Me, Neil, Klaus and King Street East. Be there.

Everybody who’s anybody will be at a soiree ce soir that opens the King Street East Design District festival, KEDD,  running this weekend.  (Okay, well,  I’ll be there –  if I don’t fall asleep in my glass of Gerotol first. In fact, I have no idea who’s going — other than Alejandra Melo Cea, my lovely step-niece once removed by marriage.)

But it sure sounds good. Over two days, 14 retailers, including Alexander Interiors & Design, BoConcept, Studio B, Kiosk, Klaus (from whence came the pic of the wonderful desk above, by Castor), Upcountry, Cambria, Modern Weave, Sub-Zero/Wolf and Andrew Richards Designs, will mount special in-store events for design hounds. If you go, you can tell the participating retailers by the banners and red carpets.This is the first year of the event, so they need support.

To get in  -  and to get a chance at give-aways - you have to buy a passport for $10. It  goes  to  Habitat for Humanity Toronto, run by the always-dashing Neil Hetherington, who is sure to be at the kick off. Go online for tickets or buy them from a retailer. 

If I do go, I'll be easily recognizable.  I'll be the one wearing the “Neil for Mayor” t-shirt.  

So - as weekend plans go, how does this sound? See great design, possibly win some cool stuff and wander downtown during what promises to be fine weather. What else could you ask for? Other than a functioning, democratic local government, that is. And a good, affordable hairdresser.

If it all gets too much, you can deak into a local bar with a friend. Have a drink or two. You’ll be reminded that Toronto still does have its charms. And if you see Neil down there on the weekend, ask him for me again if he's ever thought about running for Mayor? 

You heard it here first

Marimekko fabrics and textiles will be available at EQ3's new flagship store on Hanna Ave in Liberty Village. More on that space soon. In the meantime, check out some of the gorgeous designs from the Finnish design house below.

Chef Tom to the rescue with summer menu ideas

One of my bestie foodie friends - Chef Tom

Chef Tom Filippou, executive chef for President’s Choice Cooking Schools  thinks busy home cooks often need a little inspiration for putting together menus for summertime suppers with friends and family. So he and his team have come up with some easy–to-assemble suggestions using, naturally, the President’s Choice product line, which seems to be growing ever bigger, and ever better.

One zesty suggestion - pair Jalapeno cheese burgers with Corn Relish on Round Pretzel Buns, with a side salad dressed with Avocado Dressing, Lime and Jalapeno. Or top a chicken burger with the Zucchini Relish and Monterey Jack with Jalapeno Pepper mini cheese slices. I also like the Sofrito, which is, typically a mix of flavour-rich ingredients indigenous to various regions. PC’s entry is tomato-based with onions, green, red and jalapeño peppers with notes of cilantro, garlic and lemon. It makes for a great burger dressing, but also works with cheese on crusty bread for a vegetarian option, or as a zingy compliment to perfectly scrambled eggs.

They also have a few dozen suggestions on the website for topping their mini burgers and sausages.

I think sandwiches make great summer fare, and Chef Tom agrees. That’s why he suggests putting a little bit extra on the grill to be used for sandwiches the next day. Think about pulled pork, or hot Italian sausages, made with the new PC baguettes. Add roasted pepper or eggplant, portebello mushrooms, sliced raw red onion or caramelized onions.

I happen to like the red pepper rounds buns with almost anything, but especially with fresh LOCAL tomatoes and crisp lettuce, and Formaggio di Bufala Fresh Soft Cheese. For a fun side to a bun-less burger, try roasted beets, sliced very thin and served with toasted walnuts, goat cheese and a drizzle of flavoured olive oil. The magnificent Lucy Waverman turned me on to serving these with chive oil (combine ½ cup chives with ½ cup chives and 2 tablespoons chopped green onion. Bring to a simmer and then sit for 2 hours. Strain).

An easy way to serve an elegant dessert is to pile ice cream — say, the Loads of White Chocolately Raspberry Treats — into a waffle bowl and heap it high with fresh LOCAL raspberries. Peanut butter and jam ice cream, is pretty delish with fresh cherries, imho -  I keep a bag of mixed frozen berries in the freezer for the times I run out of fresh, LOCAL (I think I've made my point, no?) seasonal fruit. You could also dress a Dulce de Leche cheesecake with fruit and/or toasted nuts which you would serve, of course, in very skinny slices.

