Issue 8 - JunJul'12

EDITOR’S MUSINGS Follow me... t f

@kimberleyseldon www.facebook.com/KimberleySeldon

Movie Night I still remember the very first movie theatre I went to and the “grownup” movie I saw with my mom.

The actual film may surprise you, as it was hardly a good choice for a six-year-old child.

Mom wanted to see Hollywood. It occurs to me now that we actually lived remarkably close to the celebrity mecca. It was no more than a thirty minute drive from home but mom, a country girl at heart, saw a trip to Hollywood as a grand adventure.

Why drive all the way to Hollywood when the same film was playing in our home town? Mom wanted to see if her feet were the same size as Katharine Hepburn’s (a star she’d been compared to not infrequently). We never found Katharine’s star (if she has one) but we did see “Valley of the Dolls,” a film that left me with more questions than answers and a lifelong love affair with movies.

Although it’s not quite as fancy as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, each summer my husband hangs a large scrim against the side of the house and we host our own movie night—al fresco. Under the stars I still feel the same excitement as the sound track begins to play and the credits roll.

Here’s hoping your memories bring you joy throughout the summer.

Kimberley Seldon

Editor in Chief

June/July 2012

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JUN/JUL 2012

Kimberley Seldon Editor in Chief

Simon Burn Creative Director / Principal Photographer

Victoria Drainville Executive Editor / Art Director

Cheryl Horne Managing Editor

Bob Seldon Captain Crisis

Design Contributors Lisa Canning, Christine Da Costa, Nyla Free, Erin Mercer, Nicholas Rosaci, Janet Villeneuve, Joy Zaczyk

Travel Contributors Kathy Buckworth, Heather Greenwood Davis, Stephanie Gray, Beth Halstead, Jennifer Weatherhead

Food Contributors Corey Burgan, Jameson Fink

Design & Styling Team www.kimberleyseldon.com Kathy Seale, Linda Jennings

Advertising and Promotion Aysun Kuck aysun@dabblemag.com

Media and Public Relations media@dabblemag.com

Owned and Published by Kimberley Seldon Productions Inc. Cheryl Horne, Managing Director cheryl@kimberleyseldon.com

909 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, Ontario M4P 2Z6 101 California Ave, Santa Monica, California 90403

www.dabblemag.com info@dabblemag.com While every effort has been made to ensure that advertisements and articles appear correctly, Dabble Magazine and Kimberley Seldon Productions Inc. cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. All material is intended for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part prohibited without written permission from the publisher.

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y er ev in sue is

12 Dabble Here,

Dabble There,

Dabble Dabble Everywhere 15 Contests 16

Dabble Digs

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I dabble in...

Sivan Askayo

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Just a Dab

ON THE COVER: Benjamin Moore Feature Colour: Phoenix Sand 017 No picture could be more perfect for the cover of our Mexican Movie Night feature then this shot of Duddly posing with a sombrero.

Photo courtesy Blynda DaCosta.

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design

HOME TOURS 28

Lazy Days of Summer Erin Glennon

40

Spanish Eyes Marci Valner

22

Quick Tip Chix On the Shelf

24 What’s Trending #OutdoorIndoors 25

Take 3 Closet Case

38

DIY Guy Rockabye Birdie

50

Industry Profile Kyle Bunting

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Reality Check Custom Sectional

57

Infusion Claudio Bianchi

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travel

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Road Raves Animal Kingdom

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Snapshot Italy

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Dabble Dare High Ropes

DABBLE DOES

Mexican Movie Night

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food

Host a Mexican themed party and learn how to make a DIY Candy Girl Tray.

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A Day With Jamie Oliver

92 Dabble Chef Churros 94

There’s an App for That Escabeche

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here there

Women in Biz Conference

Jun. 1

Toronto: Kimberley Seldon leads the conference with topic: 10 Must-have Tools for Entrepreneurs.

Kathy Buckworth compares the New Girl's Network with the Old Boy's Club. Don't miss it. www.womeninbiznetwork.com

CityLine in Calgary

June

Tracy and Kimberley head to Calgary. Tweet or send design shop and restaurant suggestions for us. @kimberleyseldon www.cityline.ca

everywhere Find out what Dabble’s contributors have on the go this summer.

Design Express 2012: Charleston & Savannah

Jun. 13-17

Join Kimberley Seldon for a truly unique travel experience. Or plan on joining next year’s trip to St. Petersburg. www.kimberleyseldon.com

140 Characters Conference

Jun. 19-20

On Twitter? The #140conf provides a platform for the Twitter community to listen, connect, share and engage with each other. Check out Kathy Buckworth and her presentation on the Power of Networking Women. www.140conf.com

Contests...

t f

@dabblemag www.facebook.com/dabblemag

n wi to ter En

notNeutral "Links" Rug Inspired by the links in a bicycle chain, the “Links� rug is 5' x 8' 100% wool with loop construction and recycled cotton backing. All notNeutral rugs are certified child-labour-free by GoodWeave, an international non-profit organization working to end exploitative child labour in the rug industry.

Retail Value: US$520 Courtesy GoodWeave www.goodweave.org Enter contest...

10 to win!

FYRKAT Mini Picnic Charcoal Grill This darling, compact portable grill is the perfect companion for the on-the-go grilling enthusiast who loves to cook in any outdoor space.

Retail Value: CA$50 (black), CA$60 (red and green) Courtesy BODUM www.bodum.com Enter contest...

s on ti la tu Congra

Congratulations to Betty Aggerholm, the winner of the iPad 2 16GB Wi-Fi Model. This iPad features incredible applications like Mail, Calendar, Notes and Safari in a beautiful, thin and light design, so you stay productive anywhere.

Courtesy Benjamin Moore. www.benjaminmoore.ca See more contests.

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digs We’re having fun, fun, fun in the sun with contributor Lisa Canning. Our style savvy expert knows exactly which items are worth pulling the wallet out for.

Pretty and Personalized Customize bright melamine trays with over 40 graphics and colours.

Melamine Tray, US$50, Matie Luxe www.mattieluxe.com

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June/July 2012

Mod Lounger Recycled plastic never looked more inviting.

Mod Lounger, US$500, Offi www.offi.com

Surf’s Up A fun accessory on the beach or in the bathroom.

Beach Towel, US$27, Lacoste Home, Beach and Bath www.shop.lacoste.com

n ig Des

Sunny Towel Inspired by lattice fencing, this vibrant tea towel adds a bright summer punch to kitchen tasks.

Tea Towel, US$25, Avril Loreti www.avrilloreti.com

Light Bright Part of the Ottawa collection by Karim Rashid, the pendant’s orange glass is repeated in the bright fabric cable.

Ottawa Pendant, CA$779, BoConcept www.boconcept.ca

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digs

Grid-It! Luggage items large and small are held firmly in place with the versatile GRID-IT!™ Organizer, US$18, cocoon www.cocooninnovations.com

Safety and Style With its portable design, visual-audio alerts and talk-to-baby intercom, this video baby monitor allows travelling families to rest easy.

Lorex LIVE View Video Baby Monitor, US$169.99, Lorex www.lorextechnology.com

Luxe Luggage Hand crafted leather trimmings on each piece of this iconic luggage series are sewn on original antique sewing machines.

Centenary Orange & Tan Suitcase, ÂŁ1,065, Globe-Trotter www.globetrotter1897.com

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Travelling Tablet Stay stylish wherever you are in the world with this colourful Canadian made tablet case.

Jessica Jensen Emma Tablet Case, CA$95, The Shopping Channel www.shoppingchannel.com

Chili Cruncher Keep your hands clean of spicy seeds with this chili grinder and storage container.

