SAVVY STAY AT HOME MOM

Evening Dresses

2011-11-30T20:43:00.000-07:00

Need a dress for the holiday season? Here are a few of my favourite finds...

Rhada Beaded Shift Dress by Alice and Olivia

Red Valentino

American Retro dress (see more print dresses)

Notte By Marchesa

Happy Shopping:)

Flip Alarm Clocks

2011-11-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

I can still remember the slight audible sound as the numbers changed on my flip alarm clock. It sat nestled at my bedside next to the night light. On those restless nights I would often watch the repetitive and rhythmic motion as the plastic numbers converted themselves. So can you still purchase these obsolete vintage clocks? Barnes and Noble has a great selection...

My Favourite!!

Barnes and Noble

d.p

Piet Mondrian

2011-11-21T09:44:00.000-07:00

Are you familiar with the famous grid-based paintings of Piet Mondrian? The Rooftop Coffee Bar at San Francisco's MOMA serves up this edible art that pays homage to the Dutch artist. Vanilla and red velvet cake topped with chocolate ganache...yum! Only one masterpiece per day is made, so plan to get there early! Doesn't a trip to San Francisco sound like fun?

composition with Red, Yellow and Blue.

Mondrian Cake

d.p

Tissue Holders

2011-11-15T20:28:00.000-07:00

The cold and flu season is upon us. What better way to dress up your tissue. Here are a few of my favourite finds...

Paper Pots: A colourful way to disguise your tissue or toilet paper. Fun and fresh!

Paper Pots

Toro Tissue Ring : For the minimalist- clean and simple. A stainless steel ring that replaces the ordinary tissue box.

Toro Tissue Ring

Magician's Hat: Need a little magic to help the kids clean their nose? I thought this was adorable for the wee ones!!

magician's hat

Swarovski Tissue Box: Add a little sparkle to the mundane. Great gift for that person who has everything!!

Swarovski Tissue Box

d.p

DIY Jewelry Board

2011-11-10T08:35:00.003-07:00

Make your own jewelry board. This is so easy and will look fab!!

You will need the following:

Photo frame, (I purchased mine at Ikea), cork roll, scissors, pen and ruler.

For the how to:

1) Measure dimensions of frame interior (or use the frame insert and trace onto cork roll).

2) Cut cork and insert as you would a photo. **savvy tip- use 2 pieces of cork to get a better hold of jewelry.

4) I used earring studs to hang necklaces.... and voila!

d.p

I Love Lucy

2011-11-05T13:57:00.085-06:00

Polka dots. They make me think of so many things...the novelty song "Itsy Bitsy

Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini", Coco Chanel, and the ever so iconic

dress of Lucille Ball in "I love Lucy". Polka dots originated in the late 19th

century and have since come full circle. I love the vintage inspired look of polka

dots- they are fun, flirty and of course a classic.

polka dot featuring manolo blahnik shoes

J Crew long shirt

$88 - jcrew.com

Knit blazer
$52 - meetmark.com

James Jeans high waisted skinny jeans
$179 - boutique1.com

Manolo blahnik shoes
£474 - farfetch.com

Green Sixlets | Decorative Candy | Decorating | Layer Cake Shop
$3 - layercakeshop.com

Rugelach Cookies | Pastry | Dean & DeLuca
$48 - deandeluca.com

I love Lucy and I love polka dots!

d.p

Winter is in the air...

2011-11-04T09:34:00.001-06:00

It's really starting to feel like winter. Our mitts and scarves now fill our shelves, and we've sadly said good-bye to our summer wardrobe as it heads into hibernation for another year. I suddenly feel the urge to sit by the fire nestled under a cozy blanket with a cup of hot chocolate. We are in need of a few new blankets so I did a little digging and gave my savvy stamp of approval on the following blankets.

100% Cashmere Blanket: The best that blankets have to offer. This will keep you warm without added bulk. Made from Kashmir Goats- this is the luxury of all blankets!
Hudson's Bay Point Blanket: Snuggle up in a little Canadian history with this blanket. First introduced to the fur trade in the late 1700's and still popular today. Made of 100% pure wool...this is sure to keep you warm.

