REVIEWS
Friday morning, I did an interview for Sans Détour, a show on Radio-Canada hosted by François Bugingo. I was there as a fan of the Wii Fit. Karine Larose, a fitness expert at Nautilus Plus, participated to the discussion.
My Assessment
I am happy to have one. The Wii Fit has great value as a motivator. It is fun to see the avatars of your friends while you are bouncing the soccer balls.
Wii Fit also scores all your exercise performances. I noticed than when I did not execute well the exercises, my score is lower. Like any computer game, higher marks or playing for a certain time will open new exercises.
The Hula Hoop is quite fun and can make you sweat. I enjoyed doing the balance exercises of the Wii Fit program. The balance exercises are the most playful. The slalom ski, table tilt and ski jumping are my favorites so far.
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IN the press
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REVIEWS
posted @ Saturday, August 02, 2008 3:55 AM | Feedback (3)
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.
Categories:
PAPER goods
ALL occasions
BIG events
ENTERTAINING
GIFT IDEAS
REVIEWS
posted @ Saturday, August 02, 2008 12:27 AM | Feedback (0)
Earth Inc. from Toronto is the latest design firm to join the wagon of television. It is a popular trend that grows even more this summer. A glimpse at the TV schedule on HGTV Canada will convince you.
Dirty Business concentrates on the creative elements of building breath-taking, upscale outdoor spaces by this preeminent landscape design firm. We are talking about people with substantial budgets. I watched the fourth episode this week .
About the Show
I feel the show tries to appeal to both men and women. We see the rest of Earth team, James Dale, Joel Loblaw and Lorne Hancock under the leadership of the host, Kennedy McRae. Landscape design requires multidisciplinary skills from landscape architects to plant specialists.
Categories:
HOME decor
OUTDOOR
TRENDS
REVIEWS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Saturday, July 26, 2008 3:18 PM | Feedback (0)
Real estate experts say that having a well-designed outdoor space will increase the value of your house. I read in the Property Advice of Living etc that it is particularly true in the spring and summer.
To help you create a stylish outdoor oasis, Living etc publishes a guide with top tips and advice. Learn more about space planning, adding atmosphere and how to get striking garden lighting.
It is great because we do not always know where to start. I would seek the help of professionals to redo my own outdoor space. I have friends who enjoy doing the manual labor; it relaxes them from their daily job. They still hired a garden designer to get a plan first. Planning and preparation is key. The following tells you where you should concentrate your efforts.
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HOME decor
OUTDOOR
TRENDS
REVIEWS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Sunday, July 06, 2008 7:05 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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EVERYDAY
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ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
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posted @ Saturday, July 05, 2008 8:00 PM | Feedback (0)
Summer is here. The last two issues of Domino magazine featured amazing outdoor rooms and lighting.
Outdoor entertaining requires more than a cool outdoor kitchen. The new essential is an outdoor lounge. Here are a few ideas to create an incredible outdoor space.
Modern Bonfire
No one can deny how much fun it feels to sit outside around a bonfire. This modern version mixes with classical touches. You can see a more ornate version of the green glazed ceramic table I shown you in my Moroccan Dinner Party theme.
Three oil lamps with the same shape as the fire pit show an attention to details. This is a great example of the art of repetition.
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OUTDOOR
TRENDS
REVIEWS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Tuesday, June 10, 2008 11:53 PM | Feedback (0)
Watching the first episode of the third season of Take It Outside gave me the idea of a Moroccan outdoor dinner party.
I give a high mark at Kelly Deck for the way she divided that backyard. Eight people easily sit on her custom made bench. It would be cool to have the space to build one on my own backyard.
The Décor
Stock plenty of cushions on the sofa and lay down a few large round cushions so people can sit on them.
Create a vibrant tabletop full of jewel tones. Prefer the earthy feeling of ceramics. Mix mosaic patterns with solid plates and bowls. As you can see from the tea picture at the bottom, you can mix lots of rich hues.
