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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]
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posted @ Monday, May 12, 2008 2:34 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.
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BIG events
posted @ Thursday, May 08, 2008 7:51 PM | Feedback (0)
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.
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GIFT ideas
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posted @ Thursday, May 08, 2008 9:52 AM | Feedback (2)
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
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PAPER goods
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posted @ Sunday, May 04, 2008 10:18 PM | Feedback (1)
I do not know if you heard but the Digg for Chicks is changing its name. You can read of all the details on sk*rt corporate blog.
In true sk*rt fashion, sk*rt hosts a fabulously fun contest and turn the naming decision over to you, their clever readers.
With 235 comments so far, 9 names are still in competition. Names that get too few votes were discarded today. A new name was added today. The vote will be wrapped up by Friday May 2 at midnight PST.
I have already casted my vote. Since I did it through the comments, my opinion is already public:
- First place; SheSaw
- Runner Up: Kirtsy
Visit sk*rt, the blog to see the entire list and vote.
>>> Sourcing:
Via: Sk*rt is Over, Long Live Sk*rt: Women's Site Holds Vote for New Company Name [ReadWriteRead]
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posted @ Thursday, May 01, 2008 12:01 AM | Feedback (0)
My blog is about harmonizing décor and beautiful things. This post does not fit the bill.
The idea of transforming a train into a showroom is cool. Sadly, IKEA did not convince me with the décor they put on. Maybe, it is a cultural thing.
Showroom On Rails
For the opening of its new store at Port Island, IKEA did a huge promotion. The Kobe Portliner Monorail was decorated with fabrics of the new IKEA collection. Each wagon featured a set of bright seating. They even add a small drape panel on every window.
Frankly, it does not really look good. IKEA fails in trying to show too much. There are too many clashing patterns in my opinion. The showroom would have been more effective if they limit to one color family. And show several ways to incorporate it into your life.
Remaking the train interior is quite an achievement. It is also a test for the quality of their fabric. Japanese trains are extremely busy. I have not read a story on who these temporary showrooms wear off. I am curious to know.
Still Running
Bold patterns were painted on the outside of the monorail. You can ride the IKEA showroom Monorail until May 6, 2008 if you happen to travel to Japan.
Q. What do you think about the IKEA showroom on rails?
>>> Sourcing:
Via: IKEA decks out Kobe train on [pinktentacle]
Photo credits: Kiyo
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HOME decor
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TRENDS
posted @ Friday, April 25, 2008 12:52 PM | Feedback (3)
Recycle is good, reuse feels great! If you possess things that I do not use anymore, the green solution is to make sure someone uses your old stuff. Go ahead and unclutter your home. It makes sense economically and ecologically.
Reuse
Even if you prefer buying new products, you can still participate in the equation. You simply have to donate or to sell your old stuff. Second-hand markets are getting more popular. It helps people that are less fortunate and it reduces your footprint of the landfill.
Think twice before you buy a new thing. It is best to buy better quality items because they perform well over a longer period of time. They are the ones with the best reuse value.
The socialite never wears the same dress twice for events. So why not rent night gowns, bridesmaid dresses and even your wedding dress? A few specialized shops around the world rent high end handbags. I kept my wedding dress for 13 years now; nicely sealed like we are supposed to. I decided to sell it to a store that updates used wedding dress. I should have done it many years ago.
The same is true for your furniture, books, children toys and sport equipments. Before you throw something, ask yourself if someone can reuse it.
More Green Tips
I compiled a brief list of wonderful resources and events on green living. Here, my seven comments on the 50 Ways to Help Our Planet presented by Wire & Twine:
- One thing that I learned is that your vehicle could get up to 15% better mileage when is on the cruise control. Interesting fact!
- I hang dry most of my clothes. It preserve them longer.
- I stop buying newspapers several years ago. Too much waste. You can read the newspapers at a café for free or get informed on the Web.
- I do not need to telecommute since I live at a walking distance from my office. It is also less stressful.
- I skipped the coffee stirrer and the spoon whenever I can. You simply pour milk first and then the coffee; the mix occur naturally.
- I always download my software. Faster and no box to open.
- I do not own an answering machine. Phone companies offer a better service without cluttering my house with a machine.
These articles provide interesting green living information:
What new green initiatives are you integrating into your life? Any eco-friendly tips to share?
Sourcing:
Learn more: Free is Good Web site from Yahoo!
