July 2008 Entries
As I laid my eyes on these sunflower cupcakes by Joycelyn of Kuidaore, I knew I found the topic for a post.
Be ready for seeing your guests in awe if you bake and decorate similar sunflower cupcakes.
Prepare in advance you dessert table, the sunflower toppings look too great to not show off your cupcakes.
Menu Ideas
Here are some recipes with simple yet stylish food presentation. This menu can be an alternative to the real-life sunflower bridal shower party and gerbera birthday theme I shown you this week.
Sweets
Kuidaore gives no recipe but the site lists the ingredients for the sunflower icing. If you have some experience, you probably can concoct your own version.
Categories:
BABY showers
KIDS + BABY
BRIDAL showers
posted @ Thursday, July 31, 2008 10:22 AM | Feedback (1)
After lunch, my friend H. wanted a cupcake. This is how I discovered this cool ice cream and cupcake place in the heart of Old Montreal. You can see the side of Notre-Dame Cathedral while you are eating sweets at Les Glaceurs.
I was not hungry so I did not taste one. After the fact, I was hungry around 5pm. So I regretted not having bought a cupcake for take-out.
For your information, we typically eat dinner between 8 and 10pm so eating a cupcake at 5pm would not have ruined my appetite.
The Décor
The fun décor and girly colors please me. Instead of the retro vibe, they went with modern counters. The eating area has reference to the French bistro.
In fact, you could reuse their color palette for a birthday party or a baby shower. It looks festive. The palette is ideal for any kids party. The medium to dark wood brings sophistication to the decor.
Categories:
CAKES
DINING
posted @ Thursday, July 31, 2008 9:03 AM | Feedback (0)
The top 3 are Red-Dot Design Award winners and an honorable mention. The fifth is there because it is cute and original.
Zyliss' Easy Spin Salad Spinner
On my book, noting beat a Zyliss salad spinner and I got a 10 year old model. Zyliss won in 2004 for its Easy Spin salad spinner.
The latest model, the Zyliss Smart Touch Salad Spinner won a Red-Dot in 2008. Sadly, the consumer reviews are mixed so far.
Everywhere I checked, people were more than satisfied with the Easy Spin Salad Spinner. So I will say to go with the previous edition (the ones I am showing you).
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
ALL occasions
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Wednesday, July 30, 2008 9:18 PM | Feedback (2)
After the sunflower bridal shower, it is the turn of the even more popular and accessible gerbera daisy to be the center of attention.
I imagine this tablescape for a teen girl birthday party. The tablescape was designed by the team at Bellenza as a showcase for their party favors, place card holders and votive holders. The concept fits a Sunday family brunch, a lady lunch, a bridal or a baby shower.
Décor Tips
Wrapping your napkins with a ribbon and a fresh flower is easy. You must delay the execution until the last minute since you cannot hide a phial. The gerbera should be sturdy enough to support the lack of water. If you wish to preserve the flowers longer, put instead a low height bud vase at each place setting.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Wednesday, July 30, 2008 12:48 PM | Feedback (1)
Those could be the names of a furniture collection based on my name and my husband’s name. This fun little application was assembled and generated by Steve B while Tim Blogadilla designed it.
Try the Swedish Furniture Name Generator with your own first name. I changed the rules and used the same program with our first and last names.
Via Apartment Therapy NYC
Read More About:
fun,
games
Categories:
OFF topics
posted @ Wednesday, July 30, 2008 3:14 AM | Feedback (2)
I felt in love with the work of two more Etsy sellers today. I love to shop on Etsy as I am telling my girl geek friends at lunch today. I find that my friend Tanya is a huge fan too.
In her Etsy Take Five Tuesday, decor8 introduced five amazing etsy sellers. Simple design note cards and stationery usually grab my attention. That is why I enjoy the work of Wendy Chung for Dozi Design.
I have a thing for Finnish design. Syko stands for whimsical and happy designs in patchwork and appliqué. She sews hand made housewares. Her cushion covers are adorable. Her laundry bag and shoe bag would be practical when you travel.
Categories:
PAPER goods
HOSTESS gifts
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, July 29, 2008 6:59 PM | Feedback (1)
Jaime of It’s a Jaime Thing sent me the pictures of two bridal showers she designed last year for a cousin and a best friend. They are lots of clues who can recycle for your own parties.