Piccantino Chili Scruncher, US$28, Alessi www.alessi-shop.com

Reusable Napkins Machine wash these napkins up to six times, then place them right into the recycling bin or compost.

Reusable Yellow Dinner Napkins (set of 12), CA$35, CB2 www.cb2.com

Food Grill and Go A great portable barbecue for a balcony or picnic.

Mini Picnic Charcoal Grill, CA$60, Bodum www.bodum.com

Extreme Bean A delicious addition to a summer Caesar or as a snack on its own.

Extreme Bean Hot & Spicy and Garlic & Dill, CA$6, Matt & Steve’s Extreme Bean www.mattandsteve.com

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We asked our designers...

What's the latest trend when it comes to patio decorating?

Nyla Free

"Creating an extended living space with comfortable furniture, pretty lights and plenty of outdoor-friendly, colourful accessories are top trends this summer."

If it’s interior design related, then Nyla is passionate about it. Nyla also loves travel and says she keeps her bags packed and ready at the door.

www.nylafreedesigns.com @nylafree

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Christine Da Costa

"Every patio should have a fire pit, or a chat pit as I like to call it. Whether it’s a square marble fire pit or a simple clay chiminea, a fire pit creates warmth, drama and ambiance in any outdoor living space."

Christine is a certified interior designer who approaches each room like a woman’s outfit. “Decorate as you dress.”

Buy timeless pieces that have longevity and accessorize with less expensive items. A design motto to hang your hat on.

www.decorbychristine.com @GlamaMama

Joy Zaczyk

“I love the trend of patio heaters—they enable you to extend your outdoor time, even on those cooler nights.”

Janet Villeneuve

“Lighting. I love to put candles of all sizes in hurricane holders. They give off a flattering glow and warm the immediate area around them.”

Joy and Janet are the

co-authors of the popular tongue-in-cheek design blog moggit.com. They are bonafide design junkies with a passion for all things gorgeous. www.moggit.com @moggitgirls

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x hi C ip T Quick

On the Shelf WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY Joy Zaczyk AND Janet Villeneuve

In these days of fiscal restraint, doesn’t it make sense to buy furniture with versatility in mind? “Oh yes,” say Joy and Janet.

Visiting a neighbourhood tag sale with a whopping $10.00 budget, Dabble challenged the Quick Tip Chix to find a single piece of furniture that could move from room to room with ease.

Our style gurus returned with $4.00 in change and some stylish ideas.

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June/July 2012

DESIGN

1. Open Season Space is frequently at a premium in bathrooms, making an open-shelf bookcase a practical choice. Plump stacks of towels fill bottom shelves with ease.

Tip: White towels are a smart choice, working well with most colours.

2. Be Transparent Everyday items such as cotton swabs, cotton balls and makeup pads are a textural exercise in design when stored in identical vintage jars sporting cream coloured lids.

Tip: If you find a matched set of vintage jars, snatch them up— they’re hard to find and so stylish.

3. Use What You Have Move a decorative item or piece of furniture into another room if you’ve grown tired of it. Seeing that same old chair or end table in a new setting may remind you why you made the purchase in the first place.

Tip: If an item of furniture can be used in more than one room, it’s likely a worthwhile investment.

4. Nightstand Who says night tables have to hide everything away? In the bedroom, open shelves provide more display options and easier access to items you want to keep handy.

Tip: Make sure shelves are a comfortable height—typically 24”-28”. A nightstand should rest a few inches above the mattress height.

5. Think Inside the Box A mix of vintage and contemporary boxes perform wondrous tasks such as keeping the television remote out of sight, holding safety pins or organizing jewelry.

Tip: Stacking boxes give you even more room to store.

6. That’s Life Keeping frequently used items such as a journal or reading glasses on display gives a room an uncontrived, lived-in look.

Tip: The more eclectic the styling, the better. Don’t be afraid to mix colours, textures and vintages to make a personal statement.

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what’s trending

#OutdoorIndoors WORDS BY CHRISTINE DA COSTA

Bring the outdoors inside with patio furniture so gorgeous you won’t want it to face the elements. From Sunbrella fabrics to easy-care dishware and sturdy lighting—it’s time to improve the indoor views.

CLICK ON MORE GREAT ITEMS LIKE THIS BRAY RUG BY KORHANI

Light It Up Entertaining at dusk never looked so good.

Vibia wind floor lamp, CA$3878, Lightform, www.lightform.ca

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June/July 2012

Fine Dining Never break another dish. Melamine dishware is a practical trend.

Tudor Collection, Gluckstein Home, CA$5 – $15, The Bay www.thebay.com

Triple Threat This tassel blanket triples as an indoor throw, a picnic blanket or a beach towel.

Tassel Blanket, CA$49, West Elm www.westelm.com

DESIGN

Take 3 Closet Case WORDS BY ERIN MERCER

Always ready to serve, the humble closet has so much potential as a design element. Ready to ditch those drab “builder’s special” closet doors?

Dabble has three stylishly innovative solutions to give your entrance closet the welcome attention it deserves.

One

Bold Barn Who knew anything labelled “barn” could be so sleek and modern? This industrial stainless steel barn door provides simple sliding closet access.

Backpainted glass offers a gentle glow from reflecting sunlight and sultry sparkle at night.

Dabble Savvy: Tempered glass is heavy. To accommodate the weight load, it’s critical to provide appropriate blocking (support) inside walls.

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Two

TAKE 3

Design Tip Choose a highly patterned rug for an entry to hide everyday dirt.

Instead of art, try a large floor mirror behind the bench to give the illusion of more space.

Ditch the Doors Who says there has to be a closet in the foyer? This quick and easy update takes the entry from blah to BLAM. Remove the original doors and add a bench, providing a soft landing for changing shoes. We’ve added hooks on either side of the alcove to flaunt seasonal necessities.

Dabble Savvy: If you require storage, swap out the bench for a 3-drawer chest or even an armoire.

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June/July 2012

DESIGN

Perfect Portrait Create an elegant entrance by backing tempered glass doors with a black and white image on vinyl film. The high contrast between black walls and photographic doors puts this focal point in sharp focus.

Dabble Savvy: For traditional spaces, search architectural salvage shops for interesting and original doors as an alternative to glass.

Three

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HOME TOUR

Lazy days of Sum

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DESIGN

mmer

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HOME TOUR

Bold artwork— purchased at a local antique shop, creates a focal point and ties the room’s bright colours together.

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DESIGN

Looking to renovate their Kiawah Island vacation property, a Connecticut couple turns to designer Erin Glennon to create a space that is vibrant, clutter free and suitable to rent to occasional guests.

Undaunted by previously dark and dated interiors, Erin added painted white beadboard wainscotting to the living room, simultaneously enhancing the room’s natural sunlight and adding architectural interest. White’s such a useful colour for providing a backdrop to the vibrant hues and patterns so well-suited to vacation living. “Now the living room reminds me of a Jack Johnson song­—relaxing but not boring,” says Erin.

“I really like the idea of furniture blending into the walls to create an airier feeling in vacation homes,” says the designer. In the foyer (preceding pages), a whitewashed Shaker style console with distressed finish handles hastily tossed keys and provides an ideal perch for sea glass lamps.

Stacked orange boxes complement the sea green colour of the lamps and provide additional storage for smaller items such as flashlights or even beach-ready flip-flops.

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HOME TOUR

The biggest challenge may have been the dining area. It’s a pretty tight space and yet it needed a table large enough to seat 6 people. In addition, two of the three walls are sliding glass doors, which meant we had to sacrifice a serving buffet. We used the large scale print to anchor the space and create the room’s dramatic focal point.

