Balancing Out

The week building up to the Cool Summer Blow Out event I worked when Dean napped, after he went to bed and whenever my husband could take over.

Last week was a success, but at the same time left me exhausted. As an event producer, it's my job to worry about all the tiny details that make things run smoothly. So much planning, time and energy goes into making sure designers, guests, etc don't even THINK about all these minuscule details, do they can focus on presenting their work and having a great time. This work is so important to me, but after a big event, I need to recharge for sure!

I cannot wait to spend the next week recovering and reevaluating my business plan. Not to mention....it's time for me to really focus on my pageant that is fast approaching (Nov 3rd!). It is important to work hard, and I give so much of myself to that... but also important to rest and take a step back. Many of these events take time away from my family and balancing all of it can be difficult at times.

I always joke to my friends that my husband and I "live on baby island," because we don't have much family around to help out with the kiddos. It's a struggle, but I'm happy to be honest about it. I'm willing to admit I have a messy house, a hectic schedule and I sometimes get overwhelmed...because there is NO shame in that. I'm proud of my life, my family and I'm proud to put it out there...because hey, this is me!  

On a different note: I am extremely thankful for all that helped my Blow Out event happen! Not to mention having Islands Tanning help in Sponsoring the event...they are AMAZING. Thanks to all the amazing local designers and my interns (Laura especially) who helped make it successful! Stay tuned for exciting updates and things to come!

Xo
Nicola

The Perfect Saturday Night Pre-Party: COOL SUMMER BLOWOUT!

Let's face it, summer's slowing to a halt, but we're all a little run down from this Portland heat wave. Luckily, I have something that's going to cure your 100 degree blues this weekend.

From 5:30-8:30, in the brand new, ultra-posh Sophie Chang Bridal Couture space, you can cool down, have a glass of wine and shop deals from some of Portland's best local designers. Not only that, but you'll be able to get up close and personal with the amazing women behind the designs, custom order and get the inside scoop on what's happening in Portland fashion.

I could basically gush about how stellar this event is going to be for pages, but instead, here's my Top Three Reasons the Cool Summer Blowout is not to be missed:

3. You have probably been sweaty and dishevelled all week (I mean, if we're being honest.) There is no better way to treat yourself than to a perfect, well-fitting new dress/earrings/whatever. Not to mention, knowing you've bought a possibly one of a kind, locally made item without spending an arm and a leg?

2. Sophie Chang (SophieBridals.com), Haley James (HaleyJames.com), Stephanie D. Couture (StephanieDCouture.com), Evy Curl Jewelry (fromtheheartbyevy.com) and Colette De Witt (Sonsiestyle.com). These women are all incredibly talented and produce beautiful, unique designs. They're also all pretty charming and this is a wonderful opportunity to meet them.

1. After you've got that perfect, "I feel invincible" new outfit, change into and you're only a hop, skip and a jump away from The Pearl, NW and Downtown. Bring your girlfriends and make a night of it, whisk your favorite designer off for a cocktail, or use it as the perfect pre-date prep. However you spend the rest of your Saturday night, you'll be glad you started it with us!

So, I'll see you all at 742 SW 18TH (Portland, OR) at 5:30, dressed to the nines. Get there early, our sponsor Islands Tanning is known for their amazing goody bags and you'll want as much time to peruse the racks as possible, trust me.

Xo
Nicola

Turbo slow down!

As a working mother of three texting and emailing has become a way of life for me.  But often I find the message lost in technology....my words fall short of what my heart, mind and soul is trying to bring across.  And so just as through this I'm trying to save time I spend more time explaining what was said in a text or email.  A constant battle in this fast paced world.  No wonder I crave land and farm animals lol!

Pink Carpet Project: Fashion for an Amazing Cause

My day yesterday was a long, rewarding one.  With my first meeting starting at 11am and ending at 130pm, I knew that was just the tip of the iceberg....soon I would begin the process of walking in the Pink Carpet Project! This event, featuring Portland's best designers all coming together to support Planned Parenthood, represents the kind of communities that inspire me to do the work that I do.

