Calling all public radio junkies — iPhone does it again!

I've had my iPhone for about a year now, and in that time I've downloaded many applications. Several of them are fun (I'm kind of addicted to Scrabble), a few are productive (like Evernote, a nifty way to organize thoughts and inspiration on the go), a few are downright impressive (the New York Times app is amazing!); however, two recent additions to the App Store — from NPR (National Public Radio) and CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) — have really impressed me.

I am a public radio junkie, and love listening to random programing. You can learn a lot from people great and small, and NPR and CBC radio really take the time to delve into issues and let the stories get their time in the sun. Just today I listened in rapture as Konrad Ejbich waxed poetically on the merits of fine wine on Ontario Today. So you could imagine how elated I was to discover that these fine organizations have created applications for the iPhone. Now I can listen to live streaming broadcasts or specific shows on demand as I jet around town, workout at the gym or relax at home. CBC even offers the option to listen to television audio — now sports fanatics can listen to the game when they're away from the TV.

With the CBC app you can listen to Radios 1, 2 and 3 (I didn't even know that Radio 2 offered a station featuring only Canadian songwriters). As you can see there are several other options, including a favorites page that allows you to customize your listening experience.

I admit that I don't listen to NPR too often, partly because it's not accessible over Canadian airwaves; however, with the addition of this application to my iPhone I'm sure I'll tune in more frequently. I like that the homepage of the app is a news update. I swear I check various new sites ten times a day, and I like to check out the American spin on things. There's also something deeply satisfying about picking up 90.3 FM WMAH in Biloxi — it's like owning a shortwave radio.

I love to support these institutions — actually I'm continually impressed with how well CBC distributes their material through podcasts and their websites. I hope this new medium makes them accessible to a new crop of listeners... There, I've done my community service for the week. If you have an iPhone, download these applications. They're like culture in your pocket.

Domino, Of Thee I Sing!

January 28, 2009 — shock waves spread through the office of Kontent Publishing. Emails and calls, "is it true?... have you heard?..." The rumors were flying — Domino magazine was set to fold. "How could this be," the fashionistas at my office mourned. This is our home décor bible... the editors our redecorating gurus... the holy grail of stylish living.

I'm a lover of magazines. I visit my local magazine store every month to pore over the new array of glossy covers. "Ahhh, Nicole Kidman looks amazing in Chanel on the cover of Vogue; Christy Turlington is on W wearing Donna Karan," and so on. Regardless of the endless stream of tantalizing titles, until recently two purchases were always imminent: Vogue and Domino. Vogue to feed my insatiable appetite for fashion, Domino to feed my insatiable appetite for home décor. How would I cope with the absence of my go-to source for the latest and greatest in color schemes, fabric swatches and wallpaper trends?

To my relief, the makers of this wonderful magazine left an equally wonderful volume that will sit proudly on my bookshelf for years to come — Domino: The Book of Decorating (Simon & Schuster).

The book is basically a "best of" Domino magazine, but organized by room, and by aesthetic. Just look at the cover alone. Doesn't it make you want to redo your entire house in all bird-motif Chinoiserie? I'd have to say I seriously considered it! What I really love about the book — other than it's stunning photography and layout — is that the examples feel attainable. The rooms are real, lived-in spaces. And at the end of each chapter, an editor at Domino tackles a room of his or her own, details the planning/editing/decorating process, and then shows the results.

The book cleverly breaks down the steps to creating your ideal space: 1. Find your inspiration; 2. Determine your style; 3. Consider how you'll use the room; 4. Asses your stuff; 5. Draw up a floor plan; 6. Set a budget; 7. Research, research, research; 8. Create a design scheme; and, 9. Make a decorating schedule. As you read the book, you learn a lot about your personal style. It's nice to codify your likes and dislikes: "Oh, I'm a 'cool collector' with a touch of 'mid-century elegant' and a hint of 'rich and handsome,' but I'm not a fan of 'hollywood glamour'" Fancy!

