation
Moms love a nice place setting. Start with a breakfast tray lined with a personalized placemat. This can be made from any kind of paper you have around the house. Have the kids make a special drawing or decorate it with stickers, glitter or whatever art supplies you have in the house.
A flower, cut from the garden, adds a nice touch. For extra fun, garnish Mom's plate with photo cutouts of the kids taped or glued onto toothpicks.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Mother's Day Card by scarycarriecreates [etsy.com] – price: $3.75 USD
Buy online: Cooking Owl - Limited Edition Print by barkingbirdart [etsy.com] – price: $9 USD
Buy online: Joy Bed in a Bag [Target] – price: $71.99 - $109.99 USD
Photo credit: French Toasts covered with oatmeal, picture by Kim Vallee – rights reserved
Guest Blogger: Jennifer Mitchell [Design Hole]
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
HOLIDAY
DISHING tips
FAMILY style
posted @ Saturday, May 10, 2008 4:53 PM | Feedback (1)
A bold red is not the typically color people would choose when they selecting their doors. But look at how great these two kitchen look.
A bold red like that used to be restricted to high-end Italian and German kitchens. Ikea made the high-gloss red kitchen accessible.
People often ignore vibrant colors when it comes to big items because they are afraid to get bored with a few years. In reality, whatever the color, you will get bored at some point. Playing safe has its merits but it can also lacks personality.
My Own Experience Living with Red
We renovated our current home in 1995. Our house was built around 1860.
I believe that there must be a connection between the interior and the exterior of a building. Since I leaned towards a modern look, we opted for shaker-style door in natural maple. But I added a twist. I alternated the color of the inside panels between the natural maple and bright red panel tint. I selected a sort of crimson red almost fire engine red. Some days, I regret not having more red panels.
I have seen elegant rooms with a fuchsia painted wall. The color alone does not determine if a room is stylish or not. It is the ensemble that produces the overall effects. You can also tone down a stronger color with the other surfaces of a room if you have a change of heart. If you renovate your home this summer, do not be afraid to be adventurous if you feel like it.
Introducing Abstrakt Kitchen Collection at Ikea
The low cost of an Akurum/Abstrakt kitchen at Ikea greatly reduces the risk. As the new advertising illustrates, a high-gloss bright red kitchen can look very stylish if you put sophisticated wall tiles, install a real stone or a man-made solid surface countertop, lay down dark flooring and hang cool light fixtures.
The bottom picture has a fun vibe. Both layouts are great for entertaining. I prefer the kitchen on the top. It represents a trendier style. While we're on the subject, I will publish early next week a post about the social kitchen from a guest blogger, the certified kitchen designer Susan Serra. I read it; you will not want to miss it. Stay tuned for Susan’s excellent advices.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Abstrakt kitchen cabinet doors at Ikea – starting at $45 CAD
Buy online Akurum/Abstrakt High-Gloss Kitchen at Ikea – starting at $2980 CAD for a 10’ x 10’ kitchen
Categories:
HOME decor
TRENDS
posted @ Friday, May 09, 2008 5:20 PM | Feedback (2)
I have a thing for cute kitchen storage jars. You can say that I feel under the spells of Opus Storage Jars.
World-famous designer Ole Palsby put its signature style in designing the elegant clean-cut Opus Storage Jars. The stainless steel Opus Funnel comes handy for neatly filling the jars with dry food. How cool is that!
I continue my exploration of Rosendahl catalogue when I spot the Grand Cru Egg Cup, a new addition in Spring 2008.
All the items of the Grand Cru range feature distinctive grooves. The stylishly utilitarian tableware collection can be dress up and down. I paired it for a brunch with the Grand Cru Crystal Dessert Plate to eat fruits with yogurt. That plate with high edge looks at its place at a casual breakfast or a dinner party.
Winner of IF Design Award 2007, the Opus Carafe and Opus Tumblers are part of a complete clear glass and fine bone china tableware family. This is a style that anyone can live with for years to come.
Use these as inspiration to set your table for a casual family brunch on Mother's Day. Better yet, give her one of these items on May 11th.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Opus Storage Jars at Zwello – price: $21.95 USD for a set of 5
Buy online: Opus Funnel at Zwello – price: $27.95 USD
Buy online: Opus Carafe with Lid at Zwello – price: $29.95 USD
Find: Store locator for Rosendahl products
Categories:
GIFT ideas
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
posted @ Thursday, May 08, 2008 10:34 PM | Feedback (0)
My story about Hank and Cheek gave me an idea. While I was working as an event designer, I designed funerals for sophisticated clients.
