Three Haute Mamas

How sweet it is, Valetines gifts with meaning

Happy Hump Day Mamas! Kimberly is on her way to Boston to meet with the always amazing leaders at Room to Grow who make everyday a sweet one for some very special moms and expecting moms in Boston.  I am at home giving Kimberly a hand with a project on one of her other jobs, like children, she can't just have one.  Or three.  Or four;) We should all be blessed with that much energy!!!! How do you do it all Kim?? Or is that another post? Anyhooo..back to the matter at hand, Valentines Day.  Sweet Valentines Day. 

 

print available here

When my oldest was a baby we listened to James Taylor every night  while I rocked her to sleep.  Everytime I hear his Greatest Hits volume one I get teary eyed-she's now 9, and no longer rock-able. Try as I might.   But still sweet as pie. 

Sometimes the sweetest Valentines gifts are those with hidden meanings that only you and the recipient understand.  

Relive your travels as a couple with a customized subway scroll.  Even if  you haven't left your state, you can certainly include local cities or streets.   

 

Met at a friends wedding in California? Vintage California bracelet available here

I strongly believe in showing young daughters how much they are loved every day, but Valentines is a truly special time for Dad or Mom to step up to the plate and really hit it out of the park.  Let them know they will always be your little princess and give them something so they remember this everyday.

Married to a francophile? This petite original watercolor of the Eiffel Tower is tres jolie.  

Music! For those pesky teens that eat all your food and leave dirty laundry everywhere.  Fill their iPods with all those songs you grew up singing together.  They say they hate them but they totally don't.  Kate Spade iPod cases help. 

Still dreaming of that luxurious trip you took, or your honeymoon to where ever but can't afford to go back?  Did you know most hotels sell those blankets they call "bathrobes", just call the concierge and ask.  And then start saving for your return trip.  

 

  And then start saving for your return trip.  

 

 

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! 

Santas little sick ward

Oh the joys of motherhood.  Two days before Christmas, and my oldest has the stomache bug, my youngest has pnemonia and hub is currently undergoing knee surgery.  It's the hap-happiest season of all..... 

People always make fun of me for having my shopping and wrapping done the weekend after Thanksgiving, but as the mother of three asthmatics, it's a crapshoot as to the health and well being of our holidays.  Should the need arise for last minute gifts and I am housebound, I turn to the magic of the internet, and handiness of American Express. 

~Heifer International online donations and e-cards:  A lovely contribution to an organization that provides families with hope and an end to hunger.  

With gifts of livestock and training, we help families improve their nutrition and generate income in sustainable ways. We refer to the animals as "living loans" because in exchange for their livestock and training, families agree to give one of its animal's offspring to another family in need. It's called Passing on the Gift – a cornerstone of our mission that creates an ever-expanding network of hope and peace.

Imagine the look on your mother in laws face when you tell her that you purchased her a cow!

~MYO Cd's  (make your own CD's): Spread the holiday cheer by burning your favorite Christmas tunes to a CD.  You can easily download them from iTunes and/or Amazon and upload to a CD.  Create a cute CD sleeve from your childs artwork, and voila! Santa's little rockstar! 

~Memberships: For the families in your life think museums, zoos, sports parks, etc.  Our Christmas Eve Day tradition (until this year apparently) has always been to hit the Boston Children's Museum.  We arrive super early, and the children have the place to themselves.  I don't think my kids know they can go any other day of the year.  Most memberships like this can be purchased, and printed up online.  

 

~Tickets! Who doesn't love attending an event or show? Last year Santa brought my girls tickets to Finding Nemo on Ice which they adored.  Santa did not have the tickets ready Christmas eve, so he wrote a note letting us know when and where we would be attending.  Kudos Santa! Ticketmaster has lots of future shows to peruse for all ages, or check your local venues.  

*Dear Santa, Nemo-schmemo.  It's all Kenny this year.  

~And finally, consider a charitable contribution to your local childrens hospital.  We have spent far too much time in the past years at our Childrens Hospital in Boston, but not as much time as we could have due to the  wonderful care received.  I am thankful that we have such a top notch hospital in the area, and even more thankful when we leave;) 

Things may not be perfect at our house, but I know things could be a lot worse, and regardless it still is the hap-happiest season of allllllll.......and the holiday music, much to the annoyance of the ill and infirmed, will continue to play 24/7 until this nurse says so. 

 

 

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! 

On the 20th day of the holiday, Mr. UPS gave to me...

The Balloon iPod speaker.  

 This tiny sponge-like "balloon" is actually a speaker that can be used with your iPod, cell phone or anything that has a 35mm jack.  For those who like to share their music old school, this tiny 2" in diameter speaker is the key to your listening pleasure.  Available in Pink, Black, Red and Light Green and comes in a branded gift box.  

I hereby dub pink the official 3rd color of Christmas.  

 

Haute stuff for the iPod lover

Dear Cyber Monday, mamas head on over to Apple and score some haute savings on accessories for your Apple gadgets from the hautest designers.  Haute papas, take note-don't let the holidays sneak up on you like you do every year, you, too, are also are invited to the cyber party! Pick up some gifts for wifey, daugher, mom, and sister, and play super stud all Christmas day long!

Michael Kors Jet Set Case for iPad in Python Print-why yes, my iPad case does match my shoes

Michael Kors Wallet Clutch for iPhone in Black Patent-business on the outside, pure party on the inside.

Kate Spade new york Janine Notebook Carrying Case-in pink.  Well duhhh..what other color would you buy for the prepster in your life?

And finally for Mrs. Claus because Lord knows she does all the work

Cole Haan Small Leather Zip Wallet for iPhone

Get on down to the GAP for some haute savings TODAY ONLY

Is it me or more and more retailers trying to capture the Black Friday buyer prior to Black Friday? Works for me, less crowds, and clearly a better deal. 40% off your entire purchase in store, 45% with your Gap card.  No brainer.  

for the teacher/nanny/you

For the hip sister-in-law who loves to workout/your trainer/you

For the co-worker/not sure what to buy for person on your list/you

For your sister/you

For the cousin/babysitter who can't stop texting/you

For you-you-you and only you

all items Gap

Haute job Centerville Pie Company!

 

 

 Centerville Pie Company.

It's a great story that involves chicken pies, Eunice Kennedy Shrivers funeral, Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, and now..Harry and Davids! And the best part is that they are actively involved in Cape Abilities, a non profit that provides jobs and homes for people with disabilities.  It's not to early to get a jump on Christmas shopping (yes..I just said it, the "C" word.").  Watch the video for the story, and if you're in the area, stop by, visit them online, or check them out in the Harry + Davids catalogue. 

Three Haute Mamas loves to support local businesses, especially ones that include inspirational stories like this. Women who take risks, support others, and follow their passions. And let's not forget the pies..

Haute job Centerville Pie Company!