Via: Swissmiss
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TRENDS
posted @ Tuesday, April 22, 2008 1:43 PM | Feedback (1)
My Two friends Muriel Ide of MI2 and Nathalie of Gustav & Nat voyagent tagged me. I am glad!
This tagging exercise gives me the chance to talk about a topic that is dear to my heart. I never spoke about it on my blog. I am talking about makeup and beauty products.
My mother taught me that a woman never goes out without makeup. She is a feminine, business woman. She taught me how to properly cleanup my skin and apply a skin cream when I was 13 years old. I cannot be absolutely sure that I have fewer wrinkles because of my daily skincare routine but it does hurt for sure. So why take the chance?
My Skincare and Makeup Favorites
My Foundation: Chanel, without hesitation. You do not feel it and your skin looks perfect. I mixed two: Mat Lumiere on my nose (a darker shade during spring to fall) and Vitalumiere anywhere else. In the middle of summer, I switch to Mat Lumiere only. I always apply my makeup with a brush. It gives a more natural finish and it is more ecological than the triangles that you throw away.
My Mascara: I still not have found the ideal one for me. I use lengthening mascara.
Day Cream: Always from Clarins. I alternate which one I use from the Clarins line to fit the season and my skin needs. I always put a morning lifting eye gel (a gel is better under the makeup) and an anti-wrinkle evening eye cream. Protecting the eyes and the neck is crucial to maintain a young appearance.
My Beauty Product Brand: Clarins. Runner-up: Chanel for their cleaning products
My Essential Beauty Product: bi-phase eye makeup remover. I alternate between Precision’s Gentle Biphase Eye Makeup Remover by Chanel or Instant Eye Make-Up Remover by Clarins. I think the Chanel remove more, faster.
My Favorite Makeup Product: M.A.C. for the colorful wide arrays of eye shadows. It stays wonderful on my eyes. Lately, my eyes stand out with the Phone Number Eye Kohl liner and the Blackground Paint Pot. Eye shadows cannot exist without the liners.
My Perfume: Prada Eau de Parfum during winter. During fall and spring: Prada Eau de Parfum Tendre. For summer: Dior Addict 2. The Limited Edition Dior Addict 2 Sparkle in Pink is divine for a night out.
Three Products to bring on a Deserted Island (besides solar) : Dove soap bars, Aveeno moisturizing cream, a duo: Precision’s Radiance Cleaning Foam + Soothing Toner by Chanel. I know the count is 4. So imagine how I must be clever to pack everything with the new air travel regulations.
Woman I admire for her beauty: Right now, I do not have a particular one. More than a decade ago, Isabella Rossellini was on the top of my list. She will be a brunette for sure.
Woman with the Best Sense of Style: I do not have anyone that I fit the bill lately. The only name that comes to my mind is Audrey Hepburn (I do not copied on Murielle). Audrey Hepburn was stylish, cheerful and beautiful. I watched Breakfast in Tiffany Saturday night.
My Ultimate Dream (but I do not believe in selling my soul to the devil for it): A modern architecture house masterpiece sitting on the top of a hill in California or in Europe
How Do I Define Womanhood: Grace with a sense of style.
My Favorite Fashion Publication: I do not have any because I feel disconnected with that the magazines are showcasing us lately. So I stop buying them.
If you like designer jewelry, Muriel Ide is very talented. She creates jewelry in her spare time. MI2 is where you can admire her latest creations.
Next challengers
I figure out that 3 is not enough, 7 is too much. I am tagging 5 girls from my blogging circle:
Eden of Bargainista
Janick of Fonetik - sadly I found out that she does not wear makeup
Lara of Ready 2 Spark
Lynne of Swishlist
Sarah of Toast and Tables
April 22nd, Update: Kelly of Design Crush liked the idea. I inspired her to reveal her beauty secrets. She is a Lancome fan.
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posted @ Monday, April 21, 2008 2:06 PM | Feedback (9)
I want to apologize to all my readers for the inconvenience. You probably experienced a loading problem when visited my blog over the last week or two. I am happy to report that everything is back to normal now.
I tried to pinpoint the problem over the last few days. Eureka! I just tracked down the script from an external party causing the infinite loop.
So from now on, there will be no more just for fun external widgets on my blog. I will program only what is necessary to run my blog.
You may have noticed that I made several changes over the couple of weeks to simplify my blog layout. The category system had a facelift. I spotlighted previous stories. More changes are scheduled.
Thank you for your patience and your trust.
