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Monday, April 29th, 2013
I met Kristin Swenson through two women with whom I have shared a great deal of history, philanthropy and laughs. When Jill Seiman and Nicole Feliciano made the introduction via their super fashionable Monday Mingle I felt lucky to have met Kristin. She struck me as chic and capable (juggling content creation, parenting and sharing her POV like a pro). But more than that, Kristin was all about the heart of the matter and super committed to all that she valued. The more I got to know Kristin the more I understood what moved, motivated and had meaning to her - and the more I knew, the more I adored her. She’s got range but more than that Kristin has integrity that wraps the whole package up with a stunning bow! I have seen her step up over and again — never holding back when there was a way to contribute. Kristin, a beautiful mother of two is all that and more — philanthropic, fashionable and full of love — meet my friend, Kristin Swenson!
Kristin Swenson
What makes you a Philanthropic Mom?
Thanks to my mother, who has been an active volunteer her whole life, I’ve been exposed to community service since I was a child and have volunteered, myself, for various organizations over the years including March of Dimes, the Humane Society and local shelters.
What is an early or stand-out memory of community service, philanthropic commitment or another way in which you felt strongly connected to an issue in the bigger world?
From a very early age, my mother stressed how important it is to give back. I remember joining her at March of Dimes walkathons as a youngster and having so much fun!
Who was your biggest philanthropic influence?
My mother and sister are incredibly inspirational to me. I can’t remember a year in the last couple decades when they weren’t involved with at least one philanthropic effort. They’ve organized many drives including holiday card collections for deployed troops, bedding collections for the Joshua House, a home for abused children, and coat collections for local residents in need. In fact, after having a very difficult pregnancy and now running around after two kiddos, I haven’t volunteered regularly and it’s my family who has inspired me to push past that mama exhaustion of mine and get back out there!
What about being a Philanthropic Mom makes you most proud?
I feel that my most important job is to raise children who will leave the world a better place and exposing them to the joys of philanthropy makes me proud. This past Christmas I took my four year old to pick out toys to donate and seeing him really get how amazing helping others can feel was so special!
What is the legacy of change you want to leave behind?
My children are my legacy and I hope that I’ll be remembered for raising kind and giving people.
What would your kids say about all of this?
They’re still quite small, but I hope that someday they’ll say they’re proud of their mama. I can’t imagine a better complement!
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Friday, April 12th, 2013
As I am writing this, it is a gloomy, rainy day. Still, as I put pen to paper (ok fingers to keys) there feels to be sunshine. Just glancing at the picture below brings a smile to my face. And that is the Nancy Horn effect. Nancy is one of those highly effervescent souls, a truly bubbly and bright woman who brings enthusiasm and light to all she touches. My history with Nancy is not as long as it is rich. She has brought her amazing bounty to the world of Forty Weeks and to me personally over and again. Lucky, lucky me! She is a most reliable ally, a kind soul and the one whose love for the world leaves a lasting impression. I am so happy to share with you a little sunshine today in the form of my friend, Nancy Horn.
Nancy Horn
What makes you a Philanthropic Mom?
I try to give what I can, when I can, as much as I can. It’s just what should be done. If someone needs help, I try my best to provide it, whether it’s financial, goods, or my time….
What is an early or stand-out memory of community service, philanthropic commitment or another way in which you felt strongly connected to an issue in the bigger world?
Definitely through the Girl Scouts. I was a Brownie, starting in first grade and I remember working on service projects with them. Later on, I worked at a jewish camp, Surprise Lake Camp (for years) that had a lot of scholarship campers (I had also been one). I loved connecting with the Russian Campers, many that were new to this country. In my late twenties to early thirties, I taught in East Harlem for five years, in a school with many children that lived in the surrounding projects. I spent a lot of my own money on supplies and gave my time before and after school to create the best educational and social experience to my students.
Who was your biggest philanthropic influence?
My mother was very active in the local women’s chapter of ORT .
What about being a Philanthropic Mom makes you most proud?
While I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for the past seven years, I try to donate what I can to organizations like Baby Buggy, which is a wonderful source for parents in need. I’ve also walked in 5Ks and have donated the money I earned for charity. I also financially support my former summer camp, Surprise Lake Camp, with donations every year and I’ve volunteered my time to plan alumni events for them.
