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Sunday, September 23rd, 2012
I am training North – not much new in that fact. I have left Bob, the kids (all four) and a beautiful DC day behind. Philly shines out my window. The Philadelphia Museum of Art (my Mother really was a decent docent!) , The Philadelphian (home of The Mommom – my incredible grandmother, muse and mentor), the River (skullers, boathouses, River Drives) – all landmarks of my childhood. All visible weekly from my train window. I don’t stop (not very often) I am simply passing though. I have lived longer away than I did there. Yet the lessons of those formative years – the ones in which my sisters and I are shown by loving example who we should strive to be, how we should connect and care for those around us and how we have real responsibilities to the bigger picture – these powerful mandates stay with me, even today. And, especially today, as I train on by on my way to bring something that I have incubated for nearly a year to life.
I have the feeling of being the in the right place (despite evidence to the contrary) because I am doing what I most believe in. And that is as good as it gets.
In the morning I am hosting a launch breakfast. I will introduce Jessica Seinfeld whose amazingly dedicated organization Baby Buggy will be the benefactor of a limited edition Rebecca Minkoff for Bravado Designs nursing tank collection. I will introduce Kathryn From who, at them helm of Bravado Designs, has always trusted me with her brand and given me an amazing swath of blank canvas on which to paint our shared commitment to super-serving and connecting all women with respect and with dignity. This is what I did – this is what I do…
I will stand with models adorned in these super chic nursing tank styles. And I will proudly share how 20% of all proceeds will go to support at-risk mothers. How a young mother will receive a tank or bra for each garment purchased. And how we are all connected — in our motherhood.
So yes Philly- I am training past you again – but I would not have had the chance to be this woman had I not started there — with my eyes and heart wide open paying careful attention as I set off on my way….so from the tracks, thank you.
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Friday, September 21st, 2012
I first met Rebecca Minkoff on Twitter. Really I did! It was October, she had just given birth to her son Luca. There were tweets between us about breastfeeding, nursing bras and new motherhood. The communication between us was easy and Rebecca was about as open and as full of life as I’ve experienced. This came though – loud and clear – despite her obvious new mother fatigue, frustration with the learning curve (the usual stuff!) and fancy steps required in her new juggling act – she was present and full of a boundless, bubbly and beautiful energy that made her glow (even via the web).
She was at once completely unique and obviously connected to all other mothers. She reminded me of why people who truly love what they do are so successful. It is all about passion and Rebecca has that with enough to spare (and share she does!) Rebecca Minkoff is just “that girl”.
Feeling both touched and inspired, I took one of my deepest desires to Rebecca – I asked via my partners at Baby Buggy – if she would you design a nursing tank to help support at-risk mothers with Bravado Designs. Rebecca’s answer was simply, “no, let’s do more – let’s do a collection”. And so it began this remarkable partnership that we now call #DesignedForGood – the one in which Rebecca Minkoff with her signature spirit and spunk show up and invest in a better future for all Moms. The one in which we use our gifts and talents to advance the conversation around motherhood in all the best ways.
As we get close to launch date (Monday, 9/24) we are all busy as can be. But true to form, Rebecca found the moment to speak with me about her Philanthropic Life.
What makes you a Philanthropic Mom?
I think it’s really important to give back to the community and my latest project with Bravado has been a perfect way to do that. As a new mom helping other new mom’s has been top of mind.
what about being a Philanthropic Mom do you hope to pass on to your son, Luca?
I hope to show Luca that helping other’s is important. I think instilling the “give back” attitude in your child is an important part of parenting.
What is an early or stand-out memory or influence of community service, philanthropic commitment or another way in which you felt strongly connected to an issue in the bigger world?
When the Tsunami in Japan hit my company created a bag that allowed a portion of the proceeds to go a charity that helped those affected by it. There was a very large social reaction to the project which made me realize how proud I am that I can contribute to the world with projects like these.
Who is your biggest philanthropic influence?
My Mom!
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Sunday, September 16th, 2012
It is that time of year again. Suddenly there is weight where there was levity and fine focus where there was frivolity. In balance – it creates a year or a season – a broad stroke in a striking, larger image of a lifetime. Yeah – even that is a little heavy. Here is the thing – they come together – highs and lows -and you know, it is the perspective and the company you keep that ultimately sets the tone and helps you find your way home.