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posted @ Wednesday, April 16, 2008 2:21 PM | Feedback (1)
It has been a week since I spoke at the Montreal Girl Geek Dinner, an offshoot of the London Girl Geek Dinners started by Sarah Blow. These monthly events provide a welcoming atmosphere and a platform for learning in an informal environment, typically a local restaurant.
If there is a Girl Geek Dinner chapter in your town, I invite you to join. These meetings are not about hard core geek stuff. The proof, I was invited to speak for what I am doing right now.
That is one of the marvelous things about blogging: you do not need to be technologically savvy to succeed. But knowing about Search Engine Optimization (SEO), statistical tools, online advertising and social networks can grow your brand faster.
My personal story
For me, the Montreal Girl Geek Dinner talks are about sharing experiences. As a blogger I aim to inspire my readers. It is now possible to earn a living as a professional blogger. I am not there yet but every month I am closer of my goal.
For the past 5 years, I dreamed of building my own home living and shopping magazine. Because I was stuck in the old media business model, I failed until last year to see that I could do it with a blog. A chain of events led me to take the steps for realizing my dream.
To make a story short, this is my third career. I am finally working by passion. Because I believed in following our dreams, I decided to discuss how I am building my online brand. I gave tricks on how to generate traffic through simple SEO techniques that take a few seconds per post, how real-time statistics can sometimes shape your editorial plan and I demonstrate the power of social media. I talked about design issues and the need to be active in and out of your own blog.
I encourage you to read the report of Tanya McGinnity, the organizer of the Montreal Girl Geek Dinner on the MGGD blog. You can see on the blog what the other girls talked about at previous events. If you want to talk, do not hesitate to contact Tanya. Most of the communications are done through Facebook, so join the Montreal Girl Geek Dinner group or your local chapter (Toronto, Bay Area, international listing).
I am grateful
I want to say thank to Tibetan Om Restaurant for accepting that we do a presentation at their restaurant. It is special experience because they were other customers. If you never tasted Tibetan cuisine before, it is really good. It was my first time. I ate a lentil soup, a sampling of dumplings and a beef stew served with vapor bread (that is white the bread is still white). My husband, my official event photographer, ordered a plate of shrimp dumplings that were delicious.
I also wanted to thank all the participants for listening, asking good questions and giving me many sound advices. Finally, thank you Tanya for asking me to talk. Preparing and doing the speech allowed me to put my goals and my achievements into perspective which give me a chance to move further. The Girl Geek Dinner event is really a two-way street.
More Marketing Tips
I want to share two blogs that gives excellent, down to earth advices on generating traffic and blog monetarization. If you are serious about blogging, make sure to add those to your RSS daily feed.
- Problogger – do not miss his Best of Problogger
- ReadWriteWeb – useful tips on how to write an online publication
I also suggest you follow a couple of blogs from specialists in communications or marketing. I do not give you any names because it is a matter of personal style.
I will go back to my regular editorial on my next post.
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DINING out
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posted @ Thursday, April 03, 2008 1:28 PM | Feedback (1)
I did not post yesterday night because I had enough of my cell phone. My Motorola RAZR might have been pretty in pink (fuchsia) but it was not fit for an active member of the social media community.
A full QWERTY keyboard became a must since I started using Twitter or to write several Facebook Status Updates a day to stay on top of Status Competition – a little bit of self-promotion (if you do not know, my husband and I created the Status Competition on Facebook as a social experiment). Being able to send and receive emails all the time is pretty handy.
A smart phone for a stylish girl
So what phone a stylish Canadian girl goes for: the next best thing besides an iPhone. For my non Canadian readers, the iPhone has not officially arrived in Canada. Apple and the aspirant wireless service provider cannot reach an agreement. I was tired of waiting and decided to act.
So I bought a Red BlackBerry Curve 8310 Smartphone instead. Mine is a rich burgundy red so it looks less corporate. It is the smallest and lightest BlackBerry to offer a full QWERTY keyboard, Web browsing, GPS, 2.0 megapixel camera with digital zoom and flash. There is a MP3, but I do not care because I always carry my iPod Touch.
After going for a drink with some friends, I went shopping, ate dinner and started the learning process. My husband set everything up for me. This is definitely the biggest advantage to be married to a cute geek. As I woke up this morning, I read my twitter on my Blackberry.
My Red BlackBerry Curve may not be as cool as the iPhone but once you learned how the basics, it is pretty easy to maneuver. If I can only find a great ring tone, I will be all set.
