Style Sheet, the blog of HGTV.ca, published my latest guest blogger post this morning.

I went on a hunt for three desk chairs that would look great in a home office.

I selected three styles that suit three budgets from home furniture stores across Canada. If you enjoy, leave a comment on Style Sheet.

If you wonder, I sit all day on an Aeron chair by Herman Miller. I felt for this icon ergonomics chair ten years ago. I feel that it is money well spent since I passed long hours at my desk.

Via Style Sheet

Categories: IN the press  REVIEWS 

Originally tian refers to a classic ceramic gratin dish than is frequently used in French Provencal cuisine. With times, it moves to what was inside the dish.

A tian is always made with sliced vegetables arranged in altering rows. Meat can be used to accentuate the taste.

A tian dish always looks inviting. It is comfort food at its best that can easily feed a large group. The tian recipes scream alfresco dinner.

The July-August 2008 issue of Saveurs features 4 tasty tian recipes. For a twist, they propose an entrée version of tomatoes, goat cheese and pine nuts. The classic Provencal tian is made of tomatoes, eggplants, zucchinis, anchovies, olives and fresh rosemary.

Tomatoes, Goat Cheese And Pine Nuts Tian Recipe

Recipe by Valery Drouet – translated from Saveurs

Categories: FOOD + drinks  DINING 

This is my daily collection of noteworthy stuff that I saw online.

+ The Archimede Laptop Caddy designed by Leonardo Rossano in 2006 would be handy when I blog in front of the TV. I am tired of putting my laptop on lap. Unfortunately at $950, it is too expensive for my needs. Via Los Angeles Times

+ But the new Ebony Ribbon Storage Box from Martha Stewart Crafts collection is an affordable indulgence. Via Los Angeles Times

Categories: HOME + GARDEN  ORGANIZING 

Last Saturday, a friend hosted his annual epluchette de ble d'inde (corn on the cob party). This a familial outdoor party where we eat freshly picked corns cooked in boiling water. It is a tradition here in Quebec.

I decided to order two dozens of creative cupcakes from Clever Cupcakes. The first batch was made of a vanilla cake topped with vanilla buttercream and handmade fondant decorations. The second was a more daring flavor; I opt for a chocolate chili cake. The icing was vanilla butterscream colored in bright yellow. I can vouch that the cupcakes are as good as they look.

Michelle of Clever Cupcakes is easy to deal with. We talked on the phone and by email. We selected together the items she will do in 3D: corn, salt, corn holders, and pats of butter. The second patch features the classic red gingham tablecloth pattern. The pictures do not show well the French words that were imprinted. I selected beurre (butter), sel (salt), épi de maïs (corn-cub), blé d'inde (corn), épluchette.

Categories: CAKES  DINING 

September is almost there. We feel the colder air here in Montreal this morning. Therefore, we will be slowly moving towards autumnal hues for our tablescapes.

My first compilation for fall 2008 is from the latest tableware additions at Williams Sonoma.

I would like to get the pewter and ceramic bowl with handles. A bowl like that looks so chic on a table. And the model at Williams Sonoma is about half the price of the handmade Convivio centerpiece bowl with handles by Match.

The Dashboard Trays & Coasters are now available in glass instead of wood surface to add more sparkles to your events. The high gloss wood grain model reminds us of the vintage roadsters and 1940s speedboats.

Categories: TABLEWARE  DINING 

The hardest thing for many people is to find a theme for their party. For everyday entertaining, the key is to find a connection, a directing line for your décor.

Why not get inspired by a color scheme for your next party? Looking at the handpicked items picked by Efratom, you can feel the festive vibe.

I particularly like these for a bunch with the girls:

Invitations: Set the mood with by sending the good morning buttercups by lncgreetings – price: $4.50 USD

Decor: Tie on the votive holders a few Betty by the Pool...fabric covered bead bracelet by AnnieandOlive – price: $15 USD

Categories: PARTY ideas  ENTERTAINING 

This is my daily collection of noteworthy stuff that I saw online.

+ You should never underestimate the value of colors to fresh up a room or to hide outdated fixtures. Then, let the accessories take a leading role. Look at how the stylists of Real Simple succeed in rescuing bathrooms with 1950s tile or a 70s sink. Via anh-minh

+ Twelve days ago, we had to let go our very old cat because he was too sick. My husband and I are deciding what race of cat we would prefer for a sister or brother to our Bengal cat. We are considering the Abyssinian cats. The cat in the bookcase is taken from the house tour pictures of the mid-century house where artist Matte Stephens Dave of GrainEdit lives with his wife and their cat. My confusion came from the fact that Dave interviewed Matte Stephens earlier in August. Sorry about that Dave! Matte designed the owl placemat and the monster placemat for Modern-Twist. I own both and I adored them. Via More Ways to Waste Time

Categories: HOME decor  HOME + GARDEN 

My friend M. introduces me to a marvelous time saving cooking gadget this weekend.

