Three Haute Mamas

Win the "It" bag of the Week in Boston: Ellie Fund Oscar Night Swagbag

Like the Ellie Fund Oscar Night Gala wasn't fun enough?  Then quitting time comes, and oh joy! Swagbag surprise!  You always see the celebs making out hand over fist at these award shows, and now it's our your turn! That's right mamas, we are giving you our swag bag full of amazing items worth mucho dinero if there was a price tag attached (and there isn't because this was complimentary and part of the whole Oscar night experience).   What's inside you ask? Let's pretend, for a moment, that we're high paid actresses, and take a look....

I see gift cards.....and full sized products mamas.  We love ourselves free full sized products.  What else is inside there?

Ohh..is that a fifty dollar gift card to the new Del Friscos steakhouse (opening April 23rd)!? Date night mamas! Bernie and Phyls..quality, comfort and price, another gift card-so nice!

 

You know the celebs don't do their own hair, and neither should you....how about a complimentary blow out courtesty of  Salon Capri (with two locations Newton and the new Legacy Place).  Might need a haircut first? $40 haircut gift card and complimentary manicure from Avanti Salon, located on Newbury Street and South Boston.  We always say beauty doesn't have to cost a lot.  This should further the cause. 

And when you get home, pamper those tresses with full sized Redken hair products.  Did I say full sized? Loves. 

Stars are always hitting the top spas, so why not you, mama?  The most elegant Boston Mandarin Oriental hosted this lavish event, and included in this bag is a gift certificate to the Spa at the MO.  Mamas, I get teary eyed on this one, and you may just have to pry it out of my greedy paws and I wish you nothing but utmost peace and relaxation. Om. 

Lip balms, two All Natural goats milk soap, water bottle from an upcoming movie, teeshirt from "the Last Airbender", a Groupon coupon (Certified Groupon Groupie in the house), free hummus coupon.. Seriously..there's more, but you'll have to pull a Natalie Portman and be a winner to find out what it is.  This gift bag and all it's contents is up for grabs to a randomly chosen winner to be announced next Friday, March 11.  All you have to do is answer the question below, so get your Red Sox* thinking caps on:

We love a good movie as much as you all, tell us your favorite movie of 2011.  

tell us your favorite movie of 2011 in the comment section on the blog,or facebook and for an extra chance (or three) follow us on Facebook, the blog, or Twitter (and let us know about it).  So mamas, up to four chances to win, but whatever you do, don't miss out on this chance to win the "it" bag of the week in Boston.  But get your entry in quick, because like spring training this contest ends soon too.  

 

they are actually jumping for joy over this contest

*The Red Sox cap is merely a suggestion and in no way influences the contest winner decision.  The winner will be chosen randomly using Random.org.  Even if they don a Yankees cap.  

 

Legal schmegal: contest open to residents of the US only (sorry mi amigas and mes amis).  Contest ends at midnight, 3/11/2011.  Shipments cannot be mailed to PO Boxes.  We really do hope the Red Sox win this World Series this year (we just want that noted).  

Fighting for a Good Cause, The Ellie Fund's Oscar Night Gala

Quick! Call the police-these chicks have fists and they're not afraid to use 'em. 

Fighting for a cause Christina, Kimberly, Kate and Kate O'Brien.......

Wow! What an amazing night, almost surreal.  And the best part....not only did we get to dress up, and eat and drink like Hollywood royalty, but at the same time we were helping The Ellie Fund as the money they raised will help care for families in Massachusetts affected by breast cancer.  Once again, the amazing Ellie Fund threw a first class fete, and the mamas were fortunate enough to attend, along with our favorites from Channel Five

We walked the Red Carpet and attended an Oscar party at the Boston Mandarin Oriental so glamorous it went to this womens head.  