Sourcing:
Where to buy: Store listing for the BlackBerry Curve 8310 Smartphone
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TRENDS
posted @ Tuesday, April 01, 2008 11:15 AM | Feedback (0)
I invite you to an event on March 26th, 2008. I would like to meet you at the next Montreal Girl Geek Dinner. That night, I will be speaking about how to create your online brand identity from my own experiences.
If you are a blogger, you realized that blogging has made it possible to “become a media”. The concept of my speech is to share my experiences, be inspirational and exchange ideas with the group. See you there.
For more information and to confirm your presence, check out the March Montreal Girl Geek Dinner event on Facebook.
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posted @ Monday, March 17, 2008 12:40 AM | Feedback (0)
As you can see, I got a new brand identity. I decided to opt for a cleaner look and a signature that fits better into my personality. This is phase 1. Some features will be added over the next week or two. I hope you like it.
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posted @ Thursday, March 06, 2008 12:33 AM | Feedback (2)
These are gift ideas for the fashionable girls who have everything. They are off track for my blog but at least they are stylish. And everyone knows that being fashionable is a proven method to get invited to the coolest parties. So!
Beautiful and practical memory keys
The next time you assist at a meeting or stand at a kiosk of a trade show be prepared and wear your USB Memory Keys as a jewelry piece. It is practical because if you like to wear dresses as much as I do, you know that pockets are rare. So you cannot carry around your USB Memory Key with you all the time.
My only complaint about the Active Crystals Heart model is that is only comes in the 1 MG capacity. I expect higher capacity options for a high end product. But from a style point, it is the prettiest USB memory key on the market.
Stylish in-ear headphones
It used to be that wearing the white iPod earphones was considered hot. Now, you need more to impress your girl friends. Before your steps in the trendiest coffee shop, make sure to wear the SPACE in-ear headphones in the latest Violet or Jet Hematite color.
SPACE in-ear headphones are made with polished stainless steel body and high quality fabric-type cable. The soft and flexible earpiece is made of transparent silicone with fully faceted drop-cut Violet crystals on outside. I would like to get a pair. Does anyone can tell me about the sound quality?
Sourcing:
Buy online: Heart Ware Vitrail Light USB Memory Key – price: $ 210 CAD
Buy online: Space Violet Headphones – price: $105 CAD
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GIFT ideas
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posted @ Tuesday, March 04, 2008 12:42 AM | Feedback (0)
Every time a chapter of your life, short or long, finished you feel its impacts. That is what makes living so exciting.
As my frequent travel run ended last night, I am getting back to my regular schedule. What this means for you is that:
- You get more daily posts – more tips, more inspirations
- I will have time to create instructional videos
- I can participate more in the blogosphere.
There will be more posts on the amazing things I did or I saw plus my guides on better living in style. Stay tuned; it should be exciting.
Coming soon: an improved Web site
In the upcoming days / weeks, I will deploy:
- a new signature for At Home with Kim Vallée - the time has come to get a real identity for my brand
- a revised, more relevant category system
- new features to get to my content
What type of tree?
I took the pictures last week at Peju, a small Provencal family-run winery in Napa Valley. Since I forgot to ask, does anyone know what type of tree this is?
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posted @ Monday, March 03, 2008 11:55 AM | Feedback (9)
My husband saw a homemade flyer in front of the Royal York that was offering a $15,000 reward, no questions asked for returning a dog.
The super luxury housing market emerged over the last six months in Toronto with condo units now listed at 12 million dollars. With money comes experimentation and market differentiation.
An overview of a super luxury market in Toronto
The topic of one design talk at IDS 08 was Upsizing of the condo market: a lifestyle trend. What is happening right now is not just higher priced condominiums. The builders are offering more choices than ever to the consumers.
Some projects offer the freedom to design your unit with architects and designers before it is even built. Many builders hire a team of star architects and designers to make sure their design is well thought.
The average price of those super luxury condos are well over $1000 square feet. They come with a wide range of exclusive boutique hotel kind of services. The monthly fees for the penthouse of the Four Seasons reach about $8000. Well-known architects and designers unite to create stunning projects.
Why it is important for most of us?
Eventually what happens at the top end of the luxury market finds a way to reach a broader market over time? Innovations start at the higher end segment. But now, you can find modern stylish accessories and furniture to fit any budget.
If you know about the latest trends, you can challenge the builders so they will create more design-oriented condominium buildings.
Individual taste
If you read my article on the Top 10 design trends, the general message is that people wish to live in a space that reflects their individual style. In the past, you could only accomplish it by building your own house. That is what my parents always did.
