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More than a "day that will live in infamy," December 7th is World Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Awareness Day. If you've never been pregnant with twins, you've probably never heard of this syndrome that if detected (and treated) early enough (and often enough) in utero, often results in surviving multiples. Unfortunately, sometimes even with the interventions, one baby or even both babies are lost. Take a moment to learn a little more about this syndrome that impacts too many twin pregnancies by visiting the TTTS Foundation.
Perhaps light a candle (or two) -- and if you pray, say a prayer (or two) -- in observance of TTTS Awareness Day.
As a twin mama of two healthily carried and born children -- who daily acknowledges that blessing -- you know what I'll be doing from 5:00 - 5:15pm December 7th.
Consider joining me.
--Allie
Motivated to add more meaning to your holiday giving? Check out our listing of Presents for a Purpose.
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So my December issue of Cookie arrived yesterday with the stunning Brooke Shields and her gorgeous girlies on the cover. All three ladies are decked out for the season throughout the spread inside -- which is paired with Brooke's insights on motherhood and its meaning for her. Having read her incomparable Down Came the Rain, which so candidly described her harrowing experience with post-partum depression, the article was particularly heartwarming to me.
On a far more superficial level, within the piece, Ms. Shields is wearing gowns galore, one of which in particular caught my attention. A quick foray over to designer Robert Danes' site revealed this little number in holiday green...  Think I know how I'll be decked in the halls this December! Fa, la, la, la, la...la, la, la, la! --Allie PS - Don't you think this cuff would be lovely with it?
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...and everything in its place. Or as was demonstrated this past Thursday, a place for everyone and everyone in their place. Our clan traversed over the river and through the woods (well, into the car and over the highway to be more accurate) to Grandmama's house and was she ever ready to welcome!
Nine of her grandchildren were in attendance, and as is Grandmama's way, the kiddie table was outfitted not only with calligraphed placecards for each tiny diner, but a brightly colored Crocodile Creek placemat unique to each eater's perceived interests.
For my our family's future astronaut:
For the future florist:
For the nephew who appreciates the Westminster Dog Show much more than the Macy's Parade:
For Mai:
For Ringo:
After the meal, grown relatives were regaled with a panoply of pertinent facts on the array of placemat subject matter. (For instance, I'll always remember this Thanksgiving as the one wherein I learned dogs actually have three eyelids!) Naturally, each child was sent home with kisses galore and their own table topper.
Here's hoping Grandmama makes the passing of the placemats an annual tradition...we'd love the whole collection!
--Allie
PS - While we all continue the giving of thanks for our many blessings, let's be sure to extend the grace outwards. Go check out our Purpose Presents gift list!
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...and the most earth-conscious, too!
As most of you already know, I am always on the look out for ways to minimize waste, and have I ever happened upon a phenomenal find!
While eating my mid-day meal with "the lunch bunch" in my nephew's elementary school today (Mai and Ringo shared the time with their aunt), I became enthralled with the little gal who was sitting to my left. Along with her apple slices, veggie chips, soy milk and yogurt from her lunch box, she extracted a little chocolate-colored packet. She undid a velcro closure, opened the fold, appeared to read the inside, smiled widely, and then pulled out a child-sized pink calico cloth napkin from an interior pocket. Age is irrelevant; if a fellow female possesses an accessory of note, Auntie Allie's asking for details!
As it turns out, her little lunch box lovely is called a Happikin. (I even wrote it down so I'd not forget once my nephew and I had consumed the last of our cookies!)
A quick peek online reveals a tidbit that shouldn't surprise: the creator of the Happikins is mama! Committed to living in a more planet protecting mode, she's created the Happikins to help reduce the 18,000 pounds of waste generated by the average elementary school each year. A small step perhaps, but great distances are accomplished via compounded small steps!
Needless to say, my nephew's set is already on order! (Hmmm, and maybe I should consider some stocking stuffers for Skye and Ben...)
Here's hoping by the time my twins enter school Happikins will be on the required supplies list; but even if they're not, rest assured Ringo and Mai will each have a set!
(Side note: Apparently my little lunch-eating seatmate was reading the inside of her Happikins pouch! A panel of the interior cloth is treated, so a note may be written with dry erase marker and erased daily. Genius!)
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Respect Mother Earth.
---Allie
PS - Speaking of creative thinking and gift ideas, have you checked out our 2008 Posh Cravings Gift Guide for Divine Dads? Do!
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In New England, Old Lady Winter packs a powerfully frigid punch. Babes in Boston know the necessity of a nice seasonal coat...or two...or three...
Sweeter than any mojito -- but equally intoxicating -- are the warming wonders of MINT Jodi Arnold. My Newbury Street strolls will be made not only more comfortable, but more couture, by donning this, my joy-bringing new jacket.
Pictured here with long black leather gloves (which always work), I've gone ahead and acquired a pair of pale finger warmers to complement my coat of choice in sixties mod style. Edie Sedgwick and Sienna Miller have moved me! Have you found your fall fashion topper yet this season? Do tell! Keep warm! -Allie PS -- If anyone can find opera length leather gloves in kelly green, please pass along the purveyor! Thanks!
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You know you want to sing it!
"I'm a Yankee Doodle Dan--dy, a Yankee Doodle Do or Die..." (Feel free to add a Jimmy Cagney jig if you're so moved.)
