Three Haute Mamas

Happy Mother's Day to all our "Haute Mamas!"

 Hello Mamas,

I always laugh to myself when people wish me a Happy Mother's Day. It's Mother's Day everyday. Isn't it?

I was at a Kentucky Derby Party last night and found myself and my girlfriends  talking about being pregnant and giving birth. Some of us liked being pregnant and some of us didn't. Some enjoyed giving birth and some of us not so much. We all however agreed as hard as it is somedays/most days raising children. Being a Mom is our biggest joy and grandest achievement! 

Today Kate and I along with our daughters and countless other Haute Mamas took to the road for our annual Mother's Day Tiara 5K to benefit the Women's Fund.  I have been doing this race for three years now and it has now become a Mother's Day tradition for me. This year my daughter along with Kate's two oldest girls ran/walked with us thanks to some dedicated teachers with a love of fitness.  They introduced a Run Club at our children's school this year and our daughters and their friends loved it! There goal was to run this 5K they all managed to finish with a huge smile and renewed confidence in themselves that they can achieve anything if the work hard towards their goal!! I think that is so "HAUTE"!

Enjoy some pictures from our Mother's Day at the races and we hope you all had an amazing Mother's Day as well! 

Girl Power! Can't get any "Hauter" than this!!

Proud Mama!! 

 

Kate and her Glamour Girls!

 

Seriously?!!

This Family really got into the spirit of the race! Pink, Tiara's and Custom Sweatshirts!! Love!!

Two Sweaty Mamas!! 

and we WILL get Christina here with us next year! I'll tell her she gets to wear a Tiara!! 

XO Kimberly, Kate and Christina

The Leprechaun's inspired us this week to be GREEN!

Hello Mamas,

This week we are all about "Green" and I mean all things green, irish clovers, green fashion, even being green.  Doing things that will help us protect our planet. 

This website was sent to us Mamas a few weeks ago and we knew as moms we wanted to share it with you.  I cannot tell you how many papers pour into my home everyday from school. The one's that I know someday will be treasures will be my children's artwork.  Some pieces I have framed, and some are in a tupperware in the basement.

Chad Turingan created this  NEW website called Dwawings. A  new FREE website where you can finally save your kid's drawings and share them with your family and friends.  

Chad's experience working at an elementary school, he noticed overtime, students drawings, artwork and projects accumulate and as much as he would like to keep all of them they ended up in the  trash *cough, cough* he meant recycle bin!

This inspired him to create this website where you become a member and simply upload pictures of your children's artwork.  So simple and easy and GREEN!!!!

Enjoy Mamas,

Kimberly, Kate and Christina

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

 

 

An Elf Story.........

 

Hello Mamas,

I thought with the craziness this week brings, last minute shopping, wrapping, cooking, bribing your sons to wear their Holiday School Concert attire! Ugh!!! My Lord  I think I promised them a Red Rider Beebee gun? Anyhoot, I thought I would take a stab at writing something that would make you laugh today.

Can we talk about the Elf? The oh so adorable Elf on a Shelf! Now, this Mama has had her Elf for three years now, his name is Jack. Three years ago I staged a delivery from the North Pole to my children. When they opened the box it was The Elf on a Shelf, the kids were so excited... we read the book and they decided to name him Jack. I felt like the best mom in the world! I brought this wonderful tradition to my home and my children and future grandchildren for years to come......

I have every letter my children have written to him, recently my daughter Caroline and son Ryon wrote this to Jack.... I missed what went down and why these notes were written as I was never to see them.. only for Jack.. AHEM! I can only imagine!!

 

 

 

Hear is the catch and what I didn't know about this adorable Elf. He will turn parents and grandparents everywhere into pathalogical liars. Okay, that sounds a bit harsh how about Domestic little fibbers! Ha! better!!! The first fib I told was he turns magic when you name him. Second was he will lose his magic if you touch him, third was  (Because some nights I forget to move him) he didn't move last night because the winds were to strong for him to make his trip to the north pole, or you kids got lucky Jack is giving you another chance to be good before he reports to Santa! Recently I was asked by my daughter in Barnes and Noble why are they selling Jack? I thought he came from Santa? Oh that was an Academy Award winning Fib! yes, there have been millions told. This can't be good for my Karma BUT.......

                                                                                    Holiday 2009

 

to see the excitement still three years later when they wake up searching the house to see where he decided to sit for the new day. I hear " I found him! I found him!" or to read every heart felt letter they write to him. I have a feeling like Andy from Toy Story, when that day comes when they no longer believe in Jack's Magic and it is time to pack him away it will pull on my heart strings just a bit. My wish to Jack when that day comes  is that I will see him again one day as my hope is to have a home filled with Grandchildren that will visit my home on Christmas and to hear my children tell theirs about Jack the magic Elf.

