Weekend Cocktail #18: Avenue Cooler

Labour day weekend -- the last official burst of summer! The weather is actually supposed to be beautiful the next couple of days so make a big pitcher of Avenue Cooler and enjoy the warm air while we have it!

I like to serve this in a glass drink dispenser for a casual patio vibe but the cool green colour is also suiting to a sleeker glass pitcher.

 

Avenue Cooler

• 2 cups Hypnotiq
• 2 cups absolut citron
• 2 cup passionfruit juice
• 3 cups lemonade
• 2 cups club soda
• lemon and lime twists, for garnish

1. Add all ingredients into a large pitcher or drink dispenser and stir to mix.
2. Garnished with lemon twists.
3. Serve over ice.

 

(top photo via kaboodle)

Beauty is My Business: Moroccanoil™

I'm excited to post about this product because Moroccanoil™ has truly been a godsend for my unruly mane.

As a natural curly-q who once upon a time used straightening treatments and who now visits the colourist every 6 weeks, my hair is DAMAGED. I blow dry as rarely as I can and try not to iron it too much, but there's no getting around the fact that my hair needs some serious TLC.

Enter Moroccanoil:  2 weeks ago my colourist Angelo used it on me post-colouring and I swear I am a changed woman!

Gone is the crunchy ponytail and in is luxurious softness that I can't stop running my hands through.

You're probably thinking what I was thinking: hair oil? Ew no thanks it'll be so heavy, greasy and gross -- but what makes this product so unique is its ultra light formula that absorbs instantly with no build-up.

Post shower, I run a tablespoon or two it through my hair, paying special attention to the ends and only applying a teensy to my crown. It may not be the best anti-frizz but it cuts drying time down by over a third and takes some of the kink out of my hair. Some people mix it with other styling products and style and some just put it into a braid and let it air dry...either way you'll end up with the softest hair imaginable!

The special ingredient is Argan oil, which has traditionally been used by women in Morocco for centuries to treat hair and nails in order to counteract the effects of the hot climate and aging. With unsaturated fatty acids and tocopherols, Argan oil naturally renews cell structure and restores shines to dull lifeless hair.

Major bonus, it smells AMAZING. Like so good that you wonder what new heavenly perfume has just been released into the air. The scent is refreshing and breezy without being too heavy or floral like Herbal Essences and if you were to watch me like a fly on the wall in the office you'd see my sniffing my hair periodically because it's just that yummy.

You can find Moroccanoil™ at most salons ad beauty supply stores. Let me know what you think if you try it!

From Russia With Love

Versace's Russian Dream China Collection has struck quite a chord with me. I'm not usually a fan of the designer's opulent and loud aesthetic but this Rosenthal porcelain collection is very tempting!

The pretty pastel shades and gold accents are dramatic while still being feminine and soft. The greek key motif is elegant and I love the idea of having a diniing room that would pick up the china's colours.

 

 

While I probably wouldn't buy every piece (the beaky gold handles on the tea cups are not for me!), I totally adore the smaller plates, serving dishes and taller tea cups.

And the Survey Winner Is....

Nicole of So Haute! 

Thanks to everyone who took the time to give me their feedback.

Some nuggets of wisdom I discovered are that a lot of you work in communications (just like me!) and that a lot of you really enjoy the Toronto shopping posts.

I'm going to try and give you more of what you want but in the meantime, I will be sending Nicole her lovely prize pack from Teatro Verde consisting of:

• a pretty silver julep cup
• a patterned tape measure any design enthusiast would be proud to use at her fave decor store (by wild & wolf)
• lovely set of powder room serviettes in a groovy ikat-esque navy and white pattern

Thanks again to all of my readers!

Thanks Kay!

The lovely Kay of I’m Not Really A Diva (trust me she’s not- I actually know her!) awarded me a blog award!

Her kind words are oh so ever sweet, so thanks so much girl! If you haven’t already, go check out her fantastic blog – especially you Canucks as she’s a fellow Torontonian. (and it was her birthday yesterday- yay!)

Talk To The Hand

PEACE, $225

Would you do it?

Nanette's Lair

How creative and whimsical is fashion designer Nanette Lepore's home?

It's not hard to see designer Jonathan Adler's signature touches in the decor: the bright colours, the humorous artwork, the popping prints. I love how eclectic it is!

(Photos via Point Click Home)

Satin Sass

How glamorous is this evening dress by 3.1 Philip Lim?

The subtle crystal embellishments are so retro - like a mix of a flapper and Marilyn Monroe in one sexy satin package!

I can so see Rachel Bilson wearing this look...

Fan pleat dress, $750 via netaporter

Survey Update

After 60 responses, the survey is now closed.

Tonight I will pick the winner of the fabulous Teatro Verde prize pack so stay tuned to see if you're the lucky one!

Thanks for all of your awesome feedback.

(photo via on volcano)

Loving Robert Brown

Check out the fantabulous townhouse Robert Brown created for Traditional Home's Showhouse in Woodstock, Atlanta:

The geometric patterns (including a luxe chevron design on the arm-chair that screams Missoni) and the soothing palette with pops of vibrant colour to liven it up is so livable and chic.

(Photos via Traditional Home's May 2008 Issue)

Weekend Cocktail #17: Spice Route's Zen-Gria

Toronto's asian-inspired hot-spot Spice Route offers up its own version of Sangria, aptly titled Zen-Gria. Rather than traditional wine, it uses pear sake, plum wine and mandarin vodka to give it some kick. Toronto Life published the recipe so if you're willing to pick up some more exotic ingredients, than try it out for yourself:

Spice Route's Zen-Gria

• 3 cups of papaya juice
• 3 ounces of Asian pear sake
• 3 ounces of plum wine
• 3 ounces of mandarin vodka
• Blueberries
• Blackberries and raspberries
• Lime, lemon and orange slices

1. Combine juice, alcohol and fruit in a pitcher - ta da!

Last Chance for a Design Prize Pack!

If you haven’t already, please  click here to take my quick and painless survey on your thoughts about The World According to Jessica Claire.

I’m picking up the prize package this weekend from Teatro Verde and I promise you it’s worth the 2 minutes it will take to fill out the survey -- so do it now and enter yourself to win!

Merci! Merci! Merci!

A Peacock Kitchen

British kitchen designer Christopher Peacock has built himself a mighty reputation after 15 years of servicing a devout international clientele. Famous for designing "the white kitchen," Peacock's company takes about 12 weeks to make and deliver a kitchen at a premium price.

Peacock is a busy guy! In addition to a line of paint and the Greenwich shop Peacock & Beale, he has cabinetry showrooms in San Francisco, Greenwich, Boston, Los Angeles and Chicago and next year one will open one in Manhattan, AND he also drums in a rock band!

Here are some his drool-worthy designs:

(top photo via NY Times)

A Rainbow of Sweaters

Featherweight merino glass-button cardigan

Extra-fine merino wool

14-gauge knit

V-neck

Faceted Czech glass buttons

Rib trim and patch pockets

J. Crew

$88

Which colour will you choose?

(I went for the purple and grey)