August 2007 Entries
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.
Categories:
OFF topics
posted @ Friday, August 31, 2007 2:30 PM | Feedback (2)
It is back to school time again. Parents of young children often give a little something to the new teacher of their child. It is a wonderful idea.
You can send homemade cookies. But I think you will make an even better impression by sending this remarkable Teachers are Special note pad. It will take you no time since the pad is already wrapped in a cello bag with a red grosgrain bow. You just need to slip in your mom & dad calling card under the bow.
An interview with Bonnie Marcus done by All the Best reminded me of this fabulous stationery. I always like the design of Bonnie’s StylePress, dba Bonnie Marcus & Co. And it seems that I am not alone since you can found her stationery in over 1,000 retailers around the world, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Barneys New York and Kate’s Paperie.
Categories:
PAPER goods
ALL occasions
ENTERTAINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, August 30, 2007 1:35 PM | Feedback (0)
We all experienced the juggling act of holding a plate and a wine glass while trying to interact with others at a party. It can even lead to messy moments.
Some called them mingle plates, cocktail plates, wine & dine plates or one free hand plates; but the name does not really matter. Once you use it, you do not want to go back. This a plate with a slot to hold your wine glass for you to have one free hand.
This gadget makes a difference. If you like hosting cocktail parties, you must stock a dozen or more in your party pantry. But be warned that you may transform you into the hostess queen around your circles of guests.
What to look for in a mingle plate?
The plate must be strong but not heavy. That is why I usually tested plastic or acrylic plates with a good wine glass filled with water before buying. You also want to see how well you can handle the plate.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
PARTY supplies
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Thursday, August 30, 2007 1:00 AM | Feedback (7)
For the past two weeks, I am seeing wonderful Halloween decorations on the Web. I started gathering amazing stuff for several Halloween boards that I cannot wait to show you.
My initial thoughts were to start posting Halloween tips around the second week of September. I got this principle that you do not talk about Halloween before the back to school season is over. It is only me or do you already making plans for Halloween right now?
Crafting decorations take time
If you want to send printed invitations for a Halloween party, it is not too early to start now. You will be able to get your hands on the best Halloween decorations. And if you make your own decorations to complete the look, it is best to not wait until the last minute. You spot an exceptional party in the details. As we all know details take time.
Categories:
HOLIDAY
DISHING tips
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, August 29, 2007 1:26 PM | Feedback (0)
We still have a few weeks in front of us for plenty of fun picnics. I made a compilation of my favorite picnic bags. These products are not new but I taught it would be fun to see them side by side.
The beauty and practicality of multiple bags
Here you see the trendy Gourmet Gateway Lunch Tote by Built NY inside an orange Reisenthel’s CarryAll bag. A beautiful shot captured by Bea of La Tartine Gourmande, one of my top 10 blogs.
Using multiple bags is pretty practical for a picnic. Initially, you have lots of stuff. But as you eat some food, you can use the free space on the Carrybag to carry everything. Having two bags enables you to spread the load.
I already own a collapsible Reisenthel’s Carry All bag, so I am half ready. I adored the superior construction of the CarryAll for grocery shopping. And I got compliments all the time.
Categories:
OUTDOOR
PARTY supplies
ENTERTAINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Tuesday, August 28, 2007 3:21 PM | Feedback (3)
An interesting contest is going on right now. Style Me Pretty's readers were asked to submit their vision of the best weddings. You can now vote for your favorite inspiration board. Hurry up; you have until Friday, August 31, 2007 to express your opinion.
I like looking at what people produce to get a pool of their tastes. While looking at these wedding boards a few grabbed my eyes as perfect candidates for a birthday or anniversary party. I made a few changes to make them more suitable for a birthday party. Since I do not want to influence the voting process I will show them to you next week.
Until them, I invite you to take a look at all the boards in competition. The quality is impressive. Remember you have until August 31 to cast your vote.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Inspiration Board Contest II, Voting! published on Style Me Pretty blog
Categories:
PARTY ideas
BIG events
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Tuesday, August 28, 2007 12:46 PM | Feedback (1)
Nothing can beat the traditional glass pastry domes for creating the ultimate dessert serving ware. I always have a fascination for these tall structures. They add more drama than the typical cake pedestals.
