Willow, the freshest face in the popular square, opened in November. An upscale, one of a kind home furnishings shop, Willow offers an impressive collection of fine furniture and accessories, featuring the latest trends in home décor.

It’s the BEST way to wrap up your holiday shopping on the Main Line!

Join us for a very fun and festive Super Saturday at Haverford Square on Saturday, December 17th from 10am to 5pm. Sponsored by AroundMainLine.com, you can walk the shops, check off the final gifts on your list, enjoy wonderful refreshments and treats AND enter to win hundreds of dollars in amazing prizes and gift cards!

Haverford Square is an eclectic mix of specialty stores offering men’s and women’s fashion, gourmet food, home décor and gifts for every season. Shoppers will be privy to plenty of private parking and open sidewalks along the square where they will be able to stroll and shop the stores during Super Saturday.

Participating Shops

Cameo Water Wear: 20% off Cameo Water Wear swimwear
Hope Chest: Two $50 Gift Certificates
JoS. A. Bank Clothiers: 50-70% off selected in-store items
La Petite Femme: $50 gift card
Linda Golden: 30-40% off selected items, refreshments
Lucky Duck Toys: $25 and $50 gift certificates
Merritt Gallery: $500 gift certificate off artwork only
Patricia Adams: 30% off cashmere sweaters, $100 gift card
Sherman Brothers Shoes: $100 gift card
Stupp Furs: $500 off any fur or shearling coat in-stock
Willow Home Furnishings and Interior Design: $500 prize package

Be Social and check in daily with Haverford Square and AroundMainLine.com on Facebook for more fun details.

I will be walking the shops all day to meet and greet you and help you find the perfect gifts to complete your list—so look for me along the Square! We are excited to shop with you during the first annual Super Saturday.

Happy Holidays!
Sarah Lockard
AroundMainLine.com

Be Social!

» Join Haverford Square on Facebook.

» Follow Haverford Square on Twitter.

About Haverford Square

Haverford Square is located at 379-385 Lancaster Avenue in Haverford, PA. Visit their website at HaverfordSquare.com.

Du Jour offers Thanksgiving dinner to go: 4 courses for $32.50 per person with a minimum order of 8.

Want to wow your guests or your hostess this Thanksgiving? Executive Chef Michael Selser of Haverford’s famed Du Jour shares four recipes for fabulous holiday side dishes. If you are strapped for time and need a helping hand for the holiday, Du Jour offers Thanksgiving dinner to go: 4 courses for $32.50 per person with a minimum order of 8.

Below are the recipes from Chef Selser himself followed by a sample of one of Du Jour’s annual Thanksgiving a la carte menus.

Du Jour is accepting orders through Monday, November 22nd. Customers can pick up their Thanksgiving orders on Wednesday, November 24th-or request delivery. From 8am to 9am Thanksgiving morning November 25th, Du Jour will be open for order pick up as well.

Wishing you a safe and fabulous Thanksgiving!
Sarah Lockard
AroundMainLine.com Publisher

Recipes

Du Jour’s famous butter nut squash soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Butternut Squash Soup

8 each butternut squash, peeled, seeded and diced large
3 each sweet potato, peeled and diced large
1 each onion, medium dice
3 ea celery stalks, medium dice
1 each carrot, peeled medium dice
Pinch cinnamon
Pinch nutmeg
Pinch cayenne
1 T. curry powder
1 Qt. heavy cream
¼ lb. butter
1 gallon chicken/vegetable stock

Cook onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in butter. Add squash and sweet potato, and stock. Bring to a boil then simmer until squash is tender, about 45 minutes. Toast all dry spices in pan. Add spices and heavy cream to pot and cook another 15 minutes. Puree in blender until smooth. Taste and season.

Apple – Fennel Slaw
1 each apple, green
1 each fennel
1 each lemon, zest and juice
1 cup crème fraiche
Fresh chopped parsley
Julienne apple and fennel very finely, and lemon juice & zest, mix together with herbs and crème fraiche. Season.

Field Greens Salad
Spring mix, candied walnuts, cranrasins, goat cheese, and raspberry vinaigrette.

Candied Walnuts
5# walnuts
3 each oranges, juice and zest
¼ bunch fresh thyme
1 ½ lbs. sugar

Mix walnuts together with all other ingredients and bake in oven at 275 for 45 minutes. Let cool.

No time to make the stuffing? Take advantage of Du Jour’s convenient and affordable a la carte Thanksgiving menu.

Raspberry Vinaigrette
1 qt. apple cider vinegar
1 qt. maple syrup
1 qt. walnut oil
1 cup shallots, small dice
2 cups walnuts, toasted
3 qt. Blended oil
1 pt. raspberries, or 1 cup raspberry puree

Blend shallots, and vinegar in blender, add all ingredients except oil. Slowly add oil until smooth. Season.

Stuffing
½ lb butter
3 qt. croutons ( homemade or not )
1 each onion, small dice
2 each celery, small dice
1 lb. cremini mushrooms, chopped
1 T. garlic, chopped
2-3 qt. chicken stock, hot
2 T sage, freshly chopped
2 T parsley, freshly chopped

Cook onions, mushrooms, celery, and garlic in butter. Add stock let boil. In a bowl add croutons and hot stock mixture. Mix together, season. Place in an oven proof dish and bake at 325 for 25-30 minutes.

