Maggie Walt Fashion Show

Maggie is one of the few original design shops left in Edmonton- fabulous for the crowd that is tiny and desires interesting fun fashion!
Maggie Walt Design Presents
Spring/Summer 2008 CollectionFashion Show
Sunday June 1st 11217 Jasper Avenue
If you're planning to join us on Sunday, we encourage you to call and get your tickets now. We have a few tickets still available. Tickets will not be available at the door. The cost of admission is $10, with tickets available only in advance. All proceeds from the tickets are donated to the just-one organization in Nepal which works with the street children of Kathmandu to get them off the street, into school and back with their families. We encourage you to purchase your tickets soon as there are a limited number available. Just drop by the store, or have your credit card handy and give us a call at 482-1238.
Noon - Doors OpenRefreshments, snacks and shopping.1:30 pm - Fashion show.

Fresh Yogurt and 100 km rules

I was delighted to find a huge jug of yogurt at Andy's IGA in Edmonton, then even more shocked at the great price- then found out it was local... made in Lacombe! My 21 years old son is a lover of yogurt using it generously in his protein shakes--( he is trying to bulk up and I secretly grin as I know give him another 25 years and he will achieve the 'bulking up process)
at any rate I choose a vanilla flavoured yogurt and was pleasantly surprised at the rich, honest flavour- imagine yogurt with on milk, french vanilla (sugar, water, honey tapioca starch and lemon juice concentrate) on the label? I could pronounce, spell and understand what each and every ingredient was!
Find the link below and enjoy
http://www.bles-wold.com/products.htm

Champagne and Chocolate

Thinking of renovating your house- and confused where to start—and then the big question is where to stop!
Before all the upheaval perhaps it would be comforting to do some ‘renovation’ at home for yourself or that special someone.
In the past I have brought you some of the wonderful little shops that dot Edmonton and make it truly a wonderful place to pick-up a few unique items. This entry will be no different.
Summer seems to be the season to enjoy friends, family at home, at friends backyards or the lake—here is some hints to add touches of luxury to the otherwise hotdog and hamburger season.
So, how to enjoy a wonderful evening in?
Firstly, you- deserve some finery- and my favorite place for ‘’grown-up’ finery is none other then the famous Night Owl Boutique in Manulife Place.
Honestly, last year they had in their front window the ‘set’ that is part of the grand opening scene in “The Devil Wears Prada”.
Enough said- they had it before the movie came out- so taste- yes siree!
Then what to drink- if you do imbibe in more then sparkling waters—and there is a slew of them all with different tastes—but today we will chat about the other sparkling water of the gods- champagne.
I had the pleasure of attending a wonderful tasting at Crestwood Wines and experienced some wonderful new tastes!
You can start with mixing Pomegranate juice with a moderate priced sparkling wine—to get more of your monies worth and avoid too much consumption!
Pink Champagne! Yes, we have all heard of it—French Pink Champagne- which for me brought memories of something much too sweet and from my ‘younger’ drinking experiences! For something truly lovely, grown-up and refined Nicolas Feuillatte Rose is not the sweet concoction we would think- worth a try. This pink champagne brought to mind a lovely bubble bath, candles soft music and would be delightful enjoying a glass or two by yourself just to unwind! You deserve it! While relaxing in your bath champagne in hand you may be inspired on ways to transform your private retreat into a room fit for you- a goddess!
A much more serious champagne was Nicolas Feuillatte Grand Ambonnay- this had a crisp final finish and in my opinion one to share while enjoying the company of a great friend over a quiet dinner or with chocolate! AH more on that later!
If your palate moves more to the reds- you may enjoy a Bleasdale Sparkling Shiraz- this was pleasant enough but a tad sweet for my taste- and I was still lingering over the crisp finish of the Grand Ambonnay!
Chocolate- one my most loved passions and the best- in my opinion again- is none other then our very own- Bernard Callebaut (okay maybe not our own- we share him with Calgary!) I have tried the brand names- enjoyed chocolate from around the world and this is my favorite! ( A new favorite in chocolate to follow in the next week- OMG!)
Callebaut consistently wins the highest honours in France while competing with many old ‘houses’ of fine chocolate and they are here in our very own province! The chocolate is fresh, new and different flavours are constantly presented. This company always has a changing selection of in-season treats and during the summer that selection changes with the fresh fruit available from the interior of BC- fresh cherry stuffed chocolate, or peaches!
Now, that is my idea of heaven—champagne- fresh Callebaut chocolate and a nice quiet warm bubble bath with no children knocking on the door or phones ringing!
Then you can truly relax and decide on how to transform your bath into your personal paradise!