This week was glorious – filled with remarkable people (old, cherished friends including two of the Lisas, the least SelfishMom I will ever know, and new exciting energy fields making their way into my orbit). Each arrived with their unique brand of love, perspective and worldview that always leaves me in a state of oozing gratitude. The jury is out on the new connections – but the early read feels fine!
Will This Reduce My Fee in Any Way Chicken Soup!
The timing is near perfect really. The Jewish New Year (reflection people) is here – And so too the nine-year anniversary of WILL THIS REDUCE MY FEE IN ANY WAY CHICKEN SOUP. This e-mail (containing Lisa Bernstein’s chicken soup recipe) was one of the single most important gestures of all time – a gift from my Philly-girl compatriot, beloved friend and philanthropic partner in crime, Lisa Bernstein. Within this recipe is a constant reminder of the power of following your own path, trusting the unknown and being clear that really, we are little more than the company we keep. It was Lisa Jordan Helms who opened me to the idea and Lisa Bernstein who sealed the fate (sound familiar?!?!) – this career was not built or maintained in a vacuum, there was no “only business” and the connections, care and credibility of these relationships were really our truest calling card. These women (and others you know who you are) have been there – steadfast and true – crazy idea, inspired genius, never-mind – they have been and will be there. Honest, eager and always grateful (as am I).
But as mentioned, this week was not all sweetness and love.
This week I took some hits. One (and no, not the one where I had to give up my Bruce seats because well, it was complicated and I had to give up my Bruce seats) was a narrative straight from the Boss’ Point Blank. You know I was duped, fooled and handled in a way that was completely unrecognizable to me. There was a whole lot of “half truths” that did not even come close to my standard of care for people or things they hold dear. It felt something like this:
Well they shot you point blank you been shot in the back
Baby point blank you been fooled this time little girl that’s a fact
Right between the eyes baby, point blank
Right between the pretty lies that they tell
Little girl you fell (Bruce Springsteen)
Yes, I fell. It hurt. And you know where I went? Back to the Lisas, to Amy and to my (near) pitch-perfect internal compass to find my way – and I did.
My house will fill with the smell of chicken soup. My heart will fill with family and friends and the promise of the Jewish New Year. My week will fill with pure excitement over the launch of my long-standing vision, now turned reality – of a high-style nursing tank collection designed by all-star Rebecca Minkoff in partnership with my long-standing client Bravado Designs to benefit uber caregivers Baby Buggy – how about that!
Thank you all for staying tuned…
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Wednesday, September 12th, 2012
Here is a little look inside of the Oscar de la Renta Spring/Summer 2013 Collection. The line is lovely, cleanly chic and in all ways as good as it gets. The whole of the room was filled with smiles (no moody fashionistas, not a one) as the most precious models brought their youthful exuberance and innocent beauty (plus some well placed junior swagger) to the runway. Their fresh-faced, fun-filled energy made for the perfect complement to fashions that were not only terribly elegant but also refreshingly age appropriate. Well done!
I am more than thrilled and cheering (from the sidelines) for this stunning line (wishing I could gift some of those ikat party dresses and pique trapeze dresses to the young beauties in my life Nadia’s girls, Jessica’s sweet Zoe and of course Lauren’s dynamic duo)- and also for new find, George&Ruby – kindred souls must stick together!
Enjoy the view from the sweet side of Fashion Week – I know I did!
Some of the cast of kids in their stunning frocks and big smiles – with the one and only Oscar de la Renta
Petal linen blazer, petal wide stripe cotton long sleeve shirt, white classic poplin trouser
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Tuesday, August 28th, 2012
I sat in the car and wept listening to a powerful live version of Bruce Springsteen’s The River this morning.
I connect to it differently each time I experience the song – sometimes I am back with that boy in Yardley, Pennsylvania and sometimes I am a 40-something mother in pain and out of options. Sometimes I am bold, accomplished even heroic - looking at my victories with beaming pride. Sometimes I am stalled and broken by a moment that just won’t release me.
