FAMILY style
furniture, home decor and playrooms
I received an email from Janine who is thinking of doing a garden party for my daughter's first birthday.
She feels that all of the kids party decorations look so passé and cheesy. I have to agree with her. She asked for some ideas. I am proposing a cool flower theme.
Party Planning
A first year birthday is often more for the parents and family since the baby is not well aware of what is going on. It is best to plan for a two-hour party. Schedule some activities to play with the kids.
Flower-Power Décor
The cakes for the 10th anniversary of Cakes by Tatiana were my inspirations. Located in Ottawa, Cakes by Tatiana has a list of distinguished customers including two former Prime Ministers of Canada and Adrienne Clarkson. The two cakes are creations by award-winning pastry Chef Tatiana Vorobej.
I do not expect you to get such an exquisite cake for a first birthday. The flowers and spheres can be reproduced on a larger scale for your garden. Make a few vignettes that you spread across your space to define and cheer up your garden.
A cheap version is the cute Flower Ballons created by Martha Stewart. The steps by step instruction are published on Martha’s site. It is not complicated to do. Fill pails with a baby friendly toy (sandbox tor for example) and insert a paper daisy to dress it up. Reserve the lollipops for older young kids or distribute them to the moms.
The Menu
Since you need to entertain and take care of the babies, keep the menu simple. Serve bite foods, sandwiches and snacks. As long as you make your food look pretty, serving simple foods look sophisticated. And it can look stylish without a lot of work.
Take this cool tray of vegetables designed by Martha. I am sure you have seen those before. You can use square flower vases instead of the glasses or clear acrylic boxes. Start by cutting your vegetables. Cut each type on a same length. Blanch the asparagus, beans, cauliflowers and broccoli to give them a vibrant color. Serve the veggies neatly in the glassware sitting on a tray.
Get inspired by Revisiting the Sandwich Box for serving sandwiches to the adult guests. For the kids, you can serve the blossom sandwiches by Martha Stewart.
Baby Activities
Singing is always popular with babies and parents. Set up a singing circle in the garden where parents and kids can sit. A sandbox is always a fun activity for the little ones.
You can organize a small play. My sister in law asks her teenager babysitter to create a 10-minute show. The farmyard party photo canvas available at Pottery Barn will make great memories and older kids can participate.
Get a girls' first birthday bib for the day. Preserve the memories not just in photos and videos; store the bib and the other decorative elements in a cute keepsake cardboard box.
I hope this will inspire you. And Janine, keep me posted on how the first birthday of your little girl will turn out.
>>> Sourcing:
Party supplies: Flower Balloon How-To [Martha Stewart]
Inspirations: cakes by tatiana -10th anniversary [cakes by Tatiana]
Party supplies: Flower in Pail Party Favors [Martha Stewart]
Buy online: farmyard party photo canvas [Pottery Barn] – price: on sale at $24.99 USD
Buy online: girls' first birthday bib [Pottery Barn] – price: $12 USD
Video: Crudités with Buttermilk Peppercorn Dip Recipe [Martha Stewart]
Dishing up: Edible Blossom Sandwiches [Martha Stewart]
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
OUTDOOR
KIDS party
DISHING tips
PARTY favors
FAMILY style
posted @ Monday, May 12, 2008 3:54 PM | Feedback (1)
My husband and I are having breakfast with my mother and my mother in law.
I wish all moms a great day surrounded with their loved ones. Happy Mother's Day!
This is a picture of my mother and I that was taken a few years ago at Mother's Day.
In fact, I delayed the delivery for about two weeks to be born on Mother's Day. I was a double gift for my mother. This is my excuse when I am late for a casual social event.
Categories:
HOLIDAY
FAMILY style
posted @ Sunday, May 11, 2008 12:18 PM | Feedback (0)
My favorite Mother's Day memory is the year my brother, sister and I (all in elementary school) pooled our money together and bought as much chocolate fudge as we could afford from our mother's coveted chocolate emporium. As Mom is a chocoholic, she was thrilled. And so were we, since, for some reason, we bought way too much chocolate for just one person.
The memory inspired me to create a Mother's Day menu designed with children in mind. Adult supervision is required, but the kids can do most of the work.
Breakfast in Bed for Mom
Breakfast is the easiest meal to prepare. And after all the tedious work that Moms do, they deserve a day to sleep in and enjoy a day off. Start the day off right with the most important meal of the day. And if there's chocolate involved, prepared by loving hands, it's sure to be an extra good day.
Breakfast Menu
- French Toast au Chocolat
- Sage seasoned sausage patties
- Fresh strawberries
- Coffee or tea
- Freshly squeezed orange juice
Recipes by Jennifer Mitchell
French Toast au Chocolat Recipe
This is easy for children to help prepare, as it bakes in the oven instead of cooking on the stove.
- 1 baguette – a day old
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup confectioner's sugar
- Chocolate sauce
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Lightly butter a 9 x 13-inch baking pan, slice the baguette into 1-inch slices, and place the slices into the pan.
- In a bowl beat the eggs, then whisk in the milk, sugar, vanilla and salt. Pour over the bread, and let it soak for 15 minutes.
- Bake the French toast for 30 to 40 minutes, until the egg mixture is set. Remove from the oven.
- Place the French toast on plates, dust with confectioner's sugar. Finish by drizzling the chocolate syrup over the top.
Sage Sausage Patties Recipe
You can always buy the ready-made variety. But if you're in the mood for a special treat, why not make your own?
- 1 pound ground fresh pork, chilled
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- In a bowl combine the ingredients, except for the oil, in a bowl and chill for an hour.