Sample Du Jour Thanksgiving menu
A la carte

Soups
butternut squash w. hints of cinnamon
$12.00/quart
wild mushroom bisque
$12.00/quart
maine lobster bisque w. cognac
$15.00/quart

Salads
mixed seasonal greens w. balsamic vinaigrette
$3.50/person
field greens w. candied walnuts, cranberries, goat cheese & raspberry vinaigrette
$4.25/person

Sides
Serves 10
lemon honey glazed carrots $30.00
grilled asparagus and cherry tomato salad $40.00
peas & sauteed mushrooms $30.00
roasted red beets and mandarin oranges $30.00
grilled vegetables with pine nut basil pesto $40.00
baked string bean casserole with crispy shallots $45.00
broccoli & cheese gratin with herbed bread crumbs $30.00
yukon gold mashed potatoes $30.00
rosemary roasted red bliss potatoes $30.00
maple whipped sweet potatoes $35.00
baked macaroni and cheese with brioche bread crumb topping $30.00
traditional bread stuffing $30.00
potatoes au gratin $35.00
wild rice pilaf with almonds & cranberries $35.00

turkey gravy
$12.00/quart
fresh cranberry sauce
$12.00/quart

Entrees
slow roasted whole turkey w. traditional bread stuffing & giblet gravy
$150.00 /serves 10
roasted turkey breast
$75.00/ serves 8-10
carved beef tenderloin w. horseradish cream
$150.00 / serves 12
roast prime rib of beef with horseradish jus
$250.00 / serves 12-15

*Du Jour is happy to carve your turkey for you. There is a $25.00 carving charge.

Specialty desserts
pumpkin pie $20.00
apple pie $20.00
pecan pie $24.00
pumpkin cheesecake $28.00
chocolate torte $28.00

Du Jour is located in Haverford Square/379 Lancaster Avenue Haverford, PA 19041. Their website is dujourmarket.com. Become a Fan of Du Jour on Facebook and follow Du Jour on Twitter @DuJourMainLine. To place an order for Thanksgiving, call their catering department at 610.896.4556 or email maureen@dujourmarket.com to place your order.

AroundMainLine.com checked out three of the Main Line’s and suburbs best restaurants for the yummiest fall cocktails of the season!

Du Jour’s Pumpkin Chai Martini

Du Jour
Haverford Square, PA
www.dujourmarket.com
Facebook: Du Jour
Twitter: DuJourMainLine

Du Jour’s Fall Specialty Cocktails

Cranberry Old Fashioned
Makers Mark bourbon, cranberry juice, bitters & a splash of fresh orange juice 10

Champagne & Saint Germain
sparkling wine and deliciously lush saint germain 11

Mango arnold palmer
Absolut mango, iced tea & lemonade 9

French Martini
Absolut mandarin, chambord, orange juice and mango juice 10

Raspberry Mocha Martini
Absolut raspberry, espresso, Kahua & Godiva liqueur 11

French 75
Bombay Sapphire gin, sparkling wine, fresh lemon juice & a touch of sugar 10

Pumpkin Chai Martini
Absolut vanilla, pumpkin chai tea, amaretto & a bit of cream 10

Gingerbread Dark & Stormy
Bacardi rum, gingerbread syrup, rootbeer & lime 9

Mixx’s Ginger Candy Apple Tini

Mixx Restaurant
Villanova, PA
www.mixxrestaurant.com
Facebook: Mixx Bar and Restaurant

Ginger Candy Apple Tini Recipe
3.5 oz Absoult Brooklyn Vodka( ginger apple flavor) brand new to the market
1.5 oz Dekuyper apple
.5 oz Dekuyper butterscotch schnapps
Line the inside of the martini glass with caramel syrup.
Garnished with a caramel apple slice

Mixx Happy Hour Specials
Monday – Friday 5pm – 7pm

Food Specials
Mini Nachos 5, MiniMame 3, Buffalo Wings 5, Mozzarella Spring Roll 3, Hand Cut Fries 3

Sushi Rolls
California 3, Vegetable 3, Spicy Tuna Crunch 4, Spicy Salmon 4, Spicy Yellow Tail 4, Spicy Shrimp Tempura 5, Soft Shell Crab 6

Drink Specials
Wells 3, Chardonnay 4, Merlot 4, Pinot Grigio 4, Cabernet 4, Bud Lite 2, Coors Lite 2, Yuengling 2, *Magic Hat 3, *Sierra Nevada 3, *Dogfish Head 3, Blue Moon 3, *Troegs 3,
*Slyfox Saison 3, Magners 4, *Victory 4, *Sam Adams 4

*Seasonal

Bar Savona
Gulph Mills, PA
www.barsavona.com
Facebook: Bar Savona
Twitter: BarSavona

Savona’s Fall Specialty Cocktails

Good Intentions
Old Grand Dad, Guava, Lemon & Lime, Rocks 11

Raspberry Fuego
Stoli Razberi, House Infused Chipotle Vodka, Raspberry Purée, Fresh Lime, Up 12