Summer finally

What a ‘wonky’ season!


Like most of you- I am certainly glad to see the backend of this winter. The touches of green dotting my yard….. even the mud puddles make me happy! The leftover leaves mushed into my grass topped by branches from last year’s winter storms make me very happy I booked my spring clean up last fall! Hope you have your clean up booked!

New soffits are arriving shortly complete with new eaves topped with fancy gizmos so I don’t have to clean them. Nice, especially since I have a 40 plus foot tree hanging over most of the roof of my house and I tend to be extremely clumsy! (Gosh lately I fell off my high heels- no wonder my family is worried when I get on the roof!) Once again though- I booked the soffit folks early in the spring.

The broken window in the basement, that was broken last summer, and front door jamb- finally will get fixed. Like many of you I had to wait along time to find a window/door company that would come and look at such a small job. I did finally find one. Wow- things are starting to happen at this old house.

http://dezinz.ca

http://dezinz.cadeZinz Custom Interiors, is a full service interior decorating firm offering a complete range of services: drafting, kitchen design, colour consultations, space planning, window coverings, master plan services. In addition, qualified consultants offer specialized services such as Feng Shui, Space Clearing and Home Staging.

Our success can be attributed to the fact we provide a very comprehensive service to our clients. Whether a small or large project deZinz will arrange a package that is custom tailored to a customers' exact requirements. For larger projects deZinz has the ability to custom design and order specialized fabric, wall vinyl and furniture. For smaller projects we have a large selection of suppliers that offer unique and interesting fabrics, furniture and accessories available by custom order.

We can offer a one-stop shopping experience to busy clients or the one-on-one shopping service to a discriminating customer looking for assistance in purchasing accessories or art.


Services

Full Service

No time? Confused by all the options?
Decorating your space can be a daunting undertaking. Whether it is one room or an entire home starting with your wish list and budget, deZinz will design a personal, functional space created exclusively for you. Room finishes, specialized faux paint, custom-made furniture and personalized accessories will create your own private retreat.

Master Plans

Not enough money to redecorate your entire home at once?
Many people face this task, the house needs an up-date but the budget only allows one room at a time. One way to insure a continuous flow from one room to the next- and avoid the distractions of trends is to create a master plan. From this master plan you can progress through the home as the budget allows and create a harmonious living environment for you.

Space Planning

Too much furniture? Not enough? Furniture too big?
Many times furniture is custom ordered without the thought of “How do I get it in the door?” or “ Will it fit in the living room?” With good space planning we can assure you the furniture you buy will comfortably fit in your room while allowing ample room for traffic flow and the everyday activities the room is intended for.




Drafting Services

Are your dreams on paper napkins and old scraps of paper?
Most all good design have some beginnings there. We will transform your dreams and sketches into ‘working drawings’ that contractors can use when creating your special spaces. Our specialized kitchen consultant

Window Dressings

Need window coverings the cat will not destroy yet are stylish?
Our experienced decorators can handle any window-covering project from simple venetian to motorized solar shades over 2 stories high. deZinz supplies blinds such as: venetians, verticals, wood, solar-shades and privacy sheers. In addition we can manufacture custom drapes, swags and jabots to suit any room or style.