Hudson's Bay Point Blanket

Minimink Blanket: An Australian label that specializes in faux fur (also called ecological fur as no animal has been harmed) for adults and our little wee ones. They claim these blankets are beyond soft! A must try!!

minimink

Snuggie: I'm sure you've heard of the every so kitschy fleece blanket with sleeves? The company sold over 25 million blankets in 2010- wow! Perhaps all of these sales were earmarked as spoof gifts? I think I'll take the cashmere blanket instead:)

Happy Friday!

d.p

Distracted-Canadian Business Magazine

2011-11-03T09:02:00.002-06:00

I came across this article at my doctor's office yesterday afternoon. It really had me thinking about our productivity at the office. Do you think these are distractions or effective tools for a collaborative work environment?

I'd love to hear what you think. Please click below on "post a comment" and share your thoughts!

d.p

Sweet Nostalgia

2011-10-31T09:41:00.001-06:00

Dubble Bubble, Tootsie Roll, Milky Way, Butterfinger...candy that has all stood the test of time. My all time favourite-"How many licks does it take to get to the centre of a Tootsie Roll Pop?" What's your favourite retro candy?

Happy Halloween!

d.p

Vintage Jewelry

2011-10-28T10:00:00.000-06:00

Etsy

I love vintage jewelry. Vintage jewelry refers to jewelry from different decades and eras. These eras include Georgian, Early Victorian, Mid-Victorian, Late Victorian, Arts and Crafts era, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco and Retro. Do you like what you see? You can find my great finds at Etsy.

Etsy

Happy Friday

d.p

Some of my favourites...

2011-10-25T10:50:00.000-06:00

Leather Bracelets
Women's Accessories - Tory Burch | Nordstrom (clipped to polyvore.com)

Michael Kors tortoise shell watch

pleather tights + oversized sweaters

feminine dresses

d.p

busy moms article club

2011-10-24T10:07:00.000-06:00

A few years ago I planned a book club with a group of great ladies. We had intended to meet once a month to discuss one selected book per meeting. It took some corralling to coordinate all of our busy schedules-countless e-mails bounced back and forth faster than a ping pong ball with numerous responses offering alternative dates. After much ado, we finally managed to settle on a time and place to meet.
A few glasses of wine in tow, coupled with calorie filled snacks, we rotated through the room and started our discussion. As we exchanged our opinions, we quickly realized that a handful of us never completed reading the book. Intentions good, commitment lacked.
I was reading one of my favourite blogs the other day, A Cup of Jo , and a phenomenal idea was posted for an article club in lieu of a book club. What a great idea! Less commitment, yet equally stimulating. If the idea of gathering a group of people together sounds less than desirable, then opt for a cyber article club.
Thanks for reading and please check out the article selected from A Cup of Jo.

Happy reading!

d.p

White With Silver Lining

2011-10-19T11:04:00.000-06:00

I love the look of white, anywhere and anytime...even after labour day. Maybe because it evokes feelings of purity, serenity and cleanliness. All of the things that inspired my latest fall decor, white pumpkins with silver trim.

Inspiration Photos...

Dixie spring collection 2010

Elle decor

For the how to:

purchase plastic pumpkins from Michaels
paint with white acrylic paint
decorate with silver wire or silver ribbon

Happy Halloween!

d.p

Decorating Pumpkins

2011-10-13T08:27:00.000-06:00

Here's a fun and out of the ordinary way to decorate your pumpkins or gourds. Just add old hosiery!

happy decorating!

d.p

Turkey, Stuffing, Pumpkin Pie and Christian Louboutin

2011-10-09T19:45:00.000-06:00

We had friends over for a small Thanksgiving dinner last night. Food was delicious (thanks to my hubby) and the wine our friends brought paired so nicely with the turkey. Somehow our conversation diverted to designer shoes and the next thing I know...my dining room floor transformed into the fourth floor of Barneys shoe department. The ladies in the house, including my 2 year old, strapped on a pair of shoes from my very humble designer collection. I felt like a curator unveiling a masterpiece as I carefully revealed my red lacquered soled shoes. Husbands, I know this is a small fortune to pay for a pair of shoes, however here is my reasoning...

