Showing posts with label contests. Show all posts
Showing posts with label contests. Show all posts

Saturday, December 3, 2011

november's give mom a break winner!

I don't know about you, but with the holidays around the corner I could REALLY use a break.

The house looked gorgeous on Monday morning, but by Thursday I felt like I needed a skid loader to dig out. Mail piling up on the counter (catalog inundation), dirt tracked in from muddy shoes and paws, a shedding Christmas Tree... and don't even get me started on the toys.

Feel that way too? Yeah. Thought you might.

Well, one lucky mama is getting something cleaned -- courtesy of Pampered Mommas and 2 a T Cleaning -- as part of our Give Mom a Break Contest.

And the winner is...

Monday, June 27, 2011

introducing the 2011 wee chic little characters!


26 area stylish cuties got the model treatment during Wee Chic- A Baby Boutique's fall photo shoot at Silo Point last month -- and some of them will be gracing the pages of Baltimore STYLE Magazine come August! We're thrilled to introduce you to the 2011 Little Characters! Learn a little bit about the fruit snack lovin' crew and their adventures in front of the lens.

To vote for your favorite Wee Chic ad created from the photos at the photo shoot, visit the Baltimore Style website by July 1st!

Selected by a panel of local celebrity judges from more than 400 local kids. In particular order...

Orli: Five-year-old Orli has a favorite place that surprised a bit -- she likes to go to the bank. Why? You get a lollipop! The Clarksburg area native also loves blueberries from Butler's Orchard and reading American Girl Doll books. This imaginative girly girl had a great time getting her hair done at the photo shoot. Her mom liked that the whole photo shoot team was kid friendly and made Orli feel 'like a queen.'

Landon: This playful 20-month-old is a pasta fiend. If you ran into him on a playground, you'd probably find him climbing the jungle gym in his comfy striped hoodie. His mom found out about the Little Characters Search from Wee Chic's facebook page, and especially liked that no little character had to wait a long time for their turn. {Which means the kids waiting weren't too antsy!}

Jolie: Four-year-old Jolie was a wee bit nervous at her photo shoot. With four other siblings in her family, all close in age, she wasn't used to the 'spotlight.' But the caring, Curious-George loving, vanilla yogurt fan simply shined! This summer you'll find Jolie at the pool. You might say she's part fish -- she loves swimming and can spend hours playing in the water.

Ryder: When we asked Ryder's mom about taking an infant to the photo shoot, she exclaimed that it went MUCH smoother than she was expecting. "I pictured 25 plus kids of all ages running around like crazy!" But nine-month-old Ryder handled everything in stride.The happy, lovable infant bounces cheerfully to Yo Gabba Gabba and often sports some of Wee Chic's favorite lines. Lately she's been wearing an adorable navy, gray and hot pink bubble dress by Splendid (her mom admitted to wanting it in her size). You'll often find Ryder and her parents at Belvedere Square on Friday nights for their outdoor concerts.

Laila: Laila's mom describes her as a charismatic, affectionate extrovert. You bet this 17-month-old Baltimore cutie lit up the lens! Laila is a busy little toddler who loves playing in the sand Ocean City, plantains and dancing. And she just couldn't go anywhere without her blankie. Mom Lamecka is very excited about shopping the fall collection at Wee Chic this year after seeing all of the kids dressed for the photo shoot.

Brayden: Energetic and fearless at 16-months-old, Brayden is all BOY. His mom calls him her miracle baby -- after a grim diagnosis at birth, "Lil B' is shocking doctors at Hopkins by meeting and exceeding all of his milestones. You'll find this cutie climbing, playing trucks or football while wearing his favorite Tea Collection Crab shirt. A favorite meal? Blueberry pancakes at Miss Shirley's.

