Dressing Up for a Good Cause

Once again Hubby and I had the pleasure of being guests of Hubby's parents at the Catholic Charities Ball. We look forward to this night year after year. Not only is it a night for our family to dress up and dance the night away it is a wonderful way for us to give so much to a charity that does so much for so many.

Can I let you all in on a little secret? I am not a model! And while I know a little bit about photography Hubby does not. So when we try our best for a fashion photo shoot, we get nowhere fast! (Hubby's note- As good as she looks in these pictures my photography skills are not doing her justice but at least I can make her laugh.)

Pictures aside, as always we had a great time at the Ball. Our year isn't complete without the whole family belting out the lyrics to "Don't Stop Believin'" on the dance floor!

Work First Then We Dance

After I was dressed and ready for the CC Ball, my chauffeur (world's nicest father in-law) dropped me off at the Ritz. I quickly headed up to the ballroom to get to work. All committee members are assigned to a sub-committee and this year I was on the "reservations" committee as I have been for the past six years.

I enjoy this committee for several reasons. First, I get to see the ballroom as it is being set-up. My committee goes in to double check that all of the tables are numbered correctly. As we run around the ballroom double checking I am always in awe of the web of wires that holds up the tea-light candles. It does not look like much with the lights on but when the lights are lowered it is really impressive!

After we are sure that the tables are all set I hurried out of the ballroom to meet my volunteers. I had six of the sweetest gals to check our guests in. This is the second reason I love my committee. It is so refreshing having six people do as I ask with great big smiles. Maybe because that does not always happen at home with my kids!

We have moved away from the place cards that were used in the past and now use lists to tell our guests which table they are seated at. We are able to look guests up by not only last name but also by table name and table number too.  

Once the guests have moved into the ballroom for dinner I make a final "sweep" of the room. I make sure that tables are filling up and that there are not any last minute problems.  

Which leads me to the final reason I love my committee.  As soon as we are all seated and grace is said, I am free to dance the night away with my Hubby!

Get Ready Get Set

After months of hard work, the Catholic Charities Ball was finally here Friday! Hubby was kind enough to take off from work for the day so I could get ready for the big day. I spent the early afternoon at the salon getting my hair and nails done. I am always amazed how a couple hours at the salon can make me feel like a new person!

After my hair and nails were all "prettied" I hurried to my in-laws so I could finish getting ready. My MIL was kind enough to lend me her mother's earrings and fur coat for the Ball. I was so honored to wear somethings of Granny's! And I was once again reminded of how blessed I am to have in-laws who treat me as though I always was their daughter.

So with dress, hair, spackle (I mean make-up) and pretty bling I was off to the Ball! With no fear of a fairy godmother taking it all away at midnight!

I am linking up with Because Shanna Said So and Long Distance Loving

Excitement

To say that I am super excited for tonight's Catholic Charities Ball would be the understatement of the year! We on the Ball Committee have been working non-stop since August.  (Although we have really been planning since the band played the last dance at the 2012 Ball.)  In a way the Ball is like a wedding but with no bride and groom.  And the best part is that money that is raised from the Ball will help Catholic Charities to provided serves to many, no matter what their faith might be.

So yesterday I spent some time laying everything out before I started to pack.  I feel like it helps me to make sure I will be set from head to toe.  Does anyone else do that?  I am a visual person and seeing the whole "look" laid out on the floor really helps me to not forget something.  

Dress, shoes, spackle (I mean make-up) and bling all packed and ready to go!  Next stop hair and nails.  Then I plan to dance the night away, all for a great cause!!!

The Search Continues

After failed attempt after failed attempt to find a dress for this Friday's CC Ball on-line and at the mall, I decided to look at the outlets. The outlets closest to our home tends to have a ton of full length gowns and there are lots of great deals to be found. This should make it a win-win except for the fact that most gowns are "final sale" only.  So I did what any woman would do, I forced Hubby and the kiddos to go dress shopping with me!

They were all great sports despite the cold and snow. We made sure to make some stops that were fun for the kids. And unfortunately this trip just confirmed that B is a tween, not a little girl anymore.  Not sure who is more heartbroken; Hubby or myself.

After trying on what seemed like a million dresses, I finally let Hubby and the kiddos pick for me.  The dress is not like any I have ever worn to past Balls plus it will be easy to dance in. (I'll be sure to take lots of pictures Friday once it has all come together so tune in next week!). Which is just what I needed since I plan to dance the night anyway!!! (Hubby's note- My family on the dance floor rocking out to "Don't Stop Believin'" after a few libations is a yearly highlight for all of us. We tragically re-enforce every stereotype about white people dancing but we do have fun.)

And what should I spy at J. Crew on our way back to our car but a perfect sweater!  I told Hubby that I just "need" this lobster sweater.  I am not sure he sees the need like I do.  But don't you agree that it is just calling my name!?!

I Heart Long Weekends

As a student I always loved long weekends and I thought that no one looked forward to them as much as students. I was wrong! I cannot tell you how much I truly enjoy them as a SAHM!!! All five of us just seem much more relaxed on this Friday. We knew that we had dinner with friends planned, DIY projects to do, shopping and a family date night. And extra sleep!!!

B was kind enough to help me with a little dress shopping this weekend. (Unfortunately, the dresses that I ordered did not fit well at all.) I was not very happy with the dress we found this weekend.  B did love this red number but I think we need to keep looking. I have been known to find "the one" just two days before the Ball but I hope not to be that last minute this year.

I also spent more time on M's desk than I thought possible. After all my research on sandpaper and grit numbers I still needed to use paint-stripper this weekend. I promise to give you all the details this week.
 

Finally last night after a trip to the mall for some returns and lacrosse cleats we went out on a family date-night. We went to a Mexican place that we have been to many times but unfortunately this was not our best trip to date. We got there early, on purpose to avoid the dinner rush, but it still took over two hours for our dinner. Big bummer! But I have to say I was beyond pleased with our kiddos!  They hung in there and did not melt down. Might have been because the boys found something to entertain them but any port in a storm right!?!

Now my sweet Hubby is enjoying a drink while watching the Ravens vs Patriots game. Who to cheer for since his beloved Redskins are out of the running?  Ravens all the way!  Even after college and grad school in New England, Hubby is going with Old Bay's team!

What To Wear?

When I am not busy eating bon-bons all day I like to volunteer for different causes that are near and dear to me and my family.  One of these causes is the Catholic Charities Ball which I have been volunteering for since 2006.  Each year the Ball is the biggest fundraiser for the Arlington Diocese's Catholic Charities.

Yesterday I was bummed to be home with a sick kiddo while everyone was at our final "full" meeting before this years Ball.  (Poor M has a fever and horrible cough.)  So while I was of no help at all to my committees I did ponder a very important question: What am I going to wear to this year's CC Ball?

Last year I wore the dress in the photo above with my beloved Kate Spade Charm slingbacks.  I felt like the glittery shoes made up for the fact that my dress was not full length   But now I really feel like I need to go back to a full length dress this year.

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I really like the flow of this dress by BCBG.  I have worn two BCBG dresses to the Ball in years past and I know that their dresses will fit well. Plus I love the black waist band/belt for some reason.

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I also just love this dress from BCBG too.  Pockets!!!  I can not tell you why but I just adore dresses with pockets!  But I am not sure how I feel about the leg slit.  I don't want to have a weird Angelina Jolie leg slit moment at the ball.

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Last but not least, this number also caught my eye.  Love the color and the flow of the dress but once again I am just not sure about the leg slit.

What do you think?  What have I not seen that I must?  I would love some guidance!