Colour Consultations

Ever been in a home where the colour should of worked- but for some reason just seemed off?
This is a common mistake many people make by not understanding how light can distort and play havoc in any room. What looks good under one light may not work in another. Also, there are very slight colour changes in shades and tints that can make one hue work while another very similar colour will not. Our trained decorators understand those slight differences and can help you avoid a costly mistake.

Specialties

These are some of the specialized services deZinz is pleased to offer their clients.
Many people form opinions about the homes they enter either at the curb or at the front door. This can take about 5 seconds—the following services can assist you in insuring your visitors ‘feel’ good about your spaces.

Home Staging

This is a secret of many top Realtors. Hiring a Home Stager can greatly increase the selling price of your home. Simply put this is clearing the clutter and creating eye catching vignettes that draw attention to the desirable aspects of your home while distracting from the ‘not so good parts.’ Home Staging can be rearrangement of furniture, removal of clutter, creating ‘life-style’ vignettes or can be more involved with the suggestion of new paint, carpet or exterior changes to assist you in creating a ‘show-home look. We also offer home staging for special events or too make the most of your home with your existing treasures.






Intentional Feng Shui

Intentional Feng Shui is the art of consciously manifesting your life desires, be it wealth, love or creativity by using the flow of universal energy in your home or office space.
Effectively enhancing the flow of chi, Intentional Feng Shui offers limitless possibilities and opportunities to you.

Interior Alignment

Space Clearing ceremonies are conducted in one form or another by every culture.
By clearing old stale energy from your home either energy from you or energy from a previous occupant and then consecrating the area remarkable positive changes can occur. Space Clearing Ceremonies and Blessings dramatically transform your home or office. Energetically everything that happens in your home leaves an imprint. Balancing and releasing stale or negative energies can powerfully influence the course of your life.

Space Clearing enhances Feng Shui; both can be conducted alone or together.


Consultants

Principle

Raine Turner

Raine Turner is a certified Interior Decorator graduating from the University of Alberta, member of Canadian Decorators Association, Certified Consultant in Interior Alignment and Space Clearing. This is in addition to her 7 years experience in the commercial and residential fields. Raine has been involved in projects for the Government of Alberta, Delta and Coast Hotels, among numerous others and many private residences.

Consultants

Sexy and cool “green” Luxury

In the world’s new awareness of ‘green’ and being ‘green’ is now a trendy idea amongst the Prada clad stylish and not reserved for ‘hippies’ are propelling a new market.

Bamboo as we are familiar with is the harsh grass used to build huts, baskets, and floors for the super stylish and now it is used for fabric!

In my search for new towels and sheets I discovered the most luxurious ‘hand’ (the industry term for fabric and how it feels- well on your hand) of bamboo. Standing in front of the display shouting to my shopping partner “You have to come and feel this.”

I’ve had a ‘thing’ my entire life for ‘scratchy things’. I simply do not like things that look or feel scratchy. This bamboo towelling had a decidedly not scratchy feel to it- it had an OMG feel to it!

“If you like the towels feel the bathrobes” came a voice from over my shoulder while a thick mass of white terry towel was trust in my hand. Wow- this bathrobe was similar to the wonderful white terry ones we find in fine hotels with their gold threaded logo monogrammed on the front- but this robe was on steroids! Yummy!

“Feel this” a large fine sheet was being pulled out for my fingers to rub over- and yet again the luxury was amazing. The sheet was fine- light silky but not satiny and simply amazing.

“Okay- enough! I have to try these”

Walking away shaking my head- my shopping list got a touch carried away. White bamboo towels, white and ivory coloured bamboo sheets, a silk summer duvet and then pillows made from Kopak. Kopak being a tree from Africa and the ‘fluff’ harvested to create pillows that are allergy free, easy to clean, eco-friendly and also adjustable. Just can open the zipper on one end and pull out enough ‘stuffing’ until you get the correct firmness for yourself, neat idea.

