JILL BATES FASHION DESIGN

2011-04-07T10:09:00.000-07:00

NEWSLETTER APRIL 8, 2011

Getting ready to start wearing all your bright spring and summer colors, but worried about keeping them looking new? Washing your clothes in cold water can help preserve the colors, and gets your clothes just as clean as washing in warm or hot water. Did you know that some stains can even become set in when using warmer temperatures? Hot water can also shrink some of the more delicate and synthetic fabrics.

If you're worried about getting your gym clothes really clean, look for cold-water specific detergents. These help break down protein stains (blood, sweat, etc.) and get our clothes clean. Regular clothing will work fine with just regular detergent.

Not only will washing in cold water preserve bright colors, it prevents your reds from bleeding and even saves energy and money. If you're worried about getting a specific stain out, look at the inside of your washer lid. Most new washers give tips right on the machine itself!

Chale

A woman I met recently said her amythest stone on her desk doesn't seem to be working lately. I asked her "When was the last time you cleaned it?" "Cleaned it?" she questioned. "Yes, you need to clean or charge your gem stones." The following are easy ways to do this - (1) Rinse in a river, lake, or body of water you enjoy. (2) Let them bask in the sun or quietly receive the energies from a moon beam. The full moon is best and will be here on April 18th. A bath in salt water does the trick too!

Jill Bates News

A must see website: www.cleanmomma.com. Make the most out of your time. Improve your body, declutter your home, and find your "me" time!

NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 17, 2011

2011-02-21T08:34:00.000-08:00

MEN AND FASHION

John Updike once compared the male body to a bank account: as long as it's healthy, a man doesn't think much about it.

For men, more than ever, looks count. In Vogue and Men's Health alike, modern-day Adonises sell everything from protein powder to Armani cologne. One simple way to keep your look up to par is to care for your neckties. Like it or not, if you’re a man, you will wear a tie at some point in your life. And if you have children, you will probably receive one as a present – they are THE Father’s Day gift.

Here are some **tips to help you care for your ties whether you wear them every day or once a year:

Let water spots on silk ties dry and then rub it briskly with the same fabric.
When ironing ties, make certain the roll along the tie edge is not pressed flat. If possible, use a steamer instead of an iron. You can purchase a hand held steamer for about $29.99.
Always hang your ties on a rack except knitted or crochet ties, which should be rolled and stored in a drawer. This will keep them from getting wrinkled.
Give your ties at least two to three days of rest before wearing them again, to allow wrinkles to hang out.
Do not unravel the knot by pulling on the small end. Always reverse the knot itself.

Following these simple tips will help make your ties last longer.

**Tips from The Neckwear Association of America

2011-01-25T13:06:00.000-08:00

NEWSLETTER JANUARY 26, 2011

Looking for a new way to stay trendy, while also keeping warm, as we drop to subzero temperatures this winter? One cold weather accessory you should pick up is a trapper hat. Never heard of it? Chances are, you probably have seen them around. This season, retailers all over have started selling trapper hats in different colors, patterns and different variations. Men and women both have several options to choose from when it comes to these accessories. So next time you bundle up to go outside, don’t forget your trapper hat!

Renewal, Gratitude, Change

2010-12-02T05:14:00.000-08:00

From my deck: Dec 2010

From my deck: Oct 2010

December 2, 2010 Blog- Early this past fall- 2010- I decided to start my New Year in September instead of January. Kids heading back to school and the first day of autumn starting September 22^nd, inspired me. It is a time of year that feels much more like a fresh start.

In September I become energized and just love the fact that Fall is so beautiful and reminds us that the quiet winter months are just ahead. It reminds us that this time of year is a great time to get organized and make room for change. It allows us to clear out and put away all the summer season items.

Here it is December and if you look out your window you can confirm that the quiet winter months are upon us here in Western New York. September seems like a time for renewal, December is a time to be grateful. It is a time to show your gratitude. I tend to put my studio back in order this time of year as the fast-paced bridal season has wound down. I am grateful for all the clients that came to me and allowed me to help them prepare for their special day, their daughter’s special day, or a friend’s special day.

Recently, I decided to give my business a new look. What is it about change that has some embracing it and others running in the opposite direction? It is a natural occurence, you see it in nature from one season change to the next. Nature seems to be able to change with little or no effort.

I don’t know yet all the changes that are in store for my business, but I’m excited by the possibilities. If you seek out the help you need, you can make a change happen with little or no effort. I am working with a team of experts to make my change fun and exciting.

I will keep you posted on my journey and hope you’ll share yours with me, too.

Running Season

2010-05-27T04:10:00.000-07:00

It’s running season. This past weekend – Saturday May 22 – I participated in a duathlon at Mendon Ponds Park. A duathlon consist of a running leg, followed by a cycling leg, and then another running leg. I did the 2 mile run, 10 mile bike, and 1 mile run. The running was trail running; much nicer than running on hard pavement. This duathlon was also the first time I rode a bike competitively. I WON FIRST PLACE in my age group! What a great feeling.

My trainer, friend, and inspiration Elizabeth did the Formula 1 duathlon taking place at the same time. Her competition was a 2 mile run, 10 mile bike, 1 mile run, 10 mile bike, 2 mile run. She came in third in her age group. Elizabeth is amazing!

On Sunday, I ran in the Lilac Festival 5k. I ran with my sister. We just missed third place in the sister/sister category. Another great day with wonderful family and friends. And, of course the opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of Rochester.

~ Jill

Mother's Day

2010-05-10T17:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Mother’s Day, and I started my day participating in the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester’s Pink Ribbon Run and Walk at Lake Ontario Park. It is an annual event, held every Mother’s Day to honor those who have been touched by a diagnosis of breast cancer. This year’s race netted about $145,000.

Sunday was my first 5k of the season. I ran with a group of 10 friends; some new runners and some getting back into running. I ran with my daughter. It was a cold, cold day; and very windy. Of course, after the race our group celebrated with champagne. Then we all headed home and took hot baths to warm up!

~ Jill

Spring Has Sprung!

2010-04-21T17:34:00.000-07:00

This is a great time of year for high school juniors and seniors. It is a time of proms, and senior and junior balls. It is fun for me, as I get to see my son and his friends dress up, go out-on-the-town, and celebrate wonderful friendships. It’s really neat to see the young people dressed up. I’m used to seeing them in sports paraphernalia.

These events are good for the community. The students support local businesses, whether it is clothing, eateries, car rentals, floral, and on-and-on. Over the years, some things have changed, but some things have remained the same. One neat thing my son and his friends did for transportation was take the school bus to the prom. The school principal even went along for the ride! The school bus driver was thrilled to be part of the event. I think it’s great that the students included their principal. What wonderful memories!

Sharing of Experience

2010-04-13T17:47:00.000-07:00

This blog is dedicated to my past bridal clients and future bridal clients. I enjoy so much working with each and every one of you.
I thought it would be neat if past bridal clients would share their experiences with future brides-to-be. I’m not asking that everything be shared, but if you have one valuable piece of advice to give to future brides, what would that advice be?
My blog is the perfect forum for clients to dialogue with each other. I have witnessed joy, anxiety, frustration, happiness, giddiness; you name it, I have witnessed it. So, for those of you who have been through the whole bridal experience, what are your thoughts? What memories do you have that a future bride may benefit from?
I hope to hear from you!

~ Jill

Two Silvers and a Gold

2010-03-22T03:23:00.000-07:00

Not only did we have a great family weekend, the family walked away with two Silver and one Gold medal for the snowshoe racing. Awesome!

