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..
With the new years theme of " Forward Thinking" and spring just around the corner. We would love for you to join us along with Boston's Fashion Power Players to preview the world's top designers and their vision for Spring 2011. Neiman Marcus Natick and Creative Events have truly made this a Fashion Party with sounds by DJ Supreme One along with small bites and cocktails by Ultimat Vodka. There will be local celebrity stylists on hand to help you put looks together according to your personal style and body type. As we had mentioned in a previous post, stylists should be on your list of important people. I would say between doctor and hairstylist!
Treat yourself to a night out! You deserve it!
Remember Mamas.... Life is short, make it HAUTE!!!
The mamas are in the midst of preparing for a totally haute event, benefitting one of our favorites, The Ellie Fund, and we recently got a sneak peek into some of the fab fun surrounding the event:
photo by: Cheryl Richards
On January 25th, The Ellie Fund hosted "Coffee With Oscar" at the Mandarin Oriental, Boston to celebrate Bay State nominees and kick off "The Road To Oscars" ending with a gala on Feb. 27. Celebrating seven Oscar nominations, actress Erica McDermott, "The Fighter"; WCVB's Bianca de la Garza, actress Melissa McMeekin (also "The Fighter), and The Ellie Fund's gala gal Julie Nations. On hand to cheer on the nominees were Jodi Purdy-Quinlan of South Shore Casting and Academy Award winner F. Murray Abraham, in Boston this week to star as Shylock in ArtsEmerson's presentation of Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" March 29-April 10, 2011.
Who doesn't love the Oscars, the Red Carpet arrivals, and all the glitz and glamor that goes with it? Be a part of the action, and celebrate all all those Boston-affliated nominated movies (High five locals! The Fighter, The Town, and The Social Network). And more importantly, dish the dirt on who's wearing what while supporting a great cause
Tickets are now on sale for Massachusetts' only official Oscar Night Party benefiting the Ellie Fund; for details visit www.elliefund.org/Oscars2011.
We have our tickets, now the important task of what to wear on the red carpet. Stay tuned...
As I was reading Kate's post on Miss America, red carpets etc. I instantly thought about this phenomenal event that has us Mamas giddy with excitement! It is the Ellie Fund Oscar Night Gala. Thats right the Oscars come to boston for one night February 27th 2011 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Boston. The Ellie Fund is honored to host the only Oscar's party in Massachusetts officially sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Kate, Christina and I have been to many Ellie Fund Events and let me tell you they know how to throw a party! Emcee's for this event are WCVB Channel 5 stars Susan Wornick, Bianca de la Garza, JC Monahan ad David Brown. I can tell you from experience Susan Wornick is " Much funnier in person than she is on TV!" and that my friends is an inside joke if you have attended past Ellie Fund events. We always have a great time and leave feeling good that we were able to help such a great charity.
Honestly, why do the stars get to have all the fun!! We are glamming it up big time for this event. Won't you Mamas join us! This would make a great Valentine's Day gift, couples night out or girls night out! All to support our Mamas and their families who are battling breast cancer.
Thursday night Kate, Christina and I ventured into Boston to the Liberty Hotel to watch as styleboston chose the " Fresh New Face" that will host their fashion forward segment. We would like to congratulate the winner Kimberly Walleston of Boston, Ma narrowed down from thousands of entrants ( ahem... me not being one of them as they were looking for someone 25-35) I half joke about it, but this was the first time that an opportunity was closed to me due to......
Anyway, moving on. I hope styleboston doesn't take offense, what girl who adores her state wouldn't want to have a career talking about fashion and lifestyle for a smash hit boston based tv show! Kate, Christina and I are creating ours! Lol!!
Styleboston which at the time of this post aired on NECN was created by Terri Stanley mother of two from Scituate. As quoted in an interview Stanley did for Wicked Local.com She explains " the goal of styleboston is to provide its viewers with information they can act on."
“We want to tell the viewer what the best club is, what the best shows are,” she said. “It provides an insider look at stuff the viewer can do, whether you can drive it, wear it, eat it — whatever.”
For more on Stanley and how she brought styleboston to life be sure to read this interview Stanely did with Wicked Local.