- Divide the mixture into 8 balls and flatten into patties.
- In a skillet heat the oil over moderate heat until it is hot but not smoking. Fry the patties for 3 minutes on each side and drain them on paper towels.
Presentation
Moms love a nice place setting. Start with a breakfast tray lined with a personalized placemat. This can be made from any kind of paper you have around the house. Have the kids make a special drawing or decorate it with stickers, glitter or whatever art supplies you have in the house.
A flower, cut from the garden, adds a nice touch. For extra fun, garnish Mom's plate with photo cutouts of the kids taped or glued onto toothpicks.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Mother's Day Card by scarycarriecreates [etsy.com] – price: $3.75 USD
Buy online: Cooking Owl - Limited Edition Print by barkingbirdart [etsy.com] – price: $9 USD
Buy online: Joy Bed in a Bag [Target] – price: $71.99 - $109.99 USD
Photo credit: French Toasts covered with oatmeal, picture by Kim Vallee – rights reserved
Guest Blogger: Jennifer Mitchell [Design Hole]
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
HOLIDAY
DISHING tips
FAMILY style
posted @ Saturday, May 10, 2008 4:53 PM | Feedback (1)
I have a thing for cute kitchen storage jars. You can say that I feel under the spells of Opus Storage Jars.
World-famous designer Ole Palsby put its signature style in designing the elegant clean-cut Opus Storage Jars. The stainless steel Opus Funnel comes handy for neatly filling the jars with dry food. How cool is that!
I continue my exploration of Rosendahl catalogue when I spot the Grand Cru Egg Cup, a new addition in Spring 2008.
All the items of the Grand Cru range feature distinctive grooves. The stylishly utilitarian tableware collection can be dress up and down. I paired it for a brunch with the Grand Cru Crystal Dessert Plate to eat fruits with yogurt. That plate with high edge looks at its place at a casual breakfast or a dinner party.
Winner of IF Design Award 2007, the Opus Carafe and Opus Tumblers are part of a complete clear glass and fine bone china tableware family. This is a style that anyone can live with for years to come.
Use these as inspiration to set your table for a casual family brunch on Mother's Day. Better yet, give her one of these items on May 11th.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Opus Storage Jars at Zwello – price: $21.95 USD for a set of 5
Buy online: Opus Funnel at Zwello – price: $27.95 USD
Buy online: Opus Carafe with Lid at Zwello – price: $29.95 USD
Find: Store locator for Rosendahl products
Categories:
GIFT ideas
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
posted @ Thursday, May 08, 2008 10:34 PM | Feedback (0)
I came across this little design studio in Vancouver that is making cute, 100% organic cotton handkerchief. Hank and Cheef can also custom make handkerchiefs for weddings corporate events and promotions.
A Little Bit of History
Kleenex was intended as a facial removal tissue at first. It became a handkerchief substitute later when some employees with allergies at Kleenex started to use the disposable tissues.
Let face it, handkerchief should never be used in our modern societies to blow your nose. What about our other facial little cleanup needs?
In Our Daily Life
We use disposable tissues for things that we could do with a piece of cloth. So maybe for these facial tasks, we could envision a more eco-friendly alternative. People with allergies and parents with young children will find them useful for drying the tears.
I am not ready to do it at this point. Maybe at some point, handkerchiefs will become fashionable as the reusable shopping bags. I cannot predict.
One thing for sure is that if you want to try the experience, Hank and Cheef makes it easy for you. The current collection is split in 7 themes. Each handkerchief on a pack display a different illustration. You can distinguish them all the time. Everything is designed, printed and sewn in Vancouver, BC. The patterns are cute, modern and fun.
What do you think of this product? Do you think the eco-friendly movement will revive the handkerchief?
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Organic Cotton Handkerchief at Organically Hatched – price: $39.99 CAD for box of 7
Learn more: Hank and Cheef – navigation is at the bottom of the page
Via: Sustainable Sniffles [Savvymom.ca]
Categories:
FAMILY style
LINENS
posted @ Thursday, May 08, 2008 4:21 PM | Feedback (1)
I was planning to showcase the actual Mother’s Day table I designed for my mom but due to my surgery, I will skip this year. I still can talk you about the design.
Mother's Day Tabletop Ideas
My scheme revolves around my baroque black & white dinnerware set.
It is becoming a habit to use this dinnerware set for Mother’s Day. I composed a Girlie Mother's Day inspiration board with the same set last year. This year, I decided to add vibrant pinks and greens to brighten up the black & white tableware.
A Portable Flower Vase
Recall Vazu from last year. It is the fun and innovative expandable flat flower vase.
The Tear Off Top is a more cheerful version with less packaging and all the advantages of the original. Since Vazu is designed to carry around cut flowers, a cute packaging has no real purpose most of the time. The Tear Off Top vase is half the price of the original.
Tear Off Top is available in 4 patterns in a choice of 3 colors each. Vazu USA kindly sent me three samples of Tear Off Top flower vases with cute pink and red hearts for my setting.
MushiMushi - Love Is All harmonizes the best with the design of my Mother’s Day tabletop. For an casual outdoor brunch or a teen birthday party, check out the EnFlor pattern. At this price, you can afford to spread many vases across the room.
Finishing Touch: the Flowers
A simple bunch of fuchsia gerberas looks great for any family event. Keep them long as much as possible; the idea is to see to create a well-defined section of green stems between the vase and the flowers. You can use a rectangular or an oval pinholder to perfectly align the gerberas. In the pink family, the Pink Purple Ranunculus Flower is a classic choice.
