Three Haute Mamas

Day Trippin' Boston Style: The Lord Girls and the Museum of Fine Arts

So I fell for the "We are the only kids in the world not going to Disney" line....

But the "We are the only kids in the world not going skiing" line? Not buying it.  

February vacation poses an interesting dilemma.  For those of you who choose to travel to colder weather, God bless you.  With all the snow we have endured, planning any type of warmer get away is a gamble-flight delay, cancellation or jackpot!  Then there's the fact, that helloooo... 

We just got back from Disney!  This vacation is for the locals.  Day trippin' Lord girls style.  Sunday we ventured out to the MFA Boston and really enjoyed it.  One of my angels walked down Huntington Ave groaning the entire way "But I hateeee the MFA".  

Like we go there everyday.

Grayson had her pencils and sketch book and couldn't wait to start drawing.  

And my little one? Well we did a lot of this:

and this

some of this

and finally, we paused

Ultimately it was an enjoyable time, albeit brief.  My children range in ages 9 to (just barely) 5.  My 9 year old is my super star artist, and could have spent all day there.  7 year old needed guidance, but also admitted "Well, maybe I don't hateeeeee it".  5 year old? Well, there were some pieces that caught her attention, but I 'fess up that maybe she's a little too young still to spend that much time.  But in all honesty, does this kid look miserable? 

Every child is an artist.  The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.  ~Pablo Picasso

The MFA does offer programs for children and teens along with Family Art Cart projects available at certain times of the year.   Encourage your budding artist to create!  A sturdy sketch pad, and some colored pencils preferably (nothing that will leave marks, i.e. markers, pens, and crayons especially if Junior is little. ).  Before you go, have an idea of what you want to see, and go there first.  What kid doesn't love their a Mummy?  Do not plan on spending the day, or even hours.  I have the attention span of a four year old, so I understand that when my girls get antsy, there's no going back, the party's over.  Children can visit the museum for free on weekends, so all is not lost if you're there for a half hour at best.  And remember, the MFA has been open since 1876, so there is plenty of time for you and your budding artist to visit again and again.  

Related Reading for Haute Toddlers + Tweens:

"there's no stopping art, when art is inspired"  

Scribbles: A really giant drawing and coloring book  Generally not a fan of the coloring book, this is the best open ended drawing book out there.  Also try Doodles and Squiqqles. 

So no fancy ski vacation, or tropical get away, but a lovely day at the MFA.  Chalk one up for Day Trippin'.  

Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.  ~Twyla Tharp

 

 

The weekend haute list: Shop, Read, Watch + Eat. Without pause.

I love this Arthur Elgort photo.  Lauren Hutton makes winter look so glamorous.  But when winter temps dip below the 30's, all I want to do is sit inside.  And look glamorous. 

The weekend haute list.  For those of you who don't leave the house:

~Check out new online retailer High Gloss Fashions, started by owner Tamara Riehle.  Offering the latest trends at an accessible price point ($5-$150), including BB Dakota and Motel Rocks.  She's generously offering our readers a 20%  discount on all items! Simply enter get20 at checkout to take advantage of this offer (code expires @ 11:59pm CST, Feb. 3rd)

~Speaking of dresses, Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen was one of the funniest books I have read in a while.  Not exactly fashion related, but certainly a perfect cozy up on the couch, weekend read.  To quote Elizabeth Gilbert of Eat, Love, Pray " It is rare that I literally laugh out loud while I'm reading, but Rhoda Janzen's voice-singular, deadpan, sharp-witted and honest-stayed with me."

~Award season continues!  Sunday night don't forget to cast your votes for the SAG awards, as well as the Red Carpet best fashions awards on E! 

~And clearly you can't watch skinny people in fancy outfits without stuffing yourself silly.  One of my favorite-est recipe sites for great food that won't bust the belt, Skinny Taste offers up a lightened up version of Taco Dip. Muy Bueno!! 

photo courtesy of skinnytaste.com

Stay haute mamas! No really..it's freezing outside! 

Fake it til you make it Mamas.....

Hello Mamas,

Okay most of us are on our way to a slender physique but why not look as if you reached your goal sooner than you will! 

Here are a few tips from a great book titled How to Never Look Fate Again by Charla Krupp.

As soon as I saw this book I ran to the book store with my daughter to grab it. I thought our Mamas need to know about this!! This is such a fun and easy read. I loved it! When I first posted that I joined weight watchers I got a lot of comments that I didn't need to lose weight. My secret is that I am the queen like Charla Krupp on dressing 10 lbs lighter as well as holding my head high, shoulders back and standing tall!! Her book is spot on and when you shop as much as I do you begin to know what works on your body and what doesn't. I will try a bunch of dresses on ( I was born with patience for that) and I see what flatters my body and what doesn't.... no, YIKES, no,  oh goodness no, YES!!!! 

