Penelope Cruz

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!

I know the most talented women!

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!).

New Camera

Finally, I am getting a digital camera- I know just a few decades 'out of style'.
I am just a little technophobic- and also a tad 'cheap' when it comes to electronics-- silk drapes make perfect financial sense to me- expensive electronics that always drop in price by 70% the day after I buy them- not so much!

So, finally getting the camera, can hook it up to computer and start supplying you my wonderful friends, with original images of some of the cool places here in Edmonton! Video too--- great for restaurants, and some of the shopping places, cooking and gardening ideas-- and soon how to fix the drip in your bathroom faucets!

Decorating hits and misses, the places to splurge and some of my favorite haunts on the places to save. We all need to save- while splurging on our homes and ourselves!

How to select a Designer in Edmonton

Michele Gun the dazzling and witty President of Interior Designers of Alberta uses the metaphor of baking and decorating a wedding cake to explain the various roles involved in interior design.
“An interior decorator would basically take a wedding cake, come in and decorate it by adding the icing. The interior designer starts at the beginning. First they interview the bride, because all brides are different, you can’t make one cake to fit all brides. You need to find out what her likes and dislikes are. What is she looking for? Does she want a traditional cake or a modern cake- two tiers or three? Once you have all the information that the client needs or wants- if she comes in with a list of what she wants that is very helpful. Once you have decided what the bride wants you choose the materials to make that cake and prepare a drawing for her to review. The next stage, after she has approved the drawings and products, is to choose the materials you want to use to design the cake. After that step you arrange for the ingredients and have it built- find a baker- once the cake is baked then comes the icing.”
Basically that is what an interior designer offers their clients, “They use all their education and experience to analyze their client’s needs, prepare preliminary concepts and final design then prepare drawing for a contractor to build the project.
Michele continues to explain the difference between the interior designers and the myriad of other interior consultants available.
“Interior designers typically have a two or three-year diploma from a certified interior design program not a certificate from a part-time or continuing education program- those are more for general interest. If you take this as a professional career you need the correct combined amount of both education and experience of seven years in order to qualify for a NCIDQ. A professional in interior design has graduated from a NCIDQ in order to be a professional member. A member with less then the full seven years and the qualifying final exam may be an associate member. (NCIDQ .’National Council for Interior Design Qualifications’ this organization is the regulatory body that governs the minimum qualifications for interior designers in Canada and the United States)
CIDA, the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, qualify the schools across North America. “They used to go by years, they have changed it to hours, generally it takes 4 years to obtain the degree necessary. Mount Royal College offers a qualified interior design course; NAIT offers a drafting and interior design course, which is more than the SAIT program, which offers basically an interior drafting course. Having said that, because NAIT is only a two-year course it is not an accredited interior design program. Mount Royal College is now offering a degree course- as well as Ryerson in Ontario, University of Manitoba and Kwantlen University College, Richmond B.C. Those are the only schools in Canada presently offering accredited Bachelors or Masters Interior Design degrees the remaining education facilities are only offering certificate or diploma programs.”
What sort of work do you hire a NAIT or SAIT graduate?
“The training they have is more suited for a client that wants minimal work changed and only needs drawings to take to the city for permits… often they work as an assistant to an interior designer. A grad from NAIT may be also to assist with colour and finished selection as well.”
For clients considering a major renovation in the home and they are planning on ‘gutting’ the house, reconfiguring the space, moving walls, these clients should hire a certified interior designer. These professionals are qualified to move walls; they know when to hire structural/mechanical and electrical engineers as consultants to ensure all codes are being followed.
“Qualified Interior Designers are responsible for the safety of the public and are knowledgeable about building codes, materials and consistently must undergo continuing educational upgrading every three years to stay abreast of the changing codes”.

