Talk ToddleWood

Because I grew up with her voice

2012-02-13T17:52:00.001-05:00

Growing up there were 2 female singers that really stood out for me. Of course there were many amazing singers who I love but my absolute favorites were Janet Jackson. There was a time I thought I was Janet Jackson. My wardrobe was transformed to all black. I had a black leather baseball cap that I never left my house without and I had an attitude. Miss Messeroux if you're nasty! Ok, it doesn't sound as cool as Miss Jackson because of the third syllable. But you couldn't tell me I was "fresh"

The other lady was the late Whitney Houston. I wasn't imitating her image but I sang every single word she sang. I even hit all the high notes she did...in my head, I sounded friggin great. I reenacted her music video "How will I know" and because of her I realized that a simple church girl could do great things. Then I started watching her in movies. Well, go figure, she can do anything! Waiting to Exhale and The Bodyguard made me love her even more. My favorite songs are...

I wanna dance with somebody

I'm your baby tonight

I will always love you

How will I know

I'm every woman

Saving all my love for you

One moment in time

Now, February 2012 and this great singer who everyone lovingly calls "The Voice" is no longer here to sing for us. I never had a chance to meet Ms. Houston but I admire her and I want to celebrate her. So.....

Toddlewood will host a gallery exhibit in honor of Ms. Whitney Houston. At this event, I will unveil life size, "ToddleWood style" images of Ms.Whitney Houston to all of you and the media.

So this is a CASTING CALL for all beautiful African American little girls between the age of 3 years old and 7 years old. I'm looking for about 15-20 little girls who will be mini-Whitney Houstons to complete my visions for her album covers, scenes from her music videos, scenes from iconic moments (i.e. Superbowl) and so on. So 15-20 girls will be chosen for this big project that means so much to me.

Send in your submissions TODAY! To submit your child or children for consideration into the world of ToddleWood, please click on the link below. There is a nominal fee for submissions to cover costs associated with production and donation to a worthy kids’ cause.

While I personally review EVERY submission, I cannot guarantee every child will be selected. Once you have completed the payment process, please submit your photo to casting@ToddleWood.com and please put THE VOICE in the subject of the email. Only paid submissions will be considered. If you've submitted in the past, you must go through this process and resubmit. I wish you luck and I hope to see your child on the other side of my camera. xoxo, T

For more information about TODDLEWOOD go to www. ToddleWood.com.
SUBMIT BELOW!

Old Hollywood meets Old ToddleWood

2012-02-11T19:22:00.000-05:00

So I've been asked on so many occasions if I would accept payment to create a ToddleWood images for families' personal use. While I'm extremely flattered, I have to turn a lot of people down as ToddleWood to me is my artwork. It's a way for me to be creative, to meet incredible children and showcase my vision. It's not a service...well until now.

After careful consideration and brainstorming, I've decided to offer to the world a concept called "Old ToddleWood!" So imagine black and white classic images of "Old Hollywood." Celebrities like Dorothy Dandridge, Audrey Hepburn, Diana Ross and Grace Kelly...the list can go on forever. What I'm offering is to give you a little taste of what my ToddleWood kids go through with my hair and make up team and while I create an amazing photograph of you inspired by a classic Old Hollywood image of your choice.

Valentine's Day Gift Certificates are available. Get it now and let your lady schedule her photo shoot when convenient for her.

Go to www.oldtoddlewood.bigeyephotography.com

2012-01-08T23:45:00.000-05:00

What can I say...it's only week 2 of 2012 and I'm about to lose my mind...in a good way.

So I got a call from the same producer who contacted me for the Entertainment Tonight/The Insider segment a couple of weeks ago. The senior producer asked me to recreate the 2012 Golden Globes Awards' red carpet. Although I was very excited about the opportunity, I had to take a step back and think things over. So I told her I'd call her back.

