IN the press
my spotlight in the press and what we find newsworthy on the official media about entertaining
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
OFF topics
REVIEWS
posted @ Saturday, August 02, 2008 3:55 AM | Feedback (3)
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
REVIEWS
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.
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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.
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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 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.
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IN the press
FOOD + drinks
DINING
REVIEWS
posted @ Wednesday, April 30, 2008 1:31 PM | Feedback (3)
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)
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.
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IN the press
FOOD + drinks
DINING
REVIEWS
posted @ Saturday, March 08, 2008 6:51 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.
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IN the press
PARTY ideas
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
REVIEWS
posted @ Thursday, February 07, 2008 2:35 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.
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IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Thursday, December 20, 2007 11:37 PM | Feedback (2)
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
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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.
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IN the press
PARTY ideas
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
REVIEWS
posted @ Sunday, November 11, 2007 8:29 PM | Feedback (0)
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
REVIEWS
posted @ Wednesday, September 05, 2007 10:53 AM | Feedback (1)
I told you earlier that I am participating in a friendly tournament with other Canadian bloggers. The tournament has now officially begun.
What is it?
We are 128 Canadian born or Canadian residents that are taking part in this fun blogging competition. It is a nice way to discover new blogs. The topics of these blogs are not exactly home décor, cooking or entertaining. You can find blogs on photography, gadgets, marketing, currents events and random thoughts.
As you can read on Buzz Canada, it is more a community of marketers/ digiterati / media-ites / flacks who like to create content and start conversations. I read a few blogs so far and I read interesting stories from good bloggers. So I invite you to go through the list.
The first round
They will keep two bloggers out of 4. I compete in the first round against three male bloggers from Montreal. They are:
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IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Monday, August 13, 2007 10:03 PM | Feedback (1)
Writing two posts a day had been fun over the last three weeks. With my upcoming work load I suspect it will be hard to continue at this rhythm. So from now I plan to write one post a day for sure and occasionally two. My intent is either to publish a post by midnight or around noon the next day. Experience will tell us which one will become the norm.
I may publish more than that if my agenda allows me to do it. During the week end, my break from blogging is still in effect. However I can always surprise you occasionally.
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IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Thursday, August 09, 2007 12:12 AM | Feedback (0)
Sale report: 20% off on all Riedel stemware at The Bay until July 26, 2007.
My muffin presentation got some coverage on the blogosphere. A few bloggers honored me and I want to return their support. In alphabetic order,
Absolutely Beautiful Things featured one of the kitchens I displayed earlier this month in Kitchen Love – part 2. Absolutely Beautiful Things is produced by an Interior Decorator from Brisbane, Australia. I like to visit her for inspirations. Later this year, she will turn 30 years old. I invite you to take a look at her birthday’s inspirations so far.
I was happy that I inspired Jen from An Eye for An I:nterior to plan a romantic picnic with her husband. Making time for special moments keeps the passion in a couple. I know a thing or two about this subject. My husband and I will celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary next September. I am a regular of Jen’s blog. Last week, Jen introduced us to several portfolios from movie / photo shoot location firms. Have a look at An Eye for An I:nterior. You will see home decors that will make you dream.
Then, Apartment Therapy: Chicago talked about my blog and made a reference to my muffin presentation. I assume you are all familiar with the admired AT:Chicago. I am an avid reader of their blog and the entire AT franchises.
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IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Monday, July 23, 2007 1:12 AM | Feedback (0)
I am running late today on my normal story schedule; I will post it this afternoon tonight. But in the meantime, I have a message of interest for all great Canadian bloggers. You can submit your blog or nominate a Canadian blog that you admire to join a friendly blogging tournament. It is a great way to get exposure and to discover the best of Canadian blogosphere.
I was thrilled this week when I received my invitation. I am officially in. I am new to this; but I guess I may need the support of my readers. So I will let you know. I start to go through the list of new blogs I discovered through the 1 % army.
If you are a member of Facebook, check out the Canada's 1% Army (Marketing/Media Bloggers) group for more information. Otherwise, you can get the details on Buzz Canada Web site.
An extended view of friendship through social networks
If you are in Facebook and want to add me as my friend, I invite you to do so. A popular blogger Robert Scoble with his "Add me as your friend" approach started this trend. You may not know about this story. My husband wrote a simple follow up article on the impact of Facebook and the definition of friends in social networks. He pointed out related links.
And do not worry. I will come back to our regular programming style starting with a post on French style outdoor party.
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IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Thursday, July 19, 2007 12:35 PM | Feedback (1)
With so many tips on entertaining to talk about, I decided to publish more often. Starting today, the new schedule is two posts a day on weekdays; one post around noon 1 o'clock p.m. and another one before or after supper time. There is no set to my schedule. I hope you enjoy it. Now that I tried the schedule for two weeks, I made the little adjustments. See above for the current program.
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IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Tuesday, July 17, 2007 12:27 PM | Feedback (3)
It started with a wonderful review published in studio wellspring blog. This is the blog of a San Francisco-based interior design.