What is the legacy of change you want to leave behind?
I want my children to know that we should always try always be grateful that we are healthy and have a roof over our heads at night. That should be the reason to help others less fortunate than ourselves.
How do you involve your children?
Recently, we tried to do a lot for Hurricane Sandy Victims. My oldest child (who had just turned seven at the time) helped me select toiletries, clothes, and goods to pack up for victims. We took them with us to the local donation site and let them help with sorting the items we bought. He also helped me wrap presents for the Hurricane Sandy Christmas Party that one of my friends organized, and pack up the supplies we bought for the party.
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Friday, April 12th, 2013
Try imagining a place where it’s always safe and warm
“Come in”, she said, “I’ll give you shelter from the storm”
Bob Dylan
Thank you Amy Oztan for capturing the essence of what time together with you and Jennifer Perillo feels like to me…
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Tuesday, March 19th, 2013
I heard about Melisa Fluhr long before I met her. And not through the industry loop either, though her husband with whom I had known and cultivated a friendship in my own travel circles. He spoke so glowingly of his wife — literally this man was over the moon for this smart, savvy, beautiful and ambitious woman who was his bride. I remember one conversation so well – we were walking through Union Square and I thought the whole of the experience to be remarkable. What love, pride and complete respect! Fast forward to that “ah-ha” moment when we are both in Las Vegas at ABC Kids and I suddenly “get” who she is. And of course, it makes perfect sense. Because Melisa is just the woman her husband had described. She is at once easy but also focused in all the best ways. Melisa gets it done (and then some) and brings all the best people along for the ride. Melisa is above all else loving. She bring her beaming smile and near contagious laughter to every room she enters. She finds the humor in almost every situation – adding much needed levity and release from otherwise taxing moments. She is engaging, energized and completely committed to her dreams. Melisa not only talks the talk but she also walks the walk and where she goes, I will follow!
Melisa Fluhr
Project Nursery
What makes you a Philanthropic Mom?
What makes me a Philanthropic Mom? I think for me, it’s making the extra effort, as a busy mom, to carve out time for causes that are near and dear to both me and my family. This year my focus was on FACES, “Finding a Cure for Epilepsy and Seizures”.
But honestly speaking, I wish I could have been a “Philanthropic Mom” much sooner in my mom career. It’s taken both circumstance and the fact the my kids are finally starting school to truly focus on this area of my life. My younger self had always just assumed that once becoming a mother, I’d have plenty of time for causes (little did I know!) so it’s taken time to get here.
What is an early or stand-out memory of community service, philanthropic commitment or another way in which you felt strongly connected to an issue in the bigger world?
I’ve always done community service through school, work, church, etc and I’ve genuinely felt for every single cause I’ve helped whether physically and financially. Our eldest Austin however, has battled with Epilepsy since 9 months of age. That’s when I said to myself, I am going to take this cause and make it mine. When something like Epilepsy hits home—a condition with no real answers—there’s nothing more important than wanting to save your child and all those suffering from it.
Who was your biggest philanthropic influence?
That’s easy, my parents, Dan and Lucy McHale. Growing up, my parents often made helping others a family event. We once went on a trip where the purpose was to drop off warm clothes, toys and supplies to families in need. I remember it being so cold and seeing families with so little. I don’t remember how old I was at the time, but I remember it well. My parents simple, loving actions established the importance of giving back later in life from a very young age. I am proud of the time and work they have committed to “The Daughters of Charity” over the years and then some.
What about being a Philanthropic Mom makes you most proud?
Seeing my friends and family willing to jump in and help support a cause that’s important to me means the world. The people I have crossed paths with over the years offering their support is a pretty darn awesome. It makes me really proud to call them my friends.
What is the legacy of change you want to leave behind?
Ha! No legacy needed. Just that my kids get involved in causes that will help others. And that they grow up to be kind, helpful and giving.
What would your kids say about all of this?
They don’t get it just yet. Right now, they just wonder where I take all their toys. I tell them that there are kids in this world with no toys. They respond with, “What! What are you talking about? or How can that be?” each and every time. I just chuckle and then watch them let go of their toys with ease. I think they get it now.
