GIFT IDEAS
I resist a long time to talk about my adoration for Orla Kiely on my blog. The reason is that the best of her collection is not related to home décor or entertaining. That was until I discover her travel bags.
To celebrate the vacation season, I am thrilled to present her current travel bag collection. That is what I call traveling in style. The patterns and colors are so beautiful.
Luggage Essentials And My Packing Tips
I never bring black luggage because they do not stand out on the airport carrousel. Even if our suitcase meets the requirements of the a cabin luggage the content may not. So it is best to be prepared.
I prefer not to check in my luggage when I travel. Therefore, I learned to pack light. One trick is to bring clothes that you can mix and match. Since I enjoy wearing dresses and shirts, I can manage to be fashionable without carrying too much stuff.
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posted @ Thursday, August 07, 2008 3:42 PM | Feedback (0)
To be frank, I never cook an Indian meal. I eat Indian food at the restaurants. A few friends made the plunge and enjoy this adventure.
So if you do not know how to start, I suggest you stop by Hooked On Heat, a blog by Meena Agarwal. There are plenty of tasty recipes.
Newbies should read first Indian Cooking 101. To avoid frustrations, be prepared and stock the must-haves in every Indian pantry, fridge and stove suggested by Meena.
Based in the Toronto area, Meena is a cooking instructor and recipe developer so she has no problem teaching us a few tricks.
Gift Ideas for Foodies
Since spices are crucial in Indian cooking, why not buy a cute spike kit on Etsy from Purpose Design. I introduced before her brushed aluminum spice box collection. Because you will use many different spices, I suggest that you buy for yourself the large kit instead of the small one. You can store a few small spice kits for future hostess gifts.
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FOOD + drinks
ALL occasions
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, August 07, 2008 10:46 AM | Feedback (1)
A tidy place looks better and bigger. Since it is better to be ready for impromptu entertaining, Umbra comes to the rescue with a vast collection of attractive storage solutions. Taking good habits will come naturally.
Home accessories are classic gifts to bring at a housewarming party. Just make sure to get some clues about the interior style before you buy something.
In the Foyer
We all need a designated spot to put the mail. Thea Yuzyk designed a wall mounted magnetic key and letter holder. You could have one Magnetter as an inbox, a second as an outbox. Or each member of a household can have its own. I saw the Magnetter at Zone last Friday and I like it.
William Mak designed the Cubby Organizer in order to quickly grab everything you need when you step out the door. You can get an extra one for your guests. This way, they know where to place their stuff.
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HOME decor
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GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Tuesday, August 05, 2008 10:29 AM | Feedback (0)
I went to shop last Friday at Zone’s Westmount store. Here are a few interesting products I spotted. You probably have seen the style before but it is great to know where to find them.
The wooden tea box is adorable. If you are crafty, this is a project you can adapt to suit your personality. Fill the boxes with premium tea bags and bring it as a housewarming gift.
The white lanterns caught a lot of attention. Several were bought during while I was there. I almost grab a few for myself but I am not fond of white.
The sleek metal lanterns would fit better within my current terrace design since I already display a stainless steel top island.
Zone carries laser cut divider sheets and plenty of wall decals with drawings and text messages in French and English. Since both are easy to remove, they are a great party decor alternative.
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HOME decor
OUTDOOR
PARTY supplies
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HOSTESS gifts
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HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, August 04, 2008 10:20 AM | Feedback (0)
After my radio interview, I went for a shopping trip. Since I wanted to visit Zone, I headed to Westmount. Luckily, I discovered an adorable new store filled with an eclectic mix inspired by French style.
I talked to Danielle, one of the co-owners. The store is the labor of love of two girl friends. We even talked about our respective wedding photographers. It turns out that her wedding photographer trained with my photographer.
My wedding photographer Angela Campanelli opened the trail in Montreal for the updated style in wedding photography. Angela is so busy that she does not update her Web site very often.