 

XO Kimberly

 

 

 

Kiss the cook..... Haute themed snack for your child's classroom holiday parties

Hello Mamas,

Here we go! TIS THE SEASON FOR A PARTY!! FaLaLaLaLa.. LaLaLaLa!! Yes,  in the last couple of days we have been getting those emails about our kiddo's classroom parties. Now you know instantly what you are wearing hopefully inspired by some of our posts! LOL!!! but you break out into a sweat because last year your apple slices sprinkled with cinnimon were a bust! I know nothing about that by the way!! AHEM!! and you think of Super Mom standing in the corner with her Uber Holiday Children's Party Snack getting all the praise from other mom's (who by the way are saying in their head.... say it! say it!! Give her props or you'll look like an ..... !) LOL!!!! 

Like we said before one  of our motto's is mamas helping mamas! Your modern day Charlie's Angels are here to help! 

 

This snack is called Reindeer Chow! I scored this idea at Organized Christmas.com

A simple concoction of cereals, pretzels, and M&M-brand seasonal candies sparkled with white chocolate coating, Reindeer Chow is a fast, last minute snack mix recipe for holiday gatherings. They had me at fast and M&M's!! Lol!!!

Package Reindeer Chow in zipper food storage bags or cellophane snack bags for an easy classroom treat. Add a free printable gift tag with the Reindeer Chow Poem to really make those super mom's steam with envy!!! 

Love this last part... add your baggies to a large doggie bowl and use those foam stickers and add Rudolph's name to it!! Its all in the marketing mamas!!!!! 

Ingredients..

1 pound of white chocolate chips

3 cups Rice Chex-Brand Cereal

3 cups Corn Chex-Brand Cereal

3 cups Cheerios-brand cereal

2 cups Pretzel sicks

12 once M&M-brand chocolate candies

 copies of the printable gift tags

cellophane

Makes about 30 servings

Instuctions.......

slowly melt chocolate in double broiler over water. Alternately, place white chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl, and microwave on high for 30- second intervals, sitting between each, until chocolate is melted.

Combine remaining ingredients in a large bow, then drizzle melted chocolate over top and mix well. Spread in a shallow layer on a cookie sheet or broiler pan.

Allow to cool completely, then package in a single serving bags or cellophane. Tie your reindeer poem to the baggies your done Mama!!! Whew!!!

Here is what the Reindeer poem reads...... 

When reindeer fly on Christmas night,

They work up quite an appetite!

But Mrs. Claus knows what to do,

To feed them when the flight is through.

She mixes up some Reindeer Chow.

A secret only she knows how.

With something salty, something sweet,

It's Rudolfh's favorite reindeer treat.

Back in her kitchen at the Pole,

She heaps it high in every bowl 

To welcome her returning crew

So here's a batch that's just for you!

 

Ahhhh I love it!!! I can hear the voices in the head now........... Lol!!!

XO,

Kimberly, Kate and Christina

Reindeer Chow Poem Copyright 2009 by Cynthia Ewer.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

In the Haute Seat, meet the mamas behind those Tiny Hineys

Um. Well, while I'm sure they have Tiny Hineys I am, of course, talking about their fabulous brand of baby and toddler clothing launched 7 months ago and the talk of the toy room.  Tiny Hiney was started by two moms with a "passion for fashion for little ones".  The line is super cute, super soft and a super idea for holiday gifts!  Buy in bulk and stuff those stockings.  New mama PSA-you can buy all the cute toys you want, but all your new born really needs..clothes, diapers and something to eat.  And that's where Tiny Hiney comes in.  We had a chance recently to "meet" the mamas by the grace of Gmail and put them in the Haute Seat.  So grab your beverage of choice and sit down while we get to know the mamas behind Tiny Hiney.

Hi Danya, 

First off have I mentioned my obsession with Jack Johnson? You had me at Jack.*

Ok tiny hiney moms....

First off: A little bio-your names, family info (children? Dog? Where abouts you call home?)

My name is Danya Minyan and my partner's name is Zipora McDougald. I have a four year old son, Eitan and a two year old son, Nadav. Zipora's son, Zachary, is also two. We both have cats and currently live in Portland, Oregon.

 

1.  How do the two of you know each other? Have you worked together before?

We met a Mommy & Me playgroup last year and had not worked together previously. 

2.  How did you get started in the garment industry? Is this a first time experience? 

This is the first time for both us. I was a sales rep for clothing lines years ago, but we're actually both event planners.

