A Picture Says It All

Cottie & Cake In the Nic of Time

In 2011, we set out to create something special, a unique event to bring awareness to the miracles that take place every day in our own community. We wanted to use our story to  bring the community together and raise funds for the Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery at Levine Children’s Hospital (LCH) and the Charlotte Fetal Care Center, both places where we, personally, witnessed miracles.

In June of 2011 “In the NIC of Time” came to life.  We prayed that the community would share our passion and give back to such a worthy cause.  We were overwhelmed with the response. Over 225 people attended the inaugural event which was held at the beautiful Duke Mansion and featured live music, delicious food, and a one-of-a-kind cake replica of Levine Children’s Hospital.  We all believed we were part of something much larger than just our story and our friends. 

We were right – this community is amazing! 

Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of donors and sponsors, we were able to present a check for over $52,000 to Levine Children’s Hospital and the Charlotte Fetal Care Center. We hope our story can continue to inspire others to join our cause. We know there are countless stories of hope emerging from Levine Children’s Hospital every day. We want “In the NIC of Time” to serve as a platform from which we can share those stories and provide the necessary funds for research and care in the future.

GET INVOLVED and JOIN US at this year’s Nic of Time benefit on June 1, 2012 at the Duke Mansion.  Tickets are limited so get involved today. 

There are many ways for you to get involved!    If you would like to be a host, for a $500 you receive two tickets to the event, as well as recognition on the invitation and signage at the event. You can also be a business or corporate sponsor with contributions starting at $1,000 and receive tickets, recognition, and more.  In-kind donors are also a great way to contribute.  In-kind donors are businesses who wish to donate their services, such as videographers, invitations, bands/music, giveaways etc.  If you would like more details, please contact Sheri Joseph sheri.joseph@carolinashealthcare.org.  All donations of any amount are tax deductible and greatly appreciated!  Please make checks payable to the “Cottie & Cake Fund” and mail to Carolina HealthCare Foundation, PO Box 32861 Charlotte, NC 28232.  

An article about one of our designers, Meghan

Meghan Hampton – the 2011 Jennifer Lisman Bunich Smarty Mom of the Year

The votes are in and we have a winner! A big Smarty congrats goes out to Meghan Hampton, our 2011 Jennifer Lisman Bunich Smarty Mom of the Year! Meghan beautifully represents what we look for in our Smarty Moms each week and we’re honored to feature her as our Smarty Mom of the Year!  via Charlotte Smarty Pants 

When You Look Good, You Feel Good

 When you look good, you feel good!  

Those words were lovingly said by Shirleen, an amazing nurse at the Levine Children's Hospital Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit.  Shirleen, baby Scottie, and all the other precious babies and their families who called the Levine NICU their home for a time, inspired us to help spread cheer where it was needed.  While trying to come up with a meaningful way to impact those babies and families, we realized how incredibly small we felt.  How could we possibly come up with something that would mean anything when the only wish was for a miracle.  From personal experience, we understood that no gesture is too small in a time of need.  We also understood that splashes of cheer were not always in sight in the NICU.  A NICU baby's closest neighbor is often the machine that is keeping her a live until she has grown enough strength to do it on her own.  A NICU baby's best outfit is often a sterile white blanket.  So we took nurse Shirleen's words to heart and decided to help the babies feel good.  Using fabrics from our collections, we created soft colorful blankets to brighten their beds and hopefully their days.  All babies visiting the Levine NICU will have their day brightened by one of the blankets pictured above.  It was a heartfelt day when we delivered over 1,000 of these blankets to the Levine NICU.  It is our wish that all babies everywhere feel enveloped in love and cheer.

Spring 2012 Collection: A Sneak Peek! 

We had the privilege of working with Heather Rasmussen during our photo shoot for the Spring 2012 collection.  Heather is an amazing photographer inspired by motherhood and her love for storytelling through the lens.  Addie and Ella had so much fun working playing with Heather, who kept the girls motivated to keep on going until the last outfit was shot.  We can't wait to share all the pictures with you via facebook.  Until then, check out how Heather captured the essence of our Spring 12 line at heathermarie-photography.com.

The "Suri Cruise" Jacket

The reception to our Fall line has been incredible and we have you to thank!  We can't wait to see pictures of your girls wearing Addie & Ella this fall, so please be sure to tag us on facebook.  Typically, it is difficult for us to play favorites but we cannot deny that we do indeed have a favorite this Fall!  The "Suri Cruise" tweed jacket has been receiving a lot of attention, many orders, and so much love.  This coat was given this celebrity child's name by so many of you that we too have to call it just that.  We also think Suri Cruise would look fabulous in this jacket and would love it as much as we all do!  So, if any of you know Suri and her mom Katie, please let her know that we have the "Suri" jacket for her to wear this Fall!

Wardrobe Assistant

A sundress or shorts?  Ballet flats or sandals?  Lace tank or ruffle tunic?  Capris or skort?  Headband or bow?  These are just some of the decisions that go on each morning of a girl's life.  Breakfast has not even been put on the table yet, metaphorically and literally!  No matter how you prepare her the night before, somehow the menu changes in the morning.  If you have a daughter like Addie (and Ella), you know exactly what I am talking about.  Mornings are not easy!  And truth be told, I am guilty of creating this beast, as she has watched me carefully select her outfit each day of her life.  By the age of two, I was being pushed aside to the position of wardrobe assistant.  The privilege of styling Addie was taken away: Addie came out of diapers and I was handed my demotion.  My job has since been merely handing clothes upon hangers to her and opening drawers.  On an average morning, I show her at least five options which are hung and rehung again and again.  There is a debate about the day's weather, the activities, her mood.  The phrase "I am not in the mood to wear that" has been uttered countless times.  My efforts to slip in one of my favorites have all gone awry.  Addie spots the unsolicited shirt and quickly states her disapproval.  In my effort to win back my position as master styler, I tell Addie stories of how I always wanted a little girl to dress.  Addie's reply is always short but with a sweet smile, "Mom, you can pick out whatever you want in a few days".  The few days rarely come but it's okay, as we are spending precious time together each morning.  Since they do grow up entirely too quickly, I will cherish all the moments she still willingly allows me in her room (including when the final selection is something completely mismatched).