Bruce looking just that way….
I think we all have a River — a thing or a place that serves as our home base. It is a check-point that grounds us in what we think we know and gives us the strength and conviction to go and find what it is we want to know. It points us to who or where we began and where we imagine we will go. We need this safe place to allow us to experience the very human struggle of how to stay connected and not get stuck awhile at the same time we continue in ernest to go as far, as well and as real as we can.
For each of us this means something very different. For me it remains a story of authenticity and strength – a question of honesty, integrity and truth. A struggle to continue to grow into the woman I desire to be from the girl I was when it all began. For me this place is a powerful, haunting, ever-evolving.
This morning I sat in the car and cried (not the first or the last time) as I listed to the song that I first heard (though clearly did not understand is its full depth or richness) as a young teenager in Philadelphia. There was amazing comfort in those tears. The River will never leave me or stop haunting me - nor will it stop sparking my intellect and my compassion. This morning I thought how very misleading long distances and time are. We are never really all that far from any of those memories or those reminders. And so it should be.
It is back to school - the time when I ask each of my children to look ahead, set goals and make their intentions clear. And this morning, I was reminded that I need to do the same. Stop, slow-down, take the time to really listen, see and experience myself and the world I am building. That is my plan – take inventory, pay attention and honor all that was and is about me. And I wish you the same — a moment of reflection and care for yourself. Think of it as back to school for grown-ups…
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Friday, August 10th, 2012
There is something about Linda Grant — something that shines, sparkles and most of all radiates optimism. It is her smile – an open, genuine statement of being present and engaged that makes all who know her (and even those who don’t) want to get a little closer. I will admit, I am new to the Linda Grant fan club, our connection is rather recent (in relative terms, though someone really tickled me recently sharing a comparison of time in SM years v. real years) but completely irreplaceable. Just last weekend, at Getting Gorgeous in New York during BlogHer, Linda walked up to me — smiling and stunning in her pink polka-dots - she was literally asking “what’s next”. Two things happened 1. I look her picture because really I wanted to capture her beauty and energy and 2. I hugged her in a big, “don’t you ever disappear” kind of way. Meet Linda Grant — and you will see why she has earned a non-negotiable spot on the philanthropic Moms Honor Roll!
Linda Grant
What makes you a Philanthropic Mom?
That is a tough question because I am a defacto Philantropic Mom who is very much committed to select few causes that I know will bring about change in people’s lives but I don’t always give my time on a consistent basis but in spurts.
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 can remember coming home during a Thanksgiving break to visit family and having my dad communicate to my siblings and I that we would be serving Thanksgiving dinner at the homeless shelter. Now my dad had always been involved in community affairs but I can’t say that my siblings and I shared his commitment. However, that event opened my eyes and not because I was naive to homelessness but that in the our affluent neighborhood sat a homeless shelter for women and their children. Mind you it was a very nice homeless shelter but who knew and that is the point, none of us knew. Homelessness is everywhere even in the suburbs.
Who was your biggest philanthropic influence?
A family friend, my surrogate Mom, Susan Ungerer who took care of my siblings and I after my parents passed way. Susan is a retired schoolteacher who with her fellow retired school teachers saw that kids in our hometown of Reston, Virginia did not have the basic school supplies and founded Kids R First. Kids R First provides kids from families in need with their supplies at the beginning of each new school year and mini-scholarships for College or Career Bound kids helps to lay a greater foundation for organizational skills, academic success with enhanced self esteem and opportunities for success beyond high school. What amazes me is that what started as an organization that started in our community as quickly expanded through the state.
What about being a Philanthropic Mom makes you most proud?
That after years of sitting on the sidelines that I am finally committing more of my time.
What is the legacy of change you want to leave behind?
Instilling in my daughter that she can make a change.
What would your kids say about all of this?
“I want to help.”
