deZinz- Sinsational Insperational Living

More Bling

2010-02-14T09:02:00.000-08:00

See the chocolate muffins on the top right?

I ate one- and am going back for more!

Chewy made with the best single source chocolate!

This platter- the owner insists is oven proof, microwave proof and is devine--- for $47.00!

More Bling!

2010-02-14T08:54:00.000-08:00

Made from recycled chip bags!

Really!

These vases are from Italy and made from recyled wine bottles!

The glass bottles on the right are both hand made by an artisan in Calgary--- and mimic the glorious airfreshners- Bergere---- but these are hand-made and only $18.00 each-- yes $18.00 each! I have one Bergere- and now I ordered three from this little shop, two in pink and one in pale lilac!

In our chat about white paint- this place is almost all white- the owner revealed to me his secret- he used a paint brand called Pride from Rona and it is simply white--- the standard white in eggshell- supurb colour! I am a Benjamin Moore girl- Decorators White or Cloud White- but this colour worked- and the finish was amazing-- a little way to save some money- a gallon is only $18.00 and he insists it rolls on just like Benjamin Moore!

Bling!

2010-02-14T08:44:00.000-08:00

Bling! A wonderful new little coffee shop in downtown Edmonton.... walking past this little delite you think it was a coffee shop cut and pasted from Paris or at the very least a quant little street in Montreal!
Terrific items- very very well priced- I would like to use the word cheap- but the items are not cheaply made- simply very affordable- even for my non-existant budget!

Katie's Farm Organic Dog Bakery

2010-02-14T08:40:00.000-08:00

The dogs- however are starting to enjoy their treats! I shall keep you up to date on how they adapt. It simply seems to me when we are wanting to eat healthier ourselves- and most of the food we eat is not fit for human consumption- what the heck then are they putting in our dog's food?

I had been buying a treat from Costco and when I read the back it was made in China- had a note not for small dogs and not for human consumption! Heck- if food is not fit for humans than I hardly think we should be feeding it to our pets---- melamine anyone?

Katie's Farm Organic Bakery

2010-02-14T08:36:00.000-08:00

In my continued search for organic and earth friendly food I came across this bakery on the web.

Jude sent me some fabulous samples of many of their treats.... my dogs and cat are still trying to adapt to their new food. The cat does not seem too impressed with his.

In my continued quest to eat healthy- for the earth and my loved ones

2010-02-09T18:01:00.000-08:00

After much searching- and it being winter here so no farmers markets are open I finally found an almost one stop shop!

Ocean Odyssey Inland 10027-167 Street in Edmonton carries many different suppliers of organic and humanely raised animal products. Fresh eggs, raised where the chickens can walk around and see the sky! Beef, that again get to actually walk around outside and are not feed corn from Monsanto!
Fish, caught locally- obviously not here in Edmonton-- but from substainable fishing methods- not huge trawlers that rip out the ocean floor like mass cutting of the forests.
Food that is raised with a conscience, to us, the animals, the earth and our children!
This shop is like a co-op- many different venders have little freezers here and you can come and pick up what you need, you can order large orders and come here to pick those up as well.

Ocean Odyssey Inland!

Bles-wold--- sounds like Bless World to me -- what a great name

2010-01-27T17:56:00.000-08:00

Yup, Andy's IGA is now going to carrying the large French Vanilla yogurt again! Yummy!
Imagine buying locally made dairy products from cows that see the sky! Products that have really silly items on the label as ingredients-- example on a milk container the ingredients are listed as "milk"--- just milk-- yup that is all that is in the milk-- milk!

Recently there was an article on the Globe and Mail about unpasteurized milk-- now I am not so sure about that- however I got to thinking and when I was a kid- and my grandfather milked the cow-he called the cow 'Lucy'-- we drank the milk just after he seperated the cream from the top-- the better to sit on the step and hand curn the ice cream maker to make fresh ice cream. The ice cream had strange ingredients in it - like well "Lucy Cream".

That got me to thinking - yes in fact the milk we drank was unpasteurized! It was fresh from Lucy! Poured into a glass container and put in the fridge!

www.bles-wold.com

Yogurt by Bles-Wold

2010-01-23T12:40:00.000-08:00

In my new search for healthier more natuaral food I came across this terrific yogurt by a relatively local supplier.
Andy's IGA on the city's west end of Edmonton carries this terrific yogurt-- the vanilla is terrific and almost always sold out of the large size-- we need to chat with the dairy manager there to get them to bring in more supply!

Yummy and healthy
http://www.bles-wold.com/

Sale enPrivado

2010-01-23T11:32:00.000-08:00

Todoruk Designs

2010-01-21T19:19:00.000-08:00

Haute Couture in Edmonton=== fresh, fun, funky!
Yes Haute Couture can be young, bold, exciting!
You can also custom order Chanel inspired pieces, cashmere coats- suits, shirts, blouses--- I need some black and grey trousers!

Yiphee- Haute Couture in Edmonton--- give those big label names a run for their money since their quality is simply- well going down!

www.todoruk.com

OH MY GOD- I AM A DUMMY!

2010-01-21T19:01:00.000-08:00

Sale

enPrivado

I needed a new pair of boots and instead of going to enPrivado-- I forgot about them I went to Holts and spent way too much on a pair I am not even

crazy about!

I think that Victoria Beckam girl had these on in a picture I saw of her!

Sexy!

www.enprivado.ca

tell them you heard about them from Raine at Dezinz

Dressing tables

2010-01-17T09:14:00.000-08:00

Ladies should have a dressing table. I cannot imagine having to stand in the bathroom as so many women do to put on your makeup and do your hair! We spend so much of our lives primping we should be able to sit on a comfortable chair and enjoy!

Shopping in Edmonton

2010-01-17T09:09:00.000-08:00

I met my lovely friend for a 'ladies lunch' the other day at Normands- thanks Normand for yet another fantastic hug and a great lunch!
My friend is one of those ever stylish ladies, a cross between Jackie O and Chanel-- a true delight to know! I love meeting with her for these rare lunches as she has style, class, and I get to live vicariouslly through her incredible clothes and handbags!
I suddenly realized what it is about stylish women that men love so much----I always thought it was purely the sex appeal- but you feel special when someone takes the times to dress themselves up just to meet you for lunch!
At any rate, we were discussing the terrible state of clothing these days-- I had wanted to buy a few pairs of good lined winter pants this year-- and could not find any!

Imagine no lined pants at stores such as Holts and Blus!
My friend was lamenting the same sad state of affairs in quality of clothes! She was wearing a couture made Chanel inspired black suit for around $1200.00. Now while that is not inexpensive- it is value priced. If you were to buy a Chanel labelled suit from Calgary Holts -we do not have a Chanel shop in Edmonton Holts- a suit there would be around $3,000.00 before any fittings.

So, a custom made suit, where you choose your fabric, trim and is made with the highest level of skill is in fact a good price! Shoot the last suit I bought an Armani- was $2,000.00 and that was for pants and a jacket!

Local shop, local lady and you can get lined pants made for you! Since we can't find quality in the 'expensive stores' anymore!

http://www.todoruk.com/

Local organic stores in Edmonton

2010-01-07T18:33:00.000-08:00

You can visit the following and I am sure there are few more-- there are a few I will be checking out myself in the next couple of weeks that I am sure are organic- or at least local!

1) Earth's General Store--- http://www.earthsgeneralstore.ca/ This is were I have bought my red wiggler worms for in house composting!
2) Planet Organic-- http://www.planetorganic.ca/
3) Italian Centre- a true foodie shop at the best! http://www.italiancentre.ca/
4) Carbon Environmental Boutique--- http://www.carbonboutique.com/

Food, Inc.

2010-01-04T19:29:00.000-08:00

Again, during my research into food, I found this movie at the local movie rental shop. It is a MUST WATCH!
You truly will get on the food band-wagon, as I am!
Next to add to my re-cylcing and working on getting more vegtables into my back garden, side garden while taking care of the soil- I will be adding Farmers Markets to my grocey shopping-- and how to do this and feed a 22 year old athletic son on a restricted budget will be an adventure for sure!
Stay tuned in my new travels.

Healthy Food - We Eat Together

2010-01-04T19:19:00.000-08:00

I lucked out while visiting a local little bakery in Edmonton and ran into the authors of this cookbook- availalbe at Audreys in Edmonton. I tried to locate this couple and could not in order to ask for more information on them- and could not. I did tell them when I bought the book that I will be placing them on my blog- so this is with their permission.

This cookbook is full of terrific local recipes, some vegan and many local farmers. A great buy.

If you would like to eat at some local restaurants that support local farmers and organic food here is a great list.

1 ) d'lish Meal Assembly Studio--- http://www.dish.ca/
2)  Leva- http://www.levabar.com/
3) Jack's Grill-- http://www.jacksgrill.ca/   ***
4) Red Ox Inn- http://www.theredoxinn.com/ ***
5) The Blue Pear- http://www.thebluepear.com/ ***
6) The Dish Bistro & The Runaway Spoon Catering- http://www.thedishandspoon.com/
7) The Blue Plate- http://www.blueplatediner.ca/
8) Accent Lounge- wwwaccentlounge.com
9) Cafe de Ville--www.cafedeville.com ***
10) Wild Tangerine- http://www.wildtangerine.com/ **
11) Skinny Legs & Cowgirls -www.skinnylegsand cowgirls.com

The stars indicate resturants I have eaten at and are - in my humble opinion- terrific!
.

Penelope Cruz

2009-12-27T20:16:00.000-08:00

I LOVE LOVE THIS LOOK- I so want this dress- I so want to look like her!

She is the new Sophia Loreen-- I want this dress!

I want this body- I simply want to be Penelope Cruz-

as the kids would say- guess I have a girl crush! Yes, even with my horrid fear of

crowed places and dark theatres- I am going to see NINE at the movie theatre
there better not be a weirdo behind or beside me!

Sarah's Key

2009-12-24T07:36:00.000-08:00

I normally do not blog about the books I am reading-generally because there is not much to say--- Zen, Buddhism, cookbooks too many to mention (one of my regular bedtime reads) I am pleased to be able to make an exception.
Sarah's Key- by Tatiana De Rosnay gripped me almost instantly.

Parts of the book in the beginning were too painful for me to read- so I scanned and skipped and read other passages.

Relaxing in a hot bubble bath my skin prickled with goosebumps and chills ran through my body at the horrors the French inflicted on their Jewish citizens.... the cruelty towards the children- all in broad daylight while no-one stopped them.

