Brick and Plastic

Woops!

2009-11-07T22:38:00.000-08:00

Forgot to tell you guys that I've been hanging around here .

:)

Yellow bean poutine

2009-08-27T10:32:00.000-07:00

Since I uploaded a picture of it on Facebook, some of my friends are asking me for my Yellow Bean Poutine recipe. I am happy to share it!

This is a lighter version of poutine, the cheese curd and gravy fries dish that is so popular here. While it’s lighter than the original, it is not a light meal. Cream, butter and cheese will do that to a recipe. Sometimes, I make this with a warm lemon-garlic vinaigrette instead of the cream sauce and use regular cheese curds instead of the fancy goat cheese.

Yellow Bean Poutine

1 pound of green or yellow beans, trimmed and washed
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 teaspoon of butter
1 medium onion, chopped finely
3/4 cup of cream (15% ou 35%, depending on the condition of your heart!)
Dry sage, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon of butter
2 onces of goat cheese, in small clumps

In a large pot filled with boiling water, cook the beans until tender. Prepare the sauce while the beans cook.

Heat the olive oil and butter in a saucepan at medium-high heat, then drop the onion in and sauté until soft and golden (about 5 minutes).

Add the cream and let reduce at low heat. Stir often and don’t let it boil. Ad the sage, salt and pepper. When the sauce is creamy and thicker, add a tablespoon of butter and stir.

Drain the beans and plate. Add the clumps of cheese. Cover with sauce. Devour.

The hilarious world of Bundesliga fashion

2009-08-23T05:43:00.000-07:00

Check out the threads! Check out the dance revisited samba steps!
But most of all, check out the hip dude with the stripey shirt and leg warmers at 1:50!

Julie and Julia night in Montreal

2009-08-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

Last Friday was pretty awesome.

I could go on and on about it, but Lindsay already did.

So go read her blog to get the full Monty. She's funny. And she knows how to wear a fur hat in August.

Easy dinner

2009-07-29T09:55:00.000-07:00

When I feel like having a nice, homemade dinner but don't feel like cooking for an hour, I make one of these babies. The base ingedient is just a store-bought, oven-ready "Cuisichef" crust, sold in packs of 4. Always have a pack in your fridge and you can make healthy pizzas at home. I love them!

My recipe is always a variation the same theme: a ricotta mixture topped with any fresh veggies and herbs I have on hand. I sometimes add bacon or duck magret on top for that extra bit of flavor and protein. These little fuckers are so easy to make, you'll never order take-out again!

Zucchini pizza

Serves 2
3 medium zucchinis, sliced
2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 oven-ready thin pizza crusts
1 cup ricotta
1 egg
3-4 tablespoons of Pecorino cheese
Zest of one lemon
Salt, pepper
4 tablespoons of tomato sauce

Prep work
In a skillet, sautée de sliced zucchini in the oil until golden. Set the oven to 400F and put the crusts on a baking sheet.

Meanwhile, put all of the other ingredients but the tomato sauce in a bowl and mix well. If you have fresh herbs in the fridge or in the garden, add some to the mix. I really like thyme in this mix.

Spread tomato sauce on both crusts, then top with the ricotta mixture. Add the cooked zucchinis on top of the cheese and add some more Pecorino on top. Pop in the oven for 15 minutes or until the crust is starting to turn brown at the corners. Serve with a salad.

Mod ads

2009-07-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

Check out the Eames-like chair in the second spot!

Corners of my Home: Travelling with Dad

2009-07-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, my Dad used to grab my brother and I for a week of fun on the beach in Maine. We would go to Wells, sleep in the tent, play miniputt, swim in the cold, cold ocean, prepare hot-dogs on the little green Coleman stove you had to pump and drink lots of Hawaiian Punch from big cans, a treat for my brother and I. (Sugar was not a major player at our house.)

The mallet that is now resting in my wooden spoons pitcher is a souvenir from one of the last trips the three of us took together. That summer, my brother got the nastiest sunburn and looked like a wounded, peeling Klingon. By then, we were teenagers and not so into going away and leaving behind our summer flings and friends. We had upgraded: Ocean City was now our destination of choice and grandiose beachside hotels had replaced the tent. My Dad bought the mallet for me after a huge feast of crabs and corn, served on newspaper and covered with Old bay spices. It's fragile and useless, but it makes me think of family-time under the sun.

Storing paint leftovers

2009-06-22T18:34:00.001-07:00

I hate storing paint leftovers in the original, drip-covered can. It's ugly, the container takes up too much room, the paint dries up and even if I write the name of the colour on the can, I have to open it up to make sure it contains the paint I need to touch up that banged up wall. My solution is to transfer the paint to a Mason jar with a tight lid. I can see the colour its filled with and I can dip the paint brush in it easily. Sure, it would be a mess if it suddenly got smashed on the floor, but I'll take my chances. I also think it looks pretty nifty!

It's a fact

2009-06-13T11:46:00.000-07:00

Meat loaf is prettier before it's cooked.

