Noelle, Kim and Jenny after the Big Reveal.

Santa came early for three Richmond area moms this year as we celebrated our annual Mommy Makeover contest on November 30, 2011. The Big Reveal took place at Clover children’s consignment in Carytown and the three women did not disappoint!

After spending a day at Salon del Sol getting a complete makeover including new hairstyles, make-up, manicures, and more, they wowed their families and friends at the event. The Grand Prize winner was selected based on a count of ‘unique votes’ on our website (voters could only vote once); view all of the Mommy Makeover nominees here.

And the Winner Is!

Kim before her makeover.

Grand prize winner Kim, after

Kim M. was our grand prize winner and she will receive over $2,000 in prizes including fantastic services from Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgeons, our key sponsor this year. Kim was nominated by her daughter-in-law and was ecstatic at being nominated – let alone winning! When her name was announced she said that she was speechless and her family celebrated with her. Having survived breast cancer twice, and being the dedicated mom to 3 young children — one with Down Syndrome and a set of twins – she is an unbelievable woman much deserving of the honor.

Noelle before.

Noelle after.

Noelle Q. and Kim M. were the two other finalists who enjoyed a day at the spa and some shopping at Clementine for $100 in accessories. Both women were overwhelmed with the attention and makeover and their families joined them at the Big Reveal to see the results. They were NOT disappointed as both women were stunning.

Jenny after.

Jenny before.

Thanks to Green Monkey Cateringfor fabulous food!   And Salon del Sol makeovers were great!

Green Monkey Catering supplied a beautiful spread

And thanks to all of our great sponsors who donated the following prizes:

• $700 Coolsculpting treatment and one Clear and Brilliant Facial Laser Treatment, a $400 value from Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery

• $350 gift certificate to Hayes and Fisk, the Art of Photography

• $240 one-month membership to Styles Group Fitness (finalists also receive this prize)
• $199 four-hours of free childcare and free registration at College Nannies & Tutors

Kim Moncrief, our grand prize winner, and her daughter-in-law who sent in Kim's nomination

•  $100 gift certificate for accessories to Clementine in Carytown (finalists also receive this prize)

• $98 a facial from Massage Envy Spa
• $70 two seats to the brand-new Spirited Art

• $65 five Richmond Rocks childrens books

• $50 gift certificate to Relay Foods

• $50 gift certificate to Mom’s Treehouse

• $50 gift certificate to Kids in the Kitchen

• $19.95 KidsDineFree.com card (finalists also receive this prize)

Jodi Ottaviano of Safe Harbor Shelter and Kate Hall

This year’s Mommy Makeover benefited Richmond’s Safe Harbor and we are excited to make a donation to this important service for Richmond area women.

Thanks to everyone who entered our contest.

We were overwhelmed with the many stories of dedication, commitment, strength and fortitude of so many Richmond moms. Visit this link to read more about all of their stories.

We think all of you are winners!

Three finalists will receive a full makeover at salon del sol, $100 in accessories from Clementine in Carytown and a “Big Reveal” night with us at Clover in Carytown on November 30, 2011 6-7pm!  This event will be catered by Green Monkey catering and we’ll announce the Grand Prize Winner who has the most unique votes. She’ll win over $1,000 in prizes, below.

Vote by clicking here for your favorite mommy nominee by clicking this link or any link next to the nominee’s name (just once) between 11/16-11/25/11. We’ll announce the winners by 11/28/11. Please note: The three winners must be available all day Wednesday, 11/30/11 to spend the day at the salon and must visit Clementine of Carytown for their accessories between 11/28/11-11/30/11, and must be present for the big reveal, no exceptions.

The grand prize winner will also receive $2,000 total in prizes, including a makeover (hair, makeup, and nails) at Salon del Sol & $100 in accessories from Clementine in Carytown.

______________________________________

Angel M.

