5.06.2010

Vendor Spotlight & Offer: Deanna Novak, My Heritage Book


In honor of Mother's Day and National Moms Night Out, an official celebration of Moms held tonight, we are turning the spotlight on one of our favorite local vendors; mom, author and entrepreneur, Deanna Novak. Her first book, My Heritage Book, is a beautifully illustrated and uniquely personalized keepsake for children. We are sure you will find her as engaging and inspiring as we do. And as a special treat, she will provide a special 20% off discount and graciously sign every book ordered by our City Living Baby clients and readers. To place your order go to www.MyHeritageBook.com and include the Coupon Code: citylivingbaby. Thank you Deanna for this special offer and Happy Mother's Day!

  1. Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am the mother of two beautiful children – Samantha (6) and Nicholas (3).  My husband, Scott, and I recently celebrated our 10 year anniversary on a wonderful trip to Italy.  I am originally from New York, but have been in South Florida since the early 90s.  I was a practicing tax attorney prior to starting my own business, but have wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember.  I love learning about the countries of our world through the research for My Heritage Book and enjoy spending free time with my family, reading, writing, and traveling.  I am also on the Board of Directors for the Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter of NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners).

  1. Why did you write this book?
I have always wanted to be a writer and have been interested in heritage for just as long.  When my daughter was born, I felt a need to teach her about her own unique heritage from both sides of her family.  I searched for a book to help me do that, to no avail.  I then developed the idea for My Heritage Book.

  1. What inspires you?
My daughter inspired me to write this book.  Both of my children inspire me to give my best each and every day in everything that I do.

  1. Do you have a favorite culture or custom?
I am 100% Italian and proud of it!  One tradition that sticks out in my mind is that every Sunday, we cook macaroni, meatballs, and sauce for a big family dinner. Growing up, I would wake up every Sunday morning smelling sauce and meatballs, and hearing Italian music.  It reminded me of how wonderful and important families are and made me remember our roots.  I loved it and still do!  I continue the tradition today in my own family.

  1. How do you share it with your children?
I share this experience with my children today by continuing this tradition every Sunday.  They help me make meatballs, listen to Italian music, and set the table for everyone coming to dinner!

  1. What would you like to do next?
With regard to my business, we plan on adding a cd with music from the countries to the book by the end of the year.  I also plan on launching my 2nd book within the next 12 months.  Personally, I plan on living life to the fullest and continuing to show my children that you can do anything you set your mind to!

4.13.2010

Peace, Love n Happy Pillows

I have taken a little break from blogging, but I am back with some awesome finds. While perusing the latest  styles out in retail, I went crazy for these super fun, bright and bold organic pillow covers at www.Pbteen.com. These stylish designs are the it pieces to refresh your daughter's room for Spring, inspire an affordable nursery and brighten up your day where ever they may rest.

2.01.2010

Our 1st Giveaway - Art from Children Inspire Design

Last year I was introduced to Rebecca and Children Inspire Design ( formerly Print, Pattern, Paper) and quickly became a fan of her artwork and her philanthropic sensibility. Her pieces are not only eco friendly but they truly will add whimsy and style to any child's room. So I am so happy to partner with her as we offer our 1st giveaway. And its a special two in one!

Here's How to Enter:
For an additional entry, add your links:
  • Tweet this post on Twitter
  • Let your friends know on Facebook
  • Blog about this 2-in-1 Giveaway 
We will select our winner on February 10, 2010. Good Luck!!
Plus:
Click here to enter February's giveaway at Children Inspire Design and win this sweet one of a kind collage on salvaged wood.


Finally, as a special bonus to all of our City Living Girl readers, enjoy an exclusive 20% off on all her artwork with our special coupon code: THANKS20

Good Luck!! contest is closed. Winner will be contacted.

