One host + two co-authors + amazing Women on Fire book party!

by on March 14, 2014

It was such great fun couple weeks ago, celebrating Women on Fire Volume 2 in Chicago.

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Take a peek at the event by pressing play!

*View more videos of the event here!

As a party planner, I couldn’t wait to “bring to life” the beautiful visual theme of Women on Fire.  It was exhilarating dreaming up the look and feel of the book signing party – from color palette to creating fiery florals, cocktails, savory and sweet menu items – we’re talking fun from start to finish.

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Of course, nothing is can compare to the inspiration of our dear, fabulous, fine fellow Women on Fire.  The room was going to glow just from their sheer presence, as well as all the friends and family joining to cheer our local authors Leah Hamilton and Linda Neff onward and upward.  The party, the library at A Perfect Event, every room needed to raise itself up to the greet each guest with a warm, fiery embrace.

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First up – creating the visual color palette.  Women on Fire means warm, jewel tones from yellow to orange to red – which are easy to incorporate into party details from flowers, cocktail napkins, and paper décor like menu cards.

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Second – flowers!  Everyone loves a pop of fresh floral, especially in the winter doldrums.   Tulips are a low cost, fast and easy flower to buy in bunches from your florist or even right in the grocery aisle.   I love ombre design – arranging florals from pale color to rich intensity hues – so we clustered stems from yellow to orange to red inside the vase.

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Third – menu.  This is the fun part.  Guests absolutely love to see and taste something new, unique, and tied to the theme.  A cocktail tied to the book title, Women on Fire, was in order.  Local Koval Distillery (fun fact, the first distillery in Chicago since the prohibition – and grain to bottle artisans, at that) is always my go to for whiskey cocktails.  “Whiskey on Fire” is fast and easy to whip up at home.  I am here to tell you, guests are still talking about how delicious these were – a week later.

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For any cocktail party a combination of savory and sweet bites rounds out the perfect menu.  For an On Fire party menu we needed hot, grilled skewers, bien sur.  From beef to chicken, shrimp to veg, skewers are so easy to prepare in advance, cover in spiced all natural dressings (use them as marinades) right from grocery produce aisle, and grill or bake just before guests arrive.

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Serve them ontop tasty, healthy salads like lentils, wild rice, cabbage slaws to add in more delicious, nutritious vegetables and grains.  I love to buy lentils, black beans, shredded carrots, cabbage, broccoli wokly right in the produce department, and instantly mash them up with bottled organic healthy choice dressings like Garlic Expressions (right from Toledo, Ohio, where my family lives, and carried in groceries coast to coast).

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Time for dessert!  Parties need a sweet ending, and we instantly thought of fired up smores on skewers.  Marshmallows, wooden skewers, and a quick broil in the oven create an instant hit with guests.  Drizzle with some melted dark chocolate, crush a few graham crackers as garnish – and you’ve reinvented a childhood favorite.  For a healthier choice, skewer fresh strawberries, broil quickly, and drizzle with balsamic syrup (a thicker balsamic than vinegar, available in grocery aisle).

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Set the Table  – I love to create a visual feast on the buffet – and rolling a colorful The hit of the night, were perhaps the inspired Women on Fire quotes, printed, cut and layered on colorful papers with washi tape accents, then frames, and placed throughout the party ontop mirrors with votive candles.

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Inspiration Frames- FOR PURCHASE ($15.00)contact debi@aperfectevent.com

They came, they saw, they “fired” and nibbled.  Bought books, cheered, snapped selfies, instagramed.

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It was a cherished, perfect night, filled with fire and finery.

Here’s to a 2014, that’s on fire.

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Whiskey on Fire Cocktail

1 bottle Koval Whiskey (can use your local favorite whiskey)

1 jar dried Cinnamon sticks

1 bottle organic spiced Apple Cider

1 6 pack Ginger Beer (not alcoholic, but full of fresh ground ginger)

1 pack Simple and Crisp Orange Slices (can use fresh sliced oranges)

1 jar dried whole Anise

Open whiskey, and add 3-4 cinnamon sticks.  Cap, and let infuse for at least 24 hours.