After a few hours of thinking things through I reached back out to her and told her that I wasn't comfortable with the challenge because the end result would look like some kids in nice dresses and suits. Unless I know exactly what the celebrities will be wearing, it just won't work. I gave her another option which I am in LOVE with. I don't want to announce it to all of you just yet as I'm planning on doing it for the Oscars. Well, the producer met with her bosses and they really wanted the red carpet sooo, they agreed to give me more time and will air my ToddleWood segment mid to end of the week after the Golden Globes airing.

Boy, that's not a lot of time to get custom dresses made, shoot, edit etc... But , once again, it's a challenge I'm willing to take. So here's the plan.

1. Sunday, January 15th (the day of the 2012 Golden Globes) I will be hosting a huge casting call. ET/The Insider (same company) will be on-site shooting the event.
2. My team which will include 5-6 seamstresses from FIT and beyond will join me at a hotel suite in Manhattan for a Golden Globes Production Party. At this party we will eat, drink and WORK. I will be taking pictures of the TV screen during the red carpet and on-stage awards. yes, I will be shoot at the TV screen. My make-up artist and production team will be taking notes. The seamstresses will be with their pads and pencils sketching designs.
3. After the show, which will probably end around 11:00pm EST, I will be walking over to the casting wall and I'll choose the best models for the celebrities that I have decided to shoot. From that, the seamstresses will have their assignments.
4. Between 11:30pm and Midnight, either one of my assistants or I will be posting the final model selections on Facebook as well as emailing the parents.

The seamstresses (who will have 2-3 looks) will be taking over the garment district early Monday morning and will be ready to show me the dresses by Monday evening. All garments must be done no later than noon on Tuesday! And the shoot will be taking place on Wednesday morning at my friend, Jude's, fabulous studio in the city.

I must retouch and submit final images to CBS on Wednesday night!

ET/The Insider will be filming all events and so will we. Keep in touch and see how all this unfolds!

Oh, PLEASE wish me luck!

Special shout out to my team...Dana Curtin, Shameika Bowman, Sandy Brereton, Yardley Messeroux,
Kiyo Borch, Janna Moore-Calliste, Monique Fitzpatrick, Rasheen Thomas. Seamstress and other production roles to be announced later. xoxo ladies!

2012-01-02T11:59:00.000-05:00

To ToddleWood "New Edition" or Not to ToddleWood "New Edition"

Tricia's new dilemma

"Cool It Now" performance

So last night I went to the New Edition concert. A friend of mine had tickets from a birthday present and invited me and Shawn to go. I had a lazy day yesterday morning and afternoon so getting Sunday and Skylar ready to be dropped off at my sister's and getting myself ready to be around a thousand people wasn't exciting to me. But being born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, this boy band has a special place in my heart. So I got myself and the crew together and we're off. After dropping off my girls, Sun and Sky, we were on our way to the Bronx, a place we're not too familiar with so we used my GPS for every move while we were there. The GPS pointed out 6 parking lots in the area of the concert - 3 of which didn't exist. We were taken to bodegas and brick walls! So we parked in the street and walked a trillion blocks. Anything for New Edition.

When we got through all the drama of getting into the arena, I was 15 years old again the minute Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, Mike, Ralph and Johnnie walked on to the stage. From Candy Girl to Popcorn Love to Mr. Telephone Man and all of Bobby's Don't be Cruel, My Prerogative and so much more...I lost my mind. I danced, sang and "performed" as if I was the 7th member. If everyone else wasn't doing the same thing I would have looked like a fool.

Then I thought, huh, maybe I should do a ToddleWood version of New Edition! Oh my God! That would be awesome! But I would only do the original 5. So I'm thinking wow, this is going to be huge. And then I got nervous about the challenge. Would everyone even know they were New Edition? Remember, these are kids trying to look like this group which could be confused for many of the other 5 billion boy/man bands! What would distinguish all the others, besides clothing, to New Edition. Would it be a quick and easy "oh my God that's a great mini-New Edition?" I'm really not sure. I've got to think about.

We'll see.

