One Million Good Nights

For the fifth year, Atlanta-based Carter’s Babies and Kids is proud to partner with the Pajama Program’s “One Million Good Nights” campaign to donate 100,000 pairs of pajamas to children in need. The Carter’s pajama donation drive comes at a critical time as December marks “Danger Season,” the time of year when temperatures begin to drop leaving underserved children in need of warm sleepwear and comfort. Many of these children have been abused, abandoned or neglected and live in group homes, shelters or temporary housing without adequate heat. The gift of a new pair of pajamas can provide children in need with a glimmer of hope and a feeling that someone cares about their well-being. Every child deserves to sleep in their own pjs every night!

Give back this Holiday #TOMSforTarget

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Target via Mode Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target.

It’s hard to believe but the holidays are here. I’m not just talking about Thanksgiving that is next week, but Christmas is coming! The folks are already outside the mall ringing their bells. Truth be told, I already feel like I’m behind. I’m not even ready for Thanksgiving! Target is helping me get my life together with their new collaboration with TOMS, one of the top socially conscious brands. #TOMSforTarget has something for everyone!  

Mothers living with HIV #StopHIVTogether

Becoming a mother is a beautiful thing.  But it may not feel so beautiful if you found you were pregnant and HIV positive at the same time.  Both Michelle and Masonia share their story of living with HIV and being a mother.  Please listen to these brave mother's stories on they live their lives with HIV.

Bloomingdales + Atlanta Women's Foundation

One in four single moms living in the Atlanta metro area live below the poverty line.  Everyday 81,000 women and girls wake up in poverty.  Across the country, poverty rates for women are higher than men.  The Atlanta Women's Foundation is on a mission to help change the lives of women and to end generational poverty.  I recently had the honor of recently participating in a Bloomingdale's fashion preview and shopping event that would support the Atlanta Women's Foundation.  

Jacket, (similar) | Top, Rebecca Taylor | Skinny Jeans, Paige | Bag, Coach | Shoes, Ash

Write Chicago Teen Workshop by Urban Shake

Next Sunday, January 5th, Urban Shake will host Write Chicago, a "sicker than your average" writing workshop for teens in my hometown of Chicago!  I would have loved to attend a fun writing event like this when I was a teen.  I'm my thirties and still trying to learn how to write.  Write Chicago is a FREE event!  Perfect place for teens to explore creative writing for self-expression in music, mass media and more.

21st Jeffrey Fashion Cares

The 21st Jeffrey Fashion Cares took over  lobby of the American Cancer Society Center in Downtown Atlanta.  Jeffrey Fashion Cares is the largest combined AIDS and breast cancer benefits in the country and the one of Atlanta's most coveted fashion events!  The event was filled with fashionable Atlanta socialites, stars from Married to Medicine, Big Rich Atlanta and the Atlanta Housewives. 

Dress, Cache (super old)/ Clutch, Gucci/ Shoes, Christian Louboutin 

Jeffrey Hosts Fall Fashion Preview

Monday evening I had the honor of attending an exclusive fall fashion preview event at Jeffrey Atlanta in Phipps Plaza.  During the event, guest got a sneak peek at runway looks from the upcoming Jeffrey Fashion Cares 2013, to be held on Monday, August 26th. Jeffrey Fashion Cares annual fundraiser is the pinnacle fashion event in Atlanta.  This annual fashion event benefits the Atlanta Aids fund and Susan G. Komen for the Cure - Greater Atlanta Affiliate. Jeffrey Fashion Cares (Atlanta and New York) has grown into one of the largest combined AIDS and breast cancer benefits in the country having raised over $11 million.  

All White Everything at Derby Hatwalk

Saturday was the 3rd Annual Derby Hatwalk Brunch at Villa Christina.  This event was pretty amazing!  The ladies pulled out their fabulous hats and dresses to mix and mingle for a great cause! Derby Hatwalk is an annual charity that benefits TRIP, an national organization that helps to rebuild communities across the country!  

My morning got off to a rocky start!  The zipper broke on my original fabulous dress right before I was planning to walk out of the house!!!  So I had to switch some things up real quick but was still late!  Then, I had to chase after my hat in the parking garage after it blew off my head!  I also tried to take a short cut to get out of the garage and got locked in a stairway!  But the day turned out amazing and my back-up dress looked pretty good! 

Channeling Jackie O with my hat : ).  Wearing Milani lipstick in Flamingo Pose.

3rd Annual Derby Hatwalk Brunch + #Giveaway

The 3rd Annual Derby Hatwalk Brunch will be taking place on Saturday, May 11th in Atlanta!  I have the honor of being one of the Derby Hatwalk Bloggers for the event!  Egypt Sherrod from HGTV and V103 will host the brunch!  

Derby Hatwalk Brunch is an annual charity event that brings women together to celebrate sisterhood and service, and fellowship in high style by paying homage to the tradition of the Kentucky Derby. Ladies strut their fabulous hats on the Hatwalk and compete for special prizes. Guest will enjoy food, cocktails, vendors, live entertainment and goodie bags.  All proceeds from the Derby Brunch Hatwalk benefit T.R.I.P. (Travel.Rebuild. Inspire. Progress), a national non-for-profit organization that helps to rebuild and revitalize communities across the country.  T.R.I.P. hosts and facilitates volunteer-vacations and community service projects throughout the year.

image via Derby Hatwalk

Monochromatic + Puffs Kisses

Earlier this week I got to attend an awesome event sponsored by Puffs at Adore Salon in Atlanta to support Dress for Success!   I tried to do something different and rock a monochromatic look.  They say it's supposed to make you look thinner....I need all the thin looking I can get!