If you cannot find any Moroccan inspired dishes, I propose you check out the Sausalito dinnerware collection. Despite its Mexican influence, the colors of the collection harmonize well with this theme.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
OUTDOOR
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
REVIEWS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, June 09, 2008 12:30 AM | Feedback (2)
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.
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HOME decor
ALL occasions
GIFT IDEAS
REVIEWS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Saturday, June 07, 2008 2:47 PM | Feedback (0)
I am talking about summer 2008 color trends on Style Sheet, the blog of HGTV.ca.
Go ahead and learn about my color ideas for a fashionable home this summer.
English from Canada
You can spot the British heritage of Canadians in the way we write colour. And the Canadian spelling is grey instead of gray. We also follow some American rules. For example, we prefer organize to the British spelling (organise).
If the topic interests you, the Cornerstone's Canadian English Page summarizes the specifics of Canadian English.
Why I write in US English instead of the Canadian English? The answer rests in the fact that the majority of my readers are from the United States.
Via: Summer 2008 Colour Trends [Style Sheet]
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IN the press
TRENDS
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posted @ Tuesday, June 03, 2008 8:05 PM | Feedback (0)
Nestie’s favorite blogs are must-reads and guilty pleasures from the staff of The Nest.
The summer 2008 listing is out. I am glad that At Home with Kim Vallee is listed as a “favorite” under Entertaining.
Nesties' Favorite Blogs
I share this honor with three other amazing blogs:
The Nest magazine is only available through subscription for delivery in the United States. I was looking for an issue so I want to thank Katie, a Public Relations Manager at The Knot for sending me this material.
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IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:55 PM | Feedback (4)
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)
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
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IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Wednesday, May 28, 2008 6:55 PM | Feedback (3)
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)
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)
The computer entered the kitchen a while ago. Unfortunately, what is on the market is not really practical nor innovative.
The solutions so far are either small retractable under the counter screens, a computer integrated in an odd place like the fridge (who wants to stand up while browsing the Net) or use too much counter space.
Keep it Simple
The ultimate solution must be small, movable and support voice commands. And to gain mass appeal, it must be cheap. Enter Nintendo DS.
I am huge fan of the DS. After my surgery, my husband gave me a crimson DS Lite to occupy my mind. I am so happy with his gift. The DS Lite screen is easier to read than my old DS.
Nintendo DS already attracts the non gamer crowd with games like Brain Age. The other day I was at Future Shop looking at DS games and a woman in her fifties was buying a DS for herself. With the Wii and the DS, Nintendo is committed to serve a broader audience. I think they will bring exciting stuff in the future.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
ALL occasions
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
REVIEWS
posted @ Wednesday, May 07, 2008 8:04 PM | Feedback (1)
I must confess that I am a magazine junkie. A few months ago, I bought a new cooking magazine from Australia called delicious.
I first read the Entertaining Special Issue, very appropriate for me. Fans of Jamie Oliver will be delighted to know that he is a regular on delicious.
The Entertaining Issue
The December 2007/January 2008 issue featured Jamie Oliver’s fresh festive flavors, Bill Granger’s laidback lunch and a profile on Wolfgang Puck. We visited a Café in Tasmania, explored the Basque cuisine, and baked seasonal sweets with Nigella Lawson.
The recipes are tasty and not too complicated. The pictures are exquisite. Delicious was voted the World’s Best Food Magazine. I do not know when, but I kind of agree since delicious is one of my favorite cooking magazine.
On stand, an issue of delicious costs the same as Donna Hay magazine but I feel that each issue of delicious packs with more stuff.
Categories:
IN the press
FOOD + drinks
DINING
REVIEWS
posted @ Wednesday, April 30, 2008 1:31 PM | Feedback (3)
The May 2008 of Canadian House & Home is the Green Issue. It is full of eco-friendly advices and products. What caught my eyes are 3 entertaining details.
Trough sink
The first one is an advertising picture by Ciot. The marble slat is gorgeous. It looks so modern.
