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Food
Fitness
Fashion
Decor
Libations
Destinations
Relaxation
Inspiration

The Art of Living by Carrie MacPherson

Beauté

Balmshell

Monday, January 28, 2008

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About

A lifestyle blog about my idea of a happy existence. From food to fitness, fashion and decor, to travel or just how to stay put and relax in style. My goal is to live each day elegantly.

Recent Posts

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Glam Social for Montreal’s PRIDE 2023 at Holt Renfrew Ogilvy

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Yesterday, I attended La Grande Degustation de Mon

Yesterday, I attended La Grande Degustation de Montréal in partnership with @loirewines.official The Loire Wines (or Vins de Loire) region of France is known for its grand châteaux, but also for its diverse array of wines. Loire wines are fresh and flavourful with notes of stone fruits and delicate florals. If I had to choose one word to describe Loire wines, it would be “Finesse” for each wine has a refined elegance that is artfully and intentionally subtle. I really enjoyed my experience at the Loire wines booth where I tasted 8 unique wines and marvelled at their attributes. The booth also has a photo station where you can take a fun photo souvenir. In the Petite Restauration section of the booth, gourmet bites are offered to help you discover some delicious wine pairings to inspire your at-home entertaining with Loire Wines. If you attend the @lgdmtl today or tomorrow, be sure to pass by the Loire Wines booth, where you can also enter to win one of 8 in-depth Loire wine tasting experiences at Ateliers & Saveurs in Montreal. Enjoy!

#VinsdeLoire #LoireWines #Sponsored #lgdmtl #LGDM

Highlights from the new menu items at @restaurantl

Highlights from the new menu items at @restaurantlerichmond that I had the chance to try last night with my friend @beagomez1301 :

1. New cocktails made with @aupalevodka and topped with champagne 🥂 - decadent!

2. The Talisker oysters are a MUST for all oyster & Scotch whisky lovers because they arrive at the table in a dome of smoke and they come with a little pitcher of Talisker to add even more smokiness to each oyster 🦪🥃👌🏻

3. The pasta flambée for another WOW moment. Tableside, the pasta is added to a giant cheese wheel that’s been heated with flaming cognac and then served with freshly-shaved truffles. 🤩

4. We shared the rack of lamb with the Venetian salad. Both delicious!

5. From the new dessert menu, we devoured a ginger pana cotta with peaches and a maple/citrus semifreddo with cranberries 😋

I’ve enjoyed many a meal at Le Richmond, but this was the best one yet!

(Invited)

#restaurantlerichmond #lerichmond #lerichmondmtl #mtlresto #holidaymenu #montrealfinedining #littleburgundy #mtlrestos

The holiday collection by @tristanstyle last night

The holiday collection by @tristanstyle last night was very inspiring for any upcoming holiday outfits you may be planning - their stylist showed us how to dress up or dress down many of the key pieces from the collection. I saved my favourite look for the end of this video, but let me know which ensemble is your favourite! ⭐️✨

#tristanstyle #holidaystyle #holidayoutfits

Holiday parties are starting! Last night, @jesuisu

Holiday parties are starting! Last night, @jesuisunenfantterrible_ hosted their annual “Festin des Fêtes” at their newest (and chicest) location at @lesenfantsterriblespvm 🌲 I was invited, with a guest, to try their holiday menu, which was a modern take on a traditional Québécois Christmas menu. Think of one of their family-owned restaurants for your own holiday celebrations.

🎄

#lesenfantsterribles #enfantsterribles #placevillemarie #holidaypartyoutfit #dinnerpartyideas #holidaydressing #holidaycocktailparty #allblackoutfit #jesuisunenfantterrible #mtlresto #mtlrestaurant

Date night for @mtlatable at @lebalconcabaret last

Date night for @mtlatable at @lebalconcabaret last night. Nothing beats a lovely dinner and a live show! We had the #MtlaTable menu which included a choice of entré and main dish, plus a dessert. I had the mushroom risotto and a salad, while Chris went with the soup and grilled cod. All while local jazz, blues and soul musician Roger Man and his band played three sets on stage. If you’ve not yet been to Le Balcon, it’s in the presbytery of the St James church downtown. It’s a great experience and you can try it during the MTL à Table gourmet festival, until Nov. 17! #mtlmoments #mtlfood #lebalcon #dinnershow #souperspectacle #mtlrestaurants #stjameschurch (Invite)

