Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Way Better Than The Wet Weather - Scribe Winery



 Sandy has come and gone in this part of the world, though obviously not in others (take care everyone!).  The only thing she left behind after the party are these clouds.  And these clouds are heavy with rain.

So what am I going to do to stay dry and warm? I'm going to remember my trip to California this summer, think of the hot dry sun, and share with my favourite winery from the trip with you, Scribe.



Scribe was a good find. 
In my experience, the best way to find a great winery, is to ask the staff at all of the other wineries.  I doubt I'm the first one to do this, but the guide books always take me to places that are "okay".  Decent wine, good service, but typically not as much character, pizzaz or authenticity.  The key to finding a great place is to talk to the staff and find out where they would be going on their own personal tour.  The inside scoop on most of the hidden gems is easy to pull out of the pros, they love to share their favourite places, just ask.


Thats what I did at Gundlach Bundschu, (this isn't a knock on Gun Bun, that place was awesome), thanks Courtney! And thats how I found Scribe.

Most wineries and tasting that you'll experience, are friendly, fun, usually informative, but busy and rushed.  You need to keep moving along because the next group or busload has just arrived.  At Scribe, I found the atmosphere was the exact opposite of the other 99%.  Super laid back, have a seat and relax kind of place.  Take your time, smell, taste, enjoy. Repeat.


We were set up at a simple picnic table, and our "Flavour Interpreter" Hannah brought us out a platter of walnuts, salt, cucumber, bread sticks and cheese.  She brought us a number of bottles to try, and had to be 0ne of the most upbeat and positive people we met on our trip.  Classic friendly(Knowledgeable!) service info and advice.


We were told the story of the winery, how two brothers planted the first vines back in the late 1850's.  How it became something... ...a touch different during the prohibition era, and came full circle about 7 years ago when a different set of brothers got it in their heads to plant some vines. All of this happened, of course, with a few interesting stops along the way.  


Do I even need to say this? The wine is fantastic.  I came home with a nice bottle of 2011 Pinot Noir. Saving this for a rainy day.  But not now, not that kind of rainy day, not a literal rainy day.




There were so many others I wished I could have fit in my suit case. the 2009 Syrah and the 2007 Cab Sauv to name a couple


After almost an hour sitting in the sun, we had quick tour of the cellar, said thanks, good-bye to Hannah, and made our way around the grounds. 




One of the leftovers from the previous owners is the Hacienda.  This will eventually will become a tasting and event space.  Gorgeous old building, so much interest.  Maybe when its done, I can go back for another visit?


With the wine finished, we headed out, back to the Sonoma square.   Now that this day dream is over, I'm headed back to Toronto and back to this cold wet weather.  But hey, at least the weekend is going to be nice.


Bill
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Scribe Winery
2300 Napa Road
Sonoma, CA
95476
(707) 939-1858

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

{oakville love}


Every once in awhile you come across the perfect client, they are always a pleasure to work with! I look forward to future projects with them...fingers crossed!  It was exciting to see this job from the drawing stage to the installed finished product.  I was extremely proud to be a part of it.


This entire house is stunning, simple, with clean lines and a timeless feel.  The attention to detail is amazing.


I am not a fan of quartz counter tops at all, I'm a marble girl all the way.  Granite is sometimes ok but 99% of the time I will pick marble.  Well that was until I saw this product from Diamastone by SMDS.  It is the closest quartz product I have seen to Calacatta marble. Technology is really changing the counter top game.  


The servery is an open concept space to the kitchen so the cabinetry and style needed to flow.  Not every wall needs cabinetry so it's a great opportunity to take the back splash tile right up to the ceiling.


 Although the kitchen and the rest of this home is incredibly beautiful, I have to say the master ensuite is my favourite room.


If you could only see the rest of the bathroom, the shower area is just as stunning.  I'm in love!

Working on homes like this really spoil me when I have to return to reality and work on my own condo. 
Budget, budget, budget!

keri
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Monday, October 29, 2012

Insta-weekend


I spent the weekend at home, getting things done. Well not all by myself, I had the help of a handy man.  If you are in this area and need one contact me for the details.

Happy Monday.

keri
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Monday Morning Pics - Wet Weekend Edition



What a wet weekend!  I was busy, running, running, running.  (For work as much as play)  This was one of the play moments while out for a trail jog through Charles Sauriol Conservation Reserve.  Cool, damp, wet, but refreshing in a way that only the fall is.   

Happy Monday



Stephanie
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Friday, October 26, 2012

Weekend To Do's - Bond, Songwriting and Halloween Edition


 Missed a week there, but I'm back, and you should be glad.  Not because you get to read what I write, I'm not that exciting, but because if you didn't read this, you might have missed out on these awesome Toronto events.


