march fourth

March 4th is a day of reflection and goal-setting for me. I review what the previous year brought and taught me, but even more importantly, it is the day I "march forth" with new goals. You might remember last year's March 4th post. I'm happy to report several of those goals were met. There is always room for improvement though, so some will be revisited on this year's list.

In an effort to hold myself accountable again by publicly posting, my goals for this year are...

- build my new commercial kitchen in my basement (this is HUGE so it counts as two, right!?)
- continue developing relationships and work on collaborations with party peers
- utilize my new marketing professional to create a more thorough marketing plan to secure jobs
- change my business to a LLC (only one more minor piece to complete this task)
- prioritize and minimize in-kind projects/events
- decorate my new home (a fun one!)
- respect my needs and sloooow down sometimes

What are your March 4th goals?

exciting news...

Oh. My. How is it February!? Where did the last month go? I have so much to share with you all. Between events, moving (aka not having internet yet!) and traveling, posting has fallen by the wayside. 

In the coming days I'll share with you all the events and orders that I have done lately. But the most exciting thing to happen to A. Party Style, I just can't wait to share. Please help me welcome the latest addition to the A. Party Style Team...

Meet Sara Ruggiero!!!

Sara and I have been friends for several years now and have always wanted to work together. We are both tinkled pink that it finally worked out. The stars aligned... If you haven't already noticed, she has already taken over the Facebook page and made it much better. Sara has a marketing background, which will help tremendously with new jobs, but she is also very crafty and knows her way around the kitchen, too. Just what I needed in an assistant. (Sara's presence will keep me more loyal to my posting as well!)

laurel denise planner

I just have to share the latest gift I bought myself. I'm a list freak - I think you all know that by now. I write everything down. Everything. I don't think my brain even works if there isn't a pen in my hand. I also plan and schedule to a fault - calendars are my friends. My days are organized (some argue over organized, but I say poo on them). So, you can imagine that a well-organized and extremely thoughtful planner makes my heart flutter. While attending the National Stationery Show in May, I found the Laurel Denise Planner. It's amazing people - Amazing! I wanted to buy one right then and there, but she was all sold out for 2011. After all these months of waiting, I ordered myself one last week.

Beyond the monthly calendar view (which is my favorite way to organize), this planner includes a weekly and daily format conducive to list making.  But the best part of all.... you can see them all at once!!! No more flipping pages from the overall month, back to the week of and then having to turn again to the daily outlook. So, if your in the market for a planner, you have to check this one out. Obviously the pictures on the link will be better than my quick iPhone pics. You'll be able to see the beauty and function much better. Go, go on and check it out - you won't be disappointed.

march fourth

Today I march forth with my goals...  March 4th (get it!?) is a perfect day to not only reflect on goals you have accomplished, but also a day to set new goals to fulfill.  Publicly writing them down (both professional and personal) will hopefully keep me on track to making them happen.

March Fourth 2011:
- initiate more relationships with fellow bloggers in my interest areas (and further develop existing relationships)
- switch to my own domain name (apartystyle.com coming soon!)
- finish redesign / better my blog
- complete business organization project
- work on more collaboration projects
- do something nice for someone (stranger or friend) everyday
- turn off "work" and spend more quality time with my family (hard to do when you work from home!)
- finish designing / start family room and master suite renovations
- finish dining room tabletop

Anyone else celebrate "March Fourth"?  What are your "March Fourth" goals?

xmas take down

I spent this weekend taking down all the Christmas decorations at one of my clients house.  It is such a big job we (myself and three others helping) loving named it "Operation Take Down". I took a picture just to show you guys it's no small task.  These are just the storage bins for the wreaths of the house - 19 of them!!!  I love these bins!  I use them too, but not quite so many!  If there are any left, you can score a good deal on them right now at Target - about $6 each.