The Sunflower Sunshower
A hand-made tiki bar and lots of fresh sunflowers set the tone of this party. Her cousin, the groom to be, built the tiki hut for his father as a Father’s Day present. It is so cool to reuse his own creation for his bridal shower.
If you wish to host a tiki bar, check out ebay or your local kitsch stores to get your hands on a few tall tiki mugs. Get for the lucky couple a scorpion bowl for 2. These will make nice souvenirs to the couple.
Categories:
REAL-LIFE
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Tuesday, July 29, 2008 5:06 PM | Feedback (1)
Look at this blissful vacation spot. It is easy to imagine the feeling of waking up on this 180-degree view luxury suite. You wake up looking at one of the most pristine wild territories in Africa.
This resort suite marries cool modern and contemporary furniture to a rustic décor. This is an amazing place is a member of Relais & Chateaux. My to do list grows bigger everyday. I would like to stay at the Singita Lebombo Lodge located in the Kruger National Park, South Africa.
Take clues from the room. You can reverse the process and add rustic touches to your modern house for the duration of an event.
Magazine Pictures
Paris-based photographer Nicolas Matheus took many pictures for French magazines. Looking at his portfolio, I recognized some of the shots. How the rooms are styled in magazines supplies us with inspirations not just for our home décor but also for party decor.
Categories:
PARTY ideas
TRAVEL
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Monday, July 28, 2008 5:11 PM | Feedback (2)
This is the latest video from the talented flair bartenders at Mixoart. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, checkout their latest video available on You Tube.
Read More About:
cocktail,
fun
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING
posted @ Monday, July 28, 2008 4:09 PM | Feedback (1)
An interesting fact from the 2008 Mercer’s cost of living report. I would not have guess that it costs a tiny more to live in Toronto (54th), Canada than in Los Angeles (55th), California. For the weather, I know which city I would pick.
But the Unites States exhibits more discrepancies in the standard of living. Take Venice Beach for example. This is a town founded by hippies where you now have hippies, surfers, performers and modern architecture fans living in the same cities. Venice Beach is not huge.
I visited a 2-million modern house on my last trip for the pleasures of seeing real-life examples of my dream house. The house was at least half a mile from the beach on a residential street. I can imagine the prices of the ones facing the beach.
I took plenty of pictures as I visited the house. I forgot to write about it while I was traveling. I will try to show you this beautiful house in the upcoming weeks.
Categories:
TRENDS
posted @ Monday, July 28, 2008 10:49 AM | Feedback (1)
I imagine this birthday party to be every little boy’s dream. What a treat it must have been for all the kids who showed up.
Reproduce the Look and Feel
You can organize a go kart competition as long as you have enough land. To avoid the cost of renting go karts, you can organize a bike competition where each kid brings its own bike. For safety reasons, clock individual runs. You can use big wheel bikes and tricycles for the younger kids.
Simply construct a race track with road safety cones. Try the circuit a few times to make sure it is safe for the kids.
Flag Race Pennants are easy to find in stores or online. Pennants are available at toys stores and party supplies stores. Auto dealer supply stores carry economical triangular and rectangular race flag pennants with long ropes.
Categories:
KIDS party
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Sunday, July 27, 2008 5:44 PM | Feedback (1)
I am introducing my new weekly must read section. I compiled the list on Sunday from what bloggers published over the last 7 days. Enjoy!
+ I fall in love with the Shinzi Katoh trays with square handles available in the USA at Penelope’s. I have a thing for trays. The drawings of Shinzi Katoh are so adorable. So many cool stuff features his design. I am looking forward to introduce his treasure boxes on an upcoming post. Via ohdeedoh
+ I adore eating homemade cookies. They are great to bring on the road, for a picnic or as hostess gifts. Bea baked her Dark Chocolate Chip and Nut Cookies with 5 types of flour. As usually, her pictures add to the pleasures. Via La Tartine Gourmande
Categories:
HOME decor
FAMILY style
KIDS + BABY
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Sunday, July 27, 2008 2:27 PM | Feedback (0)
Ever since my friend Nathalie brought a bottle of this delicious lemonade at a party to make mojitos, I am craving for more. This French lemonade tastes amazing. Her mojito was memorable too.
