May 2008 Entries
Watch this video where New York event planner and designer David Stark creates cute flower arrangements from flowers available at the Deli shops.
Look at how David Stark gave style to ordinary carnations, daisies, gerberas and roses.
Another Concept
For the same challenge, artist and landscape designer Paula Hayes arranges lilacs and alliums on a vase she designed. Even though these two flowers are part of my favorites, I did not like what she did with it.
Look in your own backyard
Our lilac tree is in bloom right now. Lilac smells so good. I will find the time tomorrow to show you my own arrangements. Hopefully, I can create something that I will be proud of.
New York magazine converted everyday objects as flower vessels. This is another way to easy give a punch to a simple bouquet. Check out the post on Apartment Therapy NYC for more ideas.
>>> Sourcing:
Via: PlantTherapy: The Everything Guide to Flowers [Apartment Therapy NYC]
Categories:
EVERYDAY
TABLESCAPE
PARTY supplies
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Saturday, May 31, 2008 7:33 PM | Feedback (1)
Style Me Pretty leads as a real wedding showcase destination. Today, Abby Larson featured the wedding of Paul and Melissa who got married in a city park in Austin, Texas.
The wedding was beautifully executed on a budget. I granted you that Paul is a landscape designer so it is not really a true DIY flower arrangement project. Still with practices and a good eye, you can aspire to reproduce something similar.
The Art of Repetition
These tabletop and event décor pictures illustrate very well a design principle that I cherish. I am talking about the art of design repetition. I favor duplication with variety to exact replication.
For this wedding, fruits and leaves are used over and over. Since they are reinterpreted on each station or function, you are surprised and seduced even more by the theme repetition. That leads to a sophisticated, carefully planned wedding party design.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
PARTY ideas
BIG events
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Friday, May 30, 2008 12:40 PM | Feedback (0)
I just read on Moco Loco about a new eco-friendly product. We used propane BBQ at home. But I crave for the real BBQ charcoal taste. Last year I almost gave in but after checking the negative effects on the environment, I decided against it.
But now I have a solution that will leave me with great taste and a clear conscience. Baja is an eco-friendly instant charcoal packaging developed by Mike and Maaike for design annex / Lazzari.
Baja renders your barbecue experience simple, clean and chemical free. It is simple to cook on the BBQ since Baja heats the natural lump charcoal to the right temperature without the aid of chemicals or lighter fluid. The coals are ready to cook within 15 to 20 minutes from lighting.
When you go at home or if you go at the friend house for a Bring your Own Food outdoor party, Baja is much better than regular charcoals for you and your neighbors.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
OUTDOOR
PARTY supplies
ENTERTAINING
DINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Thursday, May 29, 2008 6:50 PM | Feedback (5)
You can read on HGTV.ca blog my Splurge Vs Steal post about modern outdoor furniture. I will write more posts for Style Sheet in the coming weeks.
Categories:
IN the press
OUTDOOR
REVIEWS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Thursday, May 29, 2008 6:03 PM | Feedback (1)
If you are a fan of Mud Australia ceramic dinnerware and you visit Sidney this summer, plan a stop at their first ever retail store.
The store is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 6pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
mud australia store
134 Edgecliff Road
Woollahra, nsw 2025, Australia
t 61 2 9389 5580
RELATED POST:
+ Handmade porcelain collection of Mud Australia
Categories:
TRAVEL
TABLEWARE
DINING
posted @ Thursday, May 29, 2008 5:47 PM | Feedback (0)
Remember the bold color glass kitchenware from Annie Michaud and the exquisite home accessories from Karine Bouchard.
It is that time of the year: Save and stock a few gifts for the teachers of your kids or hostess gifts.This Saturday, June 7th, 2008 is the biannual workshop sale of Gogoglass.
How this event works?
You can get pieces with little imperfections at a fraction of the regular price. I bought an orange lemon reamer at the same type of sales last Christmas.
The event has an educational side since you watch live artists creating pieces at their Marche Bonsecours workshop in Montreal Old Port. The event is from 10 to 17 o’clock.
To understand what is so special about their work, I invite you to read what I wrote when I visited their workshop last Christmas. I first introduced Annie Michaud’s blown glass kitchenware in August 2007.
Gogoglass
385 de la Commune East (marché Bonsecours)
Montreal, QC H2Y 1H2
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
ALL occasions
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, May 29, 2008 4:21 PM | Feedback (0)
Want to win a trip for two to sunny Mexico? Who doesn’t? The rules are simple to play the Meet Me in Mexico contest:
- head on over to Glam.com and
- guess the destination in the photo for your chance to win.