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Monday, August 6th, 2012
I’ve just returned from a pitch-perfect visit to France. My days were the stuff that dreams are made of – just wonderful. I was there with Bob with no real agenda less the pursuit of exploring the world and being together. We spent our time together (and with friends) well - enjoying the pace and panache of Paris, the earthy sun-kissed bounty of Burgundy and the easy pace and sheer luxury of Provence. I came back full and sated on so many levels…
I have never been in the Country for BlogHer — it has just never worked out. This year, the planets aligned. Not only did I make it back in time for a quick “drive by” I made it back in time to celebrate and support my friends and their amazing endeavors. I was so over-the-moon to see Audrey and Vera’s Getting Gorgeous come to life (having been there on paper since the start, it was a real thrill) and see the careful perfection of Nicole’s Land’s End BACK TO SCHOOL event – watching the grace with which she hosted no-less than four events — a major coup and shining moment (did I mention all three women looked stunning as can be?).
I had just enough time to do a little entertaining Julia style. This included a small dinner at Casa Nona followed by the newly named (by us!), Cheese Suite at the W Hotel, Union Square. There we simply hung – sipped champagne, nibbled on macaroons, cupcakes and a glorious selection of cheeses (thank you Bedford Cheese Shop – you are my hero) and basked in the glow of friendship, mentorship, laughter and good fortune. It felt all kinds of wonderful.
All kinds of fun with Jessica, Erin, Ciaran, Stephanie and Nadia (look for Baby R!) at the newly named, CHEESE SUITE
And that was the Suite Part – all WOW (thank you too to the W, Union Square’s Maria, Gerald and Mickey for making this last minute gathering a reality) and all worthwhile!
And now Monday has hit hard, I am a bit road worn and certainly sleepy – but happy for the memories!
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Saturday, July 21st, 2012
Kimberly Seals Allers is truly one of a kind! There are few people with the level of infectious enthusiasm, passion and legitimate care for the world that Kimberly emanates on a daily basis. Above all, she is a remarkable friend, not just to those with whom she is close, like me (lucky me!!) but to anyone, anywhere who needs her. Kimberly brings her journalistic savvy and smarts to her philanthropy (and all she does, really) on a regular basis. She questions, she asks, she explores. Kimberly remains dedicated to finding the answers to making the world a better place. It is for these and so many other reasons that we focus on Kimberly this Philanthropic Friday.
Kimberly Seals Allers
What makes you a Philanthropic Mom?
Funny, I have never thought of myself as philanthropic. I am simply a part of and connected to my community, and when you are part of a community, you give to the community. And the way that I give is my using my voice to speak out against inequities.
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?
My first stand out moment of community service was probably when I was an undergraduate at NYU and I became involved with the movement to advocate for an established Africana Studies Department, which did not exist at NYU at the time. It was the first time, I had been intimately involved with a community effort to create something so large and meaningful that would have a lasting legacy. And it was first discovery that I could use my writing talents in service to causes that I believed in.
Who was your biggest philanthropic influence?
My parents definitely raised me to give back–not necessarily in a monetary way–but in giving of myself, whether it is my time, my commitment to my education, my commitment to being financially solid, to be an inspiration and mentor to others–these were all ways I could give back and strengthen my community. I took my early inspirations from women like Sojourner Truth, and of course, Marian Wright Edelman who said, ” Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time.” That always resonated with me.
What about being a Philanthropic Mom makes you most proud?
It makes me very proud that my children see me using my talents to empower others and they see everyday that that life is possible for them. I am proud of myself for not just doing something with my life but BEING somebody with my life, and that I am blessed to be a voice for those that are often not being heard.
What is the legacy of change you want to leave behind?
It sounds hokey, but be the change you want to see in the world. And then go big or go home.
What would your kids say about all of this?
Lol. My kids usually say, Mooommmm, are you talking about breastfeeding again???? and then just want us all to go bike riding.
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Friday, July 6th, 2012
A little lesson to end the week:
Numbers – ah numbers – what can’t you do with some good numbers? Massage them, manipulate them, misrepresent with them. There is so much amazing art associated with good old un-intrepetred numbers, raw data if you will. Perhaps that is why Kai Ryssdal remains on the top of my hit parade (my smart is hot and let’s keep it that way) list – he knows his way around numbers. Still, I would be remiss if I did not give a mighty bow to the New York Times – now here is an outlet that knows how to have fun with numbers. One of this week’s highlights had to do with birth rates in the US. The New York Times took these numbers and boiled it all down to this:
Pregnancy rates have decreased over the past two decades among all races, ethnicities and age groups — except for women in their 30s and early 40s.