I am addicted to jackets! In Krupp's book she writes.... " Throw a black, tailored fitted jacket, open, over a white bright, or light colored V-neck tee. The dark angular cut of the jacket reduces body weight at the shoulders, while the contrasting V-neck creates the illusion of a long neck." 

If your petite : go for supple cowls, draped necklines, and v-neck sleeveless tops and dresses. Get rid of scrunch-down turtles and boxy crews that overwhelm smaller proportions and make you look shorter and wider.

If your size 14 and up.... play with dramatic necklines you can handle it. Portrait collar jackets with a rich retro look, deep square necklines, crisp white notch collar shirts, and wide strap beaded neck scoops are waiting for you. Another tip she gives is that if you are bigger than a size 32 jean you can wear men's jeans.  Bill Bartlett of E Street Denim in Highland Park, Illinois says " 7 For All Mankind's boot cut is a great choice because of all the stretch in it, it won't make you look like you are wearing men's jeans. "Hey, whatever it takes to look good! I'm all for it Mamas!! 

 Throughout her book I really enjoyed her example photos of High Fat Clothing Vs. Low Fat Clothing like shown above and below.

I learned from her that pocket placement is pretty much everything when it comes to jeans. " The right pair of jeans is like a bra for your bum.  No button flap pockets, bold white stitching or low pockets."  The No fat jean has " clean dark denim, straight leg, no logo's, tags, grommets, or decorated extras. Higher pockets lift you where you belong."

Okay I could go on and on and then this post will be a book. There are so many great facts in here, a lot I already knew and a lot I didn't!! This book is a must have for Mamas!!!  

 

 

Stay Haute!

XO Kimberly

Our first Holiday Giveaway... A children's book titled Basketball with Big Baby!

Hello mamas,

It was an hour and forty five minute drive on a tuesday night with four kids but my friend Jon Goode and Big Baby Davis were worth every... I'm hungry, are we there yet? When are we going to be there? Why is it sooo long mom to get there! I'm hungry!

I of course a proud Boston Sports Fan kinda gal and mom of four was all over this! The launch party we were attending at the Lowell Beer Works was to promote the book titled Basketball with Big Baby and  to raise money for a Charity called C2 Mission a charity that helps children affected by cerebral palsy and cystic fibrosis.  

 

We made it and met Big Baby Davis! who by the way told us they WILL be bringing a Championship banner back to Boston this year!! Waaahoooo!!!!! 

I caught up with the author of the book Jon Goode and put him in "The Haute Seat" here is what he had to say.........

 

 How did the book come about? Theme?

The book idea came about as I wanted to do something different than my first one which was an actual story. As I contemplated different ideas I really liked the thought of spelling out the word "BASKETBALL" then using each letter as an adjective. I felt it was something kids and parents could relate too while also allowing fun illustrations.


 How did you get to collaborate with Big Baby Davis?

I first met and talked with Big Baby before a Lowell Spinners game where he was doing an appearance on a special Celtics Night throwing autographed mini-basketballs into the crowd fans and kids could win. I showed him my first book and really loved it. When I mentioned the idea of doing one with him he was all about it and has been great to work with right from that point. He is really excited about the childrens book and has been very supportive.


 What would you like our mom's to know about the books message to children?

There are many messages in the book, but my favorite messages are effort, setting goals and believing in yourself. I think those three all go hand in hand and are very important for kids to learn. It's important for kids to set goals and go after those goals, but the only way they will achieve those goals is by putting in the right effort and hard-work while believing you can achieve anything. 

 Why have you chosen the C2 Mission as your Charity?

The C2 Mission is a foundation I started a few years ago to benefit children and families affected by Cerebral Palsy and Cystic Fibrosis. It's important to me on a personal level as I have CP and because of my mom I now live a normal life where people cannot tell. 

When I was a baby and the time came for me to walk I had a lot of trouble walking. Finally my mom decided to take me to the doctors to find out what was wrong and I was diagnosed with having Cerebral Palsy.  The doctor told my mom I would never be able to walk. My mom is my hero as she took so much time out of her life to put me through physical therapy and is the reason why I can walk and live a normal life now. All I remember is running on the beach and to me that was fun. I never realized it was physical therapy. I have since gone on to attend college on a running scholarship and have run a marathon in under three hours (2:54 to be exact). Everyday I wake up so thankful I can do things on my own from taking a shower to brushing my teeth. Now I want to be able to give back to others because of how lucky I am. 

