Anne Schultz of Hello Hanna sent me an email to introduce her awesome playful placements for kids. They will keep your kids occupied while you are preparing the meal. I think it is a great idea since you probably notice that kids enjoy very much playing with stickers. My nephew and niece are doing it all the time.

For a party or a day-long play date, it is a fun activity that is quick and fast to set up. Plus, on the back of placemats, their is an activity area. You can vary the activity each time or let you kid draw what they like.

Four pop-up characters with their own sheet of stickers are packaged in set of 8 placemats. Kids can choose their character and dress it the way they like. I like this product for the peace of mind and its creative value.

Get-set placemats is available in three themes: robot, animal jungle and girlie dolls. You could also buy a set for home that you use on Sundays. The placemats are printed on heavyweight uncoated paper stock. Therefore, they are not reusable.

The gals behind Hello Hanna, Anne Schultz and Jina Choi, are moms living in San Francisco, California. They used their knowledge of early-child development to to spark kids creativity.

SOURCING:
+ Get-set placemats $14.95 USD

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PARK(ing) Day is an annual, one-day global event where artists, activists and citizens collaborate to temporarily transform metered parking spots into public parks or installations.

The idea started in 2005 when REBAR, a San Francisco art and design studio, challenges people to rethink the way streets are used. They wish to reinforce the need for broad-based changes to urban infrastructure.

As someone who walks everywhere I can instead of taking my car, I share their feeling. Urban planners and developers should put priority on pedestrians and imagine cities where we can walk more instead of driving. Walking is good for your mind and your body. You feel more relaxed when you walk than when you drive in traffic.

Popularity of PARK(ing) Day

PARK(ing) Day happened in several cities across the globe. In 2008, 500 PARK installations were done in 100 cities spread in 4 continents. People created picnic places, meeting places, gardening exhibits, kid pool areas, temporary library up to a free health clinic.

All installations must be a non-commercial plus the organizers of every local event must respect a set of rules. If you see the above poster Friday, you will know what it stands for.

Transforming a PARK(ing) spot for a day is not risk-free

Organizing an event like that can be tricky due to parking laws. It is best to obtain a permit from the city first if you wish to participate. Read what happened last year when a Forest Hill gallery put Muskoka chairs on a grassy floor and serve free lemonade on a parking spot on Spadina Street, Toronto.

MORE:
+ Photos via the PARK(ing) Day community

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This is a delicious French restaurant in San Francisco with a beautiful quiet terrace, set on a plaza not far from Blue Bottle Coffee. I am showing you the lunch we ate on the terrace of Chez Papa on Mint Plaza last Monday.

My Grilled Arctic Char with Fingerling Potatoes, Capers, Lemon and Brown Butter was excellent. Jerome, my husband took the Niçoise Salad. I almost regretted not taking it since it was one of the best Niçoise I tasted this side of the Atlantic. On the menu, it is described as a Seared Ahi Tuna Niçoise with Roasted Peppers, Haricots Vert, Artichokes, Arugula and Meyer Lemon served with quail eggs in a pesto sauce.

The dessert of the day was equally delicious. We paired it with a French white wine.  After all, I needed to get the full experience of the restaurant to give you a proper review. I will definitely go back to Chez Papa.

MORE:
+ Chez Papa
+ Follow Chez Papa on Twitter

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The latest trends in bar seems is inspired by the era of Prohibition. It is not surprising since it was a period where cocktails flourished. The bartenders of the time have to be resourceful and use all their talent to concoct something delicious with the spirit quality of the time.

With mixologists returning to the basics and experimenting again with fresh ingredients, it seems like a natural fit that some bars play on the nostalgia of the Prohibition era. Several bars have emerged across the United States. And you have to look where they are because they do not exhibit big neon signs to attract you inside.

Several concepts are used to make these bars feel underground. Each bar developed its own trick. When you make a reservation at Bourbon & Branch in San Francisco, you will be given a password to whisper at the door. I am going to SF at the end of the month, I will plan a visit to see what Bourbon & Branch is all about. Let’s hope my experience will be worthy of a post.

At PDT (Please don’t Tell) in East Village, you have to pass through a secret door at the back of Crif Dogs. You must enter a phone booth to identify yourself so they can buzz you inside the bar. It is the cocktail-lounge annex to Crif Dogs, a hip hot dog restaurant in New York.