Apple Pie Martini
Apple & Cinnamon Infused Vodka, Granny Smith Apple Purée, Spices, Up 12

Bar Savona’s Raspberry Fuego: Stoli Razberi, House Infused Chipotle Vodka, Raspberry Purée, Fresh Lime, Up

Bon Vivant
Snap Liqueur, OJ, Orange Bitters, Vieux Carré Rinse, Crushed Ice 12

Zucca Forte
House Infused Maple Whiskey, Spiced Pumpkin,Vanilla Scented Foam, Up 12

Savona Bellini
Prosecco, Stoli Orange, Pama & Fresh Pomegranate 11

Pliny’s Pyrus
Milagro Reposado, Belle de Brillet Pear, Honey & Vanilla, Tall 12

That’s What She Said
Absolut Citron, Lemon Verbena Syrup, Fresh Squeezed Lemon, Up 11

Sangre
Dewars, Punt e Mes, Cherry Herring, Orange, Schlenkerla 11

Way to Victoria
Award Winning Cocktail!
Bombay Sapphire, Domaine de Canton Ginger, Fresh Lemon Juice, Cardamom, Coriander, Prosecco, Up 12

Mexican Mule
Siembra Azul Blanco Tequila, Fresh Lime, Ginger, Tall 11

Du Jour After Dark returns November 13th-the Main Line’s hottest night club concept!

The Main Line is brimming with bars, bistros, BYOBs and a rich dining scene. One thing that has been missing for quite some time in the western suburbs is an upscale night club. Now Du Jour in Haverford Square is filling that niche but continuing their cool night club concept, Du Jour After Dark!

With its chic, upscale main dining room, Du Jour will once again be transformed into a night club on Saturday November 13th. The party is open to everyone 21 and over and starts at 8pm. There is no cover and there will be fantastic drink and food specials.

Join us for one incredible night of dancing with the Main Line’s most beautiful people—and top movers and shakers…literally and figuratively!

Du Jour After Dark!

When: Saturday, November 13th, 8pm – Midnight

Where: Du Jour, Haverford Square, 379 Lancaster Avenue

Details: No cover, special discounted drink menu and bar menu

DJ: Sound Sensation DJS

Attire: Cool and casual

RSVP: Click here to RSVP on our Facebook event page or email us at: rsvp@aroundmainline.com

Facebook: Click here to join Du Jour’s popular Facebook fan page!

Main Line Restaurant Week is Philadelphia’s largest suburban dining event!

It was most certainly a week of culinary delights to remember! 38 restaurants participated in the inaugural Main Line Restaurant Week, organized by AroundMainLine.com. This incredible celebration of the region’s finest chefs proved to be the most successful restaurant event to date in the Philadelphia suburbs.

Main Line Restaurant Week, which offered fixed price dinner menus for the entire week of September 27th through October 3rd, brought tens of thousands of locals out to support the western suburbs’ tastiest restaurants. “I’m so proud to have worked closely with so many of the area’s best restaurants. There has never been a dining event of this magnitude in the suburbs and I felt our area was long overdue. Many restaurants are reporting they had record weeks or were sold out several of the nights, so I know we have a good thing going here. I am thrilled everything turned out so well!” enthused Main Line Restaurant Week founder Sarah Lockard.

Main Line Restaurant Week’s official reservation partner, OpenTable, “was absolutely instrumental in the success of Main Line Restaurant Week. They are a wonderful event partner lending their marketing support and visibility to the participating OpenTable member restaurants. The Delaware Valley and Main Line have a strong dining culture and OpenTable allowed us to get in front of these diners to let them know Main Line Restaurant Week is here to stay,” said Lockard.

Plans for Main Line Restaurant Week Spring 2011 are underway!

Plans for Main Line Restaurant Week Spring 2011 are underway. “We’re looking forward to welcoming even more restaurants in 2011. I feel like this is one of those cases of ‘If you organize it, they will come.’”

Words from excited Main Line Restaurant Week Fans:

“Main Line Restaurant Week is an excellent idea. Dinner @ Legal Seafood was tremendous.” —Ed

“Thanks again to the Main Line Restaurant Week organizers and participating businesses. It’s certainly nice to have these community events.” —Joan

“I took my friend to Verdad last night for MLRW……..absolutely PHENOMENAL…..!” —Lauren

“Main Line Restaurant Week is a great idea. George’s was fabulous!” —Sue Thomulka

“Main Line Restaurant week was a great idea, It show cased some great restaurants with great deals.” —Katrin

Saffron Indian Kitchen, a popular BYOB with locations in both Bala Cynywd and Ambler, has received a tremendous response for reservations for Main Line Restaurant Week starting September 27th.

It is the Philadelphia suburb’s largest dining event ever—Main Line Restaurant Week! Created and organized by AroundMainLine.com, a week of culinary delights awaits thousands of foodies across the western suburbs starting tomorrow night, September 27th and running through October 3rd, 2010.

I have been a huge fan of the Main Line and western suburb dining scene having grown up here. And, we have some of the best chefs in the region and the most successful restaurants right in our own backyard. To me, it was due time to bring Main Line Restaurant Week to life this fall. When I announced the launch in early May, the immediate and enthusiastic response from our 2,200 AroundMainLine.com Facebook fans proved that we were on our way to a very successful event.

