Category Archives: My Finds

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Who Remembers The Detachable Ring?

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Handcrafted by MXDesign, French-based jeweller 

I’ll let pictures and my home-made video speak for themselves. It’s truly a great find that I’ve been wearing for years. The quality remains intact.

Their unique patented feature: The plexiglass stones detach at the center (see video for demo) and adapt to any size finger. I am not a partner with this business, just a huge fan. This business is local and will remain local. Their unique artisanship has been around for decades. People from across the globe come to their unique outlet in Perros-Guirec. And they deliver to Canada in 4-5 business days.

See Amateur Video : The Detachable Ring 





 





MX Design, entreprise locale française reconnue à l’international pour ses bagues faites main

Je laisserai les images et le vidéo parler d’eux-mêmes. C’est une trouvaille unique que je porte depuis plusieurs années sans aucune trace de fatigue.

Leur brevet unique: Les pierres en plexiglass se détachent au centre (voir vidéo) et s’adapte à tous les doigts. Ce business est local et le restera. Mx Design situé à Perros-Guirec reçoit des clients de partout. Et ils livrent au Canada. Compter 4-5 jours ouvrables.

Voir le vidéo amateur :  La bague détachable

Note: je n’ai aucun intérêt financier dans cette entreprise, je suis une grande fan tout simplement.

 

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My X-Mas Gift To You

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Some of you may remember the Velecta Paramount social media campaign I led in 2011. I was literally obsessed with the idea of having every Canadian woman own the translucid hair dryer in one of seven snazzy shades.

What people did not quite understand is why I was doing this on my own time. I mean, no one was paying me and I already had my own fuchsia Velecta, why bother? And more importantly, “it was only a hair dryer”. Why did I crusade over 20 salons, why did I have hairstylists try it for 2 days at a time, why did I survey my online social groups, why did I post on every social platform, why did I engage in negotiations with the Canadian representative of Velecta?

I am told to be determined when I believe there is a market and so I was. And was I going to be the only woman in Canada to own this truly unique model? Not if I could help it.

It was a long journey. Sure, the market cried out “we want it”, professionals, social media influencers, fashionistas and consumers. But I learnt quite a few lessons on the way, perhaps more in a few months time than I would have in a five year retail career. Entrepreneurship does that to you.

The (Many) Lessons Learned 

I learnt that the largest distributor in Canada (the “monopole”, no pun intended) had privileged relations with the French (European) Velecta manufacturer. I learnt that every other distributor in Quebec had a slim chance to sign a distribution agreement with Velecta directly and that traditionally they would continue buying their inventory through the Canadian monopole. I learnt that Velecta had its own rep in Vancouver that I have never met but have written to often and that adamantly refused to import the colourful designs for no rational reason.

I embrace change and can not leave it at that.

I pursued my path, evangelizing the merits both technical and aesthetic. Then, one day, in the Fall of 2011, I got a call from the Velecta head office near Paris and I quote “Hi Diana, I don’t know what you did but it worked. They [the monopole] have agreed to start distribution in two shades (blue and red) early 2012!”. I was ecstatic and let every know of course.

I embrace change and could not leave it at that.

Why only two shades? Why not the most vivid colours that my social networks have been asking for, such as fuchsia,  canari, lime green?  I asked to meet the CEO of this family-run monopole. His wife agreed to meet with me.

The Meeting

I prepared a deck velecta_campaign_october2011 as I would for a client pitch, and off I went.

After walking them through my 4-month crusade, a certain sentiment of shock overcame her and her assistant. They were not aware of my campaign let alone my discussion with the B.C. rep.

I learnt that they did not wish to cannibalize their own colourful range of hairdryers and hence chose to import only blue and red Velecta models. I learnt that the monopole had no short term intention of joining the social network era and that consumer preferences were the salons’ business. I learnt that if consumers really wanted this, they would have to ask their hairstylist who would then ask their distributor who would then pass it on the monopole. All in all, 4-6 weeks waiting period. This is a far cry from online retail expedite delivery. I realized right there and then that they were beginning to understand the power of social media and were frightened by it. I thanked them for their time and offered to help them in their social media strategy next time around.

I embrace change and could not leave it at that.