I woke up incredibly excited knowing I would not just be supporting a wonderful cause...but also that I was part of Tiffany Bean Design's first runway show!  Tiffany Bean, who you all know and love from her shop Mabel and Zora, has her own collection that is every bit as unique and spunky as the woman herself. Check out her work for yourself at www.facebook.com/tiffanybeandesigns.

Our rehearsal for the show started at 1, and finished up just in time for me to give an interview with fashion blogger Jewel Mignon (theshoelooker.blogspot.com)!  The interview was a success on both sides...she was so easy to talk to, and it was exciting to speak with a powerful, down to earth woman about our collective passions. I look forward to working with her again, and one of my favorite things about this business is making new connections that I believe in on a personal AND professional level. We gotta support each other, ladies!

After the interview, I rushed back over to the venue for hair and make-up, (speaking of fierce collaborations) to see my friend sponsor Jamie O Neil. She is not only one of the most talented hair and make-up artists in the business, but she's a close friend and sponsor of mine. I always know, amidst all the chaos of a photo shoot or runway show, I can rely on her to make me look amazing. Let's be honest, sometimes it takes a TEAM of talented individuals to hide the fact that I've been up taking care of my 2 year old since 6 AM....

It was amazing to see all the support to make this event happen!  After hours of preparation....the time had finally arrived to hit the runway! I'm always so blown away at how much goes into getting ready for a show, how long it takes to get ready, and then how quickly they are over!  I was so happy and grateful to have been part of such a wonderful event. When powerful, creative people come together for such an important cause like the Pink Carpet Project, good things happen.

When I come home and fall into bed with my husband exhausted, inspired and smiling, I have to feel that I'm living exactly the way I want to live, and that feeling is worth more than anything.

To see photos from the evening, check out Pinkcarpetproject.com!

My new toy - And a passion my husband and I both share!

My husband is CRAZY over motorcycles!  When we first met, we spent many dates taking his moto out for a ride!  It grew into a passion we now both share.  And now I can say we are a family of moto lovers.  My oldest son Sebastian has enjoyed dirt bike riding and little Dean is soon to follow.  Did I mention I can't keep our little toddler Dean out of the Garage to look at the motorcycles.  His favorite work:"BBBBIIIIKE!"  Oh and up above a pic of my new toy:)

Change is in the Air!

Today I spend the afternoon at the pool with my youngest son, Dean.  The constant running around can be hard when juggling staying at home with kids and working from home. And simply put, kids need that one on one attention!

And so we played....  no phone and or computer in sight! As much as Dean was needing mama-time, I realized I had been needing it, too! After a full morning of focusing my attention on Dean, I found it much easier in the late afternoon to get a bit of work done.

Regarding the work I'm doing, much like life itself, change is all around me. For example, it looks like on of my events will be postponed till November, instead of the original September date.  Instead of feeling stressed or disappointed, I'm finding a lot of relief in this development. The more I learn about putting on really amazing and successful events, the more I realize there are times to push extra hard to meet goals, and there are times to slow down, and not take on more than I can handle. Its easy to get caught up in the pressure of being a Super Woman: juggling motherhood, family life, work, and still finding time for myself. I really feel strongly about making sure each aspect of my life, including the events I do, are not done sloppily and are really high quality and reflect the amazing organizations and designers I support. So, change can be stressful, but if dealt with properly, can be a blessing!

And in other exciting news....I was actually able to get emails done while Dean slept in the car!  Thank god for my phone! I'm all about carving out some time here and there when I can....hurray for multi-tasking!

So, currently, SO looking forward to the two events in August... and then the Grand Opening for Sophie Chang! Everytime I start to feel overwhelmed, I am reminded of how lucky I am to never have ANY shortage of amazing things to look forward to.

Much love to my readers, supporters and friends. You keep me inspired!

Xo
Nicola