We like to keep things simple. Our motto, “Every day should feel this good,” is all about taking things in stride and appreciating the positives in life. So often, it can be easy for us to forget that, no matter what walk of life you may come from, there are people who are dealing with significant struggles, and we do not appreciate how lucky we are. That being said, this week’s story comes to us from Kathy and Ashley Hackshaw. Ashley has a company of her own with an oft forgotten, yet fundamental motto.
From Kathy:
Our daughter-in-law, Ashley, has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. She has a cottage industry making kids’ clothes and has a lot of followers. When she found out she had cancer, she decided to share a daily diary with her followers in order to help others. Her motto is “Choose joy”! Her scarf of choice to keep her head from getting cold is a vineyard vines scarf – she credited vineyard vines when she posted this photo on her web site (www.lilblueboo.com) January 15th.”
From Ashley:
“I’ve been spreading the vineyard vines love here in California! Not enough people of my friends here in the desert have heard of it but when they see it they LOVE it! My daughter is a little walking vineyard vines rep at her school! I’m an open book and the doctor’s office jokes that HIPAA privacy rules don’t apply to me because I put every medical detail out on the internet. It’s kind of a running joke when I have to sign any medical release papers. I had a minor setback today at the doctor but it’s life and so many people have it so much worse than I will ever have it. Everyday SHOULD feel this good…..even with cancer!”
For Ashley, the choice is simple.
Tagged as:
Ashley Hackshaw,
california,
cancer,
Choose Joy,
cottage industry,
HIPAA privacy rules,
Kathy Hackshaw,
motto,
scarf,
vineyard vines
This week’s Wedding Wednesday story comes to us from Regina and James:
James and his family introduced me to vineyard vines a few years ago, and it was very fitting with my new style since I had moved from suburban central Massachusetts to the seacoast of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. James (having grown up in York, Maine) has always loved living near the ocean and dressing the part in bright colors from vineyard vines. After we had been together for a year, I took him on his very first trip to Martha’s Vineyard, where we were caught on camera wearing our vineyard vines sweaters at The Seafood Shanty (and we were featured in the catalog!).
When we were planning our wedding, we knew without a doubt that vineyard vines had to play a part! We went with a subtle starfish theme and hues of pink and navy adorned our reception hall. We chose the York Harbor Inn in York, Maine as the site of our festivities and we lucked out with one of the only sunny days in May of 2011. We danced the night away to a live band, and I even serenaded my groom to Stevie Wonder’s ‘For Once in My Life’. Our guests feasted on lobster and shrimp and ended their evening fighting for the last cupcake on the cupcake tower! In lieu of wedding favors, we made a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to help find a cure and in recognition of my 21 years of living with Type 1 diabetes. At the after party in the pub downstairs, I changed into my vineyard vines Caroline dress and we closed the bar! We jetted off to Bermuda the following day. We’re currently living happily ever after in Newburyport, MA.
Our ringbearer, Cameron, patiently waiting for the bride!
Happiness caught on film!
Tagged as:
cupcakes,
James,
lobster,
Maine,
martha's vineyard,
Regina,
starfish,
vineyard vines
In the islands you’re never a fish out of water; you’re practically an amphibian.
If getting fully submerged is your thing, Mario is your whale, err, man. As Director of Wellness at Baker’s, Mario does everything from running the island’s gym to making sure the diving tanks at the beach are full. But his role as resident Good Life Guide is more than just a job description; it’s his way of life.
A record-breaking freediver, Mario can hold his breath for more than four minutes! We’ve heard of taking deep breaths, but watching Mario hold the Lotus position fully submerged was a new experience altogether. Guess it just goes to show: Sometimes living the Good Life means knowing how to sink and swim.
Tagged as:
bahamas,
bakers bay,
diving,
island,
mario donato,
spring,
vineyard vines
With the right guide, getting there is half the fun.
When the airplane lands in Marsh Harbour, chances are this Abacos local will be waiting at the dock with a big smile, a cooler full of Kalik (the Bahamian beer of choice) and just the right snacks for the 30-minute boat ride to Baker’s Bay.
As captain of one of the island’s vessels, Rhumdum, Fritz is well qualified. But if you aren’t impressed with his navigation skills en route to the island, just wait until he saddles up to the docks. Fritz is quick to show off his famous lasso abilities, turning every ride into a rodeo. We swear he could’ve been a cowboy in a past life!
Tagged as:
bahamas,
bakers bay,
boat,
fritz edmond,
rhumdum,
vineyard vines
The NFL playoffs are underway which means that, tragically, we will be without college football for another seven months. Fortunately for Michael at the University of South Carolina, he saw this season end on a high note!