All our talk of Boston as late brings to mind the legendary accents, the pride in heritage, and the readily identifiable role of things deemed "Yankee." There's an inexplicably comforting quality about America's northeast; and when I cannot be there in body, I vicariously indulge by perusing one of my favorite periodicals...
Travel tips, luscious recipes, advertisements for Mom & Pop locations through which one can access fresh Maine blueberries...it's a cover-to-cover read for me each month. If you're planning a trip to New England, be sure to bone up beforehand!
When it comes to magazines, this one's my Yankee Doodle joy!
--Allie
PS - Have you checked out the first of our "fierce" Fall Finds? Do!
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...the suck urge and the skull motif urge!
Check out this sinister skeletally-themed soother!
Offered by the same squad of entrepreneurs that introduced the infamous "Billy Bob" teeth (of which we saw more than a few sets this Halloween), this punk rock paci will surely be the hit of every playground and playdate.
A bit too brazen a binky for your baby? Pondering potentially long lines Tuesday at the voting booth with a baby (or in my case, babies) in tow? Look what my little ones will be latching onto while we wait...
Novelty nuknuks...why not? They may be silly, but they don't suck! (sorry, couldn't resist...)
Wishing us all angelic -- and accessorized -- darlings as we accomplish our adult patriotic duty this Election Day.
-Allie
PS - Have you cast your e-ballot on the PoshCravings.com presidential poll? Last I checked the two major candidates were tied at 50% to 50% -- go vote!
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...or at least inside his head!
Sure, most of us are familiar with his soup cans, his Marilyns, his Jackie O's and Elvises (or is that Elvis-ii?), but it's a lesser known of Andy Warhol's subject matter muses that entices me...particularly at this time of year.
The superlative silk-screen printings (as with so many of his other works) have ever-so-slight variations from one print to the next...almost a DNA individuality for what might at first glimpse seem at the barest bones (sorry!) identical.
Whether you're moved to make a Warhol skull print purchase as a spiritual reminder of our temporal earth-bound lives, as a wall-mounted conversation starter at any function you might host, or as a wise investment in art to pass along to the progeny, as Hamlet might contemplate "To Buy, or Not to Buy, that is the question."
Next year, I'm going to pass on the plastic pumpkins and add a few of these high art hauntings to my house.
--Allie
PS - Have you peeked at our bony best bets this week? Go cast a glance their way....
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She may have been the brunt of jokes for her fashion sense (or what some pundits declared, the lack of), but I'd like to go out on a limb and prefess no one in recent history has worked a pantsuit with the potential presidential flair of Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Gutsy in her color choices, creatively crafty in her cuts selected, it's obvious Hillary's adopted uniform undergirds her with confidence and positively perceived professionalism.
Since we've been expounding on style statements of government gals, removed from the race or no, Mrs. Clinton's contribution to the landscape of looks this year merit a mention. As it turns out, many of Hill's most perfect pantsuits have been custom-made by the superlative Susanna of Beverly Hills. Inexpensive they're not, but as the RNC demonstrated recently, decking out a candidate on the trail takes investment!
An on-camera cutaway of Ms.Clinton at the recent Alfred E. Smith dinner revealed a glitteringly gorgeous evening jacket, with which I have to imagine a pairing of elegant pants resided under the table.
While her look may not be one suited for all, my hat is off to Hillary -- not only for breaking that glass ceiling, but for breaking with forced fashion expectations that might not mesh with her personal style. Whether you espouse her political views or not, you've got to respect her individuality.
Peace amidst politics--
Allie
PS - Have you voted for your favorite fashionista on the ballot this year? We've got all sorts of vehicles where you can cast your ballot (in secret!) before November 4th! Let your opinions be known!
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Jo Malone. Fragrance-creating femme par excellence. English entrepreneur. Wife. Mother. Breast cancer survivor.
Motivated by her own experience and moved by the plight of others', Jo has created an entirely crave-able scent composed from the essences of seven sensory-pleasing roses from around the globe.
During the month of October, Malone will be donating a portion of the profits from the North American and UK sales of her exquisite fragrance Red Roses to breast cancer research.
Nothing quite like the sweet smell of sisterly support!
-Allie
PS - Speaking of sweet smells, one of our lovely ladies on the forums has shared a sinful-sounding dessert recipe. Looking at the list of ingredients, I think I know the scent that will fill my kitchen tomorrow....
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Despite my teenage, hair-panicked protestations, my mama always admonished, "Wear a hat, Honey. Your body's heat escapes through your head."
Now -- with two little new noggins to protect -- I've embraced Mai and Ringo's grandma's mindset, and am ever on the hunt for chic chapeaux.
My latest find? Check out this chunky-knit number by Sand Cassel Kids (the children's division of the long-lauded Goorin Brothers hatmakers):
Called the "Bandit," it comes in Olive, Navy, Brown and Black...shades suitable (and interchangeable) for both my sweethearts. Friend of PoshCravings and owner of Tough Cookies, Shannon Komsky confirms I'm not alone in my taste; Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale recently purchased one in her Sherman Oaks shop for new big brother, Kingston!
Doesn't it look doubly adorable when paired with his curls? Have you discovered a cute cap for keeping your kids' heads cuddly warm? Do tell.....I'm always in the market, times two! --Allie PS - If you're concerned about your mussed hair after wearing a hat, consider picking up this special edition Hana Professional Flat Iron -- $25 from your purchase will go to the Susan Komen Fund for the Cure.
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