Here are photos of my weekend at Highland Forest Park.

Greek Peak

Another Great Weekend!

2010-03-10T16:27:00.000-08:00

Another great weekend in New York snow country. My husband and I traveled to Highland Forest Park, outside of Syracuse. What a beautiful park. There is so much to do. Our trip to Highland Forest Park consisted of participating in the 2010 US National Snowshoe Championship Race. A good friend of the family ran the 10K. After the official race, there was a Citizen 5k snowshoe run/walk for anyone interested in joining in. Of course my husband and I joined in; we purchased new snowshoes before the event, so we had to use them! It was a lot of fun.

After our weekend in Syracuse, my husband and I traveled to Greek Peak Mountain Resort in Cortland, NY. More skiing! The resort also has an indoor waterpark.

It was a great weekend with a lot of winter fun and relaxation. So much to do in our own backyard!

~ Jill

Winter Wonderland

2010-03-01T13:22:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful time of year. A few weekends back, my husband and I went to Naples. From there we overlooked Canandaigua Lake. The view was so picturesque; quiet and calm. On our weekend excursion we stayed at the Naples Hotel. A grand old hotel. Nice and quiet with a lovely room and a great dinner. Naples also has some cute Bed and Breakfast residences. Close to Bristol Mountain, we discovered Ontario County Park. What a great park to ski and snowshoe. It really is a beautiful time of year!

~ Jill

Snowshoe Run for Haiti

2010-02-14T16:17:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Last Sunday, my friend Deb and I ran in a 2 mile snowshoe run sponsored by Fleet Feet. The run was a fundraiser for Haiti. Fleet Feet raised $2400 and also collected a truck load of gently used sneakers that were shipped to Haiti. The snowshoe run was a lot of fun. But, a very cold morning; 12 degrees at 9:00am.

I think it’s great that’s there is lots of good things happening in our “own backyard” to help those in needs.

~Jill

Haiti Relief

2010-02-10T11:14:00.000-08:00

As a mother, friend, and business owner, I feel the need to help others. I am moved by the tragedy in Haiti, and the overwhelming obstacles the Haitian people are facing. In some small way I want to help, and so I have partnered with the American Red Cross, Rochester, NY Chapter. For every Châle you purchase, Jill Bates Fashion Design will donate $10.00 to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief Efforts.

My Châles are a unique line of scarves designed to channel personal positive energy to flow through you and around you. This allows you to wear your beautiful accessory while at the same time visualizing our troubled Haitians receiving positive energies; a little each day.

What a great way to help with the Haiti Relief Efforts. You’ll purchase a beautiful gift and at the same time give a wonderful gift to the people of Haiti.

Visit my website: http://www.jillbatesfashion.com/

What a Weekend!

2010-01-22T14:00:00.001-08:00

Talk about being outdoors! This past weekend I had my fill of activities. On Saturday I down hilled skied, at Bristol, with my sister from New Hampshire. The trails were great. As if we didn’t have enough skiing, we finished downhill and then did some cross-country skiing that afternoon, also at Bristol.

On Sunday I ended up in a 5K snowshoe race at Mendon Ponds. I never snow shoed before, so racing in snowshoes was wild! I somehow managed to finish. It was a fun day and a fun weekend. I guess you could say I was a weekend warrior – who knew! Of course, after every sporting event, the congratulatory round of drinks is enjoyed by all.

On Monday, my legs were telling me enough already.

Until next time.

~ Jill

Mendon Ponds Park

2010-01-19T12:14:00.000-08:00

As stated in my previous blog, I love this park. It is a great family place. Last weekend my husband and I took our grandson Jaidyn, our son, and his friends Jake and Mike to Mendon Ponds. It was a beautiful day to be outside and get in touch with nature. One of our favorite spots is Bird Song Trail. The birds eat right out of your hand. Very cool! It feels weird when they land on your hand and peck away at the bird food. They are really cute.

We also went to the Nature Center where the park houses a few animals. The park staff was giving an educational talk on the Nature Center and the animals. Today was a talk on the owl. What a majestic bird!

If you live in the area, get to Mendon Ponds Park and the Nature Center. A great place to be!

~ Jill

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

2010-01-18T06:52:00.000-08:00

I LOVE WINTER AND SNOW! It was great having the snow last week. My husband and I took advantage of the winter weather and went cross-country skiing at Mendon Ponds. What a beautiful park. It was a beautiful day – majestic, calming, great snow and a beautiful sunset. The great thing about Mendon Ponds is that you are out there in nature. The deer were so close. My feeling is that being out there in nature is good for the soul. What a great way to refresh and recharge the soul – and to appreciate the bounty in life.

~ Jill

Happy Birthday Jaidyn!

2010-01-14T12:39:00.000-08:00

Our little peanut; My grandson is 2 years old today! This picture says it all!

Happy Birthday Jaidyn!

Love, Gramma and Grandpa

What a Difference a Day Makes!

2010-01-07T05:55:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! I had a great holiday – wishing all the best to my family, friends, clients, and blog followers.

To live in Rochester, you have got to love this weather! The day after Christmas my family and I went skiing at Holiday Valley. What a great day. The ski conditions were very good. It was good to get a different form of exercise.

The day after skiing, I went hiking in the rain at Mendon Ponds. No snow, but still plenty of trails to hike. I love the variety of outdoor activities the Rochester area offers. My philosophy is if you are going to live in the Northeast, it is best to make the most of what Mother Nature presents.

As I stated, what a difference a day makes – skiing and hiking in the same week!

Tis the Season

2009-12-24T06:24:00.001-08:00

I want to wish everyone healthy holidays, a very Merry Christmas, and a joyous, healthy, happy, and peaceful 2010. Thank you to all my clients for their continued business and support. I have enjoyed working with each and every one of you. I wish you all the best to you and your family this holiday season and in the New Year.

Warm Regards,
Jill

Family Weekend

2009-12-16T17:25:00.000-08:00

This past weekend – Dec 12th and 13th – was family weekend. My family and my husband’s side of the family spent the weekend in Skaneateles NY. It was a beautiful weekend. The air was cool and crisp; the sun was bright. The people in the village were smiling and very pleasant.

Skaneateles celebrates this holiday season – this is the 16th year – by transforming the village into a Charles Dickens Christmas. It is a really neat and fun. There is Christmas caroling, free cider, hot chocolate, and donuts. Mother goose and Father Christmas greet the children. There is a magic show and story time for the kids. The Dickens characters interact with residents and visitors while acting out scenes from a Christmas Carol on the village streets. It’s fun to see the Dickens character dressed in period costume and to hear the characters speak proper English.
When it was time to visit Father Christmas, my grandson Jaidyn became extremely shy. He would only get near Father Christmas if he could sit on his mommy’s lap. We all got a chuckle out of that!

Our family rented a house in the village. It was more personable and intimate than staying at a hotel. Saturday night we cooked a family dinner and then played Board games. A great way to spend time with family and have lots of fun.

~Jill

Season of Giving

2009-12-09T04:34:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again. Most people I know get into the holiday spirit of giving. I think it's wonderful that people still think of others and try and help in anyway they can. Where ever you go there seems to be wonderful gestures to help others - banks, shopping centers, selected charities. I would like to mention Molly's Yoga Center. Molly's is sponsoring a family from the local Rochester area. Anyone visiting Molly's has the opportunity to participate. What a great way to support a family and allow many people to participate. I am contributing a % of sales of my châle's to the giving effort. It is my way of contributing this holiday season. I wish you, your family, friends, and loved one's all the best this holiday season.

