FAMILY style
furniture, home decor and playrooms
This is my daily collection of interesting stuff that I saw on the Web.
+ Design & Inredningsbloggen presents a wonderful idea to store magazines. The magazine storage box can be a great DIY project. I cannot tell you more since I do not understand Swedish.
+ Discover a remarkable nursery with an earthy feel. It is a staged room by Sam Moiler but it is full of inspirations. Via Emma designblogg
+ A room with 360 degrees view best describe this bachelor living at the foothills of the Chilean Andes designed by Del Río Núñez Arquitectos. One of most breathtaking houses I saw in my life. Via Apartment Therapy Chicago.
Categories:
HOME decor
FAMILY style
KIDS + BABY
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, August 06, 2008 12:18 AM | Feedback (0)
This is my daily collection of interesting stuff that I read via my RSS feeds or that I saw on the Web.
+ A one-of-a-kind hammock designed by Karin van Lieshout in collaboration with Rachel van Outvorst. It took an immensible amount of work to produce this handmade hammock. Their monkish work also includes several pendants, a huge chandelier and a cool sea urchin chair. Via ROOM & Serve
+ Certain fabric colors for the Nurseryworks Storytime Rocker are at 50% off at Zac and Zoe. The idea to look for it came to me after reading about the best scavenger finds on Ohdeedoh. Do not bother to check the ad since the Craiglist listing has now expired. Via Ohdeedoh
Categories:
HOME decor
FOOD + drinks
FAMILY style
DINING
KIDS + BABY
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, August 04, 2008 1:07 PM | Feedback (0)
We reached the time where outdoor furniture and accessories start to go on sale. I find you a few interesting deals.
Three models at Restoration Hardware are available at less than $280. You could opt for the modern Del Mar Fire Pit/Grill, the Provencal style of the Antibes Fire Pit/Coffee Table or the Classic Copper Garden Fire Pit.
If you like the copper look, Target sells a similar model. To save more, buy the Copper Fire Bowl online since you can save 15% when you spend online $125 or more on furniture, patio furniture and lawn and garden items. The Copper Tub available at Smith & Hawken will complement the look.
Categories:
OUTDOOR
FAMILY style
KIDS + BABY
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Sunday, August 03, 2008 1:15 PM | Feedback (0)
I am introducing my new weekly must read section. I compiled the list on Sunday from what bloggers published over the last 7 days. Enjoy!
+ I fall in love with the Shinzi Katoh trays with square handles available in the USA at Penelope’s. I have a thing for trays. The drawings of Shinzi Katoh are so adorable. So many cool stuff features his design. I am looking forward to introduce his treasure boxes on an upcoming post. Via ohdeedoh
+ I adore eating homemade cookies. They are great to bring on the road, for a picnic or as hostess gifts. Bea baked her Dark Chocolate Chip and Nut Cookies with 5 types of flour. As usually, her pictures add to the pleasures. Via La Tartine Gourmande
Categories:
HOME decor
BABY showers
KIDS party
FAMILY style
KIDS + BABY
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Sunday, July 27, 2008 2:27 PM | Feedback (0)
I bought the Hook and Go Smart Cart a few weeks ago. It comes handy when I shop at the farmer’s market.
The Hook & Go works great but my quest for the perfect grocery cart is still on. This is why I am glad that the cute British grocery carts made by Rolser have found a North American distributor.
Better still for Canadians, the distributor is located in Vancouver, British Columbia. They have a Web site but you must call to place your order. Visit lifestylecart.com for more information. I do not know yet if I should try the 2-wheel Mountain Grocery Cart.
Features of all Rosler Grocery Carts
From the reviews I read so far, the 2 wheel model seems to work well going up and down the stairs. The Rosler Mountain cart gains a plus when I compared with my Hook and Go cart.
Categories:
ALL occasions
TRENDS
FAMILY style
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Wednesday, July 23, 2008 8:48 PM | Feedback (0)
One day, my husband and I wish to build our own modern cottage on a hill facing a lake. We are not ready yet but we are looking at options; it is better to be prepared.
With all the snows we get down here, this warm modern architecture, cantilevered roof prefabricated house may be our solution.
Designed by Balance associates architects from Seattle, the Modern Homes cabin has a pleasing design. Three lines of prefabricated cabins are available to meet your needs. The cabin can be one or two storey high. The plans are neither too big nor too small.