Come Back for More Chances To Win
A new photo will be posted every week. Do not forget to return every week for more chances to win. Each weekly correct answer will enter you in a pool where a winner will be chosen at random at the end of the promotion.
Do not wait anymore to enter the Meet Me in Mexico contest. Good Luck!
Categories:
TRAVEL
posted @ Thursday, May 29, 2008 12:45 PM | Feedback (0)
I was interviewed two weeks by Ian Howarth for a story about planning an outdoor party.
Ian interviewed before me Kelly Deck who hosts Take it Outside on HGTV for a segment of outdoor rooms and high-end barbecues. I spoke about her show when I gave you my 5 design tips for the perfect backyard for entertaining.
You can also learn useful tips from Leslie Hoppenheim of The Party Planner who is used to plan big events. My published contributions relate to down-to-earth tips when you host a casual outdoor party.
Categories:
IN the press
OUTDOOR
TRENDS
FAMILY style
KIDS + BABY
REVIEWS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, May 28, 2008 8:18 PM | Feedback (1)
A Montreal Girl Geek told me last week that At Home with Kim Vallee is featured on The Nest magazine. As far as I know, my blog is the favorite blog of their readers and staff in the Entertaining category. Sadly for me, this magazine is not available in Canada.
I just sent an email to a Public Relations Manager at The Nest Magazine. We will see what they answer. In the meantime, I am asking for help from my US readers.
Did you read that article? Can someone send me a copy of the Summer 2008 edition of the Nest magazine? I will send a thank you gift. If you interested make sure to fill the email text box (not published) and write a comment.
>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: The Nest
Categories:
IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Wednesday, May 28, 2008 6:55 PM | Feedback (3)
While browsing on Tastespotting this morning, I spotted this adorable truck cake. I am even more impressed since this lorry cake is made by a Northern Irish foodie named Sarah. Her cakes stand out by the attention to details.
I explored her blog to know more. Stuff Yer Bake is not only about cakes. She also publishes recipes of meal she cooked on an everyday basis.
Sarah baked and decorated these cakes at the request of co-workers. I feel sad she lived on the other side of the Atlantic. Do you know any non-professional in Montreal (or elsewhere) who is as talented?
>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: Cakes Galores [Stuff Yer Bake]
Learn more:Pirate Birthday [Stuff Yer Bake]
Recipe:Crab Ravioli [Stuff Yer Bake]
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
KIDS party
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Wednesday, May 28, 2008 10:12 AM | Feedback (1)
I was looking for unique gift ideas when I spotted three amazing kitchen tools at Generate. It is worth noting that this US retailer ships to Canada and the United States for free.
Serving ware by Zoocreative
First, Zoocreative reinvented the eating tray by converting two of its corners into armrests. Your arms rest comfortably on the grooves of the Delica Table tray to deliver a more enjoyable dining experience.
A table tray, a coffee tray and a small tray compose the line. The Delica Tray series won several awards including the prestigious Reddot design award 2007.
The Ameba Collection consists of a set of coasters, plate chargers and placemats. The plate chargers can be used as a trivet set. These would look great on a buffet table.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
KITCHEN tools
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Wednesday, May 28, 2008 2:03 AM | Feedback (0)
I love cookbooks. It seems I never have enough. With so many books, which one to choose.
Save time and start with the 2008 finalists of the James Beard Foundation Cookbook Awards? After all, they examined the latest publications for us.
James Beard Foundation Cookbook Awards is said to be the highest honors for food and beverage professionals working in America. The awards reward excellence in 13 book categories.
I am showing you four books from the Entertaining category. These inexpensive books will each be appreciated as an hostess gift.
Canadian Nominee
A Canadian is nominated this year in the Entertaining cookbook category. I introduced Dish Entertains last year.
The author of Dish Entertains is Trish Magwood, the owner of dish cooking studio located in Toronto. Trish is completing against two cookbooks:
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
HOLIDAY
FAMILY style
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
REVIEWS
posted @ Tuesday, May 27, 2008 12:44 PM | Feedback (0)
I started over my post series that highlighted great posts from my blogroll. I named this collection of fabulous posts Fabupost.
