Food | Decor by Christine

Food

A Mom, two girls and tea!

May 11, 2012

Yesterday I got to spend the entire day with both my girls at their respective schools which was a perfect lead-in to this Mother’s Day weekend!

First I headed over to my youngest daughter’s Montessori school for their Mother’s Day Tea…with lots of singing and baked goodies.

Look at the pretty tissue-paper flowers that greeted the moms when we arrived!

Then this fabulous group of children sang beautiful songs for their mommies. Here is a snippet of one of the mother’s day themed songs:

Mya and her friends singing a song to all the mothers.

We then enjoyed iced tea and baked treats that the kids had baked earlier in the week! That mini carrot cupcake was so delish!!

Mya then presented a drawing she made of the 2 of us. And you’ll notice that the both of us are wearing crowns on our heads! She is definitely my little princess!

And here is present #2: a stunning DIY art project! I am absolutely floored by how fabulous this keepsake piece of artwork is. And it is so easy to do. Just glue the crayons to the top of a canvas, turn on the blow-dryer at high heat and watch the melted wax drip down the canvas board!! And voila, you have a piece of original artwork!!

Oh and look how amazing her printing is getting!!

Here we are enjoying some tea and baked goodies together. Look how proud she looks after giving me her precious mother’s day gifts!!

After tea, I rushed down to the Medieval Times Castle in Toronto to volunteer at my oldest daughter’s Grade 4 class field trip! Mackenzie and I had a great time watching all the cute Knights joust and sword-fight, while wearing our crowns and eating with our fingers!

I am incredibly lucky to be the mom of these 2 precious little girls who I know love their mommy very much! I’m looking forward to spending this weekend with my family – and getting a ton of kisses and hugs!

My wish is that you too have a wonderful Mother’s day weekend filled with lots of love. And if you are not a mom, then I hope you get to spend some valuable time with your own mom!!

Happy Mother’s Day!!!

Glamorously yours,

Christine xoxo

Posted in DIY, Entertaining, Food, Glam Blog, Parties |

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Christmas Rewind 2011

December 30, 2011

Wow….I can’t believe 2011 is almost over. I shut down for a bit over the holidays to spend time with my husband and 2 daughters. It’s not too often that the girls and I have our #1 man for a solid week….so I decided to just focus on the family!

But I did promise you a peak into my Christmas decor so here is “Christine’s Christmas Rewind”. We had a wonderful holiday with family and friends over on Christmas eve AND day!! A bit crazy and hectic, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

My darling glamour girls in front of our white Glamour tree in the living room.

Every year I purchase a few new ornaments for my white glamour tree. This year my husband bought me this gorgeous chandelier with lots of bling from a Christmas Store. Isn’t it gorgeous!!

Another chandelier ornament I got this year…..and believe it or not, I got this one at Wal-Mart. I love mixing high and low ornaments on my tree.

My white tree is always a Blue/White & Silver theme with lots of birds and diamond crystal motifs.

I haven’t been into tree toppers for the last few years and instead prefer to add fullness via decorations at the top.

Another new chandelier ornament I picked up this year.

Diamonds are always a girl’s’ best friend!!

The four of us have personalized silver ornaments on the tree each year!

This is my fireplace mantle in the living room….again all glamour with lots of sparkle!

Don’t you love my ice crystals….they look like diamond chips or frozen ice chips on my mantle.

This is my stunning 3-piece mosaic Christmas tree that greets visitors when they walk into the front foyer. It can look blue or purple depending on the light.

This is my console table in the foyer. Unfortunately, my purple feather wreath fell off the mirror above so I just set it behind my purple decor boxes.

If you look in the mirror you can see one of my 2’ foot Santa on the staircase landing.

The girls love my miniature purple trees and of course, the purple Diva Deer (as we nicknamed her). She oversees the family room purple tree!

And here is our purple passion Christmas tree that resides in the family room!!

And of course, we all have ornaments that reflect our personalities! Yup, that fancy shoe is mine!