“My girlfriend, my friends and I came to Orlando for the Capitol One Bowl. It was the first bowl game for a few members of the crew. We did a lot of new things most of them haven’t done before, including taking a trip to Disney World. The game was an awesome experience. I was glad the University of South Carolina got their 11th win of the season and that I was also able to witness them when their first bowl game in 10 ten years. After losing at Birmingham in 2009 and Atlanta in 2010, it was nice to see them win this year. My long time childhood friend and I wore our vineyard vines South Carolina polos to show off Gamecock pride and our taste for fine clothing. Shout out to vineyard vines and the University of South Carolina players and coaching staff! Go Gamecocks!”
Go Gamecocks!
Tagged as:
bowl game,
Capitol One Bowl,
Disney World,
gamecocks,
Michael,
Orlando,
Share Your Story,
South Carolina Polos,
university of south carolina,
vineyard vines
We all need a little latitude adjustment every now and then.
As GM of Baker’s Bay Golf & Ocean Club, Major is the G-U-Y who makes sure everyone is happy and feeling right at home (members, staff and his dog, Celi, included). A native North Carolinian with Southern charm to spare, he’s also the one who’s responsible for singlehandedly introducing grits to island palates (yes, this is a good thing).
Legend has it that when Major showed up for his interview, he was dressed to impress, head to toe. As he sat down, the CEO, who was barefoot and T-shirt-clad, told him he had the job as long as he lost the jacket and tie. (Sounds like our kind of guy.) Needless to say, Major hasn’t worn either since. Sometimes you change the islands and sometimes the islands change you.
Tagged as:
bahamas,
bakers bay,
island,
major white,
spring,
vineyard vines
Thanks to Tommy and Dehlia for sharing their special day with us!
I met Tommy in high school when we were 16 years old, typically, I had a crush on him and he didn’t know who he was, but clearly he eventually came around. We both remained in Buffalo, NY for most of that time and periodically ran into each other around town. After we both graduated from local colleges and began our careers, his in financial planning and mine in sales, we reconnected through mutual friends in 2008.
On September 3rd, we were married on the golf course of Wanakah Country Club overlooking Lake Erie. Our weddding was a perfect mix of country club charm and rustic raw elements that came together in a charming and casual way.
Our wedding was inspired by my love for farmhouse style and Tommy’s love for the game of Golf all throughout his life. I was turned on to VV about 5 years ago when I began shopping at a local boutique and always knew I wanted to incorporate the VV style into our special day. We chose the Golf Clubs tie after deciding on Navy blazers and khaki pants for the guys. Tommy chose the ties for all the groomsmen as well as our three fathers too! We loved having all of our favorite elements come together for one very special day. Thank you vineyard vines!
Tagged as:
Dehlia,
golf,
golf clubs tie,
lakeside,
navy,
new york,
Tommy,
wedding wednesday
This winter-inspired playlist comes from Andy, our social media coordinator and resident music guru!
Winter in New England may seem like an eternity, with the sun going down at 4:30pm and the mercury dropping a bit more every day. But with the right songs, a few weekends of skiing, and the prospect of spring on the other side, time can fly by. Here’s a few of my favorite “winter” songs! What are some of yours?
- Snow Patrol – You’re All I Have
- U2 – New Years Day
- Ra Ra Riot – Winter ’05
- Ryan Adams and the Cardinals – Cold Roses
- Coldplay – Shiver
- Matt Pond PA – Snow Day
- Fountains of Wayne – Valley Winter Song
- Fleet Foxes – White Winter Hymnal
Tagged as:
cold,
music,
snow,
songs,
tunes,
vineyard vines,
winter
The Holidays are a great time to burrow in from the cold and spend some time with your family and friends. It can also be a great time of year to escape the cold and take a much deserved vacation. That was the case with Cari Lutkins, who decided to hop aboard and cruise away!
“It was the first time that I have been away from home in Washington D.C. for Christmas, and I couldn’t have picked a better vacation spot, then a Holiday cruise around Caribbean Islands! Our cruise took us to St. Maarten, St. Kitts, and St. Lucia. Whether it was wearing my 1/4 zip pullover or my pink Vineyard Vines printed skirt, I was always comfortable, while looking great in the sun! Thanks VV for always making me look and feel great!”
Cari is cruising by the Piton Mountain Range!
Tagged as:
Cari Lutkins,
Caribbean Islands,
Christmas,
cruise,
Share Your Story,
st lucia,
St. Kitts,
St. Maarten,
vineyard vines,
washington d.c.
Thanks to our whale rep, Drew, at the University of Texas for spreading some holiday spirit!
On December 16th, vineyard vines and the University of Texas donated toys that had been collected to the Brown Santa Organization. During the weeks leading up to the event, the whale reps at University of Texas teamed up with the Travis County Brown Santa organization to provide toys and food for the less fortunate families in the local Austin community. We not only donated lots of toys and various food items, but vineyard vines donated many whale coloring books that the kids in Austin are going to be very happy to receive on Christmas morning! Thanks to all of the UT students who made donations for these families! We collected over 100 new toys plus many non-perishable food items. There will be lots of smiles during the holidays because of your support!
Tagged as:
Brown Santa Organization,
holiday toy drive,
philanthropy,
University of Texas