Completed in 3 months
The advantage of a prefabricated home is that it reduces the total construction time. Building on a lake is more complicated than building in the city. You do not have access to the stores if you are short on materials and you may need to bring specialized workers. Therefore, having a lot of factory-build components simplifies things.
Categories:
HOME decor
TRENDS
FAMILY style
KIDS + BABY
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, July 23, 2008 10:55 AM | Feedback (1)
On Sunday, I talked about the upscale burgers prepared by French Chefs. We tried a recipe that same night. I referred to my version as my Parisian burgers on Twitter. Several Tweeple were curious.
Jerome and I relish the Parisian burgers. The burger reaches new height. We cannot wait to invite friends so they can appreciate their full flavor.
Last Winter
This is not our first excursion to a different burger experience. We savored the Father’s Office burgers in Santa Monica. We liked it but we were not overwhelmed by the flavor. Both recipes prove that mayonnaise, mustard or ketchup are not essential to make a delicious burger.
Our Interpretation of The Café Salle Pleyel Burger
This was a team effort. I dug the recipe, adjusted the ingredients to our taste and my husband Jerome cooked the meal. Be prepared to taste the ultimate burger. The burgers were cooked on the BBQ.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:15 AM | Feedback (3)
One clear fact that emerged from my debate on kid birthday party favors is the party favors must be useful to win everyone’s hearts.
Craft Project
Ohdeedoh showcases this vintage looking oilcloth lunch bag by Martha Stewart’s Living today. They have a universal appeal.
Kids uses lunch bags all the time. This model has the advantage that you can insert it in the kid backpack. You could add a Velcro if you want that the bag stayed closed.
Categories:
KIDS party
PARTY favors
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Tuesday, July 15, 2008 2:10 PM | Feedback (0)
This simple modern family house makes me dream. The public rooms – kitchen, dining room and living room - sit upstairs to get the most of the views. A rational planning allows for privacy between parents and children.
Based in Hobart, Tasmania, Stuart Tanner Architects considers public space, landscape and urban design play in their work. Here, the entrance demarcation wall marks the transition between the street and the house.
The Noye House can be viewed as an evolution of the mid-century modernism that was popularized in California. I like it! I feel the design can appeal to lots of families.
Visit online Stuart Tanner Architects for more photos. Check out the Pirate Bay House at the same time. According to Inhabitat, the Pirate Bay House fuses the subtle, elegant lines of modern architecture with environmentally sustainable goals.
Categories:
HOME decor
TRENDS
FAMILY style
KIDS + BABY
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Tuesday, July 15, 2008 12:48 PM | Feedback (1)
The best dinner parties can be the improvised ones. Simply assure your success by keeping on hand a few easy to make menu.
I gathered wonderful recipes from Eric Ripert, the French Chef at Le Bernardin in New York city. Naturally fish is at the center of this menu. On a hot day, I feel fish is the perfect meal.
Eric Ripert started a food blog at the beginning of June 2008 called Avec Eric (that translates to With Eric). The edge of his blog is a series called Get Toasted where Eric prepares gourmet recipes cooked in an over the counter toaster oven.
The instructional videos are quick and fun to watch. Moreover, Eric is not shy to pass along cooking tips. By watching him, you should become a better cook.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
FAMILY style
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Friday, July 11, 2008 1:16 PM | Feedback (2)
This time around, I composed a simple weekday menu that is healthy and delicious from recent submissions on Tastespotting.
What’s for dinner is a question that becomes hard to answer day after day. My menu can save you time or at least, inspire you.
My goal is to give you practical options. At the same time, you will discover or be reminded of wonderful blogs by foodies.
Today’s Menu
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
FAMILY style
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Wednesday, July 09, 2008 10:11 PM | Feedback (0)
They are plenty of small items that can make your stay at beach or at the park more enjoyable. It is better to shop for them before your vacation starts. These summer essentials display style and function.
Recreational Recliner
The Metro Seat by Picnic Time is a portable, recreational recliner with shoulder strap. The Metro Seat is available in 4 colors. It is color coordinated with the Metro Basket that I introduced last year. Looking similar, the Metro Melrose Bag is an insulated tote with a picnic service for four.