 

A few super stars you may have seen from a little movie that WON A FEW OSCARS LAST NIGHT (yes I am screaming) The Fighter,Mickey O'Keefe who played himself in the movie, Erica McDermott who played the role of Cindy 'tar' Eklund, Kate O'Brian who played the role of  Phyllis 'Beaver' Eklund and also Melissa McMeekin who played 'Little Alice' Eklund are just as good humored as they are gorgeous.  Mark Wahlberg you hit the nail on the head casting these beautiful Boston babes. 

 

Photo taken by the fighter star himself.. Mickey O'Keefe!

Everyone was dressed to the nines mamas-to the nines, tens and beyond.  To those who question Boston's style, should have been in attendance last night.  Ellie Fund director, and all around great gal, Julie Nations looked stunning in her couture gown created just for her by Sabella.  Rumor has it a certain haute mama threw a few suggestions her way, and what she and Sabella came up with was just dreamy.  

 

Sorry Bachelorette Ali-there's a few new girls on Chris's arms.  Kimberly and Kate couldn't pass up a turn to see who he'd give the rose to (sorry girls, the rose went to the auction winner!).  

Here she comes.....Miss Massachusetts Alida D'Angona!  Our local beauty queen who will grace the stage in April, and surley win because she told Kate she couldn't have been more than 28 year old.  Either that or she will be a contender for an Oscar herself next year.  

And the food..the food....Generally I sit couch bound noshing on whatever crunches and a nice vat of something that contains sour cream, cream cheese and not much else.  But this night included appetizers from restaurants and chefs across Massachusetts.  Not a bar of Philly cream cheese to be found.  The bars were stocked, and Kimberly, Kate and Christina enjoyed, appropriately, a wine from this winery.  "In Sicily women are more dangerous than shotguns" Calo, The Godfather (the same holds true in my kitchen.  Got it?)

Ace of Cakes? Try Cakes by Erin in Haverhill, Ma.  

 

Like your cake bite sized? These lovely ladies are taking the cupcake world by storm.  Previously seen on Food Network, Cupcakeology makes the worlds best cupcakes.  I can personally swear the 14 2 Bananas Foster cupcakes I inhaled nibbled. So ladylike I know..... 

Photo of President of Cakeology Victoria Donnelly (left) and Amy Breckenridge Beautiful Baker in Training (right)

Still processing this beautiful night filled with so much happy.  We left to go eat more (of course.  This is us. That is what we do.), and chat about the event, and the one thing that struck is how happy everyone was.  Sometimes you can attend an event, and its' full of Debbie Downers and Grumpy Gregs.  This would not be the case at the Ellie Funds Oscar Night Gala.  Stay tuned as we get our thoughts, photos and such togehter and also....a give away.  

XO Kimberly, Kate and Christina

 

 

You Can't Be a Sweetheart, Without a Healthy Heart-Food Challenge

 

This is Kate, reporting live....

Ok, not quite, but close.  Sugar addict.  Not an explemplary eater by any stretch of the imagination.  However, I try.  Valentines poses a bit of a problem, but I came across this 30 Healthiest Foods Challenge on one of my favorite blogs and wondered if it was a test I'd pass or like my first drivers test, big fat fail.  Let's see: 

Real Simple went out and asked the country’s top dietitians and nutritionists to tell them which superpowered ingredients we should be incorporating into our diets regularly. Here are their top picks and whether or not I eat them, and or how often (scale of 1-5, 1 not a lot, 5 often)