What is in the Store?
Opened since May 2008, Madame de Pompadour proposes a small collection of tableware, home accessories, linens and kid clothing. Their catalog is updated frequently.
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HOME decor
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TABLEWARE
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
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HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Saturday, August 02, 2008 10:04 AM | Feedback (0)
I started using a Russell+Hazel organizer when I was an event designer. Storing everything I needed in a single binder works like a charm. Every page looks and feels great.
How I used Russell+Hazel Binder in the Past
The binder collection is extensive. You personalize by putting inside accessories and page types.
I filled my own binder with a few business card holder pages, five pockets to store loose paper, brochures and invoices, the punched and perforated note pages for easy sharing or filing, the sketch pages and the to-do-list pages.
Uniting the chic modern style of Russell+Hazel with the wisdom of wedding editor Anne Chertoff of From "I Will" to "I Do" produces a fantastic wedding organizer.
What Is Inside?
It will be easy to shop and meet suppliers if all your inspirations and wedding details are stored in a single book. After your wedding, the organizer makes a great memorabilia.
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REVIEWS
posted @ Saturday, August 02, 2008 12:27 AM | Feedback (0)
The top 3 are Red-Dot Design Award winners and an honorable mention. The fifth is there because it is cute and original.
Zyliss' Easy Spin Salad Spinner
On my book, noting beat a Zyliss salad spinner and I got a 10 year old model. Zyliss won in 2004 for its Easy Spin salad spinner.
The latest model, the Zyliss Smart Touch Salad Spinner won a Red-Dot in 2008. Sadly, the consumer reviews are mixed so far.
Everywhere I checked, people were more than satisfied with the Easy Spin Salad Spinner. So I will say to go with the previous edition (the ones I am showing you).
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FOOD + drinks
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HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Wednesday, July 30, 2008 9:18 PM | Feedback (2)
I felt in love with the work of two more Etsy sellers today. I love to shop on Etsy as I am telling my girl geek friends at lunch today. I find that my friend Tanya is a huge fan too.
In her Etsy Take Five Tuesday, decor8 introduced five amazing etsy sellers. Simple design note cards and stationery usually grab my attention. That is why I enjoy the work of Wendy Chung for Dozi Design.
I have a thing for Finnish design. Syko stands for whimsical and happy designs in patchwork and appliqué. She sews hand made housewares. Her cushion covers are adorable. Her laundry bag and shoe bag would be practical when you travel.
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LINENS
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, July 29, 2008 6:59 PM | Feedback (1)
Ever since my friend Nathalie brought a bottle of this delicious lemonade at a party to make mojitos, I am craving for more. This French lemonade tastes amazing. Her mojito was memorable too.
I felt sad last weekend since I failed to find any at the European and specialty shops in my neighborhood.
I invited a few friends tonight for an apero, the French word for a simple before-dinner drink served with something small to eat (see recipe at the end). I am thrilled that Nathalie bought me a bottle of Elixia Lemonade as a hostess gift.
As I started mentioning on my post about the Apple Sainte-Catherine store opening, the most cherish gifts fit the desires of the recipient. The Elixia Hand-crafted Lemonade is the best hostess gift I ever received because it was on my most wanted list.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Sunday, July 27, 2008 3:15 AM | Feedback (5)
Passing from a NASA engineer to a successful cake designer and baker makes a pretty extraordinary story. BethAnn Goldberg had the creative gene since she started out as a ceramic sculptor before graduating from Stanford.
Studio Cake makes three types: the tiered cakes, the sculpted cakes and the cupcakes. The level of details is impressive. Look at the icy snow on the ground of the snowman cupcakes.
Let the Birthday Cake Be The Gift
If you are planning a birthday for someone that has everything, give a one of kind birthday cake instead. The guest of honor will be in awe when he/she sees the cake. Highlight the event with harmonizing invites, party décor and even wear costumes. Let the party of a lifetime be your gift.