Dressing up Tartlets and Sandwiches
The honor goes to La Tartine Gourmande with her post about a Celeriac and Long Pepper Tartlet and a picnic with the man of her life on this Memorial Day. Her pictures and writing inspire me to try making adorable tartlets like hers.
And look at how fantastic is her sandwich presentation. If you are a good cook or if you are or pressed by time, you should not be afraid to serve sandwiches to your guests. Simply invite your guests for lunch instead of dinner. Put attention to details and you will be able to impress your guests with any food.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
OUTDOOR
ALL occasions
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, May 26, 2008 6:14 PM | Feedback (0)
Father's Day is the third Sunday from now (June 15th, 2008). I will give you a head start with these tasteful and practical gift ideas for your dad.
Picnic Drinkware
The red and aqua outdoor tumblers, hi-ball glasses, wine glasses and jugs by John Lewis remind me of the hip nautical palette I showed you two weeks ago. I enjoy these gender-neutral festive hues for summer.
Picnic Blankets / Rugs
For lunches on the grass or free summer concerts in the park, a picnic rug comes handy.
I have never seen picnic blankets as fashionable as the John Lewis Ascot Picnic Rug. Very British style!
But dads may prefer the more masculine brown or navy John Lewis Picnic Rug in a Bag. The look is also more casual.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
OUTDOOR
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, May 26, 2008 11:57 AM | Feedback (0)
We do not have always to look at the latest things to find cool ideas.
A flashback to summer 2006 from Living etc teaches us a thing or two about outdoor party decorations. These are great ideas for your upcoming family events all summer long.
Eco-friendly Way to Keep the Insects Away
Living etc suggests we hang a clear plastic bag filled with water on top of your outdoor dining table to keep the insects away. I will try this trick to see if it works. Hang want the little kids to ask questions, use a fishing line for the invisible effect.
Decorating Ideas for an Outdoor Kid Party
- Set up several areas with toys. Prioritize games for all ages.
- A single element may be all you need to create a statement. Colorful cushions under a distinctive parasol, large dominos next to fun chairs took a few minutes to set up.
- The dressing-up tent can be used to make a play or a fashion show.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
PARTY ideas
OUTDOOR
KIDS party
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Sunday, May 25, 2008 1:06 PM | Feedback (0)
If you ever visited Vancouver, you noticed that their residents love sports and outdoor living. Therefore, you would not be surprised that helping the environment is popular down there.
I applauded this initiative by the Commercial Drive Business Society. As advertisers, they are taking their responsibilities. Rather that sending the old banners to the landfills they are recycling them into reusable shopping bags.
The proceeds from the sales of the recycled banner shopping bags go toward the development of new green spaces in the neighborhood. The recycled Banner Shopping Bags are available in 2 sizes and 10 colors at participating retailers in Vancouver.
>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: Banner Shopping Bags by Commercial Drive Business Society - price: $9.95 for small, $14.95
Via: Shopping district turns its own ad banners into bags [Springwise]
Categories:
ALL occasions
OFF topics
TRENDS
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Sunday, May 25, 2008 1:09 AM | Feedback (1)
While I visited the San Francisco Ferry Building Farmer's Market last March, I saw plenty of shoppers with a Hook & Go trolley. I took some pictures because I find them handy.
Needing More Than Reusable Shopping Bags
As many urban residents, I walk to do my grocery shopping. I shop European style, which means that I typically buy food for a day or two. When I find the time, I like to go to the farmer's market on weekdays to buy fresh produces.
As many of you, I carry a couple of reusable shopping bags on my handbag. But the weight added up quickly. The weight bothers me more since my injury. Since then, I wish for a functional foldable shopping cart.
When I shop in the neighborhood or at the farmer's market, I buy food for many stores. Having my own portable shopping cart will free up my hands.
Categories:
ALL occasions
OFF topics
TRENDS
FAMILY style
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Friday, May 23, 2008 2:10 PM | Feedback (1)
A superbly decorated cake makes a statement at any party. Here are some adorable and fun cakes for a graduation party, a baby shower or a kid birthday party.
On LovinSullivanCake Web site, we can read that the owner Kate Sullivan learned baking and cake decorating from books, and many trial and error. She has more than learned it, she mastered it. Her designs are cutely refined.