My brother, who lives in a small town, bought a land 6 years ago, got his own plan and managed the construction of his house. All the houses on his street are build the same way. He lives in a street where every house looks different. I think it is time that we stop the super normalization of our city landscape.
Downsizing in square feet but upsizing in style
As more and more of the boomer generation continue to leave their suburban house to live in the smaller urban condominium, the market start to adapt to their demand. To have served them as an event designer, they are more diverse in style than marketers want you to think.
It was also a time when families with young children often refrain to decorate their house to their liking because of they were living with children. And let’s be frank; there were no stylish options for infant gears. This was before the emergence of several modern design baby object company that occurred over the last 5 to 6 years.
Exploring a new lifestyle
A small number of families with children (infants to teenagers) opt for urban living. I do believe that the suburban model is far from perfect. People want a backyard and a pool but it takes them two hours to get home. So they cannot really enjoy it. They cannot go a buy a bottle of milk without taking the car and you hear your neighbors mowing their grass when you want to relax. I know because it happens when I visit my friends.
The Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation published the revealing 2005 report card. It demonstrated that, on average, the urban residents are healthier and less stressed than the residents of the suburbs. With all the cool specialty stores that you find in the city and the proximity of the convenience, I prefer my urban living.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Upsizing of the condo market: a lifestyle trend at the IDS 08
Learn more: Shangri-La Toronto - Kitchen photo
Learn more: Heart and Stroke Foundation 2005 Report Card On Canadians Health Has The Suburban Dream Gone Sour?
Categories:
HOME decor
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TRENDS
posted @ Monday, February 25, 2008 2:46 AM | Feedback (4)
Yesterday, my husband brought me to a sold-out concert. It was a classical orchestra playing scores from video games.
Hosted by Tommy Tallarico with Jack Wall as the conductor, Video Games Lives is a multimedia concert. We looked at excerpts of the game while the music was playing. What surprised me the most what that the assistance recognized instantly the music and they cheered when it was one their favorite games.
If you are not familiar with video games, many scores they played were from franchises. A video game franchise is a series of game around a character. You got Mario Brothers, The Legend of Zelda, Warcraft, Final Fantasy. Some franchises started twenty years ago and they include 10-12 games each.
From my point of view, you need to be hardcore gamers to know the music. I recognized none, except for the beginning of Halo because it sounds like Tibet monks and my husband plays that game very often.
I am talking about it because I was amazed. Assisting to the concert made me think that it is probably how the rest of world feels when I am talking about the design world. After all, you need to be a hardcore design fan to know about Lekker, Mud Australia, Marcel Wanders or to read the latest edition of Haüser if you live in America. Everybody has its passion.
By the way, Martin Leung, the young pianist has become a legend on the Internet after publishing a video where he was playing songs from Super Mario blindfolded. He did it yesterday in front of us. Impressive!
Sourcing:
Learn more: Video Games Live
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DINING out
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posted @ Saturday, February 09, 2008 3:34 PM | Feedback (0)
Ready 2 spark, Bargainista and Creativadoration tagged me. The first blog tagged me around Christmas. Obviously, I have been postponing my answers. Since it is my third instance at this friendly game, I was wondering what I can tell you about me. My 7 unique facts are:
- I do not read many books a year because it takes me ages to find the time to read it all. Wish me good luck since I started the Harry Potter series a while ago. I am currently reading the fourth book.
- I do not like sitting in an aisle seat because people can bump into you
- I studied at an English-speaking University for my bachelor degree so I can learn English. My head hurt so much after the first hour.
- I studied actuarial mathematics but the career counselor suggested I become a TV producer.
- I once babysitted my little brother and he locked me in a room.
- I get travel sickness when sitting in the backseat of a car.
- My love for modern architecture started when I was 8 or 10. Do not ask me where it came from. I suspect it came from watching TV or traveling to California.
Since I took a long time answering, many bloggers I wish to tag have already been spotted. For that reason, I will only tag:
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posted @ Tuesday, February 05, 2008 1:44 AM | Feedback (1)
My husband’s aunt C. is at the hospital after an operation to fight cancer. The operation went well and she is in recovery. Yesterday, the weather was terrible in Montreal. Incredibly strong winds and icy rain fell in the morning.
As I was walking to the office around noon, I asked myself why the sidewalks of sloped streets did not get priority. I took tiny steps like if I was wearing a kimono. I was afraid of falling.