Once I got to the part where I could read all the text- I was mesmerized, horrified, I cried, I read the entire book in one sitting, from sofa- to bath, back to sofa---incredible read!

I highly recommend this book- you will feel emotion, you will cry with horror, anger, pain and also with incredible faith- faith in the love of people!

Excellent read for the Holiday season- to remind you what the season really means.
Love towards our brothers and sisters on this world regardless if our faiths differ!

Happy Holidays to all- and eat the best chocolate!

Luggage Tags and more

2009-12-23T09:52:00.000-08:00

I am so sorry! I received these adorable little luggage tags a few weeks ago from the amazing women at Brag Company and did not get them up!

So sorry ladies!

Again, cute wonderful little indulgences for us women!

Never worry about some guy stealing your bag at the airport! No self respecting man would be seen stealing a suitcase with these little whimsies on the handles!

Also, a cute little change purse- however I would use this for a make-up case!

Once again, well made- the tags have small metals rings to attach to the handles- excellent idea- will not fall off!

http://www.blogger.com/www.thebragcompany.com

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-22T19:21:00.000-08:00

Yup, that time- the time of the year when we think of our loved ones and wish to shower them with expensive presents. For many of us- that year is not this year!

While not having the cash flow we may be used to- it is nice to find out what real friends and good times are truly all about-- okay just do not leave out the chocolate!

We all go through tough times and as my grandfather used to say " Suzy--(yes he was an old Indian and did call me Suzy- go figure)--- anyway he used to say "We gather the fruits in the valleys'. Meaning we learn the lessons that take us to the mountain tops while we are in the valleys in life. I have never met anyone that truly learnt good life lessons-(other that what fancy schmanzy brand to buy or how to make more money) in the good times.
SO, we should all be grateful for the opportunity to gather our fruits!

I like to be ahead of the styles- so I have been in the valley for a few years now- and man do I have a harvest of fruit to make terrific 'whine' with!

Actually, I am so grateful for what I have learnt in these past few years- the value, the importance of what is real--- NOW --- Santa-- I have learnt--- can I now sing the famous song from Eartha Kit--- and I will share -I promise!
Wishing you and yours the best Holiday Season with much love. kindness, spirit of charity and of course fun--- okay maybe some chocolate!

Remember- these times too shall pass--- and you will look upon them as some of the best times in your life--- while you wrap yourself up in a new cashmere shawl-- notice even how CASHmere is spelled?

Times!

2009-12-21T19:34:00.000-08:00

I have much to be grateful for- some terrific projects coming up!

A wonderful London inspired Liquor store I am working on--- a few commercial projects- a few lovely homes are winding down while a few more are just starting--- then again I have a few senior citizens lodges I am working on. While those are not high fashion so to speak it is nice to know you are helping to create warm environments that other peoples grandparents and parents are going to live in!

Lovely environments- in my mind- are not places to show off your stuff or your money- they are places that calm the soul, create places your friends and family and of course you love to relax in, be comfortable- feel safe.
I get that sense from most of my projects- and some of them are just for fun, art and excitement-- and that is terrific for lounges, liquor stores and fancy shops!

Please remember- as my son recently said to me "Mom, their house is not even decorated"

I said "Well, not all people are into that or have the money."

"No Mom, the place was disorganized, the beds not made--- I felt bad for the kids that live there, they can't find themselves or feel good about themselves living like that."

So the lesson is- it does not take loads of money to make a house a home- it takes heart-- and you deserve it!
Enjoy and surround yourself with beauty (whatever that means to you) Beauty is so under-rated! (for what it does for the heart and soul!)

Jennifers Gallery

2009-12-21T19:17:00.001-08:00

Do you not just love love the simple light grey background? Much softer and more modern that the ugly stark white we have been seeing- too much white- while it can be nice- is usually way too cold-- even in Palm Springs. It simply leaves the heart cold-- art should warm the heart- heck everything should warm the heart!
I am in love love with the female sculpture that just peeks out from some of the photos!
Almost more than my wall art- I LOVE sculpture! Jennifer if you are reading this- can I please have a close up of that--- and please who did it? How much-- and please GOD can I win the lottery-- I love love that sculpture!
I have been a very good girl--- and we all know art is an investment!
One you can actually enjoy while the value goes up- up and up!
So wish I had bought a few pieces -that I did not when I had the money!
The artist proof of Andy Warhol Number 5 does come to mind!

Fun at the opening!

2009-12-21T19:13:00.001-08:00

How can you NOT have fun around this art?

I am also pleased to report- from my blog there are few surprises coming from some of the women I have blogged about coordinating a 'team' approach to creating some fantastic products for you!

Wonderful fun things for great, artistic women that love fashion, design, food, wine and chocolates!

OH VAY-- Have we some surprises for you!

Yes! More Jennifer

2009-12-21T19:10:00.000-08:00

This gal is amazing! I think I need a trip to Palm Springs-- very soon! The weather here in Edmonton has been frightful-- as my British girlfriend says---"Not fit for man nor beast!"

Happy shot of Jennifer and her man--- her real man!

Jennifer goes Hollywood with Kurt Russel!

2009-12-18T14:21:00.000-08:00

The chefs on parade!

The store front- looks fantastic!

Jennifer goes Hollywood with Kurt Russel

Nope- not a TMZ story! Jennifer is happily married to an artist- and Kurt has Goldie--- BUT Kurt was in the new Gallery- and LOVE LOVES Jennifer's art! So, you best buy your art now- before the prices go even higher! I am getting mine reappraised! Gosh, I feel like such a smarty pants- I bought my two pieces almost ten years ago and they have turned into a very fine investment!

Thanks Jennifer for creating such fun, happy art-- that has made even little ol me into an art investor! (Trust me- my art has held its' value much better than the stuff I 'invested' in paper!)

Julie Child and Raine's beef bourguignon

2009-12-07T13:16:00.000-08:00

I have to admit- I have gotten the Julia Child bug! As one who regularly reads cookbooks for fun-- I have asked for this classic for a holiday gift....... I got the bug!

Also being an Oprah kinda follower---- I ran into the Julia Child's beef bourguignon recipe.... call me boring... but at 9 o'clock in the morning this last Sunday I began to cook the classic Julia Child recipe in order to tuck it into some of my son's lunches this week. Okay so now I am boring with no life and also spoiling a 22 year old man with homemade lunches. Yes, the truth is I am very much a woman that is wrapped around my child's finger and also very boring!
So, while I started the 17 million steps to make this very famous lady's recipe I started to vent- "This better be the best beef bourguignon I have ever had!"

There are more steps to this 'what should be simple french dish, than a fancy square dance!
(If you know anything about square dances! Which i don't.)

Having said that-- and with a few moderation's to Julia Child's famous dish---- sorry but some of the steps seemed rather out of date-- and also I was not about to get rid of any of the vegetables I used to flavour the broth- so I simply ran them through the food processor with the thought that 150 years ago when this recipe was first created and almost 40 years when Julia got ahold of it- food processors where not common-- and had they been she would not of wasted one spec of the flavouring either! She would of whipped it up and added it back to the broth like I did--- I am sure of it!

At any rate- it is superb! The best I have ever eaten-- and I don't often say that about my own cooking! So, Julia and I shall finally become 'friends'---- I am not all that scared of her and her cookbook anymore!

Here is her recipe with my minor adjustments and comments added

1 6 ounce piece chunk bacon I used regular sliced bacon
31/2 tablespoons olive oil
3 pounds lean stew beef, cut into 2-inch cubes
1 carrot, sliced
1 onion, sliced
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons flour
3 cups red wine, young and full bodied Not enough red wine in my house- so I used two cups red and one cup white
2 cups beef stock
1 tablespoon tomato paste ZERO on the tomato paste
2 cloves mashed garlic
1/2 teaspoon thyme Had no thyme- used Orgeno
1 bay leaf, crumbled
20 small white onions no little onions- used one large white
31/2 tablespoons butter
herb bouquet (4 parsley sprigs, one-half bay leaf, one-quarter teaspoon thyme, tied in cheesecloth) no herb bouquet
1 pound fresh mushrooms, quartered HATE mushrooms- so zilch

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2
Remove bacon rind and cut into lardons (sticks 1/4-inch thick and 1 1/2 inches long). Simmer rind and lardons for 10 minutes in 1 1/2 quarts water. Drain and dry.

Was not sure why this step so deleted it--- I simply slowly cooked the cut bacon so as not to burn the bacon or the fat! The very valuable bacon fat must be kept mild mannered! !
3
Sauté lardons in 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a flameproof casserole over moderate heat for 2 to 3 minutes to brown lightly. Remove to side dish with a slotted spoon.
4
Heat fat in casserole until almost smoking. Dry beef in paper towels; it will not brown if it is damp. Add beef, a few pieces at a time, and sauté until nicely browned on all sides. Add it to the lardons. In the same fat, brown the sliced vegetables. Pour out the excess fat.

I did not throw out any of the very flavourable fat-- I also did not use any olive oil in this step- just slowly cooked the bacon to release as much of the bacon fat as possible ( bought cheap bacon on purpose for this recipe)
5
Return the beef and bacon to the casserole and toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Then sprinkle on the flour and toss again to coat the beef lightly. Set casserole uncovered in middle position of preheated oven for 4 minutes. Toss the meat again and return to oven for 4 minutes (this browns the flour and covers the meat with a light crust). Remove casserole and turn oven down to 325 degrees.
6
Stir in wine and 2 to 3 cups stock, just enough so that the meat is barely covered. Add the tomato paste,- no to the tomato paste--- I put the onions in during this step garlic, herbs and bacon rind. Bring to a simmer on top of the stove. Cover casserole and set in lower third of oven. Regulate heat so that liquid simmers very slowly for 3 to 4 hours. The meat is done when a fork pierces it easily.
7
While the beef is cooking, prepare the onions and mushrooms (again I did not do this). Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons butter with one and one-half tablespoons of the oil until bubbling in a skillet. Add onions and sauté over moderate heat for about 10 minutes, rolling them so they will brown as evenly as possible. Be careful not to break their skins. You cannot expect them to brown uniformly. Add 1/2 cup of the stock, salt and pepper to taste and the herb bouquet. Cover and simmer slowly for 40 to 50 minutes until the onions are perfectly tender but hold their shape, and the liquid has evaporated. Remove herb bouquet and set onions aside.
8(Again did not follow this step)
Wipe out skillet and heat remaining oil and butter over high heat. As soon as you see butter has begun to subside, indicating it is hot enough, add mushrooms. Toss and shake pan for 4 to 5 minutes. As soon as they have begun to brown lightly, remove from heat. When the meat is tender, pour the contents of the casserole into a sieve set over a saucepan.
9 (did not follow this step either).... what foolish girl messes with Julia Child?
Wash out the casserole and return the beef and lardons to it. Distribute the cooked onions and mushrooms on top. Skim fat off sauce in saucepan. Simmer sauce for 1-2 minutes, skimming off additional fat as it rises. You should have about 2 1/2 cups of sauce thick enough to coat a spoon lightly. If too thin, boil it down rapidly. If too thick, mix in a few tablespoons stock. Taste carefully for seasoning.

