Boots McBlog

She’s a working mother.

She wants the best for her six children, her  entire family,  her friends,  Her community.  Her country.  Our world.

She believes in the power of women.

She believes in the power of prayer.

Lemay Gbowee had a dream.   A dream to bring the women of her country together to pray for peace.

Praying for peace sounds easy.  Doesn’t it?

For most of us that means,  we curl up in our comfortable warm beds, next to our electric lamps,  we close our eyes and pray for peace.  Peace that our children will get along, that a co-worker will see things our way,  that anxiety over a test will pass, or that our Congress will actually agree on something.   For Lemay Gbowee,  peace meant ending a 14 year war that lured 8 year old boys into a dictator’s army which killed 250,000 people, saw 3/4 of the women of her country raped,  and left nearly a third of Liberia homeless.

Prayer.

She began a peaceful protest with prayer.  Women saw her bold faith.  They joined her.  Prayer continued.  Until the day their government could no longer ignore them.

It’s a powerful story.  One that you can see for yourself this Friday night.   Abigail Disney ( grand-niece of Walt Disney)  discovered Lemay’s journey and directed this incredible tale of boldness in the movie “Pray the Devil Back to Hell”.

On October 21st, Women’s Foundation of Arkansas has invited Abigail Disney to be the keynote speaker at their annual Power of the Purse luncheon.  Later that evening at the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce,  WFA will host a limited seating screening of “Pray the Devil Back to Hell”. Abigail Disney will be in attendance and  has graciously offered to provide Q&A after the viewing.

It will be a dynamic night of women and hope.

I happen to have two tickets to the event.   (A waiting list has been started at WFA, if you want to get your name on the list)    OR    If you would like to grab my two extra tickets,  leave a comment below.  I will choose a recipient randomly by 6am Central time Thursday morning.    (Yes, random picking at a random time because I will be at a conference on the east coast, which I pray ends in time for me to make it back to LR for this event.  I want to meet Abigail,  I want to see this movie, and I want to see my blog friends in real life)

Of all the events I’ve been asked to a participate in planning / chairing ,  this has been one of the most rewarding.   I asked a few women who I believe embody the same beliefs of Lemay to spread the word.  Ladies who want a better world for our children, who believe in the goodness of women, and  know the power of prayer.    All of them have written amazing blog posts to promote this event and I hope that you will take a moment to stop by and get to know each of their blogs.

Thank you, Sarabeth Jones, Amy Bradley-Hole, Jerusalem Greer, Tonya Oaks Smith, and Savannah Butler for sharing your caring hearts and never failing to move me with the power of your  pens….or keystrokes.   I admire you all.

xxoo,

boots

It’s time for one of my favorite events of the year,  The Annual First Lady’s Tea .

Don your hats, your gloves,  and invite the first ladies of your life to join you on May 15th in the gardens of the Governor’s Mansion.

Tea, scrumptious delights, garden tours, and a scavenger hunt for the little ones await.   This ladylike affair benefits the Friends of the Mansion who work to preserve and restore our gorgeous Governor’s Mansion and grounds.

May 15, 2011

2-4pm

Tickets:   $50 adults,   $25 for children (6-18 years)

Wear your best tea attire – Hats and gloves encouraged

Gloves provided for children

Reserve your tickets or table of 8 by going online at friendsofthemansion.org or calling 501.324.9805

Fashion,  Food,  Paris.     These are a few of my favorite things.    Which means, I  couldn’t be more thrilled to be co-chairing the 23rd Annual  Centers of Fashion Show benefitting the Bess Chism Stephens Community Center –  a division of Centers for Youth and Families.   The evervescent Merri Chandler and I – along with an amazing team of hostesses, volunteers, and the incredibly talented staff of the CFYF Foundation are putting the final touches on a fun new spin to this beloved event.     I am so thankful to our list of gracious sponsors that are sure to make the night special.   Dillards, Inc will be presenting a Springtime in Paris style show.     We’ll get some first looks at gorgeous clothes, handbags…and of course – SHOES!

While it has been so fun to pull all of this together,  the best part has been learning more and more about Centers and their services.   I am amazed at this stalwart organization by all the many ways they serve this community to enrich the lives of children.      I had the privilege to tour their facilities and my heart will never be the same.

