One of the highlights of Paris Fashion Week is always the Chanel Runway Show. This year’s show was held at Paris’ Grand Palais Éphémère. Creative Director Virginie Viard created a line of playful yet sophisticated clothes for this upcoming season with a more modern edge. Noticeably showcased were shorter hemlines, touches of tweeds, splashes of pink and navy, and shining gold (LOVE, LOVE!!!!!). Shoes were much more simple in this collection, flats, lower heels, and of course, a few different takes on the brand’s signature slingbacks (still on my own wishlist!!!!).
Within a cinematic background, against a 360° cinema screen from the film “Last Year in Marienbad” (1961) by Alain Resnais, the CHANEL Spring-Summer 2023 Ready-to-Wear collection incites the very essence of “allure”. Exploring a woman’s freedom – of movement and of expression – Virginie Viard imagines a collage of glamour, swirling with modernity and lightness. Symbols of womanhood, from pearls and sequins to bows and feathers, alight upon silk chiffons, polka dots, and houndstooth tweeds. Sensuality abounds in the shifting proportions of softness, structure, and precious adornments. Mystery pervades in the intangible echoes of Gabrielle Chanel, executed with an innately modern hand.
“Last year in Marienbad” directed by Alain Resnais: © 1960 STUDIOCANAL – Argos Films – Cineriz. All Rights Reserved – Chanel.com
CC0 Licence – https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-beach-holiday-woman-39691/
Going abroad with our children is an exciting adventure. Some of us do it for the first time when our kids are very young, perhaps even babies. Others decide to wait until they are older. Some, of course, never do it, preferring to enjoy all that their home country has to offer while saving money on much cheaper options. Whenever you do it, a family holiday can be a magical experience, as well as a great way to spend time together away from all other distractions, and while you could argue that there’s something more glorious about seeing somewhere further from home, it’s also safe to say that there’s more stress involved.
When we go abroad with kids, there’s a lot to think about, whether they are babies or teens. You might worry about keeping them happy and comfortable on the flight, finding food that they’ll enjoy, and keeping them safe. You may also have concerns about buying everything that you might need at your destination. So, here are some tips to help you enjoy your first family trip outside of your home country.
Choose a Safe Destination
At the moment, finding a safe destination has a whole other range of concerns. You might want to check current Covid-19 infection levels and local restrictions, as well as the likelihood of facing a period in quarantine either when you arrive or when you get home. Many families are choosing to delay trips abroad until next year when the rest of the tips on this list will still be relevant.
Of course, even without a global pandemic, there are other safety considerations when traveling abroad, and you should always take your time to do some research before booking. Find a safe area, with positive reviews, and good access to health and security services, and consider staying in an English-speaking hotel for further support. Checking local news sites is always a good idea if you want to get a feel for how safe a destination is, away from the ever-positive travel guides and adverts.
Make Sure it’s Family Friendly
The accommodation that you choose should be family-friendly. Ideally, it should offer a kid’s club (even if you don’t use it, it’s a sign that they prioritize kid’s needs), a safe pool, a room with an extra bed, or cot and other things that you might need. Make sure your hotel offers food that your children will enjoy, and that there’s plenty for them to do.
Besides this, check if the location offers you to safeguard your luggage or not. For instance – places like Paris offer you the liberty of securing your luggage with luggage storage Paris services while you enjoy traveling. Seek details about such services from your travel agent in advance.
Think About What You Want from Your Holiday
A holiday with children isn’t the same as a holiday with just your partner or your friends. It isn’t even the same as a trip with family members who have children. It’s different. But that doesn’t mean that all family holidays are the same. Before booking your trip, think about what you want from yours. Do you want to spend a lot of time in the hotel, enjoying the facilities on offer? Do you plan to try local activities, or explore the surrounding area? Do you want plenty of tourist hotspots? Think about the kind of holiday you want and look for a destination that gives you what you need to achieve your family holiday.
Don’t Expect it to be the Same
Your days of being able to lay by the beach soaking up the sun, drinking cocktails, and reading in peace are over. So are your days exploring local nightlife? Prepare for a very different holiday and you won’t be disappointed.
Pack Carefully
When you are on your own you might wing it by packing your Emigre gear, knowing that you could probably get everything you need or at least something close to your destination. When you’ve got kids, things are different. They might need specific medications or sunscreens. You might also need nappies, creams, and wipes, and they’ll certainly need a sunhat and shades. Think about what your kids need, and make sure you pack them. If there’s no laundrette on site, you might want to take some hand wash detergent to prepare for accidents. Make sure you have all of these Travel Essentials for Family Getaways and you should be fine.
Take Some Home Comforts
Your kids might need some home comforts to help them to stay comfortable and sleep. Younger children might want a teddy or blanket. Older kids might want a favorite toy, and teens probably just need a phone charger.