Before guests arrive, pour into large drinking jar or pitchers 1/3 whiskey, 1/3 cider and 1/3 ginger beer.  Float cinnamon sticks and a few orange slices ontop mixture for garnish.

To serve, fill glasses with ice, top with Whiskey on Fire, and garnish with floating orange slice and anise “star”.

Debi Lilly, A Perfect Event, Women on Fire member

Photography by: Bethany Fritz/Maypole Studios

Food by: Pure Kitchen Catering

Whiskey by: Koval Distillery

Florals by: A Perfect Event

Video By: Jordan Lindley

 

 

 

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What wonder awaits on the other side of the door?

by on February 17, 2014

There is so much excitement around here right now I can hardly sleep.


Women on Fire book co-authors Leah Hamilton and Linda Neff (Photo by Debi Lilly)

There was a fabulous book party hosted by one amazing Woman on Fire that featured two brilliant Women on Fire co-authors in Chicago last week!

And, in less than two weeks we will welcome more than 100 Women on Fire to Naples, Florida for our annual retreat — Ignite Your Life — and Soar!

It is a leap of faith each time a Woman on Fire steps up to take action on her life, hopes and dreams.

*This week’s Pinspiration*

Pin to Share the Love

Insipration from Women on Fire- www.womenonfire.com

Each one of the 21 co-authors of our latest book burst through her own fears and concerns to write a chapter about a powerful, true experience that many people in her life may not have even known about. Each did so to help other women who may be faced with a similar challenge. That’s taking courageous action!

I also am inspired that many women coming to this year’s retreat will be attending their very first one.  I’m sure some of them are scared, wondering what will happen, who will they meet, will they belong, will it be worth their time, effort and expense?

But this did not stop them from moving forward!

What is important to know is that movement creates growth and change. It gets your juices and your life flowing.

Every decision you make toward something that appeals to you, or that you wish for, or even that you are a little scared of, you move to one of two places:

Either you’re glad you did it and it makes a difference for you — or you learn something important and decide you won’t do that again.  There is no way to make a perfect decision every time. And, sometimes the result is even better than you might have imagined!

If you sit back and ponder and think and wonder about the thing you think you might want, nothing happens. You stall out.

I remember the years between getting divorced and meeting my husband Rob. After numerous disappointing experiences with men, I decided I wasn’t going to date anymore.  I was going to wait it out and figure it all out in my head.

Thank goodness I had great support to help me reconsider that brilliant notion of mine. Had I sat on the sidelines and thought and wondered about a partner, I probably wouldn’t be in a relationship today. I had to just jump in the stream and swim.

So, it is a brave and bold step that some women have made to attend the retreat — without knowing for certain what wonder is on the other side of the door.

What I know for sure (thank you, Oprah!) is that any time Women on Fire gather in person — whether it is a book party in Chicago or a two-day retreat in Naples — it is an experience warm and loving, thoughtful and provocative, inspiring, uplifting and celebratory.

I was re-reading the other day Brene Brown’s book Daring Greatly and her powerful 10 Guideposts for Wholehearted Living.  She reminds us how letting go of the need for certainly and letting go of self-doubt will transform our lives.

Congratulations to our retreat attendees for letting go of what might have held you back from coming  — and deciding just to go for it! I can’t wait to hear what you discover after you walk through the door 🙂

And, back to that Women on Fire book party in Chicago …

Thank you to celebrity party planner and Women on Fire member Debi Lilly, founder of A Perfect Event, who hosted the exquisite party last week for Leah Hamilton and Linda Neff in Chicago.

