At Home with Kim Vallee

ENTERTAINING, OUTDOOR entertaining | March 9, 2009

Bought a CoolBar at Costco

It is an affordable all in one accessory for outdoor entertaining. It’s a cooler, a coffee table and party table for my patio. 42 regular cans fit inside the cooler. It comes with two practical drainage features: a small hole at the center of the flat surface plus a drain plug inside the cooler. You [...]

ENTERTAINING, OUTDOOR entertaining | March 6, 2009

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A Bold Orange Theme for Eating on the Patio

I am impatient about the return of the warmer weather when we can eat outside. The spring and summer collection are arriving in store. I read on MoCo Loco that IKEA will carry amazing outside lighting fixtures, either solar or fit for a rechargeable battery, this summer. My favorite are the battery-operated mushroom shaped SOLIG [...]

DINING, FOOD + drinks | January 22, 2009

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More Spa Water recipes: Cucumber and Rosemary Water + Citrus and Apple Water

Last year, I gave you my recipe for cucumber water. My ingredients were cucumber, mint sprigs and half a lemon. This time I am suggesting two variations on the theme. Cucumber and Rosemary Water recipe Cut 10 cucumber slices for one branch of fresh rosemary. Put the cucumber and rosemary in a pitch. Fill the half of the pitcher [...]

ENTERTAINING, OUTDOOR entertaining | January 12, 2009

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Volute Wine Bottles are made of recycled aluminum

Earlier today I told you about aluminum water bottles with cool prints. Now, I discovered a wine company that desires to make it easy for you to enjoy a glass of wine anywhere. The Wine Bottle Volute claims this is the 21st century way to drink wine. Their bottle is made of a sturdy aluminum with a [...]

HOME + GARDEN, OUTDOOR space | August 6, 2008

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Dine, Dance and Lounge In Style with Emu Outdoor Furniture

If you wish to make a statement, check out the exceptional wicker collection from Emu. It is nothing like you ever seen before. The Yucca chairs were featured on an episode of Take It Outside where they were used as dining chairs. The high back means that adds lots of impact to a garden. The [...]

HOME + GARDEN, OUTDOOR space, TRENDS | July 23, 2008

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Revealing the Secrets of An Amazing Entertaining Backyard

This white and red backyard shares the South Beach hip vibes. This is the outdoor space of a couple with young children. The magnificent backyard of Doris and Anthony Lapico was featured in Canadian House and Home last summer. The couple divided their huge backyard in activity zones. From the draped cabanas to the [...]

DINING, FOOD + drinks, OUTDOOR entertaining | July 9, 2008

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Petanque and Picnic in the City Park

G. from my network got a fabulous idea. He organizes weekly friendly pétanque games in the park. Everyone brings their own boules and food. He brings a portable BBQ. Make Your Own Club Sometimes entertaining can be as simple as planning and hosting an event around an hobby. Everyone can bring their own stuff. Still, the [...]

HOME + GARDEN, OUTDOOR space, TRENDS | July 7, 2008

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Modern Style Pools Fit For Entertaining

I have a thing for square modern pools that are more on the Zen minimalist side. As you can see by looking at these pictures, you can create an elaborate pools with clean lines. The first pool (1) is an ad from House of Lavande, the vintage jewelry shop. The pool is so hip! If [...]