I wish I have the space to install a through sink. Typically, you integrate the through sink in your preparation area. When you entertain friends, you use this long and narrow sink to chill bottles of wines, champagnes and beers. Check out the model by Kohler. This trough sink exterior dimensions are 60" x 8-1/4" with a basin depth of 5-15/16".
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EVERYDAY
HOME decor
ENTERTAINING
REVIEWS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, April 11, 2008 12:41 AM | Feedback (1)
My theory is that you should keep at home a reserve of hostess gifts. This way, you are always ready for an impromptu dinner party invitation and you save time by minimizing your shopping trips.
A lot of people from newlyweds to single men are searching for clues on how to entertain properly. The best books for them pass on tips for simple entertaining. Easy to follow instructions and gorgeous photography are essentials. Otherwise, people do not put into practice what is in the book.
That is what I like about the books by Ryland Peters & Small. To make it easier for you, stash any of these 4 new releases until you need a hostess gift:
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
ALL occasions
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
REVIEWS
posted @ Monday, March 24, 2008 7:33 PM | Feedback (1)
If like me you are not afraid of colors, you must be happy these days. For the others you are more timid, I am showing two rooms with pretty strong colors.
Fuchsia wall
I saw several rooms where the focal point is a bright fuchsia wall. The first time I saw a fuchsia room, I admired the audacity of the owner. After seeing several, I realized that every room looks amazing. They were a pretty diverse mix from kitchen, living room, bedroom and even office space. Now, I crave for my own fuchsia wall room.
Green walls
For Spring 2008, green is in vogue. By painting the backdrop of the stairs an Absinthe green the wall, the stairs become more important.
The office space is shared by the four members of the family. Arranged as a workshop, the room feels sophisticated with the traditional American walnut and the classical shape of the chairs. But the Granny Smith accents and the multicolor rug convey an unexpected whimsical mood to the space.
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IN the press
HOME decor
TRENDS
REVIEWS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, March 21, 2008 1:42 AM | Feedback (4)
This morning, I received my shipping confirmation for the latest book by Jamie Oliver. I cannot wait. I am a huge fan of the guy. When Jamie at Home will hit my cooking library shelf, my count will be 6 out 8 of his books.
Some recipes are in several books but it is fun because you can see how that recipe evolved and refined your own version. My husband and I (we do team work) made the best risotto. We use recipes from two books; handy since the pages of recipe are always visible. We take the better of each one.
My favorite Jamie Oliver’s recipes
I am giving you the recipes that I am cooking over and over, book by book.
The Naked Chef
The Mushroom Risotto with Garlic, Thyme and Parsley is my ultimate risotto. We often make this on a Friday or Saturday night so we can eat risotto cakes for breakfast the next morning. So do not be afraid to make plenty because a risotto cake is divine. The recipe is simply the same as making a patty of hash browns except that the potatoes are replaced by the risotto. I fried mine in olive oil. Check out his basic risotto recipe.
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EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
ENTERTAINING
DINING
REVIEWS
posted @ Wednesday, March 19, 2008 1:24 PM | Feedback (4)
You won't be surprised if I tell you that I watch lots of cooking shows. We have a Media Center at home so for the past three years I stopped listening to live TV. I watch about thirty minutes of TV daily. That explains why there is usually a delay between the start of new shows on TV and when I effectively watched them.
That is the case with The Main, a show that was first aired October 1st, 2007 on Food Network Canada. A second season is already produced. I watched a few episodes this week and I like it. The Main is hosted by the first winner of Superstar Chef Challenge on Food Network which was an adorable Canadian guy from British Columbia named Anthony Sedlak.
The Main is fresh and dynamic cooking show. Anthony is about 25 years old. I feel that the music theme wants to portrait an edgier side than your typical cooking shows. But really his recipes target the average family and singles.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING
REVIEWS
posted @ Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:22 PM | Feedback (0)
As you might already know, I sometimes worked as a freelance writer for other media. I wrote two articles earlier this winter for the Web site of Food Network Canada. Because of my travel, I forgot to invite you to read them.