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Tuesday, December 4th, 2012
Talk about a break from the everyday (for the commoners of course)…what fun it is to imagine what comes next – love, marriage, now a ROYAL baby carriage! Luckily for me I have surrounded myself with some of the very best in the bump and baby business who have offered to share their POV on the HRH on the way! How about a quick inside line one all things for the bundle of joy on the way for Prince William and Catherine the Dutchess of Cambridge:
Royal Names
HRH names are serious business…and one best handled by the true experts! Baby Name Candy (just the name is a treat!!) is my ONLY stop for insights on the very emotional yet exact art of naming.
Here are some of their early but savvy insights. Keep checking back to their site – as the Prince and Dutchess make their way through their Forty Weeks of name negotiations together.
Some quick vitals – Baby Name Candy shares that in the last 1000 years -there have only been 66 monarchs with only 30 names used – talk about a limited but prestigious field!
They also suggest that we get ready for a traditional, long-winded name filled with nostalgic tributes (think Princess Diana).
Some early favorites:
Girls: There more options for girls than for boys (namely by feminizing a traditional male name to create a gender-appropriate version such as Victoria or Charlotte). The pool also includes names in use in the current generation such as Georgia (my personal favorite) or Henrietta.
Boys: A little prince could be a nod to Grand-papa Phillip or even a classic like John.
Nursery
Where will the Royal sweet thing slumber? This one is both personal in nature yet highly visual in outcome. What a question! Good thing I have got the direct-dial bat phone to the one true way to answer this question – by the duo of Melisa and Pam at Project Nursery! They’ve offered us a sneak peak though the lens of their super savvy eye to see just what a royal nursery might look:
GIRLIE GOLDS ROYAL NAVY
Look for a world of design inspiration on Project Nursery – especially worth the wander are their pinterest boards which will leave you completely giddy from the idea of guilded nurseries and royal round-ups!
Gear
When I think out and about with baby I think ChildMode. So, I called on the queen bee of all things gracious and on the go to ask what we might expect to see strolling around the royal gardens. Nadia was generous and gracious sharing a few outing worthy ideas:
“Thanks to my Grandmother’s love for the royals I’ve been a fan of the British monarchy since I was just a child. So to say that I was thrilled to hear this baby news would be an understatement!
All eyes and cameras will be on Kate from here on in – even more so then the past. It will be interesting to see what gear Catherine chooses for her new addition, although I can be fairly certain the Balmoral Silver Cross Stroller will be just one of the buggies she opts for. Silver Cross has been trusted by the British Royal Family for generations. During travels and quick outings however? My bet is on Baby Jogger’s City Elite.
With so many gorgeous diaper bags out there, it is hard to choose just 1, so I picked two. My bet is on the new Black and White Diaper Bag from Burberry and Storksak’s quilted Elizabeth.
Highchairs are another must-have for babies and although I feel the new Fresco Chrome is fresh, modern and ‘in’ - just the thing for William and Kate’s little one - this oval distressed piece from Posh Tots is more suited for visits to Grandma’s Buckingham Palace.
The new Cybex Aton 2 is packed with ease of use, safety and functionality, making it deal for the little prince or princess.”
Thank you to Jennie, Laura, Melisa, Pam and Nadia for your interest and always clever insights. We’ll all stay tuned…
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Wednesday, November 28th, 2012
Jessica Simpson gets glowing – again!
Usually the holidays mark the beginning of the Bump Cycle — you know the old wive’s tales: cold nights, holiday cheer and short days lead to many late summer into fall babies. Some (ok me) predict a bit of a boom (SandyBoom that is) as byproduct of the horrid devastation a of Super-storm Sandy that swept through the East Coast in October. All of this remains in play.
What is curious is not about babies…but the way in which the Family Way dominated the Weeklies… This week the Bump Cycle started early:
December 3 issue of US Weekly is all about a blushing Kate Middleton and a smirky Prince William and a very royal baby watch – a non-story (Royals having sex hoping for positive results by Christmas) morphs into the cover story -simply put William and Kate getting busy on the way to baby story — as in “we plan to get pregnant” (even I must stand up and applaud that spin — brilliant really!). No pregnancy but intention and action…
Not be undone by themselves – US Weekly pops the news today – Jessica Simpson annouces via an exclusive in the December 10th issue of US Weekly (spotted on-line today) that she is pregnant with baby number two — Surprise! Seven months into motherhood with her long-time fiancé they are over-the-moon (of course!)