A Mickey Mouse keepsake from one of our Disney March Break vacations.

Our eldest is a budding equestrian.

Our youngest is the dancer of the family.

Butterflies, birds and peacock feathers is a common theme with our decor this year.

I purchased a few fun ornaments like this chevron one and the polka-dot one below!! (sorry for the blurry shots)

I chose orange and green accents to offset all the purple this year.

I used lots of purple wrapping paper to pretty up the bottom of the tree.

We hosted 15 guests on Christmas eve and had a seafood extravaganza of lobster, crab and jumbo shrimp. Mmmmmmm, my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

My husband is the cook and I set the table….one of my most favourite things to do when we are entertaining.

This year all my guests took home this crystal diamond ornament used as a napkin ring.

Place settings are also a must!

One of my favourite traditions each holiday season is putting a cracker by each place setting. Everyone wears their silly paper hats and each person has a chance to read out their funny joke to the table. My holiday crackers are actually purple but they look blue in this picture.

And then this is what we woke up to Christmas morning!l

Hope you too had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. Thanks for hanging out while I did a not-so-quick Christmas rewind.

All the best heading into new year’s eve!!

Christine xoxo

All Photos: Decor by Christine

Posted in Christine's Rewind, Christmas, Colour, dining room, Entertaining, Food, Foyers, Glam Blog, Glamorous Decor, Living Rooms, Parties, Purple Passion |

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Decorate As You Dress: Pumpkin Orange!

October 8, 2011

So how do you like my pumpkin orange nail polish??? Perfect for Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend, don’t ya think?

So in honour of everything to do with Thanksgiving, let’s take a peak on how to incorporate this gorgeous pumpkin orange into your home decor this season.

All images via Pinterest

Posted in Colour, Decorate As You Dress, Food, Glam Blog, Seasonal Decor Trends, Tablescapes |

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Dabble Magazine & #What’s Trending!!

September 19, 2011

So, have you had a chance to soak up the latest issue of Dabble Magazine? It’s chock full of exquisite interior design, food and travel

In addition, there’s a fun little recap of the first ever Dabble Magazine Day on Cityline!! Oh yea…who else do you see below? It was my first time ever on Cityline and it was a total blast!!

I also had a chance to talk about my favourite pattern….check it out below along with my fellow design contributors The Moggit Girls and Lisa Canning.

But the most exciting thing for me in the latest issue of Dabble Magazine is my brand spanking new column called “#what’s trending” with a focus on what everyone is talking about in the design blogosphere and twitter. Hope you enjoy reading all about this gorgeous and funky pattern called Chevron AKA the zig zag.

Hope you enjoyed a sneak peak into the latest issue of Dabble Magazine. And don’t forget to subscribe for all the latest news on Dabble!!

If you want to know #what’s trending in home decor then contact me online or via twitter…I’d love to hear from you

Glamorously yours,

Christine xo

Posted in Dabble Magazine, Design Bloggers, Design Shows, Food, Interior Decor, interior design, Interior Designers, Travel, Trends |

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Cityline & Dabble Day: Tips on Styling an Étagère

July 14, 2011

WOW! What a fantastic week it has been for me professionally and personally!

1) The Dabble Magazine Day show on Cityline aired on Tuesday, July 12th!!

2) I had a group of great women join me for breakfast that morning with lots of champagne and OJ to watch and celebrate my debut on Cityline!

3) I’ve had wonderful feedback and comments from many, many people on Facebook and Twitter!. So thank you very much!

So if you didn’t get a chance to watch it live, then you can click on the link to see it via the Cityline website.

Oh, and this really excited me also!!

It may seem insignificant to some but it’s a big deal to me – especially when you are trying to build up your business –- my name and company name was on the website as a Guest Expert!! Whooo Hooo!

So just to quickly summarize the styling tips I shared in this segment:

· Think in layers when placing items on the bookshelf and in different heights (i.e.: glass bowls layered in front of the picture.)