Pay for Insurance
When you travel with kids’ insurance can be essential. Make sure any health needs, unexpected cancelations, or other issues are covered.
Prepare for the Journey
CC0 Licence – https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-walking-towards-airplane-1387528/
Traveling with children can be stressful, and you’ll definitely need your holiday by the time you arrive. You might decide to drive, but most people fly, in which case, these tips might help.
Hand Luggage
Your hand luggage is very important when you’ve got kids. Make sure passports, tickets, and other documents are easy to find, that you have the cash to hand, and plenty of snacks for the journey. You’ll also want some activities to keep the kids happy, and any nappies and toiletries that you might need, and a spare set of clothes, just in case. Remember, if you are paying for a seat for your child, they also get their own hand luggage allowance.
Plan 20-Minute Activities
Kids have very short attention spans, add that to the excitement of a flight, anxiety, and any nerves that they may have, and keeping them calm might be difficult. So, plan activities in 20-minute blocks. Pack books and games, as well as electronic devices to keep them occupied.
Carefully Consider Snacks
Snacks are a very useful tool when it comes to keeping kids happy. But, think about it carefully. You don’t want anything too sticky, too smelly, or too likely to make them hyper or sick.
Don’t Stress
If you stress and worry, everything will be worse. Keep calm, take it as it comes, and try to enjoy yourself.
Get on the Plane Last
Many airlines will let passengers with young children get on the plane first. This can be a mistake. Let them burn energy running around the airport for as long as you can before they have to sit still.
Know the Rules
Make sure you know what you are allowed to take on the flight, and what has to go in the cabin bag. Check with the airline before leaving home if you have any doubts.
Don’t Strive for Perfection
Your holiday is unlikely to be perfect. Things will go wrong, there will be stress and the kids will get upset. This doesn’t mean that the whole holiday is ruined. Forget perfection and let yourself enjoy the adventure.
Greenwich Wine + Food is returning this October for its 10-year anniversary celebration. The multi-day event will feature a completely re-imagined Gala, festivities that recreate the most memorable experiences from the past decade and more. Beneficiaries include two national non-profit organizations with roots in Connecticut – The Jacques Pépin Foundation and Wholesome Wave.
The GWF 10th Anniversary Celebrity Chef Gala on Friday, October 7, honoring legendary chef Jacques Pépin, will include renowned chefs cooking and mingling with guests throughout the evening. The evening will begin with a 6:00pm VIP reception with Pépin, Michel Nischan (Wholesome Wave), Rocco DiSpirito, Maneet Chauhan,Bun Lai, Mary Giuliani and Spike Mendelsohn (for special ticketholders only). A cocktail reception will follow at 6:30pm, followed by the Chef’s Table dinner at 7:30pm. Confirmed chefs who will prepare a four-course meal in front of guests at their designated tables include:
- Carlos Baez (The Spread, El Segundo, Magic Pie);
- Jes Bengtson (Terrain Garden Café, Amis Trattoria);
- Arturo Franco-Camacho (Camacho Garage, Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill, Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill)
- Evans Corrales (The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood);
- Albert DeAngelis (Eastend, Meditteraneo, Terra, Sole);
- Julio Genao (Prime Stamford);
- Michael Kaphan (Purdy’s Farmer & The Fish);
- Geoff Lazlo (Geoff Lazlo Food, The Country Table);
- Stephen Lewandowski (Townhouse);
- Nick Martschenko (South End, SE Uncorked, SE Back End);
- Emily Mingrone (Tavern on State, Provisions on State, Fair Haven Oyster Company);
- Forrest Pasternak (Bailey’s Backyard Farm to Table Restaurant);
- Debra Ponzek (Aux Delices);
- Jared Sippel (L’Ostal);
- Matt Storch (Match, Match Burger Lobster);
- Bill Taibe (The Whelk, Kawa Ni, Don Memo);
- Renee Touponce (Oyster Club);
- Luke Venner (Elm);
- Chad Welch (Coterie Table One).
In addition to this multi-course dinner, the evening will feature special programming to celebrate the incredible contributions that Pépin has made to the culinary world, as well as honor the 2022 class of Serendipity’s Most Innovative Chefs: Steven Chen (MIKU, Greenwich, CT), Will Friedman (Kawa Ni, Westport, CT), Jared Sippel (L’Ostal, Darien, CT) and Renee Touponce (Oyster Club, Mystic, CT). The evening will be capped off with dancing and music from DJ April Larken. Held at Abigail Kirsch The Loading Dock in Stamford, CT, this limited ticket event will allow guests to purchase pairs of seats or full tables for groups of 10 and select their preferred award-winning chef.
