I want to invite all my Canadian readers (except Quebec) to participate in the Pillsbury Baking Challenge. What you need to do to participate is to submit your original recipe made with at least one Pillsbury product. Your recipe can be an appetizer, an entree or a dessert.

The Grand Prize is worth $10,000 CAD. The grand prize winner will receive 4 new Whirlpool appliances and a year’s worth of groceries. The grand winner will get more time to cook and bake with one year of housekeeping services by Molly Maid. There are 3 category prizes and 6 honourable mention prizes.

Judging Team

You have until November 15th, 2009 to submit your original recipe. Know that I am one of the 5 judges for the Baking Challenge with:

• Jennifer Hamilton of Domestic Goddess,
• Erica Ehm of Yummy Mummy Club,
• the Olympian champion Carol Huynh,
• and Jackie Gallagher, a Pillsbury’s kitchenista

It is worth mentioning that Pillsbury gave $500 to a local food bank of my choice. I selected Moisson Montreal, which is Canada’s largest food bank. Moisson Montreal celebrates their 25th anniversary this year.

Now you know why I needed a nice portrait. I wish all participants good luck. Tell your friends about the Baking Challenge. Come back to visit my blog since I will host a surprise gift basket giveaway for Pillsbury before Christmas.

MORE:
+ Pillsbury Baking Challenge

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In case you missed it, the November 2009 issue of Wallpaper showcased forty of the best things from ten of their favorite global destinations. You will find the best from USA, Canada, UK, Scandinavia, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Brazil and Japan.

From Canada, I discover a few names that I did not know. On the architecture front, I love the work by Süperkul in Toronto. I am fond of the cottage they designed on an island in Georgian Bay. This is my type of cottage by the lake.

The best of the SHIFT cottage by Süperkul?

The SHIFT cottage has a must have feature for a summer place. It is a bridge to link the private and public areas. One volume contains the living spaces while a second section is dedicated to sleeping and washing areas. This allows you to have friends over for the weekend but keep your privacy when you feel like it.

Another good luxury is the wood deck terraces that fold into the island on three sides. Who would not want to read a book in this living room?

I am sure that I will present you more fabulous designers from their listing over the next few weeks.

MORE:
+ SHIFT cottage by süperkul architect
+ Fab 40: Canada on Wallpaper

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I composed this menu for people who are tired of eating roasted turkey at Thanksgiving. Instead, I favor dishes that I associate with a family dinner. This is simple menu suitable for autumn without going to the obvious pumpkins and root vegetable recipes.

+ The meal starts with a Rustic Mushroom and Cream Cheese Tart that you could serve in the living room with a nice red wine. It is the right time to catch up on what happening with everyone. Via Ginger Rose.

+ Once you move to the dining table, serve a Potato and Leek Soup with a warm rustic bread. You can try to bake a no-knead bread. Via Food Network.

+ The movie Julie and Julia certainly revived the Boeuf Bourguignon. I could not be happier since a boeuf bourguignon is an practical main dish to serve a large crowd. Via She Eat Bears.

+ Try the Green Bean Salad with Roasted Almonds and Shallot Dressing as a side dish. Via Our Chocolate Shavings.

+ For dessert, make the Toffee Apple Upside Down Cake that I saw on Inn Cuisine

More Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

If this menu does not inspire you, check out my previous Thanksgiving menu suggestions.

• Menu and inspirations for a Thanksgiving dinner party
• 2007 Thanksgiving Menu
• Thanksgiving Menu and Tabletop Ideas
• Side Dish Recipes for Thanksgiving
• Back to Basics Thanksgiving Menu

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Whenever a colleague or a acquaintance gets a new home, we may be tempted to give  a small housewarming gift. If you know where to look, it is possible to give something that look great on a tight budget.

One brand that delivers years after years fun, modern and well-designed products is Umbra. I selected things for the kitchen or for entertaining that would make simple housewarming gifts.

1. Splat trivet $10.50 CAD
2. Perf trivet $10.50 CAD
3. Splat spoon rest $6.50 CAD
4. Paddle spoon rest $7.50 CAD
5. Grapevine wine rack $23.50 CAD

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Poppytalk handmade is a great online market place where you can to fall upon unique finds. You can find original pieces like these illustrations by Matte Stevens. It happens to depict two places I have been to.

