The Final Touch

It's My Birthday!

I did a quick search on who else shares my birthday, and I was so proud to find out the following:

• 1904   Dr. Seuss, American author
• 1919   Jennifer Jones, American actress
• 1942   John Irving, American author
• 1962   Jon Bon Jovi, American musician
• 1976   Lorena Rossi, Canadian artist (I had to!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to everyone born on March 2nd.

Spice it up!

" Once you take a spice in your home, you have it forever. Women never throw out spices. The Egyptians were buried with their spices. I know which ones I am taking with me when I go " Erma Bombeck

Well, I think which ones I am taking too. Would you laugh if I were to say I get high on spices? No wonder the Spice Girls called themselves this way ( or maybe, their success is due to their name? Hum, this will remain a mistery! )

Whenever I go the the Jean Talon market, I feel a fatal attraction to the store Olive et Epices. It is just an uncontrollable feeling, I try to resist every time, knowing I will just waste another hour sniffing, smelling, dreaming. But I can't. 

The infinite number of color shades, all warm, all vibrant, are a teaser to inpiration. Running out of ideas for a party colour scheme? Well think of a few spices you love, and there you go, you've got yourself  a colour scheme. They make perfect centerpieces. If you take big clear vases filled with alternating rows of cinnamon stick, cloves, sugar cubes, you just made the perfect brunch centerpiece.

I love spice just everywhere. And especially in chocolate. Have you tried it before? If not, I highly suggest to visit Genevieve Grandbois' store on St Viateur, and indulge in some of her Safran or Piment chocolate squares. Mmmm. 

Mariages Freres has some very good teas. I am not a fan of flavoured teas, but "Yuzu Temple" is so delicate with its citrus, peppery and spicy aromas. Camelia Sinensis has a marvelous vanilla flavoured tea. 

I discovered two soap companies, that make exquisite spicy soaps. This one and that one.

And if you are a spice lover, or know of one, Purpose Design makes beautiful spice kits. The packaging is sharp, and they're such an original gift. Pair the spice kit with a matching cooking book, and you know your friend will be in spice heaven. Hot gift, happy friend. 

Have a nice week-end!

Marshmallows - Puffy Little Forgotten Treasures

These are not the marshmallows you used to have when you were a kid. These are the gourmet version. If you're running out of ideas on how to treat your guests at your next event or party, try to consider those little bites of heaven. And when I say heaven, I mean it! When biting into them, you feel you're biting into clouds. They're fluffy, soft, and they melt in your mouth. You can find them in so many flavors: cardamom, flower salt caramel, lavender, whisky, and even wasabi! You name it.

Different shapes are also available, the heart one is a cute one for a Valentine party favor, and the suckers perfect for a baby shower, or birthday. My personal favorites are the square ones, I just love the texture on the sides.
 

Marshmallows are colourful, and when packaged in clear bags, with a nice personallized tag or label, colourful matching ribbons, make an original, fun, and beautiful favor.

Adding them to your sweet table or candy bar will make your guests talk. They enhance the overall look of a table, add colour, and some lightness into your decor. Why take ourselves so seriously? Let's eat some marshmallows, and treat the kid inside each and every one of us :)

Here are some stores that make great marshmallows:

• Whimsy and Spice
• Suzie's Confections  
• Laura's Candy    

And if you are in the mood of making your own, here is Martha's recipe. You can then get in touch with me to package them for you. I will match your theme and colours, and of course use food safe packaging.

Cookie Bouquet - Delicious!

  

Over the holidays I met Marlyn. Marlyn is a cookie designer, that's how I like to call her. She creates those little pieces of art, which are a pleasure to the eyes and palate.  I have seen and tasted lots of cookies in my life ( oh yes I did! ), but none as perfect. 

My favorite are these daisy cookies on a stick.  

These can create original centerpieces, which can double as favors instead of having the usual flower centerpiece. They are perfect for a baby shower, a bridal shower, or a birthday party.  I also think they would look stunning at a wedding's sweet table.

Marlyn Birmingham, you're great!  

If you're interested in getting those cookies for a special event, just email me

They can be personalized with ribbons, tags and embellishments to match your event's theme and colours.

Check out more of Marlyn's cookies here or here.

Portable Wine

How many times did you want to pour yourself a bottle of wine, but didn't want to open a bottle, so you just forget about it?

It happens to me all the time, and I was excited when I found out about Volute.

Top experts in wine, marketing, and graphic design launched this amazing 21st century wine brand. It comes in three varieties, red, white and rosé. Only the finest grapes are used, and it is hand harvested.

The aluminum bottle is eco-friendly, since aluminum is infinitely recyclable, and protects the wine from the light. The bottle is sturdy, Every bottle is an individual serving ( one glass ) So, in three words: single serving, shatterproof, and eco-friendly. It is worth giving it a try, especially that the makers pretend their wine to be competitive in taste to top wines.

I love the shape of the bottle, and the concept. I think it is courageous and I am buying myself a case soon.

I can see these bottle all lined up in a casual outdoor party. It will make a statement, and for sure will make your guests talk.

Lollipops Favors. For the Kids at Heart.

     

While browsing the web for some inspiration, I stumbled upon the cutest little favor idea.

Why not Lollipops? Unexpensive, Sweet, and when so beautifully wrapped, they become a talking piece. 

The stickers can be customised with a monogram, date, logo, or a simple message.

I love them.

These genious Lollipop wrappers are created by Meg from Olio Designs. She does not have a website yet but if you are ever interested in getting some for your bridal or baby showers or any other event, send me a message and I will put you in touch with her.

Personalized Wedding Gift

I think every newlywed couple should have a set of quality Egyptian cotton sheets. Don't you think?

When close friends of mine got married, I just knew that's what I wanted to give them.  Even though the sheets were beautiful, I wanted the gift to be even more special.  I decided to embroider their initials on the pillow cases. They just loved it!

I sort of got jealous, and loved the idea so much, that I had my own linens embroidered. 

Finding someone to do a good job with the embroidery was not an easy task, after lots of shopping I discovered  a great place called Embroid Me right here in Montreal.  They embroider almost anything! Jackets, t-shirts, tote bags, and lots of other stuff for personal or corporate occasions.  

You can choose from a variety of fonts and they have tons of different color threads.                                                     

Valentine's Chocolate and Rosebud Tea

 

I tried a wonderful tea this week and it's perfect timing for Valentine's day.  It has an incredibly rich chocolate flavor and a hint of rosebuds.  The teas are packaged in these beautiful tins and I particularly love the tagalong tin with the natural beeswax lip balm tucked in a silk pocket purse. 

http://www.harney.com

Dress up your cupcakes

Cupcakes are ideal for showers and birthdays and if you think they are too casual for weddings, think again.  They can be as elegant and eye catching as a traditional wedding cake.  I found these beautiful cupcake holders and I think they are so adorable. They let you dress up your cupcakes and they come in a variety of colors and patterns.

http://www.cupcakewraptureshop.com