Here’s how it works. Our restaurants offer a prix fixe, three course dinner menu for one of the four tiers: dinner for $15, $20, $30 or $40. In addition, starting Monday night September 27th, we will kick off the first of eight special events that are a part of Main Line Restaurant Week with a ‘Monday Night Meetup’ at The Desmond in Malvern!

Main Line Restaurant Week, as you will notice with our website and list of 38 participating restaurants, is open to all surrounding towns who wanted to be a part of this inaugural event. Two of Manayunk’s top restaurants are participating—MangoMoon and Jake’s and Cooper’s Wine Bar—as well as two restaurants from the Northern Liberties’ neighborhood who saw the value of marketing to a broad suburban and city audience—Sonata BYOB and PYT Burger.

Chef Nicholas Farina’s Verdad is one of the Main Line’s hottest restaurants.

You will see some of the Main Line’s most popular dining spots on our list—as well as some new faces including A Taste of Britain. Located in Eagle Village Shops, the successful British tea shop is launching dinner for the very first time during Main Line Restaurant Week with a gorgeous new outdoor patio to boot!

In addition, Main Line Restaurant Week is an official OpenTable event. OpenTable is the world’s most successful online reservation website and has offered us tremendous marketing support for our 22 OpenTable restaurants who are participating.

So, if you have not made your reservations for Main Line Restaurant Week—DO NOT WAIT! Click here to view our list of participating restaurants and their menus and prices.

Thank you all for your awesome support of Main Line Restaurant Week!

Bon Appetit!
Sarah Lockard
Creator and Organizer, Main Line Restaurant Week

Main Line Restaurant Week Fans Speak Out!

Eight special events are on the agenda during the seven days of restaurant week, including Mussels Mania at Exton’s top restaurant: Brickside Grille, Saturday October 2nd from 12 to 4pm.

“Thanks for this website and the amazing job you guys are doing planning Main Line Restaurant Week!” —Sherri

“We can’t wait for Main Line Restaurant Week!!” —Nicole

“What a great way to bring the community together—we need more of this!” —Laura

“Great Idea…just what we need along the Main Line…the opportunity to introduce our great restaurants to our great family of residents & friends. Bravo!” —Al

“Woo hoo! Can’t wait for Restaurant Week!” —Andrea

Main Line Restaurant Week’s Eight Special Events

Monday, Sept. 27th: Monday Night Meetup: Desmond Hotel in Malvern, 6-8pm

Tuesday, Sept. 28th: Benefit Party for the PSPCA at PYT, starting at 6pm.

Weds., Sept. 29th: Weds. Night Whinos at Dettera Restaurant and Wine Bar, 6-8:30pm

Thurs., Sept. 30th: AroundMainLine.com’s 2nd Birthday Bash at Gullifty’s, 5-9pm

Friday, October 1st: Celebrate with Sarah at georges’ in Wayne, 5-7pm

Sat., October 2nd: Mussels Mania at Brickside Grille in Exton, Noon to 4pm
Du Jour After Dark!, 8pm to Midnight.

Sunday, October 3rd: Pigksin Party Fun Finale at Flanigan’s Boathouse in Wayne, 4pm-7pm.

Main Line Restaurant Week Grand Prize Giveaway

The Grand Prize giveaway for the inaugural Main Line Restaurant Week is a luxurious spa getaway at Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon valued over $1,000!

Click here to comment on MainLineRestaurantWeek.com for a chance to win! The contest runs Monday, September 27th through Sunday, October 3rd, 2010.

Main Line Restaurant Week Sponsors

BEN-FM

Secrets Limousine

Courtney Apple Photography

Belle Vie Photography

Mille Fleurs, Floral Design

OpenTable

Vance Bell, Web Design

Two Paperdolls

Main Line Restaurant Week’s 38 Participating Regional Restaurants

• A La Maison bistro
• A Taste of Britain
• alfredo byo
• Amani’s BYOB
• Azie On Main
• Bistro on the Brandywine
• Blackfish Restaurant
• Brandywine Prime Seafood and Chops at Chadds Ford Inn
• Brickside Grille
• Dettera Restaurant and Wine Bar
• Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House
• Du Jour
• Flanigan’s Boathouse – Conshohocken
• Flanigan’s Boathouse – Wayne
• Generations Restaurant
• georges’ Restaurant
• Great American Pub – Narberth
• Gullifty’s Pizza Bar and Grille
• Harvest Seasonal Grill and Wine Bar
• Jake’s & Cooper’s Wine Bar
• Legal Sea Foods
• MangoMoon
• Morton’s The Steakhouse
• Nectar
• PYT
• Ruth’s Chris Steak House
• Saffron Indian Kitchen – Ambler
• Saffron Indian Kitchen – Bala Cynwyd
• Sonata Restaurant BYOB
• Styer’s Garden Cafe at Terrain
• Sullivan’s Steakhouse
• Susanna Foo Gourmet Kitchen
• The Grille at Chesterbrook
• The Hunt Room at The Desmond Hotel
• The Paddock at Devon
• Uno Chicago Grill
• Verdad Restaurant and Tequila Bar
• Yangming

Main Line Restaurant Week starts Monday, September 27th and runs through Sunday, October 3rd, 2010. Visit MainLineRestaurantWeek.com for full details and menus.