+ Gramercy Park NYC illustrates a stunning area. It is unbelievable that a fenced-in private park still exists in New York. There is another private park in Queens. Gramercy Park is open once a year to the public. Otherwise, it is only available for the residents of the few buildings that share this property. 8.5 x 11 print $35 USD
+ Canal Street New Orleans $85 USF for a limited edition 16 x 20 print.

+ From Solstice Home, I like the idea of Take a Note or Two for your home office or to keep in the kitchen. Sold on etsy from $18 USD.

+ Avril Loreti designed Blackboard Coasters with equations. Perfect for a back-to-school party. Thereafter, you can use the coasters in your office. $14 USD for 4 on etsy.

Check out the Back-to-school Theme compiled by Poppytalk Handmade as they are more great finds.

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While I was on etsy, I came across this crayon roll by Little Bird Designs of Vancouver, BC. This is one thing that parents should always carry with them. This ready-to-go crayon roll holds 10 crayons (or colored markers). Just roll, fold over – front to back – and tie! The crayons are included with the Animal Parade Crayon Roll. $12

Janick of Neawear contacted me to tell that she is having a sale on everyhting in her etsy store, including her gorgeous wall wear. You can save 15% if you buy before August 22, 2009. This is her 3rd year Anniversary Sale. Congrats on your anniversary, Janick!

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Everyone loves the sight of a gorgeous cakes. There are so much a part of any celebration. Thanks to #followfriday on Twitter, I discovered one more talented cake designer today. Lori Hutchinson is a Canadian who bakes from Collingwood, Ontario.

Besides her cake design, it is the styling of her cake photos that caught my attention. These were taken at a photo shoot with Erika and Ryan of Rowell Photography. Since her cake shop is called The Caketress, I feel the shots captured that essence.

Cupcake wraps add elegance. There are almost a must for a chic party. I also like when Lori puts her cupcakes inside traditional tea cups. These stitches are hand painted. She created that red and blue cake for an event organized by the Blue Mountain Foundation of the Arts.

MORE:
+ The Caketress
+ Photo credits: Rowell Photography – some shots may be from other photographers.
+ Follow me on Twitter

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I dream of making my own ice cream. My brother even bought me a machine a few years ago. I am ashamed to admit that I never made my own.

But it is about to change. I read on a plane an article about unique flavor combinations that inspire me. Ice cream made with chocolate and cooking herbs I adore. It reminded me of the pleasure I got when I first tasted a dark chocolate bar that contains thyme.

On my to do list this summer are (scroll a little bit the page):
Alex Burgess’ Lavender Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Susur Lee’s Chocolate and Coriander Ice Cream with Roasted Almonds

I was curious to know. Do you make your own ice cream? If so, what is your favorite flavor? Have you experiment with unique taste?

MORE:
+ Frozen Assets in En Route

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Canada is the premier producer of maple syrup. Although the number of producers is impressive, if there is a constant is the packaging. In fact, neither the producers or the distributors make an effort to distinguish their product through packaging.

The maple leaf is used as much as possible. Some have even developed complex bottle like a glass bottle in the shape of a maple leaf. Let’s face it. It lacks good design and elegance. This is where the founders of Studio Innova in Toronto come to play. Their intent with Ninutik is to present maple syrup through the lens of design, art and sugar-making.

The Collection in a Glimpse

They experiment with maple syrup to create new way to shape traditional maple syrup food like sweet maple sugar. They shaped the maple sugar as a perfect cube, lollipops, and round and square treat of the finest maple sugar.

After a meal, serve Marvel 35 as a mignardise with an espresso, tea, or cognac. The lollies of Bouquet 10 can be enjoyed alone, dipped in chocolate, or swirled in coffee or tea. For a special event, ask about the wood platter on which you plant the lollies.

Get an easy to use, refillable and recyclable vessel for serving the maple syrup with Squeeze 250. They add a cute black cap to the most popular bottle in Chef kitchens. The bottle holds 250 ml certified organic Canada No. 1 Light pure maple syrup.