Dabble Savvy: To create a cohesive colour story, lay all fabrics on a large table and consider the flow and harmony from room to room.

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DESIGN

“Don’t fuss. Keep it casual with a collection of mismatched vases.”

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HOME TOUR

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June/July 2012

DESIGN

“A bed that sleeps more than one person should always have an end table on each side, no matter how small,” insists Erin. Aesthetically this room reflects a slightly more rustic interpretation of the Kiawah landscape through the textured banana leaf headboard, antlers and plaid woolen throw. The small portraits above each bedside table are by local artist, Alaina Michelle Ralph.

Dabble Savvy: A portrait adds a personal element to a room, especially when it’s an original piece rather than a print.

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HOME TOUR

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June/July 2012

DESIGN

Sophisticated colour pairings and nautical details, like the navy and white valance on the window, combine to provide the master bedroom with the desired coastal style. The rustic bench at the foot of the bed and Moroccan area carpet add texture and comfort without being too formal. For the upholstered headboard, Erin opted for a practical Sunbrella fabric in a crisp white.

The wall colour, Benjamin Moore’s Natural Elements, reads as a light neutral but actually changes as the day goes on, becoming more greenish-blue. “This is one of my favorite wall colors,” says the designer. “I use it to create bedrooms that are, above all, restful.”

The Kiawah Island, South Carolina property (above) overlooks a lagoon with ocean views beyond. Though their vacation property is four states away, the owners say the setting is a perfect antidote to cooler New England temperatures back home.

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y u G DIY

Rockabye Birdie WORDS BY NICHOLAS ROSACI

Nicholas Rosaci’s DIY dreams branch out into an enchanting and elegant baby's room decoration.

MATERIALS REQUIRED • 2 faux branches, 2'-3' long

• Craft / utility knife

• Tweezers

• Spray paint

• Scissors

• Felt sheets, 8½" x 11" (medium stiffness / weight)

• Ruler

• 4 pieces of string (length depends on ceiling height)

• Pompoms

• 6" string for each bird

• Decorative rhinestones

• Hole punch

• Craft glue

• 2 ceiling hooks

• Pencil or disappearing fabric marker

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DESIGN

1

BRANCH OUT

2

BIRD WATCHING

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TAKE FLIGHT

Spray paint inexpensive, fake branches.

Choose a colour that best suits baby’s room décor.

Templates

VISIT WEBSITE FOR TEMPLATES

Print out the bird and flower templates and photocopy them to desired size. Cut the shapes out using sharp scissors. Position each template onto a sheet of felt, securing with removable tape.

With a disappearing fabric marker or pencil, carefully draw the outline of each template onto the felt and then cut out the shape.

To give the bird dimension, use a craft knife and ruler to create a small slit in the centre of the template (in the position of the wings). Slide the wing cutout through the slit. Glue rhinstones in place to create the bird’s eyes­—tweezers make the task easier.

To keep the wing securely in place, make the slit only as wide as the centre width of the wing.

Tip:

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PERFECT FLOURISH

Using the flower blossom cutouts, layer three sizes to create the blooms. Position the largest flower at the bottom and the smallest one on top. Add a small dab of glue to adhere the layers and then finalize with a pompom in the centre. Finish by adding some rhinestones to the centre of each flower’s pompom.

UP ABOVE

When you’re ready to hang the mobile, tie a 6" string to each bird by poking a hole in the top centre of the bird using a hole punch. Tie the other end of string to the branch so the bird hangs at the desired length. Arrange the birds in a loose fashion with felt blossoms interspersed at random intervals. Glue the flowers directly onto the branches. Finally, tie long strings to each end of the branches and hang the mobile from two or more ceiling hooks at the desired height. *Please Note: As with any DIY, the quality of the project varies. For safety, hang the finished project, either well out of reach of a child standing in the crib, or on the wall as static art.

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HOME TOUR

Spanish Eyes

Marci Valner’s Spanish Colonial style home circa 1929 is minutes from UCLA in the urban suburb of Westwood. Jockeying for a parking spot is de rigueur in this neighbourhood. We see one, grab it and remember to hang the coveted permit from the rear view mirror or—ouch—a $64 ticket is sure to be waiting upon our return.

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DESIGN

Wrought iron balusters grace the foyer’s tiled staircase.

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HOME TOUR

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DESIGN

Although the home is formally designed it’s clearly well-loved and used frequently for entertaining. Patterned chairs and serviceable sofas invite lingering in the living room.

Aubusson tapestry and vintage leaf patterns adorn pillows on the velvet sofa. An antique trestle side table sits next to the William Birch arm chair with its vintage palm leaf upholstery.

At the bar, crystal glasses rest on a chest decorated with marquetry.

Various objet d’art and collectibles rest on surfaces throughout the spacious living room. A formidable and eclectic art collection adorns the room’s walls.

The coffee table has a balustrade base and its top is edged in marble which surrounds a terra cotta field.

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HOME TOUR Traditional trestle table and ladderback chairs are casually suited to kitchen dining.

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DESIGN

In the dining room, a two-tiered crystal chandelier with acanthus leaves at the crown and antique bronze fittings softly illuminates the oval table. The table is surrounded by leather-clad dining chairs with tapestry backs.

Looking outside to the courtyard, dinner guests catch sight of the leafy lemon trees that are poised to flower and release their delicate scent.

LEFT The panelled study enjoys uninterrupted views to the foyer and into the dining room. Its coffered ceiling creates cozy intimacy in the warm setting.

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HOME TOUR

In the kitchen, cool-to-the-touch terra cotta floors offer a respite from the day’s heat. White adobe plaster walls and rustic wood beams on the ceiling add to the 1920's mood.

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DESIGN

A large candle chandelier floats above the kitchen island. When the temperature heats up, family and guests move into the shade of the adjoining patio.

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HOME TOUR

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DESIGN

From the kitchen, doors open onto a charming patio beneath an ivy-covered archway.

We are in no hurry to rush back to our parking spot and take a moment to rest on the patio’s cool tile steps.

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PHOTO BY: Jerre Santini

y tr us Kyle Ind file Pro Bunting

DESIGN

Texas born Kyle Bunting may have caught the design bug from his days flipping properties in San Francisco, but his father—an artist who produced imaginative works made of hide—likely played a critical role in his current success. Today, Kyle uses natural hides for practical home design applications, creating one-of-a-kind area carpets for a growing fan base.

Dabble asked Kyle to describe his contemporary aesthetic and industry plans for the future.

DAB: You were born in Texas but lived in San Francisco for many years. What motivated you to return to Texas?

KB: It makes sense to be doing what we do from deep in the heart of Texas. When you produce large scale items you need an abundance of space and Austin offers much larger studio sizes than the Bay Area. Iconically, it’s an ideal city from which to base the brand.

DAB: Where do you find your creative inspiration?

KB: Unlimited design options, unlimited colors, unlimited sizes and full custom capabilities embed tremendous design potential into our business. I think we were wise to notice that benefit and then offer the product to designers without design or pricing restrictions. While we have extensive capabilities and an unbelievable team, we would never be where we are today without the designers that we’ve been so fortunate to work with.

DAB: Where would a decorative hide rug have the most impact in the home?

KB: Definitely on the floor. A decorative hide rug is a highly luxurious element, whether it is finely patterned or has more subtle detailing. Our work is so tactile it tends to establish a tone for the whole space. Many of our clients approach their

projects from the ground up, specifying Kyle Bunting as the foundation for the room.

DAB: Where would we find hides in your own home?

KB: I use fewer hides than you might think. In the living room we have two silvery-blue hide ottomans and in the study, one of my wife Libby’s monogrammed pillows. Our dining room is where we keep the largest rug. That room has become a virtual showroom for us. It’s had a different rug in it every year we’ve lived in the house. Right now the table sits on a large silver and taupe rug designed by a friend and client, Geoffrey Bradfield.