~Jill

Jingle Bell Run

2009-12-04T12:32:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Another run! I am running with my friend in the Jingle Bell run for Arthritis. This is a national event sponsored by Arthritis Foundation. It is a festive way to start off the holidays and a way to support a good cause. The race starts at 9:00am 12 Corners Middle School in Brighton. To date, donations total $25,000. That’s awesome. I hope you will join me in spirit as I run for the Arthritis Foundation.

~ Jill

Webster Turkey Trot

2009-12-02T18:30:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I did! I love the holiday and spending it with family. On Thanksgiving morning, my daughter and I ran in the Webster Turkey Trot. The race was either a 2.5mile or 4.4 mile course. Jenna and I ran the 2.5 mile. It was a beautiful day for a run. The Webster Turkey Trot is sponsored by Fleet Feet, on Monroe Ave. This was the 37th year for this race.

After the race, it was turkey time! I am so grateful to have time to spend with my family. I know that this can be a hectic time of year, but it is also a great time of year. Thanksgiving starts the holiday season. And, I love the holiday season.

I want to remind any of my former clients, that if you want to get on my mailing list for future events, please email me your address information. Emails can be sent to jill@jillbatesfashion.com.

~Jill

My Open House

2009-11-24T06:43:00.001-08:00

My Open House

Hi Everyone. My open house was Saturday November 21st, and it was a blast! I first want to thank all who stopped by to say hi. Former clients, potential new clients, business associates, family, friends, and neighbors all stopped in. I especially enjoyed the brides and family members who stopped by to share their wedding stories and pictures with the attendees. I enjoy seeing the wedding pictures; it gives me a big picture view of the special day. In my line of work, I am so focused on the dresses; it is nice for me to see the entire package – men’s attire, flowers, cake, wedding and reception settings, and family. Of course, the brides are still radiant! And, if I do say so myself, it feels good to know that my clients really appreciate the work that I do for them.

Back to the open house; I had a networking table, appetizer and drink table, and plenty of candy dishes throughout the studio. Everyone appeared to partake in the goodies. Guests introduced themselves to strangers, and intermingled with other guests. The networking table worked out quite nicely. A few guests had the opportunity to talk about their business and career, which led to exchanged business cards. A great way to build new clientele!

It was fun to have folks in my shop so that they could see and experience my world. I had the shop setup to showcase my Châle’s. I am the proud owner of a new and unique boutique. How fun is that?

Again, I want to thank everyone who stopped by. It was a very special day for me and a fun day to revisit with former clients. I would also like to remind everyone that the Châle’s make a wonderful gift option for that someone special on your holiday list.

If you would like to get on my mailing list, or want to update your mailing information, please send a quick email to my virtual assistant; janice.myvaa@gmail.com

Thanks everyone, and have a GREAT THANKSGIVING!

~ Jill

A Special Halloween!

2009-11-16T03:26:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone,
I can’t believe how time is flying by. Before Thanksgiving is upon us, I want to share a special Halloween with you. On Halloween day – October 31st – our community organized a very special 5k run. The day was raining and cool. There were approximately 230 runners. It was a very inspiring run as it was organized to help a member of our community with brain cancer. The runners and the crowd were very enthusiastic. It was a very spiritual event – meaning that folks turned out for a member in need. It can’t get much better than that!

P.S. my grandson was Mickey Mouse!

I was on TV!

2009-11-04T17:38:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,
I was on TV! I was on Channel 13 this morning. Check it out.................
http://www.13wham.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=210005@wokr.dayport.com&navCatId=212

WOW! It was exciting! I talked about the work that goes into a gown. It was fun to share my knowledge with the public. I also felt honored to showcase my business, Jill Bates Fashion Design. I also shared with the public the importance of preserving the bridal gown. As I stated in the clip, I actually restored two previously owned gowns, for the next generation to wear. So, for all you brides out there, it is important to preserve your gown. You never know, you may want to share it with someone special (daughter, niece).
Please visit my website and do some pre-holiday Châle shopping.

~ Jill

Washington DC and the Marine Corp Marathon

2009-10-30T12:49:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,
I had an exciting few days in Washington, DC. I was there from October 21st – 26th.

My main purpose for going to Washington was to be a cheerleader for my training coach, Elizabeth, as she ran in the Marine Corp Marathon held on Sunday October 25, 2009. The race is 26.2 miles long and showcases areas in Arlington, Georgetown, and Washington DC. What a spectacular course; the runners pass Kennedy Center, Jefferson Memorial enter the National Mall and run by the Lincoln, FDR, Korean War and Vietnam Veteran's memorials, as well as the Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol. The race consisted of 30,000 runners with 100,000 spectators. It was awesome! The race is very well organized and well received.

Earlier in the week I was a tourist. My friends and I walked around Georgetown, took the Metro to the Mall and Landmark locations in DC, and went to the Convention Center in the city. There was really neat art work displayed in the Convention Center – guitars, tennis rackets – suspended from the ceiling. We took a nighttime tour of the memorials. It was really neat to see the memorials and the city lit up.

I also had the privilege of touring the Pentagon. Prior to admission, I had to complete an application for submission. The Pentagon was fascinating! Just touring the place was awesome. The energy in the halls was incredible. The building was massive and impressive. I also visited the Pentagon 9/11 memorial. It was beautiful – simple and elegant. The memorial consists of 184 illuminated benches – each engraved with the victim’s name. I did not know this; the victims ranged in age from 3 to 71. I also learned on my Pentagon tour that the Department of Defenses finds approximately 100 MIA’s or POW’s each year. It is comforting to know that searching continues for our dedicated service personnel who have been unaccounted for all these years.

~ Jill

Rochester Women's Expo

2009-10-28T16:05:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,
I will have a booth at the upcoming Rochester Women's Expo being held on Saturday November 7, 2009. I will be displaying and selling my Châle's. Stop by and browse - it is close to the holiday's and the Châle make's a wonderful gift!

See you soon.

~ Jill

Running, running - Tufts 10k

2009-10-27T17:41:00.001-07:00

October has been a busy month. I have been traveling and running every weekend. Columbus Day weekend I was in Boston competing in the Tufts 10K for women. The races motto is “Start Strong, Finish Stronger”. What a great philosophy! All of us can use that philosophy in our everyday lives.

The race goes from downtown Boston to Cambridge and back again, and is composed of 8000 women! What a thrill it is to run through down town Boston on a Monday. The weather conditions were ideal for the event. This was the 33rd annual race. My running mates and I drove, rode the subway, and walked several blocks to get to the start line. I traveled a total of 800 miles that weekend to run 6.2 miles. It was worth it! Running with that many women is inspiring. I usually run 5K’s, so this race was a big deal for me. I am proud to say that I completed the race in 1 hour and 12 minutes.

The event raised just over $10,000.00 for the American Heart Association. What a positive jolt! The winner, Molly Huddle of Providence won the race and it was the second year in a row she did so. The prize purse was $41,000.00. Not bad for running the streets of Boston. I also got to meet Joan Benoit Samuelson, a 1984 Olympic gold medalist. What an inspiration! I heard many comments and stories from women that were quite inspiring. Jessica Pelland, 33, had a stroke when she was 12, and she runs all kinds of races including marathons.