Angel  M.           Vote Here

My mom stays at home and takes care of me and my brother. She spends a lot of time volunteering for animal shelters. She cleans the house and takes us where ever we need to go. She is always at our school activities and sports events. Because she spends so much time making sure we are happy that she never has time for her self. I think it would be awesome to surprise her with a makeover she so deserves it!

Anne  P.                  Vote Here

I am nominating my favorite aunt, Anne, for the Mommy Makeover. Beside the fact that she lived through a divorce, the thing I love most about my Aunt Anne is her three beautiful boys who are her shining light. I remember when she had her first child, I was just becoming a teenager and I watched my aunt, who is the youngest of five ( my mother is the oldest) morph from the “cool aunt” to a new mother who had her hands full. Then came two more boys with her first husband, and we always joke how God has a sense of humor! My aunt is a bright stars in the family; she is always smiling and laughing, at least, until her marriage went south and ultimately ended. I did not hear much from her then, but now she has remarried and says she is learning to laugh again with her new husband, so I could not be happier for her. She is well deserving of any recognition because she mothers without asking for help; instead always puts her children first. I think a makeover would help her regain her spunk!

April  H.                   Vote Here

She is a very dedicated and loving Mom that always does everything she can to encourage her children and others.  She is a full time mother of 3 and also has taken in her niece that lost her mother.  She is a volunteer cheer coach for our elementary school association and works very hard to make sure that all of the girls on all of the squads have everything that they need.  She offers rides, she plans special events, she spends countless hours preparing and following through on things like Homecoming and banquets.  She does not get paid but she gives 150%!  She is also always there to help a friend in any way that she can and never says no when asked for help.  She is also very involved in her daughters softball as a team mom.  She is involved with school and PTA.  Sometimes it simply amazes me at how she can do so much for so many.  I think she is very deserving of a little pampering via a makeover.  I am sure I would get the votes of the other 75 Moms in cheering too!

Damara  M.          Vote Here

My beautiful wife is a hardworking and talented woman. She  does so much for our family and it would be such an honor to give her the opportunity to be pampered once in a while. To be honest, I am not the most romantic or thoughtful husband and I feel that I don’t show my wife how much I love her enough. She is a mother of 2 and gives all of herself  each and every day. Thank you for allowing me and my children this opportunity.

Dawn A.            Vote Here

She is a full-time working mom of four wonderful children, all while taking strides to improve her life by losing weight and working towards a nursing degree. She inspires me to do my best every day! She is a great wife, mom, and friend to everyone!

Elizabeth V.            Vote Here

My wife, Liz works non stop, as most mommies do.  She starts her day making sure our 6 year old, austic boy, has everything needed for his day around 5:30 a.m.  every day.    He attends South Anna Elementary .   She works as VP of Gasoline for Seibert’s inRichmond.  This job awards her a cell phone, which can ring for her help 24/7 and it does.   As the business day runs closer to 5 p.m, Liz rushes to the daycare, where little Graham has been taken after school.  From there it is a quick snack for Graham in the car and then every night, off to private speech therapy at Children’s Hospital or private Occupational Therapy.  After therapy, around 6 or 6:30, it is home for dinner, bath, bed for Graham.  Then catch up on laundry, cleaning, emails, projects. Our insurance covers NONE of Graham’s therapy. It has been 6 months since Liz’s last haircut.  She doesn’t mind,it is all about her boy, not her.

Erin M.                         Vote Here

Erin is a hardworking mom of 3 wonderful children, ages 8,5 & 2 yrs. She works fulltime plus, volunteers constantly at the children’s school, at synagogue and also is a wonderful social worker to her young clients inChesterfieldCounty. She deserves a day of pampering! Thank you.

Heather C.                               Vote Here

My wife has had to really undergo major changes in the past year or so.  My work started falling off due to the economy, so she went from being a stay at home mom who was homeschooling our son, back to a full time job that often includes overtime.  She has some medical conditions that can make going to office difficult at times, but she goes anyway. Not only did she go back to work full time, but she excels at her job.  She also still manages to keep the house up, continues to homeschool our son, takes care of 5 animals, and is there for all of us with healthy, home-cooked meals. She has not been feeling her best lately.  She’s put on a few pounds with the lifestyle change, along with the depression that came from losing both her parents within an 18 month time period.  She just recently joined the gym at work and is working with a trainer to feel better about herself. She deserves some pampering.