It was cold outside but deliciously warm inside where Debi created another of her magical parties featuring a signature Women on Fire cocktail and exquisite food such a Orange Blossom Torched marshmallow brushetta. In addition to the many guests, other Women on Fire members attending included Dana Frost, Kendall DeBoom, Cindy Clendenin and Debby Edwards.

The party was so elegant, fun and exciting that we’ll post more photos and recipes later this week on the blog.

For this week, I wish you clarity and ease in whatever decisions you make to move your life forward. Go for it!

Have a wonderful week ~

Love,

Debbie Signature

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As summer closes in…a feast

by on August 12, 2012

Is your summer starting to wind down?

We live in the mecca of summer vacationers – Martha’s Vineyard.  The head count here right now is about 115,000 people when normally the population is roughly 15,000.

(It used to worry me that we could sink into the ocean in summers but I’ve been assured we won’t!)

So even though our island is bursting to the shores with visitors, in only another week or two, everyone will go home and back to school and all will become quiet again on the home front.

Until then, my husband Rob and I are soaking up these last summer days with close friends, including visiting and local Women on Fire and Vision Day guests.


Women on Fire at breakfast this weekend on Martha’s Vineyard! From left:  Jamie Eslinger, Suzi Schadle, Michelle Whittaker, me! and Lisa Umberger Arundale. (Photo by Zan Schmidt)

One of this past week’s many highlights was Women on Fire member Phoebe Lapine coming over and preparing the most elegant, delicious lunch to celebrate the summer.


Phoebe with her luscious creation!

Phoebe is based in New York City and is a cookbook author, food writer and private chef and we love her – and I love sharing her talent in our Women on Fire community!

Check out her blog at Feed Me Phoebe.

She made a Salmon Cobb Salad and we paired it with a twist on another Woman on Fire Debi Lilly’s refreshing summer drink recipe – Watermelon Mint Muddles.


Phoebe and I say cheers to the Muddle! Thank you, Debi Lilly.

I am always on the lookout for entertaining tips and food ideas that are healthy, easy, beautiful and FUN. (Phoebe certainly hit every one of those buttons with her Salmon Cobb Salad… and she even did the grocery shopping! Thank you, Phoebe.)


Phoebe preparing lunch. (Photos by Rob Berkley)

I’m pretty sure after watching Phoebe I can duplicate this gorgeous salad. And, if I can, you certainly can, too!

Here are the ingredients for Phoebe’s Salmon Cobb Salad:

Grilled wild salmon, salad greens, purple basil, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, avocadoes, fresh corn raw sliced off the cob, crispy bacon.


Simple and elegant — one dish shared among six guests.

In addition to Phoebe using fresh and organic ingredients, what truly made this salad outstanding was Phoebe’s yummy Creamy Dill Dressing drizzled over the greens and the salmon.

Creamy Dill Dressing (from Phoebe’s blog)
Makes about 1 cup

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill leaves
8 ounces plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
1 garlic clove
1 small shallot
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

In a small food processor, combine all the ingredients and pulse until finely chopped. Add 2 tablespoons water and puree until the mixture is very smooth. Depending on the consistency you like your creamy dressing, add more water to thin it out.


Summer fun with dear friends — Jamie Eslinger, Phoebe Lapine, Robert Joerger, Edward Beck, Rob and me. Hope you will visit us when you come to Martha’s Vineyard! You never know who you might meet here:-)

Watermelon Mint Muddle

Adaptation from Debi Lilly’s recipe in her book A Perfect Event: Inspired, Easy Elegance for Every Occasion

In a tall glass, fill bottom with watermelon and several sprigs of fresh mint; “muddle” together (I use a wooden spoon).

Then fill with ice; sparkling water (or sparkling wine such as Prosecco). When I use sparkling water, I add a splash of lemonade to give it even more pizzazz!

Cheers!


Phoebe’s masterpiece!

I look forward to seeing a number of you here on Martha’s Vineyard next Friday when RoseMarie Terenzio will read from her best-selling book Fairy Tale Interrupted.  She will discuss her life as John F. Kennedy Jr.’s personal assistant for the last five years of his life and how experiencing that and many other losses has informed her life today.