Tips for a painless move

2009-06-12T13:17:00.001-07:00

Are you moving this summer? Need tips? I am going to be lazy and help you out by linking to this great post from The Unclutterer.

One of these things is not like the other one

2009-06-10T18:36:00.001-07:00

On the right, the lawn in front of Maurice Richard Arena. On the left, the grass that goes towards Viau metro station. Both are the same (uncut for a while) lenght. This is not photoshopped. Can you spot the difference?

Yeah.

MUVBOX opens in Old Montreal

2009-06-06T06:32:00.000-07:00

When closed, it just looks like a big container. But when it opens up, it turns into a full-out restaurant with a kitchen and dining area, unfolding like a Transformer before the astonished eyes of passers-by. Müvbox, the company behind this portable restaurant concept, had their interior design and architecture done by Sid Lee, in collaboration with Ædifica.

I went to the launch and it was AWESOME. Watching Müvbox open was like the foodie equivalent of a rocket launch. The food is great (try the lobster rolls) and the location, near the river and Café des Éclusiers, could not be better.

Don't miss it this summer!

Yet another Samcon project

2009-05-31T19:18:00.000-07:00

Samcon sure has been building up a storm in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. I'm all for revitalizing the block with quality housing, but do we really need more of the same? I'm kind of sad to see some of the industrial buildings we have here dissapear so easily. They add character to our streets. It would be cool if someone bought one of the old metal workshop plot to turn it into artists studios or cafés. It will take more than condos to turn HoMa into a nicer neighborhood.

Apple coasters

2009-05-27T13:11:00.000-07:00

If you are heading for Tokyo, don't miss the fantastic 100Y stores (the Japanese equivalent of our dollar store). You'll find items for the house, chips in crazy flavors (curried cod, anyone?), cute erasers, Hello Kitty stickers, bento box stuff and many other finds on the cheap. I love those lovely apple felt coasters I brought back. They make for a peppy punch of red on my coffee table.

I'm back, baby!

2009-05-25T17:03:00.000-07:00

I'm back from Japan and I'm finally over the stupid jetlag that pummeled me as soon as I hit Montreal. I blogged my trip in French, but you can also check out the 2000+ pictures I took on my Flickr. I'll be making some individual albums for easy consultation.

This is my favorite temple, beautiful Todaiji in Nara. It was the architectural highlight of the trip, to say the least!

I also saw a tons of more modern architecture. The Mikimoto building in Ginza was one of the most interesting I saw.

I can only recommend you visit Japan soon! It's not as expensive as people say, if you plan ahead. Just go!

Places I'll never shop at - part 5

2009-04-30T09:52:00.001-07:00

meet Amik

2009-04-26T17:11:00.000-07:00

I found Amik at the flea market, floating in a bucket of pins and badges.

He was the official mascot of the Montreal Olympics. His name comes from the Algonquin name for "beaver". He represents the friendliness, patience and hard work that helped built canada.

He's made of plastic and wears his Olympic sash with pride!

MiMo: Miami modern

2009-04-15T12:07:00.000-07:00

Miami was a blast. On the last day, I climbed into a cab with my camera to go walk around the Mimo district, on Biscayne Blvd. It's full of fifites-style motels, in various stages of decrepitude, but oh so groovy. Even the sidewalks are atomic. Take a look.

There was aslo this cute little lady waiting for the bus in her best Easter frock.

You can check out my full collection of Miami pictures here.

Verner Panton's Visiona 2: a tour

2009-04-07T06:07:00.000-07:00

Groovy.

who's that hidding in the comics section?

2009-04-06T06:01:00.000-07:00

I went to the Saint-Michel flea market with Pat last week and happened on this little dude: a stuffed raccoon holding a Slinky. He looked like a Parisian gamin playing mucis for his dinner, funny and sad at the same time. Who would buy this?Sometimes I think the Saint-Michel sellers either have the weirdest sense of humour. Or maybe they are just really, really bored.

An apple a day keeps the boredom away

2009-04-05T17:58:00.000-07:00

Easter, Miami-style

2009-04-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but the week of rain that the weather girl is predicting for the rest of the week depresses me. That's why I'll be spending the long Easter weekend in sunny Miami, sipping drinks by the pool and enjoying the wonderful South Beach art deco architecture.

This is the hotel I'll be staying at. Woot!

Music to paint by: L'infonie

2009-04-02T19:30:00.001-07:00

This is the kind of silly music I love to listen to while cleaning the house of doing some reno. My friend Dominic sent me this yesterday. And just in time, too! I want to repaint my living room.

L'Infonie was created during Expo 67. The name if this track is "J'ai perdu 15 cents dans le froid d'un ange bronze", which means "I lost fifteen cents in the cold nose of a bronze angel". I guess they liked smoking the wacky tobacky in those days.

I can't resit a nice print

2009-03-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

20x200 is having a sale today. Do I have room on my walls? Not really. Can I make some? Sure.

