With her bold red lips and signature blue notebook in hand, Amber Sandmoen-Vanee brings a bit of colour everywhere she goes. She recalls a girl in high school snidely calling her “Rainbow Brite,” but that just fuelled the fire. Now, as the owner of Dixie + Twine (an online store that sells party supplies such as glittery confetti, witty banners and bright cupcake toppers), Sandmoen-Vanee brings life to parties, weddings, baby showers, birthdays and wherever else merriment ensues.
Here are 10 things she can’t live without:
Family Freezed Popsicles
I think we have upwards of 10 flavours in our freezer. I tried the root beer one at Stampede last year and I’ve been hooked ever since – it’s still my favourite.
Poppin Notebooks
When an idea pops into my head, I have to jot it down. These notebooks have beautiful, bright, vibrant colours. Between the house, my purse and our vehicles, I have at least 40, and I know what’s in each one.
Diner Deluxe in Aspen
This is my family’s spot for Sunday brunch, and the potato rosti is my favourite. There’s a huge play area for kids – any time you can go out with your kid and have three cups of hot coffee, it’s a good day.
Beverly Laurel Hotel
I love L.A., and I always stay at this super-cute boutique hotel in West Hollywood. It has a ’60s beach-club vibe all done in bright turquoise and yellow, complete with smiley-face-emoji pillows.
Prince’s Purple Rain on Vinyl
If I had to pick one musician to listen to forever and ever, it would be Prince. The nine songs on Purple Rain are like an emotional roller coaster. I scored a copy on vinyl from the Beatnik Bus. I was elated.
Ban.do “Forever Girl Gang” Sweatshirt
It’s the coziest thing I own, and it gets softer every time I wash it, which is good because we spend so many months a year in Calgary trying to be cozy.
My Electra Cruiser
I have a cute turquoise cruiser bike with purple accents and white wheels. It represents family time – my husband and I have ridden with our daughter along the paths downtown since she was old enough to wear a helmet.
Elizabeth Arden “Red Door” Lipstick
I looked high and low for the perfect red lipstick for years until I found it. I’ve always loved colour – especially red – and I think that everyone can wear red lipstick;Â it just has to be the right shade.
My iPhone 6
It’s attached to me at all times because I do everything on it: email, photography, photo editing and the Etsy app for my shop.
Anejo’s Fish Tacos
Seriously, I could live on them. The fish tacos at Anejo are like magic – they remind me of California in the summer.