FROM FASHION AVE TO MOTHERHOOD + BACK AGAIN. 3 FRIENDS WITH 3 DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES ON FASHION, BEAUTY AND LIFE.... AND UNLIKE OUR CHILDREN WE LOVE TO SHARE..
Kate called me the other day and said " Okay, we are going to do a post featuring our dream wish lists for Santa!" Oooooooo! I thought this could be funnnnn!!
So if Santa's sack was indeed magic and he thought I was really, really, really good this year. This is what I would ask for.....
Does that magic reindeer dust work on children? I would love.....My kids to have a clean bill of health and always be clean and tidy and smiling at me!!! Oh ya and a response or action after the first time I ask! Holla
Could you wave your magic wand and remodel my Kitchen for me? I'm sorry your right Santa that is the Fairy Godmother. oops! Well, do you have any cabinets in your sack? I've been really good!
Now can you define Good? Well then a new 2011 Toyota Sequoia would be most appreciated! I'm currently driving a 2002 Toyota Sequoia! Thats another post for another day but can I just say... Best car eva'h!!!!!!
My kids and I would love and really need a trip to the Bahamas! Atlantis Resort will do just fine!!
Last but not least Wes Welker? I mean a Super Bowl Victory for the Patriots maybe some tickets!!!! Ya! Thats what I mean!!!!! Wink! Wink!!!!!
Oooo one more thing! I know.. giggle giggle I don't ask for much Santa! This amazing Versace gown to wear to oh say.... The Ellie Fund Oscar Night Gala! It would compliment Wes Welker's eyes nicely! Lol!!
Santa baby... Now hurry down the chimney tonight!!!!!
Since my Grandfather's passing on Thanksgiving Day I have heard a lot of people say to me " such a sad time to lose someone you love." I don't feel that way at all. It was a special day for a special man. He was a man who loved his country enough to risk his life to defend it, he was a loving and charismatic man who had many wonderful gifts to share and lived a good life.
I don't remember my Grandfather ever working for the telephone company so I will always think of him as an artist. I remember as a child him giving me art kits and showing me how to use charcoal pencils. He showed me how to shadow a tree and to blend. I was lucky enough in the last few years of his life to really bond with him over art. I was so proud of him and his work. It can't be easy to paint with your hands when you have Parkinson's Disease but as Michelangelo once said " A man paints with his brain not with his hands."
I think the one last lesson he wanted to teach us is no matter how hard life gets, how grim, how sad, how bad you feel you find the strength somewhere deep down in your soul and you soldier on.
This painting pictured above was painted by my grandfather a few days before he passed away. Days after I said my goodbyes to him as we thought he was hours from his death. To me and the life he lead, he epitomizes the United States Marine Corps motto of 1812.... which is Fortitude, courage in pain and adversity.
We will miss you Grandpa but everyday we will be thankful for you!
"I believe that every women has the power to change the world, we make things happen." Fergie
Last saturday night Kate and I experienced that very same quote. When we had the pleasure of attending the Room to Grow Fall Gala. Room to Grow Boston with only a staff of six women pulled off a phenomenal charity event to raise money to help hundreds of babies born into poverty reach their third Birthday. Their mothers also benefit from the support and knowledge from councilors and social workers. The Gala was held at the Park Plaza Castle in Boston. With the help of many volunteers and charitable donations the night was an enormous success.
The Gala, was hosted by the always delightful Mary Richardson and Pat Canning. Hollywood was represented by film star Uma Thurman who lit up when talking about both her love for the state (Go Massachusetts!), and of Room to Grow. Saskia Epstein director of Room to Grow Boston and nicknamed by Mary Richardson "Team Captain" spoke to us and said " So many families are being helped in these tough financial times and thanked us for our support. She explained how she meets nervous new moms everyday and how rewarding it is to see that total sense of relief when she enters Room to Grow that she will find the help she needs for her baby and herself. Dinner began with Boston Arts Academy singing two beautiful songs for us, followed by honoree, and Room to Grow parent, Jocelyn Pena, who spoke to the crowd of 400 explaining how the organization had helped her and her son grow together. Literal tears came to my eyes as I listened to this woman tell her tale, not because of her hardship, but because of her pride. Pride in her son. Pride in her life. Pride in Room to Grow. I would love to follow Jocelyn's story over the years, because clearly this is just the beginning, a big part of it in thanks to the support she's received at Room to Grow.