“This feels like 800 thread Egyptian cotton’ exclaimed one of my better heeled friends. Me- I have never slept on 800 thread Egyptian cotton to know. The closest I have ever come to Egyptian cotton was when I copped a feel of some sheets at Harrods department store in London a few years ago. They were light, soft and I did not dare even to look at the price- but they did not cause me to gasp with anticipation like the simple bamboo ones that had been presented to me!

Frette and Pratesi bed linens are two of the favs amongst the fashionable and famous types. However they carry price tags of around $1450.00 a set and are a tad out of my reach. Then following those two luxury brand names comes SFERRA – these I have never had the privilege of touching- and at $15,000.00 a set- I doubt I ever will. Bamboo and me will have to take a chance at this- these I can afford!

Here goes, freshly washed feeling like wisps of nothing, I had no other chance but to think of the Emperors new clothes—there was nothing here! Laying the new silk duvet over the fresh bed wondering how is this flat pancake bit of muslin covered silk going to feel. I like the fluff and down of feathers. This silk summer duvet is flat- not luxurious looking at all. No fluff- and I guess as anyone that knows me will admit I like ‘fluff’. I ‘adjusted my new pillows to the softer end of the firmness scale and crawled in.

OMG- I had now had my sheets, duvet and pillows for a few weeks and every night I enjoy the feel of the smooth elegant fabric sailing over my skin. This is a feel everyone should enjoy it is like being under a whisper of a cloud! Honestly, the bamboo is the most truly amazing feel I have ever encountered, the silk duvet so light with just the perfect amount of density to feel like nothing is on you while still so cozy you do not ever want to get out of bed.

Bamboo towels? Yum--- the fabric glides over your wet skin and lightly absorbs the moisture like a magnet sucking up the moisture- eliminating the exfoliation action needed with cotton towels. The entire collection washes up like a dream.
Only one little glitch – if you like your sheets and pillow cases wrinkle free or close to remember to grab them from the dryer right away as the fabric wrinkles like fine linen. A touch of the iron on the cases and top of the sheets may help to create a true top-notch visual effect.

In addition to the wonderful feel—being a 40 something woman—the sheets feel cool—which makes the sleep for some of us that are having some ‘night sweats’ much more luxurious! In addition the sheets are so soft that you easily ditch your jammies and sleep ‘au natural’. The ‘au natural’ sleep is great for us ‘older’ women- young couples- newlyweds- well you get the idea!

Area Rugs

Floor Art

With hardwood being the number one flooring choice these days it is vital to add some drama and interest on the floor. Area rugs are the perfect solution. They help in reducing noise while adding interest, creating separate areas and adding a splash of drama to every space.

Increasing in popularity are large print patterns, floral motifs and shag is still a hot choice. Shag area rugs are available in large selection of colours and may just be the perfect shot of colour and texture to soften the popular minimalist ‘Zen’ decor!

With the proliferation of area rugs to choose from where does one begin? Area rugs are available in a large assortment of styles, materials and patterns. Jill Jowlett of Area Rugs in Edmonton suggests choice of material is vital. She explains, “ Olefin, polypropylene, nylon and viscose are all man-made fibres and are inexpensive alternatives to silk and wool. In selection of man-made fibre area rugs she suggests looking for a dense pile that will reduce curling and ripple effects often founds in less expensive rugs.

Wool is a great looking natural fibre. Wool performs on a graded wear scale from T1 to T6. T1 is a low grade dry wool that tends to pill and shed more than higher graded wool. New Zealand Wool has the most lanolin; softer hand and a beautiful sheen all that will help make the rug last longer. Wool rugs are made in a variety of methods - hand knotted, hand tufted, hand hooked and machine woven. Simply because a wool rug is hand knotted doesn’t mean it has to cost fortune. Watch out for over priced, and under valued rugs in all qualities and materials.

To make your selections easier, shop prepared with your fabric samples, paint swatches room sizes and keep your mind open to different styles to help determine your choice. Standard rug sizes are: 4x6, 5x8, 7x10, 8x11 and 10x13. Larger rugs are available in some lines. All measurements are approximate, if you can stay within these guide lines, there is a very nice selection available.
Keep in mind to ensure a creative environment you can mix things up with a traditional room and the ‘funky’ new rug- or a very contemporary space can look fantastic with a traditional area rug. It is art for your floor so have fun and make a statement!