If you always dream of creating your own fabulous birthday cakes, do not be shy to try a simpler version. Kate Sullivan is not only a cake decorator, she is also an author of a cook book. Grab a copy of her book Fun & Fancy Cake Decorating: Tips and Techniques for Decorating Unique Cakes for any Occasion to discover her tricks.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
BABY showers
KIDS party
BIG events
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
REVIEWS
posted @ Thursday, May 22, 2008 1:20 AM | Feedback (0)
If you dream of setting a natural retreat in your urban backyard this summer, you might be interested by these brown and white Resin Tree Pots that I dug at Sprout Home.
These planters can be flipped over and used as an end table. To increase their longevity, use them as a cachepot. Put some moss or wood barks on top to complement the natural look. Each Resin Tree Pot is 15 inches tall and 13 inches wide.
Sprout Home sells them online or you can visit their store in Chicago and in Brooklyn.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Brown Tree Resin Pot at Sprout Home - price: $115 USD
Buy online: White Tree Resin Pot at Sprout Home - price: $115 USD
Categories:
HOME decor
OUTDOOR
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, May 21, 2008 1:50 PM | Feedback (0)
The most important thing after you bought cut flowers is to put them in an appropriate vase. With a few guidelines, finding the right fit is not complicated.
When you buy flowers for yourself, you have the time to try several vases or to buy the types of flowers that fit well into your vases. That is the time to experiment.
For some, problems arise when they receive flowers. When you are hosting a party, you do not have the time to try several vases. The same is true when making a casual centerpiece for an impromptu dinner.
If you start from scratch, get at least these three types of vases:
- a 4-inch neck square or round vase - ideal height 9 to 11 inches
- a bud vase for single bloom - I prefer a narrow 4 to 6 inches tall vase
- a heavy base, thick wall vase with a wider neck, 10 to 12 inches tall.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
HOME decor
ALL occasions
ENTERTAINING
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, May 21, 2008 1:21 AM | Feedback (2)
If you are looking for personalized note cards, check out the latest collection of bold drawings at Fabulous Stationery.
Bags and Shoes
With a production time of 5 to 7 days, it is too late to order your custom Sex and the City invites from the new shoes and bags collection. Still, keep these note cards in mind for a bridal shower, a girl makeover party or a bridal party.
A bride to be can order a custom set for each of her bridesmaids. Simply select the illustration that fits the best the bridesmaid’s personality.
Moving Announcements
There are several options to choose from a mid-century house to reference to condo living and home decor accessories. You do not need to live in a Palm Springs modern house to order those as long as you want to say "Come to see my new hip place", these designs are OK.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
PAPER goods
ALL occasions
ENTERTAINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:19 PM | Feedback (0)
Tonight is the opening of the Architects and Designers Building (A&D Building) in New York City.
What is in it for you?
What is great for all of us is that the showrooms at the A&D Building are open to the trade and the public. You will get to see premium products for your home from kitchen and bath accessories, appliances, tiles and furniture.
Stay tuned since Architects and Designers Building will host special events to introduce new products with leading experts and celebrity chefs. I would love to live in New York right now.
Hours
The hours of business are Monday to Friday from 9AM to 5 PM. The Opening Night is Monday, May 19, 2008 from 6 to 9 PM. Check out the A & D Web site for Opening Night RSVP or for the showroom listing.
Categories:
HOME decor
TRENDS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, May 19, 2008 10:59 AM | Feedback (0)
With the emails, browsing the Web, RSS reading, we all need some kind of home office.
With the popularity of condo units and open concept living spaces, many people do not have the luxury of a closed office. If you put together a workstation in our living room or bedroom room, you dream of a more stylish design than the office furniture look.
Design Issue
With people relying more on laptops than desktop computers, a simple desk table with limited storage is all you need. The small filing cabinet for sorting the bills and paperwork may be stored in a closet or integrate next to your workstation.
Herman Miller is well established in the office furniture industry. They just launch a new modern collection for home office called Lifework. I guess the popularity of the Nelson Swag Leg Desk, work table, and armchair demonstrates that there is a market for modern home office furniture.
Categories:
HOME decor
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Sunday, May 18, 2008 3:12 PM | Feedback (1)
The high-quality cookware makes a difference when cooking. They last longer but more importantly they will cook better because they distribute heat more efficiently.
A set provides the basic pots and pans that you need on a daily basis. You will add specialized pots as you need them.
Although a superior cookware set can cost a lot, it is money well spent. Cookware in large retail chains go on sale at 50% off a few times a year. So check the store flyers to spot your favorite cookware.
Finishes and base compositions
Copper pots and pans work incredibly well. I like their charming look. But they require too much work to keep their beautiful shine. This is why, stainless steel rules on my house. The only exception is my enameled cast iron Dutch oven by Le Creuset.