Cocktail recipes
The first one talked about 5 Lost Classic Cocktails that are enjoying a new popularity. I give you my own favorite recipes based as close as possible to the original recipes.
Discover the story behind the Negroni, the Classic Champagne cocktail, the Mojito, the Black Russian and the classic Margarita. One precision is that I do prefer my margarita with 100% agave Silver tequila and Grand Marnier.
A couple weeks ago, I enjoyed an excellent White Russian served with a white and milk chocolate curl at the Library Bar of the Royal York Hotel in Toronto. The menu of the Library Bar is filled with historical drinks.
Categories:
IN the press
FOOD + drinks
DINING
REVIEWS
posted @ Saturday, March 08, 2008 6:51 PM | Feedback (1)
As I was watching the finale of Design Interns on HGTV Canada, I felt the need to review some basic design principles with you. Design is a balancing act between form and function. Whether you are designing a home or planning an event, the same basic rules apply.
If you missed the second season of Design Interns, reruns will start February 12, 2008. I encourage you to listen to it because Cecconi Simone is a solid design firm from Toronto.
The winner becomes an intern at Cecconi Simone, so their design philosophy is highlighted through the challenges. What I like about the show is that it emphasis the need for functionality, using lasting materials and going through a thorough thinking process.
So my three design principles are:
Think macro
You must figure out the big pictures before you even think about the details. When you entertain, that means answering questions like:
- What time of event you wish to host? Cocktail, dinner, brunch, dance party
- What atmosphere? Intimate, glamorous, casual, formal
- Where do you want to host a party?
- What how many people do you want to attend?
- Do you cook, hire a chef who cooks on premises or book a caterer?
Categories:
EVERYDAY
HOME decor
ENTERTAINING
REVIEWS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, February 08, 2008 1:08 PM | Feedback (1)
February 7, 2008 marks the start of the Year of the Rat. It is also the beginning of the Chinese New Year celebrations.
If you have nothing planned for tonight, there is still plenty of time to improvise with the quick entertaining guide I wrote for the Web site of Food Network Canada.
About the decor
I illustrated some of the key elements of the party so you know what to look for to design your décor. I took the picture of the red lanterns while I was visiting Las Vegas two weeks ago. There are the kind of lanterns you should look for.
If you live in a town with a Chinatown neighborhood, you will have no problems finding the red lanterns, a trio of spring couplets or the red envelops for the pocket money. Wrap your party favors in red packet or small bags.
Categories:
IN the press
PARTY ideas
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
REVIEWS
posted @ Thursday, February 07, 2008 2:35 PM | Feedback (0)
Stylish living and entertaining is fun but why not take some time to entertain ourselves at the style? I went on a hunt for a witty video cast.
I got my answer with Brini Maxwell downloadable video series featuring footage from the original New York cable access show. It is a comedy. Brini's weekly New York-based television show broadcasts recipes, tips, and information. You can see the episodes revisited on the Web.
To give you an idea of the show, explore a little vintage through the reveal of Brini’s apartment renovation. It is a satire about the DIY home improvement shows. Watch first 03-17 The Big Finish - Part One to be transported in the 1940’s. 03-18 The Big Finish - Part Two is all about vintage furniture and accessories. Take a break and enjoy!
Categories:
HOME decor
REVIEWS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Thursday, January 10, 2008 3:15 PM | Feedback (1)
If you are or know a deserving Australian food artisan producer do not be shy to fill out the nomination form. You can also nominate a chef who closely works with local organic farmers.
A proud supporter of the Slow Food movement, VE + T Produce Awards reward agricultural biodiversity and gastronomic traditions in Australia. The challenges of running a small family farm are great. These awards give a marketing boost to these dedicated food producers.