I thought these are easy think to reproduce at a party. It would add something special.

Spreading the word locally

The Lab, here in Montreal, plays a low key version. The touch is visible through the bartender outfits and the theme of their special event. The Lab is owned by friends of mine; they are excellent at what they do.

MORE:
+ Review on New York Magazine
+ Via New York Times

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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 sounds delicious.

Until my next trip to San Francisco, I can try to bake at home their recipes. Acclaimed pastry chef Elisabeth Prueitt and master baker Chad Robertson, who is a married couple, published the Tartine coobook in 2006.

The couple also co-owns Bar Tartine. It is a restaurant where Chef Jason Fox runs the kitchen. Jason was one of the 8 persons named “Best People of the Year” in the Best of San Francisco 2008 issue by San Francisco Magazine.

Your Own Favorite Places

Whenever I am traveling, I prefer eating at places where locals go. I try to keep a record of the best local restaurants. Having a blog is one way to build my collection but I felt I needed to do more. It was my motivation behind launching Places, the Praized community connected to my blog. I also want to know what are the places are people with whom I have things in common.

Why not do the same by becoming a member to enjoy for FREE the benefits of Places? You would not receive spam emails from AHWKV or Praized. I wish to be able to find the best spots to hang up, know what to order when I eat at a restaurant and shop at the best local stores. Help me by sharing your favorite places.

SOURCING:
+ Tartine cookbook by Elisabeth Prueitt and Chad Robertson $23.10 USD
+ Tartine Bakery and Cafe – get directions p 415.487.2600
600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA, United States, 94110
+ Bar Tartine – get directions p 415.487.1600
561 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA, United States, 94110
+ Via Black Eiffel

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I received yesterday on my inbox a promotion from Joie de Vivre for their ‘Warhol Live’ Package. With a one-night stay at selected Joie de Vivre’s hotels, you receive with two VIP tickets to the de Young Museum for the ‘Warhol Live’ exhibit.

This is a hip activity you can do on Valentine’s Day since Walhol Live starts February 14, 2009 and it runs until May 17, 2009.

A little bit of Montreal in San Francisco

I was curious to know what was Warhol Live since the name brings back memories. I was right since the exhibition at the de Young Museum is produced by The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts in partnership with The Andy Warhol Museum, one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh.

The exhibition explores the relationship between music and Walhol’s art pieces. Yu will be able to have a closer look at Elvis Presley, the Velvet Underground, Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones, Liza Minnelli, Grace Jones, Deborah Harry of Blondie, Michael Jackson and more.

While you are over there, visit another exhibition organized by The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco in collaboration with the Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent Foundation. I am talking about the Yves Saint-Laurent retrospective that I saw last year. The Yves Saint-Laurent exhibits continues until April 5th, 2009.

About the Promotion

To take advantage of the Walhol Live package at any of the Joie de Vivre hotels in the San Francisco Bay Area Hotels, book in advance with promo code ‘WARH’. I had a blissful stay at one of their San Francisco hotels last year. I am talking about the Hotel Vitale.

MORE:
+ Exhibitions at the de Young Museum – get directions
p 415.750. 3600 | Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California, United States, 94101

+ Joie de Vivre’s Walhol Live Package
+ get directions to Hotel Vitale
p 415.278.3700 | 8 Mission St, San Francisco, California, United States, 94105
+ more ideas of what to do for Valentine’s Day in Montreal and elsewhere

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I do not often talk about laundry other then how to organize your laundry room but Laundry Locker’s service seems heavenly to me. This is one of many cool business ideas spotted in Springwise.

Your Personal Concierge Laundry Service

Imagine having the freedom to drop off your dirty clothes for dry cleaning or for the wash and fold services 24/7.

Then, imagine not worrying about how and when you get back your clothes. Your clothes are returned the next turnover day. The billing is automatic and you can look at your laundry batches online.

By default, all clothes are cleaned in cold water to reduce shrinking, fading and bleeding which is the way I do it. You can tell them your cleaning preferences (ex: fabric softener, temperatures) on your profile. Since I dislike folding clothes, I wish for this indulgence.