December 10 -People magazine’s cover is all about Brad Pitt getting personal! And thus, People becomes the big old baby validator. A sexy, mature and confident (possible bias alert) Brad Pitt shares that parenting has made him a better man – which is great news for both Prince William and Eric Johnson.
And thus the Bump Cycle has hit full stride and early this year. Outstanding questions remain – how many covers will each one of these pregnancies garner? Is there an over-under on the on-line coverage? And of course, who might be next?
This week, in an interview about my work connecting celebrities with nonprofit organizations focused on the critical needs of at-risk families PR Week mentioned that I was an early leader in celebrity baby trend – may I please just say “not it”….
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Thursday, November 1st, 2012
So much has been said about how brands are not showing their best face during this post-Sandy clean-up and crisis. I have seen it too – insensitivity played out my brands in all forums over and again. There are a myriad of reasons ranging from inexperience (the question of who is in charge of your brand’s voice bubbles up again) to forgetfulness (that masterful auto delivery that ends up biting you in the tush) and more.
Rather than going “there” – let’s try this — let’s notice who is doing well…
There are brands that are doing it right and even some that are doing an exempliary job of finding the right tone and content — creating an approriate message and delivering it well.
My winner (by a landslide):
J. Crew and Madewell for emailing this pitch perfect note:
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Tuesday, October 30th, 2012
Let me simply begin with I’ve been there. Powerless. Literally, figuratively – I have been without power. This year I’ve already logged my fair share of ”PEPCO is a no-go” hours. Ten days this summer of spoiled food, sweltering heat, basement living…not the end of the world, but by no means ideal. I have been there personally too as I navigate my way though some murky health waters. Again not killing, just making stronger…
So as the weather report and predictions for a severe Hurricane Sandy hitting the East Coast began to surface (and scare!) so too did my agenda began to take form. I began to plot my own plan to keep my power. Not via Pepco mind you, rather via the kindness of my beloved team at W hotels, the trust of my MIA (ok he is not missing, but he is in Beijing) husband and my overarching desire to turn this into a positive experience for all of us. My plan was simple: Check into the W, Washington DC with the kids, with the dog and with a lot of good energy. Bring excitement and adventure to a scenario that might otherwise create fear and anxiety. Offer up equal parts of security and silly - enough to weather the storm you might say…
And so we did. We loaded up the car and checked in – me doing my very best Auntie Mame, N. Leah (my Mommom), Mama Bear – off for an adventure. It began with a family bar dine and Sam’s super VIP tour of the property (such great history there at the former Hotel Washington). Next we introduced Addie to the neighborhood via a walk which then required a little puppy nap! And finally, late-day Monday we all just found our groove. Hanging in the most comfortable of rooms, watching the sky darken and the wind pick up- we watched movies, played games and just stayed close. We took cookies and espresso (for Mama of course) in the room and enjoyed the sheer luxury of it all. The sum was so much greater than the (remarkable) parts – it was not just the room nor the views (which were quintessential Washington -with grey skies and high, blustering winds seen having their way in the many fiercely flapping flags of the Treasury and other Federal buildings that surround the hotel), nor was it just the decadent cookies or even the amazing gift of all of us in one space with nowhere to go and nothing on our agendas. It seemed to me it was about showing my kids and reminding myself that there are ways to find power in love (giving, getting – it matters not) no matter the weather.
The punch line is (wait for it) – we never lost power here at home. And there is certainly a lesson in that as well. My local friends agree that my stay at the W, DC was the best insurance policy ever and maybe it was. In the end, no power was lost, a stay-cation was gained and I’ve stored up enough great memories to keep me powered up for some time.
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October 29, 2012 – 15th Street, NW
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Sam braves the elements!
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Addie gets cozy in our suite!
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Lila and Rebecca waiting for sliders and (many) fries!
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Sunday, October 28th, 2012
Hurricane Sandy or Frankenstorm as it is affectionately being called, is shutting down the whole of the east coast with extreme wind, rain and even snow in the forecast. Conditions are dangerous enough to keep all of us indoors for the duration (think 3+ days). Crowd sourcing shows that most are thinking comfort foods and cozy, candle lit fun. And some of us (namely the team here at Forty Weeks) are thinking about the baby boom or as we now call it, the SandyBoom that we will expect to see on the East Coast come late July and early August of 2013.
