C&J Recommend
Winnipeg!!
We like to straddle as much of Canada as we possibly can. In fact we've got one leg in Toronto and the other leg in Vancouver. And with Manitoba being half way between both, what does that leave in the middle?! Lol!
We'd defo' recommend that anyone who hasn't been gets over that way. OK, so it's flat as a pancake, but the people are lovely and there are some lovely resto's and interesting galleries etc. Weather is breezy, but that keeps the temperature down a little. We've just come back and, while it was absolutely roasting, the locals advised us that in winter it gets down to -40. Blimey... Won't be wearing the kilts when we visit next time as that chill factor could turn the Scottish boyz into laydeez. Yup, we're talking serious retraction!
So jump across to Winnipeg. Its a super friendly town with clean air and a good buzz. And more tattoos, per capita (from what we could see, certainly) than anywhere else in Canada!
Cheers,
C and J xx
Glade air fresheners...
We've been using Glade products to scent our Toronto condo and their candles and air fresheners are second to none. Really natural aromas and long lasting results. Check 'em out!
Craig McMurdo
Excellence in entertainment is an under sell - cos this guy is AWESOME! Big band, variety, jazz, blues: Craig, an internationally acclaimed performer, sings like a total superstar and we've had the pleasure of seeing him perform several times in the last twenty years. As a corporate entertainer he is perfectly positioned to pull your event together and create a little extra gloss for your guests.
Go check out his website!
BRILLIANT fireplace company
We'd highly recommend these guys as installers of really wonderful fireplaces. Whether modern or traditional, they're one of Scotland's premier 'go to' companies. We worked with them on our Glasgow home and they couldn't have been any easier or more proffessional. From drawings and plans to seeing them lighting up our rooms, they got it SO right. Check 'em out!
C and J xx
Janelle Monae. OMG - we love this!!!!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwnefUaKCbc SUPER lovin' this gorgeous girl and her catchy track. Thanks to our gorgeous friends LaLa Fowler for finding it! x
Get the party started...
http://www.save-on-crafts.com/ Check out these guys for a a host of party and craft ideas. From flowers to vases and from feathers to artwork, this company are market leaders.
Crazies
A remake of the classic 1973 thriller/horror, this is a great wee movie to grab on DVD. Great effects, good story lines and well played by all central cast.
Briefly - poison gets into the water supply of a small American town and slowly and surely the whole town goes utterly crazy, as per the title. Culminates with an end of the world style nuclear meltdown and chillingly real effects.
Kept us screaming and on the edge of our seats last night. Now go rent it and report back what you think via our forums?
Cheers me dears,
Yours in terrified trauma,
C et J xx
Andrew Martin at South Kensington
Could there be a more heavenly homes stores? These guys are genius. A clever mix of tribal, Pan Asian, retro and classic styles. If you only visit one store in S. Ken, make it this one. GORGEOUS!!! We interviewed Martin Waller, co owner, some time past for a newspaper editorial and his forward thinking nature is testament to his designer vision. All GORGEOUS!!
www.bosch-home.com
- EcoSmart Technology features an intelligent network of sensors making Bosch the most efficient brand in America
- EcoAction™ Option Reduces Energy Usage by up to 20%
- Bosch Washers Exceed Federal Energy Standards by up to 102%
- Exceeds ENERGY STAR® 2011 Guidelines - Uses only 130 kWh/yr
- ActiveWater turns 13 gal. into 400 gal. of washing power
- Bosch is the most water efficient brand in the U.S.
- Bosch is the 2009 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year
- 15 Wash cycles for more flexibility and the greatest variety of load types
- ActiveClean engineering for better cleaning performance
- 1200 rpm max spin for drier clothes and efficient drying
- Stain Removal Option targets the widest variety of stains in just one cycle
- XxtraSanitary® heats wash water up 170F
- Comforter Cycle to deep clean bulky items like comforters
- Quick Full cycle cleans any size load in just 45 min. every time
- ActiveWear cycle designed to clean sports & exercise clothes
- Allergy Rinse option removes any trace of detergent
- BabyCare cycle cleans with extra water & high temperatures
- Dark Colors cycle cleans and prevents fading for dark fabrics
- Drain/Spin cycle drains and spins moisture out of clothes
- Soak Option soaks clothes before they are washed
- Wool/Handwash cycle for gentle treatment of sensitive fabrics
- AVS Anit-Vibration System for near silent, smooth operation
- Virtually silent: 52 dBA
- AquaShield® leak sensor prevents major water damage
- NSF Certified kills 99.9% of most common household bacteria
- Backed by Good Housekeeping Seal - two year limited warranty
www.bosch-home.com
This is one MOTHER of a washer. Def' worth a look for our fans in the US and Canada... x
Performance -
Thoughtful Engineering -
Creative Designs, Ayr.