Rose was the featured interview on the Women on Fire members’ CD a few months ago. I’m so excited many of you will get to meet her as well as other Women on Fire attending!

Have a terrific week. I can’t wait to share lots of inspiring opportunities happening this fall for you!

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Muddling through the heat!

by on July 2, 2012

Unless you are in Antarctica today — or Seattle or Portland — chances are you are roasting hot.

And, these extreme temperatures are expected to stay with us much of the  upcoming holiday week in the United States.  But never fear!

Because today’s SPARK! is a tip about a drink so delightful that you will be cooled down and cheered up just by looking at it.

Debi Lily Book
The Muddling Bar is featured in our own Debi Lilly’s brand-new book on entertaining. Debi’s book-signing table all set up. (Photos by Rob Berkley)
In just five, super easy steps we’re going to show you how to make this healthy,  thirst-quenching cocktail or spritzer. It’s perfect for Fourth of July entertaining or if you’re like me, I’ve been drinking this special drink (sans alcohol) all day long today.

But first …

I had the pleasure of celebrating and honoring a Woman on Fire in our home.  Debi Lilly, the founder and creator of A Perfect Event in Chicago, has spoken at our retreats and been a part of our community from Day One.

(She also has been a favorite and personal planner of Oprah’s for nearly 14 years!)

So it was only a natural that when Debi’s first book was published — A Perfect Event ~ Inspired, Easy Elegance for Every Occasion — we would host a book launch for her. And what an evening it was!

Several Women on Fire attended and one even sent chocolate! (Thank you, Melissa McClain in Seattle who needed a sweater today while the rest of us dripped with sweat;-)

Debi Lilly with muddled cocktail
Debi Lilly with her special, amazing drink in hand!

In typical Debi-style, she and her family whipped up mouth-watering, summer food from her new book and brought it on the ferry boat from Nantucket where she was vacationing to Martha’s Vineyard.

She arrived at our home and with grace and ease put together the party in an hour!  Her dream is making your life’s celebrations — whatever they may be — easy and effortless. No one shows us how to do that better than Debi!

To quench your thirst and dazzle your friends and family the next time you entertain, here is how to create Debi’s Muddling Bar and drink.


Step 1: Fill glasses with your favorite fresh fruits


Step 2: Assemble your favorite fresh herbs — we chose this mint from our garden as well as thyme and rosemary


Step 3: Place everything on beautiful trays for your guests to create their own drinks

Debi Lilly Muddling a cocktail
Step 4:  Select any or all of the fruits and herbs and mash with a wooden spoon into the bottom of a glass to create the “muddle.”

Debi Lilly pouring a muddled drinkl
Step 5: Pour Prosecco sparkling wine into the glass — and enjoy!


Optional Step 5: Instead of Prosecco, pour ice and sparkling water into the “muddle” and you can drink all day! I also used splashes of lemonade with the sparkling water to give it even more of a refreshing flavor.

Debbie Phillips with Muddled drink
Cheers!  Happy Fourth of July this week to you and your family and friends.

What are ways that you keep cool in the heat? You are always welcome to share your tips and ideas in the comments section below.

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It. Was. Magnificent!

by on October 3, 2011

The long-awaited Women on Fire Day in Columbus, Ohio is over.

And the joy from the love, inspiration, new and rekindled friendships, wisdom and great energy from the day still lingers.  Proving once again that “isolation is the dream-killer” and we can do so much more in the company of each other than alone!

Nearly 150 women from 17 states ranging in age from teens to 80s came to Ohio for the day filled with inspiration, strategies and support.

Here are a few highlights from the day’s photos in this video by Jamie Eslinger.

Do you see yourself or recognize other Women on Fire in the video?  No matter, I hope you will be uplifted to see so many women “on fire” in one room cheering on each other’s success!

