Three Haute Mamas

My Philosophy on bulk buying gifts

It's December 24rd, the kids are stepping onto the school bus for the last time before holiday break and you suddenly break into a sweat.  Oops.  Teacher gifts.  School secretary gift.  School nurse gift (I cannot possibly be the only mother who's children are frequent fliers into the school nurse office? Right? Please tell me that's not silence.).  

Or how about the office co-workers? There are 8 of them.  The mail lady? Teenage babysitters? Gym day care workers? 

Gulp. What's a mama to do? Learn from the mama who's been there too many times to count pro. 

My Philosophy on this problem is bulk gift buying.  It's not creative, it's not an original idea, but it gets the job done, and it's a heck of a time saver.  Generally I purchase 10-12 of the same gifts, wrap them up identically, and when trouble beckens, I turn to my pile of bulk gifts.  And if you are one of the aforementioned, this year is different.  I hand selected each gift individually, and yours especially. 

Philosophy-Love, love LOVE their products.  Until 11/30, you can get FREE SHIPPING, with NO MINIMUMS.  Did I get my point across, because let it be known, that deal is just too good to be true. If you shop through Ebates right now, you can get 7% cash back too!   They'll smell good, and you'll look good with all that extra cash hanging out of your purse.  

Peppermint bark holiday ornament-mint candy shampoo, shower gel + bubble bath-At only $6 you get three products already wrapped up in an adorable ornament.   Bulk buy mamas..bulk buy.

Candy Cane foaming bubble bath, lip shine and shower gel-At $12 still proof that you don't need to spend a mint to show you care.

The Gingerbread Girl foaming bubble bath + shower gel-$16-Having consumed no less than 37 of my mothers molasses cookies over Thanksgiving weekend, I'm thinking this bubble bath might be the answer to my prayers.  Utilitarian and calorie free.  May I suggest adding a personal touch?  Perhaps a giant homemade gingerbread man cookie, decorated by the kiddos, attached to the package for bonus-cuteness points?  Oops.  Did someone mention cookies? 

With Gratitude-shampoo, shower gel+bubble bath-not everyone celebrates the holidays, but how are you to know? To avoid any uncomfortable oops! Keep this on hand to show your gratitude in ways that don't shout "We love Santa Claus around here!".  $25

 

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

Shop in your jammies-it's Cyber Monday!

Happy post-long weekend mamas! What a weekend it was!  I not only celebrated Thanksgiving with a trip up north to see family, but also did my entire Christmas shopping (including the wrapping and returns!), hosted 20 nine year old little girls for a half sleepover (read: they all left, sugared up, at 9 o'clock pm!  Thank you parents of guests!!),got my Christmas card shoot accomplished (to the best of me and my three children's ability), and decorated the whole house with Christmas decor.  Today, I rest.  

However, not everyone braved the Black Friday crowds like I did (scaredy cats!).  According to the National Retail Foundation (NRF) some 106.9 million (insert Dr. Evil voice) people plan to shop online today, Cyber Monday, compared to 96.5 million last year.  That's a lot of laptop yeilding mamas looking for a deal.  And why not? No traffic, no mobs and the kids are in school.  Take advantage of great deals like free shipping, mark downs and of course, one of my favorites, cash back sites like Ebates.  

My theory has always been shop now, enjoy the season.  There are so many wonderful opportunties that come up, holiday parties, shows, kids plays, etc, why stress out about shopping?  Get it done now, and be done with it.  And if you can score yourself a deal, even better.  

An oldie but still funny, from 2005, Mr. Colbert sells Cyber Monday on a different note.  See if you can spot me in the Black Friday mob scene. 

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Cyber Monday
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes 2010 Election March to Keep Fear Alive

 

In the upcoming weeks we will be highlighting some of our favorite gifts to give, how we tackle the hard to give (i.e. teenagers, people you don't know so well, in laws...), and also be spot lighting some women business owners who tell us their secrets of how they do it all.  But for now, start up the engines, err, laptops and hit the sales mamas.  

 

Thanksgiving wear

Still not sure what to wear to Turkey day festivities? Try shimmying up to the table in these festive frocks and such and see if anyone notices the turkey's overcooked and Uncle Morty's half stewed.

Alice by Temperley, Ghana beaded crepe dress.  Heads will turn, and it won't be because of the carrot souffle

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Draped Jersey Dress.  True fact-see how fast your husband shuts off the football game when you walk in wearing this dress. 

Bottega Veneta Oxidized sterling silver earrings-for those who need to color coordinate right down to the last side dish. 

Michael Kors wool boucle dress-meeting the future in-laws for the first time.  Stay cool, calm and chic in this haute, yet classic dress?

Issa printed silk kaftan-go on.  I dare you.

 

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Fulfilment washed-silk top-the belt hits a little higher in the waist, allowing for some flattering extra room should you choose to indulge.  Not that you would. I wouldn't either. 

Christina's Thanksgiving Day outfit courtesy of Banana Republic 

Kimberly's Thanksgiving Day outfit top $69!! Oh and I am sooo wearing this with elastic waist leggings!! Seconds Please!! XO  

Introducing the Humanity Bracelet! Haute Mama Approved!!

Hello Mamas,

Doing this Blog has introduced me to so many wonderful people and very successful mom's who are following their passions all the while caring for their families. I would love to introduce you to one I met this past summer. Her name is Sue B. of Sueb. do. Be sure to stop by sue's website and read about her impressive resume of business ventures that came from following her creative passions as well as the products she sells!

The mamas recently got an email from Sue that showed us this amazing line of bracelets called Humanity Bracelets. Sue is donating 25% of net profits to help buy school supplies for homeless children!! She had us at bracelets but sold us at Charity!! We love that!! 

These bracelets will make great birthday gifts or holiday presents for teen, young adult on up! They have such a positive message and have great style, you can mix them in with your other bracelets to create a fun look for daytime... check them out!

 

Prices:

Happy Colors $30.00

Vintage  $35.00

Metallic with Rhinestones $40.00

Handpainted Wooden Sign  11-1/4" wide by 18" tall

 

If you love these bracelets you can order them by contacting Sue at [email protected].  

When Sue realized that her best summer memories, have been with her family on the Cape, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.  Sue became so inspired by these areas, she developed a product line representing the beauty, fun and character of the Cape.  With the support of her husband and daughters, Sue launched Sueb.do.   Sueb.do is located on the Cape in Mashpee at Popponesset Marketplace in New Seabury.

Congratulations Sue on all your success both personal and professional and thanks for helping spread a positive message!

In our book you are....

Xo 

Kimberly, Kate and Christina

Boston locals, spoil those golfers in your life with Ahead golf apparel

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