Eve: Four-year-old Eve fell in love with the red dress she wore in the photo shoot. And the pretty cupcakes on the table! She loves her mom's home cooked meals, her pretty yellow dress and catching butterflies. The Baltimore City character hopes to be a doctor when she grows up. {And her mom is planning to pick up that little red dress when it comes in this fall!}

Grant: Grant said being in a photo shoot was "cool" because he loved being a star for a day! And checking out the city skyline from Silo Point. The Lineboro 4-year-old loves chicken wings from Genova's, wearing his leather Harley Davidson jacket, and can't wait to go fishing with his dad this summer. His mom describes him as an old soul and philosopher… so it shouldn't surprise you that he wants to be a motorcycle cop and catch bad guys, an army man and a dirt bike racer when he gets "big." Yeah -- that comment DID make his mom a little nervous!

Chase F.: Chase is a funny, intelligent -- and VERY busy -- 2-year-old from Baltimore City who loves salad and grilled cheese sandwiches. Her mom loved that all of the Little Characters were able to play during the photo shoot and that it was so family friendly. Chase and her parents love to go to the Belvedere market for the fresh healthy food -- especially since it's within walking distance of their house! One thing Chase couldn't live without? Her pink ballerina shoes.

Hailey: Three-year-old Hailey broke out in a grin when asked about the Little Characters photo shoot. She thought it was fun and really liked wearing the pretty dress. Her favorite snacks are chips -- but her mom doesn't let her eat them much. The Owings Mills area Disney fan is looking forward to swimming in the pool and pretending she is Ariel this summer.

Ava: Energetic. Humorous. Imaginative. That's how Ava's mom describers her. You'll find this mac 'n cheese loving cutie sporting Tea Collection around town with her BFF: a doggy blanket named Baba. Her mom really appreciated the way the photo shoot team reached out and made every child feel special. Ava loves to be social and her family is always on the go -- but most afternoons, Ava catches some downtime with her dolls and a princess movie.

Carolyn: Carolyn has some amazing luck (or style!!). She was picked as a 2010 Little Character but couldn't make the photo shoot. This year's judges chose her again -- and she definitely made the shoot. She and her mom have a difference of opinion when it comes to play locations: her mom likes the park/playground. Carolyn (like many of this year's little characters), adores the POOL. That, and belting out Sunrise, Sunset. Future broadway star, perhaps?

Sophie: 16-month-old Sophie is addicted to fruit snacks. And cheddar bunnies. And playing with her puppy. Her mom describes her as funny, sweet water baby who loves swimming at Meadowbrook pool and running around at the Belvedere Square concerts. Wherever Sophie goes, her Aden & Anais blanket goes too.

Riley: Two-year-old Riley is not a fan of having his picture taken -- so his mom was bribing him with jellybeans throughout the photo shoot. This adorable little guy is a huge fan of Jake and the Neverland Pirates and can't get enough of his 'wobble' -- also known as his lovie. You'll find this Reisterstown character hanging out in his backyard pool or having play dates with his 'buddies.'

Caroline: The possibility of being in a magazine got 6-year-old Caroline all a flutter during the photo shoot. She adored the black dress she wore during the shoot, almost as much as her mom's homemade mac 'n cheese. This summer, this Cockeysville native can't wait to go to Nantucket and play on the beach and one day hopes to be an artist.

Chase P.: Five-year-old Chase's favorite place to go is his grandma's house because she lives by the Jersey beach. Favorite food? Costco's Abulita Chips -- the one he munches on when his family watches football. The Ellicott City native can read "Happy Birthday Thomas" all by himself. Pretty darn impressive.

Rex: One-year-old Rex's mom had almost as much fun at the photo shoot as he did! She "really enjoyed seeing Laura Black capture all the kids in their adorable outfits." Rex is a Baltimore-area carb loving toddler that can't get enough of his soft, Kicky Pants pajamas or the Mother Goose on the Loose program at the Enoch Pratt library in Canton. A treasured item? His Angel Dear Monkey Blanket.

