Monday, October 29, 2012

Music Monday: Benjy Davis Project

Welcome back to Music Monday, our online music hall featuring up and coming artists you should be aware of. This week's selection, Benjy Davis Project, a Louisiana based band combining southern-folk with light-rock. Check out Stay with Me off the Lost Souls Like Us album and show your support by liking our post on facebook.



Friday, October 26, 2012

Breast Cancer Awareness: Runway for Recovery

As we conclude our tribute to breast cancer non-profits in the local area, we decided to focus our attention on Runway for Recover, an event CBD had the great fortune of attending. On Thursday evening at the magnificent Westin Hotel in Waltham, MA, Olivia Achtmeyer and her trusted team of event planners put together an outstanding night of celebration. With a grand ballroom full of attendees, individuals directly or indirectly affected by breast cancer "strutted their stuff" down a glass runway while those in the audience cheered on. Standing in the back we were able to witness the great joy of those once hurt by this disease, and the excitement of those standing tall in love and support.

Unlike many non-profits that donate to cancer research, Olivia purposefully allocates funds to "life's little things", which make the day-to-day a tiny bit easier. Whether that consist of an afternoon shopping spree, a plane flight allowing loved ones to connect, or a simple gift such as a bouquet of flowers, the money raised by Runway for Recovery is used to bring a smile to those in need.


Many thanks to Olivia, and Runway for Recovery, for allowing us to be involved with this great event.

To read more, check out this post by ConcordPatch: http://concord.patch.com/articles/runway-for-recovery-6th-annual-benefit-for-breast-cancer-patients-families.

Monday, October 22, 2012

CBD at Head of the Charles


With such a beautiful weekend upon us, Concord Button Downs took to Cambridge, MA for the 2012 Head of the Charles Regatta. As thousands of people from all over the country flooded the banks of the Charles River, a friendly team of CBD-ers mingled with those cheering on racers to help spread the word. Through our endeavors we met a variety of people including crew teams from Indianapolis, frat boys from Harvard, a new resident to Concord, MA (welcome Rick!), and even a Brooks Brothers seamstress. All in all, the day was a large success, as we supported a great American tradition, talked with lively people from all over the country, and helped promote a worthy cause/brand in Concord Button Downs.


Thanks to our “friendly team of CBD-ers”: Emily, Dan, Adam, Megan, Caroline, and Tom (left to right).

Friday, October 19, 2012

Breast Cancer Awareness: Miss Pink

Concord Button Downs' is excited to be spotlighting "Miss Pink" as our featured Breast Cancer Awareness organization this week!

Miss Pink began as a means to give breast cancer survivors support and a platform to share their story. Their main event is the Miss Pink Pageant, held every spring where survivors “compete for a cause and fight for a cure.”  The winner, who is crowned Miss Pink, has a year to travel, share her story and raise awareness for breast cancer. Miss Pink has grown significantly in the past 3 years and has expanded their outreach beyond just breast cancer survivors but also prevention and support. They're now able to support women and families who are in treatment and can’t pay medical/basic necessity bills. They also believe that fitness and taking care of yourself physically and mentally plays a large role in breast cancer prevention. Starting in 2013, they plan to host events centered around physical activity and wellness.  Last week, Miss Pink had a two hour Zumbathon where over 20 teenage girls participated. After working out, there was discussion about taking care of their bodies and making healthy lifestyle choices.

This Saturday, Miss Pink is hosting the first ever Boobie Bash! The Boobie Bash is a Halloween costume party with a throwback to old gymnasium school dances.  There will be food (popcorn, cotton candy, cupcakes etc.), a bar, costume contests, a photobooth and DJ.  Tickets are $25 at the door.  Funds raised go to support Miss Pink. Check out the flyer below and go to misspinkpageant.com to get more information about this amazing organization!


 

Thursday, October 18, 2012

We're traveling today!


We're traveling today! Go on over to Not Your Average Baby Blog to see our post 
on why a Concord Button Down is perfect for every guy!