Remove casserole from oven-- seperate meat from onions,carrots and bacon--- put onions, carrots and bacon in food processer with a touch of the sauce- run until smooth and add back to sauce to thicken. Add flour or broth to adjust sauce if needed. Add meat back to sauce and heat.
10
Pour sauce over meat and vegetables. Cover and simmer 2 to 3 minutes, basting the meat and vegetables with the sauce several times. Serve in casserole, or arrange stew on a platter surrounded with potatoes, noodles or rice, and decorated with parsley.

Spoon sauce and meat onto egg noodles, add sour cream to palate--- YUMMYYY- OMG ! This is truly worth the time and effort!

Even though I cannot follow instructions or do as I am told- I must agree this recipe- even with my adjustments-- -who adjusts Julia Child's recipes????--- this is the best beef brouguignon I have ever had! I am now so embarrassed of the one I have been feeding my friends and family with pride all of these years!

kids are too funny- even when they are adults!

2009-12-04T14:35:00.000-08:00

If you scroll back- you will find a pumpkin soup recipe. Well I made mine with less curry, ginger and red pepper than I like.... because my son does not like spicy food!

Then I had left-over soup - so being frugal--- I spiced the left-over soup up for my lunches!
I added a package of Minute Rice Pronto Long Grain and Wild Rice-- 4 pieces of vegetarian 'bacon' ( I used this because of the heavy smoky flavour this has- not because of any other reason- but you could use bacon if you prefer- but I like this product as it does have a very heavy smoky flavour- more than regular bacon has)-- then I added copious amounts of ginger, curry and red pepper flakes--- for my taste.

One morning my son accidentally grabbed a Tupperware container that had my soup instead of his spaghetti for his lunch.... later that day....

"Mom. What was that soup? It was amazing!" Yes those were his words!

So, I guess his taste buds have grown up abit and now he cannot wait for me to use some of the frozen pumpkin to make his new favorite soup!

This certainly is a money saver soup! Obviously a hit as well!

Restaurants---

2009-12-02T15:03:00.000-08:00

Interesting concept here. I have often wondered what makes a restaurant terrific... then we think of the food, the decor, the ambiance......
Recently I had the opportunity to ponder this again.

Why is it that some restaurants just cannot 'get it right'? ...They have the money into the decor, the right location and the right price range (meaning not cheap)--but for some reason the place just does not seem to be able to deliver. The food is bland, the decor leaves you cold--- it just does not work....

It is heart!

The best restaurants have heart, not always the newest and fanciest decor- but they do have heart. You feel welcome when you enter the restaurant not like a distraction to other chores the hostess or waiter would rather be doing. The staff actually wants you there- and not just for the wallet-- they want to serve you- they want you to try -- and to enjoy their hospitality!
The food- it is also made with heart- the kitchen staff have a love and a passion for the food they send out- again -- you are not just a paycheque. The chef enjoys food, experiments with food and wants to entice others into his or her wickedly sinful world of food!

So, what makes a restaurant great is heart. Heart of the owners to be the leaders of their organization by passing on the passion and spirit to their employees- who in turn feel a sense of pride and ownership when it comes to the food they create and serve the guests!

There are a few terrific restaurants in Edmonton that have- for me anyways always had 'heart' in the food they serve--- and I may miss a few so please forgive me-- and/or remind me with a post.....

Normands-- been a fan for years. Normand, the owner, always makes everyone feel like the purpose of his day was to meet with you and welcome you to his restaurant--- treats his veggies like stars not just a simple side-show!

Cafe de Ville-- The wait staff here and the kitchen staff show their love all the time of their product--- and of course the pastry chef----- OMG--- yes siree she loves what she does! Pride is evident with the delicious pastries here- you must save room for-- at the very least feast your eyes on the dessert platter!

Red Ox Inn-- I admit - I personally have not had the privilege of dining here for a few years- but I hear from very good secret sources the service the food and the heart are all pumping here! Years ago was my favorite place- small, intimate, tucked away with organic food-- oh yes--- I must get out there!

Hotel MacDonald-- I know- it is fancy-- but it still has heart. Enjoying a martini in the lounge- a glass of wine and dessert on the patio in the summer, a fancy four course meal in the Harvest room-- the staff here has heart! Fancy, elegant, fun, great food---- terrific historic decor, yes the Hotel MacDonald still has it- and still delivers the best to Edmontonians!

Culina's--- YUMMY! Simple, tasty, complex, interesting, perfectly prepared in a homey, naturally comfy, yet simply elegant old world way--! Yes, one must visit! Terrific!!!!! Much heart here!

Chop - on the west-end- while I agree they are more of a 'mainstream' chain type shop- They do have heart. I always eat in the lounge- and the ladies love what they do, the 'steak sandwish' is yummy and the staff do make you enjoy your time there! Honestly, there are not many resturants on the west-end of Edmonton that I would recommend or say have a huge spirit of heart! So, if someone has a terrific little spot on the west-end please let me know so I can go and scout it out!

I do have more to add--- and they shall be forth-coming as I go through my little book!
Should you know of any little hidden gems that have heart-please do not be shy in letting us know about them. I love getting out and trying new places! I must admit though we are trying to be a 'nice' place so this is not a good food critic place- we will only post the places we go to that are good-- so you can take that anyway you like- if it is not posted it maybe we just have not been there!

Ah yes- to add.......

I hate to say this, as I abhor chain anything- but

Earls --- This chain has been able to create the image of heart. The food is always consistent, the staff always happy to see you, consistently young and fresh and willing to to 'sell you' on their product. I know it sounds horrid- but if you want the same dish you had in Vancouver at an Earls- you will get the exact same dish at a place in Edmonton. This is the secret to McDonald's-- the same..... the same cute little girl, or young man serving you with a smile... at the very least you do know when you pull up what you will get--- and it did make the second generation of Fullers very wealthy after they decided the 24 hour pancake houses were just not pulling in the dough!

more to be added--- please email or comment on any you might like to add!

I do know the most amazing women!

2009-11-29T15:24:00.000-08:00

In this picture, Glori Meldrum, Founder and Chair and Janelle Watson, Operations Manager)

Inspirational News

It’s exciting to announce that Little Warriors Founder and Chair, Glori Meldrum was the proud winner in the Social Entrepreneur category at this year’s Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. Not only is Glori the first recipient awarded in this new and prestigious category, she was also the only winner from Edmonton, Alberta.

A big hug and congratulations to Glori for all of her hard work and dedication to Little Warriors, plus her strong determination to help those affected by child sexual abuse. An extended thank you to the Little Warriors volunteers, board members, staff and supporters. Without your help, this honor wouldn’t be possible.

Founder and Chair, Glori recently went to Ottawa, Ontario to participate in a Standing Committee Against the Commercial Exploitation of Children and Youth in the pursuit of building safer communities across Canada. The purpose of this trip was to educate members of Parliament about child sexual abuse and to bring awareness to the vision, mission and mandate of Little Warriors.

In addition to presenting a Be Brave Doll to Senator Romeo Dallaire, Glori also met with the following parliamentarian members:

- Alberta caucus including Senator Claudette Tardif, Senator Grant Mitchell, Senator Joyce Fairbairn and Senator Tommy Banks.

- Canada's Attorney General, and Justice Minister The Honourable Rob Nicholson.

- Marion Laurence (executive assistant to Romeo Dallaire).

- MP's Joy Smith, Mike Lake, Ed Fast, and Laurie Hawn.

- Senator Yonah Martin.

- Senator Tardif made a three-minute address to her fellow Senators regarding Little Warriors. You can read the statement by visiting the Little Warriors News and Events page.

Recently, The Minerva Foundation held their Annual Gala Dinner. Honoring their event theme of "giving back", The Minerva Foundation proudly announced their $150,000 partnership with Little Warriors over the next 18 months.

Little Warriors was honored at a private Little Warriors function, helping to raise over $87,000. A genuine thank you is extended to Marshall and Lisa Sadd, whose contributions surpassed all expectations.

Keeping the generosity going, Marshall Sadd and Lloyd Sadd Insurance donated another $45,000 US through their winnings at a golf tournament in the United States. Way to go guys!

Recently, Pure Elements Spa in Sherwood Park, Alberta hosted a special gala in support of Little Warriors. Warm thanks to Chad Stewart and the countless incredible volunteers and sponsors for making this event a great success.

Other recent contributions to Little Warriors:

The Kinette Club of Edmonton donated over $28,000!

The Edmonton Snowmobile Club donated over $21,000!

Thank you to these two wonderful Club’s for helping to stand up for our kids.

Upcoming Events
Gift of Hope - The new Be Brave Boy doll, named Jesse, is now available Donations exceeding $120 after May 1st, 2009 are eligible to collect the ‘Gift of Hope’, which includes the Jesse doll, and The Little Warriors Jesse Song.

December 2009 - Little Warriors Annual Help Kids Be Brave Doll Delivery Little Warriors would like to personally extend out to you an opportunity to participate in an inspirational day. Be Brave Dolls will be delivered to selected healing and support service agencies. Space is limited. Please RSVP by Monday, December 7th, 2009.

Regions available for delivery:

Edmonton, Alberta based deliveries: admin@littlewarriors.ca

Winnipeg, Manitoba based deliveries: jennifer@littlewarriors.ca

Calgary, Alberta based deliveries: jane@littlewarriors.ca

December 4 & 5 (6PM to 9PM) First Choice Tree Nursery & Garden Centre is hosting "A Very Cherdarchuk Christmas" (Home & Yard Tour in Morniville, Alberta) Please come out to support Little Warriors at this event through the purchase of a Snowflake of Strength ornament. 50% of the proceeds will be donated to Little Warriors. Additional donations will be accepted.

