September 2008 Entries
Our quest for simpler living spaces triggers an appeal for contrasting textures in decoration. This technique enables us to recycle a part of our current décor instead of replacing everything.
This year, you can elevate the farmhouse style by adding a crystal chandelier over an old wood dining table. You can mix and match raw materials with stylish accessories or you can favor organic irregular dinnerware displayed on a traditional dining room.
Terracotta Dinnerware Collection
I fall in love with the tableware at Toast. The Terracotta collection is simply divine. It comes in 5 colors: olive, pumice, taupe, coral and charcoal. The muted glaze colors create a harmonious, relaxing feeling. The glossy glaze adds elegance to this handmade, irregular dinnerware series.
Categories:
TABLEWARE
DINING
posted @ Tuesday, September 30, 2008 12:36 PM | Feedback (0)
Gray is hot this autumn both in fashion and home décor. People are not used to put this color on walls. But gray produce amazing neutral walls. Depending on the hues you selected, the room can look warm or cold.
These pictures taken from Living etc. to infuse some industrial influence into your house have a lot of charms and even a sense of cosiness. After the smoky eyes, it is time for the smoky walls.
This season, think about muted grays and blues, silver leaf finishes, a liquid-metal-edged quilt or a floral trellis and leaf pattern in muted metallic print for your bedding or a greenish gray wall.
My Design Challenge
I am thinking of using grays for our new office. Because I love bold color, I may apply on a small wall an orange wallpaper with a metallic large pattern that I saw at a wallpaper shop while walking in the street.
Categories:
HOME decor
TRENDS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Tuesday, September 30, 2008 10:55 AM | Feedback (4)
Here is a party decor for a murder mystery party or a Halloween party that will still be useful after the party.
To suggest a kitchen crime scene, install the Stuck on You Wall Hooks. London design team Thelermont Hupton created in 2006 these hooks to hang your kitchen linens.
Measuring the actual size of utensils, the hooks can take the shape of a knife, a rolling pin or a saucepan.
Each model is available in white, red or black. Since they are sold separately, you can display the scene the way you like. Stuck on You Wall Hooks are quirky and eye-catching.
SOURCING:
+ Stuck on You Wall Hooks at A+R - $32 USD per knife or rolling pin, $42 saucepan
Categories:
HOME decor
PARTY supplies
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Tuesday, September 30, 2008 1:00 AM | Feedback (1)
I am on the market for a new dinnerware set for at least one year. The problem with what I do for living is that I see so many gorgeous that it is hard to choose which one I like the best.
Selecting the Right Dinnerware for Your Lifestyle
I am gathering a guide on how to select the right dinnerware for entertaining. For now, let just say that you must examine how you entertain. Based on my style of entertaining, I am leaning for a French-country or any another European style.
I wish for something elegant but not too formal. And I want a pattern I will enjoy for many years. In the meantime, we will admire what I dug on the Web.
Exquisite Ceramic Dinnerware
Today, I came across the fabulous Jardins du monde ceramic collection. Juliska designers Capucine Gooding and Elaine McCleary think up unusual shapes and intricate, extravagant detailing overlaid to create a sublime new ceramics collection. The line is extensive with many statement pieces.
Categories:
DINING out
TABLEWARE
posted @ Monday, September 29, 2008 3:02 PM | Feedback (0)
The blogger behind Zoe Bakes, Zoe Francois is a professional baker who wrote a book about Artisan bread making. She wrote this book with Jeff Hertzberg.
Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day contains nearly 100 no-knead bread recipes including French loaves, ciabbata, pita, and peasant bread. An imposing majority of the 158 reviewers on Amazon really enjoy this book.
Take the time to fully read the first chapters that explain key principles in bread baking. Then, you can start to make your own bread. One of the appeals of homemade bread is how good your house will smell. It is a good idea to bake your bread when you have guests over.
Categories:
DINING
COOKBOOKS
posted @ Sunday, September 28, 2008 4:03 PM | Feedback (0)
I do not usually talk about entertainment news but I liked Paul Newman. I want to pay him a tribute.
I was raised in a small town called Trois-Rivières. We host a popular racing event for the Formula Altantic Championship. It the series Gilles Villeneuve won before graduating to Formula 1.