Pastry domes bring a touch of nostalgia to your dinner party. Most people associate them with formal dining settings but the rustic charm of many models make them suitable for casual dinner events. Think about it like the little black dress in your wardrobe, you can always dress it up or down.
Slick glassware models are popular but I prefer the mix of materials and finishes. Pastry domes with a wood base or a metallic base look very European. I guess that is one of the appeals for me. I found you three retailers on the Web at different price ranges and styles.
Airy and modern clear glassware
The top row is about clear glassware. For this reason, they look airy and modern. The 9 inches tall Domed Pastry Stand is sold for only $18 USD at The Gardener. The 13 inches costs $20. At these prices, they are no reason to not hide one or two in your party cupboard. You can fit one small cake or 3 to 5 pantries in each stand.
Categories:
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
CAKES
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Monday, August 27, 2007 12:31 PM | Feedback (4)
For my readers in the United States I got a good and a bad news. The good news is that I dig up a source in the United States for a flat pack flower vase similar to the Vazu vases I spoke about last week.
The patterns are cool and lively. These nicely shaped vases are made in Japan. They seem to be as strong and durable as Vazu.
Plastica is a hip boutique filled with unique items from around the world as well as products by local designers. You can get these expandable flower vases at their boutique located in Silverlake, Los Angeles or buy it online.
The bad news is the price. This brand is twice as expensive as Vazu. Being made in Japan partially explains why it costs more. But at $26, it is still affordable; you just have to spend less on flowers for your housewarming gift.
Categories:
ALL occasions
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Monday, August 27, 2007 12:29 AM | Feedback (0)
Technically the first post is from last week but since I discovered the chic orange tone marriage this week, it made this week blogosphere compilation.
Social Design for Love it so much!!
This post showcased a real wedding. What you see in Love it so much!! is amazing in every way. There are a lot of details done in a clean design. It shows that you do not need to pack your décor to make it amazing and substantial.
You get inspired by the daring use of an orange drape for the ceremony, the retro look of the birdcage veil with a starlet nightgown wedding dress up to the modern square table settings. This wedding was featured on Social Design blog, the brain-child of Lyndsi Joy and Amanda Domergue, two young event designers and coordinators from Philadelphia.
Categories:
PARTY ideas
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Friday, August 24, 2007 4:10 PM | Feedback (0)
I know Trish Magwood since 2005 as the host of the hit show party dish on the Food Network. Trish is known for preparing uncomplicated but delicious recipes. She explores fun and modern dishing techniques that are perfect for easy entertaining.
On September 14, her first cookbook will hit the stores in Canada. It is a cookbook about everyday simple to special occasions entertaining menu. Knowing her style, it sounds promising. So I put the book Dish entertains on my radar.
We can read from the publisher note that:
Dish entertains is exactly the cookbook needed by time-starved chefs who want both innovative and classic entertaining recipes — simple, beautiful and always deliciously fabulous.
In the meantime, here are some pictures of her cooking classes and a sample of the food presentation done by her catering service. Her business, dish cooking studio cover many angles of entertaining. It is a cooking school, a full service caterer, a specialized kitchen store and a gourmet café.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING
REVIEWS
posted @ Friday, August 24, 2007 1:23 AM | Feedback (14)
My friend Mélanie commented an hour ago about these vases on my blog. Her tip was so interesting that I decided to highlight this product right away.
The vases from TOMA display interesting illustrations. You can choose between a fern, blue grass, a Japanese proverb, red fish, kitchen utensils or a face with a heart (better for Valentine Day).
The comparison
They cost less than the Vazu vases that I presented yesterday; $4 CAD for a small vase, $5 for a large vase. From the pictures, these vases seem to look more plastic, a little bit less refined than Vazu. But for the price, I cannot complain. Where else can I easily carry my flowers in an original vase for an extra $4. And this product is more widely available in stores.
Categories:
ALL occasions
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Wednesday, August 22, 2007 10:33 PM | Feedback (0)
This post is about an innovative product that makes an affordable hostess gift or housewarming gift. This does not mean that you cannot just bring a couple to your home.
Update August 22, 2007:
Stop by the florist to get fresh flowers and your hostess or housewarming gift is set. I appreciate the fact that I can bring the vase with a bunch of flowers without having to carry a heavy lift. And there is no chance to break the vase either. (Thanks to Eden - see comments).