The Vacu Vin Instant Marinater marinates and tenderizes meat, poultry and fish in minutes instead of hours. Fantastic for a busy girl like me! My friend is very happy with the results.

Vacu Vin is the same brand that enables us to preserve our open bottle of wine longer. I am a fan of the Vacu Vin Vacuum Wine Saver; I got the original gray model.

The technique is built around creating a tiny vacuum in the bowl. The vacuum is believed to open up the pores and fibers of the meat. This reduces the time it takes for the marinade to flavor your meat, poultry or fish.

Categories: COOKING tools  HOSTESS gifts  GIFT IDEAS 

Giant dominoes and chess sets bring a surreal vibe to a kid party. It fits so well in an Alice in Wonderland theme party.

Ever since I saw the fabulous party for Nicola’s birthday photographed by Jessica Claire, I am in admiration with the Alice in Wonderland theme.

Hosting an Alice in Wonderland birthday party implies a hyper creative décor. Get some help with the preparation tasks. If your friends are crafty, organize a few creative sessions before the party to help you build your own decor elements.

Imagine the effect of a few giant teacup planters, each big enough to fit a kitty, nicely spread on a corner. I recalled seeing online that exact teacup planter last year but I think the planter is not in production. It is sad because it would be perfect as an ice bucket or to display the party favors.

Categories: KIDS party  KIDS + BABY 

Well-known for their tea and coffee pots, Bodum is entering the kid tableware market.

Kids Collection

Bodum's first collection comprises 5 sets of kid drawing theme printed porcelain dinnerware. Each set contains a breakfast bowl, a side plate and a mug.

You can add matching cups, placemats and aprons. I would leave the ghost for Halloween season. Which motif do you prefer: the cat, the crocodile, the boy print or the girl print?

I like the packaging too. For a gift, I would try to wrap the square so I can still carry it by the handle. I guess a few trials and errors session may be necessary to achieve style and function. Your suggestions are welcome.

First introduced in UK (I think), the line is now available in the United States.

Categories: TABLEWARE  FAMILY style  DINING 

This is my daily collection of noteworthy stuff that I saw online.

+ To complement my Tips for a Welcoming Entryway, check out the fabulous entry ways featured in several magazines. The most impressive entrances are from Living etc. After all, Living etc. is my favorite home décor magazine. Via design to inspire

+ If money is no objet, I would use these faux moss rings by AdornJewelry to decorate each place setting on an outdoor table. I would display the circle rings for women and the square rings for men. Use adhesive putty to hold them in place. Another option is to affix the ring to a ribbon and tie the napkin. Via Creativadoration

Categories: TABLESCAPE  ENTERTAINING 

The psychological indicator that marks the end of summer is Labor Day. It is a time where many people host one last big party at the cabin by the lake.

Setting the Decor

Last July, Gourmet inspired their readers with a delicious summer menu realized in a dreamy setting. I fall in love with the vintage canoe table.

Set the tone of the party with Camping Circa 1960s note cards by Old School Stationers. To set the tone of your table, go for the vintage style dinnerware. One great choice is the Festa Dinnerware at Fortunata.

DIY Wood Tray

Serving burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and toasts on home made wood tray is not just cute, it is very practical.

Categories: HOLIDAY  ENTERTAINING 

We are constantly on the moves. If we can take advantage on all the moments we wait or relax outside our house to do write down ideas, to do list or complete our social correspondence, we would have more time on our hands.

The Concept

This is why I was thrilled when Carrie and Tuck contacted me to sample their notetotes.

Jane Boatman Geller was inspired to create a functional and fashionable tote to take to the beach, the pool or on vacation. The tote holds social stationery as well as the writing tools to keep in touch with friends and family.

I requested the hot pink model. I am even more excited now. Their tote closely matched the Russell + Hazel mini binder that I used to write down suppliers, keep small sheets of paper and store long-lasting tips.

Categories: PAPER goods  ALL occasions  GIFT IDEAS 

I will go sidetracks today for my first post. I wish to talk about what is happening in my life.