Michele recommends clients looking to hire any form of interior contractor should always:
1) Interview the candidates- Do you have a good report with them? Can you work with them for one to even two years?
2) Check out the references
3) Credentials – are they qualified for the scope of work you want done?
As a buyer/client your must come prepared. Know what you want, have a budget in mind and also understand you may be out of your house for six to eight months if you are contemplating major renovations.
Ensure you get a contract in place including fees and scope of work. Professional Interior Designers generally work for an hourly or fixed fee- and that includes shopping time. Discounts offered by manufactures and retailers are passed along to the clients. “The discount we get is anywhere from 10-40% and those savings are passed along to the customer since we are getting paid by the client to act on their behalf”
An interior designer, within the scope of a contract, can also offer provide drawings for the contractors and building permits, act as project manager, sign off on complete work, phase the process of the project, work with the client on finishes, colours, custom furniture. They provide all these services while providing the buyer protection-professional interior designers carry WCB, liability insurance and follow a strict code of conduct associated with their licensing body.

sexy city summer gardens

Sexy City Gardens

Creating a wonderful oasis in the middle of the city, on a small balcony or in a postage size backyard, has never been easier or more dramatic! The newest design concepts for our interior spaces has been extended to our exterior space as well.

Drama, large-scale excitement in a small space. Similar to the stunning look of an oversized mirror in a small living room, we are seeing large-scale containers on small outdoor living spaces. One singular grande and bold statement piece creates an instant focal point on your deck or patio.

Large-scale drama! We have ‘de-cluttered’ our homes and the time is here to simplify our outdoor spaces as well. Choose one large dynamic piece, one you may think demands a more lavish or grande space than you have room for. Plant the one large pot- preferably one with height- with an arrangement of tall common grasses that are in garden vogue for the past few seasons. The look is simple and dramatic!

Texture is another one of the basics we use inside and it should be considered when we accessorize our outdoor spaces as well. Mixing smooth finishes with rough ones create visual interest while also maintaining a consistent colour theme that will unify the space. Imagine a rough textured black matt container filled with large swaying grasses, delicate white blossoms cascading toward the garden floor beside a high gloss metal table and chairs upholstered in a soft fabric.

Creating a wonderful quiet oasis outside your own backdoor or on your high-rise patio deck also brings the drama inside. Place your ‘vignette’ within view from your most used interior spot if at all possible, adding interest to the inside space as well as alluring your guests to relax outside. This simple arrangement will also create visual interest during the long winter months.

Diane Kroker from ‘EarthTones Garden Shoppe’ explains great garden design is always in the scale and she is seeing more and more of her customers shyly eyeing the large generous sized containers. Diane explains the largest mistake she sees in petite outdoor living spaces is too much clutter, “ Too many small containers, knickknacks, tiny flowers and plants, just too much for the space.”

Creating a visually interesting outdoor space need not only be intriguing during the summer months, man-made plants have come a long way! Faux greenery is not what it used to be!

Placing a ‘man-made’ cedar in a proper-scaled container creates intrigue and comfort all year long. You get what you pay for here, most of the new ‘faux cedars’ you would not be able to tell they were not ‘nature made’ unless you actually touched them.

Speaking with a manufacture’s agent about the growing popularity of these ‘plants’ she explains the quality is much better then in earlier years. The faux versions require no watering and unlike true cedars who cannot over winter in our climate, in containers, these one do very well surviving our cold winters.

“I put a couple beside my front door a few years ago. I am not home much so watering and caring for plants is not an option for me. These cedars actually looked better after the first year, I got leaves tangled up in them, they got a little touch of dust and dirt on them and they actually look more real with the ‘patina from real life’.

Creating instant drama has never been simpler or more dramatic than now- one plant, faux or natural- and the dreariness of your simple balcony can be banished forever.

Maggie Walt Fashion Show

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

Fresh Yogurt and 100 km rules

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

Summer finally

What a ‘wonky’ season!


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

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

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

http://dezinz.ca

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

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

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


Services

Full Service

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

Master Plans

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

Space Planning

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




Drafting Services

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

Window Dressings

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

Colour Consultations

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

Specialties

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

Home Staging

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






Intentional Feng Shui

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

Interior Alignment

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

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


Consultants

Principle

Raine Turner

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

Consultants

Area Rugs

Floor Art

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome

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