NEW EDITION

The Original Group

The Current Group

Shot from last night

Shot from last night. Thanks JP

Shot from last night

JODECI

The 4 Tops

The 5 Heartbeats

The Temptations

The Commodores

2012-01-01T12:41:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year! After a short intermission, ToddleWood is back. Here's what's going on. ToddleWood has a new blog...a kids blog (Parents, check out www.toddlewoodkidpower.blogspot.com). ToddleWood Kid Power is a special place for kids to be inspired and be part of the ToddleWood club.

So it's now 2012 and my New Year's Resolutions are:
1. Take better care of myself. As many of you all know I had a sinus infection for the first time this year which was a miserable two week long experience. Thankfully I'm not prone to being ill but my friends (especially my best friend Deirdre) and family (especially Shawn and my sister) have been continuously urging me to rest and get back to the gym. I used to be in love with the gym and I had a love affair with sleep but now we're on the outs. So I've decided to mend fences with my gym and my pillow and I'm excited to feel the physical change. Besides I've got a lot to do this year so I've got to be healthy in order to make things happen.

2. I'm going to take ToddleWood to great heights. There are a couple of exciting things in the works and I'll be sharing them with you as they progress. The ToddleWood clothing line is about to relaunch in a couple of weeks. I had a soft launch in 2011 and my designs were in 6 stores from New York to Louisiana. More to come...watch what happens next.

Photography:
What can I say, the last 4 months of 2011 were incredible. I and ToddleWood were featured in numerous on line and hard copy publications domestically and internationally...most notably HUFFINGTON POST, The TODAY Show experience, Entertainment Tonight's The INSIDER, People Magazine, In Touch Magazine, Yahoo's OMG, ABC.com, Verizon Fios channel 1 and many blogs. Very exciting way to end the year. Many interesting phone calls stemmed from all this. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, I'm excited to get back to shooting. So, as you know mini-Lenny Kravitz has been chosen and we'll be shooting this month. And finally, the cast of Three's Company has been selected. This was a tough one but I think these kids will be great and we'll have a lot of fun transforming them into Jack, Janet and Chrissy 70's style! Congratulations kids!

Lastly, I want to thank everyone who sends me ideas for my photoshoots. Some people may think I don't read all my emails but I do and I love your ideas. As a matter of fact, one mom gave me an idea that I'm in love with! So I'm opening up a casting call for the hosts of the Late Night Wars...Jay Leno, David Letterman and Conan O'Brien! My goal is to shoot each of these right at their studio with the kids sitting in each host's chair. I'm very excited to reach out to my producer friends from my recent interviews:) So keep your fingers crossed.

Calling all kids on the west coast! Since Jay Leno's and Conan O'Brien's studios are located in California, I would especially like to open the casting to you. All east coast families, if you're willing to travel then let's do it.

Send your casting submissions to casting@toddlewood.com and PLEASE put "Late Night Wars" in the subject. I get a lot of general submissions and this makes it easier for me when I'm focusing on this particular casting. More casting announcements to come. Good Luck

I hope everyone brought in the new year safely and I wish great things to you all for 2012.
xoxo, T

2011-11-05T19:16:00.002-04:00

It's that time again. Thank you to everyone who submitted Lenny Kravitz. As you know Lenny has a distinct look. So I've narrowed it down to these few cuties. Cast your vote now! xoxo, T

2011-11-05T19:15:00.005-04:00

If you think this cutey is ToddleWood's next Lenny Kravitz, go to comments and let me know. Simply write "Lenny"

2011-11-05T19:15:00.002-04:00

If you think this cutey is ToddleWood's next Lenny Kravitz, go to comments and let me know. Simply write "Lenny"

2011-11-05T19:14:00.002-04:00

If you think this cutey is ToddleWood's next Lenny Kravitz, go to comments and let me know. Simply write "Lenny"

2011-11-05T19:13:00.003-04:00

If you think this cutey is ToddleWood's next Lenny Kravitz, go to comments and let me know. Simply write "Lenny"

2011-11-05T19:12:00.002-04:00

If you think this cutey is ToddleWood's next Lenny Kravitz, go to comments and let me know. Simply write "Lenny".