Some of you may be aware that I worked for 15 years in the IT and Web industry. I gained a pretty good understanding of the challenges and processes governing the online and offline universes.

I coupled my Web expertise with my design skills to build and operate At Home with Kim Vallee. My husband is a bright system architect and Chief technical officer. So I am still connected to that previous career. All this brings me to my participation at PodCamp Montreal this fall.

What is Next?

The world of social media is so exciting. For the first time in the history, non technical people, like most of the bloggers in our circle can participate actively and build a business around their passion. The female and mommy blogs are booming at an accelerated rate. It is normal that women embrace social communities because we like to converse.

Categories: IN the press  TRENDS 

The votes have been tallied. Hasbro revealed the 22 cities that will occupy the first-ever international MONOPOLY edition game board.

The Voting Process

More than 5.6 million votes were cast for 70 world-class cities, which determined 20 of the 22 cities featured in the game. I am proud that Montreal won the first place. It will take the place of the famous Promenade.

Riga, the largest city in the Baltic states arrives second. It is great to win against more densely inhabited cities like New York, Paris, London, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Tokyo.

What Is Different About this Edition?

Hasbro said on their press release that Chance and Community Chest cards will highlight events and culturally relevant scenarios from countries around the world.

Categories: TRAVEL 

I bought two new food preparation gadgets last week that inspired me to scour for more cool gadgets.

Cleaning Potatoes And Other Root Vegetables

First I bought Skrub'a by Danesco. The unique rugged surface of Skrub’a enables skin and dirt to be removed easily. The gloves are dishwasher safe if put on the top tray. Skrub’a is available in green (legumes), orange (carrot) and brown (potatoes).

It is said to be one size fits all but it is ready one size fits all women. My husband cannot fit inside his big hands. His hands cover twice the surface of mines. But it is not an excuse for him to not help me in the kitchen. He can still clean the vegetables by holding one glove.

Categories: COOKING tools  DINING 

This is my daily collection of noteworthy stuff that I saw online.

+ A delightful scene photographed by Alicia Bock that you can buy on Etsy. She is a completely self-taught photographer. All her pictures exhibit a vintage vibe. Via Apartment Therapy San Francisco

+ Pottery Barn Kids excel in devising amazing kids décor. For the future rock star in your family, infuse a musical in their bedrooms with the Guitar & Boom Box large pillows. With kids, it is best to use a wide theme. Therefore, mix the pillows with Gavin Sheeting designed for kids who loves sports, animals, cars, aviation and music. Via Serendipity and Spark

Categories: FAMILY style  KIDS + BABY 

Many apartments or condo units have small hallway. Most units do not even have a closet. They lack functions.

The first room people see when they visit your house is the front entrance. For that reason, it is crucial that your entrance conveys the right impression.

Hallway Essentials

Any vestibule needs at least:

• a mirror to check what you look like before stepping out of the house,
• a seat to put on your shoes,
• a surface to deposit your handbag (can be hang on hooks) and deposit your packages (can use the bench for that),
• a surface to deposit the mail, keys and tech gadgets when you enter the room, and
• storage solutions for coats, scarves, gloves, shoes and umbrellas.

The rest is a matter of taste and lifestyle. To keep out the mess and produce a clean look, opt for closed solution. You want to eliminate any feeling of clutter while keeping things at easy reach.

Categories: HOME decor  HOME + GARDEN 

The creativity level of designers continues to impress me. One furniture trend is sofa and chairs that adapt to the body and not the other way around.

I prefer the use of bands to the wire frame structure. But they are two interpretations of basically, the same trend.

I selected my favorite pieces from the crop of 2008 Red Dot Winners in the product design category to illustrate a few furniture trends.

Best of The Best

SKiN, designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel for Molteni & C, won the best of the best award. Within this avant-garde design, Jean Nouvel announces a new kind of comfort that is achieved through leaving things out.

Categories: TRENDS 

This is my daily collection of noteworthy stuff that I saw online.

+ AT San Francisco taught us unusual ways of displaying art by looking at how Maya and Michael of Visualingual did it in their home. Their way makes all the difference. If you wish to know more about their home décor, Rearrange Design featured a house tour of their 2000 square feet apartment. Via Apartment Therapy San Francisco

+ This table featured the best in fine china from Legle Limoges to Bernardaud, Haviland and Royal Crown Derby. Again it demonstrates the added value of mixing and matching. Image from an undisclosed issue of Martha Stewart magazine. Via Toast and Tables.

Categories: FORMAL entertaining  ENTERTAINING