At Home with Kim Vallee

GIFT IDEAS, HOSTESS gifts | January 17, 2010

Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies by Tea Aura

I enjoy shortbread cookies because they are not too sweet. I bake my own but I also like to try gourmet shortbread cookies. After all, they come handy when you are in a hurry. My latest find is the Matcha Shortbread cookies from Tea Aura, a small brand located in Toronto. I could not stop [...]

ENTERTAINING, PARTY ideas | November 2, 2009

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The Dessert Table for my Husband’s Birthday Party

I wanted to do something totally different than last year event for my husband’s birthday. Doing an Amy Atlas-inspired dessert table seemed fun. But first, I had to convince my husband since his first reaction was: this is too girlie! He sent me a clear message: no apothecary jars, no feminine shape for the tableware. My [...]

CAKES and baked goods, ENTERTAINING | October 25, 2009

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Boo Sprinkles Cupcakes and their Sprinklesmobile

The idea of a spiced apple cake studded with granny smith apple topped with buttery caramel cream cheese frosting is very tempting. This Halloween flavor with the ghost and Boo decorations will be available every day up to Halloween. By the way, Sprinkles Cupcakes joined last June the cupcake truck trend that we see emerging across the [...]

CAKES and baked goods, ENTERTAINING | October 7, 2009

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To Die For Halloween Cakes

For the second time this year, I succumbed to the fabulous cake creations of Cakegirls. This Chicago-based duo is quite busy. Looking at their skills, you can understand why people hire Cakegirls. Organizing huge parties at Halloween is part of the tradition. With its increased popularity, Halloween is on the verge of becoming an holiday. Who [...]

CAKES and baked goods, ENTERTAINING | July 6, 2009

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Tired of Cupcakes? Get a Macaron Tower for your Next Party

I absolutely adore the five tiered tower of Paulette Macarons that holds 60 assorted macarons. In case you do not know him, Christophe Michalak is one of the most renowned pastry chefs. Modern version When Laduree reinvented the macaron at the start of the 20th century, they could not anticipate that their creations would be so popular [...]

KIDS + BABY, KIDS party | June 16, 2009

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Invite Garden and Jungle Creatures to a Kid Brunch

These pancake molds should be a hit at your next family brunch or the morning after a sleepover birthday party. They may need a little practice so make sure to try them out a few times before you use them for a crowd. Make sure to brush with oil or butter the griddle and molds. [...]

DINING, FOOD + drinks | March 5, 2009

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Breakfast Mood for my Thursday’s Quick Links 2009.03.05

I love eating breakfast. It may because I adore French pastry. I scoured a few pictures to inspire you for the most important meal of the day. + A natural-light photographer took the first picture. Anna Jones of Indie Art Photoblog took his at Les Madeleines Patisserie & Café in Salt Lake City. It [...]

DINING, EATING out | February 24, 2009

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Tartine Bakery and Cafe in San Francisco

I am delighted that I discovered earlier today a bakery in San Francisco called Tartine Bakery. I am sure if I told you that San Francisco is my favorite US cities; then, it is New York and the Los Angeles area. I spot this charming bakery and café while reading the fabulous Black Eiffel blog. It [...]