Gotta give a wee shout out to this mega talented kitchen design company. We installed an Alno kitchen in our Glasgow home a few years back in association with Creative Designs, and, to this day, we recognise it as the best money we've spent. Enduring style, brilliant service and a very European design ethic. Call the team and speak to Tom, the 'switched on' director. Good luck!
http://www.creativedesignsayr.co.uk/
A Goddess, as far as we are concerned...
We've long since been admirers of Kelly Hoppen and would urge you guys to have a look at her retail site. It's wicked!
Praise be the Queen of Design!
http://www.kellyhoppenretail.com
Colin and Justin xx
PS - plus she has THE MOST dreamy hair. What's not to love?
INCEPTION!!!!!!
An alarmingly good sci fi thriller movie, although you'll need every ounce of concentration to keep up with the story as the gripping plot moves along. In a world where technology exists to enter the mind, Leonardo is on top form, chasing his family, as this dream invasion epic gathers pace. The CGI is astounding. Well composed, gritty and challenging, we were on the edge of our seats as the finishing line drew near. That little spinning top, without spoiling the story, is crucial so keep it in mind throughout.
And then there's the bonus of Michael Caine. We're MAJOR fans and, although his is a small role, he's a lovely character. Kind of playing the same role as he does in Batman he is a welcome addition to the narrative.
Or in other words: what a bloody brilliant film. Go book your tickets now! You WON'T be dissapointed!
C et J xx
www.coco54.co.uk
This is a super on line shopping resource with a host of good value home interest. BUT... you'll have to rush by all the shocking naughty pine kit that has somehow managed to find its way on to the site. Go check 'em out! Just be very choosy... xx
As far as we're concerned, these are the BEST carpet fitters in Scotland. By FAR!!
We've just had 400 metres of carpets installed in our Glasgow house, and 'James Hughes Flooring Contractors' made it an absolute pleasure. An extremely high standard of fit and a curteous reliable service were order of the day.
We'd highly recommend this team.
Contact 0141 885 2106 or mobile 07768 947839
Sweet smell of soap...
We use LOADS of different soaps but these guys have particularly lovely product. Hard to say which of their refreshing varieties we like best 'cos they're all just so darned gorgeous!
Visit www.soaperstar.com for more info and further cleansing inspiration!
The new Kylie album, APHRODITE
Blisteringly fabulous. End of.
Chaplins http://www.chaplins.co.uk/
These lovely peeps have supplied us with furniture for various TV shows, and, as well as their extensive product range they were utterly charming and product aware. In this day and age there are companies who simply don't 'get it', and then there are those, like Chaplins, who simply do. This company SO deserves the success they have already garnered. Go check 'em out and prepare to split the designer atom!
http://www.chaplins.co.uk/
We're blown away by this guy's furniture design...
Purchasing of any of these items might be an act of avarice, but OMG - this is one SERIOUSLY talented furniture maker...
http://www.kennethcobonpue.com
With so much furniture, in current manufacture certainly, being similar in style, it's always refreshing to come across product composed of an altogether more individual nature. Which, losely translated, is design speak for:' 'Well blow me, dolly, this kit is freakin' awesome...'
So you need glass or mirrors? The best supplier in Scotland is Forsyth Wilton Glazing.
These guys are AWESOME! We've just used them to create shower enclosures in our own home and they did a spectacular - and very good value - job. Give 'em a go!
Glade air fresheners...
We're often asked about home scenting and candles and so on and so forth. And so, while in Canada, we've been doing a wee bit of research to find the best on the market. And the results of our extensive research? GLADE! Go plunder your local store and stock up on one of the many products created by these guys. Fresh, invigorating and naturally scented, the products represent great value for money. Enjoy!
Galletly Tubbs
http://www.galletlytubbs.com This is a great wee designer resource on Great Western Road Glasgow's West End. Occupying the site previoulsy run by Back Street Pine, the owners are a clever pair who seem to be pretty much on the money as far as design is concerned. Okay, so iIt's not the cheapest store in Glasgow but it nonetheless has a wonderful stock list and we've been plundering its resources for our own Glasgow home. Def' worth a look!