 

3.  I absolutely love your website.  I think first impressions say a lot, and you nailed it.  The music, the styling, the photography and obviously the garments are all top notch.  Wait.  That's not a question.  Moving on...

Thanks! :) We worked with several graphic designers, but ended up creating this one on our own.

4.  What has been the best part of Tiny Hiney? What has been the hardest?

The best part is seeing kids in our clothing and getting great feedback from people. The hardest part is making the best financial decisions, in terms of ordering inventory versus our sales.

  

5.  What advice would you give other moms starting their own business? 

I would say to go with your idea if you believe in it, but do not get in over your head. We have been very careful about not investing too much or getting in over our heads.

5 1/2. Tell me your absolute favorite part of Tiny Hiney

My favorite part is being creative and trying out our ideas. It is amazing to see our finished products all ready and wrapped up to ship out for orders!

6.  How do you balance it all? Or do you;)

It's tough balancing our families, I work part time as an event planner and our business. That's why it's great that we're partners and not doing it all on our own!

7.  Do you celebrate the holidays? If so which ones, and how (any special traditions)? 

We are both Jewish and celebrate the Jewish ones, as well as American holidays (Halloween, Valentine's Day, etc.). Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah so my family will light the menorah, eat traditoonal Hanukkah foods and open gifts. 

8.  Guilty pleasures (e.g. shoe shopping? Ice cream? Reality TV?)

We are both addicted to shopping and celebrity magazines. It helps that we have a ton in common!

9.  Name 3 songs on your iPod:

We both love Jack Johnson! I also love Tiesto (dance music), James Morrisson, Coldplay, etc...

 

Thanks so much and we look forward to reading your blog! Have a great day!

  

Danya

*This will become clear when you visit the darling site which you will because it is exceptionally well done and we all know you're shopping is not done;)  True fact.  I kept their site on one day for hours.  Just playing and playing...

Anyhow, thanks so much mamas for being a part of In the haute seat, and sharing with us! We love your line and we love you guys! Best of luck! 

xo Kate, Kimberly and Christina

 

Squeeze those Tiny Hineys

Calling all pint sized fashionistas and future rockstars.  Northwest mamas  Danya Minyan and Zipora McDougald have created The Tiny Hiney line with you in mind.  These two moms started Tiny Hiney "with a passion for fashion for little ones" and it's quite evident from their darling website to the itty bitty rhinestone encrusted onesies and tees.  All the haute-est babies and toddlers are literally drooling over them.  

Our designs are unique, stylish and modern.  They are made with rhinestones, studs and speicalty materials in baby and toddler sizes 3m-4t.  Our lines uses the highest quality fabrics on the market to make our garments.  Our 100% luxurious pima cotton onesies, diaper covers, shirts and dresses are the most comfortable and softest pieces of clothing your children will wear.  We also carry burnout shirts, beanies, tanks, hoodies, and long sleeve shirts with more styles to come in the near future.  

Don't show up to the next baby shower with a plain onesies.  That is so last year.  And children, make sure mama isn't letting you show up at toddler playgroup with out a Tiny Hiney diaper cover.  Ohnonono.  Major diaper faux pas.  

Tiny Hiney is fashion for children without being over the top.  The main concern of your newborns fashion should really be functionality and gentleness.  If it happens to look cool, that's a bonus, and thank heavens for Tiny Hiney who manages to cover all three and fabulously so.

Stay tuned for an "In the Haute Seat" with  the mamas behind Tiny Hineys and find out what it takes to design your own line, run a business with a family, and behind the scenes, haute off the press.  

For the 12th day of the holiday Mr.UPS, gave to me...

For the bad a$$ kid, a personalized tee that will remind him why he can't have a Red Ryder BB gun. 

 

 Lol!!! That is hilarious! My kids watched that video for the first time this weekend with their Nana.  I may need to get this for my three Cowboys who are asking for more Nerf Guns this year!! 

They may shoot their eye out ............

XO Kimberly and Kate

This Holiday ... Make some room to give and feel your heart grow!!

Hello Mamas,

As you know Kate, Christina and I are all about Mamas helping Mamas and one of the charities we support are in need of our help.  As we begin our decent into the coldest months of the year Room to Grow posted this on their website. We have an urgent need for winter coats and snowsuits, especially in size newborn to 3 months.

 

You could help by getting the word out to friends and family,  host a collection drive or deliver your lightly used or new jackets to Room to Grow directly or to one of our collection sites.  Kate, Christina and I would gladly pick up any donations you may have and forward them along.  Just email us at [email protected]

Thanks in advance for helping make a difference!

XO Kimberly, Kate and Christina