So I didn't resist and bought this fantastic piece by Kent Rogowski. Yay!

Quick visit at the Imperial

2009-03-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

My pal Lindsay of Sometimes Icing moved into her new loft at the Imperial!

Check it out here

Sayonara

2009-03-14T12:41:00.000-07:00

Guess where I'm going for my vacation in May?

busy bee

2009-02-24T19:20:00.001-08:00

Sorry I've been so busy. Work has been hectic, my b-day was last week and I had my annual Oscar bash on Sunday. So please enjoy this clip while we wait for a normal schedule to return.

A game of cards with my valentine

2009-02-14T06:54:00.000-08:00

I love this picture because of the random flower pot and the cigarette my grand-father is holding on top of my head. My grand-father Jean-Paul was a huge influence in my life. Even if we were not related by blood (my Dad was adopted by him and my sweet grand-mother, his mother's sister), I see a lot of myself in him. He was very loyal to his friends and family, had a dry sense of humour, loved gadgets, had a short fuse and never met a garage sale he didn't like. He's the one who really got me into vintage stuff, flea markets and rummage sales. After a long, happy life, he passed away a few years ago and I am still reeling from it - it was so sudden. So this Valentines day, I'll be playing a little game of solitaire with his old Glamour Girl cards, thinking of him, and sending him a big kiss. I love you grand-papa!

Why my new chairs are awesome

2009-02-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

1- they look like ghosts

2- they grab my ass like a fifties ad-man hitting on his secretary

3- they confuse my cat

4- they are super comfortable to sit on

5- they came in a box that I can turn into a fort

My loft, featured on Lake Jane

2009-02-13T08:48:00.000-08:00

My loft was featured on Lake Jane today. I'm very honored to have been approched by this kick-ass blog. Go check it out!

The risks of being a landlord

2009-02-09T12:09:00.000-08:00

Oh my.

Welcome to my laudry room

2009-02-08T14:16:00.000-08:00

Well I'm calling it: my laundry room is finally DONE! This is the before look: plain and empty, with no storage equipement.

My goals were to organize some storage solutions, hide the ugly water heater and electric box and change the light fixture. I started by installing a towel rack and a wire basket to dry dish clothes and hold Ziplocs, cling film and foil paper. I also put some hooks to hold bags and my grocery cart. The litter box is also hidden behind the door.

Next to the water heater, there was just enough room to fit an old Ikea cart. It now holds cleaning products and cat food. On top of the water heater, I installed two Ikea shelves to hold bottles and paper stuff like tissues and paper towels.

Behind the pillar, I keep the ironing board as well as grocery bags that I use to take the recycling downstairs to the building's bin. The space between the wall and the dryer was just wide enough for me to install a few hooks to hold the broom and mop, as well as hide a few folding chairs that I use when company comes over.

The electric box is covered with magnets that hold souvenirs from my last trip. On the door, I installed a vintage ACME sign that I painted red.

Finally, I made (by hand) a curtain using fabric from ReproDepot, and had a nice print framed to add a pop of colour. The last touch was the fixture from Hip Haven. I like that the light is soft and highlights the fabric and print.

And voilà! A laundry room nice enough to have guests sleep in it. Well, almost.

Panton chairs: my precioussssssss

2009-02-07T13:04:00.000-08:00

They are coming!

I can't wait to see my new Panton chairs around my Saarinen table! Come on FedEx, take them home!

I feel very smart because just as I was about to click "complete purchase" on the Gabriel Ross Web site, I googled the store to see if any coupons were floating around. And it's a good thing I did, because I found one! Now it's your turn to use it: Code VISA2008 will give you 10% off any purchase when you use your Visa card. And if you are interested in a classic Knoll piece, they are also having a sale and you'll get 15% off. But act fast: the Knoll sale ends tomorrow!

Tricks for home sellers

2009-02-05T18:14:00.000-08:00

Pretty basic, uh? Well, a lot of people still don't undestand that if their home is not selling, it's probably because the living room is purple, the Russian nesting dolls collection is gathering dust and pictures of winning show poodle Marcel are not the best choice to decorate a bedroom. So get crackin'!

Corners of my home - where the antelope rests

2009-02-02T18:06:00.000-08:00

What do you do when you have a very cool vintage piece but the finish is damaged? Hide the stain with a book and place an antelope to guard it with her life!

Antelope wood sculpture: Hudson flea market ($2)
Lamp: Urban Outfitters (65$)
Vintage 40's dresser: from grandma's set (free)

Into the blue

2009-02-01T18:00:00.000-08:00

Saputo Stadium, Montreal

El train station, Chicago

I'm looking for a vacation destination for next April. Got any idea where I should go skippin' around in my Adidas?

kookoo for cuckoo clocks

2009-01-31T19:57:00.000-08:00

How awesome are cuckoo clocks?

Super awesome. But I have no idea how people can live with that level of noise in their house.

Seriously.