And then they go on to slice, dice and otherwise make gazpacho of the numbers. I say good (and not just because I adore gazpacho). WHY?
Simply put – pregnant women of all races and ethnicities in their 30s and early 40s are our sweet spot, our goddess our muse here at Forty Weeks. We adore pregnant women of all races and ethnicities in their 30s and early 40s. That amazing maternal mark is unique too in that she is pregnant with intention, education, income and excitement. She wants in on the pregnancy experience and she is an eager participant (as are her family, friends and partner) in Forty Week journey.
She is our girl (woman really) and we have got the inside line on her. Our work is simply to keep our finger on the pulse of this remarkable woman and make her both understandable and accessible to our clients (trickier than it sounds). We help our clients speak to her with dignity and respect (read as no fear-mongering, no duckies, no bunnies, no pastels). And this we do with great precision, passion and and care. Really, because she is our number one priority, the only one that matters and all the rest of the numbers grow from there…
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Monday, July 2nd, 2012
They say a picture is worth a thousand words — take a look at this stunning image of the energetic, epervisent and ever-eager to make the world a better place, Suzanne Chan and you will get her completely. She is at once chic (really how amazing did she look at the RBF gala?!?!) and grounded. And from the moment I met her I got the message loud and clear – she is just one of those women who makes even the challenging possible. She impresses me over and again with her willingness to jump in and make it so in very real ways. She has a strong internal compass and has a loving way of keeping all those around her headed in the right direction. And for that reason and a million more, meet Suzanne!
Suzanne Chan
What makes you a Philanthropic Mom?
I hardly consider myself a philanthropic mom. It’s just something that all moms feel innately I think, to do good, to give back. It’s the need to nurture in us. When I first started blogging, it was about sharing my path to parenthood with likeminded individuals, sharing my pain and sharing my joy. It now has evolved into so much more where my words mean something to people and sometimes influences people. It’s a powerful thing that shouldn’t be wasted. That’s why, along with 3 amazing women I connected with online, we started Trumpeting Media. A company which is dedicated to using Social Media for the Social Good. We aim to help brands spread their message while doing some social good. Getting involved with organizations like RBaby Foundation and St. Judes are a natural fit for us moms.
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 remember each year starting in high school collecting shoe boxes and filling them up for Operation Christmas Child, a program through Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization. I did this for many years and it was one of my favorite projects to do. I would stock up on random small items through out the year in preparation. When Target started their $1 section, I was like a kid in a candy store. Tons of perfect items to fill the many shoe boxes I wanted to fill. The idea of personalizing a box for a girl or boy, selecting the age group you wanted to work with and bringing a smile to a child who needed it so much just touched me in so many ways. Even when times were tough, I always aimed to fill at least 5 boxes each Christmas because as tough as I had it, I was still a lucky gal. I actually can’t wait to engage in this project this year with my little girl who turns 5 this Saturday. I am always in awe of the overwhelming amount of gifts she gets, it would be a great lesson to teach her at an early age to give to those less fortunate.
Who was your biggest philanthropic influence?
My biggest philanthropic influence has to be my Auntie Martina. She was just so generous in general. She was not a champion for one cause. Yes, she did the March of Dimes, ran for Cancer, donated to charities. She was just generous with everyone who crossed her path. Not just with money, but with time and with love.
What about being a Philanthropic Mom makes you most proud?
What makes me most proud is when I see the fruit of my labor lighting the fire in someone else. Whenever someone else catches the fever. I’m proud when someone learns something new and decides they want to make an impact too.
What is the legacy of change you want to leave behind?
Just like my Aunt, I want to be generous to others. I want my children to aspire for the same thing. I would love to hear my children say that they want to be generous like their mother.
What would your kids say about all of this?
Well my kids are a little young, but I imagine my daughter, who’s favorite word seems to be “Why?” to be asking me Why do you do this? Why should I do this? Why? Why? Why? Some day I hope she says to me, “What can I do?”
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