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.  

 

 

Take me shopping and I'm yours

screenprint available here

It's official, Valentines day is one week from today.  Gentlemen, start your engines.  Mamas everywhere who say they don't want anything....lie.  Pay attention and we'll gently steer you in the right direction.  Or point blank directly link you to the store and item.  Because that's how we roll.  

xo, the mamas

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! 

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

 

 

On the Eighteenth Day of Holiday Mr. Ups gave to me..............

Hello Mamas,

Still shaking your head at what to get that hard to buy tween or teen in your life. You know something a tad cheaper than the Plasma Tv, Mac computer or any other Apple Product!! Lol!!! 

I will now introduce you to your Handsome Fairy Godfather named Keil James Patrick! Kate and I were in our favorite store Serendipity By the Sea one day and Cecily was showing us these really unique bracelets by KEIL JAMES PATRICK a local from Rhode Island!  

Naragansett Lifeguard Chairs $40, Audrey Hepburn Headband $30, Linny's Palm Hammock $35

These bracelets inspired by classic New England Style are the next hottest thing for tweens, teens and adults as this thirtysomething Mama couldn't leave without one and in fact I am visiting my friend Cecily this week for a few more Christmas gifts, and this bracelet is on my list for my daughter! 

 

 As it states on his website: The Concept for Keil James Patrick brand began in Prep School. "I used to shop in old vintage clothing and Antique stores and rummage through friends attics looking for that classic styled clothing from an older era that was long forgotten." Ultimately becoming obsessed with the simplicity, fabrics and superior craftsmanship of old clothing he created his brand. Combining these classic patterns and fabrics, he began creating small, detailed fashion accessories. 

 Above is Keil James Patrick working late in his studio.  " Everything I design is handcrafted in the United States. Fabrics are purchased locally from Rhode Island and Boston. The KJP signature brass button, for example are made down the street at Urschell Tool, a company that specializes in belt buckles and military pins. Handcrafted leatherwork is all done in Johnston Rhode Island." 

" I will continue to support local businesses, and provide new jobs to people from my community." -Kiel James Patrick

Mr. Patrick you had this Mama at All-American, Accessories and Local!! Thank you for your service to our country!! I wish you much continued success! The KJP Brand is officially.........

XO Kimberly, Kate and Christina

 

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

Men, bloom where you are sent to shop, Bloomingdales fine jewelry

Men we all know holiday shopping is the last thing on your mind right now however, as Three Haute Mamas, it is our duty to send you gently towards the hautest deals out there, and guide you towards what all the hautest mamas want.  Well if it glitters, it's as good as gold, and sometimes it really is gold. 

Right now Bloomingdales is offering 50% off their fine jewelry collection.  Some of their fine pieces we'd suggest for your loved ones....

 

This sale won't last and neither will the comfort of your own bed if you forget Christmas (again) so hop to it men. xo the mamas

On the 9th day of the holiday Mr. UPS gave to me....warmth and sun?

No really..One exotic vacation to someplace tropical and warm isn't really asking for the world.  My word, have you been outside today? It's freezing and this trip I've planned for Disney isn't looking so tropical and sunny.  Bah Humbug.  Mr. UPS deliver me to a seaside locale, and deliver me in this  Roberto Cavalli showstopper

and if the vacay doesn't pan out, just make good on the kaftan doll please. I have no problem playing the part of optimist if clothed in this. 

 

Bravo JCPENNEY!!! Haute Holiday Dresses for a steal!!

Hello Mamas,

Okay one more story titled "The Perfect Holiday Dress" this one is perfectly priced! I am truly the Mama of the trio that flip flops from label, to vintage, to bargain! 

The other night I had a few hours free to myself. The phone rings and my friend said she was going to JCPenney to look for something to wear to her holiday party. Picture the phone flying in the air and smoke suspended in the air as I ran as fast as I could out the door to meet her. I got to the store and I actually said to myself, self... Lol! You are here for Deb! So I left my purse in the car...........

As we hunted for the perfect outfit for her to wear, I sashayed into the dress department, WOW!!! Bravo JCPenney!! Alright, since you are going to the fitting room Deb I'll just try this dress on! Lol!!! 

Only until I was certain we had found Deb the right Holiday outfit, I decided to get the dress! We laughed as I said... Murphy's Law.... Only when you leave your purse in the car, you will find the "I can't leave without this item!!"

 It totaled out at $25.00 for me because as I opened my car door to get my purse... no lie... a JCPenney coupon fell out of my door and at my feet! It said $10 off a purchase of $10 or more! Lol!!! Now I don't need to quote Carrie Bradshaw here.... thats a sign!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Xo Kimbelry

Hi Kim..Can I interrupt for a bit? I actually think that that was a sign that at that price you should have bought two. No make that three.  We three haute mamas do need a team uniform you know?  The heck with the Disney errands, I'll meet you at Penneys after the gym;) xo Kate