One year, my aunt visited the racing site and she had the chance to see Paul Newman in person. He must have been in his late fifties at the time. He was still an incredibly handsome man. I went to the race the next day but I was not as lucky.
I will not do a recap of his career or his life. I leave it to the traditional media. But I found on CBC Sports this quote that is so apropos with my blog:
"I like racing, but food and motion pictures are more thrilling," he told the Guardian newspaper in 2001. In racing, you can be certain, to the last thousandth of a second, that someone is the best, but with a film or a recipe, there is no way of knowing how all the ingredients will work out in the end…
Categories:
OFF topics
posted @ Sunday, September 28, 2008 12:32 AM | Feedback (4)
Since it is Saturday night, I will share a few of my travel pictures. I told before that I enjoy staying at the Gold Floor of The Fairmont Copley Plaza when I visit Boston. I love boutique hotels but I also enjoy the pleasures and attention to details from the old luxury hotels.
Even if I am a modernist, I love history and value the treasures of classical architecture. The Oak Bar décor is reminiscent of a British Officer's Club in the Orient. The Oak Bar at The Copley is a must for martini lovers. They cater Boston’s largest martini menus. One martini order counts for two drinks.
I enjoy the way they serve their drinks. If you order a martini, your order comes in a mini pitcher served on your own ice bucket. This is what I called entertaining in style.
Categories:
TRAVEL
FORMAL entertaining
posted @ Saturday, September 27, 2008 7:29 PM | Feedback (0)
I just received my two sets of ECOBAGS Reusable Produce Bags I bought at Delight.com. They are well made. I am thrilled to try them. I am glad especially that I often have troubles opening the brand new plastic bags.
Responding to Normal Concerns
I am fully aware that they weigh more than plastic bags. But I am willing, for now, to not start a fight at the grocery store counter because each bag only weighs 1.2 ounces. At some point, the industry will adjust to this new trend. Some stores already did.
The cashier will have to open the bags to see the little code sticker on your produce. It is fairly easy to d. You can always tell them what you bought; cashiers often know the codes by heart.
The bags are best fit for transport when you are buying your fruits and vegetables. Owners of these bags say that the vegetables stay fresher on plastic bags. So maybe, you can keep a few of your old plastic bags on hand for storage. But you will still reduce considerably your consumption of plastic bags.
Categories:
TRENDS
HOSTESS gifts
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Friday, September 26, 2008 10:37 PM | Feedback (4)
Take note because there are plenty of inspirations on these pictures for decorations, costumes and party themes.
When you are hosting a costumed party, it is often more fun to establish a theme. You get the Wow factor by tailoring the decorations and the activities to the theme. It enables you to create a stunning atmosphere.
Party Theme
The Cookie team did a great job on their Vintage Halloween party. The styling job is impressive. With a little bit of imagination, their decor can be reproduced in almost every backyard. Use old branches whenever you wish to create a sense of depth or mystery.
Some kids may require more persuasion but parents should be able to find a way to persuade their kids to dress for a theme. I learned by watching my friends that it is a matter of how you present it to the kids.
Categories:
KIDS party
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Friday, September 26, 2008 2:16 PM | Feedback (1)
Take a few minutes to relax. Have a look at the funny situations depicted in the animated movies done by IKEA.
The video showcased 5 different lifestyles and tastes. You explore ideas from the Greek alfresco family lifestyle to the urban singles, the suburban families, and the gay couples up to green conscious people. Although, I do not know what is eco-friendly about IKEA kitchens, besides the flat pack?
Tableware for Entertaining
Between each kitchen, you discover a few kitchenware and tableware items. If you are looking for Champagne flutes, you can choose between the SKIR mouth-blown flute with engraving or the very affordable SVALKA champagne flutes.
The SYNTES SKISS dinner plates are gorgeous. The series comes in 4 bowl sizes and 3 plate sizes.
Categories:
HOME + GARDEN
KITCHEN design
posted @ Friday, September 26, 2008 12:49 PM | Feedback (0)
I received my FILEX Emma by International Arrivals this week. It looks even better for real. This inspired to go on a quest to find the coolest desk accessories.
I cannot guarantee any of those will stimulate you to work harder but I know you will feel joyful if you surround your desk with cute and whimsical office supplies.
Be Kind to the Earth
Grass Roots is a good source. I found a mini blue box that fits in the palm of your hand and recycled binders there.