My basic cookware set has a copper inlay base. Some higher-end sets have a copper core with a stainless steel finishes. This is the case of the Copper-Core collection by All-Clad. I just added to my wish list.
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
ALL occasions
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Saturday, May 17, 2008 5:56 PM | Feedback (1)
If you live in Montreal, you can participate in a cool contest. Sixty Boutique and Café Méliès invite you to enter to win the ultimate girl night out!
The Prize
The winner and three of her girlfriends will be pampered starting with a make-up session and Miss Sixty shoes before assisting to the Premiere of the movie. After watching Sex and the City, you will be heading to Café Méliès for complimentary cocktails and dinner.
How to Have a Chance to Win?
You must buy something at a regular price from now until May 27th, 2008 to participate. You will be fashionable with a Miss Sixty outfit. If you like their stuff, head to one of their 3 locations in the Montreal area.
- Downtown, the Flagship store: 1440 Peel Street
- Rockland Centre - Style Exchange/Sixty boutique
- Carefour Laval - Sixty boutique
Categories:
OFF topics
posted @ Friday, May 16, 2008 1:48 PM | Feedback (0)
Finished up your invite or add a special touch to a thank you card with your own customized stamps. They are also appropriate to mark a special occasion, a kid birthday or something special happening in your life.
Where to buy?
The personalization process is the same whether you live in the USA or Canada. The difference is where you buy them. In Canada, you must use Picture Postage, a service from Canada Post in partnership with Canadian Bank Note.
In the United States, several companies own a vendor license from United States Postal Service to print customized postage. You can buy the stamps in the denomination that you need: postcard, envelop size and weight. Unfortunately, Canada Post offers only the customized stamp for the most current postage (standard letter under 30 grams).
Categories:
EVERYDAY
PAPER goods
ALL occasions
HOLIDAY
BIG events
ENTERTAINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, May 15, 2008 11:16 PM | Feedback (2)
Cabanas are useful and charming. If I got a summer cottage, I would install a few so my guests can get change and put their stuff for the day. Having a cabana helps to keep your house clutter free while you are hosting a beach party.
I was charmed by the cabana next to the pool from the June 2008 of Canadian House and Home magazine. This cabana is available at Fresh Home and Garden in Toronto.
Typical white and navy nautical stripes are not my thing. I prefer the cool turquoise with earthy red shown here.
Thanks to Alex Newman and the Canadian House and Home styling team for presenting this beach house inspired by the Hamptons. The article is titled Water Colored in the magazine.
May18th, 2008 Update:
I just realized that the same color palette is used on the luxury hammock by Henri Hall Designs.
Categories:
HOME decor
OUTDOOR
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Thursday, May 15, 2008 5:05 PM | Feedback (1)
If you guess that the couple who owns the urban organic modern home store Stylegarage in Toronto lives in a lofty space, you are right. Except that they accomplished the look in a suburban duplex.
Urban Modern Style
Their interior design borrows to the loft-chic style. You can feel the warm sensibility of the organic moderns style. The house has a lot of warmth due to an extensive use of wood.
Amanda Schuler and David Podsiaglo live in this house with their 18-month-old son. Let’s review their cool entertaining spaces that are featured on the June 2008 issue of Canadian House and Home magazine.
Dining Room
You may say another chalkboard. For me, it triggers childhood memories. So I still dream of a chalkboard wall in my own home.
Categories:
HOME decor
OUTDOOR
FAMILY style
KIDS + BABY
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Thursday, May 15, 2008 2:58 PM | Feedback (1)
It feels almost like summer. You could bring the Daydream swim ring and Day dream beach ball to complete my first birthday party theme. If you want bright colors, get inspired by the Moroccan pattern.
Revive your inner child spirit and throw some beach balls at a grown up pool party. These designs are brand new. Designroom Group launched them on April 15th, 2008. They have other patterns including a camouflage and a punk pattern.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Beach Ball Daydream by Designroom Group – price: $12 USD
Buy online: Swim Ring Daydream by Designroom Group – price: $12 USD
Buy online: Poolside collection by Designroom Group
Via: {outdoorables!} [Daisy Chain]
Categories:
EVERYDAY
OUTDOOR
PARTY supplies
KIDS party
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, May 14, 2008 12:24 PM | Feedback (1)
I hosted a casual Mother’s Day event this year. My husband and I invited our mothers for an intimate breakfast.