Studio wellspring is a place where this blogger shares the menagerie of inspiration she discovers along the way. She has a good eye. Take a look at the beautiful coffee and tea serving set that she shown us on her Robin's Egg Bliss post. This is what I call entertaining in style.
Then, I got the honor to be on the Apartment Therapy – Los Angeles edition (AT:LA). I made it to this week Slinks with my post about Small Space Outdoor Entertaining. I wrote this last May.
Wow! I have been a fan of Apartment Therapy since I started reading blogs. Thanks I want to thank Gregory from AT:Los Angeles.
For the ones that do not know what slinks means:
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IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Saturday, June 30, 2007 1:36 PM | Feedback (4)
I told you earlier about my participation on a Canada Day Bash Profile written by Nadine Anglin for the Web site of HGTV Canada. The Canada Day Parties newsletter edition reached my inbox this morning.
You also get a Canada Day party menu that was prepared by the foodtv.ca Editorial Team. You will find the recipes on Food TV Canada Web site.
I will let you discover the complete Canada Day menu. The recipes are all great so take a look. But I cannot wait to tell me my preferences.
I will start with the Ahi Tuna Sashimi and Green Papaya Salad with Chile-Lime Dressing by Vancouver-based Lumière Restaurant chef Rob Feenie.
Categories:
IN the press
FOOD + drinks
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
DINING
REVIEWS
posted @ Wednesday, June 20, 2007 4:23 PM | Feedback (3)
I was the subject on a piece in a Swedish blog this week-end. As a fan of Scandinavian design, I visit Emmas designblogg to see what going on in other parts of the world.
Today, she talked about a Danish online store called Design Delicatessen. This retailer mastered more than a thing or two about the art of styling a catalogue.
I am leaving you with this kid birthday shot by Design Delicatessen. You got a glimpse at how this retailer promotes a festive banner. Like I told you before, doing a little more makes a difference. Go visit Emma’s blog to see the rest.
Link: Design Delicatessen post on Emmas designblogg
Featured in: New to me blogs on Emmas designblogg
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IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Monday, June 18, 2007 8:27 PM | Feedback (1)
I have been featured in reZenerate your space, the blog of Robin Van lent, a guy who likes design, architecture, building stuff and entertaining his friends.
Featured in: Two new blogs of interest on reZenerate your Space blog
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IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Tuesday, June 12, 2007 10:13 PM | Feedback (1)
I have been so busy lately that I forgot to tell you about this great experience. In an interview, I shared my thoughts on designing a fun Canada Day Party. You also get from the team of HGTV.ca useful tips to make your Canada Day Bash the best outdoor party with ideas for invitations, drinks, music and safety.
I do not want to say more, just go and read the fabulous article written by Nadine Anglin that you will find on HGTV.ca Web site. Thank you again for this opportunity.
Link: Party Profile: Canada Day Bash by Nadine Anglin on HGTV.ca
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IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Saturday, June 02, 2007 2:12 PM | Feedback (1)
Everybody has a cause; mine is the wildlife and nature. I am taking about it on my blog because what I have to say concern food.
I am against some green organizations that only want to make headlines but do not have a coherent track record. That is why I opt to support the WWF Canada organization. They protect endangered species (tigers and polar bears for example), make genuine gestures to protect nature and they do take into account the needs of the human population.
WWF Canada sets a small number of annual goals, based on the overall impact of these initiatives on the environment and the wildlife. Since I started supporting them, WWF Canada had an impressive track record.
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IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Thursday, March 22, 2007 11:49 PM | Feedback (0)
The illustration by the award-winning gouache painter Juliette Borda captures the feeling. The title says it all. Henry Alford publishes today on The New York Times a humoristic article on the reality of a grown up couple moving in together.
I am proud of my home décor. I like to be the one in charge. So I can relate to this funny story portraying the challenge of inviting your lover to live in your apartment. Past memories have surfaced. The best situation is to move to a new dwelling where both partners can put a little of themselves into the place.
Take a moment; relieve the stress of your day by getting a few laughs with this story. You are invited if you bring nothing.
Link: Web site of illustrator Juliette Borda
Link: Welcome to My World, O My Beloved. Don’t Bring Your Stuff on The New York Times
Via: House & Home Roundup: 03.22.07 on Apartment Therapy NYC blog
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IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Thursday, March 22, 2007 1:46 PM | Feedback (0)
I hurt myself while skiing last Saturday. As I cannot walk without crutches for the next two weeks, I will be putting more time in front on my computer. Instead of cooking, I will share with you my favourite recipes, some of my own creations and some from other chefs (professionals and amateurs). Stay tune!
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IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Monday, February 19, 2007 11:25 AM | Feedback (0)
I am glad to start a new blog in English. I have a blog in French, my mother language, for a while. But most of my articles talk about cooks, books, TV shows and blogs in English. Not the best for my target audience.
To get a more participating audience, I decide to start writing in English. So here I come.
Categories:
IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Saturday, January 27, 2007 6:15 PM | Feedback (0)