Did you know that you could repurpose the ring metals affixed with two screws and t-nuts instead of putting them in the trashcan when the corrugated cardboard binders are too worn?
For Organization
Besides the FILEX folders, the Task clips are pretty cool. You can get the Utility Clips (Do, File, Send, Read), the Timing Clips (Now, Tomorrow, This Week, Someday), and the Importance Task Clips (Urgent, Important, Can Wait, Trivial).
Categories:
HOME + GARDEN
ORGANIZING
posted @ Friday, September 26, 2008 2:12 AM | Feedback (1)
Textures and more ornate tableware are making a comeback. This style holds an advantage over the clean modern style as you need to add less decorative elements to make an impact. I will explore this trend further in the coming weeks.
For now, have a look at three fabulous glazed stoneware dinnerware sets made in Portugal. They vary in prices to match every budget and occasion.
Three Dinnerware Sets
Jardins du Monde can stand tall in any formal entertaining. An artful layering of round and scalloped shapes is presented in a berry-and-thread design. The extravagant serving ware celebrates four European gardens in all their glory. Remark that you do not put the coffee cup on the table before it is time to serve the tea and coffee.
Crate and Barrel sells an antique French dinnerware set that can go from everyday-to-formal entertaining depending on the rest of your table. Soft shapes in creamy white with hand-antiqued, embossed vine rims bring charms to this set.
Categories:
TABLEWARE
DINING
posted @ Thursday, September 25, 2008 9:55 PM | Feedback (0)
Lately, I wish to update my home décor. I still like my furniture for the most part. By changing the accessories, you can totally redo a room. By for now, my first challenge will be our new office. We will be moving since our space is now too big for our needs.
I still not have finished the design of my home office. Besides being too busy, what is stopping me is that I must remove some furniture. But I cannot decide which ones. I like them all.
We watch on TV shows and read on magazines the liberating effect of removing the clutter in our space. When you buy stuff, the key is to opt for things you really like. For furniture, this also means buying the best quality you can afford.
In terms of housing, downsizing makes sense in our quest for a simple life. The more space you have, the more waste of space you will experience. Challenging spaces force us to be more creative in finding solutions. This is why the most cleverly designed interiors are often small spaces.
Categories:
HOME decor
TRENDS
posted @ Thursday, September 25, 2008 3:48 PM | Feedback (0)
The migration of the birds inspires me to create an autumnal housewarming party theme. As I assembled my montages, I could not decide which one I like the best.
I composed three mood boards for the tabletop. They all reuse the same main components. I want to know which one you prefer? Before you post your vote, let me tell you about the components.
Main Components
My starting point were the two PopMat Paper Placemats by Publique Living. The Natural Kraft seems a better choice for a 100% recycled paper. It feels warmer than white. My idea is to alternate the Mailbox pattern and the Birdcage pattern as you set up your dining table.
The pop up graphics designed by Lian Ng double as a name card but I prefer it without any writing. I read on Hostess with the Mostess that Publique Living launched three new patterns in time for the Holidays: Reindeer, Fireplace and Banquet.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
PARTY ideas
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Thursday, September 25, 2008 1:06 AM | Feedback (1)
Glamour and enchanting are not the first two words that come to your minds if I tell you about a chandelier made of distressed pipe fittings and exquisite Swarovski crystals. But that is exactly what you feel looking at the handcrafted chandeliers by Michael McHale Designs.
Not a New Concept
I saw McHale Chandeliers one year ago but for some reasons forgot to talk about them. I do prefer McHale Chandeliers to the Cellula Chandelier introduced in 1996, even the colored versions. The more artistic arrangement of colored crystals makes McHale Chandeliers more fun and divine.
Each Piece is Unique
Besides the materials, what can stand these ones apart is the fact that no two are totally the same. Each piece is treated like a unique sculpture.
Categories:
HOME decor
CAKES
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, September 24, 2008 5:29 PM | Feedback (1)
Since the Holidays season is getting closer, I will talk more about interior design as many wish to update their home décor. I start with wallpapers.
Wallpapers as Temporary Decor
For an event, you can use wallpapers to create the right ambiance without gluing them to your walls. Think about how stores display wallpapers on their storefront windows for inspirations. You wish to create a theatre set not a permanent installation.