· When selecting objects, be aware of the scale and color. Objects shouldn’t blend in or get lost on the shelves. Beware of adding too small decorative items that will just end up looking like clutter

· Books are wonderful home accessories, so showcase the most beautiful ones in your collection.

· You can arrange the books by size, subject and color. And don’t forget to place books horizontally as well as vertically – it adds a nice rhythmic pattern to the shelf

· Most people love symmetry when styling their shelves….it provides some structure and balance to the room…especially if the rest of the room has more chaos – like kids toys, etc. – this can be accomplished through matching book ends

· When grouping objects together – just remember the basic rule of threes — objects tend to look better when gathered in odd numbers, like 3s or 5s

· Adding objects such as shapely ceramics, decorative boxes, small sculptures, family photos and original artwork makes your bookcase more visually appealing and personal.

And because I was so nervous I totally forgot this last point I wanted to mention which was:

· Don’t forget about the background of your shelf….in this case; the shelves are open so you can see the dramatic painted dark wall…which helps your decorative pieces stand out stand out.

· Or you can paint or wallpaper the back of bookshelves to add a pop of colour and really bring the shelf to life

Well I hope you enjoyed watching this Cityline/Dabble Mag segment as much as I enjoyed taping it. Have a lovely weekend!! Cheers!

Christine x0x0

Posted in Accessories, Dabble Magazine, Design Shows, DIY, Food, Glamorous Decor, Home Decor, Interior Decorating, Interviews, Online Magazines |

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Dabble Magazine, Cityline and ME!!

July 11, 2011

What are you doing tomorrow at 9am – that would be Tuesday, July 12th at 9am or if you prefer afternoons…than how about 2:00pm?

Why you ask? Because one of my career aspirations is coming true tomorrow!! I’m appearing in a design segment with other fabulous Food & Design contributors from Dabble Magazine on Cityline.

It’s an action packed hour with Kimberley Seldon and her daughter Raleigh on stilts!! yes, that’s right – stilts!! Dabble Chef Corey James Burgan prepares a Caesar Salad to die for and great tips for having a great picnic!

In this photo: , Corey James Burgan, Raleigh Gilliam Seldon, Nicholas Rosaci (photos), Christine Da Costa (Erin Mercer

Dabble’s DIY guy AKA Mr. Chic-ster Nicolas shows everyone how to create a funky étagère

And I get to provide tips on styling a modern informal étagère versus a formal more traditional étagère.

Do not ask me what Tracy and I were laughing about after my segment….I swear to god it is all a blur to me right now. When I watch the episode tomorrow it is going to be totally new to me also!!

In this segment Nicholas and I were teamed against Kimberley and Tracy and Corey and Raleigh to see who could set up a picnic table the fastest.

I won’t tell you which team won!!

Then we showed Tracy what each of our favourite item was to bring to a picnic!!

A great pic of Dabble contributors, Kimberley and Tracy

End of the show Kimberley and I were all smiles!!

Thanks so much to Kimberley for this great opportunity and to everyone at Cityline for making my first time on Cityline so much fun!

Hope you will be watching tomorrow!!

Christine xoxo

Posted in Dabble Magazine, Design Shows, DIY, Food, Glamorous Decor, Interior Decorating, Online Magazines, Seasonal Decor Trends |

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Dabble Magazine – 2nd Issue is Live!!

April 28, 2011

Hi Everyone,

The 2nd issue of Dabble Magazine is live!! The latest issue focuses on Santa Monica, Kimberley Seldon’s hometown….so be sure to read the latest issue here

And then of course, be sure to head over to page 32 and catch my latest Industry Profile with Jeffrey Herr, the Curator at Hollyhock House in Hollywood. Hollyhock House was the very first project in Los Angeles that Frank Lloyd Wright designed — It’s quite fascinating!!

Hope you are enjoying Dabble as much as I am and please share…..what do you like to dabble in??

If your home is craving some glamour, then contact me online or in person! I’d love to help!