A one of a king flower vase design
Vazu is a flower vase like you have never seen before. What is so special about Vazu is that it is thin as a paper sheet when it is flat. And do not be fool by how little it weights, this flower vase is strong and durable.
Once you filled it with water, the transparency and glossiness of Vazu resembles a glass vase. The first collection of Vazu contains 16 models in three different shapes. The arrays of patterns mix modern and classic designs. Vazu is the design of T.H.+E. Design Group located in Israel.
Categories:
ALL occasions
HOSTESS gifts
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, August 21, 2007 11:43 PM | Feedback (15)
Here is a tasteful yet simple way to label the wines for a wine tasting party. It is versatile because this label tag technique works as well on decanters, wine carafes, wine bottles and glasses.
The next time you do a wine and cheese party, think about labeling the wines you will be serving. Hang a chalkboard where you wrote the specifics of the wine so everyone can read them. If you ask guests to bring a bottle, ask them for the wine details a couple of days in advance.
To reproduce these labels, simply glue a number on a natural paper background on the center of a price tag. It is even simpler if you buy the number already on a background. It looks better when you leave a margin on the price tag. Use raffia ribbons to attach the label to the container. You can play with colors if you like.
Categories:
PARTY supplies
ALL occasions
ENTERTAINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, August 21, 2007 12:29 PM | Feedback (2)
On the September edition of the Canadian magazine Chocolat, I read a neat article on how to label and add panache to ordinary storage containers. The idea is to get inspired by scrapbooking to produce adorable labels.
Nicely packaged hostess gifts and party favors seem more special. Labels add value to the simplest things so you do not need to spend a lot of money on the container.
How to make your own labels?
Beside printing labels, letter and number stickers come handy when put on metallic buckets and glassware jars. You can mix and match fonts and colors for a whimsical effect. For a richer look, use metallic letters.
Sticker labels are widely available at the office supply store in different sizes and shapes. Import cropped pictures or shapes to create your own design.
Categories:
PAPER goods
PARTY ideas
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Monday, August 20, 2007 12:46 PM | Feedback (3)
This week edition is a split between retro style and home decor. After a few iterations, I think I have finally found the right name for my Friday’s column. My goal after all with this weekly column is to showcase 3 to 4 posts from bloggers.
Featured blogs
Letterpress coasters are popping every day. I discovered these via retro chic at hello! Lucky published on Hostess with the Mostess. Stock up the Hostess with the Most Coasters as they make original hostess gifts. A Set of 8 assorted coasters is sold for $10 USD.
Dressing up your wall with the cute collage: krista peel mod art prints. Sold at etsy, each 6 x 6 inches art print is only $7 USD. Thanks to Cuteable to introduce me to the cute modern art of Krista Peel. Other drawings are displayed at her etsy shop.
Categories:
OUTDOOR
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, August 17, 2007 12:49 PM | Feedback (0)
This exercise started with one of the gorgeous aprons available at Anthropologie. I spoke before about the art of mix and match. I decided to put my rules in action starting with the sky blue and red Bird-In-Hand Apron.
By simply coordinating patterns I created an inspiration board for a bridal shower, a dessert event or a lady tea party. I did not only mix patterns, I also combined styles and cultures.
The key elements that unite my board
The first key element is the red and blue color palette. The second one is the flower garden theme.
Because the flowers are quite present in the tableware, flower arrangements become unnecessary. Display fruits or vegetables instead. A bouquet made of artichokes will complement the whole scheme. You can go with yellow or orange nutriments if you prefer a cheerful mood.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
FOOD + drinks
KITCHEN tools
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Thursday, August 16, 2007 1:30 PM | Feedback (2)
If you like to throw parties, there is a good chance you are already familiar with evite. I visited the sites several times before but I never really took the time to explore it in details.
Over the years, I developed my own set of party planning tools. With the Web 2.0, I am intrigued to see what is out there. In the following months, I will examine other online event-planning service on the Web so you will be able to select the right one for you.
I started this column with an old timer. evite is far from a Web2.0 site but it does the job. I tested drive evite to see how deep it goes in the planning stage. In theory, evite can save you time.
What in it for you?
First of all, this is a free online event-planning service on the Web. Basically, evite provides online invitations, eCards plus a series of party-planning tools and tips.
