Gina Restivo and Chip Gilbertson met on match.com, under the children’s book section. They both are enthused by stories about flying pigs, and they both had always dreamed about  writing a children’s book. Gina lived in the same neighborhood as young Danny Stanton. Danny was only 4 years old when he died of a seizure experienced while sleeping, in 2009.

Less than a month later, Danny’s parents created the Danny Did Foundation, whose mission is to prevent deaths caused by seizures. The foundation has two main goals. First, advancing awareness of Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) and enhancing the SUDEP communication model between medical professionals and those afflicted by seizures. The other goal is the mainstreaming of seizure detection and prediction devices as well as other technologies that may assist in preventing deaths caused by seizures.

Gina and Chip were touched and inspired by Danny’s story, his family, and the foundation.  Fly, Danny, Fly is a story of possibility, perseverance, and hope.  It is the story of a young boy and his flying pig, traveling in a journey of self discovery.  Smile as he learns to embrace what others see. This story will make you laugh. It will remind you of the rewards to be had for accepting the wonderful differences in us all. The nature and message of the book  provided Gina and Chip with the energy to pull this project together, finding an illustrator, editor, printer, etc, and of course getting the book into the readers hand!

Gina and Chip will be at Evanston’s children boutique Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony (1917 Central St, 847-866 6292) on Saturday July 23, 2-4pm for a book reading and signing. Refreshments will be served. No rsvp necessary.

Part of the proceeds of the sale of the book goes to Danny Did Foundation. More information at www.dannydid.org

Patti Vasquez was back at the Wilmette Theater last night as “One Hysterical Mamacita”, in a hilarious show sponsored by Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony. What I like most about Patti (besides the belly laughs that she induces) is that she is so candid, so believable. A mom of two boys, Patti turns the tribulations of every day into first rate comedy. Whether she is talking about her own parents (her Mexican mom met her Irish father when rode in his cab after landing at Chicago O’Hare airport for the first time), her in-laws, her kids, she is telling stories that anyone can relate to – and laugh!

The show was part of Ladies’ Night Out at Wilmette center and brought in several women for an evening of shopping, fun, and perhaps a glass of wine. Nili Yellin, aka, The Storybook Mom, opened the show. The one male that I saw in the audience, a young reporter from the Wilmette Beacon, was thoroughly amused. I believe he learned more than he ever wanted to know about important female junctures, such as giving birth, visiting the Gyn-Ob, and the use of Spanx.

Maya Papaya& Tony Macarony is displaying Monkey Kiss, by Melanie Deal. When I first saw the artwork’s image on the web, I thought it was a quilt! It isnt. Monkey Kiss is a very unique mixed media piece: the little lips you see are actual vintage L’Oreal lipstick samples! And of course, the sock monkeys make it a perfect fit for our store!

Come for a stroll along Central and stop by Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony to see Monkey Kiss!

A complete guide and map to the exhibit is available at http://www.anatomicallycorrect.org/EvanstonArtWalk2009.htm

Evanston Art Walk 2009, October 1-31^st, along Central and Prairie.

Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony are proud to present:

Nili Yelin, the Storybook Mom in

Sleep Under–Wear Your PJ’s

The popular Saturday morning children’s show offer a great way to introduce young children to theatre, storybooks, music and engage their senses in an immediate and interactive way. Come in your PJs! Nili will be in hers!

Saturday, October 3rd at 10:00am

Wilmette Theater

1122 Central Ave.

Wilmette, IL 60091

847.251.7424

Tickets $12.

More info and advance tickets at http://www.wilmettetheatre.com/events.html

Sponsored by Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony

Pork Chop Kids

Tights are cute, but hard to put in and out, especially with frequent diaper changes and potty breaks. Leg warmers are funky, but still require socks! What’s a mother to do? Enter Meaghan Resenhoeft. Meaghan developed Pork Chop Kids, tight-high socks that are practical and stylish! With the looks and warmth of tights, and the convenience of leg warmers when it comes to diaper changes, Pork Chop Kids are a wonderful mom-invented garment! And it goes up to size 8, so big girls can go potty without struggling with binding elastic waists and crotch!

And look at the patterns: stripes, polka-dots, argyle, solids, both in bright and soft colors, sold by the pair and in gift sets.

Meaghan is going to be at Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony on Thursday October 8, showcasing her collection! All are invited! Stop by to see and learn more about this cool new product!

Pork Chop Kids Trunk Show, Thursday Oct 8, 4-8 pm at Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony, 1917 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201.

Save the date: Thursday, April 23 6-9 PM is Central Street’s Bi-anual

RETAIL THERAPY

A fun evening of shopping, with lots of specials! Join us for wine, appetizers, special discounts and surprise gifts. Enjoy exclusive events: trunk shows, seminars, book signings, and more!

Participating stores:

Allegro Dance Boutique – Apparel for Bodies in Motion
Apelian Carpet & Orientals – Oriental Rugs
Chalk Boutique – Designer Women’s Apparel and Accessories
Dame Couture – Bridal Frocks for the Modern Dame
Etienne Vintage  – Home & Lighting, Antiques, Custom Mantels and Built-ins
Evanston Public Library North Branch – books, of course!
George Ritzlin Antique – Maps and Prints
Happy Husky Bakery – Fresh Baked Treats and Unique Pet Accessories
Lois & Company  – Easy Clothes for Busy Lives
Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony – Cool Clothes for Girls and Boys 0 to 10
Millefiori – Flowers, Wreaths and Gifts
Mitchell Museum of the American Indian -Native American History and Culture
Montoya Fiber Studio – Yarn, Knitting Supplies
Perennials  – Presents, Teas, Decorations, Invitations
The Spice House – Chicagoland’s Largest Spice Selection
Stella  – Clothing, Jewelry, Home Accessories
Table Manners – Unique Tableware for Home Entertaining
Urban Totem – Antique Chandeliers and Exclusive Furnishings
Walsh Natural Health – Natural Health Products for Your Family and Pet

If you can’t find it on Central Street, you probably don’t need it!
For more information visit www.centralstreet-evanston.com

We had a great time last night with Patti Vasquez Mamacita’s at the Wilmette Theatre. She is too funny, and human too! A real mom, with real problems and real blessings and a great sense of humor to tackle it all. 

Lots of moms and grandmas at the audience, but I was happy to see several guys too! And everybody took home a little gift from Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony, proud sponsors of the show!

I highly recommend seeing her show if you have the opportunity!

PATTI VASQUEZ’s

MAMACITA: More Tales of a Diaper Diva

Patti Vasquez

Vasquez, a favorite of Zanies Comedy Clubs, injects humor into the terrifying prospect of raising children and shares the comical and poignant moments of child birth and humbling, humiliating and joyous experiences of being a new mom.

“She’s simply wonderful”.
- Lewis Black

“A bright young comedy talent”
- Latina Magazine

ALL TICKETS $20

Sponsored by Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony!

Thursday, March 26th 8PM

$20

Tickets at wilmettetheater.com or call 847-251-7424