I prefer the fresh look of bright green flowers. I enjoy the Spider family and the Galiaro Green Chrysanthemum. Other choices include a handful of long lasting chincherinchee, dill, and button chrysanths.
For floral inspirations, I always check these two sites. The Flower Council of Holland and the Flowers & Plants Association both keep you up-to-date with floral design trends. The So simple. So try it is a wonderful initiative of the Flowers & Plants Association to demystify the art of floral arrangements.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Vazu MushiMushi - Love Is All at Vazu USA – price; $4.99 USD
Photo credit: Gerberas from the Colorful Grey Inspirations Spring 2008 [flowercouncil.org] – Rights reserved
Photo credit: Mini-trees of chincherinchee [tryflowers.org.uk] – Rights reserved
Photo credit: Button chrysanths in a plastic pan scourer [tryflowers.org.uk] – Rights reserved
Photo credit: Dill in a test tube [tryflowers.org.uk] – Rights reserved
Photo credits: Dinnerware set and left bottom picture taken by Kim Vallee – Rights reserved
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
PARTY supplies
TRENDS
FAMILY style
posted @ Wednesday, May 07, 2008 2:18 PM | Feedback (1)
Recall my story last month about Menus Bébé, a brand in France that produces Ready to Serve Gourmet Baby Food. I have found a similar company in California.
Why to choose Pomme Bébé?
Pomme Bébé produces small batches of fresh organic baby food. The food is simmered slowly to retain the maximum amount of wholesome nutrients that your baby needs.
You get the basically same advantages that Menus Bébé provides. The food is more nutritious, displays vibrant colors and is tastier. The menu changes every season at Pomme Bébé. Their menu relies heavenly on the freshness of seasonal produces.
You can buy Pomme Bébé food at their Newport Beach store, online or by phone. The food can be opted for next day delivery at your door or quickly pass by the store for a curbside pick-up.
Bébé Bar, Bébé Lounge
What is cool about Pomme Bébé for Newport Beach residents is their cool store. Sit your baby in an egg shaped high chair and indulge in a tasting session. Your baby can try out fresh food samples at Pomme Bébé bar. There is also a Bébé lounge where parents can meet in a hip and inviting atmosphere to enjoy a wholesome treat or fresh-squeezed juice.
Bébé Party
No need to clean your house for your next playdate. Simply host a playgroup at Pomme Bébé. Your kids will be able to sample their organic ready to serve baby food, you will receive nutritional information and the babies can play with toys in the nicely designed Baby Lounge.
Pomme Bébé
2043 Westcliff Drive, Suite 106
Newport Beach, CA 92660
p 949.200.7430
open Monday-Friday 9:30am-5:30pm, Saturday 10:00am-2:00pm
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Pomme Bébé online store – price: $3.25 - $4.50 per 4 oz container
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
BABY showers
FAMILY style
posted @ Monday, May 05, 2008 11:51 PM | Feedback (0)
With Mother’s Day in less than two weeks, I spot more gift ideas for moms who enjoy hosting outdoor entertaining for her family and friends.
My first suggestion is Late for Dinner, a new melamine collection at Anthropology.
My encounter with these pop-art flora plates on Hostess with the Mostess started the ball. For there, I looked for outdoor tableware that I can harmonize with Late for Dinner patterns.
My search brought me to the grandma macramé look of these Crocheted Food Cover shown here in Yellow and dark green. At the same time of the pop-art trend, the crocheted look was hip. The look reminds me of grandma, because we should not forget grandmothers on Mother’s Day.
The morning-bright flora of the Fresh-Squeezed Juicer and the Painted Garden Pitcher complete the communal look.
As you can see from the pictures, you can mix those with many solids and patterns.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Late for Dinner melamine plates at Anthropologie – price: $25.26 CAD - $24 USD set of 4
Buy online: Crocheted Food Cover at Anthropologie – price: $18.95 CAD - $18 USD
Buy online: Fresh-Squeezed Juicer at Anthropologie – price: $25.26 CAD - $24 USD
Buy online: Painted Garden Pitcher at Anthropologie – price: $18.95 CAD - $18 USD
Via: Retro-Mod Melamine [Hostess with the Mostess]
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
OUTDOOR
GIFT ideas
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
posted @ Sunday, May 04, 2008 3:27 PM | Feedback (0)
Summer is almost here so it is time to complete your outdoor entertaining kits. A Sunday afternoon at the beach, the park or the cottage with friends and family feels like heaven.
If the weather allowed, why not plan an outdoor party for Mother’s Day? After all, a day at the beach or the cottage encompasses joy, laughs and sharing a meal together.
A few outdoor entertaining accessories will make the day feels more special. I gather some cool stuff from Macy’s and Pottery Barn that your mother can reuse all summer long.
Gift Ideas
The Garden Party Lanterns at the top come with a 5 oz. bag of famous key lime cooler cookies.
Another solution for lighting that you can put on a table and hang is the colored tapered glass Pressick Lantern. Do not forget to buy the lantern stake sold separately if you want to hang the Pressick Lanterns. If you do not like these styles, there are 7 more models of candlelight lanterns and 3 string light lanterns at Pottery Barn.
The retro look of Acrylic Drink Dispenser captivates the imagination. These clear, blue, orange and green vessels are so useful for serving iced teas, cucumber mint water, punches and more. It is a must.
The BBQ Chipwood Baskets carry on the old restaurant style. Instead of complex barbecue equipment, travel light with a few stainless steel bucket-shaped charcoal grills.