Mollie: This happy and curious Baltimore baby is turning one very soon! She spends her days going on adventures to the pool and zoo, and has a serious thing for Coco Pops from Wegman's. Her mom mentioned that working with Bridget and Laura on the photo shoot was a real pleasure and loved how organized the whole thing was! Mollie's favorite song? Twinkle, twinkle, little star

Talia: 21-month-old Talia is full of cheer and spunk. She likes to play in her big brother's classroom at school and eating ANY kind of fruit. A favorite play place? The playground. Talia's mom describes her as a little monkey who can't get enough of the swings or the slide. The Baltimore cutie totes her sunglasses everywhere -- and even wears them at the breakfast table.

Leighton: When asked about the photo shoot, Leighton responded: "I was in a photo shoot?" {Which just goes to show you how much fun these characters were having playing on set!} The Lutherville native loves corn on the cob from Chili's and his dark jeans. Leighton's mom describes him as shy, friendly and curious. What does he want to be when he grows up? A police officer.

Jackson: Four-year-old Jackson (Jack for short) likes to go places with his mom and snack on club crackers with apples. He can't wait to go to a hotel and swim this summer because it's been 'weally weally hot' lately. Jack's mom was a little concerned that her "100% boy" would have trouble sitting still during the photo shoot-- but Jack proved her wrong. He loved being the center of attention! Not surprising that he loved the camera. Jack's mom describes him as a 'performer.'

Mae: Another cutie from Lutherville! 7-year-old Mae thought her photo shoot experience was awesome. Her favorite dinner spot? Bertucci's because they make great finger noodles (you might know them as Rigatoni). She loves to dress like her mom and going to the beach in Montauk, New York with her family. Mae wants to be a painter when she grows up. One that paints pictures of animals.

Lilah: This two-year-old Glen Arm native loves pink ice cream. Lilah spends her days meeting friends on the tot lot, at Children of the Word Co-Op playgroup or in HopinTots gymnastics class. What song can you find this sweet toddler singing? "Almost There" from Princess and the Frog. You bet she'll be twirling around in her princess dress while singing.

Talya: Three-year-old Talya thought being in the photo shoot was just like being in rock 'n roll. EVERYTHING about the shoot was cool. This little character loves Baltimore, strawberries and Pinkalicious. She can't wait to go to Sanibel Island this summer and collect seashells. Her mom describes her as precious, endearing and beautiful -- inside and out!

Harlom: This Baltimore boy is a huge Ray Lewis fan, and can't wait to play football this fall. Joe Flacco is his second favorite Raven, by the way. Harlom's dad describes this six year old as an athletic, wise old soul who loves matchbox cards, soccer, ham and Olivia books. Although I was talking to him over the phone, you could hear the smile (and pride!) in Harlom's dad's voice when he talked about this character.

And last but not least there is 2-year-old Mckenzie from Baltimore. We're hoping to give you little intro to this character soon!

___
Photo Shoot Credits:
Campaign shot by Laura Black Photography
Art direction - Laura Black/Bridget Quinn Stickline
Styling - Bridget Quinn Stickline
Location - Silo Point, Baltimore Harbor
Table Styling - Stephanie Bradshaw of Bradshaw Styling
Hair - Up-do's for Us Too
Flowers - Crimson & Clover, Roland Park
Select props - Oh So Pretty Props

All looks available at Wee Chic in Green Spring Station late Summer 2011.


Friday, April 8, 2011

last chance to enter your cutie in wee chic's little character's search

It's the last day, folks. Go through your online albums and find the photo that capture's your mini-me's personality and style and submit it to the 2011 Wee Chic Little Character's Search! Your kiddo could be the face of Wee Chic's fall look book and print ad campaign.

Wee Chic- A Baby Boutique is looking for children in the Baltimore area with lots of character and a fun sense of style. A panel of local celebrities will select a series of children of different ages from submitted photographs to feature in their Fall/Winter ad campaigns. Selected children will participate in a photo shoot with Laura Black Photography wearing Wee Chic's Fall and Winter collections. The images will be used in ads that will appear in Baltimore Style Magazine and The Baltimore Jewish Times. Every submitted photo will be featured on baltimorestyle.com in the Wee Chic Little Characters Search gallery. Keep in mind that this search is designed to celebrate real kids so they're not looking for professional shots!