DAB: What’s next for Kyle Bunting in home décor?

KB: We are leaders in decorative hide floor coverings and have enjoyed that position. We continue to move forward by expanding our capabilities and lines. This summer, we are taking what we have done for floors and applying it to walls and upholstery. Our new hide paper is an innovative development which allows our hides to be applied to walls like a wallpaper, giving incredible depth to the space. Additionally, we are offering upholstery grade hide in all of our existing (and future) colors. We have worked on upholstery and wall covering projects for years but are now formalizing the offerings.

In addition to hide paper and upholstery, we will also introduce sheared hides to our collection.

Double dyed with deeply rich, saturated colors, these are ultra luxurious. We’ve never seen so many color options in the market—not at this level. It opens up so many more doors to designing with hide and gives our clients exactly what they expect from us.

DAB: When you’re not working with hide, what do you dabble in?

KB: Libby and I have been married for nine years and we have an 8-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl. I also run a small company with 25 employees.

For both, I have tremendous passion. There’s little time for anything other than family and work. But for me, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Both are a joy!

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REALITY CHECK

Custom Sectional WORDS BY NYLA FREE PHOTOGRAPHY BY LORI ANDREWS

Cutie patooties, Mya (wearing yellow) and Ava (wearing red), test out the new sectional designed by their mother, Nyla.

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DESIGN

“Choosing a custom sectional isn’t all play,” says professional designer Nyla Free.

A big investment piece like the sofa requires careful consideration. Follow our step-by-step guide to choosing right the first time.

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REALITY CHECK

Step 1: Define the Space

Step 3: Comfort Zone

Step 2: Perfectly Sized

Step 4: Fabric Selection

Sectionals are used in a variety of spaces— family friendly to modern sophisticate. In open floor plans a sectional can define the conversation or TV watching area, creating a distinction between spaces. For maximum curl-up comfort, aim for a seat depth of at least 42". To accommodate an adult conversation zone, then a standard seat depth of 36-38" and a seat height of 18” facilitates ease of sitting and standing.

A custom sofa—sectional or otherwise, allows the consumer to select virtually any size to suit the space. Before you shop, draft a room plan to determine the optimum length, width and depth required. In small spaces, avoid wide arms which eat up available seating.

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Feather, foam, down, or dacron? It’s as critical to understand what’s on the inside of a sofa as it is to love what the outside looks like. A combination of feather and down gives a soft, cloudlike feel to back cushions and decorative toss pillows. Foam and dacron provide firmness to seats. Designers often choose a “sandwich wrap” using a combination of foam wrapped in feather and down to create comfort and shape retention.

Movie nights, sleep overs and cushion forts require fabric to stand the test of time. For extra durability look for polyester blends, wool, or even an outdoor fabric. Choose linen, velvet, rayon or silk blends for rooms with lower traffic and less action.

DESIGN

“Feather, foam, down, or dacron? What’s on the inside matters as much as what’s on the outside.”

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REALITY CHECK

Step 5: Piecemeal

Because sectionals come in at least two pieces it’s important to identify where each component connects. If the back of the sofa is visible to the room, make sure it has a clean and visually appealing break from section to section.

Step 6: Measure Twice

Avoid tight squeezes and potential disappointment by measuring ceiling heights, stair widths and corners prior to ordering.

Large pieces of furniture require extra care during delivery, whether you live in a house or condo.

Step 7: Cushion Control

In general, a single bench style seat creates a more modern look. But it can be difficult to turn and fluff a large seat cushion. Do adjust seat widths to accommodate specific needs.

Step 8: Sit Test

It’s advisable to pay a visit to the upholstery shop when the sofa is about 75% complete.

At this stage, the sofa is ready for a “test drive” and it won’t be too late to modify cushion firmness or arm and seat height. Ask your upholsterer if this service is available.

Step 9: All in the Detail

Piping, nail heads and a wood base typically provide traditional styling. Looking for something more modern? Add top stitching, metal legs and boxed cushions. Be creative and confident when selecting finishing details to create a custom sectional perfectly suited to your design needs.

Step 10: Ready to Enjoy

Whether you’re popping popcorn, cuddling beneath covers or relaxing with the Sunday paper, a well-made sectional is an investment as versatile as your favourite sweater.

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June/July 2012

Infusion

On the road with shades of blue...

Victoria Drainville gets inspired

by Street Photographer Claudio Bianchi.

CSP-320 dark buff

CSP-1095 fire glow

CSP-300 riding boots

AF-665 angelica

CSP-75 castle gate

2061-40 electric blue

CSP-660 adriatic sea Clearly our photographer Claudio Bianchi is inspired by his travels to Essaouira, Morocco. Is it the texture of the walls, the earthen colour of stone, or shades of blue on the rickety door? What stimulates you?

texture

Similar in appearance to cobblestones, the textured area carpet offers depth and comfort underfoot. *Find a

store near you.

pattern

colour

Cozy up a kitchen or bath with subway tiles in a brick mosaic pattern. The rustic surface has an unrefined exterior vibe.

This regal headboard uses organic shape and travel-inspired colour to bring an exotic destination home.

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We asked our travellers...

Where is the most exotic or unique place you have ever been?

Heather Greenwood Davis "I'd have to say India. The colours and culture were so intoxicating, but for wildlife?

My Namibia experience wins hands down. Natural beauty like that is hard to come by."

Heather is an award-winning freelance writer. Her articles have taken readers to the hills of Peru, the shores of South Africa, the kitchens of Italy and beyond. This year she’s adding more pins to her map as she heads off with her family on a one-year trip around the world.

www.globetrottingmama.com @greenwooddavis

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Jennifer Bell

"Auvers-Sur-Oise, France, where van Gogh painted the descending crows while living his final days with friend Dr. Gachet, and where the Maitre d' of Auberge Ravoux gave me restaurant linens, which forever makes me happy!"

Jennifer is an artist and mother, dividing her time between Vancouver, where she was born, and summers in the south of Italy. This summer she'll be painting the Italian countryside, and joining her family in the Dordogne region of France. www.messors.com

Kathy Buckworth

"Visiting an underground “lake” on the Grand Bahamas Island called Ben’s Cave. The stillness and clarity of the water was incredible. Reminded me to expect the unexpected."

Kathy is an award-winning writer, public speaker, television personality and the author of five books, including Shut Up and Eat: Tales of Chicken, Children & Chardonnay. She is a feature writer for Sympatico.ca and a columnist for various national and international publications.

www.kathybuckworth.com @KathyBuckworth

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ROAD RAVES

Animal Kingdom

Namibia WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEATHER GREENWOOD DAVIS

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Safari. Africa.

Just two words and I’m willing to bet that once you read them you already have all kinds of visions of grandeur. You, a cool breeze blowing your hair back as you ride along in an open-air jeep across the savannah under an African sun.

The plains in this dream are teeming with wildlife, right? Lions roaming ahead; giraffes striding alongside; elephants gently nudging from behind.

A virtual Tilley catalogue come to life.

Maybe you’ve even figured out how you want to stay. In your dream is it a tented camp in the bush where high tea is served precisely at four? A luxurious lodge that is frequented by the celebrity crowd? A small room with a view that puts you in the centre of it all?

They are important questions that demand answers but, really, before you can attempt to answer those you must answer this: Where are you?

There is no shortage of operators and options in Africa.

I have had the privilege of experiencing safari in both Kenya and in South Africa and I can tell you that both were incredible but neither of them were Namibia.