Now & Then: a new blog

2009-01-27T11:46:00.000-08:00

My friend Éric just started a new blog called Now & Then: Views from Toronto. In his intro, Éric states that "This will be our new blog to share our Toronto and its Heritage, Buildings, Arts, Urban Life... and other topics of interest. I hope to reach as many people as possible to show that this city is way more than just a landscape of condos where our cold fingers try to reach a bit of sun!"

So my challenge to Éric is as follow. Can you show us what the interior of the CN tower looks like? Because it used to be very cool and look like this :

Awesome.

worth the wait

2009-01-22T18:21:00.000-08:00

I've been lusting after this Waldots wallpaper for over a year and now it's ON SALE! 60% off, who can resist that? So guess who ordered herself two rolls? Thanks to the good peeps at Apartment Therapy for the heads up, it really made my day!

Nature's architect

2009-01-19T18:36:00.000-08:00

Beavers. What's not to like?

Words

2009-01-15T07:20:00.001-08:00

"It is almost easier to build a sky scraper than a chair."

- Mies Van Der Rohe, talking about his famous barcelona chair.

Steal this from your kids. Or buy some.

2009-01-14T19:00:00.000-08:00

I hate dry winter skin. This? Is the only thing that works against dry winter skin. Period. Go buy some, now. Tonight, take a shower, lather it on, then slide into a t-shirt before going to bed. No more lizard skin!

I love Paris in the winter

2009-01-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

When I feel a little blue and need to dream a little, I head on to Paris Hotel Boutique, a wonderful shop with meticulously chosen objects for the home. If I cad carte blanche today, this is what I would put in mon petit panier.

An asian mid-century "ghosted" mirror ($450)

This art nouveau bug brooch ($425)

A monogramed "match safe" from Hotel Statler ($75)

The mirror is divine, the brooch is cute and quirky and the match safe would be perfect to hold earrings or keys and loose change.

A dry, dry winter

2009-01-11T15:36:00.001-08:00

So, how's your skin these days? Mine is a dry mess. The air in my loft is so dry! When I pet the cat in the dark, I can see blue sparks coming out if her fur. Now that's scary. I had to do something about it and that something was getting a humidifier. I settled on this Bionaire Ultrasonic model.

It shuts off automatically when empty, it's easy to clean and it's quiet. Plus, it looks cute, litke a little drop of water in my room! The one pictured is the "bamboo" version - mine is all white. It's on sale right now for $58 at Centre du Rasoir. Get one, your nose will thank you!

take a bow

2008-12-29T19:48:00.000-08:00

One tradition at my dad's AND at my mom's is to stick as much ribbons and bows on and around our heads as we open presents. Wheeee!

This year, I had a lot of reasons to stick a bow on my head as I was spoiled rotten. ROTTEN!

I got a few lovely cards with some money inside (Thanks Dad, step-mom and grandma!)

Dad also gave me an OXO Good Grip garlic press and a Nano

Jérémy and Jessica gave me this awesome framed iron-on transfer. It's vintage and I want to marry it.

Andréanne from work gave me this ridiculously cool old record:

My mom gave me a super deluxe fitted sheet, a Koziol tape dispenser, a T-Fal non-stick frying pan, fancy chocolate bar and lavender hand wash. Bro gave me a kickass book about modern movie posters and step-mom gave me the OXO Good Grips spoon set.

Audrey brought me back some delicious looking vinegars from Germany and mom had some stamps made WITH A PICTURE OF ME AT THE FARNSWORTH HOUSE!!! Sorry for yelling, but she is deviously cool, that mom of mine.

Audrey also gave me cookies, hot chocolate mix and limoncello - ALL homemade. Yum.

And I rescued this creature from atop the Christmas bûche

But the biggest gifts of all were :

Spending one more Christmas with my grandmother...

Watching my dad smile as he opened his gifts...

Drinking expensive French champagne in kookoo cheap souvenir glasses (Hey, look at that, they are making more for 2010)

Cooking Au pied de cochon ragoût with mom

And watching a new generation enjoy the simple pleasures that being with family brings.

What did you enjoy the most this Christmas?

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

Enjoy the music, the good cheer, the food and don't forget that potted poinsettias make a perfect hiding place for aunt Francine's fruitcake. These people would approve.

Merry Christmas!

A break, at last

2008-12-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

I'm so tired, The last few weeks have been supercharged at work and as usual, I get to the Holidays feeling as energetic as that dog:

Bring on the Holiday break. Enjoy, everyone!

7 things you need if you are buying a house

2008-12-22T17:23:00.000-08:00

Ever since I moved into my loft, my renter friends have started to talk about getting their own place. Some of them actually did, but if, like the ones who are thinking of taking the plunge, you are thinking about buying a home, read on. Because you need more than a good banker and a notary to make it happen, dear friend. Here's my list.

