Wednesday 6 March 2013

Keep Your Eye on the Prize (The Prize Being Your Goals)

I was recently at a networking event that I was a plus one of a friend and once the hosts realised that they had an event planner coming to their event they got very nervous. The hosts were sweet enough to tell me this and ask for some free advice to make their event an even greater success the next time. I took this opportunity to discuss with them what their goals for their event were; this is something I do with all my clients, that way I know we are all aiming for the same target.
They explained to me that they wanted to create an event where professionals were able to get together and with the devised networking techniques that they had implemented throughout the evening, basically force their guests to interact with each other in a fun way that gave you an opportunity to talk to everyone. It was wonderful!
I looked around the room and told them that their event was a great success, everyone was walking around and interacting with each other, laughing and seemingly having a great time. But they then told me this about the limited decor and that about the food. Yes, those things matter, but if your goal is achieved without any excess of that cost, take a moment and pat yourself on the back and enjoy the fact that you organised a great event.
Goals are different for everyone, so my advise, know what you want to achieve and make that happen, everything else is icing on the cake after that. Enjoy!

“know what you want, work to get it, then value it once you have it.”
― Nora Roberts
 


Sunday 24 February 2013

It's Time for the OSCARS!

This is a wonderful night in Hollywood when you get to be with friends and get all glammed up with champagne, martinis, and red carpets; or, you can view it as an opportunity to be comfy cozy and induldge in the evenings entertainments.
I've found two clips via YouTube to assist you in making your evening the best it can be; these tips will make your Comfy/Cozy evening with friends that much more extra special night. Or your more Formal Gala type evening something to be talked about as much as that dress by you know who for weeks to come. Enjoy!



Tuesday 29 January 2013

Smells like Team Spirit

 Learning Lesson #1, don't try to be everything to everyone as you will soon spread yourself too thin and when you do that, you weaken the event  Everyone needs a good group to work with, even if that group consists of two people, it's still a group.
I once did an event where I was the event planner, the caterer, the bartender, the decorator, waitress, and who knows what else, all because I thought I had to do it all. I learnt quickly, I may have juggled it all, but was I ever burnt out afterwards.
If you can get a team, reliable people who you trust and are willing to help, you'll be laughing and really able to enjoy what you are doing.
Being able to delegate is so important with any kind of event; but remember, just because you've asked someone you trust to do something for your event, it's always important to keep them on task, have meetings, ask for updates.
If you are able to ask for help, you will be able to do anything. Enjoy!



Wednesday 16 January 2013

The Year of the Snake

The Chinese New Year is fast approaching; February 10th to be exact; and celebratory planning should be under way; however, if you are not familiar with the tradition, and either want to host your own party, or are attending someone else's; click here for 11 steps on how to celebrate correctly; there's tips on food, clothing, cleaning, and etiquette.
Not only is this an amazing tradition, but it's also a great reason to get together with friends and family and bring some love and enjoyment to these dreary months.

Each year has it's own animal, I'm the  Year of the Rooster: Honest, energetic, intelligent, flamboyant, flexible, diverse, confident. Interesting...
A fun idea to ring in the new year is to have a costume party where everyone must attend in an outfit based on their Chinese zodiac sign.
What are you? What does your sign say about you?


新年好 (Happy New Year). Enjoy!

Years Corresponding to Chinese Zodiac Signs:


Rat 1900 1912 1924 1936 1948 1960 1972 1984 1996 2008 2020
Ox 1901 1913 1925 1937 1949 1961 1973 1985 1997 2009 2021
Tiger 1902 1914 1926 1938 1950 1962 1974 1986 1998 2010 2022
Rabbit 1903 1915 1927 1939 1951 1963 1975 1987 1999 2011 2023
Dragon 1904 1916 1928 1940 1952 1964 1976 1988 2000 2012 2024
Snake 1905 1917 1929 1941 1953 1965 1977 1989 2001 2013 2025
Horse 1906 1918 1930 1942 1954 1966 1978 1990 2002 2014 2026
Sheep 1907 1919 1931 1943 1955 1967 1979 1991 2003 2015 2027
Monkey 1908 1920 1932 1944 1956 1968 1980 1992 2004 2016 2028
Rooster 1909 1921 1933 1945 1957 1969 1981 1993 2005 2017 2029
Dog 1910 1922 1934 1946 1958 1970 1982 1994 2006 2018 2030
Boar 1911 1923 1935 1947 1959 1971 1983 1995 2007 2019 2031