Namibia calls to the safari dreamer with wide open spaces and the animals to fill them.

The difference, I think, is in the approach.

Kenya and South Africa both deliver a safari experience that is exactly as, and in some ways bigger than, I’d dreamed. What I got in Namibia is something quieter and in some ways more intimate. The animals are no less impressive but I think Namibia’s secret is the fact that only a few people seem to have found her. And when what you’re looking for in a safari is an experience that is equal parts adventure, family friendly fun and an opportunity to enjoy the simplicity of Africa, a bit of time away from the crowds is exactly what you need.

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Looking back, it’s funny to think about how our family of four stumbled out of the Wyndhoek airport nervous and unsure. We had no good reason except that no one we knew had been here; there weren’t even any political dictators or strife to have as reference points from the news in North America. Namibia was, in our media-rich lives, a no man’s land.

But, from the moment we got our map from the airport car rental agency and hopped into our Kia 4x4, things changed.

We set out to explore and found a country twice the size of California with only 2.2 million people in it.

Both the Germans and the Afrikaaners have been through here and are credited with an unyielding oppression of the natives and an infrastructure that has served them well. Now, an independent country, free from any political strife, the main roads around Namibia are paved and well kept and driving them is as easy as taking to any North American highway minus the traffic you’d find at home.

You can get lost here if you stray off the main roads but, when and if you do, the only concern is which friendly local to ask for directions. What you won’t regret is the beauty that calls to you from the roadside: rolling farmlands, the occasional spotting of a wandering warthog family, or the roadside picnic benches tempting you to pull over and stay a while.

And while the German influence can be felt in small ways across the country, the history and culture remain unabashedly African. As you make your way out of the “big city” and along the roads, you’ll see life as it is, without any tourist pretensions. Stop for a snack along the way and you’ll see Africans out doing their shopping.

Artisans aren’t waiting for you in shops; their wares are stocked inside their roadside stalls. But if you happen by when they’re off on a break, tough luck for you.

And the animals are the same way.

This is not a zoo, we constantly told the children as we drove—literally my husband behind the wheel— through Etosha National park, our eyes searching the brush for the sign of something on the move.

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“This is not a zoo, we constantly told the children as we drove.”

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Follow Heather on her journey at: www.globetrottingmama.com

TRAVEL We are rewarded time and time again: lions lounging roadside; giraffes on the move; jackals crossing our path; one lonely rhino lumbering into the bush.

Though we guided ourselves through Etosha, we opted for a guide, Jonas, when we arrived at Okonjima Lodge.

Jonas meets us faithfully for game drives and is ruthless in his determination to show us the cheetahs who have been rescued and rehabilitated on the property. At N/a’an ku sê we slept where the Jolie-Pitts did and woke up to cows sipping from our swimming pool before wandering out to play amongst baboons.

It is true in Twyfelfontein too, where we tracked desert elephants for hours. If you want to see something, you need to look for it.

But the rewards, oh the rewards.

It happens every time you find yourself in and amongst a herd of giraffes you hadn’t heard coming, or you realize that zebras jumping and playing are oblivious to the fact that you’ve stopped to watch, or one of the kids says “A lion mom! Do you see it?!!?” and you do.

It’s the realization that this planet is big enough for all of us, and the lands that belong to the animals need to stay that way, and we’ve got so much to learn about the mystery and beauty and power this planet holds.

Being out on safari is a rare chance to experience Africa at its barest and to gain an appreciation for people and for the earth itself. This beauty isn’t created through store bought furnishings or someone’s strategic plan.

No, this is the stuff of nature. That unexplainable stroke of luck that manages to put some of the planet’s most amazing creatures and people in one place at this very moment in time when you came to see them.

Before we came here I worried that no one spoke of Namibia because it was a place no one wanted to go.

I now realize it’s because it’s a place that, once you’ve been there, you hope the rest of the world continues to neglect it so you can keep it for yourself. And yet you can’t help but share it because there’s a part of you that can’t believe that something this beautiful still exists.

Here’s hoping that all who come to visit see in its beauty an obligation to keep it that way.

Plan your own Safari: Looking for a place to settle down and safari?

Here are four that stole our hearts: Okonjima : The beautiful rooms that look out onto endless warthogs, gnus and gazelles are the bonus here. The pristine setting and dedicated staff are the guarantee. Don’t miss: the game drives out to track cheetah or a visit to the Africat Foundation education centre. www.okonjima.com N/a’an ku sê: Angelina and Brad are frequent visitors here and once you visit you’ll see why.

Gorgeous homes in the middle of the bush give you the luxuries of home with a scenic backyard that is all African. Don’t miss: A visit to the Clever Cubs school and Lifeline Clinic, which provide free education and healthcare to the marginalised community. Lend a hand and expect them to steal your heart. www.naankuse.com Midgard Country Estate: The perfect intro to Namibia. Close to the airport and next door neighbour to many of the smaller animals that call Africa home. Get comfortable here in rooms that offer the conveniences you’ll need and staff who feel like family within hours.

Don’t miss: The 9-pin bowling alley where you can book a lane and let loose, and the morning game drive that provides the base info you’ll need throughout the trip. www.midgard.na Twyfelfontein Country Lodge: The scenery here is so drastically different you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Bedrock. The buildings seem like they’ve been carved right out of the age old stones and the nearby cave paintings are jaw dropping. Don’t miss: A game drive out to see the desert elephants and the community whose water tank they frequent, and a night trip out with Ziggy, an astronomer, whose love for the night sky is infectious. www.twyfelfonteinlodge.com Continue planning your trip at www.namibiatourism.com.na

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SNAPSHOT

Restoring Art Restoring Se WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY JENNIFER BELL

Eat , Pray, Love meets Under the Tuscan Sun when fine artist Jennifer Bell finds herself (and a husband) in Italy.

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TRAVEL

Ninety-three-year-old Don Giacinto wanders the halls adjusting a collection of silver trophies within a quarter inch from where he artfully arranged them yesterday.

He stops to eye a painting of the Archangel Michael, realigns it, and confirms that it is now straight. His daily morning pilgrimage through the halls and connected salons is beautiful to watch. One can see the young Italian boy within emerging, a boy recalling his childhood as he lovingly touches each object. Don Giacinto grew up here, in the southern region of Puglia, in this country home known as Masseria La Selva.

Masseria La Selva was originally built in the 18th century as a hunting lodge for the noble Orsini family . Their long political and Papal history is well-known in the southern orbit of Italy.

When the family’s wealth faltered, Don Giacinto’s father purchased the property and converted it to a working tobacco farm.

The elderly Giacinto can be difficult and stubborn, but it’s his obstinate nature that has preserved the masseria (farm) from falling prey to the fate of many historic properties, now abandoned or gutted, painted pink and landscaped with potted palms, barely recognizable as the region’s indigenous architectural forms.

No one has actually lived on the farm for years. So, like a steadfast soldier, Giacinto makes the 40-minute drive from the coastal town of Bari daily to feed the stray dogs that appear from surrounding fields like clockwork and the resident geese that loudly herald his arrival.

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SNAPSHOT

“

“

By physically helping to restore a piece of history we become part of the story.

Although the sight of foreigners industriously restoring canvases and 16th century statues in the barn must be a little unnervi to protect his masseria when he may no longer be able to do it on his own. The newest chapter in La Selvas’ history involves a g objective is to restore the art and cultural heritage of the region and recently they’ve been repurposing the farm as a place to h

I first came to Puglia in 2004 to participate in a Messors restoration workshop. Recently divorced, I felt at that time that even m appeal. I needed a holiday, but the idea of sitting poolside alone in some resort sounded somewhat pathetic. I wanted an activ something new, that I was by all accounts not qualified to do, helped prop up my wavering and wounded confidence. It was also great grandfather, Carlo Stefani, immigrated from the Veneto region and being a proud Italian he sought to propagate his root of the Vancouver Italian Society. His pride did not rub off on my grandmother. Seems his unfailing efforts had the opposite imp ties to Italy. She married a young and brazen bush pilot and never again entered the church, fearing it would implode on her be my mother, and in turn I, did not ‘grow up’ Italian. By making the voyage to Italy and by helping to restore some of its cultural he (great grandfather).