Ring bearer pillow, custom designed by Monica Walker Miraglilo of Haverford’s Fill-a-Pillow

It’s time for a pillow party! AroundMainLine.com is hosting its first Girls’ Night Out event on Thursday, July 9th from 6 to 9 p.m. in Haverford Station. And, it promises to be a pillow party unlike any other. AML and Haverford pillow boutique Fill-a-Pillow, owned and operated by QVC model Monica Walker Miraglilo, have partnered together for a fun, ladies event for the Main Line called, appropriately enough, Pillow Talk! “I absolutely adore Monica’s creative boutique Fill-a-Pillow! And when I was shopping around for an event venue, it seemed like a no-brainer. It is the most welcoming, lush retail space. We’ve had so many requests through our last nine months for this type of ladies’ cocktail party-so it is due time for a unique girls’ night. In addition, since we have partnered with NBC10, Pillow Talk! will be part of the 10! Show this week. Monica will bring all her creative designs on set (on Tuesday, July 7th) to chat up Pillow Talk! and inform the entire Delaware Valley about our cool, summer cocktail party. We are honored to be working with Channel 10 and feel this will be key to spreading the word about our fun AML event,” said Sarah Lockard, AroundMainLine.com ePublisher.

Walker’s Fill-a-Pillow was inspired by the success of the popular chain, Build-a-Bear. The shop was highlighted last fall in a feature on AML entitled: A Model Business: QVC’s Monica Walker Miraglilo. The boutique is, in essence, an adult version of the ‘Bear’ concept offering innovative, do-it-yourself designs and events including: children’s pillow parties, tooth fairy pillows, diary pillows, secret pillows, table napkins, table runners, monogramming, wine bags, window treatments, gift baskets, and more. Guests of the Pillow Talk! party will have the opportunity to browse the boutique and pick out a custom pillow which will be created during the event. “It’s a great party concept-the fact that girlfriends or moms and daughters can come to our space, which is welcoming and unique, browse around and be their own designers. There is really nothing else like this on the Main Line. When our first-time customers come in here, they get so much satisfaction looking at the selection of fabrics and trims. I’m so excited to meet new people, showcase Fill-a-Pillow and have a chic cocktail party with AroundMainLine.com,” said Walker.

AroundMainLine.com PILLOW TALK! Party Details

WHEN: Thursday July 9th, 6-9 p.m.

Fill-a-Pillow specializes in children’s parties, where kids can build their own pillow as part of the fun.

WHERE: Fill-a-Pillow Boutique, Haverford Station, PA (www.fillapillow.com)
Fill-a-Pillow is located at 403 Berkley Road-directly off Haverford Station Road, one block from Lancaster Avenue.

WHO IS INVITED: This is a Girls’ Night Out Event (GNO). Women only, 21 and over–no children will be permitted, thank you.

RSVP: RSVP is HIGHLY recommended (but not required) so we can plan accordingly. Please RSVP by Wednesday July 8th at 6pm to: rsvp@aroundmainline.com for more details.

NBC10: Monica Walker Miraglilo will be on NBC10’s The 10! Show on Tuesday July 7th to showcase her custom pillow designs and talk about the upcoming Girls’ Night Out Event with AroundMainLine.com. Set your DVR’s for Tuesday, July 7th from 11am to 12 noon or stay tuned for AML’s live debut on The 10! Show with hosts Lori Wilson and Bill Henley!

WHY: To mingle, make new friends and design a custom pillow for yourself, a best friend, new baby, wedding gift, etc. Pillow Talk! is AroundMainLine.com’s first Girls’ Night Out event honoring our Main Line and Philadelphia female fans!

Fill-a-Pillow's funky, vintage scarf pillow

DESIGN AND SHOP: There is no cost to attend. Guests will have the opportunity to pick out their own custom pillow designs at a special discounted event rate of $50 for a 12” x 16” or 14” x 14” pillow. In addition, those customers who purchase a pillow at Pillow Talk! will receive a $25 gift card to a future purchase of $75 or more, good till December 31st. Pillow Talk! is a perfect opportunity to start thinking about creative, custom holiday gifts for family, friends and coworkers and kids.

A SPECIAL PRIZE: One attendee who registers at the party will win a $50 gift certificate to Fill-a-Pillow at the party. The winner must be present to receive their prize.

MEET AND GREET: Meet AroundMainLine.com Photographer April Ziegler (www.aprilziegler.com) who will be showcasing her fine pet portraiture and work at Pillow Talk!

WINE AND DINE: Malvern’s renowned John Serock Catering will be providing the delicious complimentary food. In addition, chic mini cupcakes from West Chester’s Maryellen Bowers (Cakes and Candies by Maryellen) will be served.

FLOWERS: Kati Mac Floral Designs will be accenting the beautiful boutique with her fantastic flowers, fresh from her West Chester studio.