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KIDS party
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CAKES
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GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, July 24, 2008 12:30 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.
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posted @ Wednesday, July 23, 2008 8:48 PM | Feedback (0)
Brighten your kitchen with a dash of yellow. You can start with a few accessories.
You can grab and nicely display the napkins and tea towels by Heather Moore of Skinnylaminx. This illustrator and designer from Cape Town, South Africa, makes beautiful table linens. Her gray and yellow look sophisticated when put together. The mix feels soft.
For a twist, use her 13.5 x 13.5 inch napkins as placemats for a dessert course or a simple breakfast. The plant and flower yellow pattern is printed on 100% cotton hopsack using water-based ink.
Heather owned cool plates and mugs. I would like to find similar, so keep me inform if you know a source in Canada or the USA.
The plates may lead to a new venture. Heather decorated these plates for the South Africa House! exhibit. She transferred 3 of her design on ceramic dinnerware. Each place setting is different and devised from one color palette. Check the rest on her collection on her blog. The patterns are all superb.
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LINENS
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:42 PM | Feedback (0)
This is old news but I dug it today. So I thought of sharing it with you in case you missed that announcement. When exploring the Oxo’s catalogue, I noticed the candela lights designed by Vessel marked as an Oxo product.
Curious, I investigated the matter until I discovered that Oxo acquired the intellectual property to the rechargeable lighting products from Vessel in 2007. I think that since that acquisition, the price of the candela packs may be slightly lower than they used to be.
There were production and battery problems when Vessel was producing it. As a housewares company used to deal with manufacturing issues, Oxo was better equipped to solve the problem efficiently. Vessel still collaborates with Oxo on future design.
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HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, July 21, 2008 4:45 PM | Feedback (0)
Every time we go to the States, I must take a peek at Crate & Barrel. I typically need a ruse because my husband knows it will take me a while to walk around the store.
I brought back only a catalogue from all my visits. What about the cute home accessories or the nice tableware that I spotted? This is now a thing of the past.
I am thrilled. I just learned that the first Crate & Barrel store in Canada is scheduled to open in September 2008. This leaves me some time for making space on my cupboards.
My dear husband should write this down on his agenda: extend our stay in Toronto the next time we go to a FacebookCamp.
Green Cooking
By this time, it may be late for the fun green and white 50s retro print of the Farmers Market line. The multi-purpose lidded Garden Market Storage Bowls would add a nice touch to your buffet or summer table. The flat bottoms with a ring of gripping rubber of the Market Bowl Set come handing during the cooking preparation stage.
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HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, July 21, 2008 12:16 PM | Feedback (1)
Last Friday, I indulged in a Finnish meets modern meets hammam water spa experience. I wanted to try it since Balnea opened a few years ago in the Eastern Township.
Sitting next to Lac Gale with a superb view of the Appalaches, the site is designed around the balneotherapy. I liked my day but Balnea felt short on the drinking water part and in helping me getting the most of the balneotherapy.
How My Day Goes By
Balnea simply provides a small water bottle for the day. Unlike many spas, they do not have a self-served cucumber water station. But you can stop by the café anytime for a complimentary herbal tea.
We booked the Sukhasana package which includes a semi-private yoga (our trio), one hour of massage and the lunch. Be aware that the lunch is up to $13, which means that you eat a soup and a healthy sandwich without extra. Their salad meal bowls are $12-$13.
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MANNERS
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GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Sunday, July 20, 2008 2:16 PM | Feedback (3)
Last May, I talked about how the Nintendo DS handheld could be a cool tool in the kitchen.
Basically, I explained why I think it makes more sense than the computer. At the time, I introduced a French digital cookbook called Leçons de cuisine.
Preview at E3
Now it is the turn of 100 recipes by Jamie Oliver to go on the Nintendo DS handheld. What's Cooking with Jamie Oliver will roll out starting October 2008.
