“If you want your life to be more rewarding, you have to change the way you think.” (Oprah Winfrey, Television Host, Producer, and Philanthropist, 1954 - )

So, once again, Bleu is a few days behind the curve. With a vow in January to do better about regular blog entries and keeping up with other such “day-to-day” tasks, we’ve found ourselves at March 1 wondering what the heck happened to the month of February. Shorter in days in comparison to the other 11 months of the year, it still tends to be quite a busy one.

There were multiple events and a plethora of meetings. There were also travels from one end of the state to the next. Additionally, there were chores…just the every day, nothing too exciting, is this what life is really all about chores that sometimes plague us all. 

So, with all of the hectic happenings and the lack of time to get done any of the things on our new year’s “to do” list, it would be easy to feel a little down or at least a bit ineffective. Still, given our resolution to be more “in the moment”, we’ve decided it of greater benefit to look differently at the month past and find the minor victories…the successes…the rewards amongst all of the chaos.

The aforementioned events and meetings? All involved some truly amazing individuals. Friends and strangers alike were brought together in a multitude of settings to accomplish both the seemingly insignificant (i.e., should we serve red or white wine with the given dinner menu) and the profound (i.e., how can we create the most memorable experience for attendees so that they will help us reach a fundraising goal that exceeds half a million dollars).  

The aforementioned travels? They were most definitely memorable! So much so, in fact, that our main mode of transportation has now been lovingly labeled the “crazy train”…and only with the best of intentions in mind. Amongst the long hours and many miles logged were moments of humor and, quite honestly, pure magic amongst “just us girls”. These included discussing matters from one end of the “seriousness spectrum” to the next…searching for rest stops along the way when the laughter and the tears got the best of us. There were also moments spent anxiously awaiting food in late night drive thrus, as well as looking for “mascara time” in front of mirrors when sharing an “oh, too small”, hotel room bathroom. (Some of the best, weren’t they, my female travel companions?)

And, in celebration of us making an effort to recognize our small rewards, why don’t YOU also take time in the month that lies ahead to…

FEEL well, by…buying wine with a screw-top cap so you don’t have to drink the whole bottle in one sitting…unless, of course, you’re sharing it with friends and making some magical memories of your own. In that case, buy the best bottle you can find and savor every last drop. Be sure to use your finest crystal goblets, too. Every moment that includes good wine and good friends should be considered a “special occassion”.

THINK well, by…taking a few moments to get a jump on the upcoming season. Start thinking about what specific items you will need to put in storage, or perhaps just a little more “out of the way”, to make room for the things that are more conducive to the warmer months. After all, spring break is just around the corner; so, sunscreen and flip flops will be much more important that that heavy wool sweater and winter scarf.

LIVE well, by…selecting an afternoon to declare a pajama day. Stay in them as long as possible and just putter around the house. Make a vow on this one day to NOT do anything that might be considered work or even close to “chore like”. Rent the sappy, romantic movies that you’ve been dying to see so you can join in the “meaningful conversation” the next time you’re with your girlfriends. Or, at least buy every gossip magazine that the store has to offer so as to catch up on “current events”. Also stock up on your very favorite foods and the most delicious drinks. After all, taking the day off is an event all unto itself.

“Don’t aim for success if you want it.  Just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally.”  (David Frost, Journalist, 1939 - )

Bleu appreciates and celebrates those who love what they do.  And, when we are really fortunate, we also get to work directly with them. 

In recognition, we’ve decided to feature a few of our very favorite partners in the next couple of posts.  Some of the articles are new, others are favorites that we will simply be revisiting.  Regardless, they are all contributions made by partners who are at the top of their game, admired and recognized in their respective fields for being the very best at what they do…people who are passionate about their work…and who have achieved success because of it.

One such person is Denise Goral of “Leave It To Us” (www.leaveittous.com), a full-service catering company specializing in extraordinary culinary creations.  Denise and her team are celebrated for being “distinctively different”.  With over 25 years in the industry, they are recognized for creating custom-designed menus to meet the needs of almost any event, be it social or corporate.  Whether it’s for a party of 50 or 5000, the food is always delicious and the service exceptional.

With such experience, Denise has encountered most every type of client…with most every type of request…most every type of need…as well as want…and wish…and desire…and, of course, demand.  And, all of that together makes her a logical choice to contribute an article on just that subject.

When asked for some interesting facts to add to her author bio, Denise quite fittingly offered “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” as her favorite movie.  And, just as appropriately, she selected “Eat, Pray, Love” as her favorite book.  Spoken like someone who devours life and has definitely chosen the right profession! 

And, along those same lines, when asked how one should choose a caterer, Denise had this to offer…

“It’s not all about the food, but great food is a product of experience, proper equipment, planning, and knowlege.  Customizing your menu, presentation, and service style will make it your own; so, the connection between you and your catering coordinator is imperative.  Tastings have become the “norm”; but, remember that most anyone can create something good for two or three people.  The questions is whether or not they can create it for hundreds and make it taste as good.  And, the food not only has to taste wonderful, but it also needs to be handled, prepared, and arranged according to your vision. 

Ask the caterer.  Find out from the company that you are considering how long their head chef has worked with them.  Being a chef is a stressful job; therefore, if the chef has been there several years, it probably means that this is an organized, well-run company and that the chef has the experience of creating fabulous food.  

Also ask them how long the catering coordinator has been in their current position.  What all do they usually do at the event?  Will they arrange and serve the food, as well as help with the flow of events?  Again, it is experience that makes the event go smoothly. 

Additionally, ask the potential caterer what types of food they typically offer their clients or what their specialties are.  If their answer is barbecue, and that is what you want at your event, then you’re on the right track.  If their answer includes items that are so trendy or “gourmet” that you can barely pronounce them, and you are still wanting something as “downhome” as barbecue, then they are probably not the right caterer for you. 

Also ask them how many staff persons will be working your event.  This should vary depending on the guest count, type of menu, and service style.  Ask them what the staff will be doing during the event.  Will they bus tables?  Replenish food and beverage?  Package up the leftovers?  Do the final clean up? 

Ask other vendors.  When you go to meet with the planner, venue, florist, photographer…ask them for referrals or recommendations as to who they have had a good experience in working with.  And remember, it doesn’t do any good to ask  a vendor for their opinion once you’ve already contracted with a caterer…they will generally just be polite. 

Communicate.  When it comes to selecting your caterer, as well as all of your vendors, keep it simple.  It is important to collect your thoughts, form them into questions, and then group them together into bulleted or numbered lists.  This will assist your potential vendors in answering each question in a detailed and thorough fashion.  It will also make it easier for you to refer back and compare the options.”

“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!