Going back to my awareness campaign, I met up with a successful  all-in-one retailer-wholesaler-hairstyler franchise owner. He was immediately sold to the idea. When I informed him that Velecta blue and red were coming to Canada, he was first to carry them in his stores early 2012 without going through the traditional salon-dealer-importer model. He did state however that quantity was controlled and that he did not have a say.

Now you have it. When you offer this gift to the woman of your life, you could tell the story behind it. It’s sure to entertain.

Available here and other Mat&Max retail outlets.

Cheers! And Happy Holidays.

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Why Tail-Wags Matters to Me: For All the Right Reasons

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I spend a great deal of my time envisioning web services or trending on the latest app. Once and while, I find myself thinking “I’d like to come by that one product that will wow me, that I can touch and feel, and that is not powered by technology.” And then came Tail-Wags helmet covers that I’ve discovered like millions of others watching Dragons Den. And a serendipitous moment when I met Karyn Climans, founder/creator of Tail-Wags. We connected right away. And the rest is history.

But seriously, why Tail-Wags? First because I am a mother of two and value safety, and second because I know a GREAT idea when I see one and third, I promote Canadian businesses the best way I can, as you know. Since our Quebec launch in September, I’ve been touring the city and ski stations. From the responses I’ve been getting, it’s safe to say that Tail-Wags falls in the happy product category. It puts a smile on everyone’s face. And it also promotes safety, a serious matter.

Tail-Wags go for 40$ the unit with over 40 designs and they are Canadian-made. Yes. Even the raw materials come from Quebec and Ontario. And we’re proud of it, as are Yoopa, Mamanpourlavie, Bicycling.com, Buy CanadianFirst and the list goes on.

Until now, most of the traffic has been building online with contests and tweets or through ski resorts. We’re now bringing Tail-Wags to you, the public! For you to try. We’ll have over 20 designs on site and we’ll be giving away a Tail-Wags at the end of the day.

When? December 11, 2-5 pm at ÉM Café, the family coffeeshop. All details here Tail-Wags event on Facebook. Please register to participate in the giveaway. Hope to you see there with your smile cap on!

Je passe le plus clair de mon temps à évaluer l’utilisabilité des techno et à repérer les tendances de services applicatifs. De temps à autre, je me surprends à penser que ce serait bien de tomber sur un “vrai” produit, qu’on peut toucher, manipuler, non techno donc, et qui m’excite comme une gamine de 5 ans. Et c’est là où les housses de casque Tail-Wags entrent en scène. J’ai découvert cette entreprise ontarienne comme d’autres millions de télé-spectacteurs, en regardant l’émission Dragons Den. Et puis un moment fort quand j’ai rencontré Karyn Climans, Créatrice de Tail-Wags. On s’est découvert une passion et une énergie communes et c’est parti.

Mais sérieusement, pourquoi le choix de m’investir dans Tail-Wags? Premièrement, je suis une maman de deux enfants et je valorise la sécurité sur nos routes, deuxièmement c‘est LA bonne idée et enfin, j’encourage la croissance des entreprises d’ici comme vous le savez. Depuis notre lancement au Québec en septembre dernier, j’ai visité bon nombre de magasins et de clubs de ski. La réaction est unanime: le Québec aime Tail-Wags. Mes enfants se promènent en vélo avec leur housses de casque et génèrent de la bonne humeur autour d’eux. Un vrai générateur de bonne humeur. Ça fait du bien à l’âme tout en assurant la sécurité sur les routes, les pentes, les trottoirs.  Un sujet d’intérêt public auquel bon nombre d’associations prêtent attention. 

Les housses de casque sont offertes à un prix très raisonnable, 40$, plus de 40 designs et elles sont confectionnées au Canada. Mêmes les matières premières proviennent du Québec et de l’Ontario. Et nous en sommes fiers, tout comme  Yoopa, Mamanpourlavie, Bicycling.com, Buy CanadianFirst, etc...