You can simply hang them from the top and let the roll fall down. Wallpapers can be used as a runner on a dining table or buffet table.
Four Modernism Collections
If you enjoy 50’s or 60’s modern style, check out the bold Mod Generation papers from the 1960s and the retro Atomic Age papers from the 1950s. Stay away for the Post-War Era papers from the 1940s unless you are doing a kitsch room.
Categories:
HOME decor
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, September 24, 2008 12:08 PM | Feedback (4)
If you are in Toronto this Friday, September 26, 2008 do not miss the Interior Design Panel that is taking place from 6 pm to 7:30 pm at Umbra Concept Store.
A panel discussion will explore how technology influences interior design with:
Umbra cofounder and VP of Design Paul Rowan will moderate the panel.
If you are interested to assist, RSVP by email at events@umbra.com. The first 25 people that show up at the event will receive the Cylindra Salt and Pepper shaker set a complimentary gift. I wish I could go.
Categories:
HOME decor
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, September 24, 2008 12:19 AM | Feedback (0)
If you are looking for gift ideas for someone that has everything and who prefer unique pieces, stop by Supermarket, an online store featuring designer products. These gifts are true indulgence for someone special.
Although it was not the initial intent, I realized after I completed my montage that you could mix those as the basis for a one-of-a-kind Halloween party for grown ups. I imagine a surrealist party theme. They are many ways you can integrate those into a concept.
Fall Theme
The 6 ceramic pears are by Heather Knight @ Element Clay Studio. It is the same ceramic artist that I spoke this morning on my Etsy watch. The pears have a soft waxy finish in soft green, yellow and red with a charming worn character.
Categories:
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, September 23, 2008 5:58 PM | Feedback (1)
The hottest trend this fall happens with patterns and a return to a warmer interior decor.
New Look to the Past
Designers created their modernized versions of the classic exotic patterns. And the results are fabulous. Textures, embroidery, stitching add to the mix.
My Faves
One of my favorite things of the season is the Bohemian Bloom Shade at Anthropologie. And the modern patchwork mosaic cowhide rug are incredible; miles away from what you have seen before.
Categories:
HOME decor
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Tuesday, September 23, 2008 4:04 PM | Feedback (0)
You can dress up your powder room with handmade soaps. It is an inexpensive way to decorate.
Simple Rules for When You Are Entertaining
Simply pay attention to the way you present the soap bars to make it attractive. Be imaginative with the container that will hold your extra soap bars. If you put a similar soap bar, people will know they can use the extra bars when needed.
If you host a big party, you can add a place card that says Feel free to use next to your pile. Also prepare a basket with rolls of toilet papers. This way, you do not have to check during the party if there is enough toilet supply.
5 fabulous finds on Etsy
+ With tasty names like Japanese Mango and Caramel Apple, Lisa Salamida of savor is a soap maker who focuses on high quality bases, essential oils, fragrance oils and additives.
Categories:
EVERYDAY entertaining
ALL occasions
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Tuesday, September 23, 2008 12:44 PM | Feedback (2)
A friend J. asked me yesterday where she could find cute storage boxes in Montreal. She asked for something similar to what is available at The Container Store. Here are the places I suggest.
For the Home
- California Closets in Westmount
- Au Printemps – three stores: Montreal, Outremont and Westmount
- The Bay, downtown Montreal – the House and Home collection is interesting but I did not check lately their inventory.
- IKEA carries a surprising collection.
For Your Desk
- The most complete Semikolon product range in Montreal is probably at Essence du Papier, three stores in Montreal
- Multimags on Saint-Laurent Blvd, before Prince-Arthur, carries a small collection that is worth a visit.
Categories:
HOME + GARDEN
ORGANIZING
HOME office
posted @ Tuesday, September 23, 2008 2:04 AM | Feedback (2)
The October 2008 issue of Domino makes me dreams about a sunny autumnal party in a field sitting a rustic long table. Apples, figs and pears are early fall harvest at its finest.
When my husband got back his appetite, he is sick right now (nothing serious), I will try to prepare the grilled pork chops with apple-fennel slaw for a dinner this week. For now, let’s talk dessert.