I can’t run and talk very well, but all around us we heard women chatting about life, challenges, and triumphs in their lives. The race included mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, aunts. We saw young mom’s pushing their babies, and one young woman pushing her little dog in a dog stroller! I met a family that has 8 sisters. Most of them were at the race. I ran with my sister and of course my trainer. She is the one that got me involved in this incredible race. Well actually she is the one that got me into running 3 years ago. My endorphins could not be happier!

~ Jill

October!

2009-10-27T16:13:00.000-07:00

What a great month! I love this time of year. The air is crisp; the leaves are beautiful with rich and varied colors. On the home front, October is high school football season. I love to watch my son and his team playing the game. There is something to be said about the spirit and energy at high school athletic events. It’s fun to watch and to be a part of that spirit. As for my son, isn't he handsome?

New Website!

2009-10-21T06:47:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
I am in the process of updating my website. It is exciting to create the changes and see the transformation of the website. I’m updating the site so that it is easier to navigate, more user friendly and intuitive. The updated site will still have all the excellent information that a consumer needs to understand my business and how I can be of service. I’m pleased that my business is successful and thriving, while offering excellent alteration services and customer service. It is exciting that my business is also moving into specialized accessories with the offering of the Châle. Please visit the site often. I know that I can be of service to you on your next special occasion.

~Jill

Gown Preservation and Shipping

2009-10-12T17:27:00.000-07:00

In addition to providing high quality alterations, I also provide wedding gown preservation. Gown preservation protects a valuable heirloom. The preservation is done by hand and is customized for each gown. Your gown is then carefully packed for protection.

I have clients that are from the local Rochester NY region, but I also have a fair volume of clients that reside outside the greater Rochester community. These clients will often use a delivery shipping service to ship their gown to its final destination. I have had clients ship their gowns to New Mexico, Florida, and US states in between. Most of my clients use The Boxman for shipping. The Boxman is family owned, user friendly, and provides great quality and customer service. The Boxman is also a FedEx authorized ship center. For any of your packing needs, you need to consider The Boxman.

Yoga

2009-09-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Yoga

As I move forward in my life, I realize that I need to take care of myself. As you know, I am into running 5k races, and running in general for my health. Another healthy routine I practice is yoga. Yoga is great for the mind, body, and spirit. When I practice yoga I know that I am doing something good for me. I am stretching my body – helping my joints, muscles, and internal organs. I am becoming spiritually fit. I am becoming more aware of the goodness in people and the world. I am opening my heart to gratitude, love, and grace. I recognize that people are in different places in their individual life. I, as a person try and treat everyone with kindness, respect and grace.

I practice yoga at Molly’s Yoga in Fairport. It is a wonderful environment with wonderful people. Through her teachings I have learned that if someone is unpleasant, they should be treated with kindness and love. The energy that I emit will be returned to me. So, it is better to emit positive, loving energy. It may be tough at times, but it is the right thing to do.

Try yoga. You will benefit physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Friendship

2009-09-28T10:47:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of attending a dinner party for a friend that is leaving town. It was a small dinner party – six women. I knew two of the women; the other three were new acquaintances. I have to say it was a fun and enjoyable evening. It was nice to meet some new people, share stories and laugh a lot! Maggie – our friend who is moving to Vermont – had us laughing out loud. The stories she can tell!

It is always hard to say goodbye to a friend, even if the goodbye is temporary. These transitions also remind me of how fortunate I am to meet such nice people. I am blessed to have such positive, fun-spirited people in my life. And, now having a friend in Vermont gives me a reason to travel to a new destination.

A toast to friendship!

Rochester Marathon - Relay Winners

2009-09-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

My team "Massage on University" and I completed the Rochester Marathon Relay this past Sunday. It is twice as much distance than I usually run. It is just over a 10k for each of the 4 legs of the race. I am a 5k runner, so I really worked on warming up my mind as well as my body for this event. I only ran 6.5 miles once before this. It was last year's Rochester Marathon Relay!

It was a perfect day for running, and any thing else you wanted to do outside. My leg of the race starts in front of St. John Fisher College on East Ave. and ends at Bushnell's Basin on the canal. Much of the race is on the canal which is beautiful.

Our team consisted of 4 women and our endorphins were high upon completion of the event which finished at Frontier Field. As we were enjoying the music, snacks, and FREE chair massages (complements of Onandaga Massage School at Village Gate) at the finish line, and happy with our results (4 1/2 hours for 26.2 miles), we learned that we came in 2nd in the masters division (over 40). Our endorphins then doubled and lasted a good 24 hours after the race! Our combined years of 213 and our bodies let us realize the joy of completing a physical goal.

Don't forget to appreciate your body today. Look at what is does for you.

Next race for me? A 10k in Boston, MA on Oct. 12th with 10,000 women!

The Rochester Marathon

2009-09-11T11:36:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
The Rochester Marathon is happening this Sunday, September 13, 2009.

This is a great event to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. I am participating in the Mixed Master Marathon Relay - each runner must be 40 or over to qualify. Our team consists of 4 women – Susan Blease, Jill MedVed, Cathy Henry, and Jill Bates. We will be running as the Massage on University team. Look for us.

I did this race last year and it was great fun. It is a beautiful course through parts of the city, and 12 miles running on the Erie Canal. The energy is unbelievable! It’s great to see the City of Rochester turn out to support this event.

Check out the race on Sunday and cheer on the runners!

Jill

A BRIDAL FASHION SPECIALISTS “PRAYER”

2009-09-07T11:45:00.000-07:00

A BRIDAL FASHION SPECIALISTS “PRAYER”

HER GOWN IS BEAUTIFUL, IT LOOKS PRICEY
IT IS SIMPLE AND ELEGANT
IT IS DRAMATC WITH SPARKLE.

IF I JUST TUCK IT SOME HERE
TWEEK IT A LITTLE THERE
MOVE THIS OVER AND THAT UNDER
TAME IT DOWN OR BUILD IT UP
MAKE IT LAY DOWN OR MAKE IT STAY UP

SHORTEN IT, LENGTHEN IT, STITCH IT
SEW THE BEADS BACK ON, CUT THE STRAPS OFF
FLUFF IT, SMOOTH IT, STEAM OUT ALL THE WRINKLES.

YES! I DID CREATE A CUSTOM FIT.
GRACEFULLY AND EXPERTLY, IT IS PLACED ON THE HANGER.
I CARRY IT TO HER CAR AS IF IT IS A PRICELESS CRYSTAL VASE.

PLEASE GOD HELP ME SEE TO IT THAT HER GOWN IS ALL IT IS MEANT TO BE,
BOTH PHYSCALLY AND FINANCIALLY.

Gems of the Finger Lakes

2009-09-02T16:37:00.000-07:00

Another busy weekend! My husband and I took some time to travel and visit quaint towns in the Finger Lakes region.

First stop was Skaneateles, NY. It is a beautiful town south east of Rochester NY. The name Skaneateles is an Iroquois word meaning long lake. The town sits on the north end of Skaneateles Lake – 16 miles long and one of the cleanest in the country. . The downtown district is historical, with buildings dating back to 1796. There are many quaint shops, restaurants, and bed & breakfasts. I had a great time browsing and shopping. I also took some time to do some running while in Skaneateles. It felt good to keep up my exercise routine. On a leisurely stroll, I came across a neat café, with an excellent cappuccino. The café reminded me of Italy.

After Skaneateles my husband and I headed to Hammondsport, Penn Yan and Watkins Glen. We stayed at a lovely rustic lodge on the water of Keuka Lake. It was great to sit outside near the water, taking in the ambience while enjoying wine and cheese. I even had the courage to take a dip in the lake – or maybe it was too much wine. What ever, I had a great time!