I was blessed to live in a home with two parents who cared for me.  I had a roof over my head.  I never lacked a meal.   My mom always took me shopping for new school clothes.   My life was easy.   This isn’t the case for many children in our community.    By joining us on April 17th at 6pm at the Argenta Community Theater,  you will have the opportunity not for just a fashion show and a night out with friends — but to make the life of a child a little easier.  Giving shelter for a night.   A Hot meal.   Hope.

Jeff Daily produced  the  beautiful film embedded below that tells the story of  Centers for Youth and Families.   Be sure to watch it.   Then,  join us on Sunday,  April 17th.

Delicious Food and fun Cocktails will begin at 6pm at the chic new Argenta Community Theater.  Valet Parking.  Tickets are a mere $50. You may purchase them at   www.centersforyouthandfamilies.org

I hope to see you there.

Cheers,

boots

xxoo

Admit it.   At some point in your younger years,  you stood in front of your mirror holding a baton twirling trophy and gave a heartfelt thank you speech to the Academy.     Alright, yours may not have been a baton twirling trophy,  it may have been your soccer trophy or your gymnastics trophy or a  hairbrush –  but wasn’t it fun to daydream about that magical night and the dress you would wear?     Awards season is upon us.   We may not be bound for the Hollywood Red Carpet, but a childlike thrill remains watching the beautiful starlets stroll to the microphone and tell us “who” they are wearing.       I recently posted my ballgown lessons and divulged my secret that I often hang at the McCottage eating cupcakes in my favorite party wear.  Then I realized it’s been a few weeks since I shared my favorite things.   Pretty ballgowns top the list.  And because I’m so excited about my finds, I’m not waiting until Friday to share them.  :)

Believe it or not,  designers have already revealed evening looks for  Pre-Fall 2011.   I took a quick spin through the collections to view some of my favorite designers Monique Lhuiller,  Jason Wu,  Carolina Herrera,   Reem Acra, Oscar De La Renta, and Valentino. Colors range from jewel tones to metal inspired hues.   These are definitely looks that would inspire me to dance all night.

Monique Lhuiller is a designer whose gowns make me swoon.  Without fail, everytime I see the dreamiest bridal gown she is the creator.   The same is true of her evening gowns

You may recognize this next beauty from the Golden Globes.  Catherine Zeta Jones wore this and by far it was my favorite dress of the night.  That color!!

Jason Wu has garnered much attention for dressing the First Lady.   This was my favorite gown of his pre-fall collection.   The detailing and color combination are subtle and regal.  Although the accoutrements required underneath may pose a challenge.

Carolina Herrera long known for her ladylike details surprised me with this fun, flirtatious look.  Perfect for a young, slim, brunette, don’t you think?   In other words – old curvy blondes like me, don’t even think about it. 

I absolutely love this piece by Reem Acra.  The color and the the shrug are the epitome of understated elegance.

When it comes to elegance,  no one does it better than Oscar De La Renta.   I think one could get away with wearing a short gown to a gala if ol Oscar Designed it.  Wouldn’t you agree?

Or go completely Marie Antoinette,  over -the-top in this beautiful pale gown.  Wow!

If a statement is what you are wanting to make,   I say you can never go wrong with RED

And when I think of the ultimate RED party gowns,  I always think of Valentino.   Here he pairs Red and ruffles.   Be still my heart!

You and I  may never win the award.  No one may ever hear our acceptance speeches.   We may not walk the Red Carpet.  But it’s  still ok to dream about it.

Now I’d like to thank the Academy for inspiring this blog post and to you the people for reading it.  :)

Cheers, Y’all.   May you have a warm, safe wintery weekend.

( and enjoy the quick playlist below for a dance in front of the fire with your honey)

On an enchanted southern summer evening, a young bride and her groom celebrated their marriage with the  perfect union of old meets new.    Antique David Austin Roses next to streamlined white banquette seating.   Frilly organza draped tables juxtaposed against an organic twiggy canopy.    A sushi chef stood next to praline bacon.  Guests refreshed with a cool Pimm’s cup.    Yes, indeed, this night was designed by a belle after my own heart.

Becky Clement’s Inspired by Nature team and her son the chief juxtaposeur Chris were responsible for the Country Club of LIttle Rock transformation.  Be sure to check out Chris’s amazing home finds at his store Clement in the cozy Hillcrest neighborhood of Little Rock.