The closing date for nominations is February 15, 2008. The nomination form is available online. The awards are:
- Best New Product
- Most Consistent Product
- Primary Producer awards - 4 categories: Dairy, Paddock, Seafood and Earth
- The Regional Awards
- Maggie Beer Award for Outstanding Contribution to Australian Food
- Food Heritage Award
- Outstanding Provider/Supplier in Each State
- Outstanding use of regional produce by a chef in each state
- Judges' Favorite Product
- Best Farmers' Market
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING
REVIEWS
posted @ Monday, January 07, 2008 8:35 PM | Feedback (0)
I had an eventful day which is why I did not publish a post earlier. This will wait until tomorrow because I had to finish wrapping all my gifts before we head off for our Holiday resort.
This morning
I was interviewed about two weeks ago by a journalist from the Journal de Montreal, the most popular daily newspaper in Quebec. Jessica Nadeau was writing about party etiquette. A photograph came and took my picture at the office.
The article was published this morning. See here what Wikipedia says about Le Journal de Montreal.
This afternoon
Then, just before noon, I got a phone call from a researcher of Le TVA 17 heures, a popular news TV show. They discovered me by reading the article this morning. She asked some questions and if I would be willing to be on the show around 17:30 for a 3 minutes live interview with Pierre Bruneau.
Categories:
IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Thursday, December 20, 2007 11:37 PM | Feedback (2)
If you like magazines, you could win the December 2007 issue of Style at Home.
This issue of a Canadian Home décor magazine is packed with Holiday Decorating and Entertaining tips.
My advice
The two tabletops are from an article called Dress up the dining table. Overall the tabletops look great but they are some faux pas:
- The water glasses are missing. Serving water is a must at every meal. Whether the people drink it or not is irrelevant. Table manners are clear on that subject: everyone has a water glass.
- If you wish to go with the face to face look, make sure your table runner is 24 to 30 inches wide. The one used on the gold table is clearly too narrow.
- For the Holidays, placemats feel too casual in my view. You cannot go wrong with a nice table cloth, especially if you wish to dress up your table.
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TABLESCAPE
ENTERTAINING
REVIEWS
posted @ Wednesday, December 05, 2007 8:25 PM | Feedback (0)
You can imagine that being published on a publication for the first time is a great feeling. I am sharing the good news with you.
I wrote two articles for the Entertaining Guides of Food Network Canada. Even better, my subjects are two styles that are dear to me.
I wrote about a French Country Fête and a Scandinavian Modern Christmas. Tips on the menu, the tableware, Christmas decorations and the music define the unique character of each celebration.
Take a look. Four more Holiday celebrations complete their Holiday Entertaining guides. I am doubly happy that my two articles made their Our Top Picks list. It is time to go back reality now.
Sourcing:
Get inspired: French Country Christmas Guide on FoodTV.ca
Get inspired: Throw a Scandinavian Modern Christmas at FoodTV.ca
Photo credit (bottom): Pont Aux Choux dinnerware by Gien – photo taken by me at Arthur Quentin
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IN the press
TABLESCAPE
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
REVIEWS
posted @ Friday, November 23, 2007 12:12 PM | Feedback (3)
If you are a member of Facebook and you like my blog, you may be interested in becoming a fan of At Home with Kim Vallee.
I created a page on Facebook so we can exchange on what you would like to see on my blog. So far, I also published photos of my own dinner parties and tabletops. These pictures are inspirational but I do not feel writing about them on my blog.
What's new
I work right now on updating my blog to a newer version. For one thing, it will be easier for you to find contents. So stay tuned! I will use the Facebook page to make future announcements when it is appropriate.
Sourcing:
Join: At Home with Kim Vallee’s fan on Facebook
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IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Monday, November 19, 2007 3:10 PM | Feedback (0)
I was glad this morning to see that I appear on the Fabulous Reads of the popular entertaining blog Hostess with the Mostess. Especially that I am surrounded by an established circle of people. Thanks.
This gives me the occasion to suggest that before you complete your holidays shopping, you have a look at these five kitchen gadgets. The avocado slicer is a nifty kitchen tools.
What is coming today?
Stay tuned! I am writing a post on stylish wrapping options for your Holidays cookies.
And I will announce a giveaway.
