At Home with Kim Vallee

HOME + GARDEN, ORGANIZING | November 6, 2009

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 [...]

TRAVEL | June 9, 2009

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Fairmont Hotels’ Bee Hives for my Eco-friendly Tuesday

Did you know that an hotel chain is fighting against the shortage of bees? In June 2008, the Royal York in Toronto installed three hives as a natural extension of their decade old rooftop herb garden. The rooftop apiary was established in partnership with the Toronto Beekeepers Cooperative and FoodShare. Both initiatives deliver fresh local [...]

HOME + GARDEN, HOME decor | May 12, 2009

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Kilowatt Cat Beds and Maow Feeders for my Eco-friendly Tuesday

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 [...]

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 [...]

TRAVEL, TRENDS | July 15, 2008

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Free Parking for Hybrid Cars at Opus Hotels

When we went to San Francisco last winter, we rented a Prius. It is a fun car to drive. We stayed at Hotel Vitale and two Fairmont hotels. My husband and I truly appreciated the fact that Fairmont gave us free valet parking because we drove a hybrid car. Unfortunately, Fairmont green generosities extend [...]