It is more than a cooking game with several levels and competitions. Players can store 100 of their own recipes into the cookbook. The only draw back is that you are limited to hundreds of handpicked ingredients to record your own dishes.
The coolest thing is the shopping list. You build your shopping list from the list of ingredients of the selected recipes. The shopping list supports both Jamie’s recipes and your own recipes. You can easily bring your DS when you go grocery shopping and save on paper.
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posted @ Friday, July 18, 2008 11:40 PM | Feedback (0)
Today, I am doubly happy to showcase the excellent work of this etsy seller.
Original Patterns
First of all, the wall wears by Neawear are beautiful. They are cross-stitch and embroidery pieces, framed in embroidery hoops (wooden new, vintage metal and wood).
The artist own patterns mixes fresh illustrations with old charms. Like many, I enjoy their modern simplicity. Janick’s wall wears are doing well on Etsy.
About the Creator
Secondly, Janick is one of my Web2.0 friends from Montreal. I say a Web2.0 friend since Janick and I interact exclusively through Web communities until now. We almost met once at a Creacamp.
Earlier this month, as I checked Janick’s Flickr photostream, I spot her wall wear. Then, I noticed a big announcement. Janick is taking the plunge and will work full-time on her crafting business.
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HOME decor
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GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, July 16, 2008 9:02 PM | Feedback (3)
A bridal shower should feel special. Why not include a dress-up / costume session for the bride to be and develop your party theme around it?
Geisha Party Theme
A couple years ago, we dressed a girlfriend as a geisha. Her bridal shower occurred over a full day. It was split in 3 parts.
We planned a hair and makeup session at a beauty salon starting at 11 o’clock. Since it takes time to create the geisha look, a friend brings her lunch. She then wore the kimono. A toast with champagne completed the first round.
Then, eight girls participated at a genuine Japanese tea ceremony at my house. We had a tea tasting first. Then, the 45-minute tea ceremony took place. It was a fun experience for everyone.
The group expends for the evening party. We ate at a sushi and tempura restaurant. All the women and girls invited to the wedding came to dinner.
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posted @ Sunday, July 13, 2008 9:33 PM | Feedback (2)
The French designers master the art of creating fun yet stylish textile patterns. And Atelier LZC continues to prove it.
We all need a few extraordinary sets to supplement our everyday tea towels. When placed on the right display, tea towels add visual interest to a simple room design. Tea towels often replace placemats and cooking mitts in the kitchen.
Entertaining Accessories
Why not put a tea towel instead a hand towel in your powder room when you entertain? Their latest Japon (Japan) and Souvenirs (Memories) models would compliment nicely an Asian party theme.
Bunny Maxwell sells a few items from Atelier LZC in the United States. They do ship internationally but you must call them to get the rates and timeframe.
The Parisian Gold Tray and the Nocturne Tray will add a definite French flair to your party. The trays are made from melamine.
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PARTY supplies
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LINENS
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Sunday, July 13, 2008 2:25 PM | Feedback (2)
A few weeks ago, a friend asked me where he can find reasonably affordable outdoor furniture with great style. He did not want the stuff we see in garden centers in North America.
It is true that the style choices are quite repetitive when it comes to outdoor furniture. I decided to check what is happen elsewhere. UK sounds like a hip design place to start my dig.
The Urban Garden
My first stop is The Urban Garden, an on-line store that sells all you need to transform your garden into somewhere that you can relax, eat and entertain. Based in London, the store carries pieces that would fit into a condo terrace and small backyards.
Modern Garden Furniture Sets
My favorites are the teak contemporary Jocelyn furniture set and the Tomas terrazzo set. Both sets feature unusual benches. The 90-degree teak bench is an attention-grabbing space saver.
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HOME decor
OUTDOOR
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GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Thursday, July 10, 2008 1:00 PM | Feedback (1)
When two companies that you like collaborate, you can be happier. Built and French Bull are creating something joyful.