Room to Grow provides developmental information, customized support, and all of the needed baby items to low income families beginning at pregnancy and continuing until their child turns three. Their goal is to ensure a healthy and secure start for the child, but what they are also providing, that was clearly evident in Jocelyns speech, is confidence. Our government might want to take note of this organization.. For the time being though, as woman, we can support this outstanding organization by getting involved, if not monetarily, then by donating your kindly used baby items, or organzing a collection drive of baby items in your community. At the very least keep these families in your hearts. Not everyone has the luxury of a supportive family, friend or even spouse. Things we take for granted, like a stroller, a change of baby clothes or even a board book can mean the world of difference to someone living without.
They say it takes a village, well a village and the the staff of Room to Grow. Thank you for all you do, and for also throwing a top notch event to celebrate five years of service! Bravo!
If you're attending an award ceremony held by Glamour magazine, you'd better shoot for the moon. Fergie got the memo, and was smoking haute in a one shoulder dress by Zac Posen. Accessories included the uber hot actor, and husband, Josh Duhamel at her side.
Fergie, you get a definite HAUTE for the night. Well done mama.
That is soooo a Kimberly Dress!!! LOL!! Love it!!
For complete coverage and more photos visit Glamour
As you know Kate, Christina and I have decided that one way we can help our fellow mamas who are battling breast cancer in our community is to show our support at some of these events.
Susan Wornick said it best. Breast cancer doesn't run in my family but it could one day, and I have friends and women in my community who have been affected by it and that is why it is important for me to help. Well I feel the same way. I have watched helplessly two dear friends in their very early thirties battle breast cancer! All with the demands of babies at home. I am so thankful to say they are survivors in every sense of the word.
This night at the fabulous Hard Rock Cafe in Boston, three women playwrights Lisa Rafferty, Pam Ahi and Jane McGovern of the Momologues wrote a scripted reading called Pink Ribbon Overdose to benefit The Ellie Fund. It was comedy and it was reality all wrapped in one. I think one of the best attributes we have as women is our strength and our ability to find the funny in life. This night we laughed and laughed and at the end of the show I looked at my sister and we were crying. Typical women!! hahaha!! Oh ya and then we all hit the bar!!
I can not say enough wonderful things about the Ellie Fund. They really throw amazing events and I know I speak for Kate and Christina as well, we hope as we grow to be able to contribute more. Our Mamas need us!!
This was indeed a fabulous night and as usual Susan Wornick had us all in stitches laughing. She joked that people would come up to her and say "you are so funny." "cause you know you're not that funny on TV." hahaha!! Little did she know my mom was saying the same thing to me about her. " I never realized how funny she was."
Hi, Kate here, and my two cents on the play. Early on I sat listening to these woman explain diagnosis, chemo, and what it meant to them. I got it, but I didn't really "get it" until I looked out at the room around me, full of survivors and women undergoing chemotheraphy on their way to becoming survivors. To imagine being in their( high heeled) shoes sent the lump into my throat, the tears in my eyes, and my pride soaring..You ladies are truly haute!
The play was read by Julie Lerner Nations Director of The Ellie Fund and mom of three under the age of 4! She was joined by channel 5's morning anchor Bianca de la Garza, daughter of a breast cancer survivor and mom of a 4 year old daughter as well as Erica McDermott mom, nurse and daughter of a breast cancer survivor and now actress! You will see her in the upcoming movie "The Fighter" as Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale's sister. Congrats Erica! and last but not least Karen Holmes Ward breast cancer survivor and lives by these prime directives: ' laughter is the best medicine', 'shop til you drop' and take time to 'uncork your inner diva!' I will give an amen to that!!!
Kate, Christina and I along with our winner Michelle Murphy of Scituate Mass had a ball, we walked the red carpet, fell in love with a great drink Iced tea vodka with lemonade!! YIKES!! and mingled with the crowd! We laughed, we cried bust most important we wanted to show our support!
The Ellie Fund has lots of fantastic events throughout the year and we will post them on our blog but you can do your part by becoming a fan on facebook and visiting their website! Mamas helping Mamas!! We think that is soooo Haute!!!!
-Like spas? How about fancy schmancy hotels? Well the uber luxe Spa at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Boston is holding a "Spa for a Year" Raffle, with proceeds to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. I'd let them paint my toe nails in the main lobby, one can only imagine the level of tranquility and beauty in the actual spa area. Go here for the details, and do so soon, as the raffle is only open during the month of October.