Sourcing:
Via: Hostess with the Mostess
Categories:
IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Thursday, November 15, 2007 11:56 AM | Feedback (0)
I wish to share one moment of success with you. The columnist Marie-Julie Gagnon interviewed a few event designers and planners from the Montreal area. The subject was How to host a glam Christmas in 10 steps?
Her 3-page article is published on the December 2007 issue of Clin D'Oeil, the premier Fashion & Beauty magazine in Quebec. I feel honored to be featured alongside a talented group. Everyone has excellent tips to share.
Basically, my tips can be summarized like this:
- More than a theme, you should try to recreate the Magical ambiance of Christmas
- If you wish to use traditional colors why not use different tints like a lime instead of the Christmas green?
- For the fashionista, why not use the trendy colors like Purple, Aubergine, Sage and Charcoal?
- The perfect Christmas cocktail is my signature Surubaotini, a raspberry martini
- Games let people of different ages socialize more. Play Wii Sports to burn some calories. The game come bundled with the Nintendo Wii console. What is incredible with the Wii is that people who never play video games before cannot stop playing. The Wii is always a hit at parties.
- For movie fans, a sure bet is Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action for the Xbox 360 console. The game is shipped with four wireless Big Button Pads, so each player has his or her own buzzer. People that played the game so far enjoy it a lot, including the columnist Marie-Julie Gagnon.
Categories:
IN the press
PARTY ideas
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
REVIEWS
posted @ Sunday, November 11, 2007 8:29 PM | Feedback (0)
After the craft room, the ultimate luxury is a gift wrapping room. I shared the feeling. I used to wrap gifts for my business. So I am well aware of the needs to quickly wrap gifts with a stunning look.
I saw two stories on magazines about this topic lately. In its October issue, Canadian House & Home talks about less stressful and simpler it is when you got everything on hand.
Martha Stewart Living shows something more elaborate, in the typical Martha way. What I like about Martha’s craft room is that the design makes good use of the attic space.
Canadian House and Home gives tips that anybody can do in their own house or apartment. I mixed my own views for the best tips and tricks on how to live enjoyable gift wrapping sessions.
1 | Make a reserve of wrapping supplies
The first rule is to keep coordinated supplies on stock. Having several paper rolls, tissue papers, ribbons, bows, gifts bags, gift tags and greeting cards eliminate the need to rush to the store ever time you want to give a gift.
Categories:
HOME decor
ALL occasions
GIFT IDEAS
REVIEWS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Thursday, September 13, 2007 12:29 PM | Feedback (4)
We all dream to be able to decorate cakes with like the pro instead of making all-buttercream cakes. If you are not a beginner cake decorator, you may be ready to learn the art of fondant and royal icing.
Before you invest in cake decorating classes, flip the pages of books to see if this is for you. I compiled a list of 4 excellent books.
They all received great reviews on Amazon.com by people that effectively tried to make the cakes. And they passed my tests for the aesthetic and the usefulness of their instructions.
Spectacular Cakes: Special Occasion Cakes for any Celebration by Mich Turner
Mich Turner's credentials include wedding cakes for Madonna, Pierce Brosnan, Paul McCartney, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. In November 2005, her first book Spectacular Cakes was published. She wrote a second book which will hit the store on November 6, 2007.
Categories:
ALL occasions
BIG events
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
REVIEWS
posted @ Wednesday, September 12, 2007 10:44 PM | Feedback (2)
I submitted this morning my 3 posts on which one had to be written after August 11, 2007. We will be judged on 5 factors: overall impact, clarity of thought, did it make me want to think/act differently, did it want me to comment/participate and originality.
On my short list, there were also articles on home decor for entertaining and inspiration boards. It was hard but at the end of the day I decided to submit:
At last, my muffin presentation
I selected because this post is a clear example of what I try to accomplish with my blog. I want to give you tips for stylish easy entertaining. The fact that Apartment Therapy Chicago talked about it obviously made me proud. There was a good amount of research involved to create the finished product.
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IN the press