I felt sad last weekend since I failed to find any at the European and specialty shops in my neighborhood.
I invited a few friends tonight for an apero, the French word for a simple before-dinner drink served with something small to eat (see recipe at the end). I am thrilled that Nathalie bought me a bottle of Elixia Lemonade as a hostess gift.
As I started mentioning on my post about the Apple Sainte-Catherine store opening, the most cherish gifts fit the desires of the recipient. The Elixia Hand-crafted Lemonade is the best hostess gift I ever received because it was on my most wanted list.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
posted @ Sunday, July 27, 2008 3:15 AM | Feedback (5)
Yesterday, I went to the opening of Apple’s Montreal flagship store on Sainte-Catherine Street West.
I met a few friends on my way there. I did not spent a lot. I just bought a sport armband for my iPod Touch. I selected the all black Sportsuit Convertible by Marware. I tried it this morning. It feels comfortable and sits well on my arm.
Artist Live Performances for Several Weeks
What is cool is that Apple hosts a series of free 1-hour concert at 7pm almost every night. Amongst the list, I would like to hear and see live performance from :
- Alex Cuba - Sunday, July 27, 2008
- David Usher – Tuesday, July 29, 2008
- DJ Champion - Friday, August 8, 2008
- Simple Plan - Monday, August 18, 2008
- Alfa Rococo - Wednesday, August 20, 2008
- Creature - Thursday, August 21, 2008
Categories:
REVIEWS
posted @ Saturday, July 26, 2008 7:09 PM | Feedback (0)
Earth Inc. from Toronto is the latest design firm to join the wagon of television. It is a popular trend that grows even more this summer. A glimpse at the TV schedule on HGTV Canada will convince you.
Dirty Business concentrates on the creative elements of building breath-taking, upscale outdoor spaces by this preeminent landscape design firm. We are talking about people with substantial budgets. I watched the fourth episode this week .
About the Show
I feel the show tries to appeal to both men and women. We see the rest of Earth team, James Dale, Joel Loblaw and Lorne Hancock under the leadership of the host, Kennedy McRae. Landscape design requires multidisciplinary skills from landscape architects to plant specialists.
Categories:
OUTDOOR living
REVIEWS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Saturday, July 26, 2008 3:18 PM | Feedback (0)
Making a good first impression always counts. Nicely wrapping a gift takes a little more time than inserting your gift in a bag topped with tissue paper. But recipients notice this gesture. So it is worth the effort.
In certain cultures, gifts are open in private. Therefore, your gift is publicly judged by the way it is wrapped. People who worked in Japan told me that they received more than once a gift where the wrapping costs more than what was inside.
I like to keep a small assortment of wrapping papers along with ribbons and gift tags. Simplify your life with patterns suitable for several occasions.
Whimsy Press
Blue Bird from the Green with Envy line by Whimsy Press can be used for weddings, showers, and birthdays.
Give Whimsy proposes several collections around a theme. Each collection contains 2 sheets of each design (a total of 8 sheets), plus stickers for each! Oh So Current collection is gender neutral. Havana is my favorite pattern from that set.
Categories:
PAPER goods
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Saturday, July 26, 2008 1:15 AM | Feedback (0)
I am the victim of prolific spammers this week. I installed an anti-spam software on the comments but as you may know, it takes time to train it properly.
August 3rd, 2008 Update: I am happy to report that I found another way to keep these bad weeds outside. Therefore, your comments are usually published right away. There are cases where I need to approve the comment before it is posted online.
I still validate every comment. I will delete any comment that I deem to be a spam or a comment with inappropriate language.
Therefore, I start moderating the comments before they are published. Do not be surprised if your comment does not show up right away.
The system will tell you that your comment will show up soon. Interpret this as meaning Your comment is awaiting moderation.
I will clarify the message but I need the brain of my geek husband to do it.
Categories:
OFF topics
posted @ Friday, July 25, 2008 12:57 PM | Feedback (2)
I love all green salads except for the watery Iceberg lettuce. Watercress is at the top of my list.