• Mushrooms-love
• Walnuts-More  of a pecan girl 2
• Whole-Grain Pasta-Ew. 2
• Peanut and Nut Butters-Eat with reckless abandon 5
• Oatmeal-see above 5
• Barley-I heart beer 5
• Quinoa-Like but never make...3
• Lentils-see above2
• Bulgur-Bul-who? 0
• Almonds-Daily, thank you.5
• Eggs-whites only please. 4
• Nonfat Greek Yogurt-I swap out for sour cream. I'm sneaky like that. 4
• Chicken Breasts-zzzz...3
• Wild Salmon-Love.  But don't eat enough of. 3
• Sardines-I love the Portuguese kind, drenched in oil and hot spices. Probably doesn't count? 2
• Kale-mixed into smoothies only3
• Kiwi-see above3
• Blueberries-in season only3
• Broccoli-gag me with a spoon1
• Avocados-Not even kidding, this is a binge food.  I love me some green goodness!5
• Black Beans-eat allthetime.5
• Sweet Potatoes-sweet potato fries rock my world4
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil-evoo as Rachel Ray calls is our top choice!5
• Edamame-eat all the time5
• Chard-huh?1
• Kidney Beans-hmmm1
• Oranges-do clementines count? Screwdrivers? 4
• Spinach-yes, but not enough.3
• Pumpkin-Pumpkin spice lattes! Oh.  Don't count. 3
• Skim Milk-GAG! Almond milk only please but I do consume a fair quantity 1
• So there you go.  I won't win any prizes unless you add pretzels, crainsins, bananas or cereal to the list. And no..I'm not a full grown woman posing as a four year old.  Kimberly..Your turn. 

• Mushrooms .... love! Point: 5
• Walnuts.... ummmm No! Cashews all the way!! point : o
• Whole-Grain Pasta..... I'm italian are you kidding me? Blah! No! Only the real deal in moderation of course! point:0
• Peanut and Nut Butters.... Nope Point: 0
• Oatmeal.... Icky! I try and try again but nope can't do it! Point: 0
• Barley..... come again? point: 0
• Quinoa..... hold on let me google it! A species of goosefoot!! Ahhhhhh No!!!!! point: o
• Lentils... yes! point: 3
• Bulgur.... Ummmm if it rhymes with Vulgar.... Point: 0
• Almonds... no :-( Point 0
• Eggs.... eggwhites!! YES!!!! Point: 5
• Nonfat Greek Yogurt ... I'm trying... Point: 3
• Chicken Breasts.... Love!! Yess!!!! point: 5
• Wild Salmon... I would eat this everyday with chicken too! Point: 5
• Sardines... Nope! but I made a few bucks once when someone bet me to eat one! point: 0
• Kale.... sauteed with garlic, yes! Soup, Yes!! point: 3
• Kiwi.... point: 1
• Blueberries.... Mmmmmm Point; 3
• Broccoli.... everyday!!! YUM!! Point: 5
• Avocados..... only in guacamole point: 3
• Black Beans..... Yum! Point: 3
• Sweet Potatoes..... Love but don't eat enough. Point: 3
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil... I'm Italian are you kidding me? Ha! Point: 5
• Edamame.... Yum! Kids love it too! Buy the steam ready and add salt great after school treat! Point : 5
• Chard.... Come again?  Point: 0
• Kidney Beans.... nope! Point: 0
• Oranges.... Yum!!! Point: 5
• Spinach.... sauteed!! Love!!! Point: 5
• Pumpkin nope Point: 0
• Skim Milk YES!!!!! Over the Moon! Yummy Point: 5

 

And now it's your turn dear reader to see how you score.  At the very least move over those conversation hearts and pink Hershey Kisses and make way for some Not so vulgur Bulgur(?) and Edamame.  You can't be someones sweet heart without a healthy heart right? 

Thanks Carrots n Cake for sharing!

 

Haute Mama Success Story Part II: How she did it + what she ate

Well you've seen the after....

wow, right?  We could have spent all day with Jen picking her brain, and just chatting with her.  But in the end, what you all really want to know is, in a nutshell, how'd she do it? We're all facing the same challenges-work, families, outside commitments, etc-there is barely an extra moment of time in the day to pee let alone exercise.  Jen is a single mom, who works and she shares with us her top three tips:

1.  Don't feel like you have to join a gym-as a matter of fact she didn't join a gym until after she had lost her weight!  Running takes no more than a pair of sneakers and some sweatpants.  Weight training?  Some soup cans and a chair can take you from flab to fab.  Don't know where to begin? YouTube is a treasure trove of knowledge for the beginner to experienced exerciser.  Wake up before the kids, or bust a move after they are asleep, but whatever you do....