In addition to the Gala, unique, one-of-a-kind events will take place throughout the week at famed local restaurants and venues, such as a Seven Course Truffle Dinner at Greenwich-based Rosina’s, Mezcal Tasting and Dinner at Fairfield-based Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill, Prohibition Pairing Cocktail Class at SONO 1420, Champagne and Chocolate Master Class at Fairfield-based BE Chocolat and more.
The 10-year anniversary celebration will continue in March 2023 with “The Big Easy,” honoring the sights, sounds and flavors of New Orleans with a mini–French Quarter at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY, featuring legendary New Orleans Chef/Restaurateur Dickie Brennan as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. Special guests in attendance will include Michel Nischan, Mary Giuliani and more. The event will begin at 5:00pm with a private reception for special ticket holders, with doors opening to the dine-around event at 5:30pm. Celebrity and acclaimed area chefs will be serving traditional NOLA eats from 5:30pm-8:30pm; local craft brews, wine and iconic Bourbon Street cocktails will be served from 5:00pm-10:45pm. Adding to the evening’s celebration will be music beginning at 6:00pm from Dumpstaphunk (featuring Cyril Neville performing the music of The Meters), Big Head Todd and the Monsters and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.
For details, tickets and the full line-up of talent and events, visit https://serendipitysocial.com/greenwich-wine-food/.
I am so happy to share this week’s book club choice, Everything Will Be Ok by Dana Buckmir. It is such a wonderful book written on such an important topic that needs to be discussed more, especially among women. Share it with your daughters, sisters, friends, and everyone actually. I met Dana, a fellow influencer through friends. She is as lovely on the inside as she is on the outside. Her Instagram page is fabulous, danalicious reviews. Check it out when you get a chance. Back to the powerful book, here is the story:
Grieving the death of her father, Dana decides to take a break from online dating. After a chance encounter with a medium that predicts that she’ll find love again, a message from an intriguing stranger piques her interest.
Erik Becker is the charming, witty, and charismatic stranger who messages her, challenging her to step out of her comfort zone and give love another chance. Dana thinks she’s met her soulmate but soon realizes that the man of her dreams is not who he seems. What initially begins as a whirlwind romance quickly transforms into something that could lead to dire consequences.
The picture-perfect façade begins to unravel and as the mask slips, it reveals the real Erik exposing him as a broken and sadistic monster intent on ruining everything she has created. The relationship escalates into one of physical violence and psychological warfare. Falling victim to a dangerous game of control and manipulation that could cost her everything, Dana must find a way to escape Erik’s abuse before it’s too late. – Amazon.com
To purchase this book (it’s free on Kindle BTW) or for more information on the story or Dana, click HERE.
Also, Dana will be at the Westport Library for a reading of her book with the Domestic Violence Crisis Center on October 12th at 7 pm.
In support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and in partnership with the Domestic Violence Crisis Center and the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force, we are welcoming author Dana Buckmir in conversation about her new memoir, Everything Will Be Okay. Dana will be joined in conversation by Ann Rodwell-Lawton, Associate Director of the Domestic Violence Crisis Center.
Erik Becker is the charming, witty, and charismatic stranger who messages Dana, challenging her to step out of her comfort zone and give love another chance. Dana thinks she’s met her soulmate but soon realizes that the man of her dreams is not who he seems. What initially begins as a whirlwind romance quickly transforms into something that could lead to dire consequences.
To register to attend this event IN PERSON at the library, please click here.
To register to watch this event VIRTUALLY and receive a link from Zoom, please click here.
About Dana:
Dana Buckmir is the author of Everything Will Be Okay and Plenty of Laughs: One Woman’s Journey Navigating the Online Dating Waters. She also contributes to a biweekly dating column called, “Oh Dana” which gives advice on relationship topics. Dana believes that storytelling not only entertains but reminds us that we are sharing a collective experience that makes us a little more connected and a little less lonely. This philosophy and her teaching background inspired her to create a workshop and coaching program, “Write your story: From Idea to Publication” where she mentors aspiring authors.
Having event planners’ services can significantly benefit you. Whether you are planning a wedding or a corporate event, they can help you create a successful event that will leave a lasting impression on your guests. They can also create a timeline to meet your deadlines, ensure professionalism, and provide a checklist for each part of the planning process.
Professionalism
Organizing events is a career that requires a combination of hard skills and soft skills. Event planners must be creative and knowledgeable about technology and business like Total Events DFW. They must also be able to meet deadlines and manage a budget.
In addition, event planners must be comfortable communicating with clients and vendors. They must be detail-oriented and have good listening skills. In addition, they should be familiar with the latest technology and be able to make quick decisions. They must also be capable of handling crises.
Event planners work for businesses, corporations, and associations. They can specialize in specific events such as conferences, weddings, and fundraisers. So, how much does an event planner cost? They can be self-employed on a project-by-project basis. They can earn $44,000 to $53,000 per year.