If Mother’s Day is not sunny do not worry, you will be ahead for Father’s Day. When you plan an outdoor event, implement a plan B and think about how you will inform your guests about it.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Byrd Cookie Company Garden Party Lanterns with Cookies at Macy’s – on sale at $14.99 USD
Buy online: Pressick Lantern at Pottery Barn – price: $24-$34 USD
Buy online: Acrylic Drink Dispenser at Pottery Barn – price: $59 USD
Buy online: BBQ Chipwood Baskets at Pottery Barn – price: $12 USD
Buy online: Portable BBQ Grill at Pottery Barn – price: $39 USD
Categories:
OUTDOOR
PARTY supplies
GIFT ideas
FAMILY style
posted @ Sunday, May 04, 2008 12:28 PM | Feedback (1)
To answer a reader request, I searched for more sources of Koziol. This time I searched in Canada.
I told you this week that was harder to find retailers in North America for Koziol. A sad thing!
A Confirmed Retailer in Montreal
I am happy to report that a small retailer in Montreal carries many Koziol products. Chez Farfelu Maison just received a new shipment of cool kitchen and bathroom accessories.
Missing Opportunities
As many small retailers in Quebec, Chez Farfelu Maison does not have a Web site. Specialized independent retailers often carry unique stuff but the lack of a well documented Web site makes the task of finding them a lot harder. I made 7 phone calls to dig one retailer that carries Koziol.
I think that retailers are missing on a great opportunity. With the current trend towards fun and colorful housewares and interior design, this should create a demand for Koziol products. A design that might not have exists in the past. Moreover, Koziol products are affordable for the masses.
I just sent an email to the Canadian distributor. I hope to get news soon It was quick (15 minutes in a Sunday afternoon, I should have checked back my email before posting). Diana Arn suggested Chez Farfelu Maison and Crash.
Update: Paulla Maxey of Crash contacted me. She told that they carry a fairly extensive inventory in Koziol and review the line continually for updates.
I dug so far three Canadian retailers:
Chez Farfelu Maison
838 Mont-Royal Avenue East
Montreal, QC H2J 1X1
p 514.528.8842
Crash
1551 Johnston Street, Unit 7
Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9
p 604.684.9922
open daily 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m
- I found a store on eBay Canada Your New Gift with a few items. Unfortunately the coolest products I presented to you are not in the inventory except for the Pic Up.
I keep you posted on as I discover new sources.
April 29th, 2008 Update: Diana Arn also sent me retailers for Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary.
RELATED POST:
+ Bring Happiness in Your Kitchen with Koziol
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
GIFT ideas
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
posted @ Sunday, April 27, 2008 3:24 PM | Feedback (4)
Tea Forté showed its care for design from the start when they introduced their pyramid shape tea bags. The unique Silken-Tea-Infusers that are individually hand crafted feel luxurious. Many brides and grooms sent a delightful message with them as wedding party favors.
Innovative Ice Tea Pot
With the warm weather, we are longing for iced tea concoctions. Tea Forté Reinvent a classic. I have to agree when their ad says
Fresh and authentic flash-chilled iced teas with a boldly original tableside presentation.
Drinking tea is good for you and makes you feel good. Offer a few moments of relaxation to your mom by giving her this revolutionary brewing pitcher. Operating it is at easy as 1, 2 3.
- Pour boiling water over infuser
- Steep 3 to 5 minutes
- Pour over ice and enjoy!
If your mom likes a hot ice tea, she will probably appreciate the Morehouse Glass. This double-walled glass ensemble keeps your tea hot while remaining cool to the touch. A glass cover keeps your tea hot for a longer period of time.
Stylishly Modern Hot Tea Cup
If your mother is a fan of the Tea Forté, she will appreciate this elegant porcelain tea cup ensemble. Café Cup custom cover reveals the signature leaf and keeps the tea hot while steeping. Imagine serving your tea in those cups at your next dinner party. It is a beautiful sight for the stylish hostess.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Tea Forté Brewing Pitchers - two pitchers and lid – price: $42 USD
Buy online: Morehouse Glass double-walled tea cup by Tea Forté – price: $22 USD
Buy online: Café Cup by Tea Forté – price: $20 USD
Categories:
GIFT ideas
HOLIDAY
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
posted @ Saturday, April 26, 2008 10:40 PM | Feedback (0)
Living in a 4 season climate enhances the joy that we feel when the warm weather comes back.
It is the best time to introduce the summer 2008 collection from a brand that symbolizes Design, Happiness, Life and Values. I am talking about Koziol, the German company that was founded in 1912 by Bernhard Koziol.
Design, Happiness, Life and Values was the 4 world themes that they presented at the Ambiente Fair in Frankfurt last February. The summer 2008 Koziol collection hit the shelf mid-March 2008. I am showing my favorites.
Outdoor Entertaining
A must outdoor entertaining is the new PURE series with carafe, cups, bottle cooler and tray. A specially engineered lid keeps out dust and insects. Cool! The same lid keeps in ice cubes and lemon slices while pouring.
An ingenious combination of porcelain and plastic surrounds the AROMA series. The stylish companion for your breakfast, you can choose between a cup, an espresso cup, a cappuccino cup, a latte cup and a bowl called AROMA BIG. The AROMA series is available in orange, raspberry and tuerkis (aqua).
PIC UP is a fun Party Fork Set. Use this handy tool to serve tapas, olives, antipasti and cheese chunks. For a family barbecue party, you cannot go wrong with PIC UP.
The OXYGEN partition recalls pebbles or the bubbles in carbonated drinks. I may install an OXYGEN partition wall like in front of my urban terrace. I wish for more privacy that carries an airy lightness. The vibrant green and turquoise of OXYGEN partition elements create the perfect backdrop for my pool. It was designed by the Spanish team Harry & Camila.