Want more info? See our 2011 Little Character's Search announcement post. Need inspiration? Check out the 2010 Little Characters!

Photos MUST be submitted online before midnight tonight. Good luck!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

(hot) dish: wee chic launches it's 2011 little characters search

It's baaaccckkkk.

Wee Chic - A Baby Boutique has officially launched their 2011 Little Characters Search.

The Green Spring Station store has teamed up with Baltimore Style Magazine and Laura Black Photography to find a gaggle of local cuties to star in their fall and winter print ad campaigns and look book. They are looking for children ages 6 months to 8 years, chock full of personality.

{{You don't happen to have one of those at home, do you? A kid with personality...?}}

Starting today, you can submit a color photo of your adorable cutie online through the Wee Chic website. Originality is encouraged! They want to see your amazing kiddo in all of their silly glory! In case you missed the subtlety or your second cup of coffee hasn't kicked in, that means no pageant or professional images.

Photos will be available for viewing on Baltimore Style's website -- but this isn't a popularity contest. {{At least not at the model selection stage!}} You don't have to worry about your child's photo getting enough 'votes.' Finalists will be selected by a panel of local celebrities later this spring. Selected children will participate in a photo shoot with Laura Black of Laura Black Photography. Wee Chic will use the photos to design several ads that then will be put to public vote. The ad with the most votes will appear in a fall edition of Baltimore Style Magazine. Not even Wee Chic will know which ad won until they open the hot-of-the-press print edition! So if your child is selected as a finalist, you'll want to activate your social networks when it comes time to vote on the ad!

Need some inspiration? Check out our recap of the 2010 Little Characters or the 2010 Little Characters video:



(cool) tip: Want your kid to participate in a photo shoot with Laura Black regardless of whether or not they're selected as a 2011 Little Character? Join the Wee Chic facebook group to get the 411 on Laura's next photo mini-session day at the store. The mini-sessions are free 20 minute photography sessions with Laura and have nothing to do with the Little Character's Search. Still, it's the star treatment for your mini-me.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Oh, The Places We Would Go...

Sponsored By


Cheerios® is giving you the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, your ultimate family vacation. As part of a paid promotion for their “Do What You Love” Sweepstakes, Cheerios® is sponsoring my post today about what my ultimate family vacation would be. Read mine, Enter the Sweepstakes for a chance to actually win your own fantasy family trip or one of a bunch of other great prizes.

_ _ _
It's raining. Strike that. It's POURING. And it has been for days. Icky-sixty-degrees-and-steady-downpour that makes your windows fog from the inside out and you have to fight the compulsive urge to hide out on the couch under a blanket. You start spouting a variety of excuses as to why you can't go anywhere or do anything while simultaneously creating the obscenely long and just as impossible list of things you will DEFINITELY accomplish once the weather turns in your favor.

It's perfect vacation daydreaming weather.

Imagine this: Money is no object. Time is no object. Your bags are magically packed with tres chic, weather-appropriate clothing for all. You and your family are standing in front of the arrival and departures board at the airport. Which plane are you jumping on?

It's a no brainer for me. We're headed to Italy. A la Firenze to be specific.

For a little much needed, shall we say, la dolce vita?

If you know our family, our destination wouldn't come as a surprise to you. Pat and I met while we were both studying in Italy. Seven years later the European travel itch is just begging to be scratched, and we'd love to go back. Yes, we're crazy or naive enough to bring our 15-month-old Bug along.

Now, remember this is my fantasy vacation. There are no toddler meltdowns or additional baggage fees in my dream vacation. Hopefully there aren't any in yours, either.