5 tasty recipes
I compiled a list you can serve for all occasions and types of autumnal dinner party:
Pear Melba served in a glass modernizes this classic dessert. I told you often that they presentation can transform a simple meal into something extraordinary. This is the perfect example. Photo by Ditte Isager from Domino October 2008 – right reserved
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING
posted @ Monday, September 22, 2008 2:17 PM | Feedback (0)
A few people asked me about the statistics I gave on my PodCamp Montreal presentation.
Highlights
Since I thought that some of you may want to stay current on trends, I am publishing a summary of my presentation. I compiled key facts about what is going on right now. And I finished with my opinions about the market.
Female Internet
There are now more women on the Web than men. My presentation put emphasis on the fact that women use technology to communicate, create, collect, share and fulfill their dream/passion.
Revealing Statistics
ComScore Media Metrix's year-end report: Women's community was the most visited and fastest growing Internet category, tied with politics. The number of unique visits to women's community sites jumped 35% to almost 70 million from 52 million.
Categories:
OFF topics
TRENDS
posted @ Monday, September 22, 2008 11:46 AM | Feedback (11)
Before we gather new ideas for Halloween, we cannot dismiss what we did in the past.
So I dug up the 4 ideas from last year that still make me feel in awe.
Categories:
HOLIDAY entertaining
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Sunday, September 21, 2008 10:45 PM | Feedback (2)
It was the day I gave my two sessions at PodCamp Montreal. My day was full.
I started the day by watching a live feed of Sylvain Carle’s session at 9 am. I went to David Usher and Mitch Joel session on the music industry.
My husband had his picture taken with David at Akoha’s launch party last month. He wanted to tease me since I am a fan of David and, at the last minute, was unable to attend the Akoha party. I am doubly sad because it was a great event. I now have my picture with David Usher.
Before my session, I listened to the making of Community Divas, a podcast about communities hosted by two friends, Eden Spodek of Bargainista and Connie Crosby.
Categories:
OFF topics
posted @ Sunday, September 21, 2008 3:07 AM | Feedback (8)
This is my daily collection of noteworthy stuff that I saw online.
+ I love the French-inspired interior design from an Australian magazine titled Notebook. By exploring the galleries, I digged more inspirations. Brian Culy took the picture of Modern Country interior design with the help of stylist Georgi Waddy. Via Design to Inspire
+ I also found on Notebook a Do-It-Yourself that is really cute. Here is how to reproduce the look and feel of milk glass. With the trend to pastel tones, this is a great way to decorate.
Categories:
HOME decor
BABY showers
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Saturday, September 20, 2008 12:21 AM | Feedback (0)
Lat year, I introduced the Test Tube Favor Kit by Martha Stewart. A reader asked me where to get something similar since Martha Stewart is out of stock.
You can easily reproduce the look. Creating labels is easy. The hardest thing is to find a proper rack. You can empty your tube spice rack. So I went on a hunt for the necessary equipment. So here are pretty cool suggestions to assemble your own kit.
+ For techkies, there is the Bubbling Test Tubes – price: $19.99 USD
+ For an old-fashioned look, opt for Wooden School Test Tube Rack Spice Holder Biology Physics Laboratory Style – price: $18.94 USD
+ Under the dimmed lights nobody will notice the white plastic of the Plastic Test Tube Rack – price: $6.50 USD
+ If you do not mind the yellow caps, the Baby Soda Bottles Test Tubes & Rack has everything at $5.95 for 6 tubes with caps and the rack.
Categories:
HOLIDAY entertaining
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:35 PM | Feedback (0)
A couple days before Apartment Therapy published a post about Organizing With Magnetic Boards, I spot the Wooden Memo board by Jette Scheib at MoMA store for a guest post I did for Style Sheet.
For the rest, our selections are pretty different.
More Magnetic Bulletin Board Options
I almost select the sisters and brothers of the Bird Shape-Up! Magnetic Bulletin Board by Three by Three: the Flower Dry-Erase Magnetic board for a little girl room and the Arrow Dry-Erase Magnetic board for a boy bedroom.
Categories:
MEDIA buzz
REVIEWS
ORGANIZING
posted @ Thursday, September 18, 2008 12:26 AM | Feedback (0)
This is my daily collection of noteworthy stuff that I saw online.