Jennifer M.                Vote Here

This year has been a series of struggles that we could have never imagined every happening to our family. My wife is a working mom and we have a 3 year old daughter. We’ve been trying to get pregnant for two years now and it’s starting to take a toll. We’ve had a number of miscarriages with no explanations by the doctors other than to “just keep trying”. Physically, it’s been extremely tough on wife. With the constant flux of hormones, weight loss/gain, and emotions, I’m amazed that she hasn’t lost her focus and her strength for our family. She has always looked out for our family and others before thinking about herself.  My wife kicks butt at her job and takes care of my daughter and me when she gets home. She’s always making sure we prepared for the events at our daughter’s preschool and is constantly reminding me about everything else going on in life. On top of all that, she has learned to play the piano in just a few months. She finds a way to sneak in 4-5 hours a week to practice.  She is truly an amazing person and our family loves her dearly.

Jenny  L.                       Vote Here

Jenny is an unbelievable mother!!! She teaches at a religious school everyday. She is a dedicated mother to two beautiful, super children. She’s totally involved in the children’s education, welfare, activities and still has time to run a beautiful, loving home. She is very involved in the kids’ schools, many out of school activities and gives freely of her time to many causes. Jenny has lots of hobbies and creative projects. Jenny is a loving, devoted and supportive wife. She and her husband don’t get to go out often enough and Jenny rarely indulges herself in the ‘finer’ things many women have. She would love the time and money to have more pampering, but is quite content with what she has. She’s a darling, petite woman who deserves to have a make over to enhance her everyday life.

My wife Jenny is by far the most deserving candidate for the Richmondmom.com Mommy Makeover.  Jenny is the poster-child for this award because she’s selfless to the point that she often neglects to care for herself while managing her hectic schedule teaching preschool and caring for me and our two children Ben and Sadie.  A modern day mom, Jenny works tirelessly educating our promising, yet sometimes mischievous youth, while making our family run like Swiss clockwork.  When not working, cooking, cleaning or fundraising for the preschool, Jenny dotes on her eight (8) younger brothers and sisters scattered from here toChicago.  In fact, Jenny is so unselfish that she combs the aisles at consignment stores looking to save a few dollars on gently used clothing items. I think she’s fabulous regardless of her tattered attire and I hope Richmondmom will recognize her benevolence and sacrifice. If anyone deserves a makeover it’s Jenny!

My mom should win because she might be the best mom in this whole competition and the best one to me.  If anyone wins, I wish it to be her.  Because the only one mom who keeps the family healthy and under control is this one right here.  And I could name a thousand reasons why you should pick her.  And that’s why my mom should win.  Benjamin Edlavitch, 8 Years Old

My sister, Jenny is most deserving of the Richmond Mommy Makeover because she is always a mom on the go and doing for others that she forgets to pamper herself! She works as a preschool teacher, volunteers her time often and always puts her family and friends first. She is a mommy of two wonderful children but my niece, nephew and bother in law would all agree that my sister is due for a MOMMY MAKEOVER.  A fresh look and updated style is just what my fabulous sister needs, she is the perfect fit for a mommy makeover….Please Richmond.com give my sister a Mommy Makeover!!!!

Jenny has spent the last 8 years being the best mom to her two children, Sadie(4),and Benjamin(8). She gives her children 100% of her attention whenever they speak to her. She will stop whatever she is doing, and look directly at them. She also does this with the ten “part time” two and three year olds that she teaches at the Aleph Bet preschool. Jenny gives her children positive reinforcement, and bolsters their self esteem. She works hard to provide a safe, comfortable home for her children, and is careful about choosing healthy fresh foods, that have little or no additives, and sugar. Jenny does not spend money frivolously. She teaches her children good values and practices what she preaches. Because of all these characteristics, she should receive the Mommy Makeover.