More on vacuums

There’s not one, but two, big bold labels on the new Eureka AirSpeed (shown left) claiming that it “cleans carpets better than Dyson at half the price”. The company backs that with data from ASTM F608, an industry standard test measuring how well a vacuum removes embedded dirt from carpets. Eureka, which is part of Electrolux, commissioned the  test to compare the AirSpeed vacuum and the Dyson DC-25, DC-33 and DC-41 vacuums. They say results show that the AirSpeed vacuum outperformed the Dyson models.

This design is based in part on two short tubes, which are supposed to decrease the distance for dirt to travel, increasing the amount of airflow and improving suction. Fourteen feet of hose and wand and 32 feet of cord give it a good long reach, and a pet-friendly “power paw” skims off pet dander another allergens. Like many new models, this one has a HEPA filter, which means that it captures 99.9 per cent  of dust and allergens. There’s a convenient light on the head of the base, which also has a lever for changing the bar for two depths of carpet and bare floors. Another lever on the side of the machine lets the user switch between using the floor function and attachments, of which there are three; a crevice tool, upholstery brush, and duster.

Personally, I can’t vouch for that, as my own testing is, of course, less than scientific. But I can say that there are a couple of design features I find inferior to the Dyson. While assembly instructions are clear and simple, I found it a bit tricky, for example, to get the tube at the back of the machine to stay put. The cord extends from lower down on the machine than it does on the Dyson 14 I have, and I found it got in the way.

But with a manufacturer’s suggested price of $140, there’s no doubt it’s far less expensive than the Dyson, and I know that’s an important consideration for many families. Check it out at Walmart, Home Hardware, independent vacuum dealers, or online .

I hesitate slightly to tell you about Shark’s new Lift-Around Vacuum, as it’s unlikely to be available in Canada before the fall. But it’s a dandy little cleaning tool, so keep an eye open for it. It’s being promoted as being perfect for pet owners, as it promises to capture 99.99 per cent of dust and allergens in the air. At six pounds, it’s a breeze to carry around;  it’s even got a strap to make hauling it about easier.Take note, though, that this is a corded machine and that the head on the attachment is quite small, as it’s designed for quick small jobs. The price should come in at about $160, and I’ll share availability as soon as I know.

Of course, if we’re speaking of compact models, I’ve got to also call out Dyson’s new DC35 Digital Slim. This is a very sweet machine. It performs beautifully, thanks to a digital motor that spins up to three times faster than conventional motors, and Dyson’s cyclone technology. This model has longer run time that the previous generation of Dyson hand-helds that I tried — 15 minutes of high constant suction, 13 minutes with the floor tool, and six minutes on a max setting, which turn on at the touch of a button on the handle.

The only complaint comes from  my 17-year old son, who says the handle space is a bit small for his great big paw — making it “hard” for him to vacuum the stairs and car. Too bloody bad, I say. Make it fit! On the other hand (ha!), my 19 year old daughter loves it for quick clean-ups, and is, I believe, angling to take it back with her when she returns to University in the fall.  We’ll see about that!

The well-sized motorized floor tool — with efficient carbon fibre filaments — can be used on hard surfaces or carpets, adjusting as it goes. Love that. The lithium-ion battery can be charged either from the docking station or through an independent charger. Accessory tools fit cleverly into the dock, which can be attached to a wall for storage.

But, as Sir James pointed out in a recent email interview, all those clever features are the result of research and testing, all of which costs money. Which accounts for the price-tag of $350 (at The Bay, Home Outfitters, Bed Bath and Beyond, Future Shop, Bestbuy.ca and Dyson independent retailers.) Pricey? Yes. But it’s a lovely little machine. 

Since it is wedding season, I’ll point out that this would make a wonderful gift, especially if the cost of it was shared among a few family members. Perhaps not as sexy as Waterford crystal, or French linen tablecloths (although both are great presents as well) but one that’s bound to help its owners on almost daily basis, in part by resulting in fewer fights over who does the vacuuming.