Spending my birthday in Scotland has simply been o

Spending my birthday in Scotland has simply been one of the most delightful trips I’ve ever had the honour of taking. This past week, I’ve been staying in Aberdeen with my childhood bestie and her daughter. We’ve visited two whisky distilleries, went to the battlefield of Culloden, toured Loch Ness by boat, saw the Urquhart Castle and Balvenie castle ruins, visited Inverness and Braemer, where we explored the @thefifearms during an Afternoon Tea & Art tour. We did so much, that today, all I want to do on my actual birthday is relax and then visit the Aberdeen Art Gallery. We decided today is a just hang out and non-driving day (the right-side driving is a little stressful!) 😁

Tomorrow, my trip continues in Edinburgh for the next week. More castles and adventures to follow!

🎈

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 #visitScotland #ScotlandTrip #exploreScotland #ScottishHighlands #scottishlass #birthdaytrip #50andfabulous #50andfit #50andover

A wee dram of @fettercairnwhisky before I head to

A wee dram of @fettercairnwhisky before I head to Scotland seems like the perfect send off for a Scottish adventure. I received this bottle of 12-year-old Fettercairn Scottish whisky in honour of the distillery celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. How appropriate, since I had also booked my first trip to Scotland for my birthday! Since I’ll be spending the first week in Aberdeen, I will even have the opportunity to visit the #Fettercairn distillery to see where this wonderful Scotch whisky was born. One of the nicest Scottish whiskies I’ve tasted, for its tropical flavours (such as mango, orange and pineapple), it’s aged in white oak former bourbon barrels, making it the colour of warm autumn sunshine. If you’re a Scotch fan, this one should definitely be in your collection. Off to catch my plane now! ✈️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🥃

#scotchwhiskylover #scotchwhisky #fettercairnwhisky #offtoscotland #scottishlass #weedram

Tomorrow I leave for Scotland! It’s been a lifelon

Tomorrow I leave for Scotland! It’s been a lifelong dream to visit the land of my Scottish ancestors. Now, do I pack one of my MacPherson tartan kilt skirts that my Great Aunt Loraine MacPherson passed onto me? Or is that a Scottish fashion faux pas? Let me know your thoughts and if you have any tips or favourite spots in Scotland, please let me know!

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Scotland trip, travel Scotland, Bonnie Scotland, Visit Scotland #visitscotland #scotlandiscalling #scottishkilt #scottishstyle #scottishlass #kiltskirt #scotlandtravel

Three of my favourite @dorueda wines to try right

Three of my favourite @dorueda wines to try right now:

1. 12 Linajes Verdejo Rueda by @hispanobodegas (an organic wine made by female winemaker, Emma Villajos @emmavillajos / I paired it with a black rice seafood paella and the citrus flavour of the wine was the ideal compliment)
2. AYRE Verdejo by @bodegasverdeal (also from a female winemaker, Silvia Garcia @silagg / fresh feel on the palate and nuanced with notes of green apple, citrus, stone fruits, fennel and aniseed)
3. Miguel Torres Celeste Verdejo by @familiatorreswines - one of the most renowned Spanish wineries with a history of over 150 years! It also remains a family-owned business. (My personal favourite for its aromatics: lemongrass, coriander, melon and a slight spiciness / I paired it with a white fish filet, crisp salad and rapini) ⭐️

All three of these wines are from the Duero Valley in the North-Western part of Spain. They are rich in colour and flavour and not overly priced. Next time you are looking for a new wine to try with your favourite seafood dishes, give one of these wines a go! (Ad)

#tasterueda #ruedaverdejo #verdejo #verdejowine #spanishwines #winewednesdays #winewednesday

