Kitchen and Bath Trends

… Along with Fabulous Christmas Design!

The month of November is almost upon us and I wanted to share a few events you may find inspirational. There is something for everyone!

I’m honoured to be speaking at Buildex on Kitchens/Bath Design and I am excited to have been chosen as one of the designers to be decorating a Home for the Holiday Season Kid’s Help Phone, Christmas Homes Tour!

Be sure to follow the holiday house decorating phases on Facebook at Monika Inc. Special Tips on how to decorate for the Christmas Season!

Buildex — www.buildexcalgary.com

Tuesday, Nov. 8  •  8:30am – 10:00am  •  $45

102 – What’s SEXY in Kitchen and Bath Design session sponsored by Western Living.

Presenter:  Monika Siebert, Principal, Monika Inc.
The most important place in the house is the Kitchen and no less noteworthy is the Bath. Monika will present the latest in what’s SEXY in Kitchen & Bath design, including spaces and product styles from: New Elegance to Simplicity. A stimulating mosaic of unique products, sophisticated materials, unusual finishings, even how to customize small details such as drawer pulls. The latest “It” items for kitchens and baths from what’s HOT in appliances and COOL in fixtures along with definitions of the artistic trends in cabinetry. You will be inspired to integrate the Culinary Connoisseur Kitchen and the Spa Worshippers Bathroom as important elements of the architecture.

Homes for the Holidays

2011 TOUR
NOVEMBER 26 & 27, 2011

Take a trip through a wonderland of festive light, colour and creative design.

Please join us for an experiential tour of 6 magnifcent homes all decorated in holiday fashion by local interior designers and retailers.

$35 PER ADULT
$25 PER SENIOR
(prices include GST)

Saturday, November 26th – 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, November 27th – 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Buy a Ticket Online Today!

For more information, please contact:
Priscilla Ng (403) 476-0386
E-mail: priscilla.ng@kidshelpphone.ca

Road Trip to Banff

Welcome to Banff

When travelling Highway 1, be sure to veer off for a few hours to discover Banff, a european-style village in the heart of the mountains.

Gates at The Banff Mansion showcasing incredible metal artwork.

Taking a peek at Banff Springs Hotel from the mountain lookout.

The majestic Banff Springs Hotel, a perfect place for a spa day.

The Falls just below the Banff Springs Hotel are a wonderful surprise and a relaxing spot to view the scenery.

This was the only wildlife we encountered!

A must stop at Welch’s Candy Shop, a place where you can find favourites from your childhood.

Exceptional art… only at Canada House Art Gallery.

Inside the gallery that carries sculptures, paintings and jewellery.

One of my favourites by Page Ough.

Banff’s style of advertising.

Lunch at Coyotes Deli & Grill is always a treat!

 

Great menu. They even provide “house glasses” in case you forget yours! The food was delicious: Fresh Apple and Gorgonzola Flatbread (top), and Roasted Vegetable & Asiago Pizza (bottom).

Heading home.

Happy Thanksgiving!

“Every now and then, bite off more than you can chew.”
– Kobi Yamada

Battle of the Species

Who will get to sit at the Thanksgiving dinner table?

Giving Thanks This Weekend

I’m thankful for family, extended family, old friends, new friends, angels in my life (you know who you are).

I’m thankful for this beautiful, peaceful country and its endless opportunities that God has allowed me to thrive in.

I’m thankful that somebody invented TURDUCKEN!! Now let’s go eat!

Happy Thanksgiving from Our House to Yours!

In the Kitchen with John Gilchrist

The leaves are turning and it’s time to think: Thanksgiving Menu! It may be your usual feast, but change up the dessert this time. Add this terrific Apple Pie to end the meal.

John Gilchrist is known as the best restaurant critic in this neck of the woods. He is also a great Chef and has created a recipe for incredible Apple Pie!

“FALL is about creating great Apple Pie!” ~ m.s.

Apple Pie Recipe

For the dough:
4 cup all-purpose flour
¾ tsp salt
1 1/3 cup lard
1 Tbsp lemon juice
½ cup cold water

Mix flour and salt together in a large bowl. Slice lard into small bits over flour mixture and work by hand or with a pastry cutter until the mixture reaches a granular texture. Add lemon juice to water and pour liquid slowly into flour-lard mixture while blending by hand or cutter. Work pastry until it forms into a large ball.
Turn mixture onto a lightly floured surface and cut into three portions. With the heel of your hand, smear each portion three times in a forward motion. Then form each portion into a thick disk, cover with wax paper, and place in the refrigerator. 

For the filling:
3 Tbsp flour
1 tsp grated lemon zest
½  tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
¾ cup sugar
6 cups cored, sliced apples (not peeled) (I like Galas or Pink Ladies)
1 Tbsp lemon juice

Mix together flour, zest, cinnamon, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Gently toss with apples and lemon juice.

Pre-heat the oven to 425F. Roll out one piece of dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-13 inch round. Place in 9-inch pie pan. Roll out second piece similar to the first. Pour filling into shell. Lightly dab the outer edge of the pie shell with water. Place second pastry shell over top the first and crimp edges together by hand. Trim excess pastry and roll into ball. Poke vents into the top crust with a sharp knife.

Bake pie in pre-heated oven for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 375F and continue to bake for 40 minutes or until pie crust is crisp and apple mixture is bubbling. Cool pie on a rack at room temperature for 2-3 hours.

Note: There will be enough dough to make four shells. So use the remaining two shells to make another pie. 

Recipe credit: John Gilchrist, Calgary food writer and avid pie baker.