While touring these quaint towns I decided to test market my Châle (scarves). I did several cold calls at various boutiques. To my pleasant surprise, most of the shop owners I spoke with loved my Châle (scarves) and bought them outright!

When you visit the Finger Lakes region, stop in to these shops. The business owners were wonderful to work with! And, I believe in supporting local businesses. It is great for the community and the local economy.

Cheers for now……….Jill

Browsers
33 Shethar Street
Hammondsport, NY 14840
607.569.2497

Keuka Inspirations
http://www.keukainspirations.com/

Jane Morgans Little House
http://www.janemorganslittlehouse.com/

Client Weddings

2009-08-31T12:17:00.000-07:00

OMG, where does the time go? I am blessed that I have a busy and full life. Time just seems to run away from me.

Anyway, two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending two weddings. The great thing about weddings is that the bride and groom can personalize them as they wish. Each wedding was a bridal client. The weddings were at different times, so I was fortunate enough to have time to enjoy each of the ceremonies. Both weddings were very different, and both were very lovely. It was exciting and fun for me as I got to see my hard work in action, and could take in the many commentaries of how the brides looked.

The first wedding was a Scottish wedding. How beautiful to see the Scottish heritage being honored at the wedding. The male wedding party wore kilts. Pretty neat to see here in America. There were Scottish bagpipes playing and Scottish traditional dancing. The bride and groom looked lovely. I think it’s great that cultural heritage is carried on from generation to generation. The wedding dress was special, as it was the brides mothers dress. Part of my alterations was to match up dress material today, to fabric from years ago. Part of my challenge and fun that comes with the business.

The second wedding was a traditional formal wedding. What I mean by that is that the bridal party attire consisted of formal wear – gowns and tuxedo’s. Again, another lovely wedding. The best part about weddings is when the bride and groom are really enjoying themselves. I had a lot of fun at the reception – dancing, laughing. It looked as if the bride and groom also were having fun.

It’s nice to attend client weddings. As I stated, I love to see my work in action. And, when I hear complements, I really feel good about what I offer and contribute to my clients on their special day.

Wedding Planners

2009-08-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

The majority of my clients are brides-to-be. It is fun and exciting to work with them, as they are full of hope and dreams. And, they are giddy in-love!

The other side of that is that during the wedding planning process, I have witnessed how the brides-to-be have become nervous, anxious, uptight, and a little short-tempered. They take it upon themselves to plan everything! There is so much to plan and coordinate – the reception, flowers, music, seating, culinary delights, gifts, dresses, shoes – the list can go on and on. After a while the pressure begins to show.

I’m a firm believer in investing in a professional Wedding Planner. A lot of people think that Wedding Planners are an additional cost. In reality Wedding Planners are an investment. It is money well spent. Wedding Planners have inside access to vendors and hospitality sites. They have a wealth of knowledge. They know the ins and outs of negotiating. They have the relationships built with vendors so there is less time wasted on phone and email exchange. They are the experts in their field, have established relationships, and get the job done. Cost can be measured in time, money, and emotional well-being. With a professional Wedding Planner, the bridal party will save time, will save on emotional distraught, and ultimately will save money.

What better way to celebrate the day, knowing that someone else has taken care of all the details.

Amethyst Gemstone

2009-08-11T19:15:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I was in Springfield Massachusetts for the East Coast Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show. In addition to my profession as a seamstress in formal wear, I am adding to my portfolio unique scarves known as Châle (Shă-lă). These scarves are made from luxurious natural fabrics with natural gemstones designed into them. Châle’s channel positive energy around and through individuals who wear them.

While at the gem and mineral show, I was enthralled with the amethyst, a beautiful naturally occurring gemstone from crystal quartz. The amethyst displays a variety of beautiful purple coloration caused by impurities of iron or manganese. The color is as unique as it is seductive. For thousands of years, amethyst has been the gemstone of royalty. The rich and powerful have worn it as a mark of rank for hundreds of years.

In popular Greek Mythology, the amethyst offers protection against drunkenness. The Greek word amethystos, means not intoxicated. It was believed that Dionysus, the god of wine and song, was very angry and vowed to slay the first mortal who crossed his path. The unlucky mortal was Amethyst, a beautiful maiden. However, Artemis – goddess of virginity and the hunt – intervened and transformed Amethyst into white stone. When Dionysus saw what had happened, he repented and poured wine over the stone, staining the top of it purple. That is why the top of amethyst is purple and the bottom is white.

Another variation of the Greek mythology is that the Goddess Diana transformed the beautiful young maiden, Amethyst, into a statue of pure quartz in an effort to protect her from vicious tigers. The god Bacchus, angry because of an insult, decreed that the first person he met would be eaten by his tigers. Diana transformed Amethyst into crystal when the tigers sprang in attack. In remorse, Bacchus poured the juice of his grapes over the stone as an offering, thus giving the gem its beautiful purple color. The Greeks believed that Amethyst would prevent intoxication, calm anger and relieve frustrated passion. Amethyst has been used throughout history to guard against drunkenness and is thought to be helpful in overcoming addiction. It has also been used for hearing disorders, insomnia, headaches, and other pains.

Folklore attributes amethyst to many supernatural powers in different cultures. It was believed to protect crops against tempests and locusts, protect against black magic and dissipate evil spirits.

Amethyst is noted for its sobering and cleansing effect. The amethyst powers include dreams, healing, peace, love, courage, and happiness. In Tibet there were amethyst rosaries, as the gemstone was dedicated to Buddha and was said to promote clarity of mind. Amethyst, when worn is believed to make the wearer of this beautiful gemstone calm, gentle, amiable, and to uplift one’s spirituality.

I can’t wait to start creating the Châle with the amethyst gemstone! I’m excited knowing that something so simple and beautiful can envelope one with calming, positive energy.

Donation of Prom Dresses

2009-08-06T15:45:00.001-07:00

I am a firm believer in giving back to the community. If you are reading my blogs, you know that I am a very appreciative and grateful person.

I love my personal and business community and try to support and stay involved in local events. An event that is now underway is donation of new and gently used prom dresses. A Second Thought is asking for gown donations so that women with development disabilities can wear them at the 25th anniversary Heritage Christian Services Silver Anniversary Ball. Men’s formal wear donations will also be accepted.

This is a great way to make someone feel special. Donating the gown is also very responsible, as it is “green”. How wonderful to recycle the gowns for continued use rather than have them hang in a closet gathering dust. And, there is no better feeling than giving generously and unconditionally.

Brides, Technology, and the Internet!

2009-08-05T16:38:00.000-07:00

What an interesting world we live in. I have been a part of a cultural transition. When I first started in the business of professional seamstress, everything was pretty much by the book. What I mean, is that there was not too much deviation from the norm. Brides wore very simple white gowns with white shoes. Selection was very limited. Most purchasing of bridal attire was done within a 60 mile radius. And, most parents had a say in the big event.

How times have changed. It is now a global world. Brides are more sophisticated and independent. They are no longer interested in the norm – residing inside the box. Brides are interested in making their own statement about their special day. Brides and their wedding party are doing researching over the internet. There are many bridal sites available online. A favorite with my clientele is the website The Knot. Brides are buying their gowns online, which gives me the opportunity to tailor them! Brides get wedding ideas, decorating ideas, beauty, accessories ideas, and much, much more. Dress styles for the bride, attendants, and mother of the bride can be found online. Tuxedos styles for the groom is also available online.