The big one for me on Friday night, spies, gadgets, style and love of the ladies.  Designing 007 - 50 years of Bond Style.   How cool will this film be?  Plus, you get a free tour of some of the items they've brought in with your ticket purchase.  

Two events to mention on Saturday.  All day event, Songposium.  An intensive workshop for songwriters.   Interesting right?  Build a song, learn how to sell it, learn how to market it.  


Saturday night, (and this is a perfect event for the weekend you'll probably be celebrating Halloween on) at the Bloor Hot Docs cinema, A Fantastic Fear of Everything.  Its the Toronto premiere and it stars Simon Pegg.  You know people will be dressed up, and you know this will make you laugh a little and scream a little. Perfect for a spooky weekend.


I will be enjoying Cask Days at Brickworks on Sunday!  Ontario craft beers. 50. Yes, 50 different beers.  I don't really need to say more than that do I?


Oh, and ladies, before I forget to mention this, Beautylicious begins this weekend. Check it out here.

Bill
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Thursday, October 25, 2012

Exciting News!!!



Me and my Hubby are so so so exciited to announce that we will be expecting a lil one on May 5th. Yayyyy!!!  


Stephanie
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Wednesday, October 24, 2012

The Hudson's Bay Point Blanket

My personal taste varies greatly.  Although I tend to lean toward more elegant and finely tuned spaces with clients, at home, its often a more casual, comfortable atmosphere.  I also have a fondness for all things authentic, of high quality, high style and with a hint of Canadiana.  

{Source}
Put all of these in a pot, give'em a good stir over the campfire and you have The Hudson's Bay Point Blanket.  We're lucky enough to have a 6 point, (It'll be going on the bed this weekend now that the weathers changed), and blanket wrapped chest as well.  


For a family members upcoming new addition, Melanie is crocheting a homemade version!

Now from around the web, some of my favourite ways to use it. On a side note, make sure you do use the blanket if you're lucky enough to have one.   They have always been well made.  Made for wear and tear, cleanable, durable and warm.  


{Both Above Via H&H}

These two shots make for a great conversation on the right way to use/decorate with one.  The first is a loft space, exposed brick, exposed plumbing.  Stylish lamps, elegant bedding.  Industrial Chic. And look at that bedcover, the Millennium Point Blanket.

The industrial space is in stark contrast to the scandinavian inspired cottage.  White floors, white and plywood walls, simple art, adorn this space.  None of the formality of those side tables.  Instead, a simple wood shelf.  Oh, and these lovely vintage HBC blankets to keep everyone cozy!

{Source}
 They work in minimal spaces...

{Design Sponge}
....they work in formal spaces.


  
 This last picture is from The Marion House Book, one of my favourite blogs.  Each post is worth a read, especially this one on integrating the blanket that inspired this post.

{Rowell Photography, based just north of Toronto, seriously, check out them out}
Get one if you can, use it to relax, get under, get warm and comfortable.  Take it anywhere with you.

Bill
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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

{you are my cup of tea}

Tea cures all, doesn't it?  Makes you feel warm on a cold day and some how soothes all your problems.


It's even better in pretty packaging!



  I've been admiring Kusmi Tea packaging for a long time.  I would probably buy a tin based on the colours of the label instead of the flavour of the tea.  So would it be fair to judge a book by it's cover?  

I've never tried this tea before but I'm about to, so let's hope what's inside matches the outside.  I was weak and decided to purchase myself this pretty lil tin, the detox got me. 

Kusmi Tea - Rue Des Rosiers

Even Kusmi's exterior store front is pretty, perhaps I'm bias because it's in Paris!


Can you spot some of the colourful tins in this kitchen?  Love it!  Oh and I'm so feeling that back splash tile too!


Now go make yourself a cup of tea!  Go!

images via 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

keri
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Monday, October 22, 2012

Insta-weekend


Fall is here, I will miss you summer.


Happy Monday!

keri
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Weekend Pic - Beautiful Fall Day





Stephanie
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Friday, October 19, 2012

{all grown up}

You know you've grown up when you get excited about purchasing new appliances.  Well that's what did it for me!  My new washer and dryer will be here next week...yippie!


If only I had a laundry room like the ones above, a girl can dream.

Happy Friday!


keri
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Thursday, October 18, 2012

Jonathon Adler For Kravet

I fell in-love with all the new fun fabrics by Jonathon Adler at Kravet.  They are modern, bright and fun which does not surprise me as most Jonathon Adler designs are. Have a peek at this great collection...











Stephanie
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