2011-10-31T12:18:00.009-04:00

I just had to. I just had to! I watch reruns of Three's Company all the time. I even have the full DVD collection. I just love Jack, Janet and Chrissy! From bell bottoms to pigtails, I am so excited to finally bring Three's Company to ToddleWood! So here's what I need:

- A cute little boy with mousy dirty blond hair

- A girl with long BLOND hair

- A girl with short dark hair (this may be difficult so I may need to wig this one so we'll see)

All kids have to be ready to have some fun. These characters are silly and energetic and I want the shoot to be the same. Please send in submissions to casting@ToddleWood.com and write in the subject "Three's Company". Very important to include the chld's name, age and HEIGHT.

Good luck! This is going to be a classic!

2011-10-26T23:13:00.004-04:00

The following are the beauties that I've chosen as finalist for the ToddleWood Marilyn Monroe project. I'm welcoming you to help me choose. I can't stress enough that hair color is NOT a factor as we will be using hair props (bleach blond wig). So judge on the facial features and potential. Remember, we can work magic once we're on set. xoxo, T

2011-10-26T22:59:00.001-04:00

Tell me who you think would make a great Marilyn Monroe. Remember, it's not about the hair color as our hair stylist will be bringing in the Marilyn tresses. Ultimately the chosen model(s) will be transformed! Vote by writing "Marilyn" in the comment area of your choice!

2011-10-26T22:58:00.004-04:00

2011-10-26T22:58:00.001-04:00

2011-10-26T22:57:00.002-04:00

2011-10-26T22:57:00.001-04:00

2011-10-26T22:56:00.004-04:00

2011-10-26T22:56:00.001-04:00

2011-10-26T22:55:00.002-04:00

2011-10-26T22:55:00.001-04:00

2011-10-26T22:54:00.000-04:00

2011-10-26T22:27:00.002-04:00

2011-10-19T13:55:00.010-04:00

I know I've been a bit out of touch. I'm working on a ton of things...not to mention some cool interviews, the Network Journal, Brand New Mommy video blog, Verizon FiOs, Huffington Post... At any rate, I will tell you that I have 2 ToddleWood photography projects that I've decided to create. One will be announced in about another week.

I would, however, like to announce that I've decided to include all of you and beyond more closely in the ToddleWood experience. Starting today, I will begin the process of shooting 3 memorable images of each chosen celebrity. I'm interested in going deeper with these icons and so I'll be choosing 3 of their most famous images or looks and execute them using my toddler models. A couple of the celebrities will be stars that I've already re-created but most will be new ideas.

I'm starting off with Marilyn Monroe. I'm looking for submission of Marilyn beauties. I will be choosing 3 amazing looks from this iconic star and I will execute all 3 of them. So I will be choosing 3 toddlers to help me make them happen. These shoots will be very specific and detailed in terms of lighting and the equipment I will be using and of course hair, make-up and props. Casting call is now open. Here is the process:

1. Casting call will begin and end within 3-5 days
2. I will be posting the top 15-20 models that I think will work
3. You, the ToddleWood Public, will vote on the model you think best fits the celebrity
4. I will announce the winner
5. Photo shoot will be in session
6. Next Casting Call announcement

Please send your submission (picture, first name and age) to monroe@toddlewood.com Once I close submissions for this look (October 27), I will be posting the top 15-20 models and I'll look forward to your help in choosing the 3 girls.

The Big Show
In the Spring, there will be a LIVE video broadcast of the unveiling of these images which will be shot by an amazing production company. Finally the world will be able to witness the unveiling of my new series! I'm very excited and I hope you are too!

xoxo, T

Casting is open

monroe@toddlewood.com

2011-10-12T15:44:00.006-04:00

So I've been asked what feels like a million times "How did you come up with the ToddleWood concept?" Well here's what happened. In 2008 when my daughter, Skylar, turned 3 years old, I purchased a Nikon D40x. Having a degree in TV and Film production doesn't help you take digital photographs. I have an eye for the artwork that I want to achieve but I had to teach myself how to use the darn camera. Lots of trial and error. But the very first picture I took of toddler-Skylar, was a picture of her in a really cool hat. I convinced this 3 year old to look slightly away from the camera. I'm not a fan of people looking directly into the camera unless it's absolutely necessary. I nailed that shot and Sky nailed that look. I turned it black and white and became obsessed with learning everything I could about the camera.