Huge thanks to ALL of these Women on Fire for making the day so special:

* Jan Allen for organizing and hosting this amazing day at the gorgeous Franklin Park Conservatory.

* Keynote speaker — the one and only, five-time Emmy Award-winning producer, writer and star of her own show on SiriusXM — Janette Barber

* Panelists who spoke from their hearts about their lives: Liz Lessner, Debi Lilly, Mary Ellen Jones

* Women on Fire book co-authors who shared their stories from the book and gave an update on where they are today: Allison Barry, Lori Gagnon, Holly Getty, Mary Ellen Jones, Shannon McCaffery, Ginny Barney and Patti Wynn Brown.

* Our super-human and inexhaustible volunteers: Tandi Musuraca, Tricia Simpson, Angela Ittu, Kim Dettmer and Sandra Gurvis.

*  During Women on Fire Day, Andrea Dowding was honored for coaching so many women to success. The day was dedicated to her for her unflinching determination to help women and girls share their gifts, strengths and talents with the world. 

Since 2008, Andrea has led Women on Fire coaching groups and teas, along with Jerry Browning.

* Women on Fire and Sophfronia Scott presented the first annual Theo Scott Scholarship to inspiring, young entrepreneur Nicole Lovett.  The award was in honor of Sophfronia’s sister Theo who died this past summer and had planned to attend Women on Fire Day.

* Thank you to photographer Nancy Lambert who deftly assembled 150 women to take that final amazing photo in the video!

Thank you so much for being a part of our powerful and ever-expanding circle of love, inspiration and caring.

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And, the holiday traditions winner is…

by on December 19, 2010
Wow.
I never expected this.
I now know you can never, ever choose just one winner in a contest filled with thoughtful, kind, caring, nurturing, generous and world-changing women. What ever was I thinking?
So, with great excitement I want to thank you all for your lovely, important, accessible, relatable, holiday celebration changing traditions, stories and comments.  I poured over each and every one of them – my eyes tearing up, my heart filling with joy, and my list of new holiday, family traditions growing with every single post.
Debra Bachelder – Your Rockette kickline a la olives and toothpicks is hysterical!
Heather Wilson, Donna Kim-Brand and Lisa Aucoin – I, too, collect ornaments with each and every travel adventure.  I will now think of you with each ornament I place on my tree next season, reliving all the worldly family jaunts and travels.
Vera Nicimpaye- The African celebration and rituals were amazing, transporting, and so inspirational to read.
Ashley Smith – I, too, grew up opening one single gift each Christmas Eve.  Mine too was always pajamas – made by my grandmother out of Lanz flannel for every single aunt, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and family female to wear for our annual Christmas Eve family photo.
Dianne Phillips – You had me at Miracle Day…
Nan Katzenberger – Baby Jesus cake is one of my many new Women on Fire holiday traditions.  Starting this week!
Lorna Bricco – I could picture the winter alphabet photo session like it was in my own backyard.
June Zeringue – Turkey Day Awards are on my 2011 Thanksgiving to dos.  I help clients plan their holiday dinners too – and hope you don’t mind if I share this fantastic family celebration with them as well.
Malia Simpson, Melissa Brummerstedt, Anne Harmody and all the cookie bakers – I can’t think of a more perfect tradition than gingerbread house making and holiday cookie and coffee cake baking.  I can’t imagine the holidays without picturing my entire four-generation family (and now my own children for a fifth generation) making gingerbread houses, and my darling Grandmother pressing her holiday-shaped butter cookies into green Christmas Trees, red wreaths, and more.  These are still my very favorite sweet any day of the year.
And to Lindy Hudson – I loved your Santa story. I am also a believer – and my whole life long the tree will be laden with gifts from Santa. ‘Tis the season!
So, without further ado, my first place winner is…
Melissa McClain!
I read the post so many days ago, but I continue to see Melissa on Christmas Day, unable to stop picturing the little boy beaming with sheer joy over his new train, and. in turn. his mother beaming with gratitude.
It’s the perfect holiday story.  Giving to those — even researching the most perfect model — for someone that you don’t even know. Melissa, your tradition goes down in my book right there next to “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
But I couldn’t stop there, because there were two others that again, I just couldn’t get out of my mind.
So I would like to announce a second place winner…
Sharon Harvey, your story of keeping the spirit of your whole family, while Daddy is away on duty, has stayed with me.  I am in awe of your creativity (I need you on my team!) and brilliant hands-on activities to celebrate Dad both inside your home and on his ship at sea.  Bravo!
And last, my third place winner (trust me I wish I could have 30 winners!)…
Alice Harra, the empty box under the tree is again the very essence of a Christmas tradition.  I think it took me two minutes to place the very same under my own tree after reading your post.  And about 10 minutes for my kids to excitedly fill it up for other children on Christmas morning.
Thank you, thank you to everyone.  Our Valentine’s on Fire contest will be coming up next…and I personally cannot wait for more beautiful stories of love, compassion and life from all of you.
Cheers to happy holidays!
Debi Lilly
Chief Eventeur
A Perfect Event
3050 N. Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
www.aperfectevent.com