Recent Poll
Little Warriors recently posted two important questions on the Little Warriors Causes Facebook page.

Question One: What are your thoughts on available resources for survivors of child sexual abuse? Are there enough resources for survivors? Any suggestions to what resources are required?

Feedback:

"There is so little support for mental conditions caused by childhood trauma like this, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (in my case). They do little to help offset the months and months of work I have missed do to extreme social anxiety." Anonymous Canadian Citizen

Question Two: What do you think is wrong with the justice system when it comes to child sexual abuse?

Feedback:

"I definitely feel that a sex offender should be regarded as a dangerous offender! When abusing a child, they are affecting that child's outlook at a very influential time of their life. If that child grows up without the proper support and therapy, that child could then become an offender himself or herself. That would continue the awful cycle of abuse and lead to even more children suffering. I also agree that the sentencing for sex offenders needs to be extended dramatically. A child who has been sexually abused goes through their whole life with the effects, living everyday with the hurt unfairly put on them. They have to suffer through so much in healing, and spend most of their life doing so. An offender should be dealt no less than what the survivor has to live with. 2-3 years is NOT enough time to have any real affect on an offenders life, not when survivors have to live with it for far longer." Anonymous Canadian Citizen

Testimonials
Landing Trail Elementary School, Edmonton, Alberta
The professional staff participated in the Stewards of Children Prevention Program. Not only were they impressed with the program, but the school has now made a goal to teach the remaining staff members the valuable information learned. "We came away feeling much more informed about the prevalence of sexual abuse. We also feel empowered with the knowledge of how to act appropriately in cases of suspected sexual abuse. There was good discussion around the ways we can ensure our children at school are never put in vulnerable situations." Anonymous Representative, Landing Trail Elementary School

"Wonderful training - would be nice if all schools, daycares, group homes - any place that has children present - the staff/volunteers "must" have this training. Thank you" Anonymous Participant from Yorkton, Saskatchewan

"It taught me alot of things I was unaware of or just hadn't wanted to think possible." Anonymous Participant from Prince Rupert, British Columbia

"Thanks for giving me the tools needed to recognize the signs of sexual abuse. I now have the tools I need to help educate my children and keep them safe; thus protecting other children as well. Together, as educated childcare providers and parents we can stop this cycle. Thank you. Together, we can make a difference." Anonymous Participant from Prince Rupert, British Columbia

Our Supporters
A big thank you to our valuable supporters for helping in child sexual abuse prevention efforts.
"Know that you are helping to make a difference and helping to shape a child's future"

Anonymous Quote

http://www.littlewarriors.ca

new from the Brag Girls!

2009-11-29T15:04:00.000-08:00

Lovely little clutch purses with wit and whimsy!
I have posted these ladies before and I do have a Brag- to protect those lovely and expensive bras we own- a lady does not want those crushed while travelling. I also own a matching panty case--- (see past posts) the little panty bags are so cleaver! One side is a little pocket with a solid fabric- for the 'not so clean' and the other side is a little mess for the 'clean side'. So smart--- also extremely well made!
These are simply cute little purses!

http://www.thebragcompany.com/

Lovely message from Kirsten's Chocolates- Yummy!

2009-11-29T14:58:00.000-08:00

Dear Fellow Chocophiliacs,

It may not feel like winter yet, but the holidays will be soon upon us, and we would like to tell you about our offerings for the season. As you may have noticed, there was no newsletter last month, so please excuse the length of this month's newsletter. We have a lot of interesting news to report!

December Challenge: Name That Origin!
After the big response to our city-wide Easter Egg Hunt this spring, we decided to create another fun event that you can participate in. This one will be a challenging task that will push your knowledge of chocolate to the limit. Do you know your cacao? Are you ready to prove it? Like with fine wine, each cacao growing region in the world produces beans with a distinctive flavor. With practice, almost anybody can learn to tell the difference between chocolates made from beans from different countries. We want to find the people with the greatest palates in the city. We call this contest the "Name That Origin" game. It will run from Dec 1st to Dec 22nd. The rules are simple, and there is no fee to play! Here is how you do it:

a) Come in to Kerstin's Chocolates (10139 112th St.), and fill out an entry form. You will then be given 4 small pieces of chocolate to taste.
b) You will have to figure out the country of origin of the cacao used in each of the chocolates (all chocolates will have a single country of origin for the cacao.) and write you answers on the entry form.
c)If you don't name the correct countries of origin you will receive a 20% discount card and will be entered in the wildcard draw to compete in the Chocolate Tasting Challenge.
d) If you do get them all correct, you will instantly win one container of our Chocophilia drinking chocolate (Spicy or Dark, an $18.95 value). You will also be invited to a special a Chocolate Tasting Challenge event on Dec 22nd. At this event, there will an extreme chocolate identification challenge for all the winners of the first tasting and the wildcard entries. The person who prevails at this event will win a $400 gift certificate from Kerstin's Chocolates and the title of "The Top Taster".

For more details and updates on the contest, please see the contest web page.

We hope many of you will take on this challenge and increase your knowledge of chocolate at the same time.

Christmas Line-up

A lot of people have been asking what our seasonal line-up will be this month. Here is what we will be offering in our store starting on Dec 1st. If you would like to put in a request for a large order, please call us or e-mail us before Dec 5th, as we cannot guarantee availability after that date.

We will be bringing backour selection of molded chocolate Santas using the finest Valrhona milk or dark chocolate.

Will you be needing any truffles? Here are some of our seasonal specials that will be available through Xmas:
-Tiramasu You.
-It's a bit Nibby out there!
-To Rum With Love
-A Nod To Eggnog
and more!

We also have gift baskets of many sizes and arrangements and custom baskets are also available. You can build your own in the store.

We will also bring back our Christmas Chocolate Trio in either milk or dark chocolate bark. Three delicious, Christmas inspired barks packaged beautifully in a box that won a design award! Also returning are our Christmas Towers, a 4 tiered box filled with truffles, melt-aways, spiced nuts and dipped fruit. Perfect for holiday parties and gift-giving.

Coming back soon to the Store: Domori

It's been a long wait, but we have finally found a new supplier of Domori chocolate! Famous for their prized "Porcelana" bar (thought to be the best bar in the world) and other gorgeous chocolate. We also have their amazing chocolate and hazelnut spread and a white chocolate bar with licorice!
A new shipment of Zotter bars are also arriving shortly. These truffle based bars from Austria combine great fair trade chocolate with imaginative ingredients such as "Black Beer", "Sour Cherry and Sesame" and "Walnut and Cheese"!

Finally, we have some incredible salted caramels from France, seen here!

Ten more places to find our Chocophilia Line of products around Western Canada!
We are announcing the following new partners in BC, SK and AB! Please tell your friends about these places where you can now buy great chocolate!

Vancouver/Lower Mainland: Nuestra Familia Cigar, Pacific Cigar, Casa Dolce Coal Harbour, Petra's Arts Kafe
Vancouver Island: Creekmore's Coffee (Coombs), Fresh Cup Sidney, Cargo & James (Victoria)
BC Rockies: Meet on Higher Ground Coffee House (Radium)
Alberta: The Orchard House (Edberg, Camrose County),
Saskachewan: Great Western Coffee (Prince Albert)

For addresses and maps to all these locations, please see our locations page.

January/February Tastings and Chocolate Making Classes announced
We have opened ticket sales for our first 2010 workshops. Our next chocolate tastings workshops will be on Jan 20th (Wed) and Feb 12th (Romantic Chocolate and Wine Tasting). Our next chocolate making workshops will be on Jan 29th and Feb 10th and 11th. Please get your tickets early as these events sell out quickly, particularly the pre-Valentine's Day classes (You get to take home all the chocolates you make!) Purchase your tickets securely on our web site.

Congrats to our Contest Winners
Thanks to all the people who visited our booths at the Edmonton Home Show and Rocky Mountain Wine and Food festival. The two winners of our contests were Amanda A. and Deborah D. Congrats, and we hope you enjoyed the Grand Chocolate Lover's Box!

Twitter usage and New Fan Page on Facebook
We have been trying to use Twitter regularly to announce timely info (such as this weeks feature items and other news). If you would like to follow us, just click here!

Also, we have moved our Facebook page now that we have renamed the shop. It is now "Kerstin's Chocolates" rather than "The Cocoa Room". Please make sure to join this new group on Facebook!

Have a great November,

Kerstin and the Team

Kerstin's Chocolates Monthly Newsletter

From: Kerstin's Chocolates
10139 112th St.
Edmonton, AB, T5K 1M1
780-990-0011
http://www.KerstinsChocolates.com/

FALL STORE HOURS for The Cocoa Room:

Mon: closed
Tue, Wed, Fri: 11am - 5pm

Jennifer's new Gallery!

2009-11-29T14:49:00.000-08:00

Yes, indeed I do know the most amazing women! This is Jennifer's new store front! I am so proud of her! In these crazy times, this incredibly talented, kind and wonderful woman opened her own gallery! Truly a reason to go to Palm Springs-- well that and a few restaurants down there!

Yes, I want to go to Palm Springs- see the gallery, eat- hang out in the 'flea markets', relax by the pool--- yes I do! Shop, yuppers shopping in Palm Springs is almost as good as Vegas! Hmmmmmmmm Palm Springs then Vegas!

Lottery anyone?

I know the most talented women!

2009-11-29T14:17:00.000-08:00

Organic cuffs - this one is not for sale- it is on my wrist-- and I do feel so elegant! You can get your own!

Folded cuff- hmmm want this too!

plus I want one of the silver 'charm bracelets that she is out of right now!

Guess I shall have to put my order in!

In these crazy financial times- I do think we should support the local talent and shops in our own towns and cities. In Edmonton that is so easy, we have terrific restaurants, shops, bakeries, chocolate stores and fashion! Maggie Walt is a favorite of mine- and you will not be seen wearing the same thing as someone else on the street.
I was invited to a ladies showing of local artisans today-- jewellery! Hand-crafted original pieces made in a studio by a group of seven women!

One of my friends, a lovely stylish lady- who happens to be very talented-- designed and made the above cuff bracelets. She works in sterling silver and 12K gold-filled wire. She is truly modern Jackie O- and loves bold pieces that evoke memories of ancient kings and queens mired in silky waters- organic, fluid and ever so elegant pieces.
She uses fresh water pearls, citrine, mother of pearl and quartz to enliven and enrich your wrists!
She makes custom silver charms bracelets that I do not have a picture of-- but hopefully will shortly as I am so coveting one!
Should you wish to see more of her jewellery or for prices and availability please email me and I shall forward your request to her! Also, stay tuned for some of her stunning silver bracelets.
She loves bracelets and rings as she notes they are the pieces of jewellery the wearer gets to appreciate while wearing them-- and I must agree! I bought the top gold cuff (I have always wanted a gold cuff!) and while I am typing - in my Lulu Lemons--- I feel so elegant---almost as elegant as my friend naturally is--- (maybe not- but I do feel elegant and ever so stylish!).