+ As I read the interview with New-Yorker Danielle Bilton on , I was in awe. I am not alone since Danielle won the NYC Cupcake Decorating Championships & Ignite NYC with her Iphone App Cupcakes. Even though she selected a wonderful concept for a geek event, the craftsmanship was apparent. Via Cupcakes Take the Cake
+ The U-shape is the most efficient kitchen floor plan if it does not run too long. I have a G-shape kitchen. It is perfect for me since I like to spread the work areas depending on the task. My tail of the G is in fact a 270 degree counter. This almost circular counter provides me plenty of usable space and acts as breakfast bar. All that talk was to introduce the new Scenery kitchen system in Cream from Scavolini. Via Trendir
Categories:
CAKES
DINING
KITCHEN design
posted @ Tuesday, September 16, 2008 8:47 PM | Feedback (1)
I am thrilled by this new find. A.J. Creations is born when the ceramist Amélie Lucier and the blown glass artist Julien Mongeau decided to unite the two materials to make beautiful everyday housewares.
The results are design products with an attractive tension between the materials. The bold color glass opposes pure white ceramic.
I cannot tell you more at the moment. A.J. Creations' products are supposed to be available at Les Touilleurs, a kitchen store for foodies that I adore. I will go check them out next week.
Christmas Shopping
They also exposed until December 20 at Bure & Linon. The public can visit Bure & Linon:
- Thursday and Friday from 1 PM to 6 PM and
- Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM.
You will find them at Salon des métiers d'art du Québec at Place Bonaventure from December 5 to 21, 2008. The Salon des métiers d'art du Québec is a popular stop for Christmas shopping in Montreal.
Categories:
HOLIDAY entertaining
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, September 16, 2008 1:26 PM | Feedback (1)
As I am putting the finishing touch to my presentation, I gave my synopsis to Laurent Lasalle, one of the volunteer organizers who take care of PodCamp Montreal Web site.
My session is called Beyond the Blog – How to Better Serve the Women Market Through Social Tools. Concretely, here is what I will talk about on September 20th, 2008 at 3 pm:
Now that women and mom blogs have invaded the Web, I ask what is next. How can a blogger/podcaster compete and use the social media networking tools to reach, engage and mingle with the women market? On top of that, traditional women media are starting to listen. The winners will be the ones that better serve the wishes of modern women and moms.
I will cover all these facts based on my journey to build a Web 2.0 stylish living magazine.
Categories:
OFF topics
posted @ Tuesday, September 16, 2008 12:02 PM | Feedback (0)
This is my daily collection of noteworthy stuff that I saw online. Today is all about having a sweet tooth and tableware.
+ I am a fan of Kenzo tableware. This is their latest table runner. Shibuyete (plum color) and Geisha in red were introduced this month at Salon Maison & Objet in Paris. They are a part of the Kenzo for Yves Delorme collection. You look at. Via Marie-Claire Maison
+ Learn to speak French while being reminded of good eating manners. The dessert dishes by Onze Dizieme draw attention to tips like Never chew with your mouth open or Never put your knife in your mouth. Via Marie-Claire Maison
Categories:
TABLEWARE
DINING
posted @ Monday, September 15, 2008 8:26 PM | Feedback (0)
Marie-Louise Gariépy hosts the Webzine and gizmo column on La Godasse, a urban Web radio show produced here in Montreal. She invited me to be her guest on the show. I gladly accepted her invitation.
Each show has a theme. This week was gourmandise, a word that has no equivalent in the English language. It basically means a taste and relish for good food.
Since cupcakes are a recurrent theme on my blog, Marie-Louise brought a dozen of mini-cupcakes from Les Petits Gateaux. Ah lovely! I tasted a vanilla cakes with vanilla icing decorated with cherry blossoms.
Les Petits Gateaux have a cute boutique on Mont-Royal Street in Montreal. I showed you their Halloween cupcakes last year.
Categories:
OFF topics
posted @ Monday, September 15, 2008 12:48 PM | Feedback (1)
We celebrate Halloween in Canada but it is not as huge as the celebrations in the United States.
If you wish to do something really special, you have 6 weeks left to plan it all. The store starts to be low on their coolest Halloween products which shows how people enjoy this celebration.
If you are planning an Halloween party for adults, the bar is a key element of your party. Pottery Barn carries an array of bone, skull and spider web bar accessories that can set the tone.
