|
Greetings!
The holidays are over and already two months have
passed since the New Year began. Where does the
time go? We all agree time is spent on life's little
journey. There are always things we need to do for
ourselves, for our families, for friends and
acquaintances, things we need to do for work or
business, things we need to do for ...etc.
Things, things, things and time, time, time. There never
seems to be enough time to accomplish what we need
to do. Life in the year 2005 (can you believe five years
since Y2K?) is very different from life only 60 years
ago. We have new devices to make our lives easier
and new choices on how to spend the time those
machines save for us. So many choices, in fact, that
now the problem seems to be that we think we have to
use, do, or try them ALL. Talk about pressure! What
to do, what to do?
Time Marches On
This month was a big birthday month in my family.
Three family members and three birthdays. Throw in
one Confirmation and mix well. A recipe calling for time
spent planning, making party arrangements, writing
invitations, purchasing refreshments, buying gifts and
more. All fun things to do when there's a party in
sight. Along with a normally full schedule, however, it's
a recipe for disaster if trip routing and careful planning
aren't part of the mix.
Here are a few tips to get you through any special
event:
- Make the initial decision to have or have not (a
party or celebration, that is).
- Think about the type of celebration you want.
Will it be a small intimate gathering of friends and family
or a larger group of friends and associates? Is it a
dance party? Is it a sit-down dinner or a buffet? Write
down your "vision" of the affair and go from there.
- Choose the date and clear it on the vital attendee's
calendar.
- Decide where you will hold the event. If it's at home,
then start cleaning! If it's at a banquet hall, contact
the appropriate person at the hall. Confirm the hall
rental and know all of the specific requirements.
Put down the deposit (if any). Keep records and copies
of your needs and requests.
- Create (or have your personal assistant or concierge
do so) a computer invitation list (which will be
continually updated) and use this list to create mailing
labels or mail merges for the invitations. This same list
becomes your ongoing contact list for all future cards,
events invitations, etc. Every home and business needs
a growing and living contact list. E-vite offers a terrific
e-mail invitation system that anyone can use. Your
invitees will reply directly to you online so you'll always
know your head count. Click on E-vite's weblink below.
Check out the site. You may just love using it!
- Send your invitations or make your calls.
- While waiting for your responses, make your list for
the caterer or for your shopping.
- Think about special touches (table flowers,
balloons,give-aways,sign in cards or books)
When you plan well and make lists, you'll be certain to
remember all of the important details.
After all is said and done and the event comes off
without a hitch you'll enjoy that great "I love it when a
plan comes together feeling". The goal is to plan ahead
and then sit back and enjoy yourself while your guests
do the same.
Speaking of parties, we enjoyed a terrific 13th Birthday
party last week! Sean and DJ from 925 Entertainment
were the hit of the party. Almost the entire guest list
attended and danced the night away. The food was
plentiful. The venue was perfect. Wish you were
there...
Online Event Invitations
|
|
Memorable Presents |
 |
Sometimes the best gift isn't a gift at all. A very
special birthday arrived last month. I don't like fanfare
and hate big surprises. What I do like is sharing
precious time with family and close friends. In honor of
this birthday, I was invited to a family "birthday" dinner,
a routine occurrence to us.
The first surprise came when I was met at the door
with my favorite drink. I suspect research had been
secretly done on this one. Next, as family members
began arriving, I heard whispering. I began to suspect
that someone had arranged a BIG surprise which I did
not want to handle. They wouldn't dare hire anyone,
would they? I confess I worried a little, but I had
confidence that my family knew me well and would also
know what I could and would tolerate. Remember, I
hate surprises.
In this case, the surprise was wonderful! A few of my
very special lifelong friends arrived one by one to join
the party and the celebration. When the evening was
complete my apprehensions about a BIG surprise were
replaced by a warm feeling and an appreciation of their
most memorable presence - time spent with the people
that mean the most to me in my life. Special thanks to
my cousin and sister for being sneaky, doing their
research and planning such a beautiful birthday
celebration. Thanks to my husband and daughter for
keeping a secret (I never thought they could do that).
Thanks, too, for all the birthday phone calls from the
special people that called. I am indeed blessed.
What means the most to you in your life? Have you
really thought about it? If so, have you shared that
information with your loved ones? Wouldn't you like
to? So you know what I'm going to say? Just do it
What They Say: »
|
|
|
Special Dates to Remember in April - |
|
|
April is Cancer Control Month. Nationwide focus is on
prevention, treatment and fund-raising. We have all
been touched in some way by this disease. Let's try to
do more.
April 17 - 23rd is National Volunteer Week, begun in
1974 by the National Points of Light Foundation. Many
non-profit organizations (ie. The Wellness Place for the
Cancer Community) are eternally grateful to those
volunteers who assist their clients with such
compassion.
If you volunteer - you are appreciated.
If you'd like to volunteer - contact your favorite non-
profit agency.
Points of Light Foundation »
|
|
|
Spring forward... |
|
Remember to set your clocks ONE HOUR AHEAD on
Sunday, April 3rd, 2005 at 2:00 am. Or like most of us,
before you go to bed on Saturday night, April 2nd.
|
|
|
Solution for Sandpaper Hands |
|
|
You'll find a terrific new emollient hand cleanser in
your favorite Bath and Body Works store. When your
hands get dry and damaged from soap, the dry heat
and the winter cold, you even hesitate to shake hands
but not to worry;
The C.O. Bigelow Company has created CHAPPED
HANDS SOAP FREE CLEANSER. It comes in a 6.5 oz
jar. Smooth a layer on your hands and then rinse off
with warm water. If you really need help, smooth on a
layer, rinse off, put on your favorite hand lotion then
pull on your cotton gloves before bed for an overnight
moisturizing treatment. You won't hesitate to shake
hands again.
C.O. Bigelow Company »
|
|
|
March Holidays |
|
For my Irish (and Irish want-to-be) friends, celebrate
well on St. Patrick's Day.
Since I won't be with you again before March 27th,
best wishes for a very HOP-py Easter.Try not to get
EGG-asperated on those egg hunts.
Sorry - I couldn't resist. See you next month!
Irish Quotations, Blessings and Proverbs »
|
|
|
Shall We Dance? |
|
|
For the romantic at heart and if you love dancing, see
Richard Gere in SHALL WE DANCE? After thoroughly
enjoying this happy movie, buy the soundtrack. Great
for the long ride home after a difficult day at the office.
|
|
|
Copyright Details |
|
|
© 2005 Deborah Stanek Reast - Yours, Mine and
Hours - Personal Assistant and Concierge Services.
Please send an e-mail request to reprint any portion of
this newsletter.
|
| "Good to Know" websites |
|
|