I'm basically finished decorating my apartment, and I'm happy with the results. I put a lot of thought into everything I do — I love amazing food, I read excellent books, I have incredible friends — so why should my living space be treated any differently? I am, however, always looking for ways to amp up my surroundings, and complete ideas I've either started, or have intentions of starting. Fortunately, the book has several suggestions for "finishing touches" in every room. On page 102 and 103, there are several ideas for the dining room:

Don't you love these photos? Each one makes me want to transport myself into its world. Books in the dining room, who would have ever dared? Here is a picture of how my dining area looks at this moment:

Good, but not great. While it's clean and modern — I love the Farrow & Ball Blue Green on the wall, and the framed wallpaper samples —, there is a lot of room for improvement. Actually, one of the biggest improvements came when my roommate Jonathan purchased these great plywood chairs to compliment the mid-century modern table. Domino has inspired me to rejig this area. Stay tuned for the results... to be done on a shoestring budget, I must add.

For those who are lost in the realm of redecorating and home décor, my best advice is this: Don't be embarrassed to try to copy a room that inspires you. Practically speaking, there is no way the finished result would actually look "copied." And as you search for substitutions or modifications based on your budget, or architectural limitations, you'll inevitably end up creating a room based on your own likes and dislikes and you'll discover your own sense of style in the process. That is why it's important to garner inspiration from excellent sources such as this book. For all of you who are embarking on a project at home, or anyone who loves a pretty room, I implore you to buy Domino: The Book of Decorating. In my humble opinion, you may never need to buy another home décor book again, even though I'm sure you (and I) will.

Keep it Simple This Summer

I've been enjoying rediscovering simple taste combinations and good, fresh produce this summer. And I'd love to share with you a simple, yet delicious, lunch idea that takes advantage of the tasty cherry tomato:

1. Toss a pint of cherry tomatoes with a tablespoon or so of olive oil and place uncovered in a shallow pan in a 400 degree oven. Season with salt and pepper (I use Vege-Sal, which I will blog about some day). Bake for 20 minutes with the oven door closed, and another 5-10 minutes with it open until the tomatoes are slightly browned. (I like to do this to dry out the tomatoes a bit — it intensifies the flavor.)

2. Combine the roasted tomatoes with a can of good quality tuna and about 5 chopped basil leaves. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and season to taste.

And there you have it. Serve with a piece of no-knead bread and you'll be surprised at the great combination of flavors. Of course, this dish can be adapted to suit your taste. I think it would go really nicely with orzo to make an elegant dinner.

Bon appetit.

I Need No-Knead Bread

I love bread. Love it, love it, love it. And there is nothing like the smell of bread baking in the oven — as a sensory experience it ranks right up there with brewing coffee and blooming lilacs. The problem is, while I am quite competent in the kitchen, I don't have the time/patience/skill to make a good loaf. How then, was I able to make this fine specimen yesterday?

All you need is a bit of flour, salt, yeast, water and about 20 hours, or so. Here's how:

First, make sure you have an oven-proof vessel of some sort with a lid — I use a pyrex casserole dish. A cast iron pot or a La Cloche clay baking pan would be ideal if you want to invest. The bread will conform to the size of the pan, so keep that in mind when you make your purchase.

Next, combine together 3 cups of white flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of instant rise yeast in a bowl. Add 1 1/2 cups of room temperature water to the mixture and stir until combined.

And you're done! That's it. That's basically all the work you're going to have to do. The rest is just a waiting game. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 18 hours. The dough will look odd — it should be a kind of stringy/wet/dry lump of goo. But as time passes, the yeast will basically do the kneading for you. Eventually the lump of goo will look like this:

Admittedly, it looks a little bit brain-esque, but stick with it. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and pat it down. Then fold it in half, then in half again to make a ball. Cover it with a tea towel and let it rest for 15 minutes. Then lay the tea towel flat and sprinkle some cornmeal on it. Transfer the dough onto the towel and sprinkle the top with a bit more cornmeal (you can use wheat bran for this, too... I find cornmeal to be very tasty). Cover with the other half of the tea towel and let rise for two more hours.

About 15 minutes before the dough is done rising, pop your baking pan into the oven and preheat it to 500 degrees (both the oven and the pan have to be piping hot). After 15 minutes, invert the risen dough into the pan, cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is dark brown. Slide the loaf into a cooling rack, and voila, perfect bread every time. Here's what the finished product looks like right out of the oven:

You will be amazed at the quality of this bread. I even venture to say it might be among the best you've ever had — the crust is crunchy and the crumb (the inside) is moist and chewy, and full of perfect air bubbles. Making this wonderful bread has become my new weekend tradition (that way I won't be tempted to load up on carbs all week).

