May
21
2013 ALS – MDA Night of Hope Gala – Co-chair
{w gov deal at the capitol}

{w gov deal at the capitol}

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.” – Helen Keller

“You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give.” – Winston Churchill

“It’s easy to make a buck. It’s a lot tougher to make a difference.” – Tom Brokaw

I first got involved with MDA’s ALS Night of Hope Gala through a friend who lost her brother to the horrible disease.  When she told me the story of his struggle, I was brought to tears.  At the time I was making jewelry and offered a necklace for the silent auction.  The next year I was on the committee and now 3 years later I am co-chairing the Gala which will be held in October.

As most of the other committee members, I am fortunate that I haven’t lost a family member or close friend to ALS.  But after learning more about the illness and getting to know this incredible group of people, I have become a warrior in the fight to help find a cure.

Today we went downtown to the State Capitol to meet Governor Nathan Deal where he proclaimed May as ALS Awareness month.  Thank you Governor Deal for your support and bringing awareness to the illness which affects an estimated 35,000 Americans.

Our goal is to raise $750,000 by October.  We can do this!
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May
20
2013 Billboard Music Awards highlights – Prince, Bieber, Taylor, etc…

{taylor swift}

{taylor swift}

Just in case you were too busy last night to watch the 2013 Billboard Music Awards, I thought I would sum it up for you. Of course, I’m a mom now and my outlook on things have changed somewhat, but since I’m a journalist at heart, I can’t help but stay in the know.

Here’s a wrap of some of the highlights from last night’s show on ABC.

Poor little Justin Bieber. He’s only 19 years old and he’s begging his fans to respect him. Geez.. how do you do that? The fans at the Billboard awards are young and well.. a little rude. They booed almost everyone who got on stage. Here’s Bieber’s acceptance of the Milestone award. Congrats Justin!

Then there was Nikki Manaj. I mean, what the heck is this girl doing? I get that you want to make an impression and be different but giving a lap dance on national TV? Come on. It’s Sunday night! And then, that outfit. Did she really stuff her booty to make it bigger?

Here’s a guy who did it the right way. Bruno Mars has admitted he’s had issues with substance abuse but he’s talented and can put on a performance for national TV. He’s above the rest and stayed true to his talent. Way to go Bruno!

And, there’s Prince. Love me some Prince! Can’t help it. I thought he looked great… loved the hair and green pants. He looks as good as he did in the 80′s. He was honored with the Icon Award. Here’s a muc slowed version of his 1984 hit, “Lets Go Crazy”.

Taylor Swift beat out the rest, including Bieber for Artist of the year. Hhmmm… I know, she’s not the best singer out there, but she does write her own music and kids LOVE her.
Tracy Morgan defended her when he got up after she her performance. He told the audience…”No booing around here!” Way to go Tracy! Here’s her performance.

Happy Monday!!!
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May
18
2013 Bloopers — innocent crack me ups

No joke about it, kids are funny.  Their sweet, innocent jokes are the best. Mine aren’t talking yet, but I can only imagine sometimes what they are trying to say.  Happy Saturday!

{posing}

{posing}

Zachary, 6

“One morning before school, I was combing my son’s hair and said, “there you go.  You’re beautiful now.”  He replied, “Mom, when you  say those words it makes me feel like less of a man.’”  Tracie Trietley; Olean, NY

Ben, 3

“On a stormy drive home, I was teaching my son about thunder and lightning.  When we got out of the car, we heard a clap of thunder and as we watched the sky light up, he shouted, “Look, Lightning McQueen!’” Erin Garzica, Pottstown,PA

Antonia, 2

“We were discussing our next car purchase in front of Antonia.  When I asked her if we should get a minivan, she replied “No, how about a Mickey van?’”  Lara Kristofer; St. Charles, IL

Mia, 4

“While hanging out with her dad one evening, my daughter exclaimed, “Holy lobster!”  he replied, Holy Lobster?  Why hold lobster?”  She said, “Because Mommy said I can’t say ‘holy crab’”  Stephanie Lashae; Austin, TX

April 2013 Parents Magazine
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May
17
2013 New Atlanta City Guide for Moms/kids Launch Party – Red Tricycle
{shoping mamas}

{shopping mamas}

Look who’s rolling in to town!  Check out Red Tricycle Atlanta.  It’s a Digital City Guide for parents looking for something fun to do with their little ones.

Dozens of moms and a few dads took the night off from mommy duties Wednesday night and instead sipped bubbly, enjoyed lite bites and did some shopping at the Seed Factory.  Red Tricycle Atlanta officially launched in Atlanta and their mission is simple –”to help parents have more fun with their kids.”

Red Tricycle is already in 7 US cities — which include New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle and Chicago.

{w red tri ceo/founder}

{w red tri ceo/founder jacqui boland}

Goody bags were handed out to each guests (mostly hard working moms).  My boys sure love their new Red Tricycle tees!

