Blog: Velvet

Summer Outdoor Entertaining

Summer is the perfect time to entertain. There is something magical about sitting outside, eating barbecue, lighting candles and having that cool breeze blow through your hair. If you're looking for a quick way to spice up your patio set before having the Johnsons over, try these MK quick tips.

1. If your table is looking weathered, cover it  with a long tablecloth and put down a few "nature inspired" place mats.
2. Most of the time you will need additional lighting when eating outdoors, so in order to create a cool ambiance, use a couple hurricane lamps on the table and place a few torches and lanterns strategically around the yard.
3. Although plastic seems like the obvious choice for dinnerware, break out some nice glass tumblers and some simple and elegant plates to keep your outdoor "dining room" classy.
4. Lastly, decorate your table with various wild flowers from your garden. Check them twice though, or you might have some unwanted dinner guests!

David Suzuki's Tips for Blue Bin Recycling

Here at MK we are aware of our impact on the planet. This is why we are always on the lookout for products that are made from renewable resources and are eco-friendly. This is also why we are totally disgusted by all the trash that is being revealed now that the snow is gone…bleurk! We are doing our part in helping restore our planet and now it's time for you to do yours! Find out how you can be a smart recycler, from our friends at the David Suzuki Foundation. Reuse your glass, recycle your plastics, bring back your styrofoam and help keep our planet in business. Learn how to go green at home with Canada's #1 environmental activist, David Suzuki.

Events : La Biennale de Montréal

This month, Montreal will be hosting it's 7th edition of La Biennale de Montréal, a contemporary art festival. The events will be held from May 1st to 31st at the former École des beaux-arts de Montréal (3450 Saint-Urbain.) Artists will gather throughout the month under the theme "Chance," which was selected and curated by Claude Gosselin, Executive and Artistic Director of CIAC and David Liss, Artistic Director of MOCCA. In total, some 40 artists, emerging and reputed, stemming from ten different countries will be featured throughout the events. With that being said, Quebec and Canadian artists will represent nearly 50% of all participants. The program promises to be rich and varied and will include photography, electronic art, cinéma, music, visual arts and much more. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to soak in some good Canadian culture. Doors open daily from noon to 6 pm, Thursday until 9 pm. Suggested donation is $2.00 See you there!

Interview with Jess Salomon

 
Photo: Susan Moss

Jessica is an up-and-comer in the international comedy scene.  She’s whip-smart, charming, worldly and disconcertingly crass all at once.  She’s also a former war crimes lawyer turned stand-up comedienne - AKA “a person who makes fantastic life choices” heralds her 90-year-old grandmother.

Jess hales from Montreal where she performs regularly at the Comedy Works and the Comedy Nest.  She has also performed in Ottawa, Toronto, London and Chicago, and auditioned for Just for Laughs. 

When she’s not writing and performing Jessica likes to check in with her old colleagues in The Hague.  She enjoys hearing how sad the war criminals are without her observational wit and storytelling to keep them going.  She believes they are jealous of her comedy audience and regret what they have done.

Enjoy the Q & A!