Category Archives: Fab Finds

by | December 2, 2009 · 8:00 am

Holiday Gift Guide: For Kids

Anne’s Picks:

It is hard for me to pick a gift for a child without thinking of my own daughter.  Right now, she cannot get enough of play food.  I especially love Melissa and Doug toys because of their commitment to safe toys and adorable designs.  That’s why my top pick for kids this year is the Melissa and Doug Sushi Slicing Play Set.


From left: The Giving Tree ($16), Sushi Slicing Play Set ($20), Bear Slippers ($17), Fun on the Farm Stacker ($39)

Katie’s Picks:

Like many a little girl, I’m a sucker for sparkles which is the first reason why I love TOMS Silver Glitter Shoes.  But even better is the fact that for every pair you buy, TOMS donates a pair to a child in need.  A sparkly gift that keeps giving sounds just about perfect.


From top: Personalized Wire Hanger ($15), Animal Alphabet Poster ($28), Gap Boy’s Warmest Pants ($50), The Polar Express ($11), TOMS Silver Glitter Shoes ($38)

Stef’s Picks:

With my little bouncing baby boy on the way, I cannot help but be obsessed with GAP’s buffalo plaid collection this winter. The plaid trapper hat is not only adorable, but practical for cold Wisconsin winters, complete with a velcro chin strap to help keep the hat on your little ones head.


From left: GAP Buffalo Plaid Trapper Hat ($16.50), Playskool Explore n Grow Busy Ball Popper: ($25), American Girl – Rebecca Rubin ($118), Fisher-Price Little People Christmas: Nativity Set ($25), Gymboree Chairman of the Board Baby Boy outfit ($12-$21)

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by | December 1, 2009 · 9:06 am

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Men in Your Life

Anne’s Picks:

Maybe I am biased because my husband is such a baseball fan, but my favorite pick for the man in your life is Ballpark cuff links crafted from America’s most famous stadium seats.  He may have shed a tear when the old Busch Stadium was torn down, but now he can wear a piece of history!

Christmas gifts for Dad
From left: monogrammed golf club links ($49), Ballpark Cuff Links ($150-$230), Shawn Sunglasses ($68), Fine Lambswool half-zip sweater ($69)

Katie’s Picks:

While I’m enchanted by the smell of whiskey (strange, I know), my favorite pick for the guys is the stylish T-Shirt of the Month Club from Milwaukee locals Heavy Rotation.  What could be better than a monthly present…especially when it’s a cool, comfy graphic tee!

Holiday Gifts for Men

From left: The North Face Windwall Fleece Jacket ($99), Victorinox Swiss Army “Handyman” Knife ($72), Heavy Rotation T-Shirt of the Month-6 mth ($100), Portlandgeneralstore “Whisky no.006” Cologne ($68), Stainless Steel Grill Tools ($80), KoiKouture “Mandle” Man Candle in “Camping” Scent ($25)

Stef’s Picks:

I love to deck out my man in this season’s newest plaid, but my favorite pick is a little more of a splurge. The Amazon Kindle electronic reading device is revolutionizing reading. This gift is great for a man who reads anything from non-fiction history books (like my husband) or if he secretly reads Twilight when you aren’t home. The Kindle is great for someone who travels. It fits right into a pocket or briefcase and you can download books $10 at any time.

Christmas Gifts for Boyfriends
From left: Pottery Barn Colby Leather Smart Technology Recharge Station ($40), Fossil Buckley Fedora ($28), J. Crew Black Stewart tartan tie ($69.50), Amazon Kindle Wireless Reading Device ($259), Nintendo Wii Punch-Out ($50)

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by | November 30, 2009 · 9:02 am

Holiday Gift Guide: For Sisters, Moms & Girlfriends

‘Tis the season to go shopping! Today kicks off HAP’s Haute Holiday Gift Guide Week. Today’s blog focuses on the lady in your life. Whether its your mom, sister, girlfriend or wife, we have a list of top picks to make her smile. Feel free to share your haute holiday picks with us!