I wish to share some insights in making the funeral events more unique and memorable. We may not like to talk about it but the family is often at lost when it comes to organizing a funeral.
Contrary to the wedding industry, the funeral events typically lack style. The funeral industry has evolved but it is still not stylish and the choices are very limited. That is why families hired me.
I was responsible to design the funeral theme, source more sophisticated supplies and decorate the room. I was also supervising the event to make every details where handle property. You could say that I did the job of a wedding planner but for a funeral. Unlike a wedding, everything must be done in a matter of a few days. So it is best to learn the basics before you need to.
Celebrating Life Not Death
The best funerals are the ones that celebrate the life of the deceased. A funeral is a time to say adieu but also to remember someone.
Since it is a time of sorrow, why not distribute custom handkerchiefs at a funeral? I would not go with the person picture; I think it would feel weird. It would be proper to use a cheerful illustration as long as it speaks about the deceased. I did it before. Even conservative people commented the family by how great the thank you card and the festivities were. Look at your pictures for a source of inspiration.
Personalize the Ceremony and Celebrations
From my experiences, the immediate family gets more comfort when we remembered what the departed did in his/her life. Forgo the cliché mountain, lake and sky pictures. Print instead something that symbolizes a passion, a life philosophy or a point of character. This also goes for the memorial bookmarks. Be creative, you want people to share a nice memory about the deceased.
Custom handkerchiefs would make a tasteful and useful thank you gift at a wake. You can still send a memorial Thank you card with a personal note later on. I do not know if Hank and Cheef can deliver in short notice for the wake. This is the main issue when you plan for a funeral.
Delay the Event
Having a beautiful, personalized funeral takes times. I encourage if the body is not exposed to delay by a few days to one week the funeral. Opt for less busy time. Monday is ideal. You get a more dedicated service from the funeral home and people from out of town can still attend. If the late was still working, more coworkers will show up. A ceremony Saturday afternoon at 2 pm is the worst; everything is rushed.
Categories:
OFF topics
BIG events
posted @ Thursday, May 08, 2008 7:51 PM | Feedback (1)
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.
One thing for sure is that if you want to try the experience, Hank and Cheef makes it easy for you. The current collection is split in 7 themes. Each handkerchief on a pack display a different illustration. You can distinguish them all the time. Everything is designed, printed and sewn in Vancouver, BC. The patterns are cute, modern and fun.
What do you think of this product? Do you think the eco-friendly movement will revive the handkerchief?
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Organic Cotton Handkerchief at Organically Hatched – price: $39.99 CAD for box of 7
Learn more: Hank and Cheef – navigation is at the bottom of the page
Via: Sustainable Sniffles [Savvymom.ca]
Categories:
FAMILY style
LINENS
posted @ Thursday, May 08, 2008 4:21 PM | Feedback (1)
After I published my post on learning how to cook with a DS, I received this email.
I could not resist sharing the girlie ad with you. It sums up what I was telling you about the broader audience of the DS versus other game consoles.
Even if your mother is not a gamer, she could enjoy these games: Crosswords DS, The New York Times Crosswords, Sudoku Gridmaster and Brain Age.
Then, you can give her more playful video games, I am playing The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass right now. Animal Crossings: Wild World is amazing too. I passed so much time playing that game.
Categories:
GIFT ideas
OFF topics
posted @ Thursday, May 08, 2008 9:52 AM | Feedback (2)
The computer entered the kitchen a while ago. Unfortunately, what is on the market is not really practical nor innovative.
The solutions so far are either small retractable under the counter screens, a computer integrated in an odd place like the fridge (who wants to stand up while browsing the Net) or use too much counter space.
Keep it Simple
The ultimate solution must be small, movable and support voice commands. And to gain mass appeal, it must be cheap. Enter Nintendo DS.
I am huge fan of the DS. After my surgery, my husband gave me a crimson DS Lite to occupy my mind. I am so happy with his gift. The DS Lite screen is easier to read than my old DS.
Nintendo DS already attracts the non gamer crowd with games like Brain Age. The other day I was at Future Shop looking at DS games and a woman in her fifties was buying a DS for herself. With the Wii and the DS, Nintendo is committed to serve a broader audience. I think they will bring exciting stuff in the future.
