Hi everyone! : )
I'm taking just a tiny moment to underline that I misread the dates for the Cabane a sucre on Wellington's street with Sweet Lee's. As they've told me earlier on twitter, the event will take place on March 29-30th, so in two week-ends from now. My apologies to Sweet Lee and all of you readers. On the page of la Cabane a Sucre, they are talking about the event from 2013 and you have to notice the tiny ''click here'' for the infos of 2014…. My apologies, I didn't had enough coffee on that day but to make a fair point, the web page is a bit confusing. In any case, this is going to be a great event and if you are in Montreal, definitely stop by and support our local businesses and famous maple syrup : )
On this guys, I'm off to make a tomato soup because in this first day of spring, it is super rainy in Montreal. Nothing beats the rain blues like a bowl of hot soup and a grilled cheese : )
* M *
3/20/2014
3/16/2014
Yes Conference and Cara Carmina
Hola everyone : )
As promised, I'm back to tell you a bit more about the YES Conference I add ended this week, on ''How to be your Best on Etsy''.
Just so you know a bit about YES before we start : YES (Youth Employment Services) is a non-profit organization based in Montreal that helps young entrepreneurs and Quebecers find jobs. The people at YES are always super smiling and friendly. I love their conferences and ateliers, it's always full of insights and great tips to help you out. And you have something for every budgets.
As promised, I'm back to tell you a bit more about the YES Conference I add ended this week, on ''How to be your Best on Etsy''.
Just so you know a bit about YES before we start : YES (Youth Employment Services) is a non-profit organization based in Montreal that helps young entrepreneurs and Quebecers find jobs. The people at YES are always super smiling and friendly. I love their conferences and ateliers, it's always full of insights and great tips to help you out. And you have something for every budgets.
I noticed a few days ago that they now had conferences on Etsy - how cool is that?! So I attended the event and loved it. The conference focused a bit more on how to start your Etsy shop since there was a lot of people considering that option. I wish they had shared more advanced insight ( you know, I've been for 5 years on Etsy ) but to get to meet the lovely Norma from Cara Carmina, it was totally out braving the snowstorm outside. Her passion and love for her work instantly filled up the room and 2 hours flew by almost without us noticing…! She's super sweet and colourful. She unfortunately didn't had the chance to tell us all about her passion for social media as we ran out of time, but you know she's just one of those people you would sit down and listen for days. She was natural, super friendly, and if I may surprisingly tall. (When she got up at the end of the conference I was like, wow, that woman is tall…! And beautiful ;) ) I definitely hope she will consider doing a panel on social media, it was so interesting to hear her talk about it.
Just to show you how sweet she is, look at what she gave to everyone attending the conference:
Her work is whimsical and has lovely references to traditional mexican art.
She gave us a tip that I totally want to try out. She said something like ''Do you know how exotic it can be to your readers to see Montreal?'' And I totally agree with her! It never occurred to me and it's a great idea! I will try to keep you guys posted on Montreal and add more pictures ;)
If you want to discover more about this lovely funky señorita, you can read her article about her conference here or visit her Etsy shop, or check out her great website.
On this, thanks again Norma! :D
I hope you will continue giving conferences dear! :D
* Maxime *
3/13/2014
Cabane à sucre! Maple syrup sweets
Hi everyone! : )
I just had a flash yesterday while I was attenting the Yes Conference ''How to be your best on Etsy''… The Cabane à sucre event Sweet Lee told us about a few days ago is next week-end! On March 22-23 29-30, please stop by the Wellington street in Verdun and encourage local business owners while indulging in our unique maple products! Sweet Lee is planning on having maple syrup scones, how delicious does that sounds? : ) Yum yum, I'll definitely stop by!
Did you know that there's 13 500 maple syrup producers' in Quebec? (Source FPAQ) And there's plenty more across Canada but producers from Quebec represents about 93% of the production? Maple syrup is a very unique product and we are super lucky to be able to celebrate it this time of year. It is full of antioxidants, minerals and is a 100% natural so there's no reason not to have some in your pantry!