Kaylin W.                     Vote Here

My wife and first time mom gives all of her love to our now one year old son Cole and I find that the most attractive attribute I have ever found in a woman. Since his birth she has felt right at home as a mommy but has not felt as sexy as a wife. She does not realize how attractive her mommy glow has made her, but maybe a Mommy Makeover will help her to recapture her inner sexiness.

Kelly T. (2 nominations)   Vote Here

My Aunt gives up everything for her family!  She has had her whole life turned upside down first by the loss of her job because she was in the hospital too often for what we later found out was a blood clot that ruined her left kidney….that was removed and she is doing better thank goodness! Then because of the health scare she lost tons of weight and has nothing that fits her….she is an awesome designer and needs to look her very best, but her clothes are now falling off of her!  But she never complains or is down about it….she takes her kids to all of their cheer and sports events and you’ll always she her right there in the stands rooting for her kids! She is our family’s biggest fan!!  She will drop anything in a second if you are in trouble or just need someone to talk to!  She is always there for us!  I know she desperately needs this now especially since she just lost a faulty bridge in her mouth and is now without 4 teeth and insurance

My mom deserves to win because she has nothing. My mom uses all her money on us kids and hasn’t had a “haircut” since April of 2011. She has recently been taking scissors to her hair and trying to cut it. My mom recently got a job from being unemployed for 7 months and now works at Arhaus. Recently she swallowed her  bridge in her mouth and had to go to the hospital. They had to push it down and hope it came out. It did. She now recently got a case of shingles around her back and chest. My mom has had a bad 2 years and lost a kidney to a blood clot and my parents almost divorced. She has low self-esteem because of the way she looks. I know she will always be beautiful in my eyes but I know she needs some help and I cant help her i’m only 13 but try my harest to help. She cant afford to get a new brige and is going around with missing 4 teeth!Please vote my mom and help her change her life and smile again!

Kim M.

Kim M.                      Vote Here

I am nominating my mother-in-law Kim. She is one of the most outstanding women I have ever met. She is so so beautiful from the inside out. She has 3 gorgeous children. Logan, age 5 has Down syndrome, and has had to under go several heart surgeries. Gibson and Isabella, ages 3 who are twins. Kim is a two time breast cancer survivor. She is so unbelievably strong and such a fighter. Despite raising 3 children under the age of 5, and battling breast cancer, she manages to never let it stop her, and always stays positive. Kim deserves this amazing prize because she always puts everyone before herself, it’s time to let her shine, and for her to know how much everyone appreciates her and loves her. So PLEASE choose Kim for this amazing opportunity!

Leah  S.  (2 nominations)     Vote Here

She would like this.

Leah WANTS a makeover! She’s been borderline diabetic since she had her babies (3). She’s been fighting weight gain, trying to stabilize ever since #1. Her oldest is 7 and youngest almost 4. The 5 year old is slightly autistic. She has her hands full and tries to do it all herself. She’s just now learning to let go a little and let others help out. In the meantime, the sweatpants and birks, uncurled hair –but spending lots of time trying to get the right color – She wants the package and hasn’t got just enough time or $$ to put it together! As Leah’s beginning to get control over her “stress”, she’s noticing that the weight is coming down! She beginning to believe that her efforts might make a difference! I think she’d blossom if she got all the attention this promotion offers!

Michelle W.             Vote Here

I would like to nominate my Mom. She works 60hrs a week as a paralegal but over 100 hrs a week as a mom to me, my little brother and sister. She teaches us what’s important in the world and how helping others makes us better people. My mom always has time whether it’s running to football, baseball, dance or guitar lessons, talent shows or helping others at the end of the day she always has time for us!   I’m very proud of my mommy and we love her very much!  I hope that my mom wins so she can have something special for herself.