It's not too late for spring cleaning

Spring sprung early this year and then took a back seat as winter made another late appearance, throwing the seasonal change-over off-balance. That meant that many of us skipped the annual ritual of the Spring clean-up.  But lifestyle expert Janette Ewen has a message on that point — better late than never.

“Spring is a natural time to tidy, because you are letting air in. It’s almost as it that flow works on a sub conscious on your mind as well," says Ewen. But if you missed the first wave of Spring, Ewen cautions against waiting until the next natural marker in the fall. And Ewen says it’s not just your mental health that can suffer from clutter — it’s your pocket book as well.

“Canadian Tire sponsored a survey that found 68 per cent of Canadians say they’ve rebought something because they couldn’t find it in their house and another 71 per cent say they’d rather toss things out than find a place to store them!”

Ewen has a well-honed system for keeping clutter udner control. “I do a mini purge about once a month. I sell some stuff on Kijiji, which lets me make a little money, some of which goes to a favourite charity. If I get lazy, my assistant makes me do it. Staying on top of it helps me avoid getting overwhelmed.”  To help you from getting suffocated by stuff, Ewen has some suggestions:

• Sort stuff into three plastic tubs — one for recycling, one for garbage and one for stuff you’re going to give way. Be disciplined — if you haven’t used it in the last year, you probably won’t. For sports equipment, she’ll stretch it to two years. Before you unload items, consider doing a swap meet with friends — a great way to extend the life of items that no longer work for you.
•  Allow yourself a cabinet for sentimental memorabilia. After all, some things are worth keeping.
• Designate a shelf system for various types of items; one for temporary pieces that you’re not sure you’ll need long-term or not, one for craft or hobby supplies, one for seasonal.
• Use modular storage systems to create customized units that fit different spaces throughout the home.
• Instead of keeping mountains of mags, go through copies and pull the pages/pics/pieces you want and put them in file folders that can be housed in attractive holders.
• Use dead space by, for example, putting shelves above a garment pole in a closet. Consider a second shelf even higher up for items rarely used. Keep a foldable stepladder for easy access. How about under-stair storage?
• Use an under-the-bed storage unit.
• In the kitchen, line the space above upper cabinets with baskets (make sure they have lids)
• Pretty storage items will motivate you to stay organized. Ewen likes Debbie Travis’ line for Canadian Tire.
• When purchasing new furniture for the home, look for pieces that offer functional storage, such as ottomans with lids or closed entertainment units.  Tomorrow —  tips from Ewen on switching up decor for Spring.

From frugal to fabulous - great Father's day gift ideas

Need more great gift ideas for Dad? Happy to oblige. 

Is Dad an aging hippie, or just an aficionado of amazing harmonies? He might like The Beach Boys new album, That’s Why God Made the Radio.  Available at HMV for $17. If his taste runs to something with a slightly harder edge, Rush's Clockwork Angels, also at HMV for $15.

You love Dad, but not his habit of wearing his old running shoes with short socks — even in public. We feel your pain. Kick up Daddy-O’s cool quotient with Sebago’s Triton Three-Eye (about $140) at The Dock Shoppe; Town Shoes; Little Burgundy; Locale; Browns or online at Sebago.

Also worth a look are Wolverine’s Fulcrum GTX ($300) line. These boots have more than rugged  good looks going for them. Waterproof leather uppers with a mesh lining, and a GoreTex membrane make them comfy and breathable.
But here’s the kicker — there’s a removable insole that sits atop a special disc that allows the wearer to customize support. Clever, no?

Does Dad love his coffee? Go all out with De’Longhi’s Gran Dama Avant Espresso Make, which makes perfect latte, cappuccino, Italian macchiato, espresso or plain ole coffee. It’s got touch-screen operation, an on-board grinder, and a plastic jug that stores netaly away in the fridge delivers milk directly into the cup (no fussing with steamer wands).
If the SRP of $3500 is a little too steep, remember that De Longhi has great lower price-point models the one I have does coffee and espresso (space saving) and comes in closer to $250.