1- Money

So you have enough set aside for the down payment, welcome tax, movers and that new couch you've had your eye one. But that's only the beginning. Everyone wants your money now. Did you think about the school tax? Condo fees? Hike of condo fees? Lighting fixtures to replace all the lovely naked bulbs the builders installed in your new place? Electrician to install all those lighting fixtures? Paint? Did you plan those weekly trip to Ikea to buy five hangers or a shoe rack that will end up costing you $200 every time? Yeah.

2- A good set of tools

Now is not the time for dollar store tools. You don't want a square-tip screwdriver that will lose its edge while you are assembling your new Scandinavian étagère: Thor would not approve. Get the following tools in a reputable brand like Mastercraft: a good set of screwdrivers, a stud finder, a drill with bits, nails and screws in various sizes, a measuring tape, putty powder, a level, a utility knife, a hammer and pliers. Also get a nice, classic red toolbox to hold it all. The rest you can borrow from number 3. Which leads me to...

3- A friendly helper

Because you are not a super hero, there will come times when you need someone to help you with stuff like installing a lamp or shelves. So be sure to have a network of helpers ready to lend a hand. The rules? First try to do it yourself. If it doesn't work, ask nicely. Treat your friendly helpers with cupcakes and cookies from time to time. And if they need a hand, reciprocate.

4- A sense of humour

Shit will happen. Stay happy. On the first week of moving in my loft, my floor was badly scratched, I lost my camera, the breaker box had to be rewired and the apartment above mine leaked about 2425134 gallons of water into mine through the ceiling while I was away. I cried like a baby ("Why meeeeeeeee! Whyyyyyy!?) then I called my mom, bought flowers, drank a bottle of rosé with a friend and all was better.

5- Fearlessness

Paint that door canary yellow. Hang that painting of a monkey in a suit on your living room wall. You don't make mistakes if you never try anything. That's why primer and Polly-Filla were invented.

6- Good movers

I can't stress that enough. Don't go for the cheapest guys in the yellow pages; plan ahead and get names from friends and family. I used Déménagement Économique after getting rave reviews from friends and I will recommend them forever and ever. I've heard so many scary stories from people who used el-cheapo movers that I am now convinced that it's one of the best investment one can make. Saving 100 bucks is not worth having your stuff taken hostage by reformed criminals until you pay a "service fee" to each member of the crew. And yes, this actually happened to someone in my building.

7- Patience

You will live in a big old mess for a long time before feeling at home. Take it easy and enjoy the nesting aspect. When it comes to furnishing, buy only what you love even if it takes you time to find it. Do a little something for your place every week, even if it's just buying flowers or organizing your sock drawer. Enjoy the ride. You are home.

Lady in the night

2008-12-20T18:04:00.000-08:00

My friend Josiane invited a few of us from work for wine and cheese last night. I could not resist taking a pic of her lovely tree, especially since it is surrounded by freakingly cool sculptures that are built directly on the archway. From the way it is set up, the thirties wood moulding and glass doors, her apartment looks like it used to be an office. The lady-sconces that pepper the place add a little bit of haute bourgoisie flair. I love it!

But I loved the cheese even more. Yum.

Hip Haven rocks. Seriously.

2008-12-19T14:03:00.001-08:00

In late October, I ordered a triple swivel metallic bullet lighting from Hip Haven to add the final touch to my laundry room. I will be installed in place of the big halo caused by the naked bulb seen here :

The look was cool, the price was right and I was very excited about finally finishing that room. Only it turned out to be more complicated than that. Everything that could go badly went badly: first, the wrong fixture was sent, then the right one they sent as a replacement got caught in a vortex of red tape at custom, then UPS mixed things up even further... ALL the ingredients of a bad online purchase were there, but you know what? It was everything but, because Hip Haven has some of the BEST customer service I've ever experience. Why?

- because they sent mew emails keeping me updated of what was happening, said "we're sorry" many times and kept a positive and understanding outlook
- because they were super nice in every communication they sent and always responded promptly
- because they offered many times to give me a refund, but at the same time did everything they could to get the fixture to me
- because in the end, they made it happen and I got what I ordered - and I didn't have to argue about who was at fault, who was going to pay for shipping, etc.

So I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart (thanks Kelley!), you guys are pros. I love, love, love my new lighting and will recommend Hip Haven to all of my friends - and to my readers!

But now I need to install it... Help?

Places I'll never shop at - Space Age Edition

2008-12-17T08:30:00.000-08:00

Look for this store right next to the Tang Malt Shoppe and Neil Armstrong's House of Freeze-Dried Pancakes.

Of course

2008-12-16T13:15:00.000-08:00

Is there a cat on earth who can resist hanging out under the tree at Christmas? I think not.

Corners of my home: stamped for approval

2008-12-15T01:00:00.000-08:00

"Hello station one, station one, we are coming into orbit of Planet Stamp Holder. Satellites indicate URGENT, PAID IN FULL and TO BE FILED. Please advise course of action. Over."