Three patterns from French Bull - Multidot, Rainbow Flower, and Vine – will be decorating four of Built’s best selling items. The color palette of the rainbow pattern looks amazing.
The One Bottle Tote, the Two Bottle Totes, the Gourmet Getaway Lunch Totes, and 13”-15” Laptop Sleeves will look happier than ever. The new series will be available in August 2008.
Polyurethane Foam Ice Bucket
The same month, Built will launch an Ice Bucket made from polyurethane foam, just like your freezer. The advantage is a lightweight, condensation free ice bucket. It would be available in red and black. It is easy to take care. Simply hand wash with mild detergent and towel dry.
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PARTY supplies
ALL occasions
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, July 08, 2008 10:56 AM | Feedback (1)
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.
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TRAVEL
FAMILY style
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HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, July 07, 2008 11:17 AM | Feedback (0)
I received my copy at the beginning of the week. I think Whitewater Cooks is a wonderful cookbook.
It is unusual to crave for the food at a ski resort cafeteria. But Fresh Tracks Café is not your typical ski resort cafeteria. Before acquiring Whitewater Winter Resort with her husband Mike in 1997, Shelley Adams spent 15 years as a popular caterer to the west coast film industry.
Shelley Adams finally gave in to the incessant requests of patrons who wanted her kept-secret recipes. In Whitewater Cooks, Shelley shares 80 gourmet recipes that she cooked over her career at Fresh Tracks Café and also as a caterer.
Whitewater Cooks is divided in 5 recipe sections: soups and bowls, salads and greens, savouries, salsas, chutneys and sauces, and finally sweet things.
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posted @ Saturday, July 05, 2008 8:00 PM | Feedback (0)
This UK glass and porcelain maker proposes a line of products that fits well into the casual modern entertaining lifestyle. By combining several pieces, you can easily reproduce the hip restaurant look at home.
What is great with LSA tableware is that you can serve cuisines from the World in their dishes. The key when buying an all white dinnerware is to put the emphasis on shapes. You need several interesting forms to add interests to your table.
I selected three collections: the Luna tableware, the Opal tableware and the Malo vases.
Luna incorporates bowls, serving platters and four sizes of plate. I really like the starter/dessert dish. Some suggest to harmonize Luna with the handmade Iona glassware series.
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TABLEWARE
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Wednesday, July 02, 2008 1:08 PM | Feedback (1)
The weather is bright, warm and sunny in Montreal. This is the perfect day for an holiday.
Like PoppyTalk, I wish to celebrate Canadian talents. Here are a few Canadian artists and designer products that are worth mentioning. Canada Day is the day to remember our roots so it does not matter that I introduced some in the past.
Housewares made by Canadians
The Trees storage box and the die cut felt trivets by bookhou are prettily modern.
Jenna Rose is another Canadian designer who makes wonderful housewares and fashion textile products. I have a thing for round textile storage box. There is an old-fashioned charm to her Rooftops Storage Box.
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HOLIDAY
TABLEWARE
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HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Tuesday, July 01, 2008 12:41 PM | Feedback (0)
Trois Femmes et Un Coussin imports and distributes high quality dinnerware made for restaurants, hotels and gourmets. They sell to the public too.
I am showing you their line of custom designed tableware. This modern series feels so much like summer. These items are pricier but not over the top. This is a place to shop in Montreal for wedding gifts.
The Candide oval platter (top left picture) sells for $120 CAD. The square dinner plate is $31.50 while the salad bowl is $34.50. This stylish breadbasket by Ferran Adrià costs $80 CAD.
I plan to stop by their showroom to get some plates and bowls for my prop collection.