Did you know that there's 13 500 maple syrup producers' in Quebec? (Source FPAQ) And there's plenty more across Canada but producers from Quebec represents about 93% of the production? Maple syrup is a very unique product and we are super lucky to be able to celebrate it this time of year. It is full of antioxidants, minerals and is a 100% natural so there's no reason not to have some in your pantry!
On this, my stomach is grumbling way too much for me to keep talking about food lol! I'll leave to you on one of my favourite cooking website where the recipes are all maple based.
I'll be back soon to tell you more about the Yes Conference : )
Oh, and don't forget to enter our giveaway! It ends in about 11h…!
* M *
3/07/2014
March Giveaway!
Hi everyone! : )
I'm sorry I've been buried under web design these past couple of days as my classes are coming to an end. I lost some work time because of my flu - do not attempt to code a website with an infernal migraine and irritated sinuses, you'll just mess your code up, I can guaranty you - so I worked super hard to pick up things and add the finishing touches this week-end. If ever you are interested, I'll post you the link to the website once it will be online. What do you say? : )
But, I didn't forget about you dear readers : ) In between classes I've been in contact with Kelly - a lovely blogger - who published an article about Kirameku and hosted a small giveaway. It's the first time I ever had a giveaway hosted on Rafflecopter, and I am more than curious to see the final results!
Here is a new model of the Dangle & Drop Earrings that you can win! Don't you think the colours are great for spring? :) Click the image to participate! And quick, you have 6 days left to enter the contest.
I'm sorry I've been buried under web design these past couple of days as my classes are coming to an end. I lost some work time because of my flu - do not attempt to code a website with an infernal migraine and irritated sinuses, you'll just mess your code up, I can guaranty you - so I worked super hard to pick up things and add the finishing touches this week-end. If ever you are interested, I'll post you the link to the website once it will be online. What do you say? : )
But, I didn't forget about you dear readers : ) In between classes I've been in contact with Kelly - a lovely blogger - who published an article about Kirameku and hosted a small giveaway. It's the first time I ever had a giveaway hosted on Rafflecopter, and I am more than curious to see the final results!
Also, Kirameku has open up on Wanelo, so if you ever wish to follow our latest fashion additions or to share your favourite piece, please visit us there! : )
On this everyone, best of luck for the giveaway! :D
* M *
2/18/2014
Valentine's goodie : Interview with Sweet Lee's Rustic Bakery
Hi everyone! : )
My flu seems to have calmed down for a bit, so I'll take this chance to post my delayed goodie for Valentine's day : ) Here's the interview with Sweet Lee's Rustic Bakery…! :D
I've met Liana and her brother Greg back in 2010 at the craft fair at Dawson college. They had a table full of yummy goodies that kept tempting me…! After one bite of their salted savoury scones, I was addicted! Over time their business slowly and surely grew as they went from fairs to events. They finally opened up their first bakery in St-Henri in 2011. In January 2014, they opened the year with a bang, introducing their relocated gorgeous bakery. I decided to go take a peek at 4150 Wellington street and I met with Greg by a freezing February afternoon.
How did you start that wonderful adventure?
My sister Liana always wanted her own bakery. She would talk about it a lot and I realized she was in it over her head. I told her : ''You won't be able to do it alone so I'm going to do this with you'', gave her a hand at least. We then started furnishing small cafés, doing small orders, fairs and soon enough we needed a retail space. Then we started looking for a little space, starting out small, try not to go wild. And then we found a spot in St-Henri and stayed there for about two years and a half. When we decided to go to Verdun, it took us almost a year to get the new place ready to open.
We started with small amounts of our own savings. The first event we ever did was a neighbourhood gathering. We were selling baked good and had invited a few of our friends that displayed their art. I guess you can say it's where we got the very first taste of Sweet Lee's.
Describe Sweet Lee in three words (or maybe 5): Heum…. a rustic bakery…. ? (laughs)
How long did it took you to set up Sweet Lee's ?