Very Nutritious
I make a watercress salad at least once a week. I will keep doing it now that I know that watercress is deemed to be a super-food by dietary experts.
Watercress is a top source of vitamins C, B1, B6, K and E, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese and zinc. Click here for a comparative nutritional analysis.
If you wish to add watercress to your diet, you can start with these super easy recipes.
Tea Sandwiches Recipes
I always want to host a tea party but never find the right time. In the meantime, I collect recipes and delightful tea leaves.
Nikki of Canarygirl proposes her Homemade Aioli and Baby Watercress Tea Sandwiches, a simpler version of the classic. Nikki elevates the sandwich by using an arabesque pattern breakfast china set.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING
posted @ Thursday, July 24, 2008 5:17 PM | Feedback (3)
I cannot resist this amazing dessert by Vanille of At Down Under. It is not simply beautiful dished, the soufflé mixes chocolate and pistachios,
An origami box gave Vanille the inspiration to reinvent the individual cake pan with parchment or waxed paper.
I am impressed! It is so original and lovely. If your guests are not be blown away by your flood presentation, you should think twice before inviting them again for a home meal.
The soufflé recipe is from Donna Hay; a relevant choice knowing that Vanille, a French woman married to an Hungarian man, has moved with her husband to New Zealand not long ago. They used to live in Paris.
I wish all the best to this new blogger. Vanille started At Down Under last June. Already her blog posts captured my senses more than once. You will find how to create the baking paper star pan and how to bake this recipe on her blog.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
DINING
posted @ Thursday, July 24, 2008 1:38 PM | Feedback (1)
Passing from a NASA engineer to a successful cake designer and baker makes a pretty extraordinary story. BethAnn Goldberg had the creative gene since she started out as a ceramic sculptor before graduating from Stanford.
Studio Cake makes three types: the tiered cakes, the sculpted cakes and the cupcakes. The level of details is impressive. Look at the icy snow on the ground of the snowman cupcakes.
Let the Birthday Cake Be The Gift
If you are planning a birthday for someone that has everything, give a one of kind birthday cake instead. The guest of honor will be in awe when he/she sees the cake. Highlight the event with harmonizing invites, party décor and even wear costumes. Let the party of a lifetime be your gift.
To offset the extra costs, you can ask the guests for contributions instead of giving individual gifts.
Categories:
KIDS party
CAKES
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Thursday, July 24, 2008 12:30 PM | Feedback (0)
This is an important moment in the life of a beloved blogger. Pam of housemartin opened her shop yesterday.
A Long Process
Pam prepped this opening for the last 2 years. I recalled the day she announced she found the place where to establish Ink & Peat.
I spotlighted her bouquets, made from home, several times last year. She is thrilled to do her floral creations from the store now.
Here are the first pictures from the inside of Ink & Peat. Her good taste and her style transcend in the visual merchandising. I imagine Ink & Peat will become a must-go destination in Portland. I am sure you will want to join me to wish Pam all the best.
>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: Ink & Peat
Via: A store is born [housemartin]
Categories:
PARTY supplies
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Thursday, July 24, 2008 1:49 AM | Feedback (0)
This white and red backyard shares the South Beach hip vibes. This is the outdoor space of a couple with young children.
The magnificent backyard of Doris and Anthony Lapico was featured in Canadian House and Home last summer.
The couple divided their huge backyard in activity zones. From the draped cabanas to the open air bar in the pool house to the ceiling fans over the dining tables, every detail contributes at making this stylish outdoor a paradise.
7 Design Tips for the Ultimate Outdoor Entertaining Space
If you are planning to redo your backyard, remember the 7 design tips for an ultimate outdoor entertaining space:
- Every wonderful backyard starts with great space planning. Think about the function, the circulation path and the flow when you design the areas.
- Instead of one huge dining table, Doris opted to line up 3 dining tables. When needed, you can split the tables between the kids and the adults.
- Provide the ultimate comfort by installing an awning plus a couple of wall-mounted ceiling fans over the dining area. You get more design options and can cover a larger surface if you opt for a non-retractable awning.
- Placing the bar inside a pool house with a full window wall extends the bar usage to rainy days or cold nights. It is also simpler and cheaper to install a bar fridge, an ice maker and a sink if your bar is inside.