Perfect Italian getaway-movie-like-montage: Grabbing a cappuccino and people watching in a piazza, the Bug swirling around the sculptured water fountains or dozing in a super chic Italian stroller. Taking the train to Cinque Terre and hiking through the mountain towns (maybe just one or two towns - - the child carrier backpack might get a little heavy after that). Sharing freshly made strawberry gelato or Napoli-style pizza. (No there is no suitable substitute for either of these in the States). Watching the Bug dip her toes in the water at Pisa and catching il Palio in Sienna. Laughing with the locals and other tourists at our favorite Florentine trattoria, Il Latini. Playing tag in the vineyards and sunflower fields, a-la-Under-The-Tuscan-Sun. Meeting a former professor's mother on the street and being invited over for coffee. Of course, she falls in love with the Bug (and vice versa), making us promise that she can sit for an evening. Buying some ridiculously cute and most likely insanely overpriced Italian dress, and heading out to dinner.

Notice I didn't say who the dress was for?

Let's be honest. Everyone is probably leaving la bella Italia with some fabulous fashion finds.

Ah, daydreams.

Where would YOU go?

Don't forget to enter the “Do What You Love” Sweepstakes, for a chance to win your own ultimate family vacation. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Ravens Fans and (cool) Hostesess Score BIG at Teresa B's

Problem: Your boss's wife has invited you to a fall fete at her home and you need a fabulous hostess gift that'll wow.
Solution: Teresa B's

Problem: You're heading to the football tailgate party and need an oh-so-chic dish for your organic mini-corndogs with mango salsa.

Solution: Teresa B's

Problem: You volunteered to host book club for your discussion of Steig Laarson's "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and Boo-rific Halloween gathering - - and are in desperate need of some spooky decor inspiration

Solution: Teresa B's
I'm sure you get the message! Haven't checked out Teresa B's yet? Now is definitely the time. This fantastic gem of a store in Cockeysville carries everything from chic home accessories to one-of-a-kind hostess gifts. We love their funky wine glasses, modern serving platters and fun selection children's goodies.

According to wikipedia, the name Teresa is thought to be derived from the Greek verb θήρίζεἰν therizein, meaning to harvest. Couldn't be more fitting for this chic shopper's hamlet- - the store is packed with all sorts of stylish covetables that range from moderately priced to a bit of a splurge. Something for every budget. And let's face it. Sometimes a girl's just gotta reward herself.

Ravens fan? Be sure to entire the Tailgate Contest that Teresa B's is sponsoring in conjunction with Baltimore Style Magazine! You could be the proud recipient of A Teresa B Gift & Home gift basket including AMAZING seats for a football game and plenty of Baltimore football merchandise to help you cheer on the team (valued at $350). All you need to do is submit a photo of you garbed in your Ravens finest, or your never-fail-always-a-crowd-pleaser tailgate recipe. The top 5 tailgating photos and top 5 recipes as voted on by a panel of judges will be posted on baltimorestyle.com/teresab for fan voting beginning on October 4th! Voting will conclude on October 11th and the top two from each category will win big! But hurry - - the contest ends on September 27th.

Join Teresa B on Saturday, September 18th for their second annual tailgate party! Snacks, surprise visitors, gift basket drawing (sure to make even the most macho Raven's fan drool!)... Wear your purple and score an extra discount on Raven's merchandise. The party goes from 11-2.

Guess what? Julie, owner of Teresa B's, has extended a special offer for (cool) progeny readers - - 15% off your next purchase if you become a fan of them on Facebook and mention this blog article! Offer is good through September 30th.

The pertinent details:

Location:
10866 York RD
Cockeysville, MD, 21030

Phone:
410-628-0773

Hours:
Mon - Wed: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thurs: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Fri - Sat: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sun: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm


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Friday, September 3, 2010

Raising a role model: Local pre-teen finalist in Discovery Girls Role Model Search!

In February of 2008, 9-year-old animal-lover MaryMargaret O'Neill decided that she had simply had do something to help endangered species.

"Enough, with all of these poor animals," the Frederick native told us in an email interview. "This needs to stop!!!!!"