We evolved over time, like we had our business cards redone 6 times, tweaked a bit the logo. But you've got to go with the flow I guess. Adjust with where you are heading at a certain time. Now we have a more refined look than our previous location which was more of an old country home look. But we always had the same mentality over all these years.
My flu seems to have calmed down for a bit, so I'll take this chance to post my delayed goodie for Valentine's day : ) Here's the interview with Sweet Lee's Rustic Bakery…! :D
I've met Liana and her brother Greg back in 2010 at the craft fair at Dawson college. They had a table full of yummy goodies that kept tempting me…! After one bite of their salted savoury scones, I was addicted! Over time their business slowly and surely grew as they went from fairs to events. They finally opened up their first bakery in St-Henri in 2011. In January 2014, they opened the year with a bang, introducing their relocated gorgeous bakery. I decided to go take a peek at 4150 Wellington street and I met with Greg by a freezing February afternoon.
How did you start that wonderful adventure?
My sister Liana always wanted her own bakery. She would talk about it a lot and I realized she was in it over her head. I told her : ''You won't be able to do it alone so I'm going to do this with you'', gave her a hand at least. We then started furnishing small cafés, doing small orders, fairs and soon enough we needed a retail space. Then we started looking for a little space, starting out small, try not to go wild. And then we found a spot in St-Henri and stayed there for about two years and a half. When we decided to go to Verdun, it took us almost a year to get the new place ready to open.
We started with small amounts of our own savings. The first event we ever did was a neighbourhood gathering. We were selling baked good and had invited a few of our friends that displayed their art. I guess you can say it's where we got the very first taste of Sweet Lee's.
Describe Sweet Lee in three words (or maybe 5): Heum…. a rustic bakery…. ? (laughs)
Well, I guess… natural, hearty and homy…. And definitely original, different.
Why the move from St Henri to Verdun?
We couldn't expand as much as we wanted over at St Henri, even if we were well established. We only had two seats and it was cramped, with not a lot of space to develop our products too. It wasn't what we wanted. It took us almost a year to find this new place, we looked in Verdun and St-Henri but since St-Henri is growing in popularity, the price of rent skyrocketed ( 2 to 3 times what is used to be…! ) Also we had been living in Verdun for a time and with our hyper busy schedule is a very good thing to be close to home. Now we have to get used to all that space and the seating spots, I guess we're almost like a restaurant now. Also we went from 2 employees to 8 so it's a good change.
Why opening a rustic bakery?
Why the move from St Henri to Verdun?
We couldn't expand as much as we wanted over at St Henri, even if we were well established. We only had two seats and it was cramped, with not a lot of space to develop our products too. It wasn't what we wanted. It took us almost a year to find this new place, we looked in Verdun and St-Henri but since St-Henri is growing in popularity, the price of rent skyrocketed ( 2 to 3 times what is used to be…! ) Also we had been living in Verdun for a time and with our hyper busy schedule is a very good thing to be close to home. Now we have to get used to all that space and the seating spots, I guess we're almost like a restaurant now. Also we went from 2 employees to 8 so it's a good change.
Why opening a rustic bakery?
We like knowing what we eat. We're not into ''pretentious-looking'' food that is overly priced or decorated. We like food that looks like food and that tastes like it's supposed to be. We also put the lowest amount of ingredients as possible to make it as rich in flavour as possible. We want to make it as healthy - even if we serve a lot of deserts - but we don't want to add ''garbage'' like preservatives in our food.
How long did it took you to set up Sweet Lee's ?
We evolved over time, like we had our business cards redone 6 times, tweaked a bit the logo. But you've got to go with the flow I guess. Adjust with where you are heading at a certain time. Now we have a more refined look than our previous location which was more of an old country home look. But we always had the same mentality over all these years.
2/17/2014
With a bit of snifs, sneezes and snurbs...
Hi everyone….!
It's with a steaming cup of tea with lemon and next to my new best friend Kleenex that I write to you tonight. After a lovely romantic night with my boyfriend last week, my immune system decided to give me the sexiest gift of all : a flu…. How cute is a runny nose right?