This age of technology makes it easy to send digital pictures of the varied wedding attire to remote users. When trying on gowns in a local shop, a friend can take a digital photo using their phone, and then send it over the internet for viewing and opinions! The technology goes on and on. Brides can express their joy or frustration on websites such as FaceBook and Twitter. They can even set up their own Blog to express all they feel during the wedding planning phase.

Talk about using technology to share with others. Did you see the YouTube video of the JK Wedding Entrance Dance? I thought it was awesome! Weddings and marriage should be about celebration and love. It was refreshing to see such a happy wedding party. How many weddings have you been to where everyone walks down the aisle, looking sullen and scared?

Colors - Bright, Beautiful Colors for Weddings

2009-07-30T19:13:00.000-07:00

Back at work! I have to say I love my job. Working with women who are transitioning to a new life’s journey is fun. My clients keep me current on new technology and social trends.

One aspect of my business that is fun, is observing how color
transcends in the wedding party. Weddings are not just ‘bridal white’ anymore. More and more color is displayed in wedding parties. Brides and the bridal parties are wearing bold, fun colors. Some brides have bright sashes or colorful beads on their gowns while others wear brightly colored shoes.

Recent wedding parties are colorful and bright! The trend is in colors of green, orange, lime, yellow, and raspberry – fruit colors! These colors represent freshness, lightness, and refreshment. My clients often ask for my opinion on colors. What about purple and green? My answer is, “what a wonderful combination”. Purple and green represent nature. Purple is known for tranquility, while green is soothing and calm.

Of course, there are still the classical weddings of black and white attire, and regal weddings using the colors of purple, brown, and burgundy. These elegant wedding themes are always in style.

The BoilerMaker

2009-07-28T09:29:00.000-07:00

On July 12th I was in Utica, NY for yet another 5K run. Again, the conditions for running could not be better - cool and sunny. This run is the famous “Boilermaker”. Runners – 10,000 runners – as far away as Africa and Europe participate in this run. If you run or know someone that does, you have got to get yourself to the Boilermaker. It is a 15K run. However, the race is also setup to accommodate 5K trainees – that would be me! I have my sights on the 15K for July 2011.

This event is incredible. There are so many spectators that you feel like you are a famous runner. The crowd is full of positive energy. You can feel it! At the intersections and in the parks there are rock bands playing live, a 12 piece bag pipe ensemble, cheers from spectators, people in costumes, people handing out water, people having fun everywhere. It’s a great way to get your endorphins charged. I met a runner at the post party and he was 75 years young! I guess I have a lot more years of running ahead of me. It is a place where everyone is excited for everyone. It is a little bit of Utopia in all our lives.

After the run there is a huge party with Nik and the Nice Guys playing. There is FREE BEER and sandwiches. Imagine a crowd of 20,000 people partying and drinking at 10:00am. It is all in fun and in the spirit of camaraderie. It’s great to see so many diverse people – age, size, race, and gender – all in one group. The race also has a wheelchair category. How inspirational to see all types of people competing.

Can you believe it? And, all this action is happening in little Utica, NY.

Okay, now back to reality. Monday morning July 13th I now prepare for the work world. I am thinking about all the finish lines I’ve crossed in the past week, and now I have to cross the most difficult one; the end of vacation. As I think back, I realize we all cross finish lines in some fashion or form. We all have to compete on some level, whether at work, home, friendships, or relationships. The best we can all do is to cross the finish line knowing that we did our best, with integrity and respect.

As I walk into my studio I feel a sense of joy to be back. I am here to help women look their best for their special day. It really is a Yin and Yang world. I loved time off and enjoying trips around the state. I also love to hear all about someone else’s joy. It gives one a boost. It is energy in a different form. I have learned that energy creates energy. Go out there and find yours!

Upstate NY

2009-07-26T18:10:00.000-07:00

Tuesday July 7th, my family and I went to Lily Dale, a spiritualist community in Chautauqua County, New York. It is a charming town. It is a community where spiritualists, psychics, mediums, and healers commune. Everyone should experience the energy and spiritual gifts that Lily Dale has to offer. The day we visited Lily Dale the weather was perfect – cool, breezy, sunny. By the end of the day a huge black cloud surrounded by brilliant blue sky hovered over us. It was stunning to see. As dark as the cloud was, there were only a few raindrops.

The country side of upstate NY is breathtaking. I feel it is a hidden gem. If you talk to non-upstaters’, they think NY is New York City – skyscrapers and cement! There is such beautiful country between Buffalo and Utica, in addition to Adirondack State Park

Mid week- I checked out my studio and the dresses were all patiently waiting my return.

Thurs. July 9th we are in Utica, NY in these cute little cabins on West Canada Creek. The weather is 5K running weather. Not too hot, not too muggy. We do a short warm up run on Fri. to prepare ourselves for The Boilermaker on Sunday.

A Tri in the Buff

2009-07-24T19:58:00.000-07:00

On my 3rd day of vacation – July 5th at 7:00am – I was standing in line to compete in the “A tri in the Buff”. The “A tri in the Buff” is a triathlon consisting of a one mile swim, a fifteen mile bike ride, and a 3.1 mile run. The teams can be 2 or 3 people. I entered the competition with my sister. We appropriately named our team, “The Seesters”. My sister did the swim and bike portion of the relay, I did the run. We came in FIRST PLACE! We beat the “Pasta 911” team – a much younger team. I need to boast about this because I am a late comer to this athletic world. It was thrilling to receive our award and have our name announced to a sold out crowd. My sister and I were high on life realizing what we had accomplished. AND, I accomplished this after running in a 5K the day before in Brighton, and celebrating with the family – plenty of food and several glasses of wine. Not to mention that I didn’t have much sleep prior to the “A tri in the Buff”.

I started running for my health. I realized that I needed to take care of myself and to set healthy personal goals. Winning awards is an additional morale booster and unexpected fun! I have to recognize and thank my personal trainer, Elizabeth. She has been an inspiration to me. (Elizabeth thinks she has created a monster). Anyway, let me tell you about Elizabeth. She won 2nd place in the Brighton Firecracker Run and 3rd place in the “A tri in the Buff” Olympic competition. Elizabeth was her own relay team; she did all three events herself. She is training for the Boston Marathon, Spring 2010. We are going to Washington, DC in October 2009 so she can run in the Marine Corps Marathon to qualify for Boston. In October, I will be her trainer and coach.

Thank heavens for massage therapists. After running in two back-to-back 5K’s, I desperately needed a massage to soothe my achy muscles. I recommend massages. They are very therapeutic and aide in releasing toxins from the body. Check them out sometime: Massage on University

My Vacation - Part 1!

2009-07-24T14:42:00.001-07:00

In the beginning of July, I took a week off from work. It was great to take life at a slower pace. I didn’t feel rushed or feel the need to be constantly busy. And, I cannot understand why everyone is complaining about the weather. This is great weather for running – something I love to do! I ran in three 5K races during my ten days of vacation. Two of the 5K’s were back-to-back.

I spent my entire vacation in beautiful upstate New York. I was born in New York State and love it. I think more people should take the time to travel the Finger Lakes Region .
It is wonderful to explore this region – so much to offer.

My vacation started with the Brighton Firecracker 5K on July 4th in Brighton, NY. I am proud to say that I ran with a time just under 11 min. per mile – my all time best thus far. After the race, I went to a family party. It was a great party on a fabulous sunny day, free of mugginess. As all family parties go, there was plenty of food and more importantly great community with family, friends, and loved ones. Although it was sunny, the temperature was a little chilly. I didn’t go in the pool, but the young ones didn’t seem to be bothered by it - they had a ball.