A ce jour, le traffic provient surtout de nos campagnes en ligne avec concours et tweets ou des clubs de ski. Et si vous êtes comme moi, vous aimez toucher le tissu et tester sa qualité. Voici l’occasion! Un meet-up mardi prochain, le 11 décembre au Café ÉM, le café pour la famille.  Vous pourrez essayer l’un des 20 modèles sur place et à la fin de la journée, nous organiserons le tirage au sort d’une housse Tail-Wags.  Pour plus d’info: Evénement Tail-Wags sur Facebook. Merci de vous inscrire pour être éligible au tirage. Venez nombreux avec le sourire!

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Alfalfa: My New Natural Picker-Upper

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With two (wonderful) kids, their social lives and my busy schedule, last winter was quite the challenge! I discovered Alfalfa on the shelves of my pharmacy. 100% natural homeopathic syrup. 2 teaspoons in the morning and off I go!

I recommended it highly for Moms and Dads juggling with 1 000 things to do on a normal day!

Have a great day

Vous êtes comme moi? Les enfants, leurs vies scolaires et sociales, ma vie professionnelle et pseudo-sociale, j’ai connu une grosse fatigue l’hiver dernier. J’ai découvert Alfalfa en pharmacie un peu par hasard. Un sirop 100% naturel (homéopathique). 2 cuillerée le matin et c’est parti!

Je le recommande vivement pour vous parents, experts en jonglerie de mil et une responsabilités quotidiennes!

Et une bonne journée à tous

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Student Comes First. The Coach Carter Story

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My latest find is Coach Carter, a 2005 American film based on a true story, in which Richmond High School basketball coach Ken Carter made headlines in 1999 for benching his undefeated team due to poor academic results. Here’s the trailer for those who haven’t seen it.

Coach Carter made news when he locked out his undefeated Varsity basketball team in order to push them to improve their grades. Carter not only closed the Richmond High School gym, but he banned all basketball-related activities and was prepared to cancel the entire season program, because 15 of the 45 players were not living up to the classroom achievements they agreed to meet in contracts they signed earlier in.
I was in France when the film came out and it didn’t get the attention it deserved. Not surprisingly, this film doesn’t fall under the registrar of sexiness and all things beautiful. It’s about hard work, perseverance and good will. The American dream.

My Three Take-aways

  • I’m sure Coach didn’t make many friends that year, yet he held his own, believing firmly in fundamental values, one of them being education. This is a lesson to all of us: no matter how talented one can be in sports or entertainment, nothing creates a better society than education. It’s a proven fact that economic development stems notably from a strong overall education system. All these reality shows that keep invading our screens are 1/building the illusion that the true happiness can be found in frivolous venues and 2/sending out the message that education is not always necessary. These young people that we are selling fame to, what will happen to those that don’t attain it? Will they pick themselves back up? Will they have the adequate support system at home to get back on track and pursue an education?  Here’s to hoping we’re not creating a fragile society in the process.
I came to coach basket ball players and you became students.
  •  The determination that Coach consistently demonstrated despite obstacles, resistance and what not. Coach was clearly sending out a message that sports are important but should not supersede education in a society that veneres athletes. This idea was mocked, ridiculed, yet Coach held his own. Anyone can be inspired from this. Start-ups, groups, individuals, parents, students. How many times have you had an idea that stood out, that you’ve talked to your entourage about and in return got a polite smile or “it’s not going to pick up” response? You’ll never know if you don’t try.
  • Without long term vision, there is no determination to lead action. Coach, without a doubt, had that vision with the best interest in mind for his team : giving them the means to an end. Celebrity driven by sports alike entertainment can fade away after a certain age, whereas getting an education stays with you for life. He knew that they would thank him in time. Did we, as kids or teens, think of what we’ll be doing in the next ten years? Not sure. It’s our responsibility as adults to instill that into their minds. The Coach held that vision for his team because he knew that no one else would. In the film, parents would criticize his methods stating that basketball keeps their boys out of prison. Yep, but for how long? What happens if they’re not selected to the higher leagues? Will they go back to their old ways because they have nothing else to fall back on, i.e. education? Long term scoping is taught in graduate schools and and for us, marketers, technologists, strategists, it is a regular exercice. Yet, I believe we need to develop that skill earlier in life at least in the household, in order to set a positive example.