The Red Piano

2009-11-17T18:55:00.000-08:00

The Red Piano- actually has two white pianos!

Raw Oysters in the half shell

The Red Piano

Okay, I am a touch ashamed to say I went there for lunch- but please just hear me out!

I was taking my mother out for lunch a few Fridays ago and Earls on the West End of Edmonton is closed for a renovation, Chop another place on the west end was completely crammed- so much for the recession, The Keg was not open for lunch, Mikado (new on the west end was way to noisy) and the Cactus Club at West Edmonton Mall was also crammed- so on we walked to Bourbon Street expecting to go to Earls there.

I had been at the Red Piano once before for a few cocktails on a Friday night and while I enjoyed the decor, the crowd and the 'talent' was not to my liking- but the decor is to die for-- so I figured let's give it a try!

My mom ordered the steak sandwich and after testing out their raw oysters- one is never sure what one will get here in Edmonton- I ordered 8 more. The oysters were perfect, not the large mushy ones, but tiny, a touch sweet and not too meaty. My mothers steak sandwich was a surprise- it looked like a fast fry piece of liver----! Ughhh- but it was tender, seared on the outside yet still medium rare in the middle, tender and very tasty! We will be heading back there again for lunch!

http://theredpiano.ca/

Cafe de Ville

2009-11-15T13:58:00.000-08:00

Another lovely wine tasting at Cafe de Ville here in Edmonton.
As always interesting food, creatively combined with a knowledgeable wine representative available to increase our knowledge!
This time it was Errazuiz from Chile- food and wine to compliment each other.

First Course
Chilean Seabass Cassoulet
mixed beans, pumpkin roasted corn with a large chunk of perfect Sea bass on top!
served with what I though was a rather heavy, syrupy white Sauvignon Blanc- which complimented the spice of the veggies!

Second Course
Vegetables Empanads
Peppers, olives, smoked tomatoes, green beans, loads of garlic, rice all wrapped in a puff pastry.
served with Errazuiz Wild Ferment Pinot Noir- which I found more complex than most Pinots-- especially the ones from the 'homelands.'
This was amazing! Peppery, tart- amazing!

Third Course
Was pork wrapped in pork fat with red chili
(I had to pass on this dish- and was cheerfully served a alternative) Wow did I win out on this choice!
I got a seared scallop wrapped in a vegetarian 'Bacon'. This 'bacon' was better than most real bacon-very smoky, solid with no fat-- available I am told at most Safeways!
The wine was a Errazuriz Max Rivera Cabernet. I found hints of tobacco, very smooth, with a short finish and simple while holding its own complexity.

Main Course
You know fantastic when someone can take the most simple of all meals and turn into something special!
Petit beef tenderloin with duck fat, double fried pomme frittes topped with a quails egg.
What a take off the simple steak and fries!
Served with a Errazuriz Max Reserva Carmenere-- Cocky and simple perfection.

Dessert-
Always the one thing you truly should eat first at Cafe De Ville just to ensure you have room left!
Apricot Bavarian on a Cardamom
short dough with an almond and hazelnut trulie cookie.
To be honest, this was amazing- but my taste buds are not fond of hazelnut in any form other than fresh out of its shell-- so I do not eat all of mine..... nothing against the pastry chef here-she is terrific and makes the most amazing white pear truffles this side of the universe!
Served with a Errazuriz late harvest Sauvignon Blanc--- very similar in taste and texture to our famous Ice Wines from the Okanagon- very good and I am sure at a much better 'buy' than what our ice wines sell for. If you are wanting a good dessert wine and the price of our award winning ice wines are a touch more than you wish to spend check out this Chilean alternative I am sure you will not be disappointed!
(In saying that I did have a few more 'tastes' of this dessert wine that I needed!)

check out this site-- I now what to go to Chile to see this incredible valley!
http://www.errazuriz.com/

H1N1

2009-11-14T10:47:00.000-08:00

Sorry folks I have not been posting as much- first the computer got a virus then I guess I did!
Funny, when 'Mad Cow' was the rage I was comfortable- after all I was immune-how can a 'mad cow' get mad cow'? So when the 'swine flu' reared it's little pink head I said "Ah, not to bother a Mad Cow cannot get 'Swine flu'. Hmmmmm so now I guess I am either a mad cow- or a swine----. The symptems are still up in the air as is the time frame.
It appears you can have a mild case that lingers- without the cough and chest concerns. Then you just get to not sleep for two weeks, go on the swine flu diet---everything that does get in- goes out right away - one way or the other! But, of course most things will not even get in.....
Hot flashes are nothing compared to the sweats you can get from this- and the chills are so bad you want to rip out your own bones---they are where the cold comes from. Then your body is so confused it is cold with socks, heating pads and flannel jammies- just as you warm to a good temperature--- you have to strip as you are sweating so bad and lay on a tile floor-- then- just as you are cooling down---- the freeze starts again!
Yup- this sucks-- and my body cannot decide from one day to the next if it wants to be sick-- it just wants to be tired- but not tired enough to sleep!
I have some posts I will get to you as soon as I can--- and it may be at 1 in the morning!

This weekend ! Check it out!

2009-11-14T06:40:00.000-08:00

Friday evening kicks off the Hidden Gems Bazaar. If discovering Maggie’s favourite Gems, with a glass of wine in hand, free admission, prize draws for $100s in Gems offerings, and goody bags isn’t enough reason to make it down to the Fashion Underground this weekend – here’s one more. The Gems are going to share their nuggets of wisdom with engaging presentations and colourful demonstrations.

Hidden Gems Bazaar Program
Friday

7:00 pm - "5, 10 and 15 minute stress busters" relaxation with Catherine Potter

Saturday

12:30 pm - "Homemade natural skin care" Lauryn from Earth’s Aromatique will share one of her favourite recipes.

1:30 pm - "How to find the right hat for that stylish cat" with Sandra Mattar of Headcase Hats

2:30 pm - "Life without the knife" Keeley Smith of Live Life Beautiful will show us techniques she uses everyday in her non-surgical facelift practice.

3:30 pm - "ABC’s of Pilates" Tracy Friesen of Integration Pilates presents a primer on Pilates (c/w exercise demonstrations) and its health benefits.

Sunday

1:30 pm - "Meditation for the I-drink-too-much-coffee-can't-stop-thinking-have-too-many-things-to-do-to-stop-and-relax type person" with Catherine Potter.

3:00 pm - "Astrology & Relationships" with Catherine Potter.

Bazaar Hours
Friday, Nov 13th, 5 pm – 8 pm
Saturday, Nov 14th, 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday, Nov 15th, Noon – 5 pm

Maggie's Fashion Underground
11217 Jasper Avenue
(780) 482-1238

Maggie Walt is having a Holiday Show!

2009-11-14T05:16:00.000-08:00

Maggie Walt Design Presents
by invitation only

Fall/Holiday 2009 Collection
Fashion Show
Sunday November 22
11217 Jasper Avenue
Maggie unveils her latest fall & holiday collection in our in-store fashion show on Sunday November 22nd . If you're starting to think about what to wear in the upcoming holiday season - you won't want to miss this event.

The cost of admission is $10, with tickets available in person or by credit card over the phone. All proceeds from the tickets are donated to the I-India Orphanage in Jaipur India. We encourage you to purchase your tickets now as there are a limited number available. Just drop by the store, or have your credit card handy and give us a call at (780) 482-1238.

The afternoon begins at:

12:00 PM Refreshments, snacks and shopping.
1:30 PM Fashion show.
2:15 PM More shopping, snacks and refreshments.
4:30 PM The day wraps up.
We've started up our 2009 Christmas Wish List and so be sure to get in and make your picks. Maggie's "Men's Night" is coming up soon.

and a new art Gallery way to go Jennifer!

2009-11-09T07:32:00.003-08:00

http://www:garantgallery.com The artist herself hard a work at her latest

venture!

Jennifer

These are some images from a new artist to me

a gentleman from Italy- Sandro Negri-- the Van Gough of our time

I love this sculpture!!!

Jennifer and her artist hubby!

Garant Gallery

http://www:garantgallery.com

This is reason enough for me to cash in some of those airmiles and book a flight to Palm Springs!

OMG

2009-11-06T17:39:00.000-08:00

For the first time in history of this blog- we have a 'situation;--- I will keep you posted--interesting

Ah Ego

2009-11-06T17:18:00.000-08:00

As long as we are being controlled by ego- we will never achieve our real value

OUCH

2009-11-06T16:55:00.000-08:00

I just got a very rude and nasty email from our 'friend' at the not to be mentioned art gallery in London-- guess we really do not want to hear from him=--see my previous posts- again. I am trying to have a blog that supports artists, fine living and life-- seems we have someone with a thorn in their hoof=== out of respect I am not posting their response because I love artists and their temperaments are crazy!
We still love the art this gallery has----- and I hope your medication kicks in soon--- I was only and still trying to be kind --- I have no idea how you could take it any other way! BUT if you want to take this public--- I will go with your wishes.
OMG___ Normally -as you know- I only do nice things but I have just been introduced as to how rude English can be" I was trying to promote this gallery00000 OMG--- The words I got from him--in my honest trying to help him- will freeze your mind!
Okay, I am sure we now have all calmed down and google a million galleries would we want to purchase a Warhol.

American Thanksgiving!

2009-11-06T08:06:00.000-08:00

Stay posted- soon a home-made pumpkin pie - with Canadian maple syrup!

Sorry!

2009-11-06T07:54:00.000-08:00

I just had an e-mail from Gul Coskun asking me to remove my post regarding his fantastic artwork he presently has in his gallery.
So, the images are down. I would like to point out- to those that are new here- my reason for this blog is to spread the news of beauty,food and fantastic items that can be found in Edmonton and around the globe (generally I do not show mass produced IKEA finds- but have been know to).
My blog has helped spread Jennifer's artwork to many viewers, the chocolate story that ended up in San Fransisco through word of mouth on my blog is so sweet and the increase in sales from the terrific girls from Bragg--- have all made my heart happy.
In this crazy financial time we are living in, the demise of many shelter magazines and the print/electronic news medium changing so rapidly this seems like the most useful tool to help spread life, living and glamour.
To Gul, my apologies but truly my heart and intentions were in the best place for helping you in these times where many are still cutting back on art buys.
Again sorry.
Should any of my readers have unique items I am more than pleased to offer them up to my readers on my blog -- once they have passed my approval (hey- it is my blog) If I don't think the ideas or items are a match I get to make the call!- a little power in this world that is still mine to make!.