Think of them as a fine piece of art. Fine craftsmanship, quality material and detailed precision set these shoes apart. These aren't mass produced in China with synthetic material we can't even pronounce.
It's like a good investment. Low risk (95% of all woman will love them) with high return (well I'll leave that thought up to you).
Simple economics. Buy one pair for life at $500 vs. continually repairing or replacing the $100 glued together shoe that will fall apart after 2 wears.

Friend- Next time you are in NY take a trip down to Saks 5th Avenue and head straight for the 8th floor. You will not be disappointed. This destination Manhattan shoe department is so big that it has its very own zip code (10022-SHOE). I gather you will not leave empty handed. I've even gone ahead and placed a pair on hold for you. While your are there, can you pick up my next coveted pair?

friend's pair

Donna's pair

I'm thankful for designer shoes and husbands who appreciate them.

Happy Thanksgiving!
d.p

Paper Fortune Teller

2011-10-07T15:16:00.000-06:00

Take a walk down memory lane and play a few of these nostalgic games with the kids. Do you remember Cats Cradle, Hopscotch, What's the Time Mr.Wolf, and my all time favourite, Fortune Teller? I introduced my little V.I.P to fortune teller yesterday afternoon and he just adored it. Make it a fun learning lesson and talk about the geometric shapes that dominate this paper wonder.
Here are a few sites with the how to, and a ready made printable.
http://www.mathematische-basteleien.de/fortune_teller.htm
http://www.funorama.com/files/fortune.pdf

And here's savvy's spin on the game...

Make a fortune teller out of card stock and turn it upside down. Fill with small objects like pins, buttons, coins, or anything else that needs a home.

Since I always have birthday parties on my mind, try making a fun and interactive invite. Your little guests will love receiving these!

Just fun!

d.p

Lunch Bags to Treat Bags

2011-10-04T14:31:00.000-06:00

Paper bags might have you thinking about lunch, but with some imagination, the brown paper bag can be reinvented. I hope these ideas inspire you!

cut down paper bag and add pretty ribbon

decorate edge of bag with edge punch and add a gift tag

Hosting a Halloween party? Your little goblins will love getting treats from these bags!

find your favourite clip art and just cut and paste.

Questions or comments? Please let me know below.

d.p

Daunting Day Surgery

2011-10-01T17:55:00.001-06:00

Maybe it's because I've watched too many movies or television series revolved around medical trauma that planted the fear of surgery in me. I know it's completely illogical and I have absolute faith in our medical system, however those daunting thoughts still occupied my mind. I had to undergo an umbilical hernia, a very common and easy day surgery.
The nurse walked me into the very sterile surgery room. Bright lights, medical equipment, and a sea of green scrubs occupied the room. Despite all of the warm and comforting words from the nurses and doctors, tears still managed to roll down my eyes as I laid on the surgery bed. The anesthetist donned a Darth Vader gas mask over my nose and mouth, and gently asked me to take deep breaths. The next thing I knew, I was in recovery awoken to the sounds of "are you feeling ok?"
Surgery really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but it has made me re-think elective cosmetic surgery...maybe those body parts I once disliked really aren't that bad after all:)

d.p

Surgery...not that fun

2011-09-28T09:02:00.001-06:00

Still recovering.....I'll keep you all posted once I'm back to my old self.

Fall Table

2011-09-26T14:42:00.002-06:00

ornamental grasses

I don't think you need to break the bank to create a beautiful and put together fall table.
Here are a few of my tricks...

felt leafs (original use = arts + crafts, savvy use = placemats)

Purchase flowers from a grocery store. You'll pay a fraction of what your florist will charge. I picked up 2 mixed bouquets from Costco for 15.99 each. With a little imagination and creativity you can design a centerpiece like a pro!
I used vases I already had, and added some ornamental grasses from my outdoor urns. The grasses added a little pizazz to the simple mixed grocery store bouquet.
I picked up some gourds at Sobey's for 1.99 each. This adds great colour and texture to any table.
Think outside of the box. I bought oversized felt leaf shapes, used primarily for arts + crafts, but instead I used these as placemats.

Gourds pictured center

With a tablecloth, table runner and napkins you'll be set to entertain!

If you have any questions or comments please let me know.