As for the mamas, we had a ball that night. We mingled with a lot of interesting people celebrated with our friend Dennis Franczak CEO of Fuseideas along with his collegues who were responsible for handling the live stream of the event. Chatted with Kimberly Wallaston and we also met up with a new friend of ours who is an up in coming stylist Christen Mitchell.
Of Course behind every great event is a great coordinator. The night clearly would not have been as successful with out the skillful coordination and planning of AJ Williams, CMP of Creative Events. In her plume adorned dress and high heels AJ ran, both literally and figuratively, the night down to the second the lovely winner was announced. Well done AJ and Creative Events!
The Mamas with Kimberly Walleston
Pictured below with Christen Mitchell
Syleboston as of December 4th has joined the WCVB Channel 5 Boston Family! Shows will be airing on Saturdays at 12:30pm and Sundays at 1 pm. If you can't watch at these times I would definitely recommend DVR or if you don't have that option you can check out their website like I do and catch up on all their segments! The show is a lot of fun to watch and in no time you will become an expert on everything "HAUTE" in Boston and New England!!
"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!
Who doesn't know a golfer? Husband? Boyfriend? Brother? Boss? You? Mom? My entire family golfs. Everyone that is..but me. Bleh I say. Send me directly to the 19th hole. Fortunately I have a little connection that keeps well dressed on and off the course. My family and friends have also benefitted, and everyone knows, if the hat or shirt doesn't sport the Ahead logo, don't you dare.
Ask any golfer and they will recognize the Ahead logo. Found in every major country club, golf shop and PGA/USGA event around the world, Ahead is a leader in golf apparel. The brand is represented on tour exclusively by one of the worlds best golfers, Retief Goosen and on the ladies tour by Britney Lincicome.
Blah blah right? Golf schmolf you say. Ok. Maybe only I say that. Well starting this Saturday, Ahead, located in New Bedford, MA is starting their annual warehouse sale. This is a crazy, sick sale that people actually line up for. Inventory is priced to move and priced rock bottom-make that below rock bottom. The holidays will be here before you know it. I'm not sure about you, but the men in my life are the hardest people to buy for. It's usually a toss up between, oh, golf shirt, orrrr, golf shirt. Lord knows I'd never purchase say a club, or golf balls-what do I know about either one of those things. Now clothes..clothes I know.
In this economy, no one wants to go overboard financially, yet no one wants to skimp on showing appreciation. Support a local company, and spoil your loved ones rotten. And ladies, there's something for you and your girlfriends too. The Kate Lord line has something for everyone on your list, teachers, bus drivers, babysitters, hairstylists, you name it....and while they may shun your home made kitchen goodies, no one turns down Ahead/Kate Lord goodies.
Store hours begin Saturday, November 13, and run through Friday, December 24. For a complete listing visit the Ahead website
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!!!!
Am I the only one who inserts love notes to my lovelies inside their lunch boxes? Fairly certain my 8 year old is rolling her eyes at the lunch table but don't care! She can look forward to these spooky sweeties inserted starting tomorrow (shhh! It's a surprise!).
Go here for the free printables and spook out your ghosts and ghoblinas. Bwha wha wha!
How about these fur balls? Who's bringing these to the Halloween party? The how-to.... justincase
One of our local favorites, Style Boston is giving away two tickets to Rowes Wharf Sea Grilles, Spooky Tea for little witches and monsters. Parents enjoy a traditional tea while little ones sip witches brew cider, + tackle cookie decorating. There will also be a trick or treating treasure map that will take them around the hotel. This runs Friday October 29-Sunday October 31, 2;30-4:30, however, if you're interested in winning tickets, and we loves a good contest, go here
-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
Don't miss out on Contrary's one night Fall preview party, highlighting a store full of new merchandise. (I had you at party didn't I?)
Thursday October 21, 5-9
92 North Street, Mattapoisett, MA
Refreshments, door prizes and an exclusive one night discount on all of Maryann's haute clothing and accessories! Maryann has exception, spot on taste, so be prepared to find something fabulous! Also, don't come alone, bring a friend and qualify for a special drawing. If you've never been to Contrary, or if you're a first timer, now is the time.
Holiday parties are fast approaching..don't be left standing in the closet saying
"I have nothing to wear!"
For more on Contrary visit them on facebook or read up what the haute mamas had to say about them here + here