The following day family and friends gathered in Irving, NY to celebrate my mom’s 85th birthday, which is July 4th. No one ever forgets her birthday! Mom was busy cooking and baking for all of us – my sibling, grandkids, spouses, and even the dogs! Well, she didn’t bake for the dogs but they were there when a little something accidentally fell on the floor.

Spending time with family and friends helps me to realize how blessed I am. What a wonderful life; full of love and gratitude!

Independence

2009-07-04T08:08:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July! Also, known as Independence Day. This weekend friends and families will get together for picnics, family reunions, parades, all the fun summer things we enjoy. I want to take the time now to remind myself and everyone to think about the word Independence. Independence is very special to me. It is a positive word. Really think about it, do you appreciate your independence? Do we really think about it on a daily basis? I don’t think I do, although I practice it on a daily basis and in my life.

It is great to live where I want, with whom I want, and do the activities and social things I enjoy. I can have my own business or I can work for someone else. I can earn any amount of money I want or I can do volunteer work and give my time and money to whatever cause interests me. I can buy anything I want from anywhere around the world. I can eat what I want anywhere at any time, and have a selection of food and drink that is endless. I can choose what time I want to sleep, play, and work. I can wear what I want and pray what and when I want. I can choose a mate, or remain single. I can disagree with figureheads, and leaders. I can protest war and I can protest for peace.

As I stated; think about your independence. It is something we tend to take for granted, but we use it every day, all the time, whenever we do anything. I am taking the time now to appreciate my independence. I really do like knowing that here in America I have choices. I can do what I want, when I want. How great is that? For some, choices can be over whelming, but we have the independence to make choices. Happy Birthday America! I am hugging our country and my independence this weekend. Would you care to join me?

Graduation

2009-06-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

It’s the time of year for graduations. It is the end of the school year, and the start of summer. Appropriately, it is the start of new experiences for graduates.

I remember my graduation as if it were yesterday. For me, graduation was a sense of accomplishment. I did not know it at the time but I was embarking on a new life, a new journey. It was an exciting time. I felt so good that I had accomplished something – graduating from high school! I now realize that my graduation was something that I owned. I was the one who accomplished this great feat. I was the one who owned the goals and the accomplishment. I had great encouragement through family, friends, and teachers. But ultimately the responsibility resided with me.

I have very fond memories of high school and especially graduation. It was like walking through a door into my adult life.

Congratulations to all graduates. This is an exciting time in your life. Take it on with gusto and grace. Enjoy the journey!

Yin-Yang

2009-06-17T17:56:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year. I worked in my garden this past weekend. Playing in the dirt, getting my hands and fingernails dirty is very therapeutic for me. As I work with nature I see how my nurturing enables the beauty, strength, and bounty of my flowers to come to life. It is so satisfying seeing your hard work come to fruition.

The same is true of my professional life. I nurture my clients as they step through the process from start to finish for their special occasion. I see the nervous, overwhelmed client grow into a beautiful, confident woman looking forward to their special day. Unlike my gardening, when working in my studio, I have to be very careful that there is not any dirt, smudges, dust, or anything else that can leave dirty marks on the gowns. I view this as the yin-yang of life.

Yin-yang is a Chinese philosophy. There are two fundamental principles, one negative, dark, passive, cold, wet, and feminine (yin) and the other positive, bright, active, dry, hot and masculine (yang). The interactions and balance of these forces, in people and nature, influence their behavior and fate.

Yin-yang transforms each other. Like an undertow in the ocean, every advance is complemented by a retreat, and every rise transforms into a fall. Thus, a seed will sprout from the earth and grow upwards towards the sky - an intrinsically yang movement. Then when it reaches its full height, it will begin to weaken, and eventually will fall back to the earth in decay - an intrinsically yin movement. Yin always contains the potential for yang, and yang for yin.

Yin-yang is not an actual substance or force, the way it might be conceived of in western terms. Instead, it is a universal way of describing the interactions and interrelations of the natural forces that do occur in the world. It applies as well to social constructions - value judgments like good and evil, rich and poor, honor and dishonor - yet it is often used in those contexts as a warning, since by its principles extreme good will turn to evil, extreme wealth to poverty, extreme honor to dishonor.

So, as I reflect on my gardening and my professional life as a designer and seamstress, I can appreciate the yin-yang. My roses are beautiful. They are big, bright, and smell wonderful. They grow in dirt; they have thorns. My gowns are also beautiful. Their environment is sterile at best.

Gowns

2009-06-12T17:06:00.001-07:00

In May, I had the privilege of acting as emcee for a bridal fashion show for St. John of Rochester Church in Fairport, NY. It was a fundraiser for the church youth group. The gowns were submitted by the church parishioners and modeled by the members of the youth group. The gowns ranged from 1909 – 2009. I was delighted to see that the gowns fit the models beautifully. As I was mesmerized by the beauty and character of the gowns on these young ladies, I wished the gowns could tell their life story.

The gowns were aged with grace and beauty. It was wonderful to witness and be a part of fashion history. The earlier gowns had intricate details; tiny pin tucks, high collars, long lacey elegant sleeves. Some of the gowns were missing lace boarders on the hem because it was reused on other family bridal gowns and christening gowns. We thought the term re-cycle was new!

There were gowns from the 1980’s with big poufy sleeves; a reminder of the Princess Diana era. Princess Diana had a tremendous influence on fashion, bringing back elegance and style. Jackie Kennedy’s 1960’s influence was also displayed. Remember the pill box hat and empire waist? Both Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana were fashion icons.

In my research of wedding gowns, I discovered that gowns were not always white. The white wedding gown was a fashion statement introduced by Queen Victoria, married in 1840. In medieval times, royal marriages were of great political importance. They were often arranged to seal alliances between the ruling families of countries with economic troubles due to endless wars and border disputes. In that era a bride of royalty had to look magnificent on her wedding day; she had to uphold the prestige of her country and impress the groom’s family.
(Wow! What a responsibility). In the middle ages, blue not white was the symbol of purity. Both bride and groom would wear a band of blue ribbon in the wedding ceremony. Now you know where the something blue rhyme comes from. In the early 1900s grey was a common shade for a wedding gown because it was such a useful color to re-use as Sundays best.

Wedding gowns today are a relatively recent invention. By the last decade of the 19th century, because white fabric was more affordable and readily available, it was possible for more young women to wear a white gown.

Sometime when you get a chance ask your mother, grandmother, aunt, etc. to share her wedding gown story with you. If only the gowns could talk!

As a Fashion Designer I get to be creative and help young ladies realize their dream for their special day. I had the privilege of helping my intern, Jessi Frederick, create her beautiful prom gown. She is radiant for her special day!

2009-06-12T17:06:00.000-07:00

Spring Win

2009-05-20T19:02:00.000-07:00

Spring Win

I know it's spring because of the beautiful flowers. The days are getting longer, the birds start chirping very early, my closets at my studio are billowing with gowns, AND my sneakers are replacing my skis. My first challenge of the running year is the Lilac Festival 5k. It is a big deal in my family. They come in from out of town for the weekend. We do our warm up race on Friday, fun at the Rochester Public Market on Saturday, and we get up early to run the race on Sunday.
We spend the long weekend with hunting for treasures at garage sales and get creative with culinary art abilities (we have awesome culinary artists in our family, there is never any leftovers!).
My 16 month old grandson was in the 5k race too! He gets to ride and he always has a better time than me because he is pushed by my dear friend Elizabeth who is also my personal trainer/coach/inspiration.
Elizabeth runs marathons and triathlons. She is the one that got me into running. I decided this year I would give myself the challenge of a better time than last year. I did get a better time than lst year and won 3rd place in the sisters teams! My sister and I were surprised and excited when our names were announced and we were handed out medals. This makes it a 2nd athletic award for me in less than a year! I only started running three years ago. It is thrilling to challenge yourself and reach a goal that you were not expecting. It confirms what I tell my clients; love your body no matter what it looks like, and appreciate what it does for you everyday. Also I want to say - Thanks mom! - for cheering us on and keeping my kitchen clean.