There is so much more to read into this movie. The notion of taking responsibility – the Coach requiring contracts to be signed with specific GPA score conditions – , showing mutual respect – the wear of the tie was a crying example. At the end of the day, we all need a coach Carter in our lives to remind us not to bend under pressure and to promote high ethics.

Do you have a Coach Carter in your life? I’d love to hear your story.

Check out coach Carter’s most recent work at coachcarter.com

Mon dernier coup de coeur, l’histoire vraie de Ken Carter, l’entraîneur de basket d’une équipe américaine, qui devint célèbre en 1999 après avoir renvoyé ses joueurs à leurs chères études, déclarant forfait deux matchs de suite alors que l’équipe était invaincue, parce que ces derniers n’avaient pas obtenu des résultats scolaires suffisants. Ouff, ce synopsis vaut son pesant d’or! Pour ceux qui ne l’aurait pas vu : la bande-annonce

J’étais en France au moment de la sortie du film et en toute franchise, je n’en avais pas entendu parler. Après tout, ce n’est pas le sujet le plus aguichant du moment, pas de formule à succès, pas de mix violence-sexe. Et non, il est question de discipline, de rigueur, d’engagement et de respect. Le fait qu’il s’agisse d’une histoire vraie lui donne d’autant plus de poids.

Nous sommes aux Etats-Unis où le sport et le divertissement sont synonymes de réussite, notamment dans les quartiers modestes. Et voilà que le coach Carter remet tout en question. L’éducation revient à l’agenda et de ce fait, il envoie un message fort à la société: la célébrité acquise instantanément ne remplace pas le respect que l’éducation peut nous procurer. Le sport de haut niveau a une durée de vie limitée, l’éducation académique n’a pas de date d’expiration. C’est un capital.  Et pour nous montrer qu’il n’est pas uniquement un homme de paroles mais d’action, il impose la rigueur et des standards élevés. Un contrat, ni plus ni moins, qui stipule que chaque membre de l’équipe devra s’engager à atteindre obligatoirement une performance académique pour continuer à jouer. Et le coach tint parole. Les résultats scolaires n’étant pas  à la hauteur, il declara un moratoire.

La ville au grand complet fut secouée. Les parents des élèves se cachant derrière l’argument célèbre que le sport est l’unique sortie de secours . Et là où Carter a marqué un point : si un jour le basketball venait à disparaître, nos jeunes n’auront aucune autre passion à explorer et se résoudront à gagner de leur vie, vite fait mal fait.

Il ne s’est pas fait beaucoup d’amis cette année là mais comme il a réussi a redonner vie à des valeurs qui s’éteignaient à petit feu ! La récompense par le travail, l’éducation, la perseverance et…l’autorité. Nous sommes loin des schémas d’aujourd’hui où il est à la mode de ne pas obliger nos jeunes à faire quoique ce soit. Coach Carter avait la carrure pour encaisser tous les coups au passage. Et j’ajouterai que des individus comme lui sont uniques et méritent d’être reconnus, chacun à sa façon.

Coach Carter, un visionnaire, un héros façon Mère Térésa. Vous pourrez lire ses projets de reconstruction et de changement ici.

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Les Tontons Flingueurs

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J’ai eu le plaisir de découvrir la dernière crêperie à Montréal située au 5190 Côtes-des-neiges, Les Tontons Flingueurs. Mes enfants, étant les plus connaisseurs de galettes au sarrasin, nous sommes toujours avides de nouvelles expériences bretonnes. Au menu, un choix de cinq crêpes salées. La Montauban*  (jambon/fromage/béchamel) pour les enfants, la Reine Mère (pommes de terre/ oeuf miroir/jambon/emmenthal) pour les grands et en salade La Niçoise. De dentelle, comme dirait ma fille qui sait désormais reconnaître celles qui sont faites de façon artisanale (ingrédients bio et tour du poignet). Et n’oubliez pas d’accompagner vos crêpes d’une bolée de cidre, l’heureux mariage.