My niece Alison has Cystic Fibrosis so its a personally dream of mine that kids with CF can grow up to live a normal life like I have been able too.

         Pictured above is the Illustrator Rachel Gregorio, Glen Davis and Author Jon Goode

 

Writing children's books and my job with the Spinners has allowed me to do something that has become one of my favorite things, which is tour elementary schools speaking to all the kids talking about the messages each book delivers. I might not make a difference with every child, but even if its just one it's worth it. I am able to use the Spinners, Red Sox, Celtics and the players to capture the kids attention and when I have their attention deliver positive messages. I just have so much fun speaking with the kids and interacting with them. The questions they have can be a riot.

Thanks Jon! the world could use more positive role models like you for our children.  Mamas this book is fun and easy to read and really has a wonderful message about hard work, loving what you do and believing in yourself. Kate, Christina and I would highly recommend it as mom's and  Proud Celtics fans! You can order a copy of the book here and you are also making a contribution to a wonderful charity.  Makes a wonderful donation to your child's school or Public Library as well.

And now the Mamas would like to giveaway a copy of this book signed by the author and Big Baby Davis to one lucky fan of Three Haute Mamas. Just send us a comment on twitter, Facebook or our blog to enter . We will be choosing a winner on Monday the 20th! Good Luck!

XO Kimberly, Kate and Christina

 

 

 

 

The RL Gang...hip hop hurray

For those of you whose children walk on the wild side, Ralph Lauren presents

The RL Gang, Polo Ralph Lauren's first online story book, chronicles the story of 8 children as they embark on their first day of school, donning, what else..Ralph Lauren.  Harry Connick Jr. narrates the story, in which young readers (and their Amex wielding parents) will be able to click and purchase items worn by the story characters.  15% of purchases made between now and Sept. 15 will be donated to Connicks New Orleans Habitat Musicians Village. 

"When we create our advertisements, we are always telling stories," said David Lauren, Senior Vice President of Advertising, Marketing and Corporate Communications. "Each person, man, woman or child is always a character to us. We are always taking them on an adventure, so this is a direct extension of our vision. I love the concept of the gang. I love the friendship and spirit, the diversity of the clothing, the eclecticness of Ralph Lauren style. It shows boys and girls can dress up and down, they can be sporty or elegant."

And the reviews are in..  by my three haute daughters:

8 year old fashionista: It didn't make any sense.  But I loved some of the outfits. 

7 year old clothes horse: Was that boy wearing a tux?

4 year old princess: I loved it! Loved it! It was sooooo good!!!!  Can we watch it again? NOW!

So there you have it.  Three bejeweled, sparkely painted thumbs up.  I now return you to your rapidly ending summer vacation fun.

Eat(ing), Love(ing) , Pray(ing)

Very excited to be seeing Javier Bardem Eat, Love, Pray tonight! Thought the book was pretty good through Italy and India but lost me once she hit Indonesia.. Recaptured me with the words "Javier Bardem" though.  On that note..

EAT(ing)..Skinny Italian.  Who doesn't love Real Housewives of New Jersey (and if you don't you're such a liar closet watcher)? However, do real housewives cook? They do in Jersey baby.  And this housewife cooks exactly the way I like-fresh, simple, and minimal ingredients.  Clearly with 4 gorgeous children underfoot the gal's not spending all her time in the kitchen if you catch my drift.. Teresa is funny and strikingly honest, in a good way. There are as many stories as there are recipes, which I enjoy, being a not so fond of the kitchen type gal.  The recipes deserve applause though..Zucchini "spaghetti" Salad, Sexy Swordfish with capers and lemon and Balsamic Garlic Bites. Should she cook like this for her castmates I will be submitting an application for the replacement Housewife.  I know she's been in the press a lot lately for whatever financial reasons, but I give her a lot of credit for holding her head high, and keeping the skinny in skinny jeans. Mangia Teresa!

LOVE(ing).. Sandras Closet.  I'd like to say I discovered Sandra, but she found me! And like Dolce+Gabbana, a match made in heaven.  The only thing wrong with her blog is that I can't have every single item she highlights. Aside from that, impeccably put together and you will be hooked from the first visit!  Sandra shares her insights and personal styling ideas she's cultivated through her years in the fashion industry as a stylist and fashion editor for marie claire magazine.  

This is a story on style. Don`t take it too seriously!  Be your own muse. Style is personal, be confident and try things out. I would love to inspire you and make dressing fun.  You might find some of the key items before they will appear in the fashion magazines and hit the stores. On the other side you will get an insight into Sandra`s Closet, get some of my personal styling ideas with vintage and new pieces, meet  new designers.  