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Top Five Fall Activities

Fall is definitely here in Concord, MA…the leaves are changing colors, the air is crisp and flannel is everywhere. We here at Concord Button Downs like to get outside and take advantage of all the Fall activities that take place in New England. Here are our top five:

1. Apple picking
            Nothing says Fall like apple picking. Not only is it a great activity to do with friends and family but the fun lasts well after you leave the orchard. This Fall, some of us headed to our favorite apple picking spot, Smolack Farms in North Andover, MA. We brought home a variety of Macs, Granny Smiths, Golden Delicious and many more for apple crisp, apple pie and even apple sangria!
            Don’t forget to grab an apple cider doughnut (or two!) and some pumpkin ice cream before you leave. www.smolackfarms.com



2. The beach
            Yes, we said it; October is a great time to go to the beach in New England!  First, there are no crowds during the Fall season. You don’t need to fight for a spot in the parking lot or a place to put your towel on the beach. The atmosphere is generally quieter and more relaxed so you’re able to bring your favorite book, wrap up in a blanket and enjoy the crunchier sand on your feet. Two other bonuses to New England beaches in the Fall: parking lots and admission are almost always free and dogs are allowed on the beaches from Labor Day to Memorial Day. Our favorite beaches are Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea and Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport, ME.

3. Head of the Charles
            Head of the Charles is a two day regatta (or boat race) that takes place in Boston on the second to last weekend of October every year. The race has taken place on the Charles River for over 47 years. Over 9,000 athletes participate every year from all over the world. More impressively though is that this event brings out more than 300,000 spectators. This event is always exciting because the energy is high and the weather is good. We're very excited to announce that this year Concord Button Downs will be at HOTC; check back for more information on where we’ll be and how you can get in on the action!







4. Salem, MA
If you’re in New England in October, you have to go visit Salem, MA. Salem is known for the witch trials of the 17thcentury and has since become THE spot to be in October. The town of Salem has festivals, events and parades everyday for the entire month. And the best part is…people watching. Every type of person comes out of the woodwork to celebrate Halloween in Salem and you see sights that are not only entertaining but also a bit frightening. To learn more about what’s going on the rest of the month in Salem, check out http://hauntedhappenings.org/



5. Leaf Peeping
            This is certainly highest on the list for many reasons. First, it can be done while participating in each of the previous four events. There’s nowhere you can go in New England in September, October and November without seeing the changing foliage. Secondly, it’s FREE. You can get in your car and see the foliage on 128 or you can step outside and see bright oranges, reds, yellows and greens on your back porch.  People from all over the country and the world come to New England every Fall to view the leaves and photograph this beauty found nowhere else.

That's our list, what do you and your family like to do during the Fall season?

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Preppy Delight

Big Thanks to Preppy Delight!

 Concord Button Downs would like to say a big thanks to Kim from Preppy Delights for featuring us on her blog Friday. Check out the post and follow Preppy Delights for all things preppy:

Monday, October 15, 2012

Music Monday: Blind Pilot


Welcome to Music Monday! We are very excited to share with you this new campaign featuring up and coming artists you should be aware of. Posting on the second and fourth Monday of each month, followers will get a glimpse of what homegrown music has to offer. Everything from acoustic blends to alternative rock will be highlighted as our pursuit to support small and local continues.

In this inaugural Music Monday post, we have selected a band based out of Portland, Oregon who maintains an American “indie folk” presence. Ladies and gentleman, allow us to introduce Blind Pilot, and their hit Half Moon off the We Are the Tide album.


Saturday, October 13, 2012

Breast Cancer Awareness: Ellen's Heart & Soul

It's Breast Cancer Awareness month and Concord Button Downs is featuring Ellen’s Heart and Soul as its first official blog post on the new and improved website.

Concord Button Downs has partnered with Ellen’s Heart and Soul, a Massachusetts based nonprofit that works to improve the lives of women fighting breast cancer. EHS was started by Andrew Leavitt, a fellow Concord resident, whose mother passed away from Breast Cancer in 2004. This partnership goes beyond business and clothing as Andrew and Dan are close friends and have supported each other through many different facets of life.

Ellen’s Heart and Soul is a non-profit organization that seeks to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for breast cancer in some of the most basic but crucial ways.  There are two initiatives that operate under Ellen’s Heart and Soul, Music for The Heart and Soul and Meals for The Heart and Soul. The money donated to Andrew’s organization from Concord Button Downs will be used specifically for Meals for the Heart and Soul, which works to give women battling cancer and their families in low-income situations, fresh organic vegetables and produce from local farms that are part of Community Supported Agriculture.


Despite their short time together it is clear that Andrew’s mother had a profound and everlasting impression on him. Throughout high school Andrew was an active volunteer and fundraiser against breast cancer. Visit their website, www.ellensheartandsoul.wordpress.com  to hear more amazing stories about Andrew and his mother, Ellen and to learn prevention tips.