Coskun Fine Art

2009-11-04T16:01:00.000-08:00

Images removed upon request- Andy Warhol and Lichtenstein originals!
Can you imagine being able to be around Warhol during the 'Factory days'..... OH MY how very exciting that would of been--- so 'not' like we approve of living these days- wild -exciting, free and very crazy! (Not so healthy- but ah!)

A few years ago -now a completely different lifetime ago- I was roaming around London, Harrods, the art galleries and came face to face with an artist proof of Chanel No. 5 by Warhol-- I was in love! Seriously in love- my bank account was grateful however it was an unrequited love and I just adored from afar!

One of the galleries I visited just forwarded me some of the 'newest' art they have by Warhol and my other secret love Lichtenstein (not sure if his 'lesbian stint is my taste) I love his fun cartoon style.

http://www.info@coskunfineart.com

To see images- click here

http://www.coskunfineart.com

Amuse buche!

2009-11-04T12:19:00.000-08:00

Aha- the term I was looking for-

A perfect 'amuse buche would be for example a small piece of dark chocolate with a spicy- pepper or chili ganache-- perfect way to begin a meal!

Amuse-buche and amuse-geules can be loosely translated as fun (tease) the mouth and hors d'oeuvre literally means outside the work, not part of the main meal. Whatever you decide to call them, they all make perfect little bites to "open" the meal or served "en masse" as the stars of the party.

It is when chef is having a lot of free time and do creative thing to amuse you

They're like appetizers, only smaller portions. Just a couple bites to stimulate the appetite.

Amuse the mouth...a gift from the kitchen, in a restaurant, that is intended to stimulate your appetite. (this is the one I remember Europeans using)

Loosely translated in French - - - Tease the Mouth......

An Amuse Buche is a small, single bite of food that is created for the sole purpose of amusing the mouth as a prelude to more courses to come. The person eating it should always want more.

Lovely little email I am passing on!

2009-11-04T08:09:00.000-08:00

I am passing on a 'sweet' little e-mail I recieved the other day!

Hi Raine,
I have to tell you this story my sister Sandy loves your blog site .....but of course!!!!!! (its fab.......)
Anyway she was reading up about your favorite chocolate and she lives in San Fransico and works in a surgery hospital in OR.....anyway she was reading about your chocolate and the next day was talking with a patient and I cant say who because of patient confidentiality but a extremely close relative to the chocolatier in Edmonton......is that not wild!!!! She has passed your site along to all her pals in San Fran as she is now your second biggest fan next to me ......

Thanks so much--- and I am planning on a blog- shortly- using this same Chocolate store with a few ideas how to serve some of their products- BEFORE dinner with a nice Chateau Neuf in the middle of a very cold wind storm--!!!

http://www.kerstinschocolates.com/

I had a chocolate tasting booked this summer- but I cancelled- I was the first nice long weekend we had- I will get in after the 'season' and update you!
For the original post of this wonderful shop and terrific pics- check out my August 9th post!
Yummy!

Jennifer Garant new dishware

2009-11-01T11:52:00.001-08:00

Cute -but too expensive!

2009-10-15T18:26:00.000-07:00

these are both images of sinks and vanities from one of our large big box stores!

I must get you the contact for the second hand store I shop at-- actually many of the items are brand new! Note the 929.00 price tag on the first item that does not include the counter/sink or the taps! I pay about $500.00 for cabinets, sink, counter and taps at two of my finds.

If you want a custom paint look-simply paint over the standard issue.

I will get you the names- best if you live in Edmonton and are trying to save money!

Pumpkin Soup

2009-10-15T17:29:00.000-07:00

Soup in pot- sorry we got so crazy forgot to take a picture
of the soup in the gourd-- but I prefer to wait until serving
time to sprinkle the colourful red peppers on top- so none in yet!

Serve the soup in the empty gourd! (then still

save it for more use!

I just scoop out what I need from the gourd- so I can then serve it in the gourd--- and then simply rinse out the gourd with water, pat dry, cut into a five star shape,rub with oil and put face down in the oven to soften the rest of the 'meat' and harvest that for homemade pumpkin pie! You most likely will have more meat than you need for one pie- so simply let the moisture drain off- more about that in another post- and freeze the 'meat' you do not need for your pies!

Yes, pumpkin soup! We all have to be as frugal as we can-while being stylish!
Pumpkin soup is a silky, easy to make elegant take on simplicity!
While I was young, I was very poor at times and seemed to eat soup every day-so for years I would not even look at soup- peasant food! I have since grown up and have learned to love 'peasant food'-- now called comfort food!

This can be a spicy dish if you add enough ginger or Curry--- or a tame version to simply tease your tastebuds before a more elaborate feast. I make mine rather mild- as the 'boys' in my house do not like too much spice- and also with turkey dinner so not to confuse the tastebuds before the main course-- and also so as not to outshine the homemade stuffing- with fresh herbs of course or the velvet smoothness of perfect gravy smothering the buttery whipped potatoes!

A good pumpkin soup recipe is a necessary thing when fall comes around. Hallowe'en reminds us that pumpkins are the very symbol of autumn, and Thanksgiving celebrates the fall harvest. What better way to take off the chill than with a rich pumpkin soup with warm spices?

Many pumpkin soup recipes call for typical "pumpkin pie" spices, like nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves. These are great in pies, I will agree, but there is a more savory and spicy option that I think works better in a main dish or starter soup. You can adjust the spiciness in this recipe to suit your taste.

4 Tbsp butter or olive oil
2 medium yellow onions, chopped2 tsp garlic, finely chopped or minced6 cups of roasted pumpkin
5 cups chicken stock
2 cups heavy (35%) cream
Cayenne pepper to taste, or red pepper flakes
2 tsp curry powder or more to taste
ground ginger to taste
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation
1. To roast your pumpkin, cut it in half and scoop out the seeds (put them aside for later). Coat the inside flesh with a bit of olive oil and salt, and place in a roasting pan or on a cookie sheet open side down. Bake at 350 degrees for an hour.
2. Heat oil or butter in soup pot, add onions, garlic and salt. Cook on medium low until onions become soft.
3. Add roasted pumpkin and chicken stock
, bring to a slow boil, and reduce heat. Allow to simmer for about 15 minutes.
4. Use an immersion blender (hand blender) to puree the soup.
5. Add remaining spices and cream. Bring back to heat, and allow to simmer for a few more minutes to let the flavors mingle.
6. Taste the soup, and add more curry or cayenne if you like. If the heat is too much you can add a bit more cream or brown sugar to take the edge off.

Bad Habits in Venice!

2009-10-12T12:23:00.001-07:00

Jennifer says this canvas is huge- 3 feet x 6 feet!

Imagine all the fun you could have carefully going over this painting and finding all the crazy and wacky people enjoying their various vices!

ON A VERY LARGE SCALE- 3 FEET BY 6 FEET! OHHHH- THE STATEMENT THIS WILL MAKE

New kitchen series from Jennifer

2009-10-12T11:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-10-11T12:23:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we do need days like this. Something to make us sit back and remind ourselves to be grateful. I am grateful for my lovely home, my terrific son, my dogs Versace and Louis Vuttion (this is his 4th Birthday at his forever home- he was a rescue dog that was not adoptable--- and we took him anyway! He has turned out to be a lovely dog- just goes to show what love can do to change an animal or a person). I am grateful I have a job that allows me to provide a Thanksgiving meal for my family, and I am grateful for my friends and family-- and oh grateful for my cat Furbee (another SPCA find- he was a grown up alley cat and looked frightful=plus he is all black and somehow folks are still afraid of blackcats so they often do not get adopted).
Thank you-- for all I have been blessed with.
What are you grateful for this Thanksgiving?
Subject: PUMPKIN PIE

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=HY27482779

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! Click on the link

PUMPKIN PIE

Stanislav Katz’ Brilliantly Bright Furniture Designs

2009-10-07T16:00:00.000-07:00

I love pink--- I love black- I love these!
The white on white look is nice- but I must admit I am getting bored with it! I love colour! I just love colour! Understated sometimes, POPs of it sometimes, with a white background--- but no more white on white on white!

what a way to recylce!

2009-10-04T09:35:00.000-07:00

Branches and crystal light fixture

Last place

Last dance

last waltz

Last night

Last dance

2009-10-04T08:39:00.000-07:00

Love to sew gold also avaialbe in green.

fabric ..........

2009-10-04T08:38:00.001-07:00

Love to sew- beige

Bath Tubbies

2009-10-04T08:17:00.000-07:00

click- click for more details

I would love this as a shower curtain! Well, it does not match my 'trying to be uber stylish 1920's Hollywood glamour bathroom'- but what fun!

Jennifer has a series of these bath 'tubbies' that for years I have coveted- but being a spoiled brat I wanted originals-- I know-- just a tad too much-- never mind she paints in water colour and not an option for a steamy bathroom! You can check out her website though for the bath tubbies individual pictures!

Jennifer has a way of making life fun- and we need people that can do that!

http://www.jennifergarant.com/

Combs and foams

2009-10-04T08:13:00.001-07:00

Again click for larger image--- too much fun! Jennifer does it again...

Having another bad hair day

2009-10-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

Click on image to see larger view-

enjoy!