My husband cooked wonderful omelets. I have to say this was his best ever. He prepared a Swiss cheese and mushroom omelet with freshly cut chives from our garden.
Tableware
We kept the tabletop really simple. The beauty emerged from the charming plates and cups. It was also the first time I ate in my new Chirp dinnerware set by Lenox. This 2007 pattern is so adorable.
I could have placed the plates over my Birds 'n Trees placemats from Modern-Twist like I shown you here. But a checkered tablecloth caught my eyes that morning. I bought this cotton tablecloth at La Maison Simons last year.
Categories:
HOLIDAY
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Wednesday, May 14, 2008 10:31 AM | Feedback (0)
This is the coolest hammock I ever seen. At a price tag of $19,500 this is not for everyone. Still, we can all appreciate the stunning design of this 113 inch diameter hammock.
You can drape it for privacy or more protection against the sun. It is supposed to be more stable than the regular hammocks.
The standard size day bed and the huge hammock are perfect to party under the sun. It looks so hip. The San Francisco based company Henry Hall Designs proposes fine outdoor furniture in an array of modern and traditional styles.
Vintage Fusion
The Fusion range mixes teak and stainless steel. The best part for me is the falling pool. I always dreamed of a pool like that.
Vintage is made of stainless steel and synthetic resin. Inspired by the curved plywood chairs of the 1950’s, Vintage line proposes a chaise lounge and a stackable dining chair. As you can read on Henry Hall Designs Web site, the Vintage revives an era of visionary design for the outdoors.
Categories:
OUTDOOR
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, May 14, 2008 12:58 AM | Feedback (1)
Kitsch has a good and a bad side. For me, this patio snack set is on the cute good side. I came across this 1950's cute milk glass breakfast or snack set through Jenn Ski’s blog.
I bought it from a friendly etsy seller. She inquired if the package arrived intact. Blue Sky Days sells fine vintage and handmade goods that she collected over the last 8 years.
This set brings a new style to my tableware collection. The design feels fun and out of the ordinary. In the 1970's, my mother has milk glass cups, so I guess there is an emotional connection. My husband likes it too.
This snack set is ideal to serve breakfast. Since I prefer drinking my morning coffee in a larger cup, I can serve yogurt or a fruit in the cup and put my toasts on the plate. Luckily, it harmonizes with my coffee/tea cup from my Chirp Dinnerware set by Lenox.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Tuesday, May 13, 2008 12:58 AM | Feedback (1)
There is a new way to personalize your invitations with the launch of silhouettes by PosePrints.
You can add a couple, a bride or a pregnant mother. Same sex couples are represented by two male silhouettes. Strangely, lesbian couples are not represented.
The different between the female models are three hair styles. The silhouettes are also available in several colors.
There are less customization options than with the personalized avatars. Still you can find a suitable fit. The pricing is the same for all poses.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: silhouette models with navy spots [poseprints.com] – price: $50.00 for 25 cards
RELATED POST:
+ Personalized avatar on social stationery
Categories:
PAPER goods
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Monday, May 12, 2008 10:41 PM | Feedback (1)
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.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
OUTDOOR
KIDS party
DISHING tips
PARTY favors
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, May 12, 2008 3:54 PM | Feedback (3)
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]
Categories:
OFF topics
posted @ Monday, May 12, 2008 2:34 PM | Feedback (0)
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
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
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
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
HOLIDAY
DISHING tips
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Saturday, May 10, 2008 4:53 PM | Feedback (1)
A bold red is not the typically color people would choose when they selecting their doors. But look at how great these two kitchen look.
A bold red like that used to be restricted to high-end Italian and German kitchens. Ikea made the high-gloss red kitchen accessible.
People often ignore vibrant colors when it comes to big items because they are afraid to get bored with a few years. In reality, whatever the color, you will get bored at some point. Playing safe has its merits but it can also lacks personality.
My Own Experience Living with Red
We renovated our current home in 1995. Our house was built around 1860.
I believe that there must be a connection between the interior and the exterior of a building. Since I leaned towards a modern look, we opted for shaker-style door in natural maple. But I added a twist. I alternated the color of the inside panels between the natural maple and bright red panel tint. I selected a sort of crimson red almost fire engine red. Some days, I regret not having more red panels.
Categories:
HOME decor
TRENDS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, May 09, 2008 5:20 PM | Feedback (2)
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