Laundry Locker was founded in 2005 to cater to people who do not wish to deal with the usual business hours of dry cleaners. Their lockers are available in apartment buildings, condos, offices, fitness facilities and other drop-off locations throughout San Francisco. They even offer a home delivery service.

As easy as 1, 2, 3

Here is how the service works:

1. Put your dirty laundry in any available locker and take the key (returning customers get laundry bags)
2. You will be notified by SMS and eMail when your laundry is ready for pick up
3. Return to the same locker where you left your clothes and bring them home

First time users only will need to register to laundrylocker.com and fill up your profile after they put their dirty laundry in the locker.

I read reviews on the Web and patrons seem delighted by their services. If you are looking for a way to simplify your life or an original gift idea for someone living in San Francisco, a year of Laundry Locker’s services sure beat a day at the spa. This is a part of stylish living on my book.

MORE READING:
+ Laundry Locker
Via Springwise

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Passing from a NASA engineer to a successful cake designer and baker makes a pretty extraordinary story. BethAnn Goldberg had the creative gene since she started out as a ceramic sculptor before graduating from Stanford.

Studio Cake makes three types: the tiered cakes, the sculpted cakes and the cupcakes. The level of details is impressive. Look at the icy snow on the ground of the snowman cupcakes.

Let the Birthday Cake Be The Gift

If you are planning a birthday for someone that has everything, give a one of kind birthday cake instead. The guest of honor will be in awe when he/she sees the cake. Highlight the event with harmonizing invites, party décor and even wear costumes. Let the party of a lifetime be your gift.

To offset the extra costs, you can ask the guests for contributions instead of giving individual gifts.

Cake Pricing

As you can imagine sculpting a cake like those requires time and talent. Sculpted cakes by Studio Cake start at $250. Allow at least $300 for a tiered cake and count $5-12 per portion.

Custom decorated cupcakes range from $5-8 per cupcake, with a minimum order of two dozens.

I guess from the gallery photos that many parents ordered their kids birthday cakes from Studio Cake. BethAnn has the touch to make her cake creations look divine and fun. Jerome, I want one for .

SOURCING: 
+ Studio Cake 
+ sculpted cakes set on Flickr – right reserved photos
+ cupcakes set on Flickr – rights reserved photos

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I bought the Hook and Go Smart Cart a few weeks ago. It comes handy when I shop at the farmer’s market.

The Hook & Go works great but my quest for the perfect grocery cart is still on. This is why I am glad that the cute British grocery carts made by Rolser have found a North American distributor.

Better still for Canadians, the distributor is located in Vancouver, British Columbia. They have a Web site but you must call to place your order. Visit lifestylecart.com for more information. I do not know yet if I should try the 2-wheel Mountain Grocery Cart.

Features of all Rosler Grocery Carts

From the reviews I read so far, the 2 wheel model seems to work well going up and down the stairs. The Rosler Mountain cart gains a plus when I compared with my Hook and Go cart.

You can wash the weather-resistant, removable durable nylon bags. The Mountain model comes with an additional zippered pocket in the flap.

Rosler produces pretty cool patterns which make their bags a lot more attractive than the Hook & Go cart. This is an important concern for a stylish girl.

But I worry about the extra steps needed to avoid the crushing of the light produces. What do you think? If you own a similar grocery cart, how does it work for you?

My Experience with the Hook & Go

I am pleased that your produce cannot be squeezed by the weight of the other bags. I enjoyed my shopping experience.

I found 3 things that you must be aware but none is a showstopper. I can live with the fact that:

1. You need to wrap the reusable bag handles a few times if you do not want your bags to touch the ground – on the other hand, this method secures your bags
2. They are kind of wide; so you must be aware of that when you move around people or the aisles.
3. Finally, I shop at Atwater Market in Montreal, a farmer’s market where the bakery and the meat shops are upstairs. I am afraid that the bags will bang on the stairs. So I store my purchases in the car before completing my grocery list upstairs, without the Hook & Go.

Which one, if any, do you prefer?