And shhhhh, we won’t tell if you want to snag a few of these items for yourself.

Anne’s Picks:

Every woman needs a show-stopping and versatile piece of jewelry in her collection.  That’s why my top pick for the ladies this year is a gorgeous multi-strand crystal necklace.  Perfect for an dressy evening out but  still sweet enough to wear with a t-shirt and jeans.

Christmas gift ideas for women
From left: flannel sleep set ($39), Crystal Malibu Necklace ($68), In Vogue Coffee Table Book ($59), Ruffle-Trim Cardigan ($48)

Katie’s Picks:

I’m loving ultra-feminine details mixed with little bits of glam for the holidays. My top pick for the ladies is the Tarte Treasure Chest all-natural makeup set, which holds hundreds of options for day-to-night looks for a steal of a price.

Christmas gift ideas for girl friends
From left: J.Crew Dream Shawl Cardigan ($118), Tarte Treasure Chest ($52), Grey Ruffled Tunic ($58), Vintage Typewriter Key Pendant ($30), Mary Headband ($28),  J.Crew Crushed Glitter Belt ($24.50)

Stef’s Picks:

Every woman deserves a little pampering. That is why I am all about rest and relaxation this holiday. My top pick for the ladies is the Teavana Tea Gift Set, complete with the Teavana Perfect Tea Maker. Great for loose leaf tea, simply pour the loose leaf tea into the cup, fill with hot water, steep and place the teamaker over your teacup and let it drain. I received one of these as a gift and think every tea enthusiast should have one!

Holiday Gift Guide for Her
From left: Teavana Perfect Gift Set (59.99), Bijli Sequined Infinity Scarf ($58), Kobo White Birch Rosemary Candle ($34), UGG Sweater Knit Scuffette Striped Slippers ($80), The Girls from Ames by Jeffrey Zaslow ($15)

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by | October 9, 2009 · 8:49 am

Fabulous Fall Finds

As the leaves begin to turn and I give my house the good Cleaning Sydney it deserves, I’ve realized it’s time to dig out (and purchase) the fall décor. I love accenting my house with small touches of autumn and with soft muted colors throughout my house, my house seems to love it back.

One could go nuts with jack-o-lanterns and cornucopias, but I’ve searched to find items that last all the way through the fall season.

I could take up residence at Crate and Barrel. I joked around the time of our wedding that we should have bought stock in the company, as it seemed every box we opened was a black and white Crate and Barrel box.

fall_place setting

This place setting can be used all year through but these C&B Leaf Napkin Rings create a subtle touch of autumn. The Acacia Salad Bowls look especially festive when paired with some fall table linens.

Fall Decor_plate

The embossed leaf charger can be used to spice up a place setting or as a serving platter for a Thanksgiving dish.

Fall Decor - tableThe Maggie Runner from Crate and Barrel creates a soft elegance to any dining area. The bright colors and comforting felt give a your table a whimsical fall face lift. Paired with the Taylor Hurricane and any rust orange, maroon or sage colored candle and candle accent, your table can be set from September through November. Fill up your hurricane with anything from a candle ring like the one pictured here to some smooth rocks or sand. Or leave it by itself for simple elegance.

Fall Decor_candles

Daylight is beginning to diminish in the early evening hours. This provides a great excuse to break out the candles! I just received this beautiful vintage inspired white pumpkin candle from Hallmark for my birthday. And, for only $4.95, this C&B Trix Candleholder is not only great to add some candy corn or one of your other favorite Halloween or fall treats, but you can use these all year round. Christmas time: Red and Green candy. Valentine’s Day: Conversation Hearts. Easter: Jelly Beans. And the list goes on…

Fall Decor_acornsAnother nice autumn touch comes from a HAP favorite website, Etsy. These felted acorns with real acorn tops are a great addition to a small autumn dish or scattered amongst a table setting.