An event planner may start in an entry-level position in a related field. They can also move up to a senior event management role. After a few years, they may create their own event-planning business.
Having a checklist
Having a checklist when engaging the services of event planners is a great way to avoid stress at the last minute. While many companies skip over the pre-and post-event phases, planning is essential to ensure a successful outcome.
An event planning checklist is a comprehensive guide to all the tasks needed to ensure a successful event. It breaks down the event into its most essential components and helps you prioritize your homework to get all the necessary details.
The event planning checklist should be customized to the goals of the event. For instance, a significant corporate event may require a high-quality audio system. However, a more minor, family-friendly event might not. Utilizing space planning tools at this point can help you visualize the event’s arrangement and minimize any hiccups.
The event planning checklist also includes a post-event analysis. It can consist of a return on investment report. It helps you measure the results of your event and build upon your success.
Creating a timeline to meet every deadline
Creating a timeline to meet every deadline when engaging the services of event planners is a smart move. By doing so, you’ll ensure that you get it right while avoiding costly mistakes. You’ll also save yourself time and stress.
Planning an event requires having a clear understanding of what you’re doing. For instance, you’ll need to pick a venue and hire vendors. You’ll want to keep in touch with your vendors so they can give you the most up-to-date information. It can take some time, so plan on a buffer.
One of the most challenging parts of planning an event is coordinating multiple people and elements. Having a clear timeline will make this process a whole lot easier. By identifying the most critical tasks and assigning them a due date, you’ll avoid the pitfalls of a last-minute decision. You’ll also be more likely to stick to your budget.
In a nutshell, the timeline is an organizational chart of the steps involved in planning an event. It should include choosing a venue, securing an entertainment or keynote speaker, and determining the budget. For more significant events, this could span a year or more.
Having an integrated platform to plan your events
An integrated platform to plan your events is an excellent way to streamline your process. It can facilitate organizational operations and increase access to the required information. Thanks to this, you may also quickly combine your event management software with other applications. The most excellent integrations will enable you to give your attendees a smooth experience. This cloud-based event management solution offers a robust suite of tools to help you organize and manage tasks, schedule, and collaborate with colleagues. The platform allows you to control the entire event lifecycle, from registration to post-event reporting. It also includes a community of professional event organizers, various resources, and dedicated support. It is quick and easy to learn and use and offers many features.
Image Credit: StockSnap from Pixabay.
Starting a retail store is still an attractive proposition, even with countless online competitors being set up regularly. The trick to this is knowing how to compete, and that all starts before you even open your doors. You’ll need to know how to make starting a retail store successful.
As obvious as that is, it can be difficult to get right. While you’ll naturally put a significant amount of effort into this, sometimes you mightn’t know what to focus on. Using a few retail startup tips could be more than enough to help with this. Three could be more than useful and should have an impact from the start.
How To Make Starting A Retail Store More Successful: 3 Top Tips
1. Get The Basics Right
For any retail store to be successful, it needs to get the basics right. From the best credit card terminals to having a business plan and sales strategy, quite a bit could fall into this. By making sure you get these perfected early, you can make opening your retail store as successful as possible.
Starting on these months before you plan on opening your retail store is recommended. It’ll make sure the opening and subsequent months go as successfully as possible. While that means spending an almost exhaustive amount of time on planning, you’ll reap the rewards when it’s finally open.
Even software plays a large role in this.
2. Get The Right Suppliers
You’ll naturally need suppliers when you’re starting your retail store. You shouldn’t simply settle for the first ones you come across, however. Make sure you find the right suppliers for your business, as they’ll end up offering much better terms and conditions.
That’s especially true over the long term, as you can build up trust and a track record with them. Make sure they’re able to meet your needs as you grow to prevent any problems in the future. By doing your due diligence, you shouldn’t have any supply chain issues as you grow and expand.
3. Think Online
Starting a retail store doesn’t have to mean choosing between brick-and-mortar stores and their online counterparts. It could be worth having somewhat of a hybrid. Having online offerings for your store could be enough to draw in more customers, as well as to cater to existing customers better.
You don’t even need to develop a full eCommerce store to take advantage of this. Even something as simple as an online catalog can be enough to gain some interest and foot traffic. Making your website actually work for you makes sure you’ll find and attract more customers.
How To Make Starting A Retail Store Successful: Wrapping Up
Figuring out how to make starting a retail store successful seems complicated and overwhelming. While there’s naturally some work involved, it shouldn’t be overwhelming. A few simple retail startup tips will more than help with making it easier.
Nailing the basics, getting the right suppliers, and even thinking online can all help more than you’d expect. You’ll see them pay off dividends in the long term, making them worth focusing on.