“The young are in a condition like permanent intoxication, because youth is sweet and they are growing.”  (Aristotle, Philosopher, 384BC - 322BC)

Our “little miss sunshine” is turning four.  And, what better way to celebrate this brilliant ray of light than with a bright and glorious gathering of family and friends.

The festivities, while splendid, were simple and sweet.   Nothing fussy or overdone…just a perfect illustration of what it means to focus on the things that matter most.

There were butterflies dressed in purple polka dots and patten leather mary janes, lady bugs adorned with hair bows and charming smiles, and great big sunflowers in bright hues of yellow and orange.  Overall, it was a day filled with sunshine, laughter, and an abundance of love.

To help set the tone for the event, the amazing team at Moon Mippy (http://www.moonmippyonline.com/) assisted in designing delightful custom invitations.  With patience and fabulous insight, they helped select, plan, and print the cards….and all within less than 48 hours!  Thanks, Linda, et al.  Your services are invaluable…as well as perfect for the planner who swears she isn’t going to do formal invitations…and then, at the very last minute, changes her mind. 

Also remarkable in the way of resources is the team at Cupcake Couture (http://www.cupcakecouturesa.com/).  With just a hint of direction regarding color and theme, they designed the most delectable treats…gorgeous in form and fabulous in flavor.  In addition to the white and strawberry selected for our celebration, they also offer 14 other scrumptious options…lemon and orange, chocolate and coconut, buttercream and carrot…YUMMY!   Bought over the counter at one of their two locations, or custom ordered with a specific occasion in mind, the result will be a magnificently delicious experience.  Thanks, Nichole.  You’re right…cupcakes really do = smiles!

Instead of the trendy custom candy bar, there was a much more traditional (although slightly cliche!) pinata.   In the form of a butterfly and filled with way too much candy, it was enjoyed by both the young and the “young at heart”.

In addition to the sugary treats, the children left with bags full of blinged out butterfly favors and the adults with custom CDs created with a playlist of happy, “sunshine-y” selections.  (Think Beach Boys and Sheryl Crow!)

And, even in spite of the sweltering 100+ degree weather, it was a backyard bash filled with joy…all in all, an amazing day…”intoxicating” and, again, reflective of the things that matter most. 

Oh, how sweet it is!

“Women are afraid of mice and murder…and of very little in between.”  (Mignon McLaughlin, American Journalist & Author, 1913 - 1983)

Bleu has had the honor of working with many amazing women throughout the past few years.  There are times, however, when one stands apart from all of the others.  

Most recently, that “one” has actually been the leader of a group of women.  For the past year, she has served as the president of the local chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).  Having the opportunity to be a member of this amazing organization has been both enlightening and insightful…and, having the chance to work with Cheryl Cook (http://promoneyinc.com/) has been even more so.  What a woman!

Upon first meeting Cheryl, you know that she is  a WOMAN amongst women.  She welcomes you with her warm smile and graceful ways; and, it takes only a short time to learn that her sense of style goes way beyond her fabulous “red stilettos”.  She is both strong and sensible…brave and beautiful…intelligent and amusing.  What a woman!

And, her stories…oh, what tales she has to tell!  Each and every one is about adventure and exploration…and, of course, the festive characters encountered along the way.  There are accounts of scuba diving and bike riding, cross country travels with barely a destination in mind, and a life that has been lived just for the sake of living it.  And, with it all, Cheryl has grown tremendously and gained incredible wisdom…and, she’s even managed to find her true love, too.  What a woman!

Last week, NAWBO recognized Cheryl at their Annual Leadership and Partner Gala.  Bleu was honored to have a seat at her table and thrilled to help celebrate the ocassion.  And, while Cheryl’s term as president is now complete, her legacy of leadership will live on and continue to be an inspiration.  All together now…WHAT A WOMAN!

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” (Anais Nin, American Author, 1903-1977)

There are certain times in all of our lives when we come to realize that the potential glory to be gained by quite literally opening ourselves up to the possibilities far outweighs the risk and the value of what might be lost.

And so it was on a gorgeous day in early May at the union of yet another magnificent couple.  Valerie and David, both quiet and seemingly reserved by nature, shared their love with a very small and intimate gathering of close friends and family. 

It was an outdoor ceremony timed perfectly with the setting of the sun.  The surroundings were stunning, due not only to the labors of Mother Nature herself but also because of the energy and efforts expended by the bride’s parents in anticipation of the day.   There was tremendous love put into each and every detail as, for more than a year prior, they prepared the land by clearing, sewing, planting, and meticulously manicuring each and every bloom and blade of grass.  They even built a pergola and constructed a flagstone pathway specifically for the occassion.  Such fondness and devotion they demonstrated for their daughter as all of the details were precisely planned.

As the mother of the bride, who had also been selected as the matron of honor, anxiously awaited the exact moment when her family would begin their descent down the aisle, that immense love and admiration were once more apparent.   And then, as Valerie and her father walked arm-in-arm toward the man who would soon be her husband, there was not a dry eye amongst all who were gathered. 

Following the ceremony, there was a reception at a private club.  After a slight delay with the bustling of the dress, Valerie and David entered the room to the announcement of “Mr and Mrs”.  Soon thereafter, guests joined in the customary activities of a wedding reception…the best man’s toast, the couple’s first dance, and the cutting of the cake.  There was one more “non-traditional” occurance, however, that touched the hearts of all who were witness…David’s original composition, performed and offered with great adoration, to his true love and new bride.  There was not a bloom throughout that entire day that could compare to the brightness and beauty of Valerie as she opened her heart to the love she’d been offered.

And so it was on a gorgeous day in early May at the union of yet another magnificent couple.