Season Three, True Blood
Oh for the love of God you gotta watch this. Seasons 1 and 2 were shockingly bliss, but season three? BEYOND awesome. But meanwhile; we're now properly frustrated as it's not on in The UK yet... so we've missed ep' four as we're home in The UK for a bit. Still - we'll watch it on 'catch up demand' when we're back in Toronto and we'll still be ahead of all our pals in blighty! Yay!
Pepsi Cola!!!
Now while this may be an unusual 'C and J Recommend', it's nonetheless a relevant observation of one of the things we love! We've been guzzling Coca Cola (both regular and diet) for years, but today, as a change, we had some Pepsi. And d'you know what? It's altogether nicer. The diet version is smoother than Diet Coke and the regular variety has a much more refined flavour. So we're off the Coca Cola wagon and firmly on board as Pepsi fans! Cheers!
C and J xx
The Drake - Woodlands Road, Charing Cross, Glasgow
This fab new venue is named after one of our fave hotels in Toronto so we were instantly drawn...
Great food, lovely ambience and a really buzzy crowd. The owners and staff are really fantastic so if you want a great meal or just a few shandies, head on over. We're MAJOR fans.
We wish the team every success!
Good luck - hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
C and J xx
The Cross Keys, Kippen. You heard it here first!!!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2010/jun/12/cross-keys-pub-kippen-stirlingshire You may remember us enthusing about this wonderful place some time ago. Well, there's been AWESOME ongoing press (Gastro Pub Of The Year etc) and now The Guardian, too, have wised up to the charms of The Cross Keys. A fantastic family run business owned by our good pals Debs and Brian. It really is a very special atmospheric venue with a fantastically well composed menu and loads of rural charm. Go visit! Colin and Justin xx
Reid Furniture
Colin McAllister Justin Ryan
REALLY good restaurant...
Please have a look at this site and join up! Cheers, guys! C and J xx
http://www.facebook.com/rbcbluewaterproject?m2w Hi guys - this is an AWESOME project that has really caught our attention. We'd love it if you can all join it too. Simply click, read and then 'like'! Cheers,
Ideal Standard
http://www.ideal-standard.co.uk/press/consumerpr/general/Article2693.aspx
Check out this interesting press release. We've been working with this fab company for years and, with the bank holiday approaching, we though we'd fill you in on all the news. Now get ready to renovate!
Cheers,
C and J xx
www.ellenoire.com LOVE this company which is run by our pal Noelle.
Go check out this website. Beautiful grooming products and curly hair specialists. And we LOVE the standing up to pee gizmo for the gals! Brilliant indulgent gifting ideas and self pamepering for anyone who likes to be spoiled!
Fab!! xx
WICKES
We get hundreds of emails each day from people asking us to reveal our secret sourcing points for DIY projects. In the past we've used all the different DIY multiples but thought we'd present you with our top tip - WICKES. These guys seem to know exactly what their customers need and they've created a wonderful shopping environment with friendly, informed staff in each branch. We use WICKES on all our TV shows and have been nipping in and out of their UK branches to pick product for our homes in Scotland and London. Now if they'd only open a branch near our condo in Toronto we'd be sorted, both sides of the pond! Check out a great range of product at www.wickes.co.uk
PAINTWORKS
This company is considered by most industry experts to be London's leading paint finisher. We'd strongly recommend these guys for any paint job you have in mind. Whether big or small, on site, or in their Camberwell workshop, these are the guys you need to create that professional finish... whatever your job. Featured recently by George Clarke from C4's Home Show, Paintwork's reputation is solid and their back catalogue of returning clients speaks volumes.
Venetian plastering!
http://www.italiplaster.co.uk/
Check out this great company. We love this specialist effect. But it's often difficult to track down proper artisans. Well, problem solved! We feel a spot of special smoothing coming on!
Good luck and happy plastering!
Colin and Justin x
New restaurant in Debenhams, Glasgow!
Managed a sneek preview of the new restaurant which opens next week in Debenhams, Glasgow. Forget Macaroni and cheese in store type food - this cool new place is more 'ladies who lunch' style glamour. Well designed, comfy and offering a great menu it's the perfect stop off point for a little RnR as you shop till you drop!
Enjoy! xx
Trees R Green - www.treesrgreen.co.uk
We've just had fake box hedge installed in our Glasgow house by an amazing company called Trees R Green. Brilliant service, VERY realistic product and great prices. We'd highly recommend these guys. Best, by far, in Scotland. 25 window boxes installed in no time and they're BEAUTIFUL! xx
SLANJ KILTS
Way and beyond fantastic. We LOVE LOVE LOVE this company. They are, as far as we're concerned, Scotland's premier Scottish outfitters with heaps more style and proffessionalism than any other supplier on the West or East coast.
