Monday, July 26, 2010

Summer Citrus: Lemon Heaven

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Lemon yellow aint so mellow, but it’s popping up more and more in decor these days! Often paired with grounding greys and classic black and white, lemon provides instant sunshine and just oozes happiness!

Here are some of my favourite lemon pieces:

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trollsta side table

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Seguso Lemon Yellow Opaline Murano Lamps on Marble

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"Growing Pains" 6x6 $75 by Danielle Hession

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yellow warp dining chair


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Marni Overleaf Yellow Rug

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Armless Chair in Canary Maize

Lemon Drop Martini

  • 1 1/2 ounces vodka
  • 1/2 ounce triple sec
  • 1 teaspoon superfine sugar
  • 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Twisted peel of lemon
  1. Combine all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice
  2. Pour into martini glass and garnish with lemon peel

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Scenes of Stratford

Last summer the boy and I didn’t have the time to take a substantial vacay, so we did a weekend excursion to nearby Stratford, Ontario instead. Although many now recognize Stratford simply as the birthplace of Bieber, the town truly is a charming little getaway spot to escape summer in the city.

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We stayed at a cute B&B called Albert Square that had a beautiful wild garden in the backyard and served delicious local strawberries and cream for breakfast.

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We saw a fabulous production of West Side Story  and toured the Shakespeare gardens with grand statues of the famous playwright.

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We paid a visit to the farmers market at the Stratford rotary complex and picked up local cheeses and breads to eat for a picnic by the Thames River.

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I purchased some delicious black cherry loose leaf tea from Distinctly Tea, perfect for summer pool-side brews!

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I of course had to hit some antique shops, such as Funky Junk and Land and Ross to troll for treasures.

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One of the highlights was eating at Rundles, a renowned restaurant on the ground floor of the Rundles Morris House, designed by the Canadian architectural firm Shim-Sutcliffe.

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A soothing water feature complete with lily pads and koi created a dramatic entry to the restaurant.

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The modern architecture, complete with exposed concrete, plenty of stainless steel, airy glass, and warm wood stands out against the rest of Stratford’s more traditional and historical buildings.

It’s the food of course, modern French cuisine prepared by Chef Neil Baxter, that really exceeds expectations though:

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The boy ordered duck confit with braised eggplant and steamed edamame – delish!

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I tried the Ontario lamb with golden beetroot caponata, wilted greens, enoki mushrooms, roasted squash, and fresh goats'-milk cheese- quite the combo!

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One of the more interesting apps was a shrimp, Dungeness crab, and cucumber roll with orange and ginger essences, and tobiko  coloured with wasabi- such beautiful presentation!

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I really enjoyed the slightly smoked salmon tartar garnished with Florence fennel and sour apple, and salmon roe

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The desserts were really imaginative. We had the DARK dark chocolate praline, espresso granita and "Indian Summer" zabaglione, which was served in a martini glass.

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But the best by far was the poached apple dessert which was served with candied apple ice cream…mmmm!

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Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Pendant Love

I am intrigued by the industrial yet glam caviar lighting from Laura Kirar's Arteriors Home collection.

Available in polished nickel and clear glass or brown nickel and smoke glass (shown), the unusual cluster shape of the chandelier and the combo of glass and metal mesh would be amazing suspended from a loft's unfinished ceiling over a weathered farmhouse table.

Caviar Polished Nickel/Clear Glass Large Pendant

The caviar pendants are also available in individual sizes and would be interesting used as singles over an island, with the larger cluster over an adjoining dining table...

You can find both the chandelier and pendants on display at ELTE

anyone care for caviar?...

Friday, July 9, 2010

Summer Citrus Part 2: Sublime Lime

The zesty hue of lime inspires feelings of kinetic energy and natural exuberance. Lime’s refreshing jolt of colour can be a great choice for modern interiors because it really pops against a sleek neutral background.

Here are some sublime lime design picks:

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Erin Catharine, Through the Trees #2, Oil and resin on panel, 48"x60"

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Napoleon III Club Chair

 

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CB2 scroll green tray

 

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Jonathan Adler Positano Asterik pillow

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Madeira Rug

 

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1950s Green Metal Chandelier

And now that we’ve covered the interiors, here is a sweet lime-based summer sip!

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Lime Collins

1½ oz gin
2 oz limeade (or lemonade)
½ lime, juiced
2 sprigs fresh mint
soda water

  1. Combine gin and lime juice in a tall collins glass.
  2. Add in mint sprigs and muddle lightly.
  3. Top with limeade and soda and garnish with a lime twist.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Any Seasoned East-Coaster's Out There?

Dave and I are off to Providence, Newport, Provincetown, Nantucket and Boston for two weeks – does anyone have tips for us where to stay, eat and shop? I have never been to Rhode Island or The Cape so please e-mail or comment with your suggestions!

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In the meantime I will drool over the nautical John Derian decoupage until I get the real thing!

Friday, July 2, 2010

Summer Citrus Part 1: Orange

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Now that we’re into our first July weekend, I thought I’d embrace our balmy summer weather with some sunny citrus design and an accompanying tangy treat.

Orange is up first with its vibrant energy and sweet punchy appeal. Here are some of my favourite orange pieces:

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clockwise: Snob Leather Console, Jonathan Adker Capri Bottle Lamp, Made Goods Brooke Mirror, Collection of Murano Orange Glass, Pieces French Provincial Occasional Chairs, Avalon Hermes Throw

Now for the treat: a sweet orange blossom cocktail!

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  • 1 oz fresh orange juice, chilled
  • 1 oz Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur, chilled
  • 1 oz tablespoons mandarin-flavored vodka (such as Absolut Mandarin), chilled
  • Champagne or sparkling wine, chilled
  • 1 orange peel strip
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    1. Pour orange juice,Grand Marnier and vodka into a martini glass.
    2. Top with a few splashes of champagne or sparkling wine.
    3. Garnish with orange peel and serve.

    Enjoy!