Categories:
PARTY ideas
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Thursday, August 16, 2007 12:23 AM | Feedback (1)
Whenever you are entertaining, food presentation makes all the difference. That is why usually we hire caterers and chefs at home.
You may think that you do have the time or the skills to reproduce this level of excellence at home. You are probably right but you can get inspired by their work of art.
I will use Couture Cuisine & Event Artistry’s realizations as a starting point to share some of my tricks. This Toronto catering company likes to achieve fashion forward event design as stylish, individual and as memorable as you are. It sounds a little bit like my own philosophy of entertaining.
To save money, you can buy your canapés & hors d’oeuvres from a high-end caterer shop but do the plating yourself. Here are some catering trends that I think look fantastic.
Categories:
DISHING tips
DINING
posted @ Tuesday, August 14, 2007 2:28 PM | Feedback (5)
I told you earlier that I am participating in a friendly tournament with other Canadian bloggers. The tournament has now officially begun.
What is it?
We are 128 Canadian born or Canadian residents that are taking part in this fun blogging competition. It is a nice way to discover new blogs. The topics of these blogs are not exactly home décor, cooking or entertaining. You can find blogs on photography, gadgets, marketing, currents events and random thoughts.
As you can read on Buzz Canada, it is more a community of marketers/ digiterati / media-ites / flacks who like to create content and start conversations. I read a few blogs so far and I read interesting stories from good bloggers. So I invite you to go through the list.
The first round
They will keep two bloggers out of 4. I compete in the first round against three male bloggers from Montreal. They are:
Categories:
IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Monday, August 13, 2007 10:03 PM | Feedback (1)
There is more than style when it comes to selecting the perfect dining table for entertaining. As a strong believer of Louis Sullivan’s architecture principle Form ever follows function, I always look for products with superior functionality and style.
I compiled the main features to look for before you buy a dining room table for entertaining. To keep it simple, I will not talk about the size or the shape of the room.
Rectangular shaped dining table
If you like to entertain more than 10 guests at a time, I suggest you aim for a rectangular shape. The Refectory table with its communal spirit is ideal for entertaining.
A round table must have 6 feet of diameter to fit 8 to 10 persons. That is why a rectangular dining table is the norm in a home environment if you need to sit down more people.
Categories:
HOME decor
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, August 13, 2007 1:24 PM | Feedback (0)
I decided to rename my Friday’s night column A few moments of pleasures by other bloggers because this week compilation would have felt short of the truth if I used the usual Small points on my notebook. Peek at the pictures to grasp my point.
I thanked Housemartin for offering us a day dreaming moment with a birch canopy daybed under the tree.
Toast and Tables showed us remarkable glassware with the Vega Stemware by Baccarat and the Xenia Stemware by Faberge. I would certainly make a Toast to life in one of these.
Congratulations to Beatrice from La Tartine Gourmande for her article in The Boston Globe about Pretty and portable, verrines offer layers of satisfaction. She wrote in her blog a touching story about about why she is like her dad.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
FOOD + drinks
OUTDOOR
ENTERTAINING
DINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, August 10, 2007 8:11 PM | Feedback (0)
The back to school advertising is the first sign that summer is coming to an end. But there is still plenty of beautiful weather nights left to entertain your kids outside.
Everyone knows that young kids like to camp. That is why Cookie Magazine published a set of activity tips and the things you need to make it a reality in your backyard. I added my little touch of wisdom to complete what they suggested.
For the naturalist or the animal lover
Why not go with a safari-style canvas tent? Your little ones can pretend to be the renowned primatologist Jane Goodalls conducting her field research. Otherwise, you can prepare a bird sighting adventure or an insect discovery expedition.
For the techie or the astronomer
With futuristic outdoor gadgets and gear, you may succeed to lure your child outside for a while. This weatherproof tent is equipped with three electrical outlets. Plug in your laptop and explore the cosmos with the telescope before going to bed. Bring some brain games to occupy their mind until dark.
Categories:
OUTDOOR
KIDS party
KIDS + BABY
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, August 10, 2007 6:43 PM | Feedback (0)
When you invest that much money in formal dinnerware, you want to make sure you get a look of your own. The best way to do that is to mix and match plates and bowls.
Brands and retailers make it easy for you. Several dinnerware collections are built around coordinating color palettes or pattern details within a brand. But you should not stop there.