- Do not be afraid to add glamour to your décor. Play with contrasts to surprise your guests. Here the chandelier and the ornate mirror add sophistication to modern furniture.
- Your backyard should look and feel amazing at daytime and nighttime. You want to fully enjoy every corner all day long. The activity that you do may change during the course of a day but all the space must stay usable.
- Backlighting is an amazing technique to add drama. Softly illuminate the areas where you wish to promote intimate conversations.
Categories:
OUTDOOR living
TRENDS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, July 23, 2008 10:29 PM | Feedback (0)
I bought the Hook and Go Smart Cart a few weeks ago. It comes handy when I shop at the farmer’s market.
The Hook & Go works great but my quest for the perfect grocery cart is still on. This is why I am glad that the cute British grocery carts made by Rolser have found a North American distributor.
Better still for Canadians, the distributor is located in Vancouver, British Columbia. They have a Web site but you must call to place your order. Visit lifestylecart.com for more information. I do not know yet if I should try the 2-wheel Mountain Grocery Cart.
Features of all Rosler Grocery Carts
From the reviews I read so far, the 2 wheel model seems to work well going up and down the stairs. The Rosler Mountain cart gains a plus when I compared with my Hook and Go cart.
Categories:
ALL occasions
TRENDS
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Wednesday, July 23, 2008 8:48 PM | Feedback (0)
One day, my husband and I wish to build our own modern cottage on a hill facing a lake. We are not ready yet but we are looking at options; it is better to be prepared.
With all the snows we get down here, this warm modern architecture, cantilevered roof prefabricated house may be our solution.
Designed by Balance associates architects from Seattle, the Modern Homes cabin has a pleasing design. Three lines of prefabricated cabins are available to meet your needs. The cabin can be one or two storey high. The plans are neither too big nor too small.
Completed in 3 months
The advantage of a prefabricated home is that it reduces the total construction time. Building on a lake is more complicated than building in the city. You do not have access to the stores if you are short on materials and you may need to bring specialized workers. Therefore, having a lot of factory-build components simplifies things.
Categories:
TRENDS
HOME + GARDEN
MODERN architecture
posted @ Wednesday, July 23, 2008 10:55 AM | Feedback (1)
I marked down this hipster bakery and coffee shop on my itinerary for my next visit to New York. Baked NYC is located in Red Hook, Brooklyn.
Baked first caught my attention for their third place as the best cupcakes in New York city. That ranking was obtained on the 2008 New York City Gourmet Shopping & Entertaining survey organized by Zarat. In fact, three NYC bakeries shared the third place.
It is finally the design of the place, the beautiful photos and the stylish cupcakes that convinced me to bookmark Baked. I hope these cupcakes taste as good as they look.
Baked’s Sweet and Salty cupcake
I am curious to taste their famous Sweet and Salty cupcake. This creation is composed of a dark chocolate cake infused with salty caramel, topped with caramel chocolate ganache and fleur de sel. I know this is a winning combination. MSN.com named it the one the best cupcakes in the United States.
Categories:
CAKES
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, July 23, 2008 12:46 AM | Feedback (1)
Brighten your kitchen with a dash of yellow. You can start with a few accessories.
You can grab and nicely display the napkins and tea towels by Heather Moore of Skinnylaminx. This illustrator and designer from Cape Town, South Africa, makes beautiful table linens. Her gray and yellow look sophisticated when put together. The mix feels soft.
For a twist, use her 13.5 x 13.5 inch napkins as placemats for a dessert course or a simple breakfast. The plant and flower yellow pattern is printed on 100% cotton hopsack using water-based ink.
Heather owned cool plates and mugs. I would like to find similar, so keep me inform if you know a source in Canada or the USA.
The plates may lead to a new venture. Heather decorated these plates for the South Africa House! exhibit. She transferred 3 of her design on ceramic dinnerware. Each place setting is different and devised from one color palette. Check the rest on her collection on her blog. The patterns are all superb.
Categories:
ALL occasions
LINENS
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:42 PM | Feedback (0)
On Sunday, I talked about the upscale burgers prepared by French Chefs. We tried a recipe that same night. I referred to my version as my Parisian burgers on Twitter. Several Tweeple were curious.