Complimentary flip flops encouraged party goers to kick off their heels!

As I pulled up to the sprawling Haverford estate of Ian and Linda Swain on Saturday evening September 20th, I fully expected Belle Watling to be close behind me in her gaudy carriage asking to see “Mr. Rhett Butler.” Yes, the gorgeous grounds of the Swain’s home appeared to be plucked out of a scene from Gone with the Wind. The fantastic white pillared walkway and front lawn had me reminiscing about some of my favorite scenes from the epic film—and secretly hoping an Ashley Wilkes look-a-like might be part of the good-looking crowd.

But in reality, the night was a compelling fundraiser entitled “Margaritavilla” that benefited local charity Mommy’s Light. Linda Swain, founder of Moms On the Move, and Ian Swain, owner of Swain Tours, graciously hosted and co-chaired the party for more than 300 guests at their beautiful home. Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell served as Honorary Chairman.

And, what a successful night it was—with more than $90,000 raised from the silent and live auction. All proceeds will benefit the Exton, PA-based Mommy’s Light Lives On Fund. Mommy’s Light’s mission is to bring joy and comfort to children and teens whose mothers are terminally ill or have died.

Helping to keep traditions alive and simple pleasures children once shared with their mothers, the organization also provides free tradition fulfillment services throughout the Delaware Valley and develops and distributes no-cost bereavement education and outreach materials nationwide. There are more than 626,000 maternally bereaved children and teens living in the United States, including more than 20,000 in the Delaware Valley. Richard Vosler was the special guest of the evening, and gave a heart-warming and loving tribute to his now deceased wife. In August of 2005, Joanne Vosler passed away from a nine month battle with liver cancer. She left behind a husband (her college sweetheart) and their nine children ranging in age from 11-month-old James to 13-year-old Nicole. Thanks to Richard and Mommy’s Light, the Vosler children can now continue to enjoy several traditions they shared with their mom.

CBS3 Meteorologist Doug Kammerer with his wife Holly Roehl Kammerer

In addition to Mommy’s Light executive director Laura Munts, many QVC notables (Kathy Levine, Molly Roncal) and Comcast VIPS (CN8’s Mike and Lynn Doyle) mingled and sipped margaritas during the exciting auction. Other local celebs decked out in their tropical finest included: CBS 3’s handsome meteorologist Doug Kammerer with his beautiful wife Holly, fellow KYW colleague Stephanie Stahl, NBC 10’s Dawn Timmeney, Nancy Glass of Nancy Glass Productions, Sharon Pinkerton (Executive Director of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office), and Waterworks Restaurant owners and power couple Sophia and Leonidas Agoratos.

One hundred and twenty silent auction items gave partygoers reason to donate to a great cause and indulge in a little excitement at the same time. Nine exclusive items were auctioned off live by celebrities including renowned New York make-up artist Roncal and local television personalities and celebrities. Some highlights:

• Nicole Miller Internship donated by Mary Dougherty, owner of two Philadelphia Nicole Miller boutiques, went for a bid of $4,000
• Original artwork by Philadelphia artist Steve Tobin from his “Exploded Clay” series brought $7500
• Trips to Bora Bora and South Africa, donated by Linda and Ian Swain (Swain Tours), combined to raise more than $21,000.

In addition, the Lincoln Mercury Dealers Association raffled off the choice of a brand new Lincoln MKS or $10,000 in cash.

Three Generations of Swains Celebrate a Successful Night

As I was leaving the Swain estate feeling inspired by a fun night for a fantastic cause, I stopped to chat with Ian Swain, waiting for the valet to fetch my carriage… I mean car! I mentioned to Ian that his beautiful home had made me immediately think of Scarlett O’Hara’s Tara. “Funny you should mention that, at one time I thought of having the doorbell tone ring the theme song from Gone with the Wind,” he laughed.

A piece of Tara on the Main Line was the perfect setting for an important cause and a grand party. As for my early evening hopes of bumping into Rhett or Ashley at the tiki hut, well…after all, tomorrow is another day!

To learn more about Mommy’s Light or their upcoming events visit: www.mommyslight.org

Main Line Mom, Minority Business Entrepreneur and QVC Model Monica Walker Miraglilo Talks Business, Babies and Beyond.

Fill-a-Pillow CEO Monica Walker Miraglilo

I am flying down Route 30 in Bryn Mawr at 6pm on a Friday evening in mid-September, hastily buckling my seatbelt in the passenger seat of Monica Miraglilo’s sleek SUV. It’s a great night, about 70 degrees, sunny with the perfect hint of fall in the air and every Mercedes, Lexus and BMW on Lancaster Avenue has somewhere fabulous to be. So we are weaving and moving and Monica is being Monica as I will soon learn: the multitasking machine is shifting into high gear as Miraglilo answers text messages and makes phone calls simultaneously. I’m trying to figure out when exactly in my sudden adventure we will find a good time to talk.

Monica and I have been scheduling and rescheduling our thirty-minute interview for weeks—I’ve been swamped with writing assignments and work, Monica has been juggling her two full time jobs, two young children and a steady social life with husband Michael, an insurance executive. But, now here we are, and before I know it, we are back on Route 30 headed east at fifty percent of the previous speed and I’m no longer looking in the rear view waiting for ‘those guys’ with their red flashing lights. Phew! Did I mention this is an interview not a roller coaster ride?!