2. Make it a part of your day, NO EXCUSES.  Some people are morning people, and some are night owls.  Figure out what works for you.  If you need daycare, join a gym, or swap babysitting with a friend.  You workout while she sits the kids, and vice versa.  Don't know anyone? Invest in a jogging stroller and it will become your best friend.  Like the ad says "Just do it" and guaranteed, once you do, you will feel a gazillion times better.  Jen said while going through her divorce it was better than any medication.  Endorphins are the real deal. 

3.  Write down everything that passes through your lips.  This may sound a little anal but it works.  Ask Kim, she's lost almost 9 lbs in 3 weeks by tracking points on Weight Watchers.  Little bites here are there are "real food" and "count".   Believe me a bite here and there adds up!! Too many points unless its veggies!! XO Kimberly.  Try it for a week and just see.  At the very least, you will see where your nutrients are deficient-are you getting enough fruits? Vegetables? Too many sweets?  Then perhaps you should cut back and swap out for a healthier alternative?  Say Jen's granola which she serves over Greek Yogurt-high in protein and calcium.  

Haute Mama Granola

Preheat oven to 350

In large bowl stir together:

1/3 

2 cups oatmeal

1 1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1 1 tsp oil 

1/2 cup orange pineapple juice 

2/3 cup oatmeal flour (oatmeal ground up in food processor or blender til consistency of flour)

add additional juice to desired moistness

Spread onto greased cookie sheet + bake 40 minutes

Once cooled, optional add ins: nuts, craisins, coconut, mini chocolate chips, the skies the limit.  Jen likes to add in crushed chocolate covered pretzels for an extra sweet treat.  

Next up: Part III: Let's get physical:  The mamas join Jen at Elements Fitness Center for her favorite workout routines.  Lord help us.....

 

Haute Mama Success Story: How weight loss strengthened this mama from the inside out

"When I was running, my kids couldn't see me getting out my aggression"

And Jen Farias ran.  A lot.  She ran off 35 pounds to be exact after her husband decided he didn't want to be married anymore, leaving her a single mom of two.  Sometimes we look at losing weight as a means to fit into a pair of jeans we covet, or a hope to look good at an event.  Jen took a different approach:

"I wasn't thinking about it "diet-wise" but more as a stress release, something that I could control when my life was spiraling out of it".  

Unfortunately, while tackling running she was neglecting her eating habits.  "I was wasting away, and within three months I went from 152 pounds to 117!  I'm 5'4'', and it really wasn't pretty-all skin, no muscle tone."  At that point, I started to incorporate weight training and making small changes into my diet.  The first step was becoming more conscious of what nutrients were entering her body.  An admitted sugar lover, she didn't completely eliminate it but simply looked for alternatives, like creating her sweet, yet healthy, home made granola.  "It still has that bit of chocolate I crave, but is oil free and sweetened with orange juice".  She also makes sure to include a "real" treat once or twice a week as well.  "If I want a piece of cake on a special occasion, I don't say no, but it's certainly not every day".  

This year she was blindsided with more stress when her son was diagnosed with kidney failure.  "Fortunately we came out of it ok, but for the rest of his life he will have severe dietary restrictions.  This meant a change as a family.  Out went the salt, all together.  Things we take for granted like packaged foods, no more."  

All of these diet and exercise changes had some unplanned side effects however.  "All of a sudden I would be working out, and people would be staring.  I was in the middle of a divorce, in a small town, and I could just imagine..well wouldn't you know, they started coming up to me and asking me what I was training for!  Then asking me-ME-for exercise tips!"  Jen started helping friends achieve their health goals, and is currently working towards her next goal-her fitness training certification! 