Jerome and I relish the Parisian burgers. The burger reaches new height. We cannot wait to invite friends so they can appreciate their full flavor.
Last Winter
This is not our first excursion to a different burger experience. We savored the Father’s Office burgers in Santa Monica. We liked it but we were not overwhelmed by the flavor. Both recipes prove that mayonnaise, mustard or ketchup are not essential to make a delicious burger.
Our Interpretation of The Café Salle Pleyel Burger
This was a team effort. I dug the recipe, adjusted the ingredients to our taste and my husband Jerome cooked the meal. Be prepared to taste the ultimate burger. The burgers were cooked on the BBQ.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING
posted @ Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:15 AM | Feedback (3)
Look at the previous post as the Splurge and this one as the Steal. If you are looking for a cheap and safe alternative to regular candles, President’s Choice can come to the rescue.
The glow does not seem as impressible and realistic as the flameless candles by Candles Impressions. But if you are in the rush, you can buy those while doing your grocery.
None of these two brands produce something as cool as the Oxo Candela rechargeable lights. But if you need to light many tables, you will not bust your budget with the President’s Choice Flameless candlelight options.
>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: PC Flameless Tealights – price: $1.99 CAD
Learn more: PC Flameless Votives – price: $3.99 CAD
Learn more: PC Flameless Wax Pillar Candle – price: $9.99 CAD
Categories:
PARTY supplies
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Monday, July 21, 2008 5:33 PM | Feedback (3)
This is old news but I dug it today. So I thought of sharing it with you in case you missed that announcement. When exploring the Oxo’s catalogue, I noticed the candela lights designed by Vessel marked as an Oxo product.
Curious, I investigated the matter until I discovered that Oxo acquired the intellectual property to the rechargeable lighting products from Vessel in 2007. I think that since that acquisition, the price of the candela packs may be slightly lower than they used to be.
There were production and battery problems when Vessel was producing it. As a housewares company used to deal with manufacturing issues, Oxo was better equipped to solve the problem efficiently. Vessel still collaborates with Oxo on future design.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
HOME decor
OUTDOOR living
ALL occasions
ENTERTAINING
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, July 21, 2008 4:45 PM | Feedback (0)
Every time we go to the States, I must take a peek at Crate & Barrel. I typically need a ruse because my husband knows it will take me a while to walk around the store.
I brought back only a catalogue from all my visits. What about the cute home accessories or the nice tableware that I spotted? This is now a thing of the past.
I am thrilled. I just learned that the first Crate & Barrel store in Canada is scheduled to open in September 2008. This leaves me some time for making space on my cupboards.
My dear husband should write this down on his agenda: extend our stay in Toronto the next time we go to a FacebookCamp.
Green Cooking
By this time, it may be late for the fun green and white 50s retro print of the Farmers Market line. The multi-purpose lidded Garden Market Storage Bowls would add a nice touch to your buffet or summer table. The flat bottoms with a ring of gripping rubber of the Market Bowl Set come handing during the cooking preparation stage.
Categories:
COOKING tools
DINING
posted @ Monday, July 21, 2008 12:16 PM | Feedback (1)
Serving burgers is so common that the stylish hostess is always on the lookout to elevate the basic recipe. Using a better cheese or changing the condiments is one way to go. Now the French Chefs are playing with the burger recipes.
Eating Habits
I still see many European who immigrated in Canada eating their hot sandwich or their burger with utensils. It feels strange. I must confess that I eat warm submarines with my knife and fork at home because it is less messy. But burgers and French fries are finger food. For their comfort, I provide two large napkins to every guest when we serve hamburgers.
Burgers are Turning Chic on the New York Times
This is why I enjoyed reading an article from the New York Times. It explains how the French Chefs are reinventing this American dish. My husband is cooking our version of the Café Salle Pleyel Burger tonight. I will talk about it if we like it. But I can tell you that it smells good in the house.
Categories:
DISHING tips
DINING
posted @ Sunday, July 20, 2008 10:25 PM | Feedback (1)
Last Friday, I indulged in a Finnish meets modern meets hammam water spa experience. I wanted to try it since Balnea opened a few years ago in the Eastern Township.