How big of a spike to expect is hard to say. How likely is this to come up again in the sunny, humid days of summer? Well that is easy to answer, in a word -very. So remember, you heard it here first!
Be safe!
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Friday, September 28th, 2012
This has been a remarkable week. The launch of the Rebecca Minkoff for Bravado Designs Limited Edition Nursing Tank to Benefit Baby Buggy has captured the hearts, minds and attention of so many. I could not be more proud of what we have accomplished with this ground-breaking initiative. It is not just about breastfeeding or at-risk mothers and children or community or connection – it is about all of it and more. It is about weaving these parts together to create a new standard for care and a greater whole from the parts. I thought I would share some of what we accomplished – but there is time for that (spoiler alert – it is really impressive!!!).
What I am struck by is how often I have been asked about my philanthropic influences this week. And as I tell the stories – I can help but want to revisit the early days…
Today I want to share the story of one of my significant philanthropic influences, David Bindeman. I need to share this story because he is not here to see what I have accomplished or laugh with me about the way in which he influenced me (any one who knew David knew he neither suggested or asked - he simply told me what to do) and moved me on my way on this most amazing path.
So here is the scene – it is 1990. I am a recent college graduate (all of you be quiet — and stop doing math on your fingers!!!) and I am sitting in David’s office. David Bindeman’s office. He is of one of Washington’s most influential men. I am there because David’s old friend Dick Simon (a dear family friend from Philadelphia) asked that David keep an eye on me in DC. I am also there because David is married to Carol who was a close childhood friend of my Aunt Susan. I am in my first “real” job – I make close to nothing and live off of a combination of happy hour food and Tortilla Coast (which is owned by a friend of mine who is more than happy to feed me in exchange for my bringing in the revolving cast of characters in my life). I am busy with work, book groups, tennis games and cooking classes. I am dating a former USC football player who calls me Maestro (see nothing changes!!!). I am all about life in DC. I am so happy – happy to finally be “in the real world” — honestly, I don’t remember too many details. But I do remember being pretty buzzed about my little red MX-6 and my business cards! So now you have the context.
David calls me into his office. He tells me simply – ” I am on the board of JFGH (Jewish Foundation for Group Homes), they need some help and you are going to help me”. Well, of course I want to help. I don’t have money (understatement) and I let him know I would love to help but honestly I cannot afford the ticket to their gala and I don’t see that sort of thing in my near future. He looked at me (big – he was big on so many levels) and said – “you have friends — I want your friends”. He expained that the staff at JFGH were overlooking two key things – they had no plan for the next generation of support for the Foundation and they were not fully considering the social needs of the residents of the group homes. He said. “you will launch Young Friends of JFGH”. This seems logical enough to me. And, I agree. Pretty simple. We begin by brining in my friends to be spend time hanging with the residents. We have game nights, dinners – we have fun! Years pass (the football player is replaced by a nice Jewish boy!!!). The residents are engaged and respected. Relationships grow. The word and the mission spreads. It has a viral quality (that is not what we called it then). And we go to the gala (I remember my dress) – I think David may have even paid for a bunch of us. He wanted to prove his hypothesis correct (and it was) — and we helped him make it so. The group remains in tact today.
Today I ran into Debbie Bindeman Kleinbord. We talk about her father. We talk about the initiative I launched this week. We laugh and we smile, rapt by the memory and how fortuitous it was to see each other on this day — really good stuff. And as I walk away, an amazing sense of “lucky timing” for having run into Debbie washes over me. I started thinking – really how is this 2012 moment with Influencers, Baby Buggy, Bravado and Rebecca Minkoff any different from what David enlisted me to do so many years ago? There is a formula, a methodology, a familiarity – trademark Julia which had its roots way back when. And really it comes down to this from 1990:
I was exposed to an issue.
I identified a strategy to do better – I kept it simple and from the heart (and I only agreed because it moved me).
I enlisted my friends and their collective power and voice to incite real change.
I engaged my community – to amplify what was possible.
And made it so.
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So from there to here and whatever comes next –nothing feels better than when this works!
Thank you all for being part of this remarkable equation. And to David Bindeman for showing me how powerful what I had really was…
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