Monica Walker Miraglilo has been a QVC model for sixteen years, on a shopping channel that boasts 7 billion in net sales in 2007. When Miraglilo is strategically poised on the home shopping channel’s set, her stunning looks are broadcast to more than 166 million cable and satellite homes worldwide. It seems like such a glamorous life—wearing designer duds from the likes of Bradley Bayou and Chloe Dao, modeling eighteen karat Italian gold and Kenneth Jay Lane pearls, hob-knobbing with the slew of celebrities that walk through the doors of the West Chester headquarters. But while millions know her as one of the longest on-air names and faces on set, most don’t know anything about her.

Beautiful and bright, and mom to a two-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter, Miraglilo is hardly basking in her local celebrity status or resting on her success with QVC. Instead, since 2005, ‘Monica,’ as millions of viewers know her, has been steadily building a unique brand of her own with a successful company, Fill-a-Pillow (www.fillapillow.com). The Haverford store is full of fabulous fabrics and trims that allow Main Liners to build and design customized pillows and linens or young girls to host their own Fill-a-Pillow parties. In less than three years, the 40-year-old’s entrepreneurial spirit, undisputed work ethic and dynamic personality have made a success of the startup business. After a series of short errands that evening in September, I was able to sit down with Monica in her cozy boutique, located a stone’s throw away from Haverford Station. I was curious to find out from a woman who seemed to have it all what inspired her to take on the task of becoming a successful entrepreneur.

AroundMainLine: Ok, let’s start from the beginning in the fall of 2005. Where did you get this idea to start a company based on customizing and building pillows?

Monica Walker Miraglilo: Well, I was working on trying to open up a business with my husband and we were considering opening a Build-a-Bear on the boardwalk in Ocean City, New Jersey. And, we went there one evening and we found out there was already one there and we were kinda bummed out. But, my husband said we would think of something else. At that time, I had started doing some home decorating and interior design consulting on the side. And then I started to give my clients a thank you pillow when the job was completed. It was very creative—I made them out of vintage scarves that complimented their décor.

So, when we brainstormed further my husband said, ‘Why don’t we take that Build-A-Bear concept one step further and make it into a custom pillow company?’ And I said, ‘Yep, that’s it that is genius!’ So, I slept on it, dreamed about it, researched it to see if anyone else was doing it and nobody was. I didn’t tell my husband I was running with this. I thought about it further, and thought–with the way Americans are into instant gratification, it would be a big hit to be able to give someone a custom pillow in one day.

So, six months later I came to my husband and said ‘Guess what honey, I found a location, got incorporated, have my logo and design, did all the paperwork…I did it!’ And he said, ‘I was kidding about the pillow thing!’ At that point, it was too late to look back because I was serious about doing this and moving forward. So, I did.

Fill-a-Pillow’s Creative Interiors,
Haverford Station, PA

AML: That’s true focus and purpose. So, since the store has taken off, what other areas are you branching out with in the same idea/concept?

MWM: Our motto is ‘If we can fill it, we can do it.’ That has created some exciting new areas for Fill-a-Pillow and what we can do. Now we do bedding, we do window treatments, outdoor cushions, linens, pet cushions and pillows, wine bags, holiday stockings, you name it. One of our most successful pillows is a secret pillow–some gentlemen have bought them as a way to hide the ring and propose to their fiancé. We are starting to do home parties, where we come to your home and do a vintage pillow party with girlfriends. Those have been a huge hit because it is something different and fun and engages everyone to interact and be creative themselves. I think it brings out people’s own taste and talent and that’s something anyone of any age can enjoy.

AML: What it’s like to work as a QVC Model?

MWM: It’s great, I love it—it’s a fantastic company of course. But, people probably don’t realize how many hours we (QVC models) work. A lot of times I work overnight shifts and then come into the store straight from QVC and have not had any sleep and I have a full day of work ahead of me. The customers don’t know I’ve been up all night at the studio and they expect bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and an owner who is on point. Meanwhile, I’m so exhausted because I have a full work day ahead of me and a family to go home to be a good mom and wife for. But, my family is my support system and they make it all worth it. Without my husband and children, I would not get through the day.

AML: Honestly, if I turn on QVC and see you on air it seems like you are just hanging out modeling the jewelry, hair and makeup professionally done to the tee, smiling without a care in the world—piece of cake, no?

MWM: Not exactly! I can’t tell you how many times my mind is racing. I might be sitting there doing a jewelry show smiling and modeling but I am thinking about when or how my kids are going to get picked up from school, who needs what fabric at the store, what accounting works needs to be completed for Fill-a-Pillow, where my husband and I are going that weekend, what I need to make for dinner tonight. It is a hundred and one things all at once. I don’t have time to relax and kick back because as soon as I am out the door from QVC…it’s on.

AML: What advice can you give other female entrepreneurs–women who have an idea and are thinking about starting their own business?