Below are the Chinese Zodiac signs, and the characteristics that correspond to each one. Chinese Zodiac Rat
Rat:
Element: Water
Partners well with: Dragon and Monkey
Characteristics: Intelligent, adaptable, quick-witted, charming, artistic, sociable
Chinese Zodiac Ox
Ox:
Element: Earth
Partners well with: Snake and Rooster
Characteristics: Loyal, reliable, thorough, strong, reasonable, steady, determined
Chinese Zodiac Tiger
Tiger:
Element: Wood
Partners well with:
Horse and Dog
Characteristics: Enthusiastic, courageous, ambitious, leadership, confidence, charismatic
Chinese Zodiac Rabbit
Rabbit:
Element: Wood
Partners well with: Sheep and Boar
Characteristics: Trustworthy, empathic, modest, diplomatic, sincere, sociable, caretakers
Chinese Zodiac Dragon
Dragon:
Element: Earth
Partners well with: Rat and Monkey
Characteristics: Lucky, flexible, eccentric, imaginative, artistic, spiritual, charismatic


Chinese Zodiac Snake Snake:
Element: Fire
Partners well with: Rooster and Ox
Characteristics: Philosophical, organized, intelligent, intuitive, elegant, attentive, decisive
Chinese Zodiac Symbol Horse
Horse:
Element: Fire
Partners well with: Dog and Tiger
Characteristics: Adaptable, loyal, courageous, ambitious, intelligent, adventurous, strong

Chinese Zodiac Symbol Sheep
Sheep:
Element: Earth
Partners well with: Boar and Rabbit
Characteristics: Tasteful, crafty, warm, elegant, charming, intuitive, sensitive, calm
Chinese Zodiac Monkey Symbol
Monkey:
Element: Metal
Partners well with: Dragon and Rat
Characteristics: Quick-witted, charming, lucky, adaptable, bright, versatile, lively, smart
Chinese Zodiac Rooster
Rooster:
Element: Metal
Partners well with: Snake and Ox
Characteristics: Honest, energetic, intelligent, flamboyant, flexible, diverse, confident. 
Chinese Zodiac Dog
Dog:
Element: Earth
Partners well with: Tiger and Horse
Characteristics: Loyal, sociable, courageous, diligent, steady, lively, adaptable, smart
Chinese Zodiac Boar
Boar:
Element: Water
Partners well with: Sheep and Rabbit
Characteristics: Honorable, philanthropic, determined, optimistic, sincere, sociable

Saturday 12 January 2013

No Need to Whine about Wine

Choosing wine for an event can be a bit of a daunting task if you are not that familiar with wine pairings and varietals. Your local wine shop should be able to assist you in your choices; but it is always nice to go in with a little knowledge on your own to have an understanding of what they are talking about.
I was lucky enough to work at a wine boutique for some time in my past, and to attend and host numerous tastings which allowed me to explore the world of wine and eventually obtained my level 1 W.S.E.T (Wine and Spirits Educational Training); which makes choosing my wine for dinner, or any function that much easier.
I've come across the Berry Bros. & Rudd Virtual Wine School episodes on YouTube; which will definitely assist anyone just getting into the wine world.
I hope you find this educational and entertaining. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Wednesday 2 January 2013

Time to ReCharge

As Christmas and New Years have come and gone, the relatives have gone home, and your house no longer looks like glittery, shiny, and bright; I like to take this time to reflect on the past year. I think about all the lessons I've learned, challenges I've come up against and either conquered or learned not to make that mistake twice; and take some time to recharge myself.
As much as I love socialising, planning, and organising; I recognise that every once and a while I have to recharge my inner battery. I do this by reading, hiking, or just listening to some lovely calm music.  This may not just be an annual occasion either, it's always good to take some time for yourself after any event, this allows you to reflect on how the event went; or, to totally put it out of your mind and just focus on yourself; which ever way works best for you.
How do you recharge after such a busy season? If you are like me and enjoy some beautiful music, you will love this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-M2ZS2pICv4, sit back, relax, and recharge. Enjoy!



Wednesday 19 December 2012

Ice Ice Baby

Inspired by the cold weather, why not heat up your party by really cooling it down; with dry ice martini's of course!
These martini's will add that extra ohh and ahh to your party while providing a cold, refreshing, and very cool looking beverage to your guests; a guarantee to have them talking about your party for years to come.
Just follow these easy instructions and Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8GHv5axmqc