Picnicware
Old products are also hot this summer. Designed in 1995 by Rainer Lehn, the FROSCHKÖNIG bottle opener wears new colors. The OLLI Lunchbox keeps food fresh and mobile since F. Person and J. Hansen designed it in 1996. What I like about this lunchbox is its form. It must be easy to carry it around.
Hanging on the tree like fruits are the cute BOSKOP Lunchboxes. You will get no problem fitting double-layer and triple-layer sandwiches inside the BOSKOP. And your fresh fruit will still be intact on destination. The cute leaves work as the snap closure. This brand new design BOSKOP emerged from the brain of Luisa Finke.
Kitchen Cleaning and Storage
TIM & TWEETIE brushes wear the cool colors of summer 2008. The are so lovable.
HEIDI is a floral tie fastener. For party favors at Mother's Day, a Sunday brunch or a bridal shower, HEIDI will enhance your packaging. And your guests can reuse this cute band. Adorned with its pretty flower, the band dependably seals bags and pouches. HEIDI opens at will, as often as you wish.
Where to Buy
The German retailer Design 3000 carries the entire Koziol catalogue. Design 3000 is a heavenly shop for me with tons of wonderful brands. They got all the colors, even in hues that I did not talk about. Koziol seems harder to find in the United States since the distributor has closed down. Design 3000 ships to the United States and internationally.
In Canada, specialized retailers across the country carry the Koziol. As usual, Canadian retailers are shy when it comes to publish their inventory online, so I cannot provide you with specific links. So shop around, you can find the Koziol products in Canada.
Sourcing:
Buy online: PIC UP Party Fork Set by Koziol at The Well Tempered Kitchen – price: $14.50 USD
Buy online: Lunchbox Boskop solid green at design 3000 – price: 9,95 €
Buy online: AROMA Latte Cup strawberry at Design 3000 – price: 12,55 EUR
Buy online: Carafe Pure transparent by Koziol - price: 14,95 EUR
Buy online: Oxygen Partition transparent turquoise - price: 4,95 EUR
Buy online: HEIDI grass - price: 1,95 EUR
Learn more: Koziol brand Web site
RELATED POST:
+ Follow-up story | My search for retailers of Koziol
Tags:
fun,
colorful,
picnic,
kitchenware,
kitchen,
entertaining with kids,
european,
modern,
outdoor party
Categories:
EVERYDAY
HOME decor
KITCHEN tools
OUTDOOR
GIFT ideas
FAMILY style
posted @ Thursday, April 24, 2008 3:36 PM | Feedback (4)
Kat Nouri of Modern-Twist sent me an email where she informed me of their exhibit with Rex Ray designs at SFMOMA.
I am thrilled. I think we should encourage companies that hired known artists to design their patterns. This way we get more exciting patterns on everyday items.
Matrix and Tangle by Rex Ray
Rex Ray is a fine art artist doing collages, paintings and design work,. Rex is also a celebrated graphic designer who worked extensively for the music industry. He designed book covers, more than 100 historic Bill Graham Presents rock and roll tour posters and music packaging.
Now, you can invite Rex Ray to your table with the two patterns he designed for Modern-Twist. Take your pick between Matrix and Tangle. Matrix is available in green or black. Tangle is in orange or copper. I am showing you Matrix because I enjoy it more.
Owl and Monster by Matte Stephens
The art of Matte Stephens has a naive side in the execution that charms everyone. His Owl duo and the Monster character target children. This is a kid line that will enchant young at heart adults.
Kat kindly sent me a sample of the Owl and the Monster mats. I received them today and they look even better in person. My husband thought they were pretty cool. I got the feeling they will become our breakfast placemats.
Beauty and Function
I acquired six brown Birds ‘n Trees Placemats, 2 sets of writable coasters Notz and the Vinotagz stem markers, all from Modern-Twist last winter at Lekker. So I can vouch for their excellent quality.
The 14 by 16 inches dimension of the placemat is more practical than the standard placemat size. The glasses fit comfortably on the placemat. The silk-screened non-toxic silicone feels soft to the touch. It is very sensual. They are easy to store. You can fold them or roll them without leaving any marks.
With Mother’s Day in two weeks, your mom will be happy if you show up at the door with any of the Modern-Twist Placemats.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Owl or Monster Placemat by Matte Stephens for Modern-Twist at Twig – price: $15 USD
Buy online: Matrix Placemat by Rex Ray at Modern Twist at Twig – price: $19 USD
Buy online: Tangle Placemat by Rex Ray at Modern Twist at Twig – price: $19 USD
Categories:
FAMILY style
LINENS
posted @ Thursday, April 24, 2008 12:40 AM | Feedback (0)
If you mother is the Bree Van de Kamp type who brings delicious sweets everywhere she goes, make it simple for her by giving her personalized stickers, tags or stamps for Mother's Day. I found adorable models on etsy.
Baking Stickers
LittlebeaneBoutique has several models. Pink is a dominant color is her design. She sells the stickers by sheet of 12 stickers. I like the pink mixer and whisk.
Kitchen Stamps
OfficialInitial produces well-made custom 3" by 1.5" stamp. I like the Cupcake mounted rubber stamp where the name of your mother can be printed.
I like the handle on the From the Kitchen of stamp by sweetpaperie. You have a choice of a flatware setting, a whisk or a pear.
Sweet Tags
If your mother style is more French country, she will be delighted with the Vintage Look Petits Fours Glaces tags at Bluebirdlane. The tags measures about 3 1/2" by 2 1/2" each. Ribbon will vary.