This is a guest post by media personality and entrepreneur Debi Lilly, a Woman on Fire and a most sought-after event planner.  In a contest she created for Women on Fire, Debi chose the winner of the 2010 Women on Fire Holiday Traditions.

Debie Lilly Founder A Perfect Event Chicago, Il
Debi Lilly

Wow.

I never expected this.

I now know you can never, ever choose just one winner in a contest filled with holiday traditions from thoughtful, kind, caring, nurturing, generous and world-changing women. What ever was I thinking?

So, with great excitement I want to thank you all for your lovely, important, accessible, relatable, holiday celebration traditions, stories and comments.  I poured over each and every one of them – my eyes tearing up, my heart filling with joy, and my list of new holiday, family traditions growing with every single post.  Here are some honorable mentions:

Debra Bachelder – Your Rockette kickline a la olives and toothpicks is hysterical!

Heather Wilson, Donna Kim-Brand and Lisa Aucoin – I, too, collect ornaments with each and every travel adventure.  I will now think of you with each ornament I place on my tree next season, reliving all the worldly family jaunts and travels.

Vera Nicimpaye– The African celebration and rituals were amazing, transporting, and so inspirational to read.

Ashley Smith – I, too, grew up opening one single gift each Christmas Eve.  Mine too was always pajamas – made by my grandmother out of Lanz flannel for every single aunt, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and family female to wear for our annual Christmas Eve family photo.

Dianne Phillips – You had me at Miracle Day…

Nan Katzenberger – Baby Jesus cake is one of my many new Women on Fire holiday traditions.  Starting this week!

Lorna Bricco – I could picture the winter alphabet photo session like it was in my own backyard.

June Zeringue – Turkey Day Awards are on my 2011 Thanksgiving to-dos.  I help clients plan their holiday dinners, too  — and hope you don’t mind if I share this fantastic family celebration with them as well.

Melissa Brummerstedt, Anne Harmody, Whitney Ferre and all the cookie bakers – I can’t think of a more perfect tradition than gingerbread house making and holiday cookie and coffee cake baking.  I can’t imagine the holidays without picturing my entire four-generation family (and now my own children for a fifth generation) making gingerbread houses, and my darling Grandmother pressing her holiday-shaped butter cookies into green Christmas trees, red wreaths, and more.  These are still my very favorite sweet any day of the year.

And, to Lindy Hudson – I loved your Santa story. I am also a believer – and my whole life long the tree will be laden with gifts from Santa. ‘Tis the season!

So, without further ado, my first place winner of the 2010 Women on Fire Holiday Traditions contest for her story of giving to a little boy she didn’t know and his mother is…

Melissa McClain!

