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).

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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!

6. 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 2^nd 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!

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.

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:

• Visit the prints collection  at http://www.childreninspiredesign.com/ and select your two favorites.
• Then come back here and let us know which print you liked and who you would love to give the 2nd print to and why. 

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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....

Eco Chic Bags For The Girl On The Go

You are running errands, catching a plane, meeting an old friend. You look great, but how do your travel pieces look? Finally, a garment bag ensamble that is light weight, chic and worthy of our own style and favorite fashions. Here it is! The eco luxe gift for the organized (and the hopeful) girl on the go.... now available at City Living Baby!

I absolutely fell in love with these eco friendly, organic cotton ikats and vintage prints. Not to mention the designer details like recycled leather tassel pulls and contrasting trim. In 2008, Designer Jennifer Bennett of California, locally set out to design this highly fashionable, eco responsible Jendarling collection. Each set includes a coordinating shoe bag, and travel pouches are also available. Now where is that matching shift dress?

Holiday Chic Table Settings

Here are a few of my favorite table settings that I think would be stunning for the holidays. And fairly easy to recreate. Here are a few tips. Forgo the table cloth. Dress up your table with an unexpected, colorful fabric. Love this Madeline Weinrib ikat with the gold accents. Almost anything you pull out of the oven will look great now.

Jewel tones are so seasonal and rich. The pairings of color with rustic textures, sizes & shapes exude sophistication.

Veranda

Add charming, whimsical vignettes, with items you may even have at home, for great conversation starters and a lighter touch. I think the key here is to make sure the smaller elements don't get lost on the table. The height of the glass bell jar is the perfect showcase.

Veranda

Oversized natural foliage & fruit with candle pillars will create drama. All candles should be unscented so not to compete with the aromas of dinner.

There is nothing more beautiful than the simplicity of classic white.

Rachel Ashwell for House Beautiful

Layer vintage trays, heirloom tea cups & traditional linens with your other pieces. Knowing that you will create an eclectic and inviting table like this is sure to lessen the pressures of the day.


Epicurious
Share your resolutions or what you are thankful for on a gilded branch. Love how this stylish centerpiece will also engage your guests.

Barclay Butera & the Design Process

I am often asked by people who are thinking about decorating, how to begin. I always recommend looking at design magazines to become inspired and create a wish list. By adding your favorite images to a design folder it will be easier for you to stay on track.

Designer, Barclay Butera has simplified it even more. Recently, he designed four lifestyle collections of fabrics (many are 100% linen) and new zealand wool rugs for Kravet based on, Beach; Town & Country; Mountain; Desert & City. His book, Barclay Butera Living In Style attests to his winning formula while highlighting his beautiful work.

It was a real treat to meet Butera at DCOTA last week. And I was really pleased to learn that all of his custom furnishings are hand crafted, hand finished and hand upholstered in the United States. And all waste is returned to his providers for recycling.

His designs are so cohesive, inviting and well styled. I absolutely love his blue & white vignettes and can find ways to mix and match them all day long. Love the classic toile with an unexpected animal print....

When it comes to decorating in these economic times, he recommends, and I totally agree, investing in timeless furniture and pieces that you will have for a lifetime. Here you can see how accessorizing then can make all the difference and transform a space with designer lamp shades, throw pillows and coordinating porcelain objects.....

While he uses tropical elements like sisal, rattan and plants in his Beach vignette, his designs are more sophisticated than beachy or theme like and can really work in most situations. He describes this linen sofa as the little black dress of the room from which he can then accessorize. Love that!