Lunch & Bloom with @visitflorida today. Had a deli

Lunch & Bloom with @visitflorida today. Had a delicious lunch where I met tourism reps from the different regions of the Sunshine State and learned more about Florida and what is new and exciting. Did you know that it is the top tourist destination for Canadians? Nearly 4 million Canadians visited Florida in 2023! 🫨 Lunch was followed by a fun floral workshop with @skyfleursmtl where we created a vibrant, Florida-inspired bouquet. I even learned how to open a Bird of Paradise flower. 🦚Thanks for the wonderful event - I can’t wait to #VisitFlorida again soon! ☀️🍹🌺🦩

#LOVEFL #loveflorida #flowerworkshop

I spent an evening @chateaudivoire and was charmed

I spent an evening @chateaudivoire and was charmed by its proprietors: the charming and extremely talented Kaidbey family. Not only is it a successful family-run business that has existed on Mountain street since 1978, it’s now a welcoming fortress, designed with the present, past and especially, the future luxury jewellery buyer in mind. A true attestation to the family’s continued vision, as well as their attention to every detail in designing, creating and selling high-end jewellery and timepieces. It was a real honour to meet them and hear how they started their business and how their daughters are now deeply involved and making the boutique a real gem in the luxury jewellery market. The newly-revamped three-story store is stunning. It was conceived by the owners and @atelier_archi_inc , and is now a must for anyone shopping or living in the Golden Square Mile. I wrote a story about my evening on my blog, if you wish to learn more about the company. I wish them many more years of success!

#chateaudivoire

Come with me to a @vinhoverdecanada wine tasting a

Come with me to a @vinhoverdecanada wine tasting at restaurant @hiatusmontreal at the top of Place Ville Marie. Master of wine, @jackyblisson introduced us to 8 original wines from the Vinhos Verdes region in the north-west of Portugal. Literally translated, Vinhos Verdes means “Green wines” but don’t worry, they are not actually green, they only take the name for the verdant countryside where they are made.

Vinhos Verdes are elegant, rich in flavour, yet quite affordable. You may have already tried one of the more popular white Vinhos Verdes wines that have a slight effervescence, but did you know that Vinhos Verdes can also be rosé or red? Of the 8 wines we tasted, I was quite surprised by how complex they can be. I particularly enjoyed the Portal das Hortas white which truly sparkled with its slight bubbly texture and its rich citrus and floral aromas. Paired with a mini tuna and avocado taco, it was a definite palate pleaser.

Each wine was unique on its own, and yet, once paired with seafood or red meat, the wines evolved and became even more flavourful, which I think makes them some of the most versatile wines for both elaborate and simple dishes. You may want to choose a Vinhos Verdes wine the next time you are looking for something new and exciting. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!

#VinhosVerdes #SeizeTheVerde #Paid

A slow and blustery Sunday is just what I needed!

A slow and blustery Sunday is just what I needed! We are enjoying a little staycation downtown this weekend. Yesterday, we went for a long walk on the mountain and an afternoon movie, followed by drinks with friends from out of town. This morning we took the dogs for a stroll to Dominion Square Park and picked up coffee and croissants on the way. They enjoyed chasing the pigeons and watching the squirrels. I was very happy to wear layers again! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend as well. 🍂

Anyone can do the runway now that the @royalmount

Anyone can do the runway now that the @royalmount shopping destination is open! This mega mall houses multiple luxury brands as well as more accessible boutiques. The highlights for me were:

1. The new walkway that spans the Decarie expressway directly from the de La Savane metro station to the new mall complex.

2. The @lefoufoumtl food hall which features some of Montreal’s favourite gourmet restos.

3. The multiple local fashion brands who have moved in: @mariesaintpierre @judithandcharles @quartzco and more.

4. The art! In collaboration with @massivart - Royalmount has an impressive amount of artworks on display for the public to enjoy, making this a unique visual experience and not just a place to shop.

Who’s up for a fashion getaway, right in our city?!

🛍️🪄✨

#RoyalmountMontreal #Royalmount @manofthemall

A Royal unboxing 👑 This British Royal Family haul

A Royal unboxing 👑 This British Royal Family haul hails from an Antique store in the Queen City / Regina, Saskatchewan. Royal memorabilia dating back as far as 1937 from the coronation of King George VI to the coronation and jubilees of his daughter, Queen Elizabeth II. I left behind anything related to Charles and Diana because I find their story too tragic to have around the house. Which piece do you think is my favourite? Find out in my Stories! 😁 #AntiqueFinds

👑

#royalmemorabilia #kinggeorgevi #queenelizabethii

Two weeks in Saskatchewan, visiting my family and

Two weeks in Saskatchewan, visiting my family and making memories.