3 Femmes et 1 Coussin
783 Gilford (corner Saint-Hubert)
Montreal, QC H2J 1N8
p 514.987.6807
Opening hours: Mon-Wed. 10-18 o’clock, Thu-Fri 10-19, Sat 10-17
>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: 3 Femmes et 1 Coussin
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posted @ Monday, June 30, 2008 2:57 PM | Feedback (3)
I am not a fan of magnets on the fridge unless they are really special. On that point, the Dorogaya magnetic calendar clearly qualifies.
This is a great improvement over the typical paper calendar that you see on so many kitchens. Better yet, you will feel great opening the fridge door if you hang a reusable calendar.
The magnetic calendar can have a prominent space on the central message board of any household. You can place one in your home office.
How it works?
Every month is represented by a 3-letter abbreviation chip. Special chips, like Deadline, Arrival, Departure, Drink Day and Don't Drink Day, keep track of important dates and appointments. It seems that the Ukrainian graphic artist Serhiy Chebotaryov created his Dorogaya magnetic calendar with students in mind.
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HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, June 27, 2008 1:54 PM | Feedback (0)
Kat Nouri, the founder and creative director of Modern-Twist, informed me today about her latest products. I am a huge fan of Modern-Twist ever since I first lay my eyes of their products.
Modern-twist brought silicone to your table with placemats, fun coasters, napkin rings and wine tags.
This time, Kat introduces a new collection of modern and food-safe doilies. So no more paper lace cake dollies that you throw away at the end of the party.
Available in two patterns, Doileez deliver the same soft touch feeling and ease to clean than their reputable placemats. I owned several placemats than I totally adored.
The food-safe, hand-silk-screened Doileez are not just for decorating food presentations at parties. Doileez fit well under vases and centerpieces to protect fine wood furniture. The hardest thing will be to choose which one to buy between the Clusters or the Loop patterns.
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HOME decor
PARTY supplies
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DISHING tips
TABLEWARE
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Thursday, June 26, 2008 6:12 PM | Feedback (0)
Like many women bloggers, I carry a small camera on my night handbag.
The Facts
You need at least a better than average small point-and-shoot camera to take decent pictures. The only purpose of the phone camera is to send a picture to Facebook right away or to photograph people for your address book.
My smaller camera was outdated. Last year, I bought a small digital movie camera, the Sanyo CG6 to make videos. I thought I could use my small movie camera to take pictures but it produces washed off pictures. It is fair to say that I was due for a new sleek and thin digital camera.
How To Select The Right Point-and-Shoot Digital Camera?
I did some researches on the Internet and talked to people about my needs.Have a clear idea of what, when and where you expect to photograph. Taking pictures of food at a restaurant plus being able to photograph people at events summarize my needs.
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posted @ Tuesday, June 24, 2008 1:42 PM | Feedback (1)
When I entertain at home, I prefer to cook easy to make but tasty recipes. The hostess should plan her event so she can enjoy the presence of her guests. This is why I like the latest book by Gordon Ramsay.
Entertaining Philosophy
A quote from Gordon Ramsay's Fast Food says it all:
"However amazing a dish looks, it is always the taste that lingers in your memory."
The stylish hostess makes an effort on food presentation. But we must accept that we are not Chefs either. My priority for easy entertaining is to design a stunning tabletop, cook a delicious meal and after, try to plate the food more beautifully.
About The Book
I do not really follow Gordon Ramsay on TV. I bought Fast Food because his cookbook provides tasty recipes built around menus and types of food plus some essential cooking tips.
You get recipes for fast soups, appetizers, antipasti, salads, sandwiches, eggs, working lunches, pasta, shellfish, fish, meat, vegetarian, side dishes, fruity desserts and creamy desserts.
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GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Sunday, June 22, 2008 2:48 PM | Feedback (1)
Products from Fruits and Passion always make an appreciated hostess or birthday gift. So take this chance to save up to 40% on selected products during the Summer sale.
I am a fan of their Cucina line. I used the Cucina Dish Detergent to clean my kitchen sinks. I want to try the Cucina Countertop Cleaner next. All my girlfriends love the Cucina Purifying Hand Wash with Olive Oil. So this is a sure bet.
