Tribute to Doug Fieger

Doug Fieger performs at The Whitney in Detroit, 2005

Me with The Knack

This weekend brought sad news in the Detroit rock world with the passing of Doug Fieger, best known as lead singer of The Knack.

I was in elementary school when "My Sharona" came out and I thought it was the coolest song ever.

I was lucky enough to see The Knack perform that song and other hits during a private concert at The Whitney during Fieger Law's Christmas party in 2005. Doug was famed attorney Geoffrey Fieger's younger brother (pictured above).

The Knack rocked.

Here are some photos from the show, shot by Steve Kaufman, as well as Doug's yearbook photo from Country Day in Bloomfield Hills circa 1966.

I am proud that Doug was from The D, and that I got the chance to meet him.

Jenna Kator Handbags

The Mydols recently played a few songs at Next Stage Woman, a networking event in Grand Blanc. Judy Davids, our guitarist, was a featured speaker, along with handbag designer Jenna Kator.

I've been wanting to meet Jenna ever since I first heard about her handbags, which are all named after Michigan cities. It turns out her story is very inspiring.

Jenna, of Troy, said she was laid off from her job in advertising in December, 2008, right before Christmas.

The 32-year-old couldn't find work, and went through a dark period until her husband encouraged her to follow her dream.

"I had to reinvent myself," she said. "It was my opportunity to start my own destiny."

Kator had always loved fashion, and with the help of an international team decided to take a gamble and launch her handbag line. Her first collection was delivered in October, 2009, and her Spring 2010 line is expected soon. Kator's goals are to continue selling handbags through home parties, expand into retail stores, and have her products placed in a locally-filmed movie.

Her bags offer clean lines and sophisticated colors, and she calls them 'statement pieces.'

"They say when you have a great bag and a good pair of shoes, you'll have a nice day," she said.

Troy Signature Handbag in winter white, $79.

Housewife Picks

Wear It!
Not Your Daughter's Jeans

Don't Wear It!
Muffin top

Face It!
Rimmell Lipstick in "Temptation" (channel your inner Gwen!)

Smell It!
Aquolina Pink Sugar perfume

Mane It!
Cut and color by Irene at Flip Salon in Ferndale

Eat It!
FlatOut bread

Drink It!
Hot chocolate with butterscotch shnapps

See It!
Where the Wild Things Are

TiVo It!
Yo Gabba Gabba with Jack Black

Read It!
Diary of a Mad Housewife

Hear It!
Family Hootenanny compilation CD
(not just because the Mydols are on it!)

Click It!
Mydols.com

Use It!
Baking soda to clean your tubs and sinks

Experience It!
Preschool roller skating at Riverside Arena 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays (you can take strollers on the rink!)

Try It!
The new children's play area at Laurel Park Place in Livonia

Do It!
Avedon Fashion Photographs at the DIA through Jan. 17

Ciao CelloBella!

The Mydols practiced with CelloBella yesterday in preparation for the upcoming Garden Family Hootenanny on Sunday, July 12 at The Whitney. I have always loved the cello, dating back to the filmstrips we used to watch in music class at Beverly Elementary School, so it will be exciting to share the stage with cellist Alison Donohue (pictured above). Since the cello has a bass voice, I'll have to find a way to set my bass guitar apart within the sound.

At the Hootenanny, the Mydols will join CelloBella on "I'm a Believer," "You are My Sunshine" and "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." Plus, we'll each do our own sets. It should be a great time.

Ultimate Family Garden Party

Try Trunkettes for Bathing Beauty

If you've had a baby, but not a Kate Plus 8-style tummy tuck, you might not be eager to don a Geftaki suit (as seen on desperate housewife Teri Hatcher in my last blog).

Trunkettes, swimsuits with mens-style bottoms yet feminine flair, are a great alternative.

The Mydols met the creators of Trunkettes when we appeared on The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch last year. CEO Hilary Genga was inspired to invent Trunkettes after attending a pool party in her native L.A. While all the dads and kids splashed in the water, the moms stayed on the sidelines, ashamed to be seen in their swimsuits.

Not fair!

Trunkettes let women play like the boys - surf, swim, beach volleyball - without worrying about a wardrobe malfunction.

Hilary was so sweet she sent us all samples of Trunkettes, and I love them!

Haute Mama - Geftaki Swimwear

My friend Trisha Geftos, a designer based in Riverview, Mich., is enjoying great success with her sexy Geftaki Swimwear line.

Hot mama Teri Hatcher is the latest celeb seen in Geftaki. Paris Hilton made a splash last fall when she taped one of her fake presidential campaign videos wearing a cut-out leopard print Geftaki number while lounging poolside. Kim Kardashian is also a fan.

Here, Teri looks stunning in a two-tone bikini with python trim from Geftaki's 2009 Signature Collection.

For Teri's suit, visit http://www.geftaki.com/. For her bod, keep dreaming!