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Tag: Monique Trottier

Favourite Books 2010: Monique Trottier

by Dan
Food & Drink + Health & Wellness + Kids + News + Vancouver / December 20, 2010

Tartine Bread
Chad Robertson
Chronicle Books ISBN 9780811870412
$46

I know this book is a favourite among the Raincoast staff, but I have to call it out as well. 

I am most certainly not the professional baker or bread-maker in our home, but thankfully neither is my sweetie James. Chad Robertson, however, has promised me that his detailed descriptions and step-by-step inspiration will result in the perfect loaf of bread. I'm totally game! 

Those in my family who make bread are like magi. They understand the feel of the bread, the smell of the starter. I understand the taste of awesome warm bread melting in my mouth, and the smell of good bread from the oven. We'll see how my training goes. 

My resolution for 2011 is to make bread, and I'm putting my eggs and flour into Chad Robertson's Tartine Bread basket. 

Just an Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure
James L. D'Adamo
Hay House ISBN 9781401927196
$29.95    

I'm infinitely fascinated by natural medicine and how little Western nations have invested in understanding natural remedies, diet, exercise and meditation. I'm also frightened by the reactive approach the medical system, insurance industry and government take to health. I truly believe that we have to take responsibility for our own health and wellness, and Dr. D'Adamo's teachings add one more piece of the puzzle. 

WHO defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. 

If I needed to cheerlead, this is the book that gets two pom-pom fist pumps. 

Vancouver Then and Now
Francis Mansbridge
Thunder Bay ISBN 9781592239177
$22.95]

The previously mentioned non-baker in our house is also a big fan of Then and Now photography. We have quite a digital collection of historic and contemporary photos of Winnipeg, and are constantly on the look out for cool before and after shots of Vancouver. Why? Why not. Getting to know a place requires you to know what came before. One of the things that impressed me while travelling in the Middle East was the street directions--go north to the old hotel, turn left ... (by "old hotel" they mean something that was there 50+ years ago that is no longer there but is still in recent memory and continues to be because of the instructions). By the way, never get lost with me. Bring money and your phone.  

Speaking of travel, James and I were recently in Wanderlust on 4th Ave and we spent a long time perusing this book instead of buying my suitcase and clipping through the rest of our shopping list. (Needless to say, someone has a book in his stocking.) 

Day and Night
Teddy Newton
Chronicle Books ISBN 9780811876643
$16.99

Since Pete has already called out the wonders of Tartine Bread, I'll add Day and Night to my list of favourites. 

Part of going to a Pixar movie is the joy of watching the Pixar shorts in advance of the feature film. I first saw Day and Night as the short before Toy Story 3, and I was equally charmed by the picture book. Pixar is magical in all its formats. 

In Day and Night, Day meets Night and Night meets Day. There's confusion, a bit of fighting, and a moment of realization that blossoms into a lovely ending. Super cute. 

Monique Trottier is the founder of Boxcar Marketing and the blogger behind SoMisguided.com, a site about books, writing, perfume, technology and other amusements. She runs amok in Vancouver and on twitter @somisguided.

5 Things Vancouver: Monique Trottier

by Dan
Travel + Vancouver / February 17, 2010

Monique Trottier is the owner of Boxcar Marketing, an internet marketing company. In a former life, she was our internet marketing manager here at Raincoast Books, spearheading our online marketing campaigns, including promotion of Harry Potter and the creation of the first Canadian-publisher podcast and blog.

Her thoughts on marketing and technology can be followed on Twitter @somisguided or on her blogs at Boxcar and So Misguided.

What neighbourhood do you live in?
I live in Kitsilano. Walking distance to House of Switzerland on Granville Island. Vectorial Vancouver is within sight. And we are within easy access of the LiveCity downtown venues, Athlete's Village and BC Place.

What is the single best thing about living in Vancouver?
The best thing about living in Vancouver is letting everyone else think that it rains here all the time and is a really miserable place to live. (Did I mention the cherry blossoms are out? Horrible for the allergies. You'd hate it here.)
 

Where do you look for books in Vancouver?
I used to look for books at Duthie Books, which has recently closed, so my next default is Blackberry Books on Granville Island.

What's your favourite free thing to do in Vancouver?
My favourite free thing to do in Vancouver is visiting the festivals and markets. Places like Portobello West and the Richmond Night Market, the Hippie Daze in Kitsilano, the Celebration of Lights fireworks show in the summer. Basically, if you read the Georgia Straight, you'll get a list of free events. Walk around, people watch, check things out: that's what I like to do.

Where do you plan to watch the Olympics?
I plan to watch the Olympics from Russia House, which is in Science World, just up the street from my office, at my local pub in Kits 'The Sunset Grill' and basically, anywhere with cable TV, the internet or on my little tv set with rabbit ears.
 

Thanks Monique!