I've been sleeping a lot over the last few days, also I wanted to apologize to you my fellow readers for delaying the Valentine's day I've promised you all. The interview is still on it's way, no worries. I'll just have to post pone it for a tiny bit. I will post the link up on twitter once it will be published.
On this folks, you'll have to excuse me. Blogging with a runny nose and sneezing is almost a national sport. I hope meanwhile you enjoy the fresh new design of the blog.
I say good night to you and I hope none of you is sick because of these roller coasting temperatures in Montreal....
It's with a steaming cup of tea with lemon and next to my new best friend Kleenex that I write to you tonight. After a lovely romantic night with my boyfriend last week, my immune system decided to give me the sexiest gift of all : a flu…. How cute is a runny nose right?
I've been sleeping a lot over the last few days, also I wanted to apologize to you my fellow readers for delaying the Valentine's day I've promised you all. The interview is still on it's way, no worries. I'll just have to post pone it for a tiny bit. I will post the link up on twitter once it will be published.
On this folks, you'll have to excuse me. Blogging with a runny nose and sneezing is almost a national sport. I hope meanwhile you enjoy the fresh new design of the blog.
I say good night to you and I hope none of you is sick because of these roller coasting temperatures in Montreal....
1/28/2014
Tuesday morning news
Hi everyone!
I just wanted to take a few minutes to give you a small update on both the blog and Kirameku's Etsy shop. As many of you know, I'm now taking classes on web design so I want to kick up this blog design 4 knotches all at once. I was all ready to do that this morning, with my steaming cup of tea and my class notes on the side. But as it turns out I don't know enough yet to go play in those pages and pages of codes of CSS. Well, maybe this blog design will have to be progressive and changed twice before I can finally say that I am completely happy with it. So my apologies in advance everyone if you keep coming on this blog and finding it switched a few times. But like James Bonds says : practice makes it perfect. So this blog will become my test project to see how well I can put my new notions in practice.
Also, stay tuned for a very special and sweet post on Valentine's day! I have a little surprise for you and I hope you will fall in love with it. For my international readers, just a heads up, it is a lovely store that is located in Montreal, so if you ever come visit, make sure to stop by there! :D
But I'm not saying much more, it's a surprise! I will tweet when the article will be ready, but it is scheduled for Valentine's day.
And finally, I just wanted to say that I was so inspired but the latest Crate and Barrell's email newsletter that I just have to make a ring in those colours! The colour combo is simply too pretty to be put aside. Back to the atelier, I will make some more pieces for the upcoming spring : )
On this everyone, thanks for stopping by!
Your comments are most welcome, feel free to drop me a word or two : )
I just wanted to take a few minutes to give you a small update on both the blog and Kirameku's Etsy shop. As many of you know, I'm now taking classes on web design so I want to kick up this blog design 4 knotches all at once. I was all ready to do that this morning, with my steaming cup of tea and my class notes on the side. But as it turns out I don't know enough yet to go play in those pages and pages of codes of CSS. Well, maybe this blog design will have to be progressive and changed twice before I can finally say that I am completely happy with it. So my apologies in advance everyone if you keep coming on this blog and finding it switched a few times. But like James Bonds says : practice makes it perfect. So this blog will become my test project to see how well I can put my new notions in practice.
Also, stay tuned for a very special and sweet post on Valentine's day! I have a little surprise for you and I hope you will fall in love with it. For my international readers, just a heads up, it is a lovely store that is located in Montreal, so if you ever come visit, make sure to stop by there! :D
But I'm not saying much more, it's a surprise! I will tweet when the article will be ready, but it is scheduled for Valentine's day.
And finally, I just wanted to say that I was so inspired but the latest Crate and Barrell's email newsletter that I just have to make a ring in those colours! The colour combo is simply too pretty to be put aside. Back to the atelier, I will make some more pieces for the upcoming spring : )
On this everyone, thanks for stopping by!
Your comments are most welcome, feel free to drop me a word or two : )
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