Is Father Dear always running late? And do you have a healthy wad of cash burning a hole in your pocket? Tissot’s gorgeous T-Touch II ($950.00) is a stylish solution.
Other models from the same line start at $695.Just the watch to get if Dad’s taste runs to a touch-screen, Swiss-made watch that gives 13 functions, including an altimeter, compass, thermometer and alarm and is water resistant up to 100 metres.Plus, you can get it a funky orange silicone strap, if Dad happens to be a style-meister.  Available at Birks across Canada.

Design DNA does its work

BREAKING NEWS -- Well, okay, maybe not. But it's news to me. Exciting news, in a stop-what-I'm-doing (which, technically speaking, was goofing around) kind of way. Sir James Dyson (a very dear friend of mine - see below) has, apparently, an equally brilliant and handsome son, Jake, who designs spleniforous lighting.

The Motorlight Floorlight  is described as the world's first variable angle uplight, allowing the user to adjust the beam angle between 8 and 60 degrees. As an aluminium wheel at the front of the luminaire rotates, the outer reflector raises and lowers,  increasing and decreasing beam span. Controls on the back of the light allow the angle to be fixed, or set to continually create waves of  light. The CSYS LED task light is a dimmable LED that produces a bright warm white, and its makers claim it will perform for upwards of 37 years. 

Love them both.  Sadly, they're not (yet) sold at any Canadian retail spots. Take a look. Magnificent, no?

 

 

Pretty papers

 

I love things that feel real to me: glass, linen, wood, stone - and paper. I grew up in a home that always had beautiful embossed stationery, and have always adored the feel and smell of gorgeous paper. So Deborah Norton is a true kindred spirit. 

Norton had been making cards for family and friends for years before she turned her attention to it full-time four years ago, launching The Paper Parade. 

A self-taught artist, Norton says she thinks creativity is in her DNA. “My family is all very artisitic. We were always exposed to the arts, and both my parents are gifted amateur artists. My brother is a professional photographer. So I come by it honestly.” 

Vintage paper, in the form of illustrations, cards, maps and art, have always fascinated Norton, and it’s this love that fuels her work, which includes lovely, hand-printed cards and tags. Until recently, it was all available on her Etsy shop, but a full-on renovation has shuttered the shop temporarily. “My studio is in the house, and we’ve had to move out. I’m still doing custom orders, and I’ve started doing some styling. I also have my lifestyle blog. So one thing seems to keep turning into another. We’ll see what happens next.”

While you may not be able to access Norton’s work, shown here, she has a few  other fave paper places she thinks you’ll want to check out. They are Kozo Studios Tanya Roberts and Pantry Press

 

I'm a big fan of the Dyson Fan

 

The temperate air of Spring can turn oppressively hot and soggy before you know it, as it has recently here in the Centre of the Universe (aka Toronto). Shop now for a fan, while stock is good. The Dyson Air Multiplier is super-cool (in several senses). There are no spinning blades to chop the air ineffectively — or, very effectively, small fingers — and it’s designed to draw in up to 27 litres of air a second, amplify it up to 18 times, and spread it soothingly across your hot, sweat-slick, grumpy self. It comes in two shapes, a round version - great for tabletop and, for larger spaces, an oblong version, shown above with My Close Personal Friend James Dyson (well, not really, but I have met Sir James, who is a delightful cross between your cool uncle and a mad genius.)  Both versions are  gorgeous. Last summer, these babies flew off the shelves and were sold out in no time. Govern yourself accordingly. Prices for the line, available at major retailers, start at about $380. Pricey? Yes. But so worth it if you get years and years of summer cooling out of it.

Floral motifs and mosaics - two of my favourite things

Jaqueline Vine from New Ravenna

 

 

Mosaics and floral motifs are both big news in decor these days. They come together in a new line by Sara Baldwin of New Ravenna Mosaics  Hand-made in Virginia with jewel glass and natural stone, they’re inspired by inlay techniques that date back to 17th century India. Designs include the delicate, curvy Jacqueline Vine, available in Toronto through Versatile. Customization means prices vary widely.