Mikki M.                   Vote Here

Like all moms, I live for my child.  My son and I have been through a lot over the last few years.  His Dad and I seperated, his uncle committed suicide, I was laid off from my job for over a year, his Dad moved in with and then married his new step mom.  Things were going ok for a while, I found a job, I thought my sons Dad and I would be able to work out support and custody when all of a sudden his Dad decides he doesn’t want custody and he will call when he wants to see our son.  He hasn’t called.  My son has not seen his Dad since July and hasn’t talked to him in over a month….and his Dad blames it on me.  Being a single mom is hard enough when the childs Dad is involved but when the Dad isn’t it becomes that much harder.  I am a full time single mom, a full time employee for a home builder, and all the things that go with those two occupations   I would crawl across the sun for my son as most moms would, sometimes, though a little appreciation would be nice.

Miriah P.                              Vote Here

She is an overall Mom, wife, and friend. Always there for anything. Never takes anything to heart. Puts everyone in front of her. She is truly a remarkable person. whenever you need a shoulder to cry on she’s there, an ear to whisper in she’s there, and no matter what the situation she always says “it will get better”. Her 3 year old is the most important person in her life and she’ll let you know it. She is your girl.

Nicole  G.                          Vote Here

This mommy is the most deserving of the Mommy Makeover because she is the most selfless human being on this planet.  As a child when my biological mother left my brother and I, she immediately stepped in and raised and loved us like her own.  After going through InVitro 5 times, I now have 3 additional brothers and sisters from her and she has raised them just as well as she has raised us.  She is always doing things for others and doesn’t hesitate to help someone in need.  I don’t remember the last time I saw her get a simple manicure or even go shopping for herself to buy a new shirt.  I wish she could see how beautiful she is and appreciate herself like I appreciate her. I feel this would really help her with her confidence and reward her for all of her hard work throughout the years.

Nicole  M.-1                         Vote Here

My daughter is active with her three children every day. She is a great nurse at St Mary’s Hospital. Her day to day living is to help others whether in the healing process or just to get thru the troubles of their lives. She never asks or goes out of the way to do for herself. She continually volunteers at her son’s school. Keeping involved to make sure that the schools programs are kept alive and thriving. She puts her heart into raising her family to be the brightest and well educated that she can provide to teach them to give back to others and the community.  While she does not ask to be compensated for her giving, she does know that whom ever she touches in her nursing. In her job of nursing cancer women she gives her heart and soul to the patients and their families needs and comfort.  I look at her for guidance and wish I could be as she is. She is the best daughter a mother can have.

Nicole  M.-2 (3 nominations)   Vote Here

Nicole M-2

Nicole is a working mother of a 4-year old daughter, Sophia.  She is stretched beyond reason for time between work and taking care of her daughter.  Nicole is a great person and is always the one to take care of everybody else. She really could use a makeover to help boost her self confidence.  Nicole is turning 36 on December 18th and a new updated look could help to spark her career and personal life.  Currently, Nicole still has about the same look that she had in college and it is time for her to have an update to her fashion, hair and cosmetics. Thanks in advance for considering her. Sincerely, Carlie D.

She works really hard and deserves to be pampered!

Nicole has devoted her life to her family and profession. In doing so she has spent long hours at work, many twelve hour or more days. Nicole has been a loving and caring mother. She cooks delicious dinners for her daughter, plays, and reads to make a loving home. The person that she neglects is herself. Her hair is clean but not styled. She has little time for makeup. Her wardrobe and style has not changed in many years. Since college Nicole has matured into an intelligent professional woman, respected public figure, exemplary mother, and exciting friend; but she her look has not grown with her. She needs to be makeover to embrace her 30″s and leave the 20″s behind.

Noelle Q.                   Vote Here

Noelle and I have had it rough. Life has proved that its unfair. However, in the face of adversity, she has continued to be a strong and loving mother and wife. A makeover would make all of the stress from the last three years simply disappear. Vanish. She would be the happiest woman in the world! I child beg and plead all day, but I’d never be able to fully convey why she is so deserving of this., I love her, and know that she does!