Jill

What I did on my Winter Vacation

2009-04-19T17:15:00.000-07:00

This past winter was the best for outdoor enthusiasts, which I am one! I love winter. This is my third winter enjoying downhill skiing. My son and I started the ski season on November 30th. Not everyone shares this excitement, but I really enjoy the calm and serene beauty of nature during the winter. Riding up the chair lift with my teenage son allows us to connect and catch up with each other. He informs me of unusual facts such as, "ya know mom, you don't pay to ski = you pay to ride the chair lift!". A very smart young man. I never thougt of it that way. Skiing is free!

We got together with other family members on several occassions and made our way to the slopes. When we went to Greek Peak Ski Resort the mercury dropped to a tiny 3 degrees. Love that "under armour". I never was so bundled up in my life. I thought I would ski only half days, but we stayed warm and the ski slopes were not crowded at all. I put in 2 full days and really built up my ability, confidence, and speed!

I want to be ready to teach my grandson how to ski. He is 15 months old. I think I will be ready when he is. I watch with admiration how the small children glide down the slopes. Our family closes our ski season around St. Patricks Day which is celebrated at Gore Mountain in the Adirondacks. Three full days of skiing and a celebration on Saturday with a Corn Beef and Cabbage dinner. Yum Yum!

Now its back to work. The gowns this year are coming in at a steady pace and they still radiate beautiful elegance.

Many Many Weddings

2008-11-12T12:52:00.000-08:00

Many Many Weddings- 2008 was a record breaking year for my sewing and design business. If you tried to read my blog you already know that. Spring and summer found me and my staff custom fitting women with perfection. The gowns today are made with beautiful fabrics that radiate elegance. Some are embellished with beadwork and lace, and some are just an elegant gown without trims. I love the variety in gowns, it makes my work exciting. I did a quick count last month and we were up to servicing 100 brides! I didn’t tally up the bridesmaids and moms yet. The past 6 months also found me enjoying my new found love of running. I challenged myself by: running 2 5k’s back to back over the fourth of July weekend, running my then 7 month old grandson in a 5k, and recently ran in the Rochester Marathon Relay. I never dreamed I would ever run a marathon, I thought I was destined to only sew them! It was of course the hottest day in Sept. 2008, (it seemed like the hottest day ever) but my team and I finished and we did it just under 6 hours and that was our goal. For those of you runners, I’ll see you at the “Turkey Trot” in Webster on Thanksgiving Day. Then we can eat all day-guilt free!

GOOD BYE WINTER/ HELLO SPRING

2008-04-20T05:20:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and the warm air feels good! Our winter is behind us now for another year. Our four seasons are just amazing. This past winter found me on the ski slopes, mostly in March. For the skiiers and people who like to play in the snow, our winter was a little warm and rainy. We did get some good snow on the slopes, which is where the snow belongs! I was able to enjoy Sunday mornings (early) with my teen age son skiing and riding up the chair lift. What a great way to catch up and at the same time enjoy Mother Natures work. He is the one that got me into the sport and I must say it is fun. The calm on the mountain and the crisp air creates a happy feeling. Now if I could just get my confidence up to ski a little faster! O.K. that will wait until next year. Now it is time for me to help my clientele look and feel their very best by custom fitting their gowns and guiding them to choose the best accessories. I look forward to all the beautiful fabrics, colors, lace, and design in the gowns each season.

IT'S A BOY!!!

2008-01-23T14:22:00.000-08:00

Our grandson finally arrived. He was a little late (one week) but came fast! He was born on Monday January 14th at 11:50 am. Weight 8 lbs. and Length 21", Jaidyn James. He is just so cute, I can't hold him enough. Our daughter and son in law are settled in and learning to live with small doses of sleep." Their dog "Buddy" (a black lab) is loving the fact that there are people home with him everyday. I have been in charge of walking my "grand-dog" which is actually good for me. If you say the word "walk" in front of him he goes wild. So I have to say, should I take Buddy for a W. Smart Dog! Our son is a proud uncle and is ready and willing to babysit. New babies are so amazing. They are so little. Just precious. And a miracle.

Happy New Year!!!

2008-01-09T15:04:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!! With the holidays behind us, we can focus on 2008. My focus of course is a new baby. Our daughter and son-in-law are patiently waiting his arrival which was suppose to be this past Monday, January 7th. Little babies tend to do every thing on their own time!

Christmas is a special time of year and many couples decide to announce their plans of marriage at this time. I want to congratulate all of you that have become engaged recently. You are filled with excitement and ideas. You are planning an event that is one of the biggest in your life. You want your wedding to be a happy, happy time. I want to suggest that you look into a wedding planner. A wedding planner is someone who will be in charge of the details of your wedding. Believe me when I say “you will not regret it”. My daughter and I hired a wedding planner and I can honestly say we had a happy, happy time before, during, and after the wedding. Our friends and family are still talking about what a wonderful day it was. A wedding planner has many different packages. Ask questions and let her know what you want. Once you have placed your trust in her, then sit back, relax, and be ready to HAVE FUN!

Tree and Cookies

2007-12-18T15:05:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year because I have time. It starts just before Thanksgiving and goes until the beginning of January. The first week end in December found me, my son, and my husband picking out our tree. My son always picks "Charlie Brown's" Christmas Tree. (small) But this year he picked one that was tall. We donned it with tons of lights, ornaments, and tinsel. We always get a laugh out of some of our old tried and true ornaments. Our favorite and oldest is a green santa made out of yarn. My youngest sister gave it to us right after we were married. At the time it was one of a handful of ornaments. Our "Green Santa" has always been treasured and to show him off, his spot is of course at the top of our tree. Our children don't get it, but to my husband and myself it represents Christmas which is: fun and funny times, good friends and family, lots of sentimental treasures.

This past week end I found myself Christmas shopping in the grocery store with my son. We were buying ingredients for cookies. Like about 300 cookies. The cut outs that need frosting and sprinkles. He decided he was going to give cookies for Christmas Gifts to all his family. Grandmothers, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins. Sooooo shop we did. Then he started baking. And bake he did!!! The cookies were mounting up and so my husband and I pitched in. We frosted and bake and embellished cookies for hours. We let them dry over night. Thankfully my son had a snow day so he could pack up all the cookies on Monday morning. They are all set to deliver, and they are delicious. I only was allowed to eat the broken ones! I don't think I ever saw such a big batch of cookies in my life. I know it will be the favorite gift received.

WELCOME TO MY BLOG!

2007-12-12T13:53:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone and Welcome!! I have created this blog for two reasons:
1. To give you lots of information and ideas regarding attire for you, your attendants and your moms........and.......
2. To give you insite on myself...which may be colorful at times....!! ha ha

If there is a topic you would like me to post on, please e mail me and I will do my best to give you the answers you are looking for.

Again, Welcome....and I hope to hear from you soon!!!