Luckily I found a project in Italy that was perfectly suited to the solo traveller. I contacted Messors and with little fuss paid the w five days before the workshop’s start date and chose the city of Matera as my first portal into the slower southern Italy lifestyle and found a deserted town­. I would later learn it was the venerated Italian lunching hour and everyone was simply safely shelte shuttered windows.

Parched, I wound my way up and down and through narrow cobblestone alleys trying to squelch my panic . I took in the spectac 68

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Statue restoration of Archangel David.

Jennifer in the underground frescoed church of Jesce.

ing for Giacinto, it’s all part of a hopeful plan group called Messors. The group’s main host their workshops.

my career as an artist had temporarily lost its ve holiday. The tantalizing thought of learning o time to pay homage to my Italian roots. My ts by becoming one of the founding members pact on her, attempting to sever her culture ecause she hadn’t married Catholic. Hence eritage, I felt I could give a nod to my bisnonno

workshop fees and booked a flight. I arrived e. Mistakenly, I got off the train one stop early ered from the burning midday sun behind

cular town unfolding before me as I walked.

Masseria La Selva.

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SNAPSHOT

Locals in Altamura.

On initial sight, Matera appears as a biblical sepiastained etching: homes carved from rock faces, large chiselled masses of stone topped with precariously perched crosses revealing themselves as churches, and pathways that traverse rooftops and dip under dwellings. I spent my time gorging on mozzarella and crusty bread doused with peppery olive oil while listening to the street sounds that filtered up to my ears: women wildly calling to each other from their windows, a man on his bicycle singing of his knife sharpening services, and the haunting music of a brass funeral band winding its way through town. I already knew I had signed up for a life changing experience and the workshop hadn’t even begun.

I met Messors founder Tonio Creanza in the neighbouring town of Altamura. We drove to a monastery, which would be home for the next ten days. As we entered, I could hear the animated voice of Rosanna in the kitchen preparing our first dinner.

Her delightful intonation rose up and down like an operatic libretto. There were 16 of us in total, from the Netherlands, England, Canada and the United States, all here to help restore the stone walls and clear out the rocky cave dwellings of an historical site situated on the ancient Via Appia.

We start our first day by taking an excursion to explore the surrounding countryside. Beneath the karstic 70

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Walking the path with sheep.

plateaus (a geological term that sounds vaguely familiar from grade school) and farmland of Puglia are hidden gems, revealed to us by our guide Tonio. He brushes aside an overgrown mass of weeds to uncover an underground cave. We step into its hush. I feel immediately reverent of its cool and absolute quiet, illuminated only by the little sun that reaches its way through the cave’s opening.

With his flashlight Tonio reveals a Byzantine fresco depicting the face of Christ. Goose bumps are my first reaction. The second, it occurs to me there ought to be a rope or gate to cordon off this cave. And a third following closely, ‘But wait, I’m not sure I want to share this with anyone.’ A secret subterranean world of art has just been unveiled.

Above ground, and now more aware of the thrilling underworld, we hunt for archaeological fragments.

When I unearth my first 5th century loom weight imprinted with a signet ring, I react as if I’d won the lottery. Holding it up to the sun, I half expected yet another world of roaming Roman Gods to unveil itself from above.

And that is Puglia in its obscure perfection. Its beauty is not laid out like a banquet to quickly devour. Rather, you must forage for its underlying and unusual beauty—this is what makes you feel like an explorer.

TRAVEL

Cobblestone streets of Trani Puglia.

Over the course of the two-week workshop we restore the outlying stone walls of an historic site named Jesce, learning to employ drystone wall techniques without the use of mortar, and clearing out Neolithic caves. At times it is gruelling work that seeks to undermine my resolve for such a project. But the sentiment we return to each evening as we sit in the courtyard conversing over wine is: what a good kind of tired it is and how personally rewarding. We sense that by physically restoring a piece of history we are actually becoming part of the story.

The workshop’s introduction to the rich artistic heritage and raw beauty of the region leads me to abandon my plans of setting up a painting studio somewhere in pretty, romantic France. I settle into the Mediterranean lifestyle, buying my daily food from the vibrant morning markets, joining the Sunday night custom of passegiata (taking a walk) and late night limoncello and clothes drying in the sun.

Each new sunrise spawns a procession of tractors heading out of town like teams of worker ants on a mission to aerate the fertile soil. My itch for Parisian flea markets fades, replaced by ritual Sunday hunts for Hellenic pottery that the ploughs produce a new crop of each week. I begin to learn the Italian language through food, expanding my vocabulary in this culinary paradise of orecchiette, cardoncelli, fave, pomodori, formaggio and vino.

My genuine excitement and entertainment is watching the farmers light acres of fields on fire (sending raging orange flames into the midnight sky), picnicking under the gnarled centenarian olive trees, harvesting grapes into wine, following candlelit processions of statues carried on the shoulders of bowed men, swimming in azure seas, exploring caves, foraging for wild mushrooms, drinking water from wells, and returning always to my canvas to paint.

But then, on a journey that started with the hope of restoring myself, it seems rather suiting that I fell in love with a restorer. Like so many of the stories we read about Italy, I too fell in love.

Tonio drove me up a long gravel road lined with majestic pine trees and we were greeted by a tall, elegant man who introduced himself as Don Giacinto. Wandering the property, I blurted out like an enthusiastic child, ‘I want to live here, I want to paint here!’ “Beba,” Giacinto responded, “what a crazy idea, one can’t live in the countryside alone.” It was only a few months later that Giacinto generously handed us the keys to Masseria La Selva, and Tonio said ”Let’s get married here.” And we did.

For the past two years, Tonio and his Messors colleagues have been conducting their fresco and art restoration, culinary and shepherding workshops in the rustic tranquil setting at La Selva.

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SNAPSHOT

Shepherd painting by Jennifer Bell

Nonno —My Italian Roots

by Jennifer Bell

Messors' philosophy of ‘to do is to learn’, is echoed in all their workshops and one is inspired by the members’ desire to share their native cultural heritage. Gently scraping away centuries of accumulated salt from a fresco is meditative. Handling centuries’ old statues and canvases ingrains a technical knowledge and connects you to the art in a way that is not possible to achieve in a museum. The culinary workshops are approached by delving into the origins, myths and methods of the Mediterranean cuisine. And a threeday experience to trace the ancient shepherds’ footpaths and make cheese from the fresh milk is an opportunity to slow down and take note of the vast sky and countryside.

I lived in Puglia for six years and now divide my time between Vancouver and Italy. In 2009 I went to visit my husband who was in Italy restoring the decorative paintings at Francis Ford Coppola’s newest hotel, ‘Palazzo Margherita’ in Bernalda, where his great grandfather Agostino Coppola was born. With me, in my arms, was our son, August, who bears an Italian last name—the ultimate nod to my bisnonno.

I recently read an article in which the author summarizes some of Coppola’s thoughts on the southern region of Italy—where you can find yourself eating at a local’s kitchen table, where there are regular late-night dances in people’s homes and where food is as fresh as the evening air. Other parts of Italy are indisputably more beautiful to visit, but you don’t come away with any greater sense of the people who live there.