For those who know me and know me well, will understand that I'm not the type of person who does things simply. I've got way too much energy to take the simple route. So taking photos needed to meet my personality. But I wanted to include my little Sky in whatever project I came up with. I was sitting in the train of the Long Island Railroad one day and I happened to pick up a brochure from the seat across from me. It was a brochure for Madame Toussaud's wax museum. This Madame Toussaud had a brilliant idea of making celebrity icons out of wax. WAIT!!! That's it!!! I'm going to make celebrities out of children.

"Huh?" Said my husband. Followed by "that's nice, honey." Then when I mentioned it a second and third time, he got a little curious. My husband knows that when I put my mind to something I make it happen. He loved the idea and said what he always says "I think you should do it." Followed by "Oh God, what's my role in all this?"

Three more cameras later, I gathered a dynamic group of creative people whom I've ever so grateful for. They saw my vision, agreed to the project and went to work. They will always have a place in my heart because they believed in me.

Our first casting call started off quite unpleasantly. I was on my way to the city for the casting and in my hurry and nervousness, I neglected to look at the gas meter.

Yes, I ran out of gas right on the Long Island Expressway. Everyone was waiting for me in the city and I was on the side of the highway waiting for a tow truck! I thought to myself, "well, I can assume this is a sign and just call this whole thing off or I can suck it up, curse myself out for not putting gas in the friggin car and

find my way to the casting call. Here comes the tow truck. My car and I were taken to the closest gas station and then I high-tailed to Manhattan. I walked in embarrased but tried to find my Tricia confidence. The moms and kids were so great! My crew who made it there before me (clearly they feed their cars) were so gracious with our guests. The casting went great.

That same day I shot my very first ToddleWood image. A black and white shot of Mini-Marilyn Monroe. Robin, my

seamstress made the iconic dress, Tammy, my

wardrobe stylist got the right jewelry and shoes and Linda my make-up artist dolled up that cute little face. The show indeed went on. And ToddleWood was born!

xoxo, T

2011-02-27T18:48:00.007-05:00

Casting Call for African American Young Girls

ToddleWood (a Photography Exhibit featuring kids transformed to look like celebrity superstars) is for the look of a young Janelle Monae

for an upcoming photo shoot.

www.ToddleWood.com

Gender: Girls

Skin tone: Medium to dark brown

Age: 3 - 7 years old

Eyes: Brown

Hair: Natural

Must be able to shoot in New York

Send child's photo to casting@toddlewood.com

Must include child's name, Age, height, eye color and

guardian's email address

Good Luck

Love, T

Become a fan at www.facebook.com/toddlewood and get updates about casting, new developments, the next red carpet photo gallery exhibit in NYC, New Jersey and Atlanta and so much more...

Website: www.ToddleWood.com

Email submissions: casting@ToddleWood.com

Previous Casting Call re-connect

2011-02-07T22:13:00.005-05:00

Casting is officially in full effect. For those of you who attended the casting call in NYC last year and were chosen for a role in ToddleWood 2 please contact me at casting@toddlewood.com by Friday, February 10.

For those who know kids who could fit any of these musical celebrities, submit now. Remember, must be between the age of 4 and 7 years old. Good Luck!

xoxo

2011-01-28T14:56:00.004-05:00

ToddleWood Photoshoot 2011

Photo shoots #1 and #2 CASTING CALL

Looking for SIX young boys for the first two ToddleWood shoots

Gender: BOYS ONLY (Casting for 3 boys with these specs)

Height: No taller than 46 inches

Age: No younger than 3 ½ years old

Ethnicity: Caucasian

Other: Must be able to follow direction

Hair: Blond Hair (Straight or Curly haired boys)

Gender: BOYS ONLY (Casting for 3 boys with these specs)