Categories:
OUTDOOR
ALL occasions
TRAVEL
FAMILY style
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, July 07, 2008 11:17 AM | Feedback (0)
I wanted to add surveys to my blog. Then, I taught about Seesmic as a quick and easy way to ask questions and hear your opinions. Moreover, I wish to speak more often in front of the camera.
Today, I am curious to know how you feel about the party favor trend that is going on at kid birthday parties?
As an event designer, it is obvious that I like party favors a lot. They are cute and fun. I find it is a nice gesture. For me, party favors are an element of every celebration.
Party Favors Ideas for Kid Parties
It is sure that you need time to custom make the party favors. They are plenty of sources and inspirations to give you a head start. Martha Stewart proposes these simple baseball-themed treats. All you need to do is to place the treats nicely in a cellophane bag and add a sticker. It is not too time consuming.
Categories:
KIDS party
TRENDS
FAMILY style
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Sunday, July 06, 2008 11:59 PM | Feedback (8)
To host a casual chic patriotic party, you need to think outside the box. You want to stay away from an overload of flag images. Be inspired by the color palette and the spirit of the celebrations.
I gather wonderful yet simple décor ideas to celebrate Independence Day. They are the best of what I saw this week on the Web. You can even use them if you are at the last minutes.
Drink Recipes
GlamDish featured wonderful drinks that would be great all summer. Cheers to Red, White & Blue! proposes a Chambeer (1 part Chambord, 3 parts beer), a Blue Mojito, a Blakberi Blues and a Blue Hawaiian.
Menu
Check out Rachel Ray’s Fourth of July feast for tasty recipes. Check out her Berry Cakes with Cinnamon Whipped Cream.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
FOOD + drinks
HOLIDAY
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Friday, July 04, 2008 12:09 PM | Feedback (0)
The Summer Lovin’ card collection designed by Megan Nutley of Silhouette Blue really puts you in the mood for a summer party.
I like Megan's summer collection because these icons evoke simple pleasures. The basic youth charms still seduce us.
My favorites are the bike, the lawn chair and the Popsicle. The greeting cards of the Summer Lovin’ collection are also sold individually on the Silhouette Blue’s Web site.
The Hula Hoop is available as a fill-in invitation set.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Summer Lovin' Card Collection by Silhouette Blue on etsy – price: $10 for set of 6 cards
Buy online: Float Personalized Stationery Set by Silhouette Blue on etsy – price: 25 for a set of 20 note cards with envelops
Buy online: Hula Hoop Party Invitation by Silhouette Blue – price: $10 for 8 fill-in invites
Buy online: Summer Lovin' Individual Card on Silhouette Blue – price: $3 each
Categories:
PAPER goods
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Friday, June 27, 2008 12:17 PM | Feedback (1)
Having a small table when you go for a picnic adds comfort. You can use it for the food, your radio or a lantern. These two models are easy to transport.
The Adirondack folding side table is a cute option if you travel by car. Target sells in an impressive 14 colors. Prices vary with the colors. I am showing you the moss, the middle range price at $39.99.
I bought a modern version at IKEA a few years ago. I put it next to my terrace door to deposit bags and plates. I tinted with outdoor wood stain. It does not seem to be available anymore.
The Nacho Portable Folding Table is super easy to transport. It is ideal for camping and hunting trip. Available in several in several cloth colors, the only downside is that it lacks panache. Check the Folding Camping Picnic Tables department for more models and colors.
Categories:
OUTDOOR
TRAVEL
FAMILY style
KIDS + BABY
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Thursday, June 26, 2008 1:37 PM | Feedback (1)
Literal party themes are not my thing. You do not need to fill the room with maple leafs or over saturate the space with the flag patterns like it is suggested by the mass produced dinnerware and party supplies.
You can still show your patriotism at your party by doing it on a more subtle way. Deconstruct the element of the flag, reinvent the color palette by adding a trendy accent color. The idea is to create a unique modern and more sophisticated party scheme.
If you look closely at these styled pictures by IKEA, you can devise around the Summer IKEA collection a beautiful scheme to celebrate either Canada Day or the Fourth of July. At least, you will be able to enjoy the stuff the rest of the summer.
Dining On the Lawn Setting
Do a picnic in your backyard. Lay down several eating areas with DYNING, a beach mat available in red and light blue.Fill the floor with red and white HEMÖN rugs, SOMMAR table runners and GRENÖ round cushions.