You can explore the possibilities of mixing and matching different brand. The key is that they must share the same fine porcelain qualities. For example, only select Limoges porcelain.
How to formulate the basis of your own formal tabletop?
The inspiration shot was taken from the Web site of the high-end retailer Michael C. Fina. You see here a fresh yet traditional take on formal dining.
The stylist at Michael C. Fina composed a place setting by mixing two patterns by Christofle, Foam which is one of their own creations and Hemisphere Matte Platinum by Jean-Louis Coquet.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Thursday, August 09, 2007 10:32 PM | Feedback (2)
I started buying Umbra home décor accessories when I was at university. My emotional connection with Umbra has survived through the years for photo frames. But I did not explore their latest accessories for a while.
That was until Brella and Table Tools
I never taught of Umbra for entertaining until I saw the Brella family designed by Michelle Ivankovic. This line of white and gold tableware mixes old and new styles.
The cake pedestal stand is made of high gloss ceramic base with 14 karat gold detail and clear glass lid. At $99, this is a chic but yet affordable cake stand.
Renowned British architect Will Alsop launched Table Tools, a set of cutlery which premiered at the Umbra Concept store in Toronto. This funky stainless steel flatware costs $40 CAD per setting.
I got more insights about Table Tools from a news report by Alfred Ng published on NowPublic.com. He went to a book signing session by Will Alsop earlier in June. The crowd powered media NowPublic.com is a Web 2.0 site where ordinary people around the world write the news.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
ALL occasions
ENTERTAINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, August 09, 2007 1:16 PM | Feedback (3)
Writing two posts a day had been fun over the last three weeks. With my upcoming work load I suspect it will be hard to continue at this rhythm. So from now I plan to write one post a day for sure and occasionally two. My intent is either to publish a post by midnight or around noon the next day. Experience will tell us which one will become the norm.
I may publish more than that if my agenda allows me to do it. During the week end, my break from blogging is still in effect. However I can always surprise you occasionally.
Categories:
IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Thursday, August 09, 2007 12:12 AM | Feedback (0)
Like it or not, IKEA has democratized the home decor industry. If you are on a budget and use your creativity, you can devise fabulous kitchens from their lines of ready-made kitchen cabinets.
Now that the 2008 catalogue is out, I will tell you my favorite kitchen choices. From my pod living story, you already know that I am a fan of whole wall units. So you will not be surprised with my first two choices.
My choices within the AKURUM kitchen system
The NEXUS honey brown door and drawer front series is one my favorite. I always like darker tones for home décor since it feels warmer. At first glance, the kitchen appears more masculine but I see it more as a unisex option if you use a brighter color than black as the accent color. This style costs $109 per linear foot. Since a 10 by 10 kitchen is only $2180 CAD, you can afford to plunge on nicer counter top and backsplash finishes.
Categories:
HOME decor
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, August 08, 2007 12:46 PM | Feedback (2)
Cakes are an important part of any celebrations. This is one custom that I hope with never go out of fashion. Even if decorated cakes are widely available, the best hostesses like to make a bold statement with her cakes.
Bakery Bar specializes in custom designs specifically tailored to your individual style. Their creations are stunning. They are cute, fun, fresh and stylish. In short, they exhibit my favorite qualities.
Gracious whimsical and organic themes
Many of their cake designs are inspired by nature. The bakers at Bakery Bar cleverly and realistically shape fruits, vegetables, plants and much more. Nothing looks tacky here. I would take pleasure in getting that kind of cakes for my upcoming wedding anniversary.
The whimsical Pirate cake for a kid birthday has the usual elements done in an appealing way. The houses / neighborhoods cakes talk to me; you feel a part of the community just by looking at it. If you belong to the welcoming committee of a club or if you are hosting a housewarming party, this rendering cannot be more apropos.
Categories:
KIDS party
BIG events
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Tuesday, August 07, 2007 10:34 PM | Feedback (1)
In our house, we need to transform the room to create a magical atmosphere for a party. But if you utilize a magical location you do not really need to add decorative items to plan the best party ever. One such place is a perched tree house.
An inspirational tree house in Brittany, France
The July-August 2007 issue of Maison Française published a nice article about an outstanding perched tree house in the Domaine des Ormes. Standing 10 meters from the ground, the Cedar tree house is impressible. The terrace is a perfect spot for a small party during the day.