For more of the impossibly gorgeous Sandra visit her page on Facebook as well.  Thanks Sandra for sharing your lovely blog. 

and finally..

pray(ing) for summer to never, ever end (You thought I was going to say Javier Bardem didn't you?? Well..Ok..him too).  I think we had the worlds best weather yesterday and I spent it with the world's best family.  MINE.  Make it a wonderful weekend and if you get out to see Eat, Love, Pray, by all means, let's dish on Facebook.

xo, Kate 

Eat, Shop, Love, Pray.............. I'm stuck at Shop!

Hello Everyone,

Kimberly here and I came out of the closet sort of speak on the fact that I am a divorcee. I wanted this.. this current state my life is in. I am happy with myself, I have found my authentic self, I am growing stronger everyday but it sure has been a journey and will continue until the day I die.  I remember sitting in my therapists office and she said to me... look at you, when you first came in to me you were crying hysterical you were dressed in dark clothing, you were a mess. Look at you now, you are wearing orange and you are radiant. What does that mean when you are about to up root your family and change life's direction. It means I was making the right choice. I made it to get me back!  I was so lost! 

Can you possibly be happy living a role? No! Boy do I wish someone taught me that lesson years ago. You need to live 1000 percent who you truly are in the roles life puts you in! Don't lose a centimeter of what makes your soul happy! That is the lesson I have learned and it took me a while even through this devastating time in my life. It has been hard being judged and talked about. Why am I still smiling, well, no one in this world I don't care who you are has not had a moment where they make a wrong choice, do something that is not the norm, lied, and I truly believe unless you are truly evil (Charles Manson), the reason you are brought to that moment is because you're not sure what you want or need. Something is missing, happy, content, focused people don't usually end up in those situations. 

Many married couples have this problem. I remember the marriage counselor ( yes another therapist) say... Couples either grow together or they grow apart. I think that from day one you need to acknowledge what is that one thing that will tie you together and (it can't be children) because what do you do as a couple when they have their own lives one day! It has to be something intimate between the two of you. I never had that in my marriage. I didn't know I needed it, 2010, I just figured that out.

Which brings me to my next problem, moving on. I love to be in love, ( who doesn't)  I love to make someone happy, I am a hopeless romantic and now that I know who I am and I will never lose her again...... I should be ready. Oh I am so not there! I am not sure if it is because I want to protect my children. Right now it is still me and their dad in their life. Very simple for them and I like that. There WILL NOT be a revolving door of boyfriends that my kids will be subjected to. NO WAY!!! So now what? I fear I will miss the right guy, I fear I have already missed him :-( 

I wish I could take off to exotic world destinations. Oh the novel I could write if that were the case. Just me and the world! But when you have four little lives, how do you navigate? I only want one chapter.... "the break up" to be the worst one they read one day. 

This divorce has so many layers, now onto the financial control. I have four children and I have been a stay at home mom for 10 plus years. In this economy with my last bit of education ending in the 90's what do I do. Until I make it big on my own I need to rely on his support to raise the kids. It is all about the kids. When you decided to leave a marriage their is usually a very little severance package for you, their lawyer will lie and become a best selling novelist and you become the villian. So I started my art business, I started a blog with friends and I am ( thanks to a childhood friend) given an opportunity to start as a sales rep. for their company commission based.  Well, its a start but will take time to build up any real revenue all the while being a mom to four children, school activities, after school activities, meals, doctors appt., clothing, supplies, baths, etc. etc. time is very limited. I hear repeatedly... " You wanted this!" I feel sometimes like I am in the ocean and my ex is standing on the boat holding the life jacket saying.... " you wanted to jump in! this is your fate now!!!" It gets you so mad at times you would rather drown than be saved. 

But then these words flash in my head.... my children (enough said), eating (I'm italian remember) shopping (I would miss the new trends half joking here!!) love ( one day I hope to have that feeling again) Pray ( It has kept me on this earth so far). I am excited to see the movie... Eat. Pray, Love. I know why she did what she did, she had too! Maybe I won't feel so alone and I certainly will be excited to see her find happiness and It may restore my faith in fate! at least for a few hours!

XO Kimberly

An ode to some haute summer favorites

-Sun protection shouldn't make you frown-turn to the queen of cosmetics Ms Bobbi Brown! No nasty smells, just surf, sand and shells! 

Marshalls oh Marshalls how I love you so! Gold and navy striped Tommy Hilfiger (on clearance for next to nuthin'!) swimsuit how you make me glow!! 