>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: Mountain and Saquet Grocery Cart at Lifestylecart.com – price: $90 CAD
Americans: Hook and Go Smart Cart – price: $59.95 USD
Canadians: Hook and Go Shopping Trolley – price: $59.95 CAD
Via: City Wheels [Dwell blog]

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I just read on Moco Loco about a new eco-friendly product. We used propane BBQ at home. But I crave for the real BBQ charcoal taste. Last year I almost gave in but after checking the negative effects on the environment, I decided against it.

But now I have a solution that will leave me with great taste and a clear conscience. Baja is an eco-friendly instant charcoal packaging developed by Mike and Maaike for design annex / Lazzari.

Baja renders your barbecue experience simple, clean and chemical free. It is simple to cook on the BBQ since Baja heats the natural lump charcoal to the right temperature without the aid of chemicals or lighter fluid. The coals are ready to cook within 15 to 20 minutes from lighting.

When you go at home or if you go at the friend house for a Bring your Own Food outdoor party, Baja is much better than regular charcoals for you and your neighbors.

What are the advantages of mesquite charcoal?

1. Captures the delicious flavor of natural wood smoke
2. Searing at high cooking temperature retains natural juices, aroma and succulence.
3. Burns hotter and lasts longer
4. 100% natural product

About Lazzari

Located in San Francisco, Lazzari is the largest, oldest and original producer and distributor of premium mesquite charcoal in the USA.

Add wood chips for additional flavors. Wood chips work well with charcoal or gas grills.

>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: Baja BBQ Firepack designed by Mike and Maaike
Learn more: 100% Natural Lazzari Mesquite Charcoal
Via: Baja BBQ Firepack [Moco Loco]

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While I visited the San Francisco Ferry Building Farmer’s Market last March, I saw plenty of shoppers with a Hook & Go trolley. I took some pictures because I find them handy.

Needing More Than Reusable Shopping Bags

As many urban residents, I walk to do my grocery shopping. I shop European style, which means that I typically buy food for a day or two. When I find the time, I like to go to the farmer’s market on weekdays to buy fresh produces.

As many of you, I carry a couple of reusable shopping bags on my handbag. But the weight added up quickly. The weight bothers me more since my injury. Since then, I wish for a functional foldable shopping cart.

When I shop in the neighborhood or at the farmer’s market, I buy food for many stores. Having my own portable shopping cart will free up my hands.

Hook and Go Smart Cart

I dug up this morning the distributor of the model I saw at the San Francisco Ferry Building Farmer’s Market. It is wonderful because the US retailer Hook and Go links to the international stores. Canadians, Europeans and British residents can buy this smart shopping cart online without having to deal with customs.

Canadians will be pleased to know that NeatOne sells on pair. I just placed my order. I will keep you posted on how fun and practical it is to shop with the Hook and Go.

Another Source for Reusable Shopping Bags

Following my post about My Top 4 Reusable Ultra Compact Shopping Bags, a reader suggests the Use It Again Sam bags. I check them out and they are cute and lightweight. Select from an array of 11 solid colors. Save by buying 3 for $19 or 5 for $30.

SOURCING:
Americans: Hook and Go Smart Cart – price: $59.95 USD
Canadians: Hook and Go Shopping Trolley – price: $59.95 CAD
British citizens & Europeans: DeWeNe (Designs We Need) – price: £45 with free UK delivery
Buy online: Use It Again Sam shopping bags – price: $6.95 USD

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This is the coolest hammock I ever seen. At a price tag of $19,500 this is not for everyone. Still, we can all appreciate the stunning design of this 113 inch diameter hammock.

You can drape it for privacy or more protection against the sun. It  is supposed to be more stable than the regular hammocks.

The standard size day bed and the huge hammock are perfect to party under the sun. It looks so hip. The San Francisco based company Henry Hall Designs proposes fine outdoor furniture in an array of modern and traditional styles.

Vintage Fusion

The Fusion range mixes teak and stainless steel. The best part for me is the falling pool. I always dreamed of a pool like that.

Vintage is made of stainless steel and synthetic resin. Inspired by the curved plywood chairs of the 1950’s, Vintage line proposes a chaise lounge and a stackable dining chair. As you can read on Henry Hall Designs Web site, the Vintage revives an era of visionary design for the outdoors.

>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: Cocoon Hammock with Terrace Base by Henry Hall Designs – price: S19,500 USD
Via: The Cocoon Hammock [The Green Head]

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