MWM: You can’t be everything in this business. You have to designate jobs to other people in order to succeed. That’s the biggest thing I’ve learned now, two and a half years down the line. If you don’t do that, you can wear yourself out and lose your enthusiasm because you are taking on too much. But, my big advice is, if you have an idea and you believe in it, GO FOR IT! Do not wait for someone else to do it, just do it.

And if you try it and it doesn’t go as planned, oh well, no one is going to look down on you because you had the guts to try something different and you took a chance. I took a chance and look what it is now. I took a risk. My husband kept telling me that he was joking about the whole idea. And, granted, my business from the start was based on a unique idea and a dream, something I envisioned for myself. The very first day I opened up my store, I took a deep breath and propped open the front door and hoped someone would walk through. I was persistent and consistent from the start and never looked back. This business is an extension of me.

AML: That’s great advice, well stated. One thing I wanted to touch on that I know we chatted about before this interview is the fact that you are one of only a few minority entrepreneurs on the Main Line. Why do you think that is, where are all the minority business owners in the western suburbs of Philadelphia?

MWM: What you are saying is so true, I’m really not sure why there are not more minority business owners on the Main Line. But, I never really think about it from my own personal perspective. But, if we are going to be totally honest here–sometimes it is brought to my attention (in a nice way) by my customers who will say, ‘So you own this business, a beautiful black girl like yourself?’ And I know they mean well and they are just curious and also trying to be politically correct in some fashion. So, I just smile and tell them yes, I am the owner and creator of Fill-a-Pillow and yes this is my store. I just want to make an impression as a successful businessperson as me, Monica, myself—instead of ‘Monica, the African-American business owner.’ I want to be the successful entrepreneur and want everyone to view my business that way. At the same time, I do embrace the opportunity to inspire other young women of all backgrounds to open up their own business and be an opportunist and that’s what I want to focus on.

AML: Honestly Monica, I think you are inspiring and enlightening to many people and you do not even know it. The way you carry yourself, your enthusiasm for what you are doing and you are so genuine and nice. I bet you’re making a difference and breaking down social barriers–big and small–every day and not even knowing it. In fact, I’d bet on it.

MWM: That is very nice of you to say! This is a good question, a good topic and I am very glad you brought it up. Many people would not want to ask me about being a minority business owner on the Main Line because, well, they just wouldn’t want to ask that question and talk about ‘it.’ I don’t know if I even know how to answer it the best way I should but it is hanging out there as an important topic and I’m glad we discussed it. Thank you.

AML: Me too Monica, I was personally curious and wanted to know. Thank you as well. Changing focus, do people ever say to you, ‘Come on, this is a pillow company, what is the big deal?’ Because they don’t see a great business model, they can’t appreciate the creativity and guts involved in a venture such as Fill-a-Pillow. You know, I just love Donny Deutsch on CNBC, I’m a huge fan of his show “The Big Idea” and something he says on his website is ‘Creativity is the greatest form of commerce.’ I just love that.

MWM: I actually tried to contact Donny Deutsch not that long ago and he didn’t return my email. I’m sure he gets thousands if not tens of thousands of requests, though…maybe I should send him a picture pillow of himself and he would respond?

I did that for Paula Abdul and she called me to thank me and then she ordered a dozen customized pillows for her friends! She was so nice, I was impressed she personally called me to talk — it was very nice of her and she was very encouraging of my business.

AML: That’s cool that Paula reached out. As far as Donny…well, hello–did you send him a picture of yourself Monica? Because you know if you watch the show as much as I do, he loves beautiful, successful women. Maybe you should try again! Anyway, the pillow thing…is not just about choosing a pretty fabric and putting a pillow on your couch, right?

Stocking Stuffers
Fill-a-Pillow, Haverford Station, PA

MWM: It’s not. This is not the store you walk into and order ten pillows for your daybed and we hand them to you and you leave. You have to do the work when you come here, we have the fabrics and custom pillow capabilities and certainly we can help you out, that is what we do! But Fill-a-Pillow is for you to become the creator and the designer of what you want. That can mean a five year-old little girl makes a pillow for her grandmom for her birthday or a woman can come in here (with her own interior designer on hand) and we can help advise them on the best fabrics and pillows and everything in between. We make it for you, yes, usually that exact same day. We can help you but you have to create and design your own. It’s all here for you to choose from. That’s the best part of Fill-a-Pillow and that is why I love my store and my customers.

AML: So, wait, I so get this now, its all coming together for me! You created a company out of your own gifts and creative spirit and that store in itself is inspiring people, especially women, to empower themselves—make their own pillows, use their minds and embrace their talents. It’s not about making a pillow; it’s about knowing or figuring out what you want and putting it together on your own. It’s just like you have done with your store and business model. That’s pretty awesome!

MWM: (Clapping and laughing with me) I never thought of it like that, wow. This is really such a neat moment that you put that together, I have chills! You are so right. My business and my vision for what I am creating and now doing have come full circle. I so get it now too. This is incredible, I love it!

Fill-a-Pillow is located at 403 Berkley Road in Haverford Station, PA and is open Monday through Friday 10am to 5pm. Saturdays the store is open by appointment and Sundays are reserved for private parties. For more information about parties, showers and the store hours call 610-649-5040. Email: info@fillapillow.com.