Rhonda  H.                  Vote Here

My mom has been a single mom since she had me. She never once complained about taking care of me and my brother and always seemed to somehow do fun things with us. She managed to work two jobs most of the time and put herself through school as well. My brother and I are both adults now, but she is still always there for us. If we hit a tough spot she always helps us out of it. Recently my mother found the love of her life and remarried. You would think her struggles may have ended then, but they didn’t. One thing after another has happen and made more struggles. After being hit by the earthquake and her husband losing his job for a couple of months things have gotten hard.  I just feel my mom has had a lot of stress lately and could really use some down time and relaxation. Time to herself to not have to worry for a little while.

Samantha C.                          Vote Here

I am nominating my beautiful daughter Samantha. She is a new mother of adorable twin girls. She is so deserving of this makeover. Since the girls were born a year and a half ago she has not had any “me” time, not that she has complained, she loves every moment with her daughters. She has not even pampered herself with a haircut, the last one she had was when she was pregnant with the girls. One of the girls grabbed her eyeglasses and broke them, so now she is walking around with broken glasses, and still not complaining. I am so proud of her for being the great mother that she is, and I know she would be delighted with a day of pampering. Thank You, Nana

Sarah K. (2 nominations)            Vote Here

In my humble opinion, which is biased, Sarah is one amazing mom!  Sarah is the most selfless person I know, giving all of her time and talents each day to our man-cub.  From 2008-2010, Sarah and I lived inAfrica.  When our son was born in 2009, Sarah embraced and conquered the many fears and challenges associated with bringing a newborn back toAfricaand raising him there – no small feat.  We returned toRichmondin 2010, and I continue to be amazed each day at her mommy prowess, patience and positivity.  Sarah well represents mothers everywhere and deserves a Mommy Makeover!

Sarah is an amazing mom and wife!  She has made amazing sacrifices for her family and for her son.  She is what a mother should be in that she has put her son first in the decisions she has made so that he will have the best upbringing that she can give him.

Shanna M.                       Vote Here

Shanna M.

I nominated Shanna because she is a great mother. She stays at home and takes care of her twin girls who are 11 months old. During her move fromMichigantoRichmondshe had to donate most of her wardrobe so she would have enough room for the girls  cloths. She is very active in her community and loves to volunteer! Since having the girls she has never been out shopping for cloths for herself. She is always thinking of others and puts everyone else first.

Sonya  T.                           Vote Here

Sonya is a wonderful single mother that constantly helps others.  She is about to graduate college while taking care of her 4-yr old son and working a ful- time job. She is constantly feeding everyone with food and knowledge.  With her little time off she is always spending it with her son and family.  I believe she deserves some pampering that she would never do for herself to show her how beautiful she is inside by letting her see it on the outside.

Stephenia M. (2 nominations)            Vote Here

Steph is a mom who wears so many hats.  She teaches full time and also teaches part-time with disadvantaged youth.  She is a full time mom who gets 3 sons to school and after school activities.  On weekends, she is right there for their school and association athletic events. On Sundays, she and her family participate in church activities.  Free time…are you kidding me!  Steph is INDEED a SUPER MOM:)

My mom is very deserving of this ‘Mommy Makeover.’ She works so hard at everything she does and is so stressed out, that all these wonderful prizes would just be what she deserves for being a hardworking teacher, dealing with us 3 hectic boys, and all the errands that our family has to do. I love her very much and would love to ser her enjoy herself with all these luxuries.

Tena K.                      Vote Here

I had my daughter when I was 37 and turned 38 a month later.  Along came my son this year – I was 39 when he was born and just celebrated my 40th birthday in October. They are miracles. Funny thing about being blessed with two wonderful kids later in life is I have no idea what “foot”” to land on. Am I to dress like a young mommy scooting aroundRichmond? Or, am I to dress like an “older,”let’s say wiser mommy. Truth is I am “”working my tail off, sending my kids to school, trying to cook dinner every night, trying to keep the house picked up, rotating refrigerator art, wiping spit up off my shoulder in the morning, pulling clothes out of the hamper for the sniff-test”” mommy. And, I have no idea how to dress. I have had the same hairstyle for YEARS, and I got most of my makeup advice from magazines long since cancelled because who has time to read them? I have two, yes, two pairs of jeans that fit (right now) and am spending most evenings in, let’s call them, lounge clothes. Help!”