Candle Lights
You want to spread lots of candles for Halloween. The black candlesticks and tall pillar holders are prefect as they bring height to your decor. The black skull candles sit well on the pillar holder or fit inside the twig hurricane. Add some drama if you use a simple black pillar candle by layering a few inches of color sand inside the twig hurricane.
Categories:
HOLIDAY entertaining
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Monday, September 15, 2008 11:30 AM | Feedback (0)
Founded in 1985 by Emiel Vaessen and Gert Jan Vogel, the design agency Duo Design produced a unique line of interior products over the years. They introduced Flicker in 2008.
Flicker is a straw-like oil lamp sold in a set of 3 sticks. You deposit the stick inside a normal glass or ceramic vase. Jean of NOTCOT saw them at the Maison et Objet Fall 2008 show in Paris. Jean described them as metal straws with a wick inside which soaks up the oil.
Centerpiece Idea
Instead of the traditional candlestick, be creative with the way you lit your table when you entertain. You could use a brushed metal or a ceramic rectangular flower box that you fill with sand. Insert deeply the Flicker tubes so they feel securely in place. Cover the sand with black or white sesame seeds to finish it up.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Sunday, September 14, 2008 4:05 PM | Feedback (0)
If you host often cocktail parties, your guests will thank you if you get plates designed to simultaneously hold food and cradle a wine glass. Something called mingle plates, they are certainly the best invention for cocktail parties.
I presented you several models in the past. It seems reasonable to see if there were more options on the market.
My New Finds
The Wine Glass Plate Clip is probably more versatile because it works with our own china. These wine glass holders are made of brushed stainless steel with rubber inner surfaces to grip plates without scratching.
The clear plastic 8-inch square Wine Buffet Plate comes with a built-in stemmed glass holder. They are dishwasher safe when put on the top rack. They also sell for less the Wine 'n Dine that I found in the past at Wrapables.
Categories:
PARTY supplies
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Saturday, September 13, 2008 7:59 PM | Feedback (1)
After the initiatives of Jamie Oliver to improve the food quality in the British school system, David Rocco uses its charm and skills to inspire kids to eat well.
This is a matter that I value deeply. Eating well is not simply about losing excessive weight. It is more importantly about giving the right nutriments to your body. I strongly believe that food can keep you stay healthy. I wish for a long and healthy life.
Pilot Project
The prime minister of Ontario, Dalton McGuinty just launched a pilot project at four schools in Brampton, Kingston, North Bay and Guelph to improve the eating habits of the young population and their families.
Many of us will envy the lucky students. They met, cooked and had lunch with David Rocco at an Ontario farm. The idea is to teach these teenagers how to cook by using fresh, locally grown ingredients. The meals will be based on David Rocco’s recipes.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING
posted @ Friday, September 12, 2008 5:08 PM | Feedback (1)
Recipe cards are fun because they do not take place when you are cooking.
Nothing feels more caring than a written note in the digital age. If you looking to add a personal touch, you can bring a handwritten pack of your best recipes as an hostess gift.
Look no further and check out these 4 recipe card sets to do it in style. First, the DIY print project:
+ Ez of Creature Comforts designed yesterday a set of recipe cards with matching envelope seals. The best thing is that are free. Ez publishes her template design online for your own use.
+ Etsy seller wildolive sells at $5 her 16 3x5" card designs as a pdf file. Her design has a whimsical touch.
Then, the paper versions:
Categories:
HOSTESS gifts
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Friday, September 12, 2008 2:16 PM | Feedback (4)
If you live with a LP collector, you may look for a stylish way to store them all. Displaying LPs on the shelves quickly look messy and milk crates look out of places beyond your college years.
A woman founded Atocha Design. Jennifer Levin Atocha has a background in design and music. They custom build artisan crafted, mid-century style furniture to store records. I like the style.
But the price can be hefty. Priced at $12,500, the record cabinet on this picture has 6 record drawers and 4 CD drawers. If this is over your budget, you may check garage sale or flee market and see if you cannot repurpose a filing cabinet or a commode.
SOURCING:
+ Record Cabinet by Atocha Design – price: $12,500 as shown
+ Via AT Daily Newsletter
Categories:
HOME decor
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, September 12, 2008 1:17 PM | Feedback (2)
For her 40th birthday on television, Rachel Ray got an exact replica of her studio kitchen. The whole team at Pink Cake Box did am amazing job.