Vintage stamp set: St-Michel flea market
Vintage Paris-Match magazine: gift from grandma

Shut up and take me

2008-12-14T11:16:00.000-08:00

"Shut up and take me". This is how the title of the new serigraphy I bought at Souk at SAT translates. Ha! It's the work of Sweet Grognasse, a Montreal artist. She makes all sorts of pop-style prints that will give your home a boost of color.

If you missed her at the Souk, you can get some of her stuff at L'Usine 106 U and Bure and Linon, here in Montreal.

It's a step out from the animal theme I have going on in my bed room, but I think it will be very coquin in there, framed above my bed.

Holiday in Hochelaga

2008-12-07T13:14:00.000-08:00

The shopping is half done and there's still cookies to be baked and ribbons to be tied. But at last, the decorating is done! My tree is artificial, but I have this kick-ass Crabtree & Evelyn "noël" spray that gives it a special Christmas smell. Yummy!

The Tron guy is guarding his present, I bet he can't wait to open it!

The sweet potato in my centerpiece is an hommage to my mother's random vegetable and fruit arrangements.

What are you guys doing this Christmas, deco-wise? Keeping it classic or going the modern way with big bowls of ornaments and a white plastic tree? Do tell!

A spicy makover

2008-12-06T12:55:00.000-08:00

Fed up with mismatched bottles and tumbling bulk bags, I decided to give my spice pantry a makeover. I forgot to take a "before" picture, but believe me, it was a mess.

I headed to the dollar store, where I bought enough plain glass bottles to store all of the spices and herbs I have. A good wash and some funnel action later, I was ready to go.

I used the labeler at work to label everything clear and clean, then store everything back in. I kept the shelf on top for bigger items like Dean and Deluca tins.

And voilà! I really want to add a second shelf, but this will do really good for now.

Delicious!

2008-12-03T16:56:00.000-08:00

I can't stop watching this delicious "Japanese Omelet how-to" clip on Vimeo.

The music is amazing, the edit is cool and that little "kick the dish" finger dance at the end cracks me up.

Japanese omelet from awyete on Vimeo.

We want treats!

2008-11-27T18:15:00.000-08:00

I work as a copywriter in an ad agency here in Montreal. There are 7 of us in the space my desk is in, and since we are all girls and like our sweets, there is often a cake, some cookies or brownies on top of our low bookshelve to be shared by all. So I was thinking of taking this one step further and buying an Easy Bake Oven for the office. Did you have one when you were a kid? I sure did - until my brother baked tadpoles in the pan and the smell of burning future baby frogs could never be erased.

This commercial has a lesser video quality, but the jingle and whisper-soft voice of the announcer are mesmerizing.

A swell time

2008-11-24T16:28:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, I had abour 40 friends over for a fab shindig with a fifties mid-century cuisine theme. What a riot! Pat lend me some of his vintage dishes to add to my own and I bought a few more on eBay. I set up my Crosley turntable to play my old Hammond organ records and I invited the guests to participate by bringing a dish and wearing clothing that hinted to a fifties or ealry sixties style. Here are a few of the dishes my friends came up with and that made the night one for the books:

Cindy and Max's Flaming Cabbage Weiner roast. The fire comes from a fondue heater. They brought three, so it burned all night long.

Jessica's Mac & Cheese with snack cake "to go" packs. I had some leftovers (she made so many!) so I freezed the KD and will use it to make fried mac & cheese like I had at TGI Friday's in Chicago last summer..

Geneviève's savory "surprise bread", a layered miracle filled with hame, eggs and covered with cream cheese.

Julie and Christian's Rainbow Deviled Eggs, a fantasia of flavors!

Click on one of the pics above to see the full set!

Corners of my Home: Klaatu barada nikto

2008-11-19T08:11:00.000-08:00

Hello, and welcome to The Metropolis Tourism Center. We will help you find all the travel information you need regarding cheap eats, oil change facilities, discount hotels, cybernetic landmark tours, tips and directions. Please enjoy a complementary charging at the station on your right. Have a nice stay! Bleep, blap, bloop, bloop.

Vintage AM radio: Hudson flea market
Vintage 1939 coloring book: gift from Patrickt
Gort figurine: Le valet de coeur

Places I'll never shop at - Pirate edition

2008-11-17T19:27:00.000-08:00

"I want to see the manager about this here couch! Arrr! I demand a discount! PARLAY!"

Corners of my Home: When the Sun Darkens

2008-11-11T16:44:00.000-08:00

"Once upon a time I was falling in love
But now I'm only falling apart
There's nothing I can do
A total eclipse of the heart "

Hang on little man! You'll find your Moon girl.

Lamp: flea market find
Lego man: childhood memento
Shelving unit: Expedit by Ikea

For the birds

2008-11-10T18:26:00.000-08:00

"Hey, Blue Jay? Sparrow here. I got this super swell mid-century house built, wanna see it? Cool, cool. Ok, come around 3pm and we'll watch the game. Just bring your martini shaker, I'll start making the rumakis."

