Views of Perfume Cabinet...

These are the views you see walking past the back entrance- the perfume cabinet is reflected in the mirror above the sink- drawing you in and creating interest in an otherwise very simple white on white space.

Small half bath off master bedroom and back entrance

Click on images for larger view)

This is a small half bath off of a master bedroom in a 1960's house. The rear entrance which is rarely used had a bench, lino floor that was starting to sag. The owner of the house a single woman actually wanted more closet space than she had in the small walk-in closet in the master bedroom. In addition there was an exterior swing door- which we kept- a swing door into the bathroom from the rear entry, a swing door into the hallway in addition to the existing pocket door that went into the bedroom area.

To open up the space we installed pocket doors to the hallway and from the back entrance to the bathroom. She basically wanted a dressing area as well. We installed electrical inside the sliding mirrored closet doors to allow for a steamer.

We installed large 24 x 24 marble tile on a diangle with white grout to create a flow and the look of one large piece of marble. (I do not recommend white grout in commonly used areas as this is a true labour of love to keep clean).

We also included a wall hung sink and cabinet to extend the feel of the small space.
Our splurges were the tile and installation,(over $2000.00) save on the cabinet, sink, taps and mirror (total for all three was 600.00).

In addition, while we truly wanted a TOTO toilet-low flush (but actually works even with teenage boys- if you know what I mean?) our budget was getting out of hand so we re-purposed the relatively new existing toilet with the plans of down the road installing a TOTO- which has the same white finish as the sink.....aghhh budgets!

In an ongoing theme throughout the house in order to re-create the minimilist mid-century modern feel of the home all the moldings were removed from all the interior doors... creating a simple smooth look that highlights the architecture and simple lines. All the door frames were matched to be the same height further eliminating visual clutter and allowing the eye to follow the lines of the home.

Gelato

I have been wondering lately why the huge difference in gelatos.... some are so creamy, others more like sorbets.


I have the answer..... often both types are called Gelato-- the creamier ones are from recipes from the North of Italy-- and then the fruit based 'icer' ones are more often from the Southern regions (historically)


Gelato is Italy’s version of ice cream, with three major differences. First, gelato has significantly less butterfat than ice cream's typical 18 and 26 percent. Tests conducted by Delaware’s Department of Agriculture confirmed vanilla and chocolate gelato both have less than 10 percent butterfat.

However, less fat does not mean less taste. With the lower butterfat content, gelato is less solidly frozen than ice cream and melts in the mouth faster.Therefore, the customer will taste gelato’s full flavor immediately.

Second, gelato has a much higher density than ice cream. Ice cream is produced by mixing cream, milk and sugar, then adding air. Manufacturers add air to ice cream because it nearly doubles the quantity of their product. But, it cuts their quality in half. No air is added to gelato. The result is a higher quality dessert with a richer, creamier taste.

Third, gelato is served slightly warmer than ice cream. While both gelato and ice cream are served well below the freezing temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit, gelato is served 10 to 15 degrees warmer than ice cream. Because it is less solidly frozen, gelato’s taste is further enhanced as it melts in the mouth.

Many cafes use real fruit, nuts, chocolates, milk and cream, not syrups, to make award winning gelato. Three centuries ago, northern and southern Italy created two separate and distinct gelato recipes. In the north, the people of Dolomite made gelato with fresh milk, cream and sugar. In Sicily, the southern Italians used a predominantly water-based gelato with fresh fruit.

Lady Rothschild

When asked about her taste for the luxe life, Lady De Rothschild remarked...

"I don't think being rich is all that important. I think not being boring is really important."



Well said!

Dacapo

Interesting little spot. Thought I would drop in with a friend to check out the Gelato and try a few little appetizers.
Well, they really do not have nibbles, good wine-but pricey-- chairs are not there for a long sit-hard on the behind.
Cleary the intention here is to get in -eat and get out.
I had a pizza with a dribble of truffle oil, very thin slivers of artichokes and I think there was supposed to be some basil on it, I could not see any. Also the thin crust pizza could of used a tad more heat (as in I think it was too rare).
However- I was there for the gelato and that did not disappoint. Terrific... one of the best I must admit.
Service was okay- but I felt we were boring the staff by being there-- and also BRING CASH. Surprise, this must be the only restaurant in Edmonton (or the northern hempisphere) that does not take credit cards or debit. They do have a private cash machine on the premises if you like paying $10.00 per withdrawal.
Would I go again- yes to pick up the gelato and take it home.
The gelato was worth it!
109 Street and 85 Avenue- on the west side of the street just before you go down the hill- across from High Level Dinner (gosh have not been there in years! It used to be a great place for Sunday brunch- back before kids made Sunday brunches a thing of the past!)

Kerstin's Chocolates Edmonton

Chocolate!
The true gift of the gods, the forgotten major food group, the medicine to reward the soul (and women’s hormones) Chocolate!

In my ever expanding world of chocolate I have discovered yet another little chocolate place.
Kerstin’s Chocolates
10139 112 Street
Edmonton

Tucked away in the lower level of a residential/commercial condo complex this is a delite as you enter the door. The décor is friendly and cosmopolitan, the layout of the delicious little lumps of chocolate are (excuse the bad pun) tasteful and elegant. The merchandise is unique and lovingly displayed….

Now, what about the taste.
I sample a few of the creations, ginger dipped chocolate, pears, pepper infused ganaches, ginger and chocolate delectables. Very unique flavour combinations, chocolate caviar and the cacao buds---! These were a surprise there was none of the bitterness we would expect from this single sourced chocolate rather a exhilarating taste of roses, or was it cherry, or was it….? It was sweet but wonderfully so!

The combinations of the chocolates found here come from the owner’s travels and life experiences in Tokyo and New York. Once I heard this all these strange and wonderful combinations made sense.

Certainly a place to drop in an visit for unique chocolate combinations!
I will be going back!

They also have chocolate tastings (which I highly recommend one takes at least one chocolate tasting in their life-----. I had one booked but it ended up being on the only nice weekend we have had in Edmonton this summer- so I canceled! I do think, the Single Source Chocolate Tastings at Kerstin’s would be well worth it!

Tell her Raine sent you!

http://www.kerstinschocolates.com/

Debbie Travis Get-away!

WOMEN'S TUSCAN GETAWAY SEPTEMBER 2009Debbie Travis, home decorating icon, wants to share her success with other women. Not for an hour in a stuffy conference hall, but a week in a magnificent location under the Tuscan sun. When the retreat begins, each participant will receive an ANICHINI robe as a special gift from Debbie. These luxurious robes are the perfect lounge wear for idyllic relaxation.Travis' success spans numerous television shows, 9 best selling books, a syndicated newspaper column, a 60MM$/yr home product line, 2 television production companies, and a design/branding studio.Her unique retreat takes place in southern Tuscany at a luxurious ancient villa.For more information, click here.