Anything from the Art Home collection would be great for a housewarming party.
In stores, you will receive a cute free handbag with every purchase of $45 and more. The Summer Sale occurs until July 21 or while quantities last online or in stores across Canada and United States.
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HOSTESS gifts
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GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, June 19, 2008 11:48 AM | Feedback (1)
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.
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posted @ Sunday, June 15, 2008 12:30 PM | Feedback (0)
Everyone who saw the fabulous robot cupcakes by the talented Hello Naomi is impressed. You have to admit her vintage robot cupcakes are hard to resist.
Most people think of the robot theme in terms of a young boy party. I can tell you that robots are not just for kids. Science-fiction fans love them too.
When my husband saw the cupcakes and the robot tabletop designed by Hostess of the Mostess (middle right pictures), he told me that he would be thrilled having a robot birthday party. Obviously, his version will be more grown up. I still have a few months to make it happen.
Based on the cupcakes by Hello Naomi and the tabletop by Hostess of the Mostess, I decide to scout for more robot party inspirations.
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PARTY ideas
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KIDS party
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 6:42 PM | Feedback (0)
I am very thrilled by this new housewares collection made of reclaimed wood. It made me regret that I was not at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) in NYC last week.
More than just a pretty face, the culture of Domestic Aesthetic revolves around sustainability. They use responsibly harvested materials and low impact processes. Naturally, their production methods eliminate hazardous chemicals so you and your family can feel better eating and cooking with their products.
Domestic Aesthetic aims to produce well-designed, affordable eco-friendly housewares. I feel that they deliver on their "Live well, Live right" motto. Nike Foley designed pieces that appeal to the senses of both men and women.
The Certified Salad Bowl Set comes with porcelain edged plates instead of the typical salad bowls. I like the usual shape of the large serving bowl. It harmonizes with the Certified Salt and Pepper Shakers.
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
ALL occasions
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:28 PM | Feedback (2)
I already told you about purple and blue being the color of the moment earlier this year. The trend continues this winter. For Koziol, passionate purple and mysterious midnight blue are setting the tone.
I am happy to get a scoop and introduce Koziol’s Winter 2008-2009 True Blue collection. My preference goes to the five items I am showing you.
Multi-duty
Forged in a single piece, CAMILLA can be a watering can, a vase or a bag. It depends on how you feel and what you need.
Serving ware
LEAF-IT enables you to serve hors d’oeuvres, sushi, antipasti or tapas in style. It is available in a transparent violet and blue material.
Categories:
ALL occasions
TRENDS
TABLEWARE
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Monday, June 09, 2008 11:26 PM | Feedback (1)
Last night, we went to Costco. Every time we go there, I stop at the book sections because Costco typically sells the book cheaper than the bookstores.
I find it easier to buy book at Costco since we drive to go there. I do most of my shopping by foot; so weight is an issue.Otherwise, I buy my books online.
You probably noticed by now that Apartment Therapy is one of my all-time favorite blogs. To show my support, I bought yesterday Apartment Therapy Presents. I enjoy it! Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan wrote a book filled with inspiring decoration ideas.
What is inside the book?
Like his blog, the book showcased real apartments done by real, talented people. Interior designers created a few apartments. Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan mostly selected amazing spaces done by homeowners. You will be surprised that most homeowners have an artistic or design background.
Categories:
HOME decor
ALL occasions
GIFT IDEAS
REVIEWS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Saturday, June 07, 2008 2:47 PM | Feedback (0)
I found great stuff on Etsy, which encourage me to spread the word. On the last couple days, I spot these Magnetic Chalkboard Coasters. I did not check who made it until this morning.
I glad I did because the esty seller and I live in the small city. Purpose Design creates these magnetic coasters in black chalkboard and in the green old school chalkboard. The cool thing is that you can store them on the fr