1. Montmartre, SK (my hometown is considered the Paris of the Prairies and even had its own Eiffel Tower)
2-3-4: Fishing at @mainprizepark
5-6: Art & Flowers at @paperwhiteflowerhouse with @brittanyraeperry
7: My niece @leah_jvde_0401 & @connorlmac playing chess
8: Celebrating @bluewooly and Uncle Blair’s 40th wedding anniversary
9-10-11: fancy picnic at Wascana park
12: my family in Saskatoon
13-14-15-16-17: at Ranch Ehrlo powwow with my brother, niece and sister, Cheyenne (wearing her ribbon skirt)
18: my family’s old farm
19: with my dear friend @snaxia
20: celebrating my Grandma Mac’s 94th birthday with cake and puppies in bed.

There were more friends and family but I can only share so much in 20 pics! I’ll miss you all and will see you again next summer, if not sooner! 🫶🏻😘🥲🤗

Flower farms are my new passion 😁 Last week in Que

Flower farms are my new passion 😁 Last week in Quebec and last night at @paperwhiteflowerhouse where my Mom treated my niece and I to a Garden P”art”y with @brittanyraeperry where we picked our own bouquets and then painted them in watercolours. It was a lovely evening and a wonderful souvenir of my precious time spent in the Prairies with my family.

#saskatchewanartist #prairiefarms #flowerfarm #watercolourflowers #saskatchewan

Memories of a perfect press day hosted by @tourism

Memories of a perfect press day hosted by @tourismevicto_region last Thursday:

A picnic lunch by @bagelicieux at @pivoinerielili followed by a flower gathering session to create our own bouquets.

A visit to the lovely animal farm at La Chevalerie de Jade where I met a baby donkey named Rose and a pair of turtles named Thelma and Louise!

A 5@7 at local distillery @distillerie_euclide to try a couple of handcrafted cocktails made with their award-winning artisanal gin and appetizers made with seafood from @poisslamouliere & bbq sauces by @fumivore_entreprise 🍸🍹🦪

Dinner in the vineyard at the gorgeous @cotesdugavet with bubbly and poutine from @fromagerievictoria (best squeaky cheese I think I’ve ever tasted!)

Thanks for the invite @josianneisabel !

Fabulously French, absolutely gourmand and decaden

Fabulously French, absolutely gourmand and decadently divine, @ducdelorraine is a wonderful institution right here in Montreal. I often stop there for their famous quiche Lorraine, but yesterday I enjoyed my favourite salad: La salade Niçoise while my fiancé and dear friend @bernardcordeau both had eggs Benedict with lobster and crab. We marvelled at the excellent service and attention to every detail. Even @dapperschnauzer and Queenie were welcomed with treats and water and lots of affection. A gourmet meal at Duc de Lorraine would not be complete without one of their classic desserts. I had the millefeuille while Chris opted for la religieuse au café and Bernard chose the Baba au rhum. A lovely way to spend a sunny afternoon or for any special occasion! Thank you for hosting us this time and we look forward to our next visit. (invitation)

🇫🇷🥂

#ducdelorraine #frenchcafe #frenchrestaurant #frenchbistro #mtlresto

Never said no to a @greygoose martini!🍸Last night,

Never said no to a @greygoose martini!🍸Last night, we tried three kinds of Grey Goose martinis at their pop up ‘Tini Bar in the Old Port. We were guided through three mini bars that were each decorated uniquely to embody: water, wheat and sky, while tasting a cocktail that showcases Grey Goose vodka. I loved the classic martini and the espresso martini, but my favourite decor was the wheat room because of my Prairie roots. The pop-up is there until Saturday, but tickets are already sold out. If you want to experience it, the next ‘Tini Bar event is being held in Toronto on Sept 5-7. Visit greygooseletinibar.ca to reserve a spot!

#GreyGooseLeTiniBar #vivelavodka #greygoose

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