{goody bags}

{goody bags}

{red tri tees}

{red tri tees}

Be sure to check out the site www.redtricycle.com.
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May
15
2013 Hollywood Mom Angelina Jolie – Double Mastectomy
{with angelina}

{with angelina}

Angelina Jolie admits the decision to have her breasts removed wasn’t an easy one. Regardless of the reason, removing breast tissue is a very big deal and it’s major surgery.  She is very brave to do this for her family and to talk about it publicly.

I had the opportunity to meet this lovely lady a few years ago and  I’ll admit, I was a little nervous (or anxious) to sit down with her.  I mean, she’s sooo pretty.  What if I just wanted to stare at her beauty?  Fortunately, that didn’t happen and the interview went very well.

[beautiful woman/mother}

[beautiful woman/mother}

If you look past her perfectly formed features though, I think you will find what I did… Angelina is more than what you see on the outside.  She is a mother who deeply loves her 6 children and wants to provide for them in every way possible.

{jolie w twins}

{jolie w twins}

Angelina is constantly photographed often carrying a child on each arm.  And moms know this isn’t easy… kids are heavy!  She’s obviously doing much of the work herself.  As a mom, this is something greatly admired.

I’m sure she has plenty of helpers, but she came across to me as someone who wants to be like the rest of us… a philanthropist, a woman, a great mom. She told me being a mother is the best thing in life and because her partner, fiancee Brad Pitt, is so supportive … it works.  She talked about how Brad was touring the city with the kids – taking them to parks and museums in D.C. while she was working on the set of the movie Salt.

Jolie lost her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, to ovarian cancer in 2007. She was only 56 years old and never met their twins Knox and Vivienne. In the New York Times article, Angelina shared that she carries the high risk gene and had an 87% chance of getting breast cancer.  Because she wants to stick around for her kids, she chose to have the surgery.

“They can see my small scars and that’s it. Everything else is just Mommy, the same as she always was. And they know that I love them and will do anything to be with them as long as I can. ”

{with jon voight]

{with jon voight]

I’ve also had the opportunity to meet Jolie’s father, Jon Voight, a couple of times.  He’s an extremely nice man.  He told me how great it is to spend time with Angelina and his grandchildren.  But according to the NY Daily News, he didn’t know about the surgery and learned about it the way most of us did, from the media.

I really don’t believe this was some publicity stunt to make her more famous.  She certainly doesn’t need that.  I believe Angelina truly wants to be here for her children and help others when she can.

Go Angelina!  You are one GREAT mama!

Now… I can’t wait to see what the media does with her “new boobs” on the red carpet.  I’m sure that will be all of the talk then.  All she has to do is show up.
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May
14
2013 My Old Kentucky Home – peaceful moments in the world of craziness.
{on the farm}

{on the farm}

We returned last night from a 5 day trip to my hometown of Hopkinsville, Kentucky. We had a lovely mother’s day weekend and even surprised my big sis with her 50th birthday party.  We did lots of things people do in those parts.  Chuck E. Cheese’s, Red Lobster (nice people but won’t be going back there soon) and played in the yard.

{hanky pankys}

{fabulous and 50 with hanky pankys}

{nephew matthew}

{nephew matthew}

I was brave (or maybe crazy) enough to take the boys by myself on the 5 hour drive. That part was a little rough but once I was there, it was so nice to have family help with them. We seldom have the opportunity to have family watch the boys and not have to hire a sitter. So count your blessings if you have family nearby!

{chuck e. cheese's}

{mimi w lil man at chuck e. cheese’s}

I’ve been trying this morning to catch up on few things. But here’s a video I took out on my family’s farm. My grandfather once owned close to 200 acres there and the road is now named after him. There’s still lots of family living there so it’s always so nice to visit.

{red lobster}

{mother’s day brunch}

If you can, take a moment to watch the video and be sure to listen to the wind blow, the birds chirp and sounds of peacefulness. Take some deep breaths of the fresh air. aaaahhhhhhh….. I do hope you got to enjoy your weekend.

I’m starting a new job on air today.  I’m going in for training later and looking forward to it.  Stay tuned.

Happy Tuesday!
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May
08
2013 Popchips – healthy snacks for kids? We put them to test. {video}
{popchips}

{popchips}

Can there be such a thing as a healthy potato chip?  We’re told.. YES! Using no oils and no preservatives, PopChips are healthy snacks which are popped.. not baked… not fried.  So, we thought we would put them to the real test… and try them on a couple of picky 16 month old, active boys.  Here’s the outcome….