Terri F.                   Vote Here

“I deserve it!!! 5 years ago I lost my only child. He would be (will be) 21 Nov. 26th.I will always be a “”mommy””….(to an angel)  This summer my husband fell off a ladder: breaking his back and both feet. I was his full-time nurse and personal assistant.  I am constantly doing for others and, most of the time, neglecting myself.  I am 55 but I feel like 85. Help!”

Tiffani J.                       Vote Here

I just had a baby 3 months ago and still feels uncomfortable about my pregnancy. Need a confidence booster!

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Winners will receive the following amazing prizes:

• $700 Coolsculpting treatment and one Clear and Brilliant Facial Laser Treatment, a $400 value from Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery

• $350 gift certificate to Hayes and Fisk, the Art of Photography

• $240 one-month membership to Styles Group Fitness (finalists also receive this prize)

• $199 four-hours of free childcare and free registration at College Nannies & Tutors

•  $100 gift certificate for accessories to Clementine in Carytown (finalists also receive this prize)

• $98 a facial from Massage Envy Spa

• $70 two seats to the brand-new Spirited Art

• $65 five Richmond Rocks childrens books

• $50 gift certificate to Relay Foods

• $50 gift certificate to Mom’s Treehouse

• $50 gift certificate to Kids in the Kitchen

• $19.95 KidsDineFree.com card (finalists also receive this prize)

The grand prize winner will also receive $2,000 total in prizes, including a makeover (hair, makeup, and nails) at Salon del Sol & $100 in accessories from Clementine in Carytown.

The three finalists are announced below, congratulations and we look forward to seeing you dolled-up Wednesday night!:

• Jenny L.
• Kim M.
• Noelle Q.

_______________________________________

The grand-prize winner, announced at our Big Reveal Wednesday night, will receive the following amazing prizes from our generous sponsors:

• $700 Coolsculpting treatment and one Clear and Brilliant Facial Laser Treatment, a $400 value from Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery

• $350 gift certificate to Hayes and Fisk, the Art of Photography

• $240 one-month membership to Styles Group Fitness (finalists also receive this prize)
• $199 four-hours of free childcare and free registration at College Nannies & Tutors

•  $100 gift certificate for accessories to Clementine in Carytown (finalists also receive this prize)

• $98 a facial from Massage Envy Spa

• $70 two seats to the brand-new Spirited Art

• $65 five Richmond Rocks childrens books

• $50 gift certificate to Relay Foods

• $50 gift certificate to Mom’s Treehouse

• $50 gift certificate to Kids in the Kitchen

• $19.95 KidsDineFree.com card (finalists also receive this prize)

If you are or know of a Richmond mom who deserves a Mommy Makeover nominate them!

We’ll make a donation to Safe Harbor Women’s Shelter for each mom entered, to help women in need.

1) Nominations are open 11/1/11-11/15/11 here on Richmondmom.com. Three finalists will receive a full makeover at salon del sol, $100 in accessories from Clementine in Carytown and a “big reveal” night with us at Clover in Carytown on November 30, 2011 6-7pm!  This event will be catered by Green Monkey catering and we’ll announce the Grand Prize Winner who has the most unique votes. She’ll win over $1,000 in prizes, below.

Click here to nominate any Richmond Mom for a Mommy Makeover. The nominee must reside in Richmond, VA and be available on 11/30/11 for the makeover event.

2) Vote on the site for your favorite (just once) 11/16-11/25/11. We’ll send a link to vote & announce the winners by 11/28/11. Please note: The three winners must be available all day Wednesday, 11/30/11 to spend the day at the salon and to visit Clementine of Carytown for their accessories, and that evening for the big reveal, no exceptions.