Learning How to Cook on a DS
The time where you get your recipes on a DS is not far away. Last week, the PR firm of Nintendo in France La Boite Com Concept invited journalists for a tour of the upcoming Leçons de cuisine. In the kitchen of a rented loft in Paris, they greet one or two journalists at a time. Each journalist prepared a recipe in order to experience the digital cookbook.
From what I have read, Leçons de cuisine targets the beginner cook. Leçons de cuisine explains culinary terms. The recipe adjusts automatically to the number of servings you need. A truly handy feature! There is no need to type any command while you are cooking; everything is voice activated.
Popular in Japan
The cookbook also comes with a few mini games. The French cookbook/game is an adaptation of a Japanese version. The recipes and techniques have been adapted to the European market. No words if or when the title will hit the stores in North America.
I would wait for a more advanced cookbook in terms of recipes. But I think the concept shows great potential. It certainly proves that you do not need a fancy computer in the kitchen. You simply need some interactivity. As far as making grocery lists, the old pen and paper work the best.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Nintendo DS Lite Crimson & Black at Amazon.com - price: $129 USD
Buy online: Nintendo DS Lite - Crimson Black at FutureShop - price: $139.99 CAD
Pre-launch Ad: La Boite Com Concept
Kitchen photo: Video on Elle TV France - Rights reserved
Via: Marianna [Tastespotting] + Leçons de cuisine [INpact Virtuel]
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
GIFT ideas
posted @ Wednesday, May 07, 2008 8:04 PM | Feedback (1)
I was planning to showcase the actual Mother’s Day table I designed for my mom but due to my surgery, I will skip this year. I still can talk you about the design.
Mother's Day Tabletop Ideas
My scheme revolves around my baroque black & white dinnerware set.
It is becoming a habit to use this dinnerware set for Mother’s Day. I composed a Girlie Mother's Day inspiration board with the same set last year. This year, I decided to add vibrant pinks and greens to brighten up the black & white tableware.
A Portable Flower Vase
Recall Vazu from last year. It is the fun and innovative expandable flat flower vase.
The Tear Off Top is a more cheerful version with less packaging and all the advantages of the original. Since Vazu is designed to carry around cut flowers, a cute packaging has no real purpose most of the time. The Tear Off Top vase is half the price of the original.
Tear Off Top is available in 4 patterns in a choice of 3 colors each. Vazu USA kindly sent me three samples of Tear Off Top flower vases with cute pink and red hearts for my setting.
MushiMushi - Love Is All harmonizes the best with the design of my Mother’s Day tabletop. For an casual outdoor brunch or a teen birthday party, check out the EnFlor pattern. At this price, you can afford to spread many vases across the room.
Finishing Touch: the Flowers
A simple bunch of fuchsia gerberas looks great for any family event. Keep them long as much as possible; the idea is to see to create a well-defined section of green stems between the vase and the flowers. You can use a rectangular or an oval pinholder to perfectly align the gerberas. In the pink family, the Pink Purple Ranunculus Flower is a classic choice.
I prefer the fresh look of bright green flowers. I enjoy the Spider family and the Galiaro Green Chrysanthemum. Other choices include a handful of long lasting chincherinchee, dill, and button chrysanths.
For floral inspirations, I always check these two sites. The Flower Council of Holland and the Flowers & Plants Association both keep you up-to-date with floral design trends. The So simple. So try it is a wonderful initiative of the Flowers & Plants Association to demystify the art of floral arrangements.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Vazu MushiMushi - Love Is All at Vazu USA – price; $4.99 USD
Photo credit: Gerberas from the Colorful Grey Inspirations Spring 2008 [flowercouncil.org] – Rights reserved
Photo credit: Mini-trees of chincherinchee [tryflowers.org.uk] – Rights reserved
Photo credit: Button chrysanths in a plastic pan scourer [tryflowers.org.uk] – Rights reserved
Photo credit: Dill in a test tube [tryflowers.org.uk] – Rights reserved
Photo credits: Dinnerware set and left bottom picture taken by Kim Vallee – Rights reserved
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
PARTY supplies
TRENDS
FAMILY style
posted @ Wednesday, May 07, 2008 2:18 PM | Feedback (1)
Perhaps you remember a TV show that's become a bit of a cult classic. The Joy of Oil Painting was a How-To show hosted by hippy-dippy artist, Bob Ross.
On each half-hour episode he'd complete an oil painting – usually a landscape with lots of "happy trees". He made it looks so easy! Suddenly I had a great idea for a party.