Any one of these would make a fantastic gift for any culinary guru. It will show to your mother that you value her cooking.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Personalized Pink Mixer Stickers by LittlebeaneBoutique – price: $4.95 USD for 12
Buy online: Personalized WHISK Baking Stickers by LittlebeaneBoutique – price: $4.95 USD for 12
Buy online: Custom Cupcake mounted rubber stamp by OfficialInitial – price: $25 USD
Buy online: From the Kitchen of stamp by sweetpaperie – price: $19.95 USD
Buy online: Vintage Look Petits Fours Glaces tags by Bluebirdlane – price: $5 USD for 8
Categories:
PAPER goods
GIFT ideas
FAMILY style
posted @ Tuesday, April 22, 2008 10:24 AM | Feedback (1)
If you have followed me for a while, you probably know that I adore the UK store Habitat. For summer 2008, Habitat stylists did not fail to impress me.
Once again, Habitat stimulates our imagination for casual entertaining. Looking at Habitat setting teaches how to create a unique experience. I enjoy especially their kid theme outdoor rooms.
Kid Party Theme
The camping trip in the backyard is an archetypal kid party theme. You With outstanding decorations, your outdoor party will stand apart. Use great props to create the theatrical illusion. Plan several activities to keep the kids occupied all night long.
The GERONIMO tents are simply adorable. I cannot imagine one kid that would not be thrilled to have a sleep over in these cute tents. Another must have for a kid party is OLI, a fresh olive green pigment lacquered eucalyptus kid picnic table.
The second picture showcases the MAUI deckchairs and the MINI WORLD rugs. Cushions play a huge role in a kid rooms. Here, you see the BELLA toy, the MAP cushion and the BIG MOUTH cushion.
MAUI is available in adult and kid sizes in saffron, orange, ginger, nut, aqua, charcoal, multi-color lined, multi-color urban pattern.
Outdoor dining and picnicware
The delicately neutral floral patterns of UTOPIA melamine picnicware collection goes with solid color dinnerware. Make your own assortment of round tray, plates, bowl, drinking cups, salad bowl and servers.
For an eclectic look at your next outdoor party, mix porcelain plates with earthenware bowls with melamine serving ware. You can even mix the LANDSCAPE porcelain dinner plates with COULEUR pieces and use the round UTOPIA tray. Punch your table by selecting an accent color from COULEUR - which is the French word for color.
I hope these three pictures will inspire you to host an amazing outdoor party in the coming weeks.
Sourcing:
Buy online: OLI kid picnic table at Habitat – price: £149
Buy online: MAUI deckchair in saffron – price: £6
Buy online: UTOPIA round tray – price: £8
Buy online: LANDSCAPE dinner plate – price: £6
Buy online: COULEUR earthenware dinnerware set in red – price: £35 for 16 pieces
Categories:
OUTDOOR
KIDS party
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
posted @ Tuesday, April 22, 2008 12:35 AM | Feedback (1)
Since we must all eat more Omega-3, I was looking for a salmon dish when I started to watch the Puff Pastry episode of French Food at Home. I found my match with the stylish and delicious Salmon en Croute.
Puff Pastry Tips
You can make your own dough but it is quicker to go with store-bought puff pastry sheets. Puff Pastry is hard to make. I do not recommend it for novice. What is great about Puff Pastry is that it produces airy and multi-layer buttery dough. It is delicious. Very French.
If you never work with puff pastry, here are a few tips:
- Work on a very cold marble top - put it on the freezer and get it out just before usage
- Freeze the dough and work fast with cold hands. The dough is hard to handle once it started to warm
- The egg-wash glaze will prevent the rising, so be careful when applying it. You can apply the egg-wash glaze with your hands on the side
- Make sure to pre-heat the oven at a high temperature, typically 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Puff pastry requires a temperature shock to rise properly.
Salmon recipe
This Salmon en Croute dish is divine. Fresh asparagus and salmon make a wonderful combination. The four main ingredients are asparagus, salmon, creme fraiche and pastry puff dough. Add some seasonings and you are done.
You can serve proudly when you are having guests for dinner. But since it is so easy and fast to prepare, why not reward your family on a week day?
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
FAMILY style
posted @ Thursday, April 17, 2008 5:25 PM | Feedback (0)
The romantic feeling that you get when you visit an Anthropologie shop appeals even to a modernist like me. Once again, I felt under the charms of their lively dinnerware.
Fresh Floral Dinnerware
This Far Afield dinnerware pattern screams summer on the good way. It is perfect for hosting a brunch and for casual family events.
The plates, bowls and mugs are sold individually to suit your taste and budget. You can easily mix this bold floral pattern with solid color dinnerware than you already own.
Table Linens
If you prefer white china, go for the table linens. Bright, vintage-style floral patterns bedeck white poplin, trimmed with red stitching and dotted ruffles with the Rondelet table linens. Two sets of napkins complete the Rondelet collection.
You can also check out the Pavot Tablecloth with sunny yellow piping. The crochet and crimson pompom border Scarlet Marigold Table Linens has a fresh Spanish vibe.
International shopping
I am also glad that Anthropologie is one of the friendly US retailers that ships to Canada. Their latest ecommerce system has been up for some time now. People from 34 countries can now shop in their currencies and received at home the marvelous products at Anthropologie.
I went to Anthropologie a couple of times with my husband and he does not get that vibe. Me, I enjoyed it! Anthropologie is definitely a girl thing.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Far Afield Dinnerware at Anthropologie – price: $10-$14 USD
Buy online: Rondelet Tablecloth at Anthropologie – price: $32-$98 USD
Buy online: Pavot Tablecloth at Anthropologie - price: $24-$108 USD
buy online: Scarlet Marigold Table Linens at Anthropologie - price: $32-$108 USD
Categories:
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
posted @ Wednesday, April 16, 2008 11:39 AM | Feedback (0)
I intensify my coverage of eco-friendly solutions until Earth Day. I will write an eco-friendly story every weekday until April 22nd.