-How 'bout them Rangers? No really?! I'm not saying this as a Boston fan...Ok. Yes I am! Let's go TEXAS! What a great series, and I am so excited to the see Rangers make it into the World Series! And I'm so excited for all of you Texas gals who now have yet another reason to shop! I was raised in the North, but spent many years in the South, and let me tell you..stylewise, you southern girls bring it game day! And I'm sure Texas girls everywhere are thrilled to have yet another reason to shop this Monday!
ordering up these babies for sure! Sequins! Love it!
Game time? Time to hang up, and put the phone back into it's case
Speaking of phones, Boston's newest resident Shaquille O'Neal sent out a cryptic tweet last week
Seems he's not quite familiar with the local spots yet-Barbara translated into Harvard Square, where the real Shaq played statue for fans , taking photos, although remaining silent and still, for over an hour.
The Celtics season opener is tomorrow night at the Garden versus the Miami Heat. Hopefully the only one's sitting silent and remaining still tomorrow night, will be the team that rhymes with BEAT
I know being a mom of four that this time can be crazy with Halloween right around the corner! Last saturday night I spent two hours with five kids in a Halloween costume store! Lol!!! I had some interesting Conversations.........
You are still waiting for your "hunny" to take you to a costume party! You mean this is not your costume...................... Cue in Screams!!! Lol!!
Well we don't have to wait that long....... This Saturday night Oct. 23rd, The Ellie Fund is throwing a Halloween Party called Halloween for Hope at King's Legacy Place......
King's at Legacy Place............
I saw some great costume's last saturday night! I am going to be Alice from Alice in Wonderland!! My 9 year old is the Mad Hatter!! Lol!! So round up your Hautest friends! Get on that phone and start dialing grandma the babysitter then run to I Party or The Halloween Store in your area and grab yourself and your significant other a costume and get ready to have a blast! You deserve some fun it is a great way to re-connect and help out The Ellie Fund!!! Then you can wear your costume's again with your kids for Halloween night! They looooovvveee to see Mom and Dad dressed up! Geat memories for them!! Enjoy!! Hope to see you all there!!
Christina and I along with our chic fashionista assistant Bella ventured to Bloomingdales this past wednesday at the Chestnut Hill Mall in Chestnut Hill Massachusetts to meet one of our favorite Designers Tory Burch. Tory Burch's most famous creation is the Reva ballet flat! If that is not the Uber Sheek Mommy shoe! I don't know what is!
This was Tory's first appearance in Massachusetts and we were so honored and lucky to be there. Tory Burch is a mom of 3 boys running a fashion empire and I could sense when I met her a very genuine person.
Burch joined Boston Celtic Ray Allen’s wife, Shannon, for a shopping afternoon to benefit the Joslin Diabetes Center. On display was Burch’s utilitarian chic fall collection.“It was about a girl in a gallery, anywhere in the world,” she said.
Christina and I tried on some of her Fall line, I ended up buying an oversized gray and black striped sweater! Great with my leggings and knee high boots!! For our upcoming 20th High School Reunion Christina tried on a beautiful dress with feathers! We loved it but Christina was afraid she would be too hot as it was made with wool fabric! Christina's 2 yr old daughter Bella had on her Tory Burch Cardigan which I must say paid off as her cuteness factor got us to the front of the line!
Christina and Ms. Burch chatted about a possible shoe line for toddlers and I told her as a mom of three boys as well I'm in the trenches with her! We laughed! I told her about our blog and she said hello to all our followers!
When I was driving home I called Kate and I said to her.... "I feel like I met royalty today!!! and to see a mom out there balancing it all is quite inspiring!! We just adored her!!
"Passion makes things easier. Passion inspires creativity." Tory Burch -on the essential fuel of any successful business - or any endeavor
calling all maine-iacs, bike enthusiasts + those with a heart..or those who heart mc dreamy. meet him this weekend here. we'll be doing our usual. cheering on soccer stars + tiny mites football champs. eating, drinking + being merry. whatever you do remember
october is national breast cancer awareness month. We have the inside scoop from The Ellie Fund on some fantastic events you, your family and your girlfriends will not want to miss! To all the breast cancer survivors, those going through treatment and those of you who have just been diagnosed, we are with you!!
Once you choose hope, anything's possible. Christopher Reeve