The grand prize winner will also receive $2,000 total in prizes, including a makeover (hair, makeup, and nails) at Salon del Sol & $100 in accessories from Clementine in Carytown:

• $700 Coolsculpting treatment and one Clear and Brilliant Facial Laser Treatment, a $400 value from Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery

• $350 gift certificate to Hayes and Fisk, the Art of Photography

• $240 one-month membership to Styles Group Fitness (finalists also receive this prize)

• $199 four-hours of free childcare and free registration at College Nannies & Tutors

• $100 gift certificate for accessories to Clementine in Carytown (finalists also receive this prize)

• $98 a facial from Massage Envy Spa

• $70 two seats to the brand-new Spirited Art

• $65 five Richmond Rocks childrens books

• $50 gift certificate to Relay Foods

• $50 gift certificate to Mom’s Treehouse

• $50 gift certificate to Kids in the Kitchen

• $19.95 KidsDineFree.com card (finalists also receive this prize)

Be sure and check-out this great video from a prior year entrant and then get your own nominations in before November 15.

Click here to view the embedded video.

It’s a constant in conversations with my girlfriends: the dreaded battle of the bulge.

I’ve spoken about being a chubby kid openly on this site, after all where better to share my most terrible memories than a welcoming audience of loving women who understand. Joining our Mother Runner team has certainly helped manage my weight and encourage to get me on the right path. Surrounding myself with outstanding women in fitness like Rachel Pustilnik of Mom’s  Treehouse, Whitney Martin of Styles Group Fitness and being a member of American Family Fitness helps. . .but let’s face it, we need all the help we can get.

Angela Wright and her family

So when a friend, faithful site reader and confidante came to me recently and agreed to share her story with all of you, too I was thrilled, because I’ll bet there’s a pile of other women feeling the same way. Angela Wright, Richmond mom-of-three called me to say, “Kate, this is it. When I got ready to take my kids to our annual brunch at the Jefferson I could not find one pair of my pants in my closet that fit. It was ridiculous. . .I had to go out and buy a size that I never thought I’d buy. That’s when I knew it was time for a change.”

Angela Wright with one of her three kiddos

Angela embarked upon SEAL Team Physical Training team 90-day challenge, where for three months she will work out with her training team, without fail. “I know it’s going to be tough, but I’ve got fifty pounds to lose and it’s time. I weigh more now than I did after I had my kids, and I can’t really explain why other than that my metabolism has slowed down to a terrible pace. I’ve watched what I eat and tried to excercise but it’s just not enough. This is it.”

And she’s not the only one working on getting fit. Our Richmond Grandparents editor Rhonda Day is doing it, too. In her fifties, she’s embarking on a run/walk program through our Mother Runner team through a customized program to fit her schedule, since she can’t make the weekly Saturday runs.

You may have also followed Richmond mom Toni Winston who was chosen from a post on our site to be part  of Dr. Oz’s Real Richmond Housewives challenge where she lost an incredible amount of weight and gained back her self-esteem. As a result, Toni has started her own fitness program, The You Gals.

Toni Winston, owner of You Gals Fitness

I applaud these women for joining the battle, as my weight fluctuates up to twenty pounds each year and creeping towards forty the challenges of maintaining a healthy weight, managing a household, work and eating right are almost too much to bear some days. And hey, I’m not looking for a bikini body, but wearing a swimsuit without a skirt to cover my big thighs would really be a treat. For example, below are photos of me wearing the exact same dress about one year apart; in the first it fits perfectly, in the second, I am holding my breath as so not to split the very seams. Can we have somewhere in-between here and hold it for a while, please?!

Kate in thinner days

Kate's put on a few lbs.

We’ll be following Angela on her journey, and would love to hear your stories, too. If you’re willing to share, please email us: [email protected]. We’ll be rewarding a few lucky moms who share their stories with a massage to celebrate their efforts along the road to being. . .hot mamas once again!