We've been togged by these guys for years for projects in Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales and in France, Canada and America.
Why do we like them so much? Cos they really care about their standards and we admire their family business attitude.
Check them out at www.slanj.co.uk
Quidest Florist, Glasgow
Go visit Eleanor at Quidest in Glasgow. She's at 77 Hyndland Street and is, without doubt, Scotland's premier floral artist. We've used this boutique on a million and one occasions and never been dissapointed. Call 0141 334 2120. Particularly famous for her 'hand ties' and elegant bouquets, Eleanor is a true artist! xx
Boss Furniture
http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=152682&id=269152269248&ref=nf Need furniture inspiration? Then click on this album for Boss Furniture. We were really impressed when we ran into these guys recently. A brilliant family run business with beautiful hand made product. Enjoy! xxx
Reface Scotland - Budget kitchen updates...
We reccomend REFACE SCOTLAND for an affordable update to your existing kitchen. They'll replace doors, counters etc at FAR less than the cost of a brand new kitchen. A VERY reliable company with a sound reputation for good work.
Fantastic interiors book
Check out Jasper Conran Country, published by Conran Octopus, £50.
OK - so it's a pricey tome but the stunning imagery and compelling text by our old pal Jasper is a winning combo. Cottages, mansions, stables, gardens, factories... in fact the works. REALLY gorgeous book. Enjoy!
Sabrina Washington OMG Out Now!
Our very own jungle diva, Sabrina Washington has a new track in stores now. OMG is a delicious slice of robofunk sprinkled with just a hint of 'Snap' for good measure. Buy it on itunes.
New York, New York!
OMG - New York City is the perfect getaway! Been ages since we were here... and now it's even better than before. Now that Times Square has been pedestrianised it just got better. Amazing galleries, theatres, deli's, cool bars and all manner of seriously chic people. Come on by! But Glasgow and Toronto are still our favourites!
Happy Easter!
Colin and Justin xx
Dadeo Diner on Whyte Avenue, Edmonton
SUCH a great scene kicking off. Worth checking out. Brilliant food and wicked service. Real diner style ambience. Make sure that Vampire looks after you - he's a quiffed dude with awesome earings and a winning smile. We'll be back!
C and J xx
A GREAT site to visit! http://tinadostie.blogspot.com/
This site, from a pal of ours in Montreal, caught our attention. Some fab work, eh? LOVE the outsized florals! xx
http://tinadostie.blogspot.com
Edmonton Home and Garden Show
Come on by and see us at the Edmonton Home and Garden Show! We've been down at the event all morning... and it's MASSIVE! A mix of big names and big ideas it's all the inspiration you'll need to live beautifully - outdoors and in!
We're on at 2pm and 6pm Friday and Saturday.
Rush to The Rushton!
We've recently discovered a fab wee resto' called The Rushton. It's in Toronto on the junction at Rushton and St Claire. Went there last month with Gale, our editor at The Star and again this week with our good friends Cherri and David. All agreed it was really lovely. Try the Maple Syrup Prawns and the lamb shank. Great service, friendly staff and a lovely room. Enjoy!
xxxx
A Great Night's TV
Jonathan Harvey's Beautiful People. Awesome! We've just watched season one and two and it's SO gorgeous. We fell in love with the simple, funny, observational story and were captivated by the time the first few scenes had played out. We reckon you'll fall in love with EVERY character. Beautifully written by Mr Harvey (whose name you'll recognise from, amongst other things, scripting Corrie) and based on the musings of Simon Doonan. Find it on Amazon. A really special wee show. When you've watched it PLEASE petition the BBC to make a third season. Love Colin and Justin x
The Bakari Collection from Harlequin
Inspired by the organic textures and physical elements of the natural world, Bakari is a gentle, laid-back collection with a tranquil and contemporary twist. Presented in seven versatile colour stories, this delightfully undemanding and timeless collection will work well in all areas of the home.
Hot Chip - One Life Stand
Improve the sound of your home with the fourth studio album from Hot Chip: One Life Stand is a mix of softly delivered vocals over an electronic landscape that trips into 1980's electro and then spills its lovely sounds right into the 21st Century. We love Brothers, One Night Stand and Thieves In The Night and you will too! Available at