Note: If my directions are utterly confusing, watch this youtube clip with the recipe's creator, Jim Lahey of New York's Sullivan Street Bakery and New York Times food writer Mark Bitman: www.youtube.com/watch?v=13Ah9ES2yTU

Canadian Men Don't Get Fat

I know it's not exactly breaking news, but I just NEED to talk about my obsession with Mireille Guiliano's wonderful books French Women Don't Get Fat and French Women for All Seasons. Released in 2004 and 2006 respectively, these wonderful books are meant to inspire North American women (and a few highly evolved men) to adopt a French-like "joie de vivre," and in turn trim their waistlines while enjoying the five senses to their fullest.

Unlike other diets that encourage restrictions or eliminations, Guiliano's credo is to enjoy the finest flavours available in moderation. For example, bread, chocolate and wine are all good things when they are truly savoured and of the utmost quality — "just say 'non' to mediocre bread," the author proclaims on her website. So simple, yet so effective. It's not as much a diet, really, as it is an shift in attitude. When you become a connoisseur of life, you live mindfully and consciously. And that's healthy for both your mind and your body.

These books explore another aspect of living that I find intriguing: creativity. You need to have a vivid imagination to live with flair. Eating good, whole foods can seem like a boring prospect to many people; however, if you think outside the box a little bit, the possibilities are endless. And as you open your mind to the world around you, what starts off as creative menus at home turns into curiosity about fashion, books, art and design. I guarantee it.

To add to the usefulness and pleasure of these books, the author shares many tips on balanced living with her readers, including many wonderful recipes. I have yet to try all of them, but several stick out, like this one for her wonderful vichyssoise:

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 leeks, white parts only, minced

1 onion, peeled and minced

1/2 pound potatoes, peeled and diced

1 quart chicken stock

salt and freshly ground pepper

2 ounces sour cream

Dill for garnish

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the leeks and onions, and cook for 10 minutes over medium-low heat. Add the potatoes and the stock and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, and simmer for 35 minutes, partly covered.

2. Put through a vegetable mill, and then, if you want a very thin soup, through a chinois). Return the liquid to the pot, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring back to a boil, and whisk in the sour cream.

3. When the soup has cooled, refrigerate for at least 6 hours. Serve cold, preferably in coffee cups, and sprinkled with dill.

Courtesy of French Women for All Seasons (2006). For more recipes and a virtual treasure chest of information, visit www.frenchwomendontgetfat.com

I had a conversation yesterday with my best friend Natalie, and we both vowed to live with intention, no matter what the task, decision or action at hand. When we eat, what do we intend to accomplish? To gain nourishment, enjoyment and health — so when we plan or prepare our meals this is what we should have in mind. Nobody intends to gain weight, become lethargic or unhealthy from what he or she consumes. So why is that what we usually end up doing?

Living with intention isn't easy, but it's more enjoyable, and, of course, you have to act upon your good intention for it to count. I really hate the saying, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions." Whoever came up with that didn't acknowledge that good actions are bred from good intentions. We need to think first, then act. I imagine there are more people in hell that intended to to bad things in their lifetime than there are who intended to do good things.

This attitude also transfers to other areas of life — even style and shopping habits. When you wear something, what is your intention? Are you just throwing cloth on your back to protect you from the elements, or do you intend to look and feel good. My wonderful Grandmother Zayshley lived with great intention when it came to style. The new day was treated like a special event, and she dressed like the guest of honour. I love that about her — she must have some French in her.

When it all boils down, there is no magic rule of thumb, or guideline that will lead you to the path of joyous, creative living, at least not written by anyone else than you. You write the book as you go. And sometimes other books like French Women Don't Get Fat and French Women for All Seasons are great research for your own amazing manuscript.

note: the photos posted in this entry are courtesy of French Women Don't Get Fat (2004) and French Women for All Seasons (2006)

A Striking Cord!

From where I sit as I write this entry, I have a clear view of two chairs in my living room. One is a comfy, curl-up-in-a-ball-and-read chair and the other is a work in progress: I bought it at an antique dealer for $20 and vowed to get it fully restored (which, after five years, I have yet to do). While I've grown to love its unkept look, I often fantasize that it's my dream chair — an Eames, or perhaps a Corbusier, both of which are way out of my budget. But thanks to the über stylish Toronto furniture store Avenue Road (avenue-road.com), I have a new dream chair to add to the list — the Canadian classic Cord Chair by Jacques Guillon.