Blouse, F21 (similar)/ Coated Jeans, H+M (similar)/ Necklace, H+M/ Pumps, Shoe Dazzle/ Handbag, Marc Jacobs (similar)

Fashion Uncorked Show for Easter Seals

Saturday, the annual Fashion Uncorked fashion show competition went down at the Americas Mart in Atlanta.  If you did not attend you missed out on an awesome event, benefiting Easter Seals of North Georgia!   Easter Seals helps to aid children and families with special needs and disabilities   You can find more information about Easter Seals HERE.  Fashion Uncorked is a completion between ten up and coming designers to battle it out on the runway designing a evening gown and day wear for women and a children's outfit.

Partner with Touchstone Crystal for Holiday Hurricane Rebound

Touchstone Crystal Division of Swarovski has launched a Holiday Hurricane Rebound campaign to support its mompreneurs. 

Before being contacted by Touchstone Crystal, I was unfamiliar with the brand.  I was surprised to see the beautiful designs at reasonable prices!  Each product in the Touchstone Crystal line is made with Swarovski Crystal and follows its strict quality guidelines.

Touchstone Crystal's traditional method of marketing is working with individual entrepreneurs that host in-home parties to generate sales.  A lot of the East Coast Entrepreneurs have been effected hurricane Sandy!  Some of these small business owners and their customers are without power, heat and homes!

This “Holiday Hurricane Rebound” campaign will allow individuals from anywhere in the country to partner with a specific Touchstone Crystal small business owner on the East Coast whose circumstances have been effected by the storm to the degree that her or his ability to generate income in their community via traditional means is seriously challenged. Participants will have a chance to connect with a Touchstone Crystal entrepreneur directly, online or via telephone, and set up an online jewelry sales party during the holiday season. In addition to initiating this campaign and working to help secure party partners and facilitate the parties, Touchstone Crystal will make double jewelry credit awards available to remote hosts who choose to sign up for this program.

Are you interested in hosting Touchstone Crystal party to help these ladies?  For more information on the “Holiday Hurricane Rebound” campaign by Touchstone Crystal by Swarovski, visit www.touchstonecrystal.com/holidayhurricanerebound.

Cox Conserve Hero Awards at WSB-TV

Last Wednesday, I was invited to celebrate Cox Conserves Hero at WSB-TV in Atlanta.  Cox Conserves Hero created by Cox Enterprises, honors environmental volunteers and donates to local nonprofits on their behalf.  

Shop Pink for a Cure

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  It is very exciting to see so many companies stepping up to support the cause!  I am awesome supporting the cause by shopping!  Here are a few Pink items that have caught my eye.

Weekend Style: New Toms

I hope everyone had a great weekend!  Happy Columbus Day!  Peyton loves fall just as much as I do!  She love the leaves.  

Shop for Success

Have you ever seen a women in a professional environment and thought to yourself or out loud, what is she wearing?  Be honest!  We judge but we don't know the story behind what she is wearing.  Did you ever think she may have had to runaway from an abusive relationship and only could grab a bag of clothes?  Lost everything in a fire or natural disaster?  She grew up on the streets and doesn't know any better but she wants to make a change? Thank God for Dress for Success! 

Dress for Success is a non-profit that helps women prepare for new careers by providing them with interview coaching, suiting, and help build confidence!  Dress for Success Atlanta is hosting an awesome VIP shopping event, Shop for Success on October 5!  All proceeds from the event will benefit Dress for Success Atlanta.

Here is more info regarding the event:

The event kicks off with a private VIP shopping party on Friday, October 5 from 7:00 – 10:30 pm.  Atlanta designers and fashion boutiques will showcase their fall/winter lines and offer exclusive deals.

Emme, the iconic American Supermodel, television personality, author, and global advocate for positive image, will headline the 2012 Shop for Success VIP Event raising funds to support Dress for Success Atlanta.  Joining Emme, is Atlanta’s own Fox 5 News anchor, Lisa Rayam, and Kelly Smith Beaty, Vice-President of Marketing and Communications for Dress for Success Worldwide will serve as Mistress of Ceremony.  (Read More)

The evening includes a celebrity red carpet for photo opportunities, spirits from Little Black Dress Vodka and Sinless Cocktails, yummy bites , and the musical entertainment of DJ Blak Magic.  Complimentary valet parking is provided for all attendees.  Shop for Success will also boast a mystery gift bag and silent auction.  VIP attendees can participate in a unique raffle with multiple offerings, and special grand prize drawings valued at over $2,000.

Shop for Success VIP party tickets are $100 per person.  All proceeds from Shop for Success VIP ticket sales benefit Dress for Success Atlanta, a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.

Click HERE to get your tickets to the Shop for Success! Or visit www.shopforsuccess.org.  Hope to see you there!

*I was not compensated for this post

4G4 Charity Event with Verizon

 Last Wednesday Mister and I attended the Verizon 4G4 Charity Big Reveal with Jezebel/Atlanta Magazine event in Atlanta.  This event was to reveal the winners of the 4G4 Charity competition between local Atlanta celebrities to win tablets and $4G for the charity of their choice.

Make the 1st Five Count with Easter Seals

I had the great opportunity to sit down and chat with Donna Davidson, President of North Georgia Easter Seals about Make The First Five Count campaign.  Did you know that 1 in 5 households with children have a child with special needs?  Check out these facts below.

Diaper Jam Recap

On June 3rd I co-hosted the Summer Diaper Jam at Kangazoom benefiting Atlanta Diaper Relief.   Atlanta Diaper Relief is a non-profit that helps those that can not afford diapers.

Atlanta Moms: Diaper Summer Jam!

It's almost here!  The Diaper Summer Jam benefiting Atlanta Diaper Relief is going down this Sunday, June 3rd from 1-4pm.

Join us for playing, music and food with  the kids!   ADULTS: make sure you bring socks too!  RSVP HERE!  See you there!