Tag Team Painting with Bob
Why not host a painting party? Fine art is so refined, right? Not in this case, because in order for this party to be truly fun, alcohol is a must. Best of all, no artistic talent is needed. I call this party Tag Team Painting With Bob (Drinks on the Side).
Basically, your guests are divided into groups of two or more. The show begins and painter number one paints along with Bob. After five minutes, the next person takes over while the first imbibes. And around they go until the show is over.
The team with the best painting is declared Master Pieces and wins a prize. Caution: your guests will want to paint another one, so have supplies ready.
Party Preparations
First, rent or buy a copy of The Joy of Oil Painting. All the TV seasons are available in DVD on Bob Ross’ Web site. Skim through the episodes until you find one or two you like. Then, make a list of the paint colors and brushes 'ole Bob uses.
You don't need to spend lots of money and you don't have to use oil paints. Acrylic paints in large bottles and cheap brushes are perfect. The same thing goes for canvases. They can be expensive, so substitute with large sheets of watercolor paper or poster board. Michaels is a good place to shop. And they often have coupons. A good prize is a frame for the big winner.
You need easels. I borrowed mine from a private school via a friend. You can buy tabletop easels made of foam core. Or, have your guests pull double duty as both artist and easel.
Party Time
Be sure to serve the Pisco Sours, or your favorite adult beverages, as your guests arrive. The dip and other nibbles can be set out, too. I recommend serving the dinner in between painting sets. Don't skip on the prizes! A frame for the winner is nice – you know they'll want to hang it over their mantle. Or, have a trophy made up. They're very inexpensive and lots of fun.
Peace, love and painting, dude!
Menu
Feel free to go wild with this menu. The idea is munchy food to go along with our mellow, hippy artist scene. Groovy.
Recipes by Jennifer Mitchell
Pisco Sours Recipe
- 3 parts Pisco (a Chilean brandy that packs a punch)
- 1 1/2 parts lemon juice
- 1 -2 tablespoons fine sugar
Cheese and Bean Dip Recipe
- One 8-ounce package cream cheese, sliced in thin slices
- One can Hormel Chili – no beans
- One package of shredded cheddar cheese
- One bunch of green onions – chopped (just the green part)
- Two bags of tortilla chips
Layer the ingredients in a baking dish in the order given – excluding the chips. Bake in a medium oven for about a half hour. Or, nuke in the microwave for about 5 minutes until melted. Serve with chips.
Sliders Recipe
Makes 12 mini hamburgers a la White Castle
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 chopped onion
- 1 package cheddar cheese slices
- One package Parker House rolls, or other type of dinner roll.
Mix the hamburger with salt and pepper. Make 12 little meatballs and flatten to form patties. Sauté the onions and set them aside. Cook up the burgers and add cheese, if desired. Place burgers on rolls, along with the onion.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy in stores: The Bob Ross Travel Easel at Micheals
Find: Store Locator of Micheals
Recipe: Classic Fish And Chips by Man-Made Food on FoodTV.ca
Recipe: Kellogg Original Rice Krispies Treats
Photo credits: Omer de Serres – art supplies pictures except the easel
Photo credit: Pisco Sour en casa by Capienzzo on Flickr – Some rights reserved
Photo credit: Cupcakes photographed by Quentin Bacon - Rights reserved picture
Guest Blogger: Jennifer Mitchell [Design Hole]
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
posted @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 4:23 PM | Feedback (3)
Recall my story last month about Menus Bébé, a brand in France that produces Ready to Serve Gourmet Baby Food. I have found a similar company in California.
Why to choose Pomme Bébé?
Pomme Bébé produces small batches of fresh organic baby food. The food is simmered slowly to retain the maximum amount of wholesome nutrients that your baby needs.
You get the basically same advantages that Menus Bébé provides. The food is more nutritious, displays vibrant colors and is tastier. The menu changes every season at Pomme Bébé. Their menu relies heavenly on the freshness of seasonal produces.
You can buy Pomme Bébé food at their Newport Beach store, online or by phone. The food can be opted for next day delivery at your door or quickly pass by the store for a curbside pick-up.
Bébé Bar, Bébé Lounge
What is cool about Pomme Bébé for Newport Beach residents is their cool store. Sit your baby in an egg shaped high chair and indulge in a tasting session. Your baby can try out fresh food samples at Pomme Bébé bar. There is also a Bébé lounge where parents can meet in a hip and inviting atmosphere to enjoy a wholesome treat or fresh-squeezed juice.