Cord Chair in Walnut by Jacques Guillon


Ok, I admit it, I probably can't afford this one either; however, I try to aspire to great things in life, and this chair is now one of those things. I love it for a few reasons: It looks as if it's light as air, yet the design quality — the balance, use of materials and fluid lines — give it substance. It's also very comfortable. Unlike purely wooden chairs, the Cord Chair distributes your weight evenly and forms to your body. But perhaps best of all, it is one of the best examples of 20th Century Canadian design.

Jacques Guillon may not be a household name, but chances are you're familiar with his work. Besides making a notable impact on the Canadian furniture, industrial and interior design worlds, Guillon created the signage for the Montreal Métro:


Montreal Métro Sign by Jacques Guillon


Guillon designed the Cord Chair in 1953 and introduced it at the Milan Triennale in 1954. Production stopped about 40 years ago, but thanks to the wonderful Avenue Road, it has been lovingly reissued. And as with all exceptional modern design, the chair looks like it could have been conceived this year, and would look equally beautiful in either traditional or modern homes and offices. Timeless indeed!


Cord Chair in Black Lacquer by Jacques Guillon

Great Gatsby!

Funny enough, on one of the coldest days of the year, an amazing pair of sunglasses by Polo Ralph Lauren inspires me to dream about how I'll dress this Spring. I'm already devising a plan. To keep my look fresh all year I make a list of must have purchases – items that will give me the most wear and the most dramatic looks. After all, although I'm on a budget, I want to look fabulous. I believe in dressing with a purpose.

While I will embrace my Wayfarers (and probably buy a tortoiseshell model to add to my collection), I'll be exploring other shapes as well. Lately, I've been wearing gold Ray-Ban aviators – which feel right again. I will also be sporting my Clubmasters with confidence, but I think rounder shades will be hot in years to come (think Carrie Donovan, not John Lennon). And I think I've found the perfect pair:


Polo by Ralph Lauren, Spring 2009

These are not for the weak at heart, but then again, how gutsy must people have been to wear J-Lo-style wrap around frames? Yet, everyone (except me, thankfully) did it! As a "frame" of reference, I will accompany these sunglasses with an urban sailor look (as I've said many times before, I'll forever be a sailor in search of a ship). Many fine labels such as A.P.C., Jean Paul Gaultier and Ralph Lauren produce amazing sailor stripe shirts, but this year I'm going to find an authentic Russian Navy sailor shirt in a winter (black) stripe:


Sometimes you have to stick to the basics and find the original, authentic example of the look you're after. For example, to me, nothing is more classic as the Ray-Ban Wayfarer at around $140; however, several other companies recreate the shape for twice as much. Doesn't make sense to me.

Every year I vow to purchase a pair of white pants. And every year I don't do it! I guess I haven't found a pair that looks perfect on me. I'm beginning to think the way to go is corduroy (so I'll be on the hunt for that). Meanwhile, I'll also be looking for a pair of wide-leg denim pants in a trouser cut like these ones from Ralph Lauren Spring 2007 (pleaaaaaase make them again, Ralph):



I like having a layering option such as a jacket or cardigan for most of my outfits, but it depends on my choice of pants. If I buy a wide-leg denim trouser, I'll find a short-waisted cardigan in navy, black or yellow; however, if I go for the slim-fit corduroy, I'll sport a navy blazer like the Trovata in my closet. But, really, how cute would this silk/cashmere number from Banana Republic be?


Or this double-breasted cardigan from American Apparel (a steal at $39)?


Then there is always the shoe dilemma. To really be current and to own something beautiful you have to invest. Here are two options that I'm exploring (and can't afford):


Balmoral Wingtip by Harris


New Gommini 122 Driver in Ecru by Tod's

There is a window of time in Toronto between about April 1st and July 1st when one can layer beautiful clothing, walk to work and enjoy the sunshine without overheating. This is fashion's best moment of the year. Colour is revived, the days are longer and the joy of warmer weather dances in people's minds. I plan on being ready for these fleeting months, looking better than ever (hopefully I'll start actually using the wii fit sitting in my living room, too).

When all is said and done, will I look like an eccentric millionaire lunching on the lawn of my New England estate? I hope so....why not?