That same day, her father Gabe just happened to see an interview with Richard Branson, the the Virgin Group owner frequently referred to as the rebel billionaire. It was the first time he had ever heard the term "social entrepreneur" -- which combines the compassion of Mother Teresa with business savvy. He drank the proverbial "good deed" kool-aid, but didn't know what to do next.

Then his daughter asked him to build a website to help her help animals.

Do you believe serendipity?

The father-daughter team co-created the website, Kids Are Heroes, a site that showcases kids under 18 who have taken initiative to develop a social project that's all their own. Everything from raising money for a cause, to matching therapy dogs, to coordinating book donation drives. And, of course, helping animals. So not only is MaryMargaret working toward her personal cause, but she and her father are helping to promote ALL kids working to make a difference in the world.

Two years later, MaryMargaret has been identified as a finalist in the Discovery Girls' Role Model Contest. If she wins, she'll be flown to California with nine other girls for a photo shoot, and will be featured in an upcoming issue of Discovery Girls Magazine.

Kids do the (coolest) things when you facilitate their passion!

MaryMargaret's response to the news that she was in the running?

"Oh my gosh.....is this REALLY HAPPENING?!?!?! NO WAY!!!!! I can't believe it!!!!!!! This is great!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!"

Her father wasn't surprised that she is one of thirty finalists in the competition.

"[It] may sound arrogant but I know how much she has done and I truly believe she is a role model," said Gabe. "She has already far exceeded anything significant I have ever done by the time I reached 11. I remember my biggest claim to fame was getting caught stealing a pack of gum!"

Obviously, MaryMargaret is a pretty amazing young woman. Some of her success can be attributed to some phenomenal parenting skills -- and continual cheering from her dad, mom Michelle, and younger (canine) "siblings" Charlie and Lily. What's MaryMargaret's family's secret? Spark and support.

"One thing that Kids Are Heroes stresses and we have learned this along the way, you can't force a kid into a particular direction. It is better to help ignite a passion and then support it," said Gabe.

So help support Mary Margaret! In order to win the competition, she needs YOUR vote. Head over to the Discovery Girls website, create an account and vote for your favorite local young role model. You can vote daily - - so vote now, and vote often. You'll definitely want to check out MaryMargaret's Discovery Girls' interview, too!

And keep Kids Are Heroes in mind if you're looking for a place to volunteer or donate. One thing we learned from talking with MaryMargaret and her dad is that big dreams are important. Here's their collective wish list for Kids Are Heroes:

From MaryMargaret:
  • I would wish that, everyone knew about Kids Are Heroes
  • And also, that Kids Are Heroes day, was an international day.
  • And my 3rd wish would be, that Kids Are Heroes, would save the envirment,all people,and all animals!
From Gabe:
  • That we get enough funding so I can make it truly my life's work.
  • That we become a highly visible international organization (such as the Boy Scouts) in 5 years.
  • That we can continue to inspire families and provide a mentoring and collaborative environment for these kids as I am convinced many of them will be the leaders of tomorrow.
So how are you inspiring your young ones?

Monday, July 12, 2010

Have you voted for your favorite yet?





One of the things I love most about this whole blog project that Pat and I started are all of the WONDERFUL people we're meeting - - the local business owners and braniacs behind some fabulous kid-inspired products and services. Last month, we featured Bridget Quinn Stickline and her gem of a store Wee Chic. We're putting Wee Chic back in the forefront today because Bridget and her team are asking for YOUR help.

Earlier this spring, Wee Chic (along with Baltimore Style Magazine, Laura Black Photography, and The Baltimore Jewish Times) launched a Little Characters search to find adorable little guys and gals for their fall ad campaign. They received hundreds of photos of local cuties and a panel of judges selected a group to be photographed. The photographs are IN! The ads are DESIGNED! And Wee Chic needs you to VOTE for your favorite look!

So find your way over to the The Wee Chic Little Characters Search webpage and let them know which ad you love. We hear there is a close race between ad one and ad four...

Voting closes on July 22nd, just before midnight.