 

Next up:  Jen shares her top three get fit tips and her home made granola recipe.  

 

 

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! 

Five under $25 + one of my favorite fives: Happy birthday Alexis!

I remember it like yesterday, although it was four years ago.  I sat on a bench at the school playground when one of my best friends swooped in with a giant Diet Coke and a wide a$$ grin on her face.

Kate...I think I'm pregnant!! I'm going home to take the test right now!!  

With that, she sashayed back into her still running car, and off she drove, presumably to pee on a stick.  Me, on other hand, sat mouth on the cork lined,playground floor, not out of surprise for her announcement, but more out of shock that I'd just suddenly realized my period was...

Kids! Get in the car!!! NOW! We're going to CVS!! 

I must have peed on fourteen sticks that day.  I desperately wanted a third child, but my first two were so close together, and I was planning on waiting a bit.  But like a friend so eloquently described me "Husband coughs, you get knocked up".  Well he had coughed. 

Nine months later, my girlfriend and I were at the hospital, literally next door to each other, snuggling our precious newborns.  My third little girl, Alexis Sumner, was my easiest labor, and shh, don't tell the other girls, my easiest baby.  My baby turns five today-five! She's still my baby, and always will be.  I think she actually likes that fact.  We'll ask her again at 16.  

I love surprises.  This one's the icing on the cake. 

and in honor of my birthday babe, a little online shopping.  Five under $25, here goes:

~Skinny laser cut belt from the Gap.  

 

~Spanish crown ring from Etsy

~print from etsy 

 

~Caviar Day Cream from Mario Badescu

~Peppermint Hot Cocoa from Ghiradelli (Stage an intervention, we have an addict here.)

Happy birthday LexiLou-who! 

Hitting the links: Pregnancy Style, Tiaras, + Football on the Red Carpet?

Mamas, call in Dr. McSteamy.  I am couch bound with a pot of ginger tea, a heating pad and a 90 pound labrador smothering me.  I have been suffering this week with a cold that is clinging to me like a toddler on a Friday night, and all weekend activities have been called off.  Bleh.  In the meantime it's TV and wi-fi, and fortunately for me, there's plenty to stave off misery. 

~The mamas had the lovely fortune of "meeting" this soon to be mama  during the Top Mommy Blog Awards on the Bump.com.  Teal is currently awaiting the birth of her first child and doing so in style.  For those of you who spent your 9 months in yoga pants (not I..ahem..ok, maybe..), you will be floored at her maternity magic in the closet.  I can't wait to see what she brings post partum, and even better-baby style! Good luck Expecting Chic!

~Here she comes....

I love me a good pageant.  I'm not talking Toddlers and Tiaras, I mean a pageant.  Bells, whistles, Mario Lopez!

I threw a pageant party a few years ago for the gals.  Voter ballots, all kinds of foods that girls in pageants don't eat (dips, chips and cake balls), and of course cocktails.  We laughed and laughed and laughed and had the best time.  Sorry ladies I can't represent this year due to illness, but get your judging skills lined up for next year.  In the meantime if you're up for pulling together your own last minute Pageant Party some must haves: 

      1. Contest list/bios: Trust me, this is key info when choosing your top ten.  "Muffy from     Nevada has been a member of Mensa since she was six?! Top five!".  

    2. Tiaras.  You're all winners tonight.

    3.  Noshy food that breaks all diet rules.  Followed by cake balls.  Because no one will eat a whole     cake, but everyone will eat a million cake balls.  Red velvet with cream cheese frosting? I'll have fourteen!

    4.  One really bad bouquet of red roses for the winner.  That is the mama who chose, or came     closest to choosing the new Miss America 2011!  

    4. And to toast the winner with, meaning the winner of your contest  something sparkly,     Champagne, Prosecco, or sparkling cider.  Cheers!