I am starting the week with cool ultra compact shopping bags. The key is to carry your reusable shopping bags with you all the time. Since I live in the city, I do most of my shopping by foot. Therefore, I need bags that will fit into my purse.
I also prefer shoulder bags because they leave your hands free if you carry a small load. These are my favorites lately.
Flip & Tumble | First place
Flip & Tumble seduced me with their new summer colors and this catchy phrase:
A bag that’s designed for those of us who only seem to remember our reusable bags the moment we need them.
The 24-7 bag fits my lifestyle. The vibrant summer colors look amazing. Flip & Tumble will start shipping tomorrow, April 15th, 2008. Their Web site has a cool visual Add to my Shopping Card applet too. I just ordered three bags like in the picture: a raspberry, an aqua and a lime. I will tell more after a few shopping trips.
Flip & Tumble won because their bags look great and the handle is wide. It seems more comfortable for my shoulder. Hold the stretch pouch and roll the bag like rolling your socks into a ball. This translates in no need for attachment hardware.
Baggu | Runner Up
I like the fact that the Baggu bag has two handles to comfortably sit on your forearms. From the pictures, the Baggu bag does not feel as stylish as the Flip & Tumble. Baggu comes with a 5-inch square flat pouch. Depending on the shape of your purse, you may find the Baggu pouch format more useful.
Baggu target men too. Guys can fit the pouches in their jean back pockets. At last, something he can carry for me. Since the company highlights than men are also shoppers, Baggu won extra points. A cute fact: Baggu was designed in California by a mom and daughter team.
Reisenthel Mini Maxi Shopper | Third Place
This model has been around for a while. I own a few Reisenthel products that I adore. So I know the quality is excellent. Why I did not choose that Mini Maxi Shopper as my first place? I am under the impression that the pouch is bulky. The consumer reviews I read say otherwise.
One thing that I really like about the Reisenthel's Mini Maxi Shopper is that you can securely close it. None of the others have that feature. For that reason alone, I will probably try a Mini Maxi Shopper bag soon. I am leaning towards the solid orange or the aqua. The neutral like gray is another option.
Envirosax | Four Place
There Envirosax bags are well known and appreciated by many. The new patterns of the Mikado set are adorable. They are several other pattern series to choose from. The individual rolled up bag size is 4" x 1.5" diameter. Pretty small! It is probably the smallest of the four reusable bags I introduced.
I met a woman the other day that was carrying a heavy look with the Envirosax. I asked her how she liked her Envirosax bag. She was delighted but she felt the need to reinforce the handle for heavier loads. I do not know if her concern was justified or not. Tell us what is your experience with Envirosax?
Do you have a favorite ultra compact reusable shopping bag? As a matter of fact, giving 2 or 3 reusable bags will make a great impression on the hostess. Select a bag that suits his or her style.
Sourcing:
Buy online: 24-7 Bag by Flip & Tumble – price: $12 USD
Buy online: Baggu Bag and Pouch – price: $8 each, $22 for 3, $38 for 5
Buy online: Reisenthel - Mini Maxi Shopper, Long Handle at Reusable Bags – price: $9.95 each, $7.95 each if buy 4 or more
Buy online: Envirosax - Set of 5 Mikado Pouch, Reusable Shopping Bags – price: $37.95 per set, $34.95 if buy 2 sets or more
Via: Flip and Tumble | New Colors on swissmiss
Categories:
TRENDS
FAMILY style
HOSTESS gifts
posted @ Monday, April 14, 2008 11:31 AM | Feedback (6)
I am persuaded that kids can eat anything if you trained them early to expand their taste buds. Several of my friends succeeded with their infants. My husband never ate the kid menu at the restaurant. He was ordering snails when he was 4 years old.
Different continent, different eating habits
In Europe, kids are used to eat more aliments at a younger age. At least, it was true in the past where they did not rely on fast food as we do in North America. In Italy, eggplants with chocolate is a children treat.
Even though, you cannot find Menus Bébé outside France, I think there are good lessons to be learned. I presented this brand on my blog because it conveys the stylish living message I am aiming for. This baby food brand is about variety, fresh products and developing taste at the youngest possible age.
Menus Bébé was founded by Jenny Careno, a French mother of Swedish origin. Like many small businesses, the adventure started when Jenny gave birth to her little girl Maya.
April 12th, 2008 Update: Unimpressed by the baby food on the shelf at the grocery store, Jenny learned how to make baby food at home. She asked advices to her pediatric doctor and from Alina, a woman Chef who serves an impressive infant menu in her restaurant. Later on, Jenny founded Menus Bébé.
A Practical solution
Menus Bébé delivers frozen home style baby food. The packaging looks great. The freshest of the ingredients is well highlighted. The design feels European with lots of white spaces. Does it shows that I went to a breakfast talk this morning about retail packaging and the added value of design?
The great news for parents is that is save them time, lots of precious time. Parents can now serve superior home style meals to their babies in less than 3 minutes. The texture of Menus Bébé is not as smooth as the processed baby food. It is important since texture plays a role in experiencing food. The main ingredients are more diverse. The list is impressive in length.
What is the difference?