I know that tree houses for adults are not common but if you search on the Web you can rent some.
If you want to build your own, it can be a fun group project at the cottage. Make sure to consult a tree expert to help you select the right tree and guide you with design requirements. When you built a cabin around a large tree, you should ensure that the tree will continue to grow and live well.
Categories:
KIDS party
TRAVEL
FAMILY style
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Tuesday, August 07, 2007 12:11 PM | Feedback (2)
Everybody knows that conversation pieces are icebreakers at parties. This morning, I discovered via roadside scholar the fabulous catalogue of Philippi which is filled with distinctive pieces for entertaining.
A little bit of classy fairytale
I really fell in love with the Cinderella stainless steel items. I never saw a pair of espresso spoons and a cake serving knife so remarkable. The heel of the cake server is detachable. It stays in place through a magnet. You put the heel on when you want the cake server to rest. Otherwise you remove the heel to cut the cake.
The futuristic Jetson look infused in the Cocoon collection
A fruit bowl, a candy bowl, a set of salt + pepper shakers, a sugar pill dispenser and an astray compose the Cocoon collection. The line is sleek, fun and cute.
Categories:
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, August 07, 2007 12:11 AM | Feedback (0)
The first recipe any new owner of a tagine will prepare is a Chicken Tagine with preserved lemon and olives. You can find tones of recipes for this classic Moroccan dish. But which recipe tastes the best?
I want to say that I am not a specialist in Moroccan cooking. I just trusted my taste buds. I am not looking for the most authentic recipe, I seeking the most delicious recipe for my liking.
I started my quest by testing the two recipes I received with the tagine pot. So round one is the manufacturer Emile Henry’s recipe versus the recipe from one of the best cooking stores in Montreal, Les Touilleurs.
Review of Emile Henry’s recipe
I do not recommend the recipe as it is published on the Emile Henry's booklet that in the tagine box. The taste of lemon was simply too strong. If we apply a few simple changes, I believe that the recipe has potential. You will find a link to the original recipe at the end of this post. I suggest you play around with it.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING
posted @ Monday, August 06, 2007 1:29 PM | Feedback (6)
Beach cabanas remind me of vacation. You feel pamper and relax when you are lying beneath one. It helps you create an intimate space on a large beach.
When you use a cabana as a pool dressing room, it adds nostalgia and panache to your pool area. Beach cabanas are not just for adults, kids enjoy them too. Cabanas are fun. Moreover, you take control of the mess.
The overall design principles I explained here still apply to adult spaces. I concentrated on the kid version since it is less typical to build stylish décor for kids.
What do you need to do it?
Pottery Barn carried the Kids Chesapeake Cabanas this year that were so cool – they went out of stock pretty fast. Imagine when you host a swimming play date, the kids have their own spot to change and store their stuff. As the kids arrive, write their name on a chalkboard inside a picture frame. Name tags on the cabanas let everyone knows where to put their belongings.
Categories:
OUTDOOR
KIDS party
FAMILY style
KIDS + BABY
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Sunday, August 05, 2007 12:12 PM | Feedback (0)
A compilation of beautiful sun shading structures for outdoor entertaining spaces was the subject of Terassliv att drömma om, a post on Purple Area. You will enjoy a pure moment of pleasure by looking at these dreamy outdoor rooms.
Cookie Jars is an easy to do and inexpensive party favor or hostess gift done by Jordan of Oh Happy Days. She used the SÖTA glass jars with lid from Ikea. Each year, my husband and I bring our homemade cookies to our friends and family members where we are invited during Christmas time. We update the jar style every year; something it is glassware, sometimes it is stainless steel. This year, who knows?
Categories:
PARTY supplies
ALL occasions
ENTERTAINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Friday, August 03, 2007 5:37 PM | Feedback (2)
I am showing you more Scandinavian works of art today. While seeking more tea towel inspirations, I was pleased to discover the trendy modern prints of Swedish designer Ulrika Elofsson. I really like her style.
Her prints display beautiful hues. The latest blue petrol looks amazing. Form & Design product lines revolved around many shapes of greens, black, reds and browns.
Coordinated products will please people who like to display tea towels and dish cloths in their kitchen. Matching cushion covers, table runners, serviettes, lamp shades and trays are available. Form & Design also sells their print patterns as fabric by the meter and ready-made curtain panels.