Le décor rappelle les anciennes brasseries parisiennes que l’on aime pour  l’ambiance tonnante, le fer et les boiseries, l’éclairage tamisé. Seule l’énorme carte satellite de Paris vaut le détour. Si vous recherchez un endroit tranquille et intime, ne vous méprenez pas, un bistro reste un bistro : un lieu où le fracassement des plats, les serveurs pressés et les tables rapprochées ramènent une certaine nostalgie. Ecoutez François, le propriétaire, sur le concept et l’aménagement de cet endroit charmant.Video-Les Tontons Flingueurs: Le concept

Il nous raconte également, d’un air amusé, que le nom du bistro prête parfois à confusion notamment chez les Québécois qui ne connaissent pas la série policière des années 60 portant le même nom. Regardez la vidéo et vous comprendrez…

Video-Les Tontons sèment la confusion!

Merci, Tonton!

* Réplique de Raoul Volfoni

Alors il dort le gros con ?? Bin il dormira encore mieux quand il aura pris ça dans la gueule, il entendra chanter les anges le gugusse de Montauban. Je vais le renvoyer tout droit à la maison mère. Au terminus des prétentieux.

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Roses are red, hairdryers are blue

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And they’re here !!

After months of campaigning to get these hotties across the continent, they have arrived. You can find them in shades of blue and red.

As I mentioned in a previous post, you can either order through your hairstylist  OR, better yet head straight to MAt&Max boutique, the new outlet located on the Plateau open both to hair professionals and the public.




Maxime Paquet, Genera Manager, is also proud to announce the launch of the e-commerce site www.matandmax.com

This is what he had to say of his boutique:

” Here, you will find a vast selection of colouring and hairstyle products as well as a great array of accessories and nail polish. We take pride in being the top supplier of professional products on the Plateau!”.



Ils sont arrivés!!

Après des mois de campagnes sur les réseaux sociaux et auprès des coiffeurs, j’ai le plaisir de vous annoncer que les séchoirs professionnels Velecta TGR 3600 ont passé la frontière et sont désormais disponibles en rouge et bleu translucide.

Comme je l’ai mentionné dans l’un de mes billets, vous pourrez vous le procurer en passant commande auprès de votre styliste ou, mieux encore, en vous rendant directement à MAt&Max la nouvelle boutique située sur le Plateau qui accueille les professionnels et le grand public!



Le Directeur Général des salons Mat & co et des boutiques Mat&Ma est également fier d’annoncer le lancement de son site transactionnel  www.matandmax.com

“Notre boutique Mat&Max du plateau Mont-Royal s’adresse tant aux coiffeurs qu’au grand public. Vous y trouverez une vaste sélection de produits pour la coloration et la coiffure ainsi qu’un grand choix d’accessoires et vernis à ongle. Finalement, un véritable fournisseur de produits professionnels sur le Plateau ! “

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The Touch Glove

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Aaaah those Canadian winters, my lifestyle turns nordic. If you’re like me, you want to bite into winter and enjoy the outdoors…with your iPhone. I went looking for touch gloves. First stop: buyosphere.com. Two of my fellow tastebuds offered recommendations. I chose the online shop: echodesign. Large assortment, cool site, all the right features for a smooth customer experience. You could find them on twitter @EchoDesignGroup

 

I went with the leather echo touch glove. So for my review…

Pluses
  • Speedy delivery 2-3 days
  • Thank you note included in the package (I’m a sucker for good service…this is something not many eStores do, even some high-end ones I won’t name)
  • Tapping works

Minuses

  • No insulate lining – seemingly not made with Canadian winters in mind
  • Average leather quality
  • Tapping yes, Typing messages NO : the eLink fabric does not interact smoothly with touchscreen devices, writing a message becomes a challenge

Overall, I give it a 7/10.

Will we see product improvements in the near future?

Have you tried echodesign?

Which other brands have yet to be known? Drop me a note. Thanks!  


J’étais tannée de retirer mes gants pour tapper un message sur mon iPhone. Je commençai par rechercher le terme exact (en anglais) : Touch glove. Ensuite trouver la boutique. Premier arrêt: buyosphere.com, un site de recommendations d’achat. Deux personnes m’ont aiguillé. J’ai opté pour la boutique en ligne echodesign. Elle offre une large gamme de touch glove, un site simple, épuré. J’étais séduite.


Moix : le  leather echo touch glove.