And I was right to be afraid. It happened to her older sister A. fell while on her way to visit C. at the hospital. She fell on an icy sloped sidewalk. She became unconscious and by the time she reached the hospital, nothing can be done. The sad thing is that they told her to take a cab but she preferred walking. We cannot anticipated the worst.
The two sisters were pretty close and I met A. several times in family reunions. I liked her a lot so I will miss her conversation. I hope this will not affect C.'s recovery.
So please be careful as you are doing your daily stuff. Accident happens so easily. Take good care of yourself and your loved ones.
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posted @ Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:28 AM | Feedback (4)
The second self-promotional post of the day. Do not worry, it will not become an habit!
Besides being an entertaining expert, some of you may know that I am a geek. And I proud to announce that the first public Facebook application developed by my husband Jerome Paradis and I has been approved. Our Facebook application is called Status Competition.
Status Competition is an application that enables you to stay connected with your friends. We invited some friends to play before the official launch. The responses have been quite positive. We already had some reviews by bloggers.
We even have friends who challenged themselves and entered into a sprint of Status Competition voting. I was astounded by the scores they achieved. Be warned, playing Status Competition can become addictive. I would be sad if you miss my daily posts.
How do you play Status Competition?
If you participate in Facebook, you probably noticed how quickly the words get around when you write something on your Status Update. Personally, I like updating my status several times a day. This way, I inform my friends about what is going with my day.
Status Competition makes the most of the human social behaviors. When your friends vote on your status update, you know instantly that they read it. You vote by simply clicking on a feeling or an emotion. When you received a vote, you know how your friends feel about what you had to say. And you cannot underestimate the reciprocal power of voting. What is best is that you get points to do all that. You can become the best scorer of your group of friends.
My secret to rise at the top of the leader board
Vote for a few friends first. Then invite your friends to participate into a friendly Status Competition so they can vote for you. Play regularly. Try Status Competition and see how fun it is!
Sourcing:
Learn more: Status Competition application on Facebook
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posted @ Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:33 PM | Feedback (0)
I advertise on the USA Today Blogger & Podcaster Guide to raise awareness about my blog. People can rate my blog. If you like what I do, I invite you to give me lots of stars.
My word of advice to fellow bloggers
If you are interested to advertise your blog in The Blogger & Podcaster Guide, know that their debut has been rough: their system crashed and they stopped the launch for several weeks. It is fair to say that technically, they underestimated the impacts of an aggressive marketing campaign targeting communities of bloggers and podcasters all at once. I feel that they still need improvements on the usability. But since I used to work as a UI designer, I am generally demanding about the interface ease of use.
I took advantage of a two-month free promotion at the very last minutes a while ago. I do not waste any money but I wonder if I will cancel my subscriptions. Since I do not think the free offer is still available, you may want to wait before subscribing your own blog. I still have to see any impacts on my traffic. That is why I am asking you to rate my blog. Maybe it would help.
Do you have any experience to share regarding The Blogger & Podcaster Guide?
Update: Someone just told me that in order to vote, you will need to register. If you are willing to do it, a DOUBLE thank you. The link to rate my blog is http://www.bloggerandpodcaster.com/ut_listings_c.php?id=346.
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posted @ Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:54 PM | Feedback (0)
The sales start January 10th, 2008. Exceptionally both stores will be open on this Sunday, January 13.
Since 1975, Arthur Quentin sells European tableware, kitchenware and home decor items to those practicing the art of gracious living. They mostly carry high end French Country style and Italian pieces. Bleu Nuit shares the same philosophy but for bed and bathroom linens.
It is time for me to get that fabulous pure linen hemstitched table cloth and matching napkins that I saw last fall. Arthur Quentin has in store one of the largest selections of Gien's dinnerware.
You got until January 26 to save up to 50% of specified products, 30% of others and 20% on everything in the store.
BLEU NUIT
3913 Saint-Denis Street, Montreal, QC H2W 2M4
p 514.843.5702
ARTHUR QUENTIN
3960 Saint-Denis Street, Montreal, QC H2W 2M2
p 514.843.7513
Sourcing:
Learn more: Arthur Quentin – only in French
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posted @ Wednesday, January 09, 2008 10:48 AM | Feedback (1)
If you are on Facebook, I invite you to join the group for my blog. I want to create a place where we can share entertaining experiences and exchange on fine living.
You visit my blog for my inspirations. My intent with the Facebook group is to be more about you. I want to know about your entertaining ideas, the home products you like and your lifestyle. As a tastemaker, it is important that I stay up to date with your needs and desires. I feel the Facebook group it the perfect forum to do that.