Bébé Party
No need to clean your house for your next playdate. Simply host a playgroup at Pomme Bébé. Your kids will be able to sample their organic ready to serve baby food, you will receive nutritional information and the babies can play with toys in the nicely designed Baby Lounge.
Pomme Bébé
2043 Westcliff Drive, Suite 106
Newport Beach, CA 92660
p 949.200.7430
open Monday-Friday 9:30am-5:30pm, Saturday 10:00am-2:00pm
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Pomme Bébé online store – price: $3.25 - $4.50 per 4 oz container
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
BABY showers
FAMILY style
posted @ Monday, May 05, 2008 11:51 PM | Feedback (0)
With my injury, I must lie down on my sofa most of the time. Therefore, I watch more TV than I used to.
While eating lunch today, I watched Curieux Bégin at Télé-Québec. The show was dedicated to Latino cuisine. I included a tasty Lamb Shank recipe in French at the end of the post. This is how I discovered an amazing and likable Chef here in Montreal.
Born in Lima, Peru Mario Navarate Jr. operated two restaurants in the city. He is a rising star in Montreal. Raza opened in 2005. En Route magazine voted Mario Navarate Jr. one of the top 10 new Canadian Chefs in November 2005.
Two restaurants for this Peruvian Chef
Madre, meaning mother, opened last year (I think) on Masson Street. You will not be surprised to learn that the menu is inspired by his mother’s recipes.
Madre is about stylish simple food, a down-to-earth version of the upscale Raza, his first restaurant. Raza scored 28 out of 30 for its food in the 2006 Zagat guide.
The pencil drawings were inspired by pictures of him with his mother. Theses canvas drawings are hung on the walls of the restaurant. The décor is simple, like a family restaurant should be. The next picture showed Mario with his mother. The bottom pictures illustrates the typical dish styles at Raza.
I am planning to try his two restaurants this summer. I read excellent reviews on the Web from bloggers. What people are complaining about his restaurants is the short wine lists. I can live with that since most people were looking for bottles less than $40. But both restaurants propose food and wine bundles to save money.
The table d’hote at Madre proposes a three-course menu for $35 that becomes $58 with wine pairings. The tasting menu at Raza costs $59 for a 5 courses ($99 with wine pairings) or $70 for a 7-course meal ($120 with wine pairings).
What others are saying?
If you wish to read about an experienced meal at theses restaurants, read the reviews of Madre and Raza by MontrealFoodie. It is the first time that I visited MontrealFoodie so I cannot pledge for their taste but their reviews seem fair.
You can also read what the reviewer of Montreal Mirror had to say about his meal at Madre. Read what EnRoute (OnAir) said about Raza when it made their Top Ten restaurant list.
>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: Menu at Madre Restaurant – a weird navigation since you must press English on every page
Learn more: Menu at Raza Restaurant – same weird navigation
Recipe: Jarrets d’agneau braisés à la coriandre et à la bière by Mario Navarate Jr. [Curieux Bégin]
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING out
posted @ Monday, May 05, 2008 4:34 PM | Feedback (1)
I am thrilled to have my first guest blogger, Jennifer Mitchell of Design Hole.
I'm so happy to be guest blogging for Kim. I write about interior design and this gives me a chance to write about my second love – throwing dinner parties for friends. Did I mention that I love to cook? I do.
My favorite dinner party is the one I throw every January, when it's my turn to play hostess for my book club. In our book club, the hostess chooses the book. And, while we all always enjoy the associated discussion, for us the evening is really all about the food.
I like to plan the menu around the location or theme of the book. Sometimes it presents a bit of a challenge, but it also makes it more fun. Here is one of my favorite book club ideas.
To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
Most people read this book in high school. But it's amazing how much more you take away from it as an adult. This Southern Gothic novel was drawn largely from Lee's childhood memories. Her life-long friend, Truman Capote, makes an appearance as Dill. I also recommend Mockingbird, an excellent biography of Lee written by Charles Shields.
A southern novel calls for southern food. My favorite cookbook for authentic recipes is The Gift of Southern Cooking, by Edna Lewis and Scott Peacock. This is the real deal, with an excellent Lane cake recipe. I have my own recipe for fried chicken (which I have my southern born grandmother to thank for). The cake is a particularly good choice because it's mentioned in the book as a secret recipe, and can be made several days in advance.