~Tomorrow night brings more glitz and glam-don't forget to be telly-side for some Red Carpet Action and the Golden Globes.  I can barely stand it.  The Red Carpet is my Super Bowl.  

~Finally, speaking of winners, I'll be watching some football tomorrow and may the best team win.  As long as that team rhymes with Matriots.  I love the Red Carpet, but if only there were a way to combine the two???

Have a haute weekend mamas, 

Kate, Kimberly and Christina

On the 21st day of the holiday, Mr.UPS gave to me..

My gift to myself?  Soup to nuts, I ordered my entire holiday dinner take out from a local restaurant.  I'll pick it up a day ahead and finish cooking it so that as my guests arrive, they'll be greeted by the scents and smells of a freshly cooked prime rib, multiple sides and even various desserts to be baked after we gorge.  And I am not sure how you're family works, but in ours, gals prep, and guys clean.  No dishpan hands for this mama!

I just spent a week away, have a gazillion commitments the next few days, and just want to enjoy Christmas. Tradition calls for a large Christmas breakfast (fried dough. Always.), so after all that cooking, my little treat is this.  So while you're out and about shopping mamas, take some pressure off yourselves to be the perfect host, and prepare everything home made.  Pick up a few pre-made items or make sure to ask guests to pitch in.  No one puts mama behind the stove while everyone's in the living room watching the Celtics go nuts on Orlando singing Christmas carols and exchanging pleasantries.

Cheers! 

No more shopping?? Maybe.. but it's definitely time to start to get your cook on... or at least think about it!!

Hi My fellow Haute Mamas!!! It's  Christina...

And if your not done shopping.. I am done to have all of you shopping... Being that I am still one of the CRAZY ones that still work in retail.. why is it that everyone has decided it's christmas this weekend? Did you or your family members NOT get the memo that Christmas is the same day every year?? Why does everyone wait to the week before.. I had staff, product and hours 3 weeks ago waiting for you... and like every year you all wait till the week of.  So those of you that are done shopping (thank you!!) and are starting to think about what you will be cooking and/or bringing to your families houses on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day,  I have an amazing SALAD that I have been in charge of making for EVERY family event.... I mean EVERY..  I am even known for the salad at Bella's play group... But I must confess... It's really not my recipe it's a dear old friend's Judy. So get your pens ready...

Pear Salad

3 heads of Romaine lettuce chopped

3 Pears peeled, cored and chopped

1 large cucumber

2 containers of crumbled gorgonzola cheese (other crumbled cheeses optional..use your fav)

shredded carrots and red cabbage

grilled chicken (optional.. I do it for lunches or if it's my main meal) 

Wacky Walnuts

1 large bag (12oz) walnuts 

3 egg whites

1 cup splenda (sugar substitute, you may use granulated sugar)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon of cinnamon

1/2 tablespoon of nutmeg

Beat egg whites to a frothy state in large bowl. Mix nuts into egg whites covering evenly.  In small bowl mix dry ingrediants. Mix dry ingrediants evenly over nuts. Place nuts evenly onto baking sheet that is covered with aluminum foil!!! (if you do not use aluminum you will have a mess to clean up)!!  Bake for 15 minutes at 400 degrees F., Flip nuts to other side and bake for another 15 minutes. (depending on ovens, you may have to cook longer or a lesser time, the nuts should brown a bit). Put the the side to cool so you can add to salad at end.

Sweet Balsamic Salad Dressing

1 part olive oil

1 part balsamic vinegar

1/2 part maple syrup (must be real not aunt jemima syrup that is used for pancakes)

Mix or shake very well before covering salad. Toss salad!!!

So all my Haute Mamas... from my kitchen to yours a recipe made from great ingrediants and great LOVE. I hope all of you have a wonderful happy safe holiday with all that you love. I hope you get everything you ever dreamed of and a little more (maybe a new Gucci handbag??)

XOXO Christina