Sometimes only a classic will do.

Girlfriends come in all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, and geographical locations. I am blessed with many amazing women in my life who I feel privileged to call a girlfriend. Though sometimes, only a classic will do.  In  the past 2 years my long time girl friends and I have all been transplanted like little blossoming flowers from Wyoming to Kentucky - Maryland to Florida.  I miss them dearly, but it certainly makes for interesting getaways, and an even better sisterhood of the traveling...everything!  To make sure we don't miss out on the clothes swaps that we used to enjoy on any given Saturday, we enjoy a shipping label or 4 throughout the year. Especially generous is my dear friend *L* who recently abandoned the corporate world for a life better spent in martini-splashed domestic bliss! [can you hear the dripping jealousy?].  

Lucky for me!  Her gorgeous designer labeled suits have found a good home in MD! 

The second cool factor about a *L* is her new home in Lexington, KY.  After a couple of visits, I fell in love with this booming city where horses and Ralph Lauren alike, must go for inspiration.   The outfit I styled today has made me think of my beloved friend all day. Somewhat, because the pants and top are hers. Mostly, because her graceful, fun style and personality are part of who I am today. She is my classic. She is my home. 

Glam Mom Interrupted...

for this brief message from a sick little boy...

(I know, right?!   Such a brave little guy, only one little tear after his strep test at the pediatrician's office...)


And this message from an attention hogging little girl...

Holly after a long day at the spa!  Thanks Chesapeake Pet Resort & Spa

The Glam Mom will be back in full swing after this busy unscheduled break!

Christmas Wishes

Another amazing holiday season has come and gone.  I cherish each of these precious years so much knowing that my 5 and 9 year may not always believe in Santa, though I hope that the magic of this special time of year will live in their hearts forever.  Here are a couple highlights of our Christmas in Florida!

Our new little girl, Holly. She was on top of the lists!

She took a long nap after an early morning of  Santa induced excitement!

A beautiful Christmas Dinner at my grandmother's house.  I so enjoyed helping her set her table with my the china and silver, given to my great grandmother, on her wedding day.  

A night out with my besties!

Lovely gifts (these were waiting for us when we returned!)

 Legoland in my hometown of Winter Haven, FL

Amazing family memories of our Christmas vacation 2011.

;

Company Party Do's & Dont's

As an Executive, it is important to maintain a few etiquette essentials in front of co-workers at your company holiday party. Here are a few to keep in mind.  

DO: 

Dress professionally and bring a guest if appropriate.

The party is an extension of the office and your attire should reflect such.  A guest allows coworkers get to know you a little better, and introduces your guest or spouse to your workplace.

Have one celebratory cocktail, with which to toast, keeping the party light and friendly. 

___________________________________________________________

 DON'T:

dance to every 80's song like it's your last night on earth.

perform (what you think is) a choreographed routine to any song on the Dirty Dancing soundtrack. 

insist that every guest "come 'on ride that train"

down martini #3 before you're up at karaoke 

sing karaoke. 

ever.

and (for God's sake) DO NOT debut your rendition of Sir Mix-A-lot's "Baby Got Back", even if you do know the intro lyrics by heart.  No one at your company knows who Becky is. 

Cheers

My pick for the 2011 Holiday Cocktail? 

The Peppermint Patty 

Ingredients

1 oz. peppermint schnapps

1 oz. créme de cacao

1 oz. light cream
chocolate syrup

crushed candy canes

Directions 
Add liqueurs to cocktail shaker with ice and mix vigorously. Rim cold martini glass in chocolate syrup and dip in crushed candy canes or peppermint sticks.  

Garnish with a few girlfriends and Enjoy.

Cheers to you and yours this holiday season!

Oh Christmas Tee!

2 little boys + golfer traffic on a beautiful day = 1 challenging photo shoot!

Forgive the poor photo quality, I scanned in our actual card. 

Special thanks to the talent and creativity at Suzanne Modlin Design for producing the 2011 Heimer Christmas Card!

Outtakes

Tutorial: recyclable Lunch bag

After planning for my son's 5th birthday which included a bagged lunch, I decided that I needed something a little more special for our guests than a regular ol' brown paper bag.  I thought a reuseable bag made for a nice favor for my little guys' preschool aged guests. Here's how it went down (a.k.a the tutorial).

Start with a sturdy felt fabric. Using a color that mocks that of the classic brown bag, makes for a whimsical surprise.

1) Cut into 12" by 14" panels (2 panels = 1 bag).

2) Pair 2 panels together and cut 2 1/5 x 2 1/5 notches out of each side.

3) sew the left, right, and bottom strip. leave the cut outs unsewn.

Optional: using pinking shears cut along of the full end (what will be the top of the bag)

4) Pinch together the cut outs sewing a straight light attaching the corner of your bag.

Repeat on the opposite corner, finishing your bag!

Felt stick on letters like the ones I used here, are easy applied and personalize the bag.  

Enjoy your green, brown lunch bag! 

A great tutorial at Skip to my Lou using oil cloth.

Christmas Trees: Fresh or Faux?

Our first time visiting a live Christmas Tree farm, the family and I enjoyed picking our very own unique tree.  Picturesque setting, the smell of a tall Fir... the only problem is, the tree is so fresh that the branches bend all the way over when hanging even the lightest ornament!?   This working mom likes things efficient glamour when it comes to decorating the tree. I am hoping it will stale (do trees do that?) over the next few days and we can move past the lights phase this weekend... Which kind of tree do you prefer? 

With a thankful heart

A little potpourri of Thanksgiving 2011

One of my favorite Southern Maryland Thanksgiving traditions: stuffed ham! 

Making my mom's delicious Broccoli Casserole.  I only had to call her twice! 

Lunchtime feast with my little Indian at school!

Another tradition that I love...Thanksgiving eve cocktails with the girls before the big day. We talk turkey about what we are making, where we are going, and all we have to be thankful for!

Dinner is served. Please pass the stretchy pants!

time to get serious

costume cuties

This little trick cost me a new iPad app for my oldest son.  He thought dressing up like Luigi (so he could make mommy happy and match his baby brother) was too baby-ish of a costume.  Yep, it was worth it!

falling for my pumpkins

It is always a treat to leave work early and spend the afternoon with my boys, in their little worlds. I love watching my little "pumpkins" interact with their friends and enjoy the games at the school's Fall carnival each year. My two little sprouts were so proud that they each won these pumpkins in the "Punkin Chunkin" contest for their respective grades. 

For this little adventure, I needed a versatile ensemble that could go from office, to hayride.  Changing out of my suit blazer and into this leather mini jacket did just that.  

could this backdrop be any more picturesque?