Fall Decor_butterAnd while this next item may not be décor per se, it is a delicious treat and very festive for the fall. The Muirhead Pecan Pumpkin Butter from Williams-Sonoma is great when spread on a toasted bagel or scone. I also sampled and received a recipe to make dessert bars using the butter and look forward to making it for myself!

I get scared watching previews for horror movies, so scary is not my thing. But if you are into ghosts and ghouls, check out Pottery Barn’s Skull collection to create a chilling Halloween cocktail party.

Happy Decorating!

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by | October 7, 2009 · 7:56 am

covetable goods {dash & albert}

I live in Wisconsin and have realized there is a kind of panic that sets in around this time of year. The summer has come to an end and the countdown to the first snowfall has begun. The sloppy weather is approaching and soon we will say goodbye to our beloved sandals and flip flops and say hello to bulky boots and closed toe heals.

During the winter months, my entryway becomes a sloppy mess of brown melted snow and salt rocks that have the ability to ruin any basic rug sizes or types. After years of tossing out expensive rugs in spring, I decided to do some research and find a rug that would be durable, budget friendly and, most importantly, cute.

Enter Dash & Albert Rug Company.

rug 1

I was thrilled when I came across this brand at my favorite home goods store, The Home Market. Dash and Albert has hundreds of rugs that come in all different sizes, styles and colors. The best part, the smaller woven cotton rugs can be hand washed, line dried and will still look great. I even threw mine in the wash machine on gentle cycle and it came out looking good as new. These rugs are perfect for an entryway but cute enough for your living room! And you can’t beat the price.

With all the colors, styles and sizes, you are bound to find a rug you will adore!

rug 2

Bring it on November. I am ready for you.

anne

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by | September 21, 2009 · 11:16 am

Hunters & Gatherers

My husband hunts.  I gather.  We always say that if we lived in ancient times, we’d be set.  As much as I’d like to have a large, lush backyard garden the reality is that my urban backyard is about the size of a basketball court so I do most of my gathering elsewhere.  On Saturday, with Bill off hunting in the Wisconsin north woods with his new favorite toy, the best rangefinder of 2017. I set off to one of my favorite weekend destinations:  the farmer’s market.

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If you’ve never checked out your local farmer’s markets, you’re missing out.  The benefits are almost endless – supporting your local economy, reducing your environmental impact, stocking up on fresher, tastier produce and cheap, beautiful flowers and simply enjoying yourself as you browse the best of each season.

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There are farmer’s markets in nearly every city and town. Check out these sites or your local newspaper to find one close to you:
www.localharvest.org
apps.ams.usda.gov/FarmersMarkets/
And if you’re in the Milwaukee area, check out one of our many markets.

I’m partial to the West Allis market but was thrilled to hear talk of a new market in downtown Tosa!  There is a “test run” this Saturday morning, Sept. 26. Come support it so that it returns in the spring!

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The season is almost over for the year so get out and find one this weekend!

katie

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by | September 14, 2009 · 9:43 am

Welcome to Haute Apple Pie!

Apple pie isn’t just from grandma anymore. And no need to drink it with milk!  Why not pair it with a nice glass of Pinot Noir?

The three girls of Haute Apple Pie look forward to bringing you our take on the modern homemaker. From bridal showers, to backyard barbeques our blog will take you through ideas for recipes, themes, décor and more. Haute Apple Pie explores all areas of the home, whether that be an apartment in the city or a cottage in the countryside, showing you do-it-yourself projects, gardening tips and kitchen creations that anyone can conquer. Whether you are a budding at-home chef or a Ramen noodle expert, we will guide you through with easy-to-follow instructions to make your home haute.

“Homemaking” doesn’t need to be old fashioned. Ask around. There is nothing sexier than a woman (or man!) in an apron with some fresh baked cookies. So strap on your apron, grab your paint brush, fill up a refreshing beverage and toss those old ideals out the window.

Apple Pie anyone?

A Slice of Love,

The Girls of Haute Apple Pie

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