Do not be shy to start the conversation. Tell me about your taste, your ideas and your opinions through the wall or the discussion board. As a member, you will be able to upload your own posts, photos or videos about your parties and your home projects.
I hope to meet you on the At Home with Kim Vallee’s Facebook group.
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posted @ Wednesday, January 02, 2008 2:23 PM | Feedback (0)
Resolutions give directions to the starting year. But first, I looked back at 2007, a decisive year for me.
My Secrets
I had to thank my friends Kat and Chris for giving me The Secrets by Rhonda Byrne at my birthday. Reading this book gave me the strength and the hope for my wildest dreams: to become a media personality. I laid out the foundation in 2007.
I was blogging sporadically as a hobby. My ski accident combined with reading The Secrets leaded me to regular writing. I am happy because in a few months I grew my blog readership, wrote articles for another online publication (FoodTV.ca) and was interviewed 5 times by major traditional media: two magazines, a daily newspaper and two TV shows.
For 2008, my dreams are bigger. I wish to be in front of the camera more often, to be published on a print magazine, to start a book and to get speaker’s engagements at conferences / seminars. All those things while I will continue to inspire you on a daily basis with my blog.
About personal branding
It may seem a lot but I learned from a Mitch Joel’s podcast interview that you need to dream beyond reality. Amongst other things, Mitch Joel, president of Twist Image, is a personal branding expert who believes in doing the impossible. Go to Six Pixels of Separation for his popular blog and podcast.
If you believe in your dreams, the universe will take care of providing you the opportunities. After, it is up to you to make it right. It may sound esoteric but this happens to me several times last year. It is now my new motto.
On a down to earth basis, my goals for 2008 are:
- Travel more often – you will get a wider array of inspirations
- Improve my photography skills – buying a new camera as a reward
- Do more video blogs – to get comfortable in front of the camera
- Learn the art of podcasting – Eden, I will assist at PodCamp Toronto
- Cook more often – with my hectic agenda, it is sometimes hard to cook our dinners
Before you go back to your daily routine, make sure to take a few minutes to reflect on what happens to you last year and to decide what you want out of 2008. Life is short, so make the best of every year. And I want to know: What are New Year's Resolutions?
Sourcing:
Buy online: The Secret by Rhonda Byrne at Amazon.com
Learn more: Web site of The Secret
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posted @ Wednesday, January 02, 2008 1:19 PM | Feedback (4)
I want to thank everyone for participating. I really enjoyed reading how you wrap your holiday cookies. In fact, I took several notes.
A random draw determines the winner. I am pleased to announce that the winner is Jennifer Mitchell of Design Hole.
Congratulations Jennifer! Please send me your address through the Contact form so you can get your prize. Write "November 2007 CHH" as the Subject of the Message.
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posted @ Wednesday, November 21, 2007 6:20 PM | Feedback (1)
My week-ends are getting busier. So I decided that from now on, my review of the blogosphere week column would be published on Monday.
The rules of my weekly review
Each Monday, I spotlight three blog posts. The challenge for me is that I must create a mood board with the pictures / stories that 3 or 4 bloggers have posted in the last 7 days. The mood board must stay within the scope of my blog. That is why this column is titled 3 blogs and a mood board.
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posted @ Monday, October 22, 2007 12:23 AM | Feedback (1)
I have been waiting a long time for this moment. So I have to share this news with you.
I do not follow professional sports except for Formula 1 racing. You can understand my interest since Formula 1 racing represents a luxury life on the fast line and great parties.
The remarkable Kimi Raikkonen is my favorite driver on the circuit. I feel like celebrating right now because Kimi won his first F1 Championship. I like him so much that I switched from being an avid McLaren supporter to become a Ferrari follower.
Kimi has been unlucky at McLaren Mercedes. This year at Ferrari has not been an easy ride either. So he deserved it. Congratulations Kimi! I hope that this is the first of a series.
If you do not follow Formula 1, this article from CNN relates the drama of the last race and how intensive the 2007 season has been.
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posted @ Sunday, October 21, 2007 2:41 PM | Feedback (0)
I have obligations this week-end so I have to postpone my story. I did the mood board this morning. You will not want to miss it. Make sure to come back Sunday night.
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posted @ Saturday, September 22, 2007 1:01 PM | Feedback (0)
Today is Blog Day. This is perfect for me since it falls the same day I usually feature the best posts of the week from the blogosphere. This edition will be slightly altered to fit their spirit of the celebrations.