I read the post so many days ago, but I continue to see Melissa on Christmas Day, unable to stop picturing the little boy beaming with sheer joy over his new train, and, in turn, his mother beaming with gratitude.

It’s the perfect holiday story.  Giving to those — even researching the most perfect train model  — for someone that you don’t even know. Melissa, your tradition goes down in my book right there next to “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

But I couldn’t stop there, because there were two others that again I just couldn’t get out of my mind.

So I would like to announce a second place winner…

Sharon Harvey, your story of keeping the spirit of your whole family, while Daddy is away on duty, has stayed with me.  I am in awe of your creativity (I need you on my team!) and brilliant hands-on activities to celebrate Dad both inside your home and on his ship at sea.  Bravo!

And last, my third place winner is (trust me I wish I could have 30 winners!)…

Alice Harra, the empty box under the tree is again the very essence of a Christmas tradition.  I think it took me two minutes to place the very same under my own tree after reading your post.  And about 10 minutes for my kids to excitedly fill it up for other children on Christmas morning.

Thank you, thank you to everyone.

(You can read all of the inspiring entries in the Comments Section below the post here.)

Our Valentine’s on Fire contest will be coming up next…and I personally cannot wait for more beautiful stories of love, compassion and life from all of you.

Cheers to happy holidays!

Debi Lilly

Chief Eventeur

A Perfect Event

3050 N. Lincoln Ave

Chicago, IL 60657

www.aperfectevent.com

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Holiday Tips from Oprah’s gift and party planner

by on December 5, 2010

Oh my gosh, I have so much to share with you I don’t know where to start!

I am in New York for the first-ever Women on Fire Mother-Daughter Tea Party.  That is a whole story and inspiration in itself and I will share more about it and pictures over the next couple of days.

First though, so many of you are getting ready for the holidays.  And, I wanted you to meet a dear friend of mine who is my go-to person for great, creative ideas.  For this week, I’ve interviewed media personality, entrepreneur and Oprah’s personal gift and party planner Debi Lilly about her tips and ideas for the holidays.


Debi Lilly — one of Chicago’s most successful wedding and party planners

Debi was brilliant!  Of course, I thought we’d talk for 30 minutes or so but nooooo.  She had so many terrific ideas and suggestions that we talked for an hour.

Here are just a few of the fun and exciting things you’ll learn:

* The secret behind Oprah’s gift giving style
* How to develop your own unique holiday decor color palette
* Delicious and easy recipes for holiday parties
* A special way to connect with your kids, reduce your own stress and even start a new tradition
* Plus, her #1 secret for hosting a fabulous party … and more!

You can listen to us in this unedited, audio interview by clicking on the play button below:

PLUS!

In the spirit of giving, we are partnering with Debi Lilly and her company A Perfect Event to offer a fun holiday contest. Share your favorite family holiday tradition in my blog comment box and you could win A Perfect Event’s Ultimate Home for the Holidays Hostess with the Mostess Kit!

To participate just write your favorite holiday tradition in the comment box below and Debi Lilly will choose her favorite story. The winning entry will be published on Debi’s blog, too!

The Hostess with the Mostess Kit includes a monogrammed hatbox filled with monogrammed cocktail napkins, a holiday CD collection, letterpress thank you notes, vintage inspired glittered holiday ornaments, soy candles, and so much more.  What an incredible and beautiful gift!

And, if you haven’t yet visited Debi Lilly’s blog I encourage you to hop on over to see a library of inspiration.

Also, check out this photo and link to this amazing recipe for Pear Holiday Bites.  I’m going to make them for my family for Christmas!

WOF_PearHolidayBites_DebiLilly

Easy, delectable holiday Pear Bites

Don’t forget! All you have to do is share your favorite family holiday tradition in the comment box below and you could win A Perfect Event’s Ultimate Home for the Holidays Hostess with the Mostess Kit.

Happy Holidays!

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