Apartment Therapy tour: Color my world

2008-11-08T20:43:00.000-08:00

Apartment Therapyfeatured my loft for a House Tour last week. It was quite a ride! On the day of the publication, I kept hitting "refresh" on the AT Chicago main page, anxiously waiting for it to show up - until it finally did! I was nervous about the comments I would get, but the readers where all very generous and nice. So thank you AT, for a wonderful experience!

A few of the readers have been asking about the paint colors I've used, so I will post them all here instead of flooding the AT post with my answers. Enjoy!

Bedroom and dining room: "Pluie Glaciale" (the darker shade) and "Croquis" by Sico

Bathroom:"Ciel d'Équinoxe" by Sico

Kitchen and living room: "Via Roma" by Sico

Front door: "Scarlet" by CIL

Office door: "Brilliant" by C.I.L.

What to do with pomegranate?

2008-11-08T16:23:00.000-08:00

Every week, my friendly online grocer gives out free items for every 50 bucks spent. So today, I found two free bags of pomegranate with my order. They're so red! So pretty! But what to do with them?

I don't really like them in fruit salads, but they tempt me in savory dishes. I remember Nigella once making a gorgeous yogourt sauce with mint, honey and the red seeds of the fruit. She drizzled it on grilled lamb chops and it looked delicious. That sounds good. Or maybe I could make my own pomegranate molasses? Hum...

It's not often that I am stumped by an ingredient. So for now, I guess I'll just use the pomegranates as fruity décor.

The Fog

2008-11-08T07:19:00.001-08:00

Pictures taken on my way to work a few mornings ago. I love fog... It's like the city is getting all comfy and quiet in a blanket of silver moisture.

Corners of my Home: Jet-setter Monster

2008-11-07T13:10:00.000-08:00

This monster clearly has a taste for travel: he's ready to learn all about italian cuisine AND learn a foreign language (I think he's from Dijon, France originally).

How do you say "I come in peace" in Japanese anyway?

Places I'll never shop at - part 4

2008-11-07T13:02:00.000-08:00

Look, a tiny dancing logo! Aw!

Miss Scarlet

2008-11-05T22:03:00.000-08:00

I love red as an accent - maybe a little too much. It just makes me happy! Besides the door, it can be found all over my house...

For example, this vintage Merlin electronic game and Tron figurine

My sweet squirrel

The awesome ACME sign on the laundry room door

That retro clock

What's your favorite accent color?

Inspired friends

2008-11-05T17:49:00.001-08:00

Last year, my friends MC and Franky Gun left their Montreal life behind to rediscover the joys of living in a small town - and owning a big house! With one kid on the way and rooms aplenty for many more, the couple has started to make this huge three-story cottage (that they lovingly call "the mansion") their own, room by room. I went for a vist last week-end for a big Halloween bash and I was charmed by the old wooden floors and by the huge garden, but even more by the quirky decor and stylish revamps.

A few favorites:

Vintage chinese checkers board as wall art

Industrial light over the funky dinning room table with victorian chairs

Vintage tin sign held up by a corn pick - aww!

Reclaimed cabinet as bar

Like this house? Want to practice your French? Then head out to Blanc Mansion, MC and Franky Gun's blog.

My new favorite metro station

2008-11-03T17:57:00.000-08:00

So I was going to go meet my friend Ellen at metro Villa-Maria when I realized that I'd never actually been there. What I discovered was the Most Awesome Station in the History of Ever.

Those colors!

Those groovy benches!

Those pac-man like sculptures!

I think I'm in love.

Curing the bathroom

2008-10-27T12:17:00.000-07:00

I've been doing an informal Apartment therapy Fall Cure these last few weeks and finished the bathroom yesterday. There's nothing like trashing expired stuff, unused hand cream that smell like aunt Lorraine and unfortunate perfume choices to feel all refreshed. And girly. Using vintage jars and tins to hide the ugly stuff is my trick to keep things looking swell. The clean look of products that are put away according to package colour is just an added bonus.

Click on pick to see notes galore!

Places I'll never shop at: Part 3

2008-10-26T15:08:00.001-07:00

Hi, I'm Creepy.
Hi, I'm Creepy too.
Hi, I'm also Creepy.

Colourful doors

2008-10-25T09:17:00.000-07:00

Mary of Shelterrific posted a blog about painting one of her doors a beautiful shade of turquoise. I'm a big advocate for painted doors and think they are the best way to add some cheer to a room without much efforts and risk, especially if you live in an open concept condo or a loft, like I do.

Of course, since I chose red and yellow for my doors, the effortless part was not part fo the equation in my case. Both doors needed 5-6 coats to be perfect. Good thing it only took 10 minutes to apply each of these coats!

beeeep beeeep beeeeep!

2008-10-24T07:07:00.001-07:00

Remember when I talked about the alarm getting tested at my place in my last blog? Well, I'm all for safety in my home, but this situation was enough to drive anyone crazy. Imagine this: 182 units had to be tested. That meant that every 2 minutes or so, as the people in charge tested another loft, the very loud alarm beeped in every unit and in the hall for 30 seconds.