Jennifer Garant

More fabric- from Jennifer Garant

2009-10-04T07:47:00.000-07:00

'cats and mices'
You must click on these images for larger and more enjoyable viewing

(this fabric design has not been finished being

formatted- so we get the first viewing)

Thank you Jennifer, we are now on first name basis-- ahhh I blush---.She has just sent me some images of her new upcoming fabric line. !

a new take on the little black dress! WOW

2009-10-04T07:30:00.000-07:00

The little black dresser by the incredible, talented, out of the box creative designer - Judson Beaumont.
Famous for whimsical pieces of children's furniture and 'FUNctional installations in children's hospitals around North America Jason seems to be thinking now of enticing the childish grownups into his Alice in Wonderland world. His company 'Straight Line Designs Inc., ' is truly a 'twist' on his creative ideas and use of irony and wit.
A 'FUNiture' designer with obvious references to Alice in Wonderland and Salvadore Dali- he transforms the dull dreary world of furniture into a delite of fantasy for the young and old!
You must/have to and cannot miss this site if you enjoy smiling!
http://www.straightlinedesigns.com/

When you feel like life is a worm/caterpillar

2009-10-02T14:47:00.000-07:00

I had a lovely AHA moment the other day at my paying day job! One of the ladies sent me an e-mail (we were chatting about the stresses of life in our times at present) She wrote to me

Everything in life changes-- otherwise we would not have butterflies

AHA-- If we let life unfold the way it should- and ourselves--- we can take the 'ugly' in our lives and let it evolve into something beautiful! I am now in love with butterflies!

What do famous artists wear while they paint? Fat babies

2009-10-02T14:17:00.001-07:00

Ah, yes one famous artist - my favorite anyway wears these while she paints!

Jennifer, thanks for the great pics-- Fat Babies-- we do not have these available in Canada

at least not where (wear) I could hunt any down on the Internet!

Anyone has a link or place to buy these in Canada let us know!

These must be new-- come on even you must get paint on your shoes! I would be covered!

Maggie Walt and Wine !

2009-09-22T17:09:00.000-07:00

Thursday is our monthly, after-work mixer, we call "Maggie Hour". From 5pm – 8pm we invite you, and perhaps a friend or two from the office, to join us for a glass of wine and a little socializing with a bit of fashion and shopping. Our theme for Thursday is Office Wear & Day Wear. We'll feature some of our best ideas and specials will be announced during the evening. Please join us on Thursday. We look forward to seeing you then…
11217 Jasper Avenue(780) 482-1238

Pinks,oranges and green silks!

2009-09-15T15:09:00.000-07:00

Silk for bedroom!

2009-09-13T13:25:00.000-07:00

We have choosen, this is it!
Lined with blackout and some felt to give the silk some body, with small inverted pleats on the valance. You will love it ! Finally, one bedroom done!

Taupes again

2009-09-12T14:08:00.000-07:00

All the patterns you need for easy reference to create a balanced room! And affordable!

Smoky blues

2009-09-12T14:07:00.000-07:00

This would be a great line for a cabin or a country inspired room

Imagine these glittery sheers in a little girls room!

2009-09-10T14:28:00.000-07:00

Taupe sheers and glitter!

2009-09-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Things to spend money on!

2009-09-09T16:29:00.000-07:00

I have a love-love with round tables. I love the fact there is no 'head of the table', you can see everyone around the table. Plus, I especially love 'expandable' round tables. Imagine having a round table that seats 4-6- and magically expands to seat 8,10- or 12 and the table is still round!
Now, these tables are not cheap, they are investment pieces. Having said that we all need investment pieces in our home, future heirlooms, and you can save so much space! Space is expensive. You can have a small round table that expands in a regular 'square' room and save on floorspace.
Linens, well again, I guess the round linens get passed on down with the table, as they are not cheap either!
Judy from McElherans fine furniture sent me the above picture.
[JudyF@mcelherans.com]
http://www.mcelherans.com

(Shhhh- by the way they are having the most incredible sale on 'estate quality' furniture right now. If you have a spare dime this is the time to invest it in great quality furniture. Honest, some of the prices seem like cost to me!)
I am still begging Judy for some images of two of the tables she has in the showroom- round expandable tables.
Trust me when I get the pictures I will add them. This is one item I covet- I sooo want an expandable round table. I would save thousands- no need for a new house, special dining room, I would plop that expensive baby in my kitchen area and love the hell out of it!
My heirs can refinish it when I am done!

These are amazing glittery sheers!

2009-09-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

A week of fabric!
check out these crazy colours. In a gauzy, glittery sheer material!

Chocolate for Charity!

2009-09-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Can charity ever possibly better than this? Click on to enlarge image

Shoes, chocolate, wine and women-Oh vay!

2009-09-08T17:39:00.000-07:00

This is a link for winery, small little vineyard owned by a lovely funky woman. Ruby Tuesday Winery = the name alone is too much fun. The artwork is by Jennifer Garant. I know- you are getting tired of my shameless promotion of her.

BUT, she actually e-mailed me! I feel like I am chatting with my rock-goddess! I am just like a little kid!

Her work is truly so much fun

http://rubytuesdaywinery.com/

I have to scan and show you ladies some pictures I have of shoes--oh vay! These shoes truly would change your life!

Now off to find shoes called 'fat babies'?

Time to think about winter

2009-09-08T16:38:00.000-07:00

This is the time every year I clean out closets and linens. (I can't believe I still have stuff!). I clean out clothes, bedding, pillows, coats and bundle them all up to give to charity.
One should have a warm coat in the winter. Especially the poor souls that for what-ever reason are down on their luck!
So, I bundle, bug friends for their items they no longer use and take them to either the Bissel Centre here in Edmonton or my friend's care centre on the west-end.
This year I will be donating to

Christian Care Centre.....
10137-150 St. 780 484-5847
......outreach ministry of Paul's' Anglican church
mission statement
"we are here listen".......".first in prayer.".....comforts, hot coffee, snacks....sometime more depending on what volunteer brings in......maybe full breakfast, homemade soup, roast turkey, then sandwiches, clothing room, fellowship, prayer.....community gathering place for all....Mon-Fri 9:30-12:00 noon.

While it is run by a church, they do not turn anyone away. Apparently there is increased need in the west-end of Edmonton for food, clothes,small kitchen goods.
Also, a growing homeless group.
Often, we do not think of those in need until the snow is falling and we see a poor soul bundled up in a doorway. Then we thank 'our god' that is not us.
Or we think of giving during the winter religious festivities- which is great!
But, I think we should think of those in need before the snow falls, so they can be better prepared.
When shopping for your new coat- think do you need your old one?
Can you spare a few dollars and drop into a second hand store and pick one up for a less fortunate soul?
Thanks
Raine

fantastic taupes blue greys and black

2009-09-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

Cheap chic bathroom

2009-09-07T14:07:00.001-07:00

Just a few touch ups on an existing room. The marble floors were the splurge (I am having a trend for marble floors) The vanity, sink and taps were all around $500.00 dollars, that is a steal- and look at those taps! Square and highly polished! The doors on the vanity have the little inside buttons so they do not slam shut, the hardware on the drawers is awesome! Truly incredible quality for the price! Reminds me of German or Italian production!
The mirror- Ikea. Also I hate towels bars so we used some cheap little hooks from a hardware store and kept the beadboard lined walls and painted out the wood finish with a glossy lilac. Terrific room. Problem is the first thing you see when you enter to the room is the shower curtain. We installed a nice enough one for now but are on the hunt for the perfect fabric (I found one but at $180.00 a yard we are still looking! We may end up with the pricey fabric as there is no artwork in this room and the shower curtain will be the focal point. I shall keep you in the loop and promise to get an image of it to post so you can see just how perfect it is !

Cheap Chic Bathroom

2009-09-07T14:02:00.000-07:00

Hmmm, not the perfect colour

2009-09-07T13:59:00.000-07:00

Affordable silk for the

shower curtain.

But another white

drape? It is washable

though

owe

Actually, I really need that expensive cotton embroderied fabric, or a nice crisp linen. The room is very high gloss already and the texture of rough cotton or linen will add interest.

Fall is in the air!

2009-09-07T13:14:00.000-07:00

Bye Bye great days of BB'Q's! Bye Bye great chicken wings!

I love fall, it is the winter that follows fall that I am not so crazy about. Also, this year, here in Edmonton, we had an unusually long- long cold winter, no spring and a crummy summer! So, fall is just not welcome yet!

However, it is a fantastic time for the fashion crowd... new fabrics are arriving at my door everyday! Phone calls and emails from friends and business associates showing me their new lines, artwork, furniture, fabrics and hardware!

It can be very exciting, and also the FUNdraisers are starting again, the season is getting into full swing, Citadel with a spectacular line up this year!

Symphony is getting underway. Just spent most of the weekend evenings on the grass at Hawrelak park enjoying the annual Symphony under the Stars. It is one of my favorite of the summer festivals. I know I say that for almost all of them, but this is the last of the year and I have been going for so long my friend and I are just not sure but we agree it is somewhere around 10-15 years! The crowds are growing every year, and every year the weather becomes more uncertain!

Brilliant Friends

2009-09-07T12:40:00.001-07:00

I know some of the most brilliant people!
The gentleman that made this chair- and yes he is a true gentleman as well- is a brilliant artist!
I am presently begging him to allow me to post some images of an incredible dining table he has made- but it is "just not finished yet". Artists!
For my little story on chic cheap offices, he had to show me his version of the old door turned into a desk. OMG- it is almost impossible to take an image of it because it has such a high gloss sheen to it! An old door, a very old door, the panes filled with resins, polished with little treats and surprises hidden within the various panes! I must get you an image!
Then, he is also working on a major art production that will bring a type of modern earth friendly, inter-active sculpture to the masses!
We must wait for that- trust me though I want to put my commission in already!
In the meantime- while I beg and cajole with him- the image above is a piece he made with layers of wood veneers, polish and an old metal chair!

Talk about re-purposing, re-using! This chair is so comfy, so very neat! In, addition, it was saved from a landfill! Now this is an artist that deserves some of that art grant money! His art, most of it, uses scraps of woods, vaneers, old wood furniture turned into art and saved from the land fills !

Nubbly silk texture

2009-09-06T14:20:00.000-07:00

This is amazing! It is a blackout washable material- and has a terrific hand! Great for bedrooms, you do not need a blackout liner! Washable! Oh Vay!

Do not eat too much lettuce! Save room for your chocolate

2009-09-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Cafe DeVille

http://www.cafedeville.com/

101 Avenue and124 Street Edmonton

Oh I went to one of my favourite restaurants in Edmonton last week, and for the first time this 'summer' sat outside! It was already September- maybe I work too much? Anyway, I had my favorite salad- and was grouchy!

So, when the waitress asked if we would like to see the dessert tray, I said "Yes, of course" Now I normally do not eat dessert, and I said to my companion," Just to look of course."

He laughed

He had every right to!

This is one of the restaurants in Edmonton where you must eat dessert first- or at least make sure you have room for it!

The pastry chef here is incredible! I am a chocolate fiend, and I do not like/prefer white chocolate ( I eat any colour of chocolate if desperate) but this lady makes a white pear truffle that should be served in Paris! OMG!