For a unique wedding gift or birthday gift, go with Vitrum 100. Artists Alissa Coe and Carly Waito hand crafted a limited-edition porcelain bowl. This gift set includes a square bowl, lid and spoon displayed in a pinstripe box. Once the 100g of Ninutik’s granulated maple sugar is finished, the bowl can be used as a refined sugar bowl. Or the happy couple can order a refill of pure granulated maple sugar online.

The online store of Ninutik ships in Canada and the United States. Stock a few since all Ninutik products make ideal gift for the hostess or any occasion.

SOURCING:
+ Marvel 35 $16 for 8 treats: 4 round and 4 square
+ Squeeze 250 $15 CAD for
+ Bouquet 10 $16 CAD for 6 lollies
+ Vitrum 100 $100 CAD

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It may be too late but I still want to publish the info, just in case. Laura will do two signings for her latest book French Taste at Appetite for Books on today, May 30, 2009. Sadly, there is no words on the time. Apparently, you need to book your presence. To see if it is still possible for you to show up, call the bookstore at 514.369.2002. I wish they had a simpler system. Check out her datebook for details.

I will review French Taste in a few days.

SOURCING:
+ French Taste by Laura Calder $25.17 CAD at Amazon.ca

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I met and chatted a little with Grace of Design*Sponge last February when she sat on the Design Bloggers panel at IDS 09. She is a sweet girl.

Canadian House and Home wrote a two-page story on her. Grace told us to check the work produced by contemporary Australian and Mexican artists. She loves the way contemporary artists of both countries are informed by their indigenous culture. It results in vibrant color art pieces that feel fresh.

Canadian House and Home also asked Grace to select her favorite products and homes of the moment. You can admire 10 rooms that inspired her.  Grace is into vintage wallpapers. She shown us the vintage floral wallpaper she selected as the place setting for her wedding. I share her love for Thomaspaul pendants and lamps.

Grace currently favors Sherwin-Williams Verdant 6713. I included a picture of a green that is an easy to live with. When selecting a wall color, check what it looks like under the lighting conditions of your room. Select a color that could cheer you up during the day and be sophisticated at night for your dining and living rooms.

SOURCING:
+ Thomaspaul – Trees 3-Shade Pendant Lamp $550 – $595 USD
+ Vintage Wallpaper nr 64 50 € at wallpaper.be
+ Grace Bonney’s 10 Favourite Homes
+ June 2009 Canadian House and Home magazine

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I was looking for a different angle for my eco-friendly column. I own two cats. I decided to check what was happening in the cat product market. This is how I came across two Canadian design brands from British Columbia that make modern pet accessories with green considerations.

Plus, as an interior designer, I am thrilled by the look of the cat products. Instead of hidden them, you will want to show off your cat gears.

Modern Style Cat Beds

Kilowatt Studio produces two handcrafted cats beds made from wool, bamboo and organic cotton. Nest and Pod are suitable for cats and small dogs. Nest intertwining design reproduces the way birds make their nest. Even though the design of Nest is more unique, I prefer the clean lines of Pod.

Kilowatt gives a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every cat bed to the Vancouver Orphaned Kitten Rescue Association. Beware that these cat beds are not cheap. They are available online at Vûrv Design.

Raised Cat Feeders

Raising the bowl a few inches from the floor make it more comfortable and healthier for your cat. One of your bowls is 1 inch higher from the ground than the other and my cats fight for it. I am thinking of giving them raised bowls. Maow feeders are made from bent-ply and finished in a choice of real wood veneers and metal laminates. They are quite durable.

I am showing you the Maow Deluxe feeder, which is a prototype right now. It should become available in a near future. The Maow comes with three bowls: two on each side for serving food while you put water ion the middle bowl.

My cats drank from a fountain. The water stays fresher and colder that way. If you go often for the weekend, a big fountain simplifies your life.

SOURCING:
+ Nest cat bed $529 USD
+ Pod cat bed $459 USD
+ Maow Fedder wood finish $98 USD, aluminum and painted plywood $106

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