1.25.2010

SPANX Glams Up Their Headquarters

If you worked in a corporate environment wouldn't you love an office like this? I know I would.  Last Week, Interior Design featured SPANX's new Atlanta headquarters by tvs Design.  In keeping with their stylish collection, they asked for a space that felt like home, was girly and fun. Glamorous vignettes are used to create trendy seating areas and unenclosed "workstations" that are as elegant as one's living room. And a fabulous kitchen/dining area was created to accomodate life's events like baby showers, parties etc. I think this is one chic office space and a sensational lesson in corporate branding. I wonder if they used low VOC paint or energy efficient appliances? That would have been an easy do.


Home accessories from retailers like Anthropologie and Rug Company
are used in this corporate setting. Love those lamps.

Stunning red lacquered walls and hollywood lights create a super chic lobby

1.20.2010

HM's New Eco Chic Garden Collection


Get ready for Spring with HM's new eco chic Garden Collection. Fresh, sassy, romantic and affordable....what can be better?  Inspired by chlorophyl green gardens and hippie chic flower power; each piece is made from sustainable and recycled materials, organic cottons and linens. Coming in March at an HM store near you....I can't wait!

1.18.2010

New from West Elm Green

Check out these new, eco chic accents from the West Elm Green collection. I'm giving these fresh, statement making faves high marks for style.






1.17.2010

Stray Dog Designs


Stray Dog Designs (@straydogdesigns) is a unique accessories and lighting company known for their whimsy and hand crafted artwork. Each piece is hand made from recycled glass and materials by artisans in Mexico and Haiti. Today, I am celebrating the papier mache items made by their artisans in Haiti.

I love this new lamp available at Serena and Lily. It has wonderful texture and would add a fresh pop to any room. While I love it in white, a number of low voc colors are available as well; it would be so girly and fun in turq or pink. And the birdcage pendant below? Well, how charming would this one be in a nursery? Love it.

Our hearts go out to everyone in Haiti, these wonderful artisans, and their friends and loved ones here in the USA.




12.28.2009

Happy New Year!



headed for Times Square by pedicab

It doesn't matter where I am on New Year's Eve, I always manage to watch the countdown/crystal ball drop in Times Square. If you are in New York, you can still visit the Duracell Smart Power Lab and pedal on one of their six power rovers to help generate the 32000 watt hours needed to light up the 2010 numbers for the countdown.

A new design for the Waterford crystal ball was unveiled yesterday and approximately 288 triangles were replaced and arranged in a Celtic knot to represent the 2010 theme "Let There Be Courage". This ribbon pattern represents courage and hope with the yellow ribbons that welcome home soldiers and the red ribbons for AIDS awareness. A beautiful addition to last year's “Let There Be Joy” and 2008 “Let There Be Light” designs.

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year filled with courage, joy and light.

12.16.2009

Knob Candy

I was in Anthropologie the other day and was captivated by all of their new knobs and hooks...an array of colorful eye candy. Tempted to buy them all...here are a few of my favorites. An easy and affordable way to add a touch of whimsy to 2010. Transform a desk, a kitchen cabinet, or a nursery armoire...the possibilities are endless.



12.14.2009

These are a few of my favorite things...

It has been a crazy week but I thought I would share a few of my all time favorite things... For more personal favorites, visit CLB. Wishing you all Happy Holidays from our home to yours....



Holiday truffles with plum pudding and peppermint canes...
by Vosges includes a Jonathan Adler peace sign keepsake ornament. Vosges Chocolates has a green mission. 90% of their ingredients are organic and they have a certified organic manufacturing facility powered by renewable energy.


All natural glosses and a snap on key chain ......


Porcelain ornaments by JA to enjoy year long or on a tree....



Calypso-Celle Mimosa is divine for party or play....
(15% of the sale will be donated to the American Breast Cancer Foundation.)

I love Lilly. A little bit goes a long way....

The zippity-do make up bag is part of Lilly Pulitzer's new originals collection with attention towards green. Made from vintage slub and printed with an eco friendly process. Lilly has always been coveted on ebay and at flea markets, so it will be no surprise that this chic little must have will last a lifetime.
These are a few of my favorite things....