The quality of the end results is superior because:
- 90% of the pot is the main aliments versus less than 50% in mass produced baby food
- The meal comes in 2 pots: the main dish and the side. The idea is to develop the taste of the baby
- The food is also tastier and contains no additives
- The conservation process is quick-freezing instead of sterilization
- Quick-freezing preserves the colors of the food so there is no need for artificial colorants
- The natural vitamins are preserved as much as possible
Need for diversion
Medical researches proved that the best prevention against diseases is a diversified alimentation. There is no miracle food. Each food has its own function and they enhance each other. Babies, children and adults must eat a vast array of aliments to stay healthy. Think about it!
Eating delicious healthy food improves our quality of life at all ages. Being a gourmet is a part of stylish living. Menus Bébé becomes one element that helps families to live in style and stay healthy. I hope that it is the start of a trend that will cross the Atlantic pretty soon.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Menus Bébe
Top Row Photo credits: Jean-Claude Amiel for Elle à Table No 57
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
FAMILY style
posted @ Friday, April 11, 2008 7:18 PM | Feedback (4)
James Van Vossel is a designer from Belgium who creates fun furniture and housewares. He designs both for adults and children. But I think that he shines the most with his kids collection. Here are three products from his 2008 collection.
Ergonomic playing and sitting ball
The three handles of the inflatable Z-ball are positioned to give a better position to the child. The side handles give more support so the child can sit more in front.
I imagine a child room or a playroom with a trio of Z-balls to reproduce a lounge feeling. The children can even play video games while sitting on the Z-ball.
Modular cubes
Connect is another take on a concept done several times on the past by other designers. What James Van Vossel's design brings new to the table are the big elastics that hold the cubes together. It is so cute!
I do not know if it is the interior designer or the mathematician in me who speaks but I enjoy assembling cubes to fashion new shapes. You can use Connect to custom build a bookcase, a dividing wall, or presentation case to display a collection.
If you build a dividing room bookcase, you can arrange the Connect cubes such that some cubes are accessible from one side and the rest from the other sides. This is one way to create an airier space.
Kid-Friendly Dinner Plate
The intention behind Boor Voor Een Kind was to create plates for kids that fit better with your own porcelain china. I cannot be more thrilled since I aim for better looking tabletops, with or without kids.
For the child viewpoint, the deep plate simplifies the eating process. Security features includes two handles and the acrylic glass construction. If they need to, the children can grab a handle when they are using the fork. As the child grows, he child can carry around the plate easily with the handles.
I did not find any retailer listing on his Web site or on Goggle. If you know any stores that carry any pieces designed by James Van Vossel, please share by writing a comment.
Sourcing:
Learn more: James Van Vossel
Via: Milan 2008 Preview: James on Fresh Moco
Categories:
HOME decor
KIDS party
FAMILY style
posted @ Wednesday, April 09, 2008 4:09 PM | Feedback (0)
Today, I proposed a classic dish for supper: Bucatini or Spaghetti Alla Carbonara. My favorite Pasta All Carbonara recipe is one inspired by the Remo Contini of Antica Trattoria da Carlone, a restaurant in Rome, Italy.
My recipe comes from a fabulous Italian cooking book that is only available in French. Filled with authentic Italian recipes, Pasta et cetera à la di Stasio was probably under all the Christmas trees across Quebec last year. This recipe reconciled me with Pasta All Carbonara. I started avoiding over the last decade pasta all carbonara because of the profusion of cheap cream recipes in restaurants.
Selecting the pasta
For the pasta, the large surface of bucatini gives more adherence to the sauce. The problem with bucatini is that it is harder to eat; therefore not elegant. Serving bucatini is not a good idea if you are having friends over. Serve spaghetti instead with a bottle of red Italian wine. Yes, try pairing a no-cream Pasta All Carbonara with red wine; you will see it is a delightful match.
My favorite Spaghetti Alla Carbonara Recipe
I translate the recipe with my adaptations from the original A la di Stasio's recipe.
Ingredients for 2 portions:
- 8 oz (225 g) of spaghetti / bucatini
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) of 1-inch block of pancetta that you will cut in 1/2 inch cubes – if you have no choice, thin sliced pancetta will do
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano – the real thing
- Lots of freshly ground pepper - roughly grounded if you can eat them
- A couple of splashes of olive oil
- Cooking water from the pasta
Step by step instructions:
- Cook your pasta in salted boiling water.
- During that time, put the olive oil on a hot large, frying pan (avoid the non stick pan here). Cook the pancetta at medium-high a few minutes, until golden. You may have to reduce the heat to medium, if you used the thinner pancetta.
- Put the eggs and parmesan in a large service bowl. Mix with a fork. Add the pepper.
- Remember to reserve a cup of cooking water before your drain the pasta.
- Put the pasta over the pancetta in the pan. Mix them well.
- Now it is time to work quickly. Put half of the pasta in the serving bowl. Toss the egg/parmesan mixture over the pasta to coat all the pasta. Then add the rest and toss again with your fork. It is possible that it takes a few practice runs before you achieve a perfect smooth texture. Therefore, I suggest you do not serve it the first time you prepare this recipe.
- Sprinkle parmesan before serving. Enjoy!
Cream version
If you prefer a cream recipe, I find a Bucatini Alla Carbonara recipe online that seems excellent. I dug this creamy recipe on David Seah blog. His blog has nothing to do with cooking. David writes about productivity and other methods of empowering yourself. The recipe was made by his sister.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Pasta et cetera à la di Stasio by Josée di Stasio
Cooking demonstration photos: Pasta Carbonara from A la di Stasio at Tele-Quebec
Bottom photo credit: Bucatini All Carbonara by David Seah
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
FAMILY style
posted @ Wednesday, April 02, 2008 4:08 PM |