Glamorously yours,

Christine xo

Posted in Architecture, Dabble Magazine, Food, interior design, Interviews, Online Magazines, Travel |

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Happy Easter!!!

April 24, 2011

Just a quick note to wish you and your family a very Happy Easter!!

Below are some very pretty Easter centrepieces that I thought you might enjoy!!

Floral and egg centerpiece Easter Decoration

Eggs in Hat

Egg place card, Blue Plate

Decorative glass platters with branches and butterfly

Aren’t these centrepieces adorable? All pictures are from Better Homes and Garden. Instructions for creating these gorgeous centrepieces are also included on the website.

All the best……and remember there is no such thing as too much Candy!!

Christine xo

Posted in DIY, Food, Seasonal Decor Trends, Tablescapes |

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Cityline and the Blogger-Fest!!

March 30, 2011

A couple of weeks ago I received an email from Kate Moore at Cityline asking me if I wanted to be an audience member for a ‘mystery’ show. Well of course I said Yes. One, I love a good mystery but most of all, I love the folks over at Cityline and have attended many show tapings in the past…like here.

The mystery was finally solved when we were told that the show was going to focus on Bloggers –a group of Decor, Beauty, Food and Mommy Bloggers! AND..the show officially aired today..so if you missed it, you’ll have to catch it online at Cityline’s website!

The Blogger guests included my decor BFF, Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault from Benjamin Moore, Eric Ehm – Founder, Yummy Mummy Club, Claire Tansey – Food Editor, Chatelaine, and Tracy Peart — Makeup Artist to the lovely Tracy Moore

cameo

I absolutely love the sofa from Barrymore Furniture – the tufting and gorgeous blue colour is so very glamorous!! And Leigh Ann’s DIY silhouette artwork is so adorable…I want to do this with my family at home!!

BTW: Thanks for the shout-out today Tracy…and yes, I absolutely loved that chandelier floor lamp!! (unfortunately I cannot find a picture of it…but it’s gorgeous!!)

My usual gang hanging out in the audience, Leigh Ann, Sarah, Christine, Meredith Heron, Ana, Vitania (her head is hidden) Vanessa and myself tweeting away about the show.

And the lovely Sarah Gunn is Cityline’s first Blogger of the month – check it out here! Congrats Sarah!

After the show, Cityline hosted their very first Tweet-Up at the very swanky and ultra glam Ritz Carlton

Just hanging at the Ritz: Me, Leigh Ann, Ana,Sarah, Kate, Jennifer Brouwer, a blogger’s names I forget (sorry.…tell me your name and I will revise this post) and Vanessa

Thanks Cityline for a great show and wonderful tweet-up….can’t wait for the next one!!!

Glamorously yours,

Christine xoxo

Photo Credits:

1 – 3: Cityline Website

Decor by Christine Collages

Last Pic – http://www.cherishtoronto.blogspot.com/

Posted in Colour, Design Bloggers, Design Shows, DIY, Food, Glamorous Decor, Home Decor, Living Rooms, Parties |

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Dabble, Kimberley and Strike a Pose!!

March 28, 2011

Last Thursday night the party to be seen at was held on the second floor of the ultra glam Elte store. This party was all about Dabble Magazine, Kimberley Seldon and striking a fierce pose!!

So here’s a mini play-by-play of the evening’s events:

First, we had to get there!! Tamara from Wondermoms and I drove in together and fought the gridlock on the 401 expressway. Fortunately we made it to Elte in good time and even got a parking spot right in front of the main doors!! Score 1 for the killer high heels!! When we arrived the bar was still being set up with the absolutely to die for ‘’dabble-tinis” created by the very talented Cocktail Deeva!

Then I got my name tag identifying me as a Design Contributor for Dabble – exciting times!! Check out my “Dabble blue” nail polish!

Since the Media presentation wasn’t going to start until 6:30 the design contributors decided to kill some time by pretending to walk the Dabble catwalk and “strike a pose!”