Height: No taller than 46 inches

Age: No younger than 3 ½ years old

Ethnicity: Caucasian

Other: Must be able to follow direction

Hair: Dark/Black (No curly hair/only straight)

Submit photo, email and phone number, height, hair color, eye color and age to

Casting@ToddleWood.com

Good Luck

xoxo, T

Lights, Cameras, ToddleWood

2011-01-26T13:29:00.003-05:00

Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls. ToddleWood photo shoots are back in session! I'm excited to say that we're gearing up for another incredible gallery exhibit bigger and better than ever. This summer, ToddleWood will be hosting a red carpet event showcasing the amazing artwork along with some additional SURPRISES. More to come.

Casting Calls begin Friday, January 28, 2011. Stay tuned and follow closely as your child, friend, niece or nephew may become a Toddler in Hollywood!

xoxo,
Tricia

www.toddlewood.com

ToddleWood requests your input for the next showcase

2010-11-07T20:38:00.011-05:00

Hello world.
For those of you who don't know me, I am the creator and photographer of ToddleWood (toddlewood.com). A photography project featuring kids between the age of 3 and 6 who we transformed to mirror the image of celebrity superstars and influential politicians. For those who have been following me and ToddleWood for the past two years and attended the first unveiling, thank you for your support.

The count down has official begun!

The next group of photo shoots will begin on January 29, 2011. 83 days from tonight, November 7th.

The unveiling will be an amazing red carpet event in NYC and two other states to be announced. The date for the NYC event is April 21, 2011. In the meantime, there's a lot happening in the world of ToddleWood.

Let's first talk about the photography and I'll fill you in on the other pieces a little later. I've decided to focus the next 30 images on 2 areas.

1. Iconic movies scenes (My goal is to recreate key scenes featuring main characters from movies whether they're classic films like "The Color Purple" or more current movies like one of the "Twilight" films)

2. Amazing singers (This area can be either singing groups or an individual who stood out in their own time and can be easily recognizable. This individual or group needs to have a look that would stand out and is own-able to that person or persons) .

Here's where you come in. Send me your suggestions. I'm taking on the challenge of letting the public inform ToddleWood 2. I will gather your suggestions for the next few weeks from Facebook, the ToddleWood Blog and Twitter and then the voting shall begin. So be very creative and let me know your thoughts.

xoxo Tricia (T. Mezz) Messeroux

2010-09-16T19:31:00.006-04:00

Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, ToddleWood has gone from being a photography project to a brand with fun products for kids and grown ups. We have partnered with 2 amazing foundations: American Cancer Society and The One For Jasmina Foundation. If you recall, there was this amazing little girl named Jasmina Anema who touched our hearts as we prayed and hoped for her to find a bone marrow match and recover. Well she lost that battle but her foundation lives on. And I'm happy to note that ToddleWood is supporting her foundation. As for thee American Cancer Society, well you should all be familiar with them. What you may not be aware of is their department that organizes camps for kids with cancer to get away for at least a week out of the year and have some fun. During this week (which varies according to region) kids can just be kids and hopefully forget the fact that they are sick at least for a little while all in the name of fun and uplift.

I would like to personally invite you all to do some ToddleWood shopping.

TODDLEWOOD COFFEE TABLE BOOKS
I've re-introduced the ToddleWood coffee table book featuring over 40 of the best ToddleWood photographs shot by yours truly. In this book, you will also learn what inspired me about each celebrity and why I chose to shoot their image with these amazing kids.

TODDLEWOOD CALENDARS
Yay!! The calendars are ready for you and I'm early too. I'd like to present the hottest 2011 calendars you could ever own. There are two options to choose from but both are dynamic in their own way. Get them while they're HOT!!

TODDLEWOOD SPORTS APPAREL
Now this is so cute. ToddleWood has these amazing T-Shirts for kids. They are 100% cotton, classic fit for boys and baby doll fit with cap sleeves for girls. Your child, niece, nephew, playdate etc... will look GREAT in these Tees. Very high quality material and great detail.