Buy a great bag, get a signed great book? Now I'm starting to feel like a crook! (The author and the bag makers, both New Englanders we proudly declare! So what are you waiting for? Head on over thar....)

at the market-sightclutter-signed decorative 4x6 print ($15-buy one get one free sale)

Fresh berries, corn and tomatos too! I can't keep up with all this fresh produce what's a girl to do? 

Hit Jcrew?  (like I need a reason!) Blue, why yes, will do! 

Finally a local boy with a voice that will woo...

Shoulda Woulda Coulda...... a lesson for our new " Expectant" Haute Mamas

Hello Everyone,

Kate picked a great topic to start the week off. We have touched on a lot of body shapes in the past two weeks but we forget the body shape of the expectant mom. I remember the moment when you first find out you are pregnant you have this tingling feeling of Awe. Maybe it is that moment of self doubt and fear.... will I be a good Mom, will the baby be healthy. Slowly you begin to regain your composure and Holla!!!......... let the eating, shopping, name selection etc. begin!!! 65 lbs later............. with all three pregnancies and my middle one was twins. I weighed the day I gave birth what an NFL Linebacker weighs..... I am not lying!!!! I do remember lying in the hospital bed after Caroline was born and looking at my stomach saying look how flat it is! Then I stood up!!! AARRGGHHHHHHHHH!!! 

Kate, Christina and I would now like to grab you by the shoulders and very seriously look you in the eye and say.......... " The only thing we would change during our pregnancy would be to try and remember that in 9 months that healthy baby will leave your body and at that time you do NOT want to be so far gone from your weight, your piece of mind, your self, that a missing persons report will be filed by you...... With a Pre- Pregnancy shot of yourself!!! 

I thought the name of this photo was funny!! Only Maxim Magazine!!! LOL!!

Anyway, I read this book a few years ago written by a mother of 10 children Kathryn Sansone! YES 10!! No multiples!!! her book is called " Women first family always !" she writes "You are important as a women and an individual, not simply as a mother or a wife. During 19 years of marriage, with children, I've learned that if a women gives up an aspect of herself-either the women in her, the mother, or the wife- the other two facets will suffer." What I took from her book was it is okay to make time for you! It benefits everyone!! 

There are so many great fitness sites out there that you can get great tips on excercise while pregnant. That coca butter cream will not keep you from stretch marks I can guarantee it! I slathered that stuff on everyday! So much of it that it turned my maternity underwear (the kind that comes up over your belly! AH.. HA... YEP!! orange!! ) Moderate weight gain is the only thing that helps and good gene's! My biggest recommendation to you would be Pre-natal yoga and long walks!! It is so good for you, your baby and your well being! Also, if you are adopting a baby you need to be mentally prepared as well. Take time for YOU before your baby comes! 

We would also like to tell you.....Don't give up your personal style while your pregnant this can be very challenging because of your shape and who wants to spend a fortune on maternity wear!! A great tip... check out your local high end thrift stores there maybe some great finds.  Also, celebrity mom's are saving the day for us by launching there own maternity lines and products!! Here is one of my favorite celebrity moms Heidi Klum. YES! favorite even after she walked down the Victoria Secret runway in a thong two months after giving birth to her second child!!!! For the love of God!!!! LOL!!!

 Heidi Klum's line's Loved and Lavish can be found at a Pea in the Pod    and Motherhood Maternity. Actress and Mom Mariska Hargitay sums it up perfectly.... " I'm a women, I'm a goddess, I've earned this body. My body is a badge of honor." Ooooo Love that!!! Also, my neighbor once told me... " don't worry about giving birth.... it is what our bodies are meant to do!" She was so right! Piece of Cake!!! LOL!!

Congratulations to all you expectant moms!! Motherhood is "Haute !!" 

XO Kimberly

" Don't sell until you see the Heights of their thighs!" Lots of Legs and a Bull Market?!!!

Hello Everyone,

So we have established that legs are the way to go for all our mamas Petite or tall this season!! It is funny because their is a hemline theory that was established in the 1920's that states when the economy is strong. hemlines are short, and when the economy is tanking, hemlines are long. History shows hemlines fell in the great depression and during periods of economic strength such as the 1920's, 1960's and 1980's hemlines got shorter. 

You can read more about the hemline theory in The Long and Short of it: The madcap History of the Skirt by Ali Bayse. Bayse writes in her book that in the early 1970's when " Hot pants were all the rage.... the advice at Dow Jones was " Don't sell until you see the heights of their thighs!"  

Could it be that the Designers of the world are pulling us out of this financial downturn? Haute Mamas of the world show your legs girl!!!! 

XO Kimberly