BEEP BEEP BEEP!

BEEP BEEP BEEP!

I was trying to work, but it was impossible to concentrate. Then, I had a flash of genius and installed this noise-stopping apparatus on the alarm "speaker" to lower the volume until it was my turn to get the check-up:

I don't think I've ever seen an alarm technician laugh this hard.

Give Mies a chance

2008-10-22T10:04:00.000-07:00

My friends are awesome.

After spending the morning working from home because I had to welcome the people who are taking care of the inspection of our fire alarm system (BEEEEP! BEEEEEP! BEEEEP!), I came back to work with this little gift from Jessica and Jeremy waiting for me on my desk: a cute button that says "Give Mies a Chance". Jess said that she had no choice but to buy it for me as soon as they saw it. That makes her a very, very wise woman. And officialy Awesome.

Aww!

Places I'll never shop at - Part Two

2008-10-21T20:31:00.000-07:00

But I'll admit the free fried chicken is tempting.

I love how they will give you credit even if you are newlyweds, bankrupt or on social security. Because those three things are all bad. The first one is totally a reason why you usualy don't get credit. Yeah...

Other scenarios that are A-ok for credit in this store's world, but usualy no-go anywhere else:
- having them shifty eyes
- being a stamp aficionado
- not being able to cook
- having no sense of smell
- being a horse

I need plants

2008-10-20T15:48:00.000-07:00

This is the only potted plant I own:

It hasn't grown in months. I'm getting worried. Hee.

Well, I do have a geranium that bloomed twice last summer, even if it stayed indoors. And I do buy fresh flowers pretty much every week. But I need plants, real ones - the ones that freshen the air and make the room feel alive. The problem is that I need really sturdy ones, or my cat will trash them. And my bedroom and kitchen are in the back of the loft and get no sunlight, so that's another factor. I need help!

It's been so long since I had any potted greenery that I don't even know what I like anymore. I know I don't like cactus (or is it "cacti"?), that plant that looks like it's growing miniature green bananas, and those that need watering every day.

I do like plants that get flowers. And plants that are tree-like. Flowers are nice. Trees are fun.

The search goes on...

Pimp my Closet

2008-10-18T21:55:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I finally got around to organizing my closet better. I added plain Ikea towel bars on the wall to hang my necklaces and scarfs from, and painted the frame of an old mirror yellow to match the vintage "Crissy Velvet" toy suitcase I already had hung in there (it holds my earrings). Already, I've been wearing my necklaces a lot more just because, well, you tend to use what you have right in front of your eyes.

On the top shelf, I used decorative boxes to store summer clothes and bags. The tiny apple is my favorite. It's a miniature evening purse that you slip on your wrist. It barely holds anything : it's perfect to hold a lipstick, ID card and cabfare.

Places I'll Never Shop At - Part One

2008-10-17T20:14:00.000-07:00

Tasty treats

2008-10-15T19:03:00.000-07:00

I picked up a few danishes on my way home form a stroll at Couleurs last Saturday. And by Danishes I mean Danish furniture. And by furniture I mean these two pieces of awesomeness:

How sweet is that?

I keep switching around the knick-nacks I have on the second one, but I'm in love with the built-in lamps. I love to turn them on and off by pushing the little button.

It goes "sklic, sklouc. Sklic, sklouc."

Save the squirrels!

2008-10-07T16:25:00.000-07:00

Here in the Province of Quebec, there is a village called Saint-Jean-Port-Joli that is reknowned for its wood sculptures. Some are very innovative, but most are your typical rustic scenes: "fisherman holding a pipe", "Lady knitting in a chair" and "Peasants in the field" come to mind. I don't really like the style, but hey, who am I to judge.

They also come in souvenir-size animal shapes. The squirrels are my favourites. I see them often in flea markets and thrift stores, abandonned and lonely, a patina of dust slowly building on their pine fur. But there is hope yet for these citizens of the wood ménagerie! To save the squirrels and turn them into cute décor, all you need is a coat of spray paint.

Before

During

After

So let's all save the squirrels, on fresh coat of paint at a time!

This week's flowers

2008-10-06T19:27:00.000-07:00

This corner of my house is like that hot spot on the beaches of the French Riviera, where all the babes gather to get some sun and drink panachés. This week, it welcomed a few bathing beauties in white bathing suits. I think they're waiting for that cute swimming instructor to call and invite them to the ice cream social.

They even have a cute little dress picked out.

To start with, a quick note.

2008-10-06T18:56:00.000-07:00

I love plastic furniture. I love brick walls. I love my home - maybe because it has a brick wall and lots of vintage plastic stuff. I've been blogging about it, in French, for a few years. I wanted to try the same formula in English. Lately, I've made a lot of friends on many amazing blogs, but most speak only English.

So there you go, pals of the world: welcome to my home.

It's okay, you can keep your shoes on.