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For more information: www.messors.com

TRAVEL

The Murgian hills of Puglia.

“

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Gently scraping away centuries of accumulated salts from a fresco is meditative.

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DABBLE DARE

High Hopes for

High Ropes WORDS BY KATHY BUCKWORTH

WORDS BY KATHY BUCKWORTH PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL RUSS

The US National Whitewater Center just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina is home to the US Olympic trials for canoeing and kayaking. Recently, it’s where Woody Harrelson spent hours cycling and rock climbing while filming The Hunger Games movie.

More importantly, it’s the setting for my latest Dabble Dare— a high ropes course followed by hydraulic zipline. Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

First off, let me tell you there’s just nothing attractive and or comfortable about a harness, as these photos attest.

That said, since it’s the harness that keeps me from plunging two stories to my death, I strap it on. Secondly, any “sport” which involves a helmet makes me think twice.

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TRAVEL

The dare:

EXTREME ADVENTURE

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TRAVEL Even though my well-protected brain knows the wire attached to the harness and hanging from a metal hook guides me from landing pad to landing pad and keeps me from falling, my stomach is telling me otherwise. I inch my way across the tightrope style course and call down to one of the instructors, “What happens if I do fall? Do I just dangle here for a while?”

He chuckles and shouts up to me something about ‘self-rescuing’, which I am determined to learn nothing about.

I’m only slightly annoyed to find out my 12-year-olds, who attend summer day camp here, can do this course in about ten minutes… blindfolded. Good for them.

As I make my way around the course, regaling fellow ropers with my colourfully descriptive language (and grateful there aren’t any 12-yearold ears in listening range) I start to get a feel for this tree top method of travel. While I am never at risk of sprinting across any ropes a la Katniss Everdeen (fans of The Hunger Games will know what I mean), I make it back safely to the starting dock.

Spirits bolstered by my victory (survival?), I make my way up, up, up to the ‘rat’s nest’, 40 feet into the air, ready for my hydraulic zipline descent. Of course, I close my eyes and leap off. Terrified, my life flashes before my eyes and I even catch a glimpse of Dabble’s Editor in Chief Kimberley Seldon laughing and telling me, “It’ll be a fun column! You’ll see!? Can’t wait to see where that thought takes me next.

Visit:

www.usnwc.org US National Whitewater Center www.ncfilm.com to see what other films are being made in North Carolina www.visitnc.com for complete tourism information

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We asked our foodies...

Which fresh herb is a must have in the kitchen when you are cooking?

Corey Burgan

Jamie Oliver

"In my kitchen I always have fresh thyme. Thyme has a distinctive, strong flavour.

Chopped fresh leaves can be added to basically everything, from a marinade to fresh soups or sauces. It pairs well with poultry, fish, meat, mushrooms, beets and fresh bread."

“Basil, the most incredible herb! Makes you salivate more and it helps digestion.

In other words, it helps you to absorb more goodness in your food, apart from making it taste good.�

Corey fell in love with cooking when he was 13 and has been in the kitchen ever since. His passion is cooking for friends and family. It's just a bonus that it's also his career.

www.dabblemag.com @dabblechef

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Jamie is one of the world's best-loved television personalities and one of Britain's most famous exports. His programs have been broadcast in over 100 countries. Jamie inspires people to enjoy being in the kitchen. www.jamieoliver.com @jamieoliver

Jameson Fink

"Fresh thyme. Whether stuffed generously into a chicken or added to jazz up an apple compote, thyme makes everything more lovely and aromatic."

After dabbling in the food and wine industry in Chicago, Jameson moved to Seattle in 2004 to pursue his passion for wine. Currently he is the Wine Editor for Foodista and enjoys blogging about wine.

www.jamesonfink.com @jamesonfink

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A dayChef with

Jamie Oliver Photographs courtesy jamie oliver

Imagine having TV personality Jamie Oliver as your personal chef for a day. It’s a happy thought, isn’t it?

Well, Jamie’s take on breakfast, lunch and dinner­—Italian style—may just be the next best thing.

“I love Italy and everything it stands for,” says the famous chef. “The wonderful ingredients, the beautiful places, the lovely people and the neverending passion they have for their families.”

Why not bring Jamie and a taste of Italy home with these three tasty recipes?

Buon appetito!

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FOOD

breakfast

Spicy Scrambled Eggs and Crispy Bacon 1 jar of chili and garlic pesto olive oil 4 rashers of smoked streaky bacon, the best quality you can afford a large knob of butter 4 large eggs, preferably free-range or organic, lightly beaten sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 slices of good quality rustic bread

Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a high heat. Add a splash of olive oil and the bacon. Fry for 5 to 10 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

Meanwhile, put a small pan on a low heat and slowly melt the butter until frothy. Pour the eggs into the pan and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir slowly with a wooden spoon or spatula, making sure nothing sticks to the bottom.

When the bacon is done, transfer it to a plate lined with kitchen paper towel to drain. Meanwhile, pop the bread in the toaster. Your eggs are done when they still look silky and custard-like. Butter the toast, top with the eggs and serve with a good dollop of chili and garlic pesto and crispy bacon on the side.

Serves 2

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A DAY WITH

lunch Fantastic Fish Stew with Tomato and Basil 600g mussels olive oil 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and sliced 150ml white wine 1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes 1 jar tomato and basil pasta sauce 4 x 100g small fillets of sea bass or bream, skin off, cut into chunks sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 lemon, cut into wedges, to serve 1 loaf of ciabatta bread, to serve Give the mussels a good wash and a light scrub in clean cold water, pulling off any beardy bits you find. If any aren’t tightly closed they’re no good to eat, so throw them away.

Place a deep saucepan on a medium heat. Add a lug of olive oil and the garlic. Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic starts to turn golden. Add the white wine, tomatoes and jar of tomato and basil pasta sauce. Cook gently for 10 to 15 minutes, or until reduced slightly.

Add the mussels and fish chunks, then cover with a lid and cook for around 5 minutes, or until all the mussels have opened up and your fish is cooked through. If any mussels remain closed, throw these ones away. Have a taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.

Divide the stew up between your bowls and serve with wedges of lemon for squeezing over and slices of griddled ciabatta to soak up all those lovely juices.

Serves 4

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dinner

FOOD

Roast Fish Wrapped in Pancetta and Pesto Mashed Potato ROASTED FISH zest of 1 lemon 4 x 200g white fish fillets, preferably organic, skin off freshly ground black pepper 16 rashers thinly sliced pancetta or streaky bacon olive oil 1 jar green pesto, to serve MASHED POTATOS 1kg floury potatoes, such as King Edward sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp green pesto 150ml milk

Preheat oven to 400ºF. Peel your potatoes and cut any large ones in half so they’re all a fairly even size. Add to a pan of boiling salted water and cook over a high heat for 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender and cooked through.

As the potatoes boil, scatter the lemon zest over the fish fillets with a good pinch of black pepper and gently rub this into both sides of the fish. Lay 4 rashers of pancetta or bacon, slightly overlapping, in front of you then lay a fish fillet across them. Wrap the rashers around the fillet, then repeat with the remaining slices of pancetta and pieces of fish.

Drain the potatoes in a colander and leave to steam dry.

Lightly heat a large ovenproof frying pan and add a splash of olive oil. Lay your wrapped fish in the pan and fry for a minute — turning halfway — to crisp up the bacon. Place half of the lemon fruit at the side of the pan to add flavour, then pop in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish, or until the bacon is crisp and golden.

Return the potato pan to a low heat and add the milk. Warm through for a few minutes, then tip the potatoes back into the pan with the extra virgin olive oil, green pesto and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mash everything together until smooth and combined.

