Aspire to inspire

Montréal is culture.The Aficionada

She loves art, pixels, and all forms of artistic expressions. In fact, The Aficionada is a dedicated follower of fashion, especially when it comes to the jet-set lifestyle. Music performances, art exhibitions, multimedia and dance shows, our Aficionada is an eclectic blend of Montréal culture in any shape or form. If it’s happening in Montréal, she’s always the first to know about it. So be sure to check back regularly for the latest inside scoop!


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Montréal is fashion.The Fashionista

As a recently transplanted Parisian, The Fashionista takes to the streets of Montréal in search of well-kept European fashion secrets. Armed with a hefty stack of magazines from around the world, this fashion blog enthusiast and style watcher tells is as it is so you’ll always know if shoulder pads are in or out. What makes our Fashionista so charming is her love of writing, without pretension. Time to catch up on your reading… and the latest finds for your next shopping spree!


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Montréal is art of living.The Vanguardia

With her great smile and contagious good mood, The Vanguardia is always ready to host a girls’ night in or to throw together a party—a living embodiment of Montréal’s joie de vivre. As someone constantly on the lookout for exciting new ideas, it’s no surprise that our Vanguardia changes her home’s décor every six months! Follow her column to find out what’s hot and what’s not for home living and interior design.

 

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December 2011

A home for the holidays

par la Vanguardia

The holiday season is definitely the time of year I love most. And now, seeing the glimmer in a child's eyes and experiencing their excitement first hand just fills me with joy. So naturally, I decided to partake in some small art projects with the kids.

This year, the holidays are all about tradition-with hand-made decorations assembled with materials like yarn and paper-mâché. It's part of the cocooning trend that's grown in popularity over the past several years. So go ahead and decorate with materials that remind you of grandma; get out your mason jars, old buttons, and wools. It's time to tinker!

I'll share two of my most recent projects so you too can adorn your tables with festive beauty.


Indigo - Place Montréal Trust


West Elm


Mason Jar Snow Globe


Anthropology

I was inspired by magnificent antique snow jars-they're very easy to recreate and make the perfect holiday project for you and the kids.

Mason jar snow globe recipe

  • Mason jar or any other transparent “vintage” jar
  • Plastic or ceramic figurine
  • Snowflakes or glimmering sequins
  • Water
  • Glycerin
  • Epoxy glue

Glue the figurine using epoxy glue (adults only!). Let dry. Then fill the jar with water and a few teaspoons of glycerin. Now add the snowflakes and sequins, seal the lid with glue and voilà! You now have a beautiful centrepiece, or a gift for the perfect host/hostess or teacher.


Materials from DeSerres - Place Montréal Trust


Wool Tree Ornaments

Here's a fun kids' project that lets you keep up with the knitting trend without having to get out your big needles. Another great project the whole family can enjoy.

Ornament materials:

  • Styrofoam balls
  • Ball of wool

Weave your wool around the Styrofoam balls, making sure to cover the entire surface. Then string several balls together to make a bunch. They're perfect to hang on a tree, to fill a fruit bowl or to create a wonderful table centerpiece.


Materials from DeSerres - Place Montréal Trust

Dinner is served

I found these beautiful placemats made from recycled paper that are sure to complement your table setting to perfection. I simply adore the charcoal sketch effect. They're sold in stacks of 50, so you're sure to have enough for all your parties.


Fashionable holiday gifts

Finally, it came time to rack my brain for some original gift ideas. Luckily, I shopped around for you and found several items you can stuff in your holiday stockings to spoil your loved ones.

The celebrity chef phenomenon certainly hasn't run out of steam in Montreal. In fact, we're lucky enough to host some of the best chefs in America, including Chuck Hughes, chef-owner of restaurants Le Garde Manger and Bremner, and winner of Iron Chef America. Much to our delight, most have published their own recipe cookbook-a real treat for the eyes and taste buds. Plus, they make a great gift for the man in your life still looking to wow you in the kitchen!



Indigo - Place Montréal Trust

When it comes to your prim and proper sister-in-law, offer her this lovely decanter reminiscent of a simple and elegant Chanel bottle. And while you're at it, be sure to stuff her stocking with some uber trendy Inglot nail polish.


Indigo - Place Montréal Trust / Inglot - Place Montréal Trust

Make the teen in your family happy with these brightly coloured Urbanears headphones. They're a throwback to the '80s and guaranteed to keep ears warm in winter!


Indigo - Place Montréal Trust

We can't all afford a gas fireplace. However, this small modern ethanol fireplace makes a great gift, sure to warm the heart of your loved ones.


Stokes - Place Montréal Trust


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