The new Katy Perry Kettle Corn chips are new and tasty.   Pop chips come in 5 varieties and are sold in thousands of stores in the US.  We LOVE them!!!
Posted in Life, mama tips, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments
May
07
2013 3 missing girls found after 10 years, HEROES among us, Sound bites abound

Have you seen this video? This is the full interview with the man Charles Ramsey, who helped save the life of those 3 girls missing in Cleveland.  The entire story is just so sad and to think what these young girls endured for the 10 years is heartbreaking.  I hope these girls can somehow recover from this terrible tragedy and try to live the rest of their lives in a fulfilled way.  Check out the full interview with Charles Ramsey.

With respect to the terrible situation, it is amazing this man did what he did.  A neighbor who wasn’t being nosy…  instead he took action and helped.  Those girls could still be held in captivity right now if it weren’t for him.  But listen to the entire interview.  There are so many soundbites in it that I’m sure it was tough for a reporter to decide which one to use!  As a reporter, that’s a good problem to have.

There is celebrating in his voice because these women and the community know they are now free.  Thank God.  I hope they can do what Elizabeth Smart did, find a way back to some sense of well being.

As for the neighbors, perhaps we can all learn from this, to remain vigilant and if we see anything unusual or if something doesn’t seem right, look in to it.  Don’t think you are being a nosy neighbor. Sadly, there are more missing people out there and perhaps this can give hope to desperate families everywhere and more missing people can be found.

Happy Tuesday!
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May
06
2013 Happy Monday! Intimacy Bra Fit Stylist, bringing out the best in women.
{birthday derby}

{birthday derby}

How was your weekend?  I hope it was a nice one! It was very rainy here in Atlanta.  I mean crazy rainy, a constant downpour Saturday and on and off rain Sunday.  But we did manage to have some family fun at a neighbor’s birthday party for their daughters and we watched the Kentucky Derby there.  We also went to a crawfish boil Sunday at a friends home who happens to be one of the BEST chefs in Atlanta.  (What a bonus!)

(intimacy - bra fit stylists}

(intimacy – bra fit stylists}

I also did something very empowering this weekend.  I had the opportunity to meet some extremely kind and fascinating women at 2 days of meetings Friday and Saturday.  I guess you can say they were seminars.  I didn’t know what I was getting in to but once I got there, I realized I was surrounded by amazing women who care about themselves, their community and others.  I got so much out of it.

{intimacy}

{intimacy}

Basically, I was asked to be an advocate for a company I have already endorsed for several years.  Intimacy now has 17 retail stores in the US which specialize in fitting women with the perfect bra.  Would you believe they have more than 90 sizes of bras to choose from?  YES 90!  I know.. sounds crazy.  I have dozens of pieces from the Buckhead store at Phipps Plaza. This place gets it right.  It’s amazing what a difference the right fit can make.  Plus – they are simply beautiful!

The company started with one fabulous lady name Susan Nethero.  Susan opened the doors to the very first INTIMACY in 1992 at Atlanta’s fashionable Phipps Plaza. Struggling her entire life to find lingerie that fit properly, she found haven in the European market and decided to bring the fit and fashion concept to the US.  When she was first featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2005 she became known as the “Bra Whisper” and women all across the US caught on and the store went gangbusters.  Susan is my friend and a woman I admire tremendously.

{intimacy}

{intimacy}

In the 2 days of meetings with the Intimacy ladies and the other fabulous women, I realized I had learned so much.  Not just about bras but also about self respect, confidence, giving and sharing.  There were 5 of us who were selected to be advocates for the company. All very different, but have a common ground of trying to be the best person we can be… and love feeling good from the inside out.

We learned about the long process it takes to make just one bra, the history of the company and we got to see and feel the beautiful fabric and materials they use.  Did you know it takes 2 years to make a bra from start to finish?  Again… crazy!

{happy behind the camera}

{happy behind the camera}

We also shot a video.  The women were asked to speak from their hearts.  They all did great.  It was an empowering couple of days with us being together and sharing our stories.

Happy Monday!
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May
04
2013 139th Kentucky Derby, Run for the Roses! Fashion + Fun!

{kentucky derby 2005}Being a Kentucky girl, I can’t help but LOVE the Kentucky Derby! I sure wish I could be there this year, but since I can still have fun betting on the races, looking at the fashion and simply enjoying the excitement from afar.  This photo was from a few years ago when hubby and I went to the derby.  So fun!

There is no such thing as a too outlandish hat.  Trust me, the bigger, the bolder, the better.  Recently, our English friends have been making the Fascinators very popular but I think the big and beautiful hats will continue to take the show.  Post time 6:24p today!

Happy Derby Day!

{previous derby}

{previous derby}

{previous derby}

{previous derby}

{previous derby}

{previous derby}

Here are a few links to help you enjoy your Derby Day.

139th Kentucky Derby.

The Oaks photos.

Jockey Kevin Krigger chases Kentucky Derby history first black winner since 1902.

Kentucky Derby gate crashers.

How to make a minute julep.

Kentucky Oaks wrap.
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