Sitting next to Lac Gale with a superb view of the Appalaches, the site is designed around the balneotherapy. I liked my day but Balnea felt short on the drinking water part and in helping me getting the most of the balneotherapy.
How My Day Goes By
Balnea simply provides a small water bottle for the day. Unlike many spas, they do not have a self-served cucumber water station. But you can stop by the café anytime for a complimentary herbal tea.
We booked the Sukhasana package which includes a semi-private yoga (our trio), one hour of massage and the lunch. Be aware that the lunch is up to $13, which means that you eat a soup and a healthy sandwich without extra. Their salad meal bowls are $12-$13.
Categories:
MANNERS
REVIEWS
posted @ Sunday, July 20, 2008 2:16 PM | Feedback (4)
I am going to a BBQ this afternoon. I was invited a few weeks ago and I forgot this is a housewarming party.
As I woke up, I realized that I need a card and a gift. This happens to all of us. Luckily, I found a congratulation card that matches the personality of my friend in my stash. My husband will walk to a local merchant to buy the perfect item for our friend – I told him what to get.
This is why I like the concept behind the Fresh Style Card File collection by Cecily Ink. The set is organized by category:
- 4 birthday cards
- 4 thank-you cards
- 4 sentiments: sorry, get well, with love, miss you
I think the multiple-occasion card boxes is a market that is under utilized in the stationery business. With so many unforeseen events we have to attend, having cards on hand save us time.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
PAPER goods
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Saturday, July 19, 2008 1:09 PM | Feedback (0)
Kits saved us a lot of time; something that we all welcome. But I am picky when it comes to using kits for my tablescape or my party decor.
The Dos and Don'ts of Using Kits
The main reason to be careful when using kits is that kits can lack sophistication by being too repetitive. As a rule of thumb, I stay always of the exact same image printed on everything that comes in the kit.
Over the last couple of years, many innovative graphic design brands started their own fine stationery shop. These small graphic studios brought a different aesthetic to the paper goods market. As a result, we can find wonderful kit options at a reasonable price. The key remains to know where to look for fabulous kits.
This is why I am thrilled by Places, Everyone, the latest addition from Cecily Ink. Founder Alex Wijnen of Cecily Ink designed a cool paper table settings collection.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
TABLESCAPE
PAPER goods
PARTY supplies
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Saturday, July 19, 2008 12:46 PM | Feedback (0)
Last May, I talked about how the Nintendo DS handheld could be a cool tool in the kitchen.
Basically, I explained why I think it makes more sense than the computer. At the time, I introduced a French digital cookbook called Leçons de cuisine.
Preview at E3
Now it is the turn of 100 recipes by Jamie Oliver to go on the Nintendo DS handheld. What's Cooking with Jamie Oliver will roll out starting October 2008.
It is more than a cooking game with several levels and competitions. Players can store 100 of their own recipes into the cookbook. The only draw back is that you are limited to hundreds of handpicked ingredients to record your own dishes.
The coolest thing is the shopping list. You build your shopping list from the list of ingredients of the selected recipes. The shopping list supports both Jamie’s recipes and your own recipes. You can easily bring your DS when you go grocery shopping and save on paper.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
ALL occasions
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Friday, July 18, 2008 11:40 PM | Feedback (0)
This French dessert is apparently the first fresh fruit cake. Fraisier is delicious and is a favorite during the first summer months.
A fraisier is basically a genoise sliced in two halves, filled with creme mousseline (creme patissiere combined with butter) and fresh strawberries. The top is made of a pink or green almond paste layer. This is the original version that Elle à Table qualifies avant-garde in 1960.
I am taking this opportunity to talk about how you can take any old recipe, make same adjustment to the recipe to reflect current trend and develop a new food presentation. The idea is to reinvent a classic dish.
The Fraisier, 2008 edition
Last year, La Tartine Gourmande reinvented the Fraisier by topping the genoise and freshly sliced strawberries with a snow-light rhubarb mousse made with mascarpone, rhubarb purée , egg whites and whipped cream. Strawberry goes well with rhubarb. Bea was inspired by the classic layout but her version looks more modern.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
TRENDS
DINING
posted @ Friday, July 18, 2008 12:31 AM | Feedback (0)
I am happy to announce that the Real-life Party series which will feature actual parties done by you is officially opened.