Remove the fish from the oven. Individually plate and dollop the fillets with pesto. Serve with mashed potatoes, a light green salad and a lovely glass of white wine.

Serves 4

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DABBLE DOES

MEXICAN movie night “Fiesta time,” says Dabble’s Editor in Chief, Kimberley Seldon.

With piñatas hanging, cool cerveza and agua fresca at the bar and piping hot churros ready to serve, friends and revellers turned out to watch Milagro Beanfield War under the stars.

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“In the country, neighbours head to bed early,” says Kimberley. “We reminded everyone to nap before movie night, since the film doesn’t roll until the sun sets.”

Steve Headford and Larry Goldberg linger near the buffet as the sun sets.

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DABBLE DOES

Gazpacho Soup Ingredients 6 ripe tomatoes, chopped 1 red onion, finely chopped 1 cucumber, seeded, chopped 1 sweet red bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1 cup cilantro, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced ¼ cup red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar ¼ cup olive oil 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 lemon) 2 tsp sugar Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste 6 or more drops of Tabasco sauce to taste 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 4 cups tomato juice 1 chili, seeded, diced finely (optional)

Directions Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend slightly to a desired consistency. Pour the mixture into a container with a tight lid and refrigerate overnight.

Tip: Making the soup a day ahead allows the flavours to blend together. Experiment with different ingredients: substitute cantaloupe or watermelon for the tomatoes and cucumber or mint for the cilantro. These combinations are sure to please the palate.

Serve cold in a shot glass.

Serves 15-20.

The table is set with sprightly piñatas; hollowed out, fitted with glass jars and filled with country flowers.

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Individual wood platters hold quesadillas, jicama stick and homemade gazpacho.

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DABBLE DOES

Mexican Movies Milagro Beanfield War (Robert Redford)

La ley de Herodes / Herod’s Law (Luis Estrada) Frida (Julie Taymor) Like Water for Chocolate (Alfonso Arau)

Rojo amanecer /Red Dawn (Jorge Fons)

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Agua Fresca Ingredients 2 cups carbonated water 2 cups white grapejuice 4 cups hulled strawberries, thinly sliced 2 cups pineapple, diced Âź cup basil leaves, loosely packed 2 limes, squeezed

Directions Combine all ingredients into a large container and chill for several hours or overnight. Serve over ice.

Serves 8-10

Sombrero wearing servers keep the agua fresca filled and guests well attended.

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DABBLE DOES

l ir G y Cand Tray

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MEXICAN movie night diy

When the movie’s playing on a home screen there’s no need to hit the concession stand...especially when the treats are as easy to access as these. Follow our step-by-step guide to create a colourful and satisfying Candy Girl Tray.

Step 1:

Cut a 2" strip of tissue paper, then fold lengthwise to produce a 1" strip.

Step 2: To create the fringe, snip a ½" cut perpendicularly into the unfolded edge of the paper. Repeat every ¼" along the length of the strip.

Step 3: Using an inverted box lid as the base of the tray, prepare to adhere the strip to the sides of the box as shown. Add a bead of glue along the folded (not fringed) edge and secure the strip.

Step 4: Continue with a single colour around the entire tray. It will take 2-3 strips to complete the first row.

Next, repeat Steps 1-3 using a different colour tissue paper. Glue successive strips slightly above the previous row until the box lid is covered.

Step 5: To create the sling, use closed scissors to poke a hole into either end and feed ribbon through.

The ribbon should be long enough for the tray to hang at the waist.

Step 6: Trim the top of the lid with ribbon and fill the tray with candy and popcorn.

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f he C e bl Dab

churros RECIPE BY COREY BURGAN

Fried dough? "Sí!," says Dabble Chef, Corey Burgan.

Mexican Movie Night Churros are a fiesta pleaser.

INGREDIENTS 1 tsp ground cinnamon 6 tbsp sugar 1 cup water ¼ cup butter ¼ tsp salt 1 cup flour 2 large eggs Vegetable oil for frying

Directions In a small bowl, combine ground cinnamon with 4 tablespoons sugar. Place cinnamon mixture aside.

Combine water, butter, salt and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the flour until the mixture forms a ball.

Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat in eggs, until dough is smooth.

Spoon dough into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 3” x 1" strips onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Alternatively, use a knife or scissors to cut the dough.

Fill a deep saucepot with vegetable oil, approximately ¾ full. Heat oil to a temperature of 300-350�. Using a spoon, place a few strips into the oil. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes or until deep golden brown on each side. Remove churros from the oil using a slotted spoon and let the excess oil drip. Repeat until all strips are done.

Toss churros in cinnamon mixture immediately after frying.

Coat evenly. Serve warm.

Makes approximately 3 dozen churros.

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FOOD

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The App

Shrimp Escabeche with peppers and onions.

Jameson’s Picks

Domaine André Neveu Sancerre “Le Grand Fricambault Silex” 2010, Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc 2010

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FOOD

There’s an app for that...

WORDS BY JAMESON FINK

Shrimp? Wine? Yes please.

The bells are ringing as Dabble’s wine expert Jameson Fink marries this perfect duo for summertime soirées.

As we finally enter the summer months and the weather gets warmer, I think about having the oven on less and eating outdoors more. What could be better than a cooling dish of escabeche (marinated seafood) with shrimp? Zesty with citrus, complemented by the crunch of sweet peppers and onions, and brightened with fresh herbs...all that’s left to do is decide what wine to add to the ice bucket.

Hopefully, you already have a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc in the fridge. Not only is it a seafood-loving wine, but its citrous notes and slightly herbaceous, grassy flavours are particularly charming with escabeche and other light, fish dishes.

Feeling fancy? Then look for a Sancerre­ which is produced in a region of France’s Loire Valley that—in my thirsty opinion—produces the finest Sauvignon Blanc in the world.

PHOTO BY: JACKIE BAISA

If you’re throwing a patio party and need larger quantities and great value, choose a Sauvignon Blanc from Chile.

I am mightily impressed with these refreshing, and refreshingly priced, white wines. Consider too, a country like Chile, with over 6,400 kilometres of coastline, knows a little something about seafood and making wines to match.

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I dabble in...

Sivan Askayo, originally from Israel, is a New York based photographer specializing in travel shots. After years spent working as a Media Supervisor for General Motors, Sivan decided to follow her passion for photography, writing and travelling, combining them to create portraits of places through her lens. She travels throughout Europe, North and South America, Alaska and China, looking for the complex aesthetics and layers of cities and their people. Follow her blog or online travel column in Huffington Post.

Follow Sivan... f www.facebook.com

t @SivanAskayo

w www.sivanaskayoblog.com

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...photography “ 4 years ago, after lifechanging events, I turned my hobby into a profession.”

“I got curious about photography from an early age watching my dad carrying his camera on our family trips and weekend getaways. At the age of 12, my grandfather got me a one year subscription to Natural Geographic magazine and a huge map of the world. These were the seeds for my photography and travel. I always carried my camera with me but 4 years ago, after life-changing events, I turned my hobby into a profession.”

...street art “In New York there is constant exposure to street art and graffiti. I love photographing graffiti artists in every place I travel. There is a great scene in Buenos Aires where I documented the tour of Graffiti Mundo.

Paris and Tel Aviv, where I recently traveled, have a thriving scene too. I have a collection of books about graffiti and street art and I met JR and Mr. Brainwash when they were in NYC.”

...dark chocolate “I am addicted to dark chocolate. I must have at least one or two pieces of it a day!

When traveling, I make it my duty to find the best chocolatiers in the city and I try as many different kinds of dark chocolate as possible. Paris can be dangerous for me for this reason.”

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Just a dab