I digress- so I my fav of all favs is chocolate mouse, so she had to tell me one of the concoctions was a dark chocolate/cherry mouse! Was I in or what?
I left a very happy girl- guess the salad just did not bring my chocolate levels up to par!

What to spend your money on

2009-09-04T16:10:00.000-07:00

Please click on the pictures for more detail. They are multi-media- water colour with 'wool hair' glitter, silk flowers- a true colour photo (wedding girl in frame)feathers, sequins-- truly very deliteful in real life!

There is a lively debate going on- on another blog decorno.blogspot.com. About what to spend your money on. Should it be expensive soft goods (sofas) hardcase items ( wood items such as tables, chests -I believe in good hardcase goods)..... What and where should we spend our money?

Now I am big believer in spending your money on 'stuff' that will get handed down and survive the years, copper pots, art, silverware, casegoods..... and my one luxury is excellent drapery... and okay great sheets.

I love my art-- for a few reasons- most of the art I have has sentimental reason behind it.

The pieces I had commissioned from Jennifer Garant were to celebrate the friendship I had with my best friend, soul mate, twin sister- who died a few years back.

I took care of her while she died, in my house from cancer and miss her everyday. So, the artwork I had commissioned truly means a lot to me.

The piece above is called the 'Toe Nail Party' as we used to sip wine, martinis and do our feet together and chat. She was the Shania Twain girl -sexy and glam- me the girlie girl. We were the same but different.

(Link for waiters and waitresses, scroll down and you will find the dog series! Posters, so we can all enjoy some lightness in our lives!)

http://www.allposters.com/-st/Jennifer-Garant-Posters_c35823_.htm
So, spend your money where your heart is- is your heart is with art- great! If it is with terrific sound- then go for the electronics- or if you are a movie buff- great TV's (I still have the big old fashioned huge TV's in my basement- not that big on TV I guess).

Spend your money where your heart tells you it should be!

and here another great take- from a designer!
http://sketch42blog.com/2009/06/29/the-true-cost-of-interior-design/

Chocolate! Chocolate for Charity!

2009-09-04T15:40:00.000-07:00

Okay, as anyone that knows me- or reads this blog- my not-no-secret love in life- is Chocolate!

Now, we have a socially responsible reason to induldge- Meals for Wheels FUNdraiser!

Ah, eating chocolate has never been more socially needed!

Canadian Western Bank presents the 8th annual Meals on Wheels Celebrity Auction
Friday, September 25th, 2009
At the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald

Tickets- $50

For more information & tickets call
780-429-2020
http://www.mealsonwheelsedmonton.org/
Buy your tickets today – a sell-out crowd is expected!

Can you see him?

2009-09-04T14:17:00.000-07:00

Can you see him? He reminds me of my scraggly long-haired chiWOWah. Not that they are the same breed just the little face! ONE SHOE CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE- CINDERELLA

Thanks to Jennifer Garant for this great idea!

Bisque from lobster 'bones'

2009-09-03T17:36:00.000-07:00

I understand this may sound silly- when we are all trying to save money- but lobster bisque is fantastic. Please though, I splurged in August and held my annual Lobster party. I had left over bodies, a tail (which my son ate before I could add it to the soup) and some claws. Rather than throw all this away I froze the left-overs and just made some bisque. Re-use don't throw out!
This winter my family will be eating roasts and full chickens- then soups and stews made with the bones and left-overs! One must save money!
The recipe...... sorry I am not that great on measuring. Which brings me to the cloves- I did not realize there was no little holed cap on the spice jar and there is more cloves in this soup than there should be- and it is fantastic!
'Bones of three lobsters'
I smashed the bones, tore apart the bodies and threw them all in a big pot, one container of chicken stock, one onion, three bayleaves and too much cloves!
I kept the meat on the side
Simmered the bones and the chicken stock for half an hour- drained the stock.
1/4 cup of butter melting in pot, 1/4 cup of flour- heated until dissolved add 2 cups of milk and brought to a light boil stirring to ensure no lumps.
Then I added the reserved stock, and the meat and slowly heated for about 10 minutes.
Voila- lovely silky smooth bisque that really did not cost me anything!

Handymen/women

2009-09-02T17:56:00.000-07:00

In these trying days everyone needs a handyman/woman at their fingertips. Okay well some of us do. I think I understand basic electrical, yes I can change out a duplex receptacle... Plumbing? I know where the shut off valve is in my house- and being a smart girl (after being told by multitudes of plumbers) I have shut off valves installed into every plumbing fixture as they are replaced. In my home anyway, sometimes clients balk at the extra dollars to have valves installed behind their toilets- in their kitchen and bathroom sinks, but at least I try to advise them! Best to have this small chore done, then if you have a leak or need a repair the entire house is not affected down the road.
I know how to install a shutoff valve- but do I do it? No... I leave that to the plumbers or the handymen.
Installing baseboards- is an art- or should be. Hanging doors (another story of that!) hanging closet doors, we all need a handyman on speed dial if you are like most of us.
I can do many different skills- but I am not good at it- and I would prefer perfect baseboards, plumbing that does not leak, and well wiring a house- that is for an electrician.
I have two excellent handymen/women-- and a few other craftsmen in my 'Rolodex' should you need one.
Email me-- trust me- they have already been through the mill doing work for me and my clients!

Sorry for the pics

2009-08-31T16:40:00.000-07:00

I am still playing with my new camera! Promise I will redo these so you can see much better!
I am so thrilled though- I got an e-mail from Jennifer Garant herself! She remembers me commissioning the piece in this room as well as one in my kitchen!
I feel so special!
Jennifer's work is very popular -most people recognize her work from the series of fat waitresses and waiters she has done- and then went on to license those images!
Me, I like my fat ladies- wish I had more!
Two I missed out on were- a fat lady laying on a chaise -with her closet behind her- and holding up a teensy-weensy little yellow bikini- wondering if she should wear it! Too funny!
The other was a fat lady sitting at a very fancy table in a very fancy restaurant- with a huge pink pig sitting across from her. Ladies, we have all at some time felt that way about our dinner partners!
Ah- well lovely drapes and original art can always make our day- other than a great pair of shoes of course!
As Cinderella said "One shoe can change your life."
Have a terrific day

Cheap chic office

2009-08-31T08:34:00.000-07:00

Painted old closet sliding doors resting on old file cabinet sprayed with hammerite paint. Paint on the desktop is from Benjamin Moores 'metals' collection....
Louis Vuttion is laying on cork tiled floor that has withstood 12 years of abuse with my rolling office chair and the cork still does not show any wear!

Legs for cheap chic desk

2009-08-31T08:02:00.000-07:00

Legs are from Ikea- need them to hold up the far corners

Cheap chic office- and terrific drapery

2009-08-30T13:58:00.000-07:00

I think terrific drapery is always the way to splurge. You can save on furniture, as long as it is comfortable - you do not need a $5,000 sofa---- but it can be nice!
However if you cheap out on drapery, window coverings it really shows- you can not hide cheap drapes!

This is my home office and the hub of everything I do-- I needed it to be a relaxing fun place to spend many hours, doing quotes, designing, with great light for colours, relaxing, peaceful and beautiful. It is- I have had the same office for over 10 years now and never tire of the colours, the elegance, the textures, the photos of my friends and family-- and my luscious white silk drapes. I am also lucky to have a wonderful view of my front garden which I enjoy during the day, and enjoy the simplicity of the drawn drapes at night.

I certainly saved on the furniture, except for my chair, collected the knick-nacks and picture frames over a few years and splurged on a great piece of original art by Jennifer Garant!

I love being here- it infuses me with creativity- like I say " Beauty is so under-rated in life. Beauty lifts our soul'

Enjoy finding your beautiful place and making it your very own.

http://www.jennifergarant.com

Wise words from a hardworking lucky girl!

2009-08-30T13:55:00.000-07:00

Cheap Chic office

2009-08-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

cheap chic office

2009-08-30T13:46:00.000-07:00

Office desk vignette

2009-08-30T13:44:00.000-07:00

Personalize your desk area
Ah the spot you see is from the 'air freshener' that spilled! It took the paint and lacquer right off the top- I think perhaps we should not have these lovely liquid air fresheners in our houses. I think maybe- highly carcinogenic? Hey if it lifts paint and lacquer-- no more for me in my house!
(and I wiped it up right after I spilled it!)

The Brag Girls

2009-08-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

Yes, I got my new Brag panty pak.... it matches my 'Brag' and is made just as well! .....cute little inside pockets- nicely named even- 'Clean' and 'Not so Clean'- how sweet! The 'not so clean even has a solid pocket lining- keeps the other side 'fresher'.

Pockets on the outside as well -- too cute!

Perfect for a friend that has everything and likes to travel- or for you and your travel dreams!

thebragcompany.com

Let them know you heard about them from Raine!

Budget decor

2009-08-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

Most of us these days have to watch our budgets-- ughhh! However, for the next few weeks I will be posting budget ideas, to-dos, am doing, and have done projects.

In addition, I will show you some of the great haunts I have discovered for budget products!

In decor, like most things in life- we have to choose when to splurge and when to save.

Marble floors for one client was a splurge- I do believe though in spending on the main elements of a project...... lighting can be a splurge or a save.

Furniture- again splurge or save- repurpose.

Drapery, well I have to admit here I think store bought tab drapes always look like store bought tab drapes and I am a big fan of splurging here- the splurge can be relative though- big or small splurge?

After much deliberation and seeking out fabrics I think we will go with a white silk for a bedroom I am presently working on. The window is small, faces north-east so not too much sun will hit it- as silk 'rots' under heavy sun so this must be considered before splurging on this type of window covering- but sometimes only silk will work!

Stay tuned!

Home Staging!

2009-08-24T12:38:00.000-07:00

I have been helping a friend look for a 'new' gently pre-owned home to buy lately and frankly are surprised what a mess is out there!
Folks, clean up your houses before you have pictures taken! You would not believe how many people have un-made beds in their 'For Sale' pictures, kitchens a mess, clutter everywhere! Then you wonder why your house is not getting viewed in person?
This is a neat little trick you can use for decorating and well as trying to decide what to edit from your home.... take pictures of your spaces in black and white- then edit until the black and white images look good !
It highlights scale, balance and proportion--- it does not mask an unmade bed though!
Spending the $50.00 dollars an hour to hire a stager truly would make a huge difference in a lot of these homes I have seen lately!