5 Steps to Successful Dating....or Play Dating

2011-09-23T21:17:00.005-06:00

My beloved sister called me yesterday, and unfortunately I had to end our conversation short as we were on our way to a play date. She then proceeded to question with humour, "why does a 4 year old have more dates than I do?" It made me wonder...is there a correlation between dating and play dating? What must one do to have a successful dating strategy- whether it be play dates, or your conventional date. Here are my thoughts...

1) First Impressions: Stats show that we form judgments in the time it takes to "Blink" your eye-so make it count !!! (Malcolm Gladwell)
singles: Go out and buy a new outfit. If you are fashionably challenged-ask the experts! Hit some of my favourites. Holt Renfrew, Anthropologie, or Purr in Calgary.
toddlers: You guys have it easy...don't show up with breakfast on your shirt, or a dirty diaper.

2) Share: For those of you who need a reminder I've included the definition: To participate in, use, enjoy or experience jointly in turns.
singles: Don't talk about yourself the whole night. Ask questions about the other person.
toddlers: Don't grab, push or shove if you want something. For the love of God- we have six other dolls that look exactly the same. Why must you play with that one?

3) It's a numbers game so play!
singles: Dating is about sales and sales is a numbers game. Multiply your dating success. The more people you meet, the greater your chances of meeting someone who is good for you.
toddlers: Learn to count...ok well at least to 3 because that's when time out begins.

4) Social Networking. Like it or not, technology is as much a part of our daily lives as brushing our teeth. Embrace the change and get on these social websites.
singles: Lava Life, Match.com, or eHarmony just to name a few.
toddlers: I researched and yes - there is an official website devoted to play dates! Check it out at Playdates for Kids Meetup Group.

5) Don't be Late for the Date!
singles: It's just rude. If you have to change your plans give as much notice as possible and please apologize.
toddlers: Don't worry- your Mom is in trouble for this one. Let her handle it!

Lastly, I asked Simon (my 4 year old son) his thoughts on play dates and he simply stated: "just go and have fun".

d.p.

the perfect pie crust....

2011-09-21T13:41:00.000-06:00

Those of you who know me best - may chuckle when you read this. I once was a so called "non foodie", who married the biggest food aficionado. Nonetheless, my domestic duties improved because of my husband (the food hobbyist), and the desire to feed my two little V.I.P's nothing but the best! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do.

Pastry:
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
1/2 cup cold lard
1/4 cup ice water
3 tbsp sour cream (a must)

In a bowl whisk flour with salt. With a pastry blender, cut in butter and lard until mixture develops fine crumbs with a few larger pieces.

In a separate bowl, whisk water with sour cream and pour gently over dry ingredients. Stir briskly with a fork to form ragged dough and adding more water if too dry. Divide in half and press into discs. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, approximately 30 minutes.

On a floured surface, roll out half of the pastry to 1/8 inch thickness; fit into 9 inch pie plate. Trim to leave 3/4 inch (2 cm) overhang. *Fill with desired filling.

*Simon's favourite filling (one of my little V.I.P's) is blueberry.

Blueberry Filling:

5 cups blueberries

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp grated lemon rind

1 tbsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 egg yolk

In large bowl, combine blueberries, sugar, flour, lemon rind, lemon juice and cinnamon.

Roll out the rest of the pastry. Whisk egg yolk with 1 tbsp of water; brush over pastry rim. Fit pastry over filling; trim to leave 3/4 inch overhang. Fold overhang under bottom pastry rim. Seal + pinch edge.

Bake in bottom third at 425°F for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°F; until golden and filling has thickened (35 - 45 minutes)

Enjoy!

Modern Garden Party

2011-08-29T10:14:00.002-06:00

We celebrated Olivia's 2nd Birthday this year. I decided on an outdoor garden party with a pink and green palette. Guests enjoyed painting their own mini terracotta garden pots, jumped around in a bouncy castle, and went home with pretty treat bags. It was a perfect day for our little princess.

handmade paper bag flowers from Martha Stewart

pink paper lanters strewn from tree branches
purchased from local dollar store

each girl received a handmade hair barrette neatly packaged on coordinated paper.

Popsicle sticks (pictured centre) to grab large oversized marshmallows

chalk board sign to welcome our little guests

tree's adorned with streamers, lanterns and handmade paper bag flowers (see above for directions).

birthday cake (centre) large pink marshmallows (right)

the dessert table

treat bags

handmade cupcake toppers