At Home with Kim Vallee

GIFT IDEAS, Gifts for the COOK | November 12, 2009

Upside-Down Herb Gardening with Sky Planters by Boskke

As a cook, it is important to have my reserve of fresh herbs. Nothing beats the taste of freshly cut herbs. I am currently looking at a simple way to keep fresh herbs indoors without using space on my floor or the counter. An extra small Sky Planter could be it. The Sky Planters remind me [...]

COOKBOOKS, DINING | November 10, 2009

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Discover Pasta History in the Encyclopedia of Pasta

What a pretty sight! These are pasta made by food historian and food teacher Oretta Zanini De Vita. As you can see, making pasta has so secret for her. She owns vintage pasta tools including a wooden stamp that mints pasta like coins. It is splendid. Encyclopedia of Pasta Oretta Zanini De Vita wrote a 300-page encyclopedia about [...]

HOME + GARDEN, ORGANIZING | November 6, 2009

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Writing Slates by Bliss in a Teacup | etsy watch

Another find on etsy. This one would make a great holiday gift. I like the concept behind the writing slates produced by a a half kiwi-half canadian couple living with their cat in Vancouver. It is effectively simple. You have a choice of two permanent titles: “Today” or “This Week”. + Writing Slates – Planning edition [...]

HOME + GARDEN, ORGANIZING | November 2, 2009

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Home Accessories by Susan Bradley

Everyday items can be functional and pretty. I like this brown branch log rack. Susan Bradley designs and produces a unique range of interior and exterior products. She shows us that small storage solutions can neatly decorate our space. She brings visual impacts to your home without neglecting the functionality of the object. The shelf life series [...]

KIDS + BABY, KIDS rooms | October 22, 2009

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Papercut Night Lights by Fog and Thistle

If you are looking for a baby shower gift or a wonderful small Christmas gift for new parents, this could be it. A night light is a must when you live with babies and young kids. but savvy-design parents wish for something more than a basic night light. Crafter Rachel Weber of Fog and Thistle hand [...]

DINING, TABLEWARE | October 6, 2009

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New Whimsical Products at Fred & Friends

Almost 30 new whimsical products were added. Out of these 29 additions, five caught my attention. I deemed these 5 to be the more practical. + First, Stone Cold, the icy icons from Easter Island is fun. This is another fun silicone ice cube tray that would look great in any tropical drinks or a mystery [...]

COOKING tools, DINING | August 26, 2009

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Better Ways to Prepare, Measure, Store and Serve Food with Royal VKB

I love the ingenuity of the design behind every Royal VKB products. Their motto, Thought for Food says it all. This Dutch housewares company always succeed to grab my attention. If only, I could find a Canadian retailer who carries the entire range of Royal VKB. A new product, Table Bin would appreciate by students who live with [...]

ENTERTAINING, PAPER goods | May 4, 2009

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Stashing Journals and Handmade Soaps as Gifts for All Occasions

One way I simplify my life is by storing a few gifts that I can use for any occasions. This way when I am invited to an impromptu event and I am too busy to go shopping, I do not panic. I spotted those pretty journals and beautiful handmade soaps at Pink Door Paper Company, a [...]