How to use coordinated products to achieve the best kitchen décor look?
You need to be clever when you are using a kit collection so you are not over doing it. Too much of the same things look boring, drab. I suggest you bring solid color items to break out the patterns, add contrasting colors and create excitement with a conservation piece.
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
DINING
posted @ Friday, August 03, 2007 12:07 PM | Feedback (0)
With the announcement of the opening of a FERM Living branch in the United States several weeks ago, I was interested to know how easy it was to install and remove their wall decals.
I think that wall decals will become popular party supply. For that to happen, it must be easy to remove the walls decals after the party.
So I was glad to receive an invitation from FERM Living USA to test drive their wall decals. I received the gold FLORA wall decals. We select this one because it is affordable and it will look good on my blue-wall office.
My assessment report
I am very impressed. It is easy and fast to put on. You can remove it without damaging your wall paint. BEWARE: I only tried it on several small petals as I want to keep the wall decals up in my office wall.
Categories:
HOME decor
PARTY supplies
ENTERTAINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Thursday, August 02, 2007 7:20 PM | Feedback (1)
This post started strangely. I browsed in the May 2007 Domino and recalled this lovely tin plate set for picnic by Mottahedeh. Traditional floral patterns are not my things but once in a while one caught my eyes. I bookmarked the Lowestoft Rose Tin Plate Set for my next Friday’s night notebook post.
Then, on my morning visit to Facebook, I saw this question by Sean Moffitt.
You're hosting a dinner party and you can invite any 5 famous/notorious/interesting people - who are they going to be?
I would invite ex Formula 1 driver and playboy Eddie Irvine for his look and humor, the French philosopher Elisabeth Badinter for her intelligence, Erja Häkkinen, the wife of Mika because I like her personality, the actor Johnny Depp because he is an intriguing man and the amazing French designer Philippe Starck because he is an icon and I admire his work.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
PAPER goods
PARTY ideas
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Thursday, August 02, 2007 1:27 PM | Feedback (0)
Summer partying at the park, the beach or the roof terrace is great as long as the sun do not feel too hot. Sometimes when you are in a public place, you want to isolate your group from the crowd. I got a modish solution for you.
If you like to hanging out with friends for a picnic, a day at the beach or watch your friends play an outdoor sport, you can do it in style next time with Villa, a gazebo tent designed by the prolific Dutch designer Marcel Wanders for PUMA.
In a floral baroque inspired black and white print motif, the entire line is designed for partying outside your own house.
The product line
Bring your bottles of champagne and picnic meal in the insulated luggage case mounted on all terrain wheels. Your stuff will be preserved in a more hip cooler with Cool Case than a Coleman. At $280, it is the average cost of a durable suitcase.
Categories:
OUTDOOR
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, August 01, 2007 8:38 PM | Feedback (1)
I enjoy cooking with the right tools. There are always new gadgets coming around. Some that I find useless, others can be great but do not interested me because I developed a technique over the years that I am pleased with.
Others kitchen tools are fun to have while a select group makes it to the must-have category. I will go as far as to replace mine with these but if I have to get new ones these three by Progressive will make my short list.
The Pop-Out Measuring Cups
First of all, the numbers are written for an aging population in mind and the fact that kids want to help you in the kitchen. These silicone cups are flexible, which allows you to push out the ingredients instead of having to scrape them. The Pop-Out Measuring Cups nest for storage like the traditional measuring cups.
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, August 01, 2007 9:26 AM | Feedback (1)
Living in the cosmopolitan city often means that you share your outdoor space with your neighbors. That is why the hip living projects target singles or couples without children. The inside courtyard and the communal roof terrace become the place where the residents socialize.
What is in this urban oasis?
The Moroccan-themed 2-storey communal roof terrace at The Jade was built exactly for that purpose. Complete with several small lounge areas, a reflecting pool, a sun deck with soaking tubs, a spa and a gym, you can hang out there 24 hours a day. On a smaller scale, you can apply the key elements from this design to create your own brilliant backyard.
The furniture and the decor is impressive. It is a place where the tenants are happy in a hip, fashionable, pan-Mediterranean meet North Africa surrounding.
Categories:
OUTDOOR
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, August 01, 2007 12:11 AM | Feedback (0)