Menu
- Toast cups with shrimp salad
- Fried chicken
- Steamed asparagus
- Biscuits
- Lane cake
Jennifer Mitchell’s Fried Chicken
Throw your diet out the door – at least for one night. This recipe takes time, but don't skip steps. Trust me, it's worth it. Thanks go to my grandmother, who grew up in Bessemer, Alabama.
Ingredients:
- One 3-pound (1 1/2 Kilo) chicken, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup kosher salt
- 1 quart/ liter buttermilk
- 1 1/2 pounds (3/4 kilo) lard
- 1 cup flour
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Step by step instructions
- Brine the chicken (this tenderizes the meat and is essential) by soaking the pieces in a large bowl of water (about 2 quarts or liters) mixed with kosher salt for eight hours, or overnight. Drain and rinse out the bow. Return the chicken to the bowl and cover it with the buttermilk for another eight hours. Drain the chicken.
- To prepare for frying, mix the flour with the salt and pepper in a bowl. Heat the lard in a skillet (I use a well-seasoned cast iron one) to a temperature of 350 F (175 C). The temperature is really important.
- Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture and fry it for about 10 minutes on each side. Start with the skin side down, fry in batches – skimming the browned bit in between.
- Drain in a single layer on crumpled paper towels, or wire racks. Do not layer until you're ready to serve, or the chicken will steam itself and lose its crispness.
- Keep it warm in a low oven, until ready to serve. It's good at room temperature, too.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee at Amazon - price: $11.16 USD
Buy online: Mockingbird: A Portrait of Harper Lee by Charles J. Shields at Amazon- price: $10.50 USD
Buy online: The Gift of Southern Cooking: Recipes and Revelations from Two Great American Cooks by Edna Lewis at Amazon - price: $19.77 USD
Guest Blogger: Jennifer Mitchell [Design Hole]
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
posted @ Monday, May 05, 2008 11:43 AM | Feedback (1)
I told you that I was busy all day last Thursday for an important appointment. In fact, I had an ACL Reconstruction Surgery. I am happy to report that my surgery went well. My recovery is doing fine.
A Little History
In February 2007, I jumped a cliff while skiing. Unfortunately the back of one of my skis got stuck on 60 centimeters (about 2 feet) of heavy snow. I tore my anterior cruciate ligament. I often felt that my knee was "giving out" in my daily activities. Because I enjoy mogul skiing, it is important to me to have strong legs.
The surgery grafts a piece of my tendon on my torn ACL. My full recovery depends of doing lots of post-surgery exercises to stimulate the growth of tissues. More than 90% patients return to full sport activities after 6 to 12 months.
I will continue to write daily on At Home with Kim Vallee. I am telling you all that because I may sometimes deviate from my blogging schedule for my physiotherapy. So be patient with me.
Greeting Cards on Etsy
I am taking this opportunity to feature adorable Get Well Soon handmade products from etsy. I could not resist the cute Nurse Penguin designed by teenybeak. People staying at the hospital for a while typically enjoy having a teddy bear to comfort them.
I bought a Get Well Soon card a few weeks ago for a friend and I did not like what I saw at the stores. So, I regret not stocking some at home. You never know when you will need it. I am presenting you two artists who used the Red Cross symbol for their cute and modern Get Well Soon cards.
Bytheairport created a Get Well Soon Nurse Post Card Set. Screen printed with Gocco on archival card stock, the front includes a collage of a red paper cross against the black ink.
ArtMind did a fabulous job with her Get well soon package. This Belgian artist tucked away a small hand sewn 'red cross' made out of felt. A charming idea!
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: nurse penguin by teenybeak – price: $20 USD
Buy online: Get Well Soon Gocco Post Card by bytheairport – price: $6.50 USD for a pack of 3
Buy online: Get well soon greeting card by ArtMind – price: $6.50 USD
Categories:
PAPER goods
OFF topics
posted @ Sunday, May 04, 2008 10:18 PM | Feedback (1)
With Mother’s Day in less than two weeks, I spot more gift ideas for moms who enjoy hosting outdoor entertaining for her family and friends.
My first suggestion is Late for Dinner, a new melamine collection at Anthropology.
My encounter with these pop-art flora plates on Hostess with the Mostess started the ball. For there, I looked for outdoor tableware that I can harmonize with Late for Dinner patterns.
My search brought me to the grandma macr