Welcome

Hi!
Welcome, this is so much fun. This is my place where I want to share with you the wonderful shops, decor ideas and energy we have in Edmonton. There will be some shops that are neat and nifty, maybe a recipe or two , a few renovations of course that happen here in Edmonton local designers, renovators and products.
A new place to keep the pulse of international design ideas and how to incorporate them into our way of living and perhaps some budget ideas on how to live large on a budget. I know I need to pinch and be creative with my dimes and dollars and perhaps you may enjoy some ideas to be fiscally wise as well as ecologically kind.
Enjoy, please join if you wish as your ideas are welcome.
Raine

Bistro Praha

When Harry met Sally at the Praha

OMG—dessert at Bistro Praha!
I have been visiting this landmark restaurant for over 30 years and never had the dessert! What a waste –in my younger years I remember the ‘older set’ coming in for coffee and desert after the theatre- while we younger ones were nibbling on open faced sandwiches, deep fried cheese, divine potato salad and of course the steak tartar!
Recently my dinner partner ordered the Crepe Nadia--- OMG! Not one for dessert I tentatively reached in to be polite and take a nibble of this luscious looking whipped cream and chocolate covered treat. The apricot stuffed crepe was a light as anything I have ever tasted- none of those common scorch marks we find on many crepes, simple light -cooked beyond perfection.

My eyes rolled I am sure into the back of my head- and through a daze I reached for just one more little nibble--- pure ecstasy! This is what those ‘middle-aged’ women from my youth had been enjoying! Glancing to my left as a waiter deposited another mound of whipped cream covered crepe the lady at the table me gave me a knowing glance. Her lips turned up and her eyes glistened as one who already knew what I had just discovered…… she was a repeat!

Dipping back into the crepe and grabbing a touch of the sauce surrounding this creation I had another attack of pure abandon. Slowly looking, up a bit frightened of my obvious enjoyment of this simple treat, I caught the eye of another women across the restaurant watching me. Shaking my head and my fork I mouthed the words, ‘You have to try this’, and rolled my eyes upwards to the gods.

She grinned back at me

Before I had had enough the crepe was gone- oh I was sharing this! I asked my dinner partner to get me a spoon as I was not about to let the gorgeous Grande Marnier chocolate soaked puddle on the plate go to waste. Once finished with the spoon- careful not look around afraid of the glances I would get—I simply stuck my right index finger down on the plate and began the age old skill of licking the plate clean with my finger.

Yes! I did this in a restaurant and it was well worth it. During that time I snuck a peak up to see the woman on the other side of the restaurant exhaling with her eyes rolled to the heavens holding an empty fork with a whipped cream pilled high crepe in front of her. Her male partner looked around the room awkwardly I am sure hoping no one was noticing at the look of unbridled bliss and pure joy on her face.

Her and I locked eyes – she nodded her head and dove back in for some more! This was a first timer for sure! Sneaking a peak over my shoulder the lady beside me grinned understanding new converts when she saw them. She was much more subtle then us with her enjoyment- quiet- reserved- and not saying one word to her large group of dinner companions- she was lost in her own world of whipped cream and a perfect crepe.

Such a waste-I had seen a lovely much too skinny girl in the restaurant earlier I know she has never locked lips with one these crepes--- ah the misery of youth and ‘uber’ thin thighs! The grace and joy of a few more years have given us ‘new middle-aged women’ the right to enjoy the pure delights of these treats.

Note to men- old and young- take your dinner dates to the Praha for a crepe—it will be the most enjoyable vision you can have in public—or take the crepes home! For the rest of us single girls- well once you have a crepe at the Praha you will feel any stress you did not even know you have just melt away!

Had our lovely Marie Antoinette had the delightful pleasure of one of these crepes she would be famous for saying, “ Let them eat crepes!