Everything was edible from the baby blue fridge, the orange stove to the wine rack, counter accessories, the kitchen table and the tile floor. Only the walls and shelves were not edible for structural purposes but they covered in sugar. The rest was replicated out of fondant, sugar paste, and cake.
You can check the cake reveal on the Rachel Ray show Web site.
MORE:
+ Pink Cake Box Blog
+ Rate or review Pink Cake Box
Categories:
CAKES
DINING
posted @ Friday, September 12, 2008 11:37 AM | Feedback (0)
This is my daily collection of noteworthy stuff that I saw online.
+ Kids will learn that they can do something for the environment and look cool at the same time if you get them the Waste-Free Lunch Kit by Kids Konserve. Via ohdeedoh
+ Have a sneak preview at the New HWTM Collection at How Fast They Grow, a site where you do digital scrapbooking. Via Hostess with the Mostess
+ A friend of mine asked me this week if I talk about wines on my blog. I enjoy a good bottle of wine but I am not a sommelier. Seeing the list of 15 wines under $15 by The Nest, convinces me to share 3 of my favorite wines in that price range. From Spain, I suggest the Crianza Red Rioja by Marques de Caceres. We discovered the Rapitala Nero d’Avola last year; my husband Jerome and I enjoy this everyday wine from Sicily. For a white wine that you pair nicely with a lemon grilled chicken, try Les Jamelles from the South of France.
Categories:
KIDS + BABY
KIDS products
posted @ Friday, September 12, 2008 2:15 AM | Feedback (1)
She did it again and impressed me with her talent.
Michelle of Clever Cupcakes produced 5 dozens of cupcakes ordered by Teletoon Canada to celebrate the launch of their Teletoon Retro network on Videotron Cable.
Chocolate and vanilla cupcakes frosted with vanilla buttercream and topped with handmade fondant Jetsons, Wonder Woman, Bugs Bunny, and Scooby Doo decorations.
Jane and Elroy from the Jetsons are well done. I liked that show. People who wanted Bugs Bunny were the luckiest since they could have more than a bite at the two cake flavors.
She used a combination of cutting out different colors of fondant and drawing using food coloring markers to create the characters.
Categories:
CAKES
DINING
posted @ Thursday, September 11, 2008 5:27 PM | Feedback (0)
It is not the first time that I am telling you this: I wish for a gift-wrapping station at home. A place where I could hang my big wrapping paper rolls and neatly store label holders, ribbons and so on.
The Wall-Mounted Craft Organizer at Pottery Barn gives me all that with an upper shelf to keep the tapes, scissors and ribbons. Four dowels drop into slots to hold wrapping paper rolls.
The bottom picture shows a craft room that almost feels like a little shop. It is charming. Baskets are a great way to store paper pieces, bags and boxes. I like to glue decorative elements near the bows. I guess I could repurpose glass jars from the grocery store.
All these are all charming. With the Holiday season that is coming up soon, I wish I would find the time to setup my own gift station. If I do, you will be the first to know about it.
Categories:
HOME + GARDEN
ORGANIZING
posted @ Thursday, September 11, 2008 4:21 PM | Feedback (0)
I do not often talk about laundry other then how to organize your laundry room but Laundry Locker’s service seems heavenly to me. This is one of many cool business ideas spotted in Springwise.
Your Personal Concierge Laundry Service
Imagine having the freedom to drop off your dirty clothes for dry cleaning or for the wash and fold services 24/7.
Then, imagine not worrying about how and when you get back your clothes. Your clothes are returned the next turnover day. The billing is automatic and you can look at your laundry batches online.
By default, all clothes are cleaned in cold water to reduce shrinking, fading and bleeding which is the way I do it. You can tell them your cleaning preferences (ex: fabric softener, temperatures) on your profile. Since I dislike folding clothes, I wish for this indulgence.
Laundry Locker was founded in 2005 to cater to people who do not wish to deal with the usual business hours of dry cleaners. Their lockers are available in apartment buildings, condos, offices, fitness facilities and other drop-off locations throughout San Francisco. They even offer a home delivery service.
Categories:
ALL occasions
GIFT IDEAS