Company Memo: Blush Handbags, Master Classes, and a Poet Laureate

If you remember Christmas Jammies, then you will love this. The Holderness Family has done it again with a parody about every mother’s nemisis. I really can’t say anymore because I refuse to speak its name 🙂 The Holderness Family hails from Raleigh, North Carolina and consistently turns out the hits so if you need a laugh, you can tune in to their recently launched YouTube Channel to get lost in all their parodies.

Last week my daughter came home talking about how her teacher needed wipes to clean their desks, baggies for supplies, and pencils for everyone to use. I wondered how long the teacher has needed these supplies and not asked for them. I know how hardworking all of our educators are and how much they pour their hearts and resources into their classrooms. This leads me to this week;s philanthropic effort: Donors Choose. Donors Choose is a charity that makes it easy to help public school students in need through classroom donations. You can search by city or zipcode or topics, teachers or classrooms. You will see a description of what they are working towards, why they need it, how many donors have given, cost breakdown of the project and progress for implementation. Their impact since 2000 has been pretty incredible and to see the far reach of supporting music and the arts warms my heart. What a wonderful way to bless others trying to continue the learning experience of all of our children.

Have you ever been so enamored with someone with an incredible talent that you think “if I could just get in front of them for 30 minutes, I would love to ask them all the questions I could fit in”. Well, Masterclass is making it possible. Masterclass would be an incredible gift of experience for someone you love. Courses are taught by people who are innovators, experts and leaders in their field. The class that pulled me in hook, line and sinker was photography from Annie Leibovitz. You will receive 15 lectures, a manual and the opportunity to upload a video asking questions that she herself will answer. Individual classes are $90 or you can purchase an unlimited pass for $180 a year. Masterclass has an entire catalog from which to choose—from Martin Scorsese to Bob Woodward. Ones that I earmarked for my daughter is writing with Judy Blume and chess with Gary Kasparov

Spring is around the corner and I want a handbag refresh but am not sure what I am looking for. Spring lines haven’t completely arrived in stores, but boy am I ready for fresh color and new utility. I was in Target the other day for one item (yeah right!) and was tempted by two bags that I know I will be dreaming about. I cannot helps but share some major splurge vs saves…

Here are some bags that I love but they come with a pretty penny price tag

and the style steals…

A New Day – Large Hobo – my store had a gorgeous violet color and it was the most perfect tone. (It sounds bad but is a beautiful color)

and you know me, I am a sucker for a backpack.

Keeping in mind that this is Black History Month I had introduce you to an amazing young woman, Amanda Gorman. I first saw a piece about her on CBS this morning but here is her most recent write up in the New York Times. She is the first National Youth Poet Laureate to be named. She is an activist, writer and poet and she is working to change the way girls and women of color see themselves, helping them cultivate their thoughts through pen and paper. In 2016, she created an organization called One Pen, One Page challenging students to be new storytellers for our world. Sometimes its hard to help our children identify with someone with such incredible talent, but Amanda is different in that she has battled to overcome a significant speech impediment and has learned to embrace who she is and her sound. She is showing us that the message and intent is always more important. Amanda Gorman is someone all our children should know and be inspired by.

You ladies may not know but I am not a coffee drinker; it’s just never been my thing. What I do love is a hot tea with lots of cream, and I discovered a new way to brighten my morning cup. Have you ever heard of a London Fog? Holy smokes, its amazing. It is an early grey tea with steamed milk and touch of vanilla vanilla and it is changing my life. It makes me feel like I have a little fancy in my cup. If you want to try it this weekend, here you go.