Voici mon retour d’expérience :

Les plus
  • livraison rapide 2-3 jours
  • Une note de remerciement inclus dans le paquet (ce que ne font pas beaucoup les boutiques en ligne, même certaines haut de gamme dont je tairai le nom)
  • Le touch et le pinch fonctionnent

Les moins
  • Pas de doublure brrrrr – c’est pas chaud à -10
  • la qualité du cuir est moyenne – pas de texture “peau de pêche”
  • OK pour le touch mais KO pour tapper un message : je l’utilise que pour lire mes mails, Facebook etc..

Ma note :  7/10.

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The Ring

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Ho ho ho, are you beginning to feel the mild pressure of x-mas shopping? Well, here’s my latest find, a sublime idea. MX Design is like not other jewelry business : their rings are hand-crafted in a full array of colours and shapes and they offer custom designs. No two are alike. You still have time because delivery from France only takes a few days, believe it or not and the rings are shipped in a sturdy case! Check out the video.

Rings Like No Other

Hé hé, si vous commencez à sentir la pression des jours qui filent entre vos mains et que vos achats de Noël ne sont pas encore finalisés, voici LA trouvaille! Et la livraison de France se fait en quelques jours donc ne tardez plus!

MX Design est une entreprise française qui se voue au design artisanal de ses bagues de toutes les couleurs et de toutes les formes, taillées sur demande. Chaque bague est unique et livrée dans un boîtier solide.

Rings Like No Other

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First Find: The Hair Dryer

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My first find is for you, Ladies. Having spent a few years in France, I discovered some great finds aside from wine and cheese. The Paramount TGR 3600.

Who says a hair dryer has to be cumbersome and dull? The light and compact Velecta Paramount TGR3600 available in 8 dazzling shades. Handcrafted in France, it’s sturdy, powerful, made to last and COLOURFUL. 

When I returned to Montreal, the first thing I did is go look for one. They’re only found in black. Had to have it so I had it shipped from France. For those of you who do regular brushings, I curl like a sheep and it’s just pure bliss when you can do your thing for 30 minutes or so without having the hairdryer pause on you or smoke make a grand entry!

Some additional features : feather-weight (only 350 g), extra long and thick cord, 2 nozzles, low-sound, all the pro features in one. Friend and CEO of Buyosphere, Tara Hunt, tested it and was amazed at the result. This is what she had to say :

“I’ve been needing a good hairdryer for a couple of years now, but the amount of choice out there is a bit daunting. Then Diana showed me this one…I mean LITERALLY showed it to me. She brought it over to my house and let me use it after wetting my hair. It’s fantastic. I also love the colors!”

I’ve since been crusading this find to social communities (facebook, mybuyosphere) and salons bringing it wherever I go. My hairstylist enjoys using it. I’d love to see them hit the shelves across Canada!

 My first find is for you, Ladies. Having spent a few years in France, I discovered some great finds aside from wine and cheese. The Paramount TGR 3600.

Who says a hair dryer has to be cumbersome and dull? The light and compact Velecta Paramount TGR3600 available in 8 dazzling shades. Handcrafted in France, it’s sturdy, powerful, made to last and COLOURFUL. My French hairdresser introduced me to the brand.

When I returned to Montreal, the first thing I did is go look for one. They’re only found in black. Had to have it so I had it shipped from France. For those of you who do regular brushings, I curl like a sheep and it’s just pure bliss when you can do your thing for 30 minutes or so without having the hairdryer pause on you or smoke make a grand entry!

Some additional features : feather-weight (only 350 g), extra long and thick cord, 2 nozzles, low-sound, all the pro features in one. Friend and CEO of Buyosphere, Tara Hunt, tested it and was amazed at the result. This is what she had to say :

“I’ve been needing a good hairdryer for a couple of years now, but the amount of choice out there is a bit daunting. Then Diana showed me this one…I mean LITERALLY showed it to me. She brought it over to my house and let me use it after wetting my hair. It’s fantastic. I also love the colors!”

I’ve since been crusading this find to social communities (facebook, mybuyosphere) and salons bringing it wherever I go. My hairstylist enjoys using it. I’d love to see them hit the shelves across Canada!

Soon my next find..A ring like no other. Stay tuned