To be fair, it is the third real-life parties from readers since I showcased the Caveman Theme for a 40th Birthday Party in January 2008 and Yuri Gagarin's Night Party 2008 in Montreal in April 2008.
Birthday Cake and Party Favors
Steph, a.k.a. KiwiGirlSteph on Flickr made these adorable cupcakes for a boy fourth birthday party. This mom is very talented and she bakes cakes for her friends and family.
Categories:
KIDS party
CAKES
REAL-LIFE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Thursday, July 17, 2008 8:47 PM | Feedback (1)
Food covers are a necessity in certain regions. Unfortunately, they often lack style. This is not the case of these gorgeous bamboo food covers.
Available in three colors from the UK retailer Graham and Green, you can harmonize the bamboo food covers with a set of 3 baskets.
Like you can see on the left picture, the look feels more sophisticated if you mix colors. Repeat some key elements and have fun creating your tabletop.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Summer Bamboo Food Cover at Graham and Green – price: £10.95
Buy online: Summer Bamboo Baskets at Graham and Green – price: £12.95 for the set of 3
Categories:
TABLEWARE
DINING
posted @ Thursday, July 17, 2008 2:15 AM | Feedback (0)
Today, I am doubly happy to showcase the excellent work of this etsy seller.
Original Patterns
First of all, the wall wears by Neawear are beautiful. They are cross-stitch and embroidery pieces, framed in embroidery hoops (wooden new, vintage metal and wood).
The artist own patterns mixes fresh illustrations with old charms. Like many, I enjoy their modern simplicity. Janick’s wall wears are doing well on Etsy.
About the Creator
Secondly, Janick is one of my Web2.0 friends from Montreal. I say a Web2.0 friend since Janick and I interact exclusively through Web communities until now. We almost met once at a Creacamp.
Earlier this month, as I checked Janick’s Flickr photostream, I spot her wall wear. Then, I noticed a big announcement. Janick is taking the plunge and will work full-time on her crafting business.
Categories:
GIFT IDEAS
HOUSEWARMING gifts
posted @ Wednesday, July 16, 2008 9:02 PM | Feedback (3)
I was reading an issue of the French magazine Elle à Table at lunch. As I turned the pages, I noticed something particular about the food ads.
They have a warming message like we see for alcohol. Except that the message written in large font at the bottom of each food ad promotes good eating habits.
Processed Food Advertising in France
To feed my curiosity, I visited mangerbouger.fr to get the facts. All processed food products and drinks with added sugar, sweetener or salt are subject to this law. The law became in effect February 28, 2007.
I think that Canada and the United States should do the same. Everyone can benefit by following these 4 simple rules:
- Avoid food that is too fatty, too salty or too sweet
- Eat daily 5 portions of fruits and vegetables
- Refrain snacks between meals
- Exercise regularly.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
TRENDS
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, July 16, 2008 4:49 PM | Feedback (1)
Last Saturday, my husband Jerome and I went to the Atwater farmer’s market. We stocked the fresh produce to test three recipes by Eric Ripert. Our meal was simple to prepare and absolutely delicious.
We drank the white wine I received from Seven Daughters. It was a nice pairing. My review of this wine tasting experience is coming soon.
How I Did?
Every cook adapts the technique to his/her style. I wish to share things I did differently. Refer to the recipes on video by Eric Ripert for the ingredients and instructions.
I do not own a toaster oven since I have no counter space to spare. Truthfully, it is that I prefer leaving my counter free for other usages. Therefore, I set my gas oven at the low Broil temperature. It was the perfect heat.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
COOKING tools
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, July 16, 2008 1:13 PM | Feedback (1)
One clear fact that emerged from my debate on kid birthday party favors is the party favors must be useful to win everyone’s hearts.
Craft Project
Ohdeedoh showcases this vintage looking oilcloth lunch bag by Martha Stewart’s Living today. They have a universal appeal.
Kids uses lunch bags all the time. This model has the advantage that you can insert it in the kid backpack. You could add a Velcro if you want that the bag stayed closed.
Categories:
KIDS party
PARTY favors
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Tuesday, July 15, 2008 2:10 PM | Feedback (0)