Nicholas Rosaci, Me and Nyla Free

Me and Lisa Canning another design contributor

By 6:30pm the room was starting to fill up with a mixture of media folk and avid Kimberley Seldon fans!! Then it was time for the media presentation to begin….and the guest of honour to take centre stage!!

Kimberley took the media crowd through the thought process of how Dabble Magazine came to be born and how the name Dabble was chosen (following is an excerpt from the Dabble website and very close to what she actually talked about)

“Dabble Dabble Dabble. Let’s face it. It’s just fun to say.

But that’s not exactly why we picked the title. It has more to do with Dabble’s subject matter, encompassing interior design, travel and food. Diverse topics that work in tandem to create Life Well Designed.

And that’s what Dabble is.

While I’m an interior designer by trade, travel is my muse. I learned early on that great design has roots that can be traced around the globe, speaking a universal language. The same is true of great food. How fortunate I’ve been to build a career that allows me to hone my skills working directly with clients, on television as a design expert, and as Decorating Editor of Style at Home magazine, all the while traveling the world for inspiration. You might say, I’ve Dabbled.

We want you to Dabble too.

Each bi-monthly issue of Dabble brings you inspiring design from around the world, immerses you in cities ripe for discovery, gives you a taste for far-flung cultures, and brings all of this together in an interactive magazine, so you can discover your own passion for travel, design and food.”

That’s the back of my head as I’m trying to get a good shot of Kimberley!

By 7pm, the throngs of Kimberley/Dabble fans had entered the building and the party was in full swing as we all rubbed shoulders with celebrity designers, bloggers and non-design folk! Ohhhh, and there was amazing food and wine to keep everyone ‘s tummy happy and full!

Maple Leaf Food supplied all the yummy food for the party!!

By 8pm the room was packed…you could barely move!! Just the way a good party should be!

There even was an area set aside where you could get your picture taken as if you were on the cover of Dabble – it was a popular spot…and where you could catch a lot of “posers” in action!

Now let me introduce you to some of the key members of the Dabble Team”:

Kimberley Seldon – the Queen of Dabble!! I have 5 words to describe this great lady: CLASSY, SUPPORTIVE, MENTORING, TALENTED and HUMBLE!! I’m so proud to call her my friend now.

Cheryl Horne, Managing Editor and her significant other, Jay Van Pelt

Victoria Drainville, Associate Editor. You can read all about the rest of the Dabble Team and contributors here

And of course, this blog posting wouldn’t be the same without my usual posse of Design Bloggers and all the outrageousness that follows us wherever we go!!

Ana, Vanessa, Sarah, Leigh Ann, Kate, Me and Christine

These are my dear besties from Oakville who came to show their support for Dabble and I: Cindy and Linda!!

Sharon Grech and I finally meeting in real life

Leigh Ann, Me, Tina Holmes and Dee Brun Gow AKA Cocktail Deeva!

Wendy Russell and Leigh Ann (again……lol)

Christine, Vanessa, and Vitania

Hanging out with my new blogger friend Pam Graham

Lisa Ferguson and I hanging out still at the end of the night.

Now let’s all strike a pose!!!

That’s Simon Burn, the Creative Director for Dabble in the orange top.

Work it ladies!!!!

Whew, I’m exhausted…..are you??? Now,if you hadn’t had a chance to check out Dabble Magazine live, then please click HERE!!

And don’t forget to go to page 32 and read my interview with Diane von Furstenberg!

Thanks for hanging out till the end….I know it was a very long post!!

If your home is craving some glamour, then contact me online or in person! I’d love to help!

Glamorously yours,

Christine xo

P.S. For those that asked about my shoes…I bought them in San Francisco and they are from Velvet Angels.

Yup….that’s my foot!!!

Photo Sources:

Decor by Christine

Simon Burn for Dabble Magazine

Racheal McCaig Photography

Posted in Celebrities, Dabble Magazine, Design Bloggers, Fashion, Food, interior design, Online Magazines, Parties, Travel |

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