Categories:
PARTY ideas
PARTY supplies
HOLIDAY
KIDS party
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:00 PM | Feedback (2)
This story is born of two needs. I wanted to showcase the best from the Boating Party and Picnic board by Snippet & Ink on {frolic!}. The second need was to help you plan your Canada Day party.
Let's start with the latest cookbook by Anita Stewart. I bought my copy at Costco a few weeks ago. Anita Stewart's Canada is a culinary experience that mixes the traditional cooking of our grandmothers with the modern Canadian cuisine. It also celebrates the regional differences from coast to coast.
Whitewater Cooks by Shelley Adams is another Canadian cookbook. Reading the reviews, convinced me. I just bought online my copy. Everyone says that the recipes are really tasty and simple to make.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PAPER goods
PARTY ideas
HOLIDAY
DISHING tips
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Saturday, June 21, 2008 2:15 PM | Feedback (3)
Young boys and girls adore playing with a cardboard house. My nephew made his own from big appliance boxes, like we used to do when I was a child.
If you throw a kid birthday party or are having a play date, decorating a plain white cardboard house would be a playful activity that will occupy the kids for a while. It is a creative and social game.
Craft House Party
Mothers can be crafty too with cardboard houses. Imagine creating an entire village in a kid playroom.
Artists decorated these houses. They illustrated the extent of the possibilities. These artist houses were auctioned for a Unicef project.
Kidsonroof House has the typical house shape with windows, doors and letterbox. Based in Amsterdam, Kidsonroof produces toys for creative and playful kids. Their cardboard houses should be available in the United States at Wallcandy pretty soon.
Categories:
PARTY ideas
KIDS party
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Tuesday, June 17, 2008 2:38 PM | Feedback (0)
Robin and Patches (the owner’s cat) of Lookability produced these cute flipbooks. When flipped properly, this book shows the joys of a primitive animation technique.
The Father-Daughter Robot Dance is so a propos with yesterday's post. It also demonstrates that the robot theme applies as much to a girl than a boy. Remember it for a kid birthday.
You can read the story behind the making of these two flipbooks on Robin’s blog also called Lookability.
It is late to give that to your dad for Father’s Day but I think these flipbooks were cute gift ideas. I forgot to tell you that Sharman Yarnell interviewed me last week about Father’s Day gift ideas for her radio show Showtime on CJAD 800 AM in Montreal.
Categories:
PAPER goods
ALL occasions
HOLIDAY
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Sunday, June 15, 2008 12:30 PM | Feedback (0)
A fun party theme idea for this Father’s Day is to host a father and kids baseball game.
Why not make a communal Father’s Day party where brothers, friends, colleagues and neighbors reunite to celebrate together?It allows everyone to have a playful and active day outside.
Food and Drink
These adorable icing baseball cookies caught my eyes last week. They are the creations of a San Diego mom named Lori. She took occasional cooking classes. It shows that Lori worked in the catering business while in college. Her blog, The Recipe Girl is about her adventures in her kitchen and her passion for cooking.
Your guests will be impressed to each have their own cookies. You can also divide the batches of cookies by family name.
Refreshments are important when you play outside. Make sure you have plenty.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
ALL occasions
KIDS party
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, June 03, 2008 2:33 PM | Feedback (0)
My friend Jennifer from Design Hole informed me this morning that she is running a contest on her blog. The prize to win should interest many of you.
You can win a Mandarina (sunny orange) La Fonda del Sol collection, thanks to FLOR.
Playful Patterns Designed by Alexander Girard
This pattern is ideal for a child bedroom, playroom or to bring fun to a family living room. In case you do not win, I am showing you the four color combinations.
La Fonda del Sol area rug collection captures the whimsy and vibrancy of Alexander Girard's folk art designs. And you get the flexibility and practicality of the FLOR tile rug system.
Why FLOR?
The modular FLOR tile system allows you to customize your carpet. You can create an area rug, wall to wall, runner simply by mixing and matching patterns, colors and textures.
Categories:
HOME decor
FAMILY style
KIDS + BABY
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, June 02, 2008 7:31 PM | Feedback (1)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
Categories:
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
DINING
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
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.
Categories:
FAMILY style
LINENS
DINING
KIDS + BABY
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.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
PARTY supplies
TRENDS
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Wednesday, May 07, 2008 2:18 PM | Feedback (1)