Basically to celebrate I need to introduce 5 new blogs to my readers, ideally from around the world. I must notify first the 5 bloggers that I recommended as part of BlogDay 2007 so they can continue the celebrations.
Paper Skirt for invitations and greetings
Paper Skirt is the biggest (and best!) creative undertaking of multimedia graphic designer Lana Stewart from Ottawa. I follow Lana Stewart for a while now on her own blog. Now with the opening of a workshop boutique, Paper Skirt has its own blog.
I invite you to take a look at Lana's greeting card collections. The Needs More Tuna recipe cards are original. Buy several sets, they made a great hostess gift for people that like to cook. Her cat Orville is a friend of my cats on Facebook.
Bargainista for her shopping advice
Bargainista is a blog of a busy, working young mother from Toronto. She tells us about sales and shares her customer experience with us. I enjoyed her blog even though I do not live in Toronto. I met her because she also competes in The 1% Army Canadian Blogging Tournament. She is energetic and fun.
Unclutterer for a neater living environment
Unclutterer is the blog about getting and staying organized. They give practical tips on how to find a place for everything, and everything in its place. I gather some useful information. The less you need to unclutter your house before a party, the more you will enjoy it.
Popgadget showcases innovative gadgets for women
Popgadget is a lifestyle magazine that embraces technology as a regular and essential part of women's lives. Popgadget is written by women for women. You find unusual, something tacky gadget items but you also discover cool innovative objects. That is where I discovered my trendy clip-on MOOPocket sold on etsy.
The MOOPocket classic costs $11 USD. The clip-on model is $15. The fabric selection is great. They are a must if you have MOO cards. Even my husband thinks they are cool. Some fabrics are neutral gender.
Olivese for amazing French fabric pattern
The bad news for most of my readers is this is Olivese blog written in French produced by Creations Olivese. I found it very inspiring to look at their textile and sewing creations for babies and young children. I do not even have children. Located in France, this small design studio is working on a fabulous collection and the opening of a boutique. I love the colors and motifs. You do not need to read French; their blog is a pleasure for the eyes.
Happy Blog Day! If you did not post your 5 new blogs, there is still time to participate.
Sourcing:
Learn more: BlogDay web site
Buy online: Home of the MOOPocket Splatgirl Creates on etsy
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posted @ Friday, August 31, 2007 2:30 PM | Feedback (2)
J Lee from An Eye for An I:nterior I tagged me. Thank you for choosing me.
Rules of the game:
Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to then report this on their own blog with their 7 things as well as these rules. They then need to tag 7 others and list their names on their blog. They are also asked to leave a comment for each of the tagged, letting them know they have been tagged and to read the blog.
I was in rush this morning so I did not read the rules properly. I inverted the steps of the rules. I am sorry for my seven tagged bloggers; I may have got you a little bit confused.
My 7 random facts/habits
- I am a Formula 1 fan who is disappointed lately by the lack of form of her favorite driver, Kimi Räikkönen
---- July 1, 2007 Update: I am a much happier fan after his win at the French Grand Prix
- I am buying make up products all the time. I do not like to look the same two days in a row
- My closets need to be uncluttered. I tried to find time but there is always something more fun to do. I watched Neat and Mission Organization to boost my stimulus.
- I have a favorite brand for every product I use.
- I can become addicted to video games. In 1998, I played 14 hours in a row at Ultima Online. Last year, I was addicted to Animal Crossing on Nintendo DS. Both times, I was saved by vacation.
- I love to travel. Europe is one of my favorite destinations. Japan, Scandinavia, Australia and New Zealand are places I want to go at least once in my life.
- I like to start eating dinner between 8 and 10 pm, even during the week.
I tagged (original post)
reZenerate your space, Notes a middle child, Emmas designblogg, Brides in the City, LKS Design, Kirin Notebook, Jerome’s TOT
Jerome’s TOT is most likely a blog that will not interest you (it is about programming and technology) but I taught you can learn more about me if I add my husband to the mix. It sounds like a good idea at the time.
August 4th, 2007 Update
I have been tagged again by Toast and Tables three weeks ago and by Liberty Post yesterday. Their game asked for 8 random facts / habits instead of 7, so I feel that it is only fair that I add one random fact to my original tagged post.
8. I just started reading Harry Potter books in ancient forest friendly paperback format. I started the first one in French many years ago but the translation lost me. :) I did see all the films at the movie theater.
I tagged Yuko from PataPri as my additional blogger.
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posted @ Thursday, June 21, 2007 3:00 PM | Feedback (7)