Football Game is almost here...Get your tickets while you still can!

For those of you haven't purchased tickets to the upcoming football game in Buffalo, be sure to buy them soon, as they are selling out fast!

You will be given drinks and food on the limo bus, and you can bring some of your own as well.  It will be a great game (Steelers vs. Bills), you don't want to miss it...you and 45 of your friends are invited to join the fun!

Ready, set, go! Nuit Blanche this weekend...

Toronto's annual sunset to sunrise celebration of contemporary art returns to mark a five-year milestone.
Discover art in galleries, museums and unexpected places. From building façades and city parks to alleyways and heritage buildings, choose from more than 130 destinations and chart your own path.

NEW!!! Take advantage of the many interactive tools available this year. Build a personalized itinerary, use GPS technology to navigate your route with the Night Navigator app, and take the mobile version of the event website with you on the road.

When the wedding planner and the client are the same person…

Can't Fire the Bride!!

Kendra recently got engaged, and as an event planner, she had the idea of blogging her adventures as a bride and as client. Will she become the dreaded Bridezilla? If so, she can’t fire herself.

The blog will track and document the next year of planning her wedding. She’ll let you in on the inside scoop and give you tricks and tips to creating your own special day.

Please enjoy and feel free to comment!

http://cantfirethebride.wordpress.com/

 

Let us plan the wedding of your dreams....

Looking for an wedding planner in Toronto or GTA?

If you are an excited bride-to-be or the proud mother of the bride or groom, let us work with you to plan a romantic, beautiful and truly personal celebration you will always remember. Let us take the stress away by attending to all the details so you can sit back and enjoy all the big moments. Let us put our imaginations and creativity to work to produce the elegant and intimate, or fresh and fun wedding of your dreams!

Promotional offer!!
Full wedding coordination for $5,000 + HST
Package includes:

• ALL logistical aspects of the event from theme development, vendor suggestions, contract negotiations (venue, vendors etc.), site inspections, budget, décor suggestions, etiquette advice etc
  
• Rehearsal (up to 2 hours)
• Day-of management (up to 8 hours)
• Event coordinator plus an assistant onsite from set-up til tear down

More!! We’ll offer a 10% “finder’s fee” or commission for any referrals that get turned into closed business.

With over 10 years experience, the team at Gatherings will ensure a unique and professional event for 10 or 10,000. No event is too big or too small for us to tackle. We provide seamless planning and flawless execution whether you’re going for sophisticated elegance or fresh and funky. “Gatherings is one of the fastest growing event management firms in the Greater Toronto Area.” Our creative staff is committed to organizing superior events by providing clients with innovative concepts, competitive pricing, and unparalleled service.

Let's see Bills game in November?

For Tickets, call us @ 416-551-0241 or info@gatheringseventplanning.com

Port Dover Bike Rally last Friday...

Since 1981 bikers have been gathering in Port Dover, Ontario, every Friday the 13th to show off the bikes and meet other riders. Thousands of bikers and fans of bikes, and those just wanting to view the spectacle descended upon Port Dover, Ontario for the 50th Friday the 13th Ride to Port Dover.

Police and organizers estimate that more than 150,000 people - about a third of them on motorcycles - poured into the town of 6,000 on Friday, surpassing the record set in June 2008.

It has since grown into an international event that, in good weather, easily breaks the 100,000 mark for attendance.

Bikers come from as far away as the U.K., Australia and China for the spectacle. The streets, some of which are closed to car traffic, are lined with bikes from one end to the other. There are also vendors and beer tents featuring live bands.

The Boys of Summer…

Whether you're a teeny bopper or an old fart, you'll enjoy the concerts this week in the city.

I'm reminded of my 13th birthday and all I wanted to do was see NKOTN (New Kids on the Block, for those not "in the know"). They were the ultimate heart-throb. Who was your favourite? Mine was Jordan...how handsome!!! They were playing big venues around the city and now they're relegated to Casino Rama.

However, if you'd like to catch some of the latest heart-throbs, you'll find John Mayer and Michael Buble in concert this week. And for my mother, The Beach Boys....they've still got it going on. So ladies take a little trip down memory lane and check out the boys of summer. You'll be glad you did.

Kendra Court
Gatherings Event Planning

Venue: Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
John Mayer, Aug 11, 2010


Venue: Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
Backstreet Boys, Aug 14, 2010


Venue: Casino Rama
The Beach Boys, Aug 12, 2010 to Aug 13, 2010


Venue: Air Canada Centre
Michael Buble, Aug 10, 2010 to Aug 11, 2010

FastLane: Patio Event next week!

Back by popular demand, FastLane is bringing you another patio event. With the continuing hot weather, it's time to enjoy the last bit of summer but still be top of mind, so let's take our networking outside!

Date: Tuesday, August 10th, 2010
Time: 6:00pm - 9:30pm
Location: LUSSO Restaurant//Bar
207 Queens Quay West, Toronto

Lusso's 150-seat outdoor patio offers the ultimate in al fresco dining and lounging. The upper deck is as cool as gets with elegantly designed wooden benches that are more "cruise-ship-trendy" than just "patio-seating", comfy cushions, marble lounge tables and candlelit lanterns in the evening.

For tickets please click here or call 416-551-0241

$25 in advance / $35 At the door
Group Ticket Rate: Buy 4 tickets and get the 5th FREE!
Corporate Group: Purchase 5 tickets (admit 5) to 5 different FastLane events for $450.

*Your ticket includes complimentary beverage, hors d'oeuvres, a gift bag and the chance to win door prizes.

Boudoir Photography Marathon on August 15th, 2010

Gatherings Event Planning and Anthony Parazo Photography would like to invite you to our Boudoir Photography Marathon on August 15th, 2010.

This marathon is by appointment only. We will have (10) time slots beginning at 8:00 AM through to 6:00 PM

This invitation is for you and your friends. Please share this event with your network, as I know that this isn't for everyone. We will have a make-up artist and someone to add final touches to your already styled hair. The session will last about 60 minutes and will include a female stylist to assist with appearance and clothing.

We will not be doing nudes or implied nudes, so please don't ask. You may also get photographs taken with your significant other as long as they do not require a make-up application.

You will receive proofs on CD and (10) retouched and enhanced 4x6's in an album. In order to choose your photos, we will have the un-retouched version on a password protected site by August 22nd. If you place your order by August 29th we will then retouch and enhance the photo and have it ready for September 10.

Individual sessions are priced at $750, this marathon will have a special price of $350. $100 upon booking and $250 by August 7th. If you come with a friend we are extending a special of only $300 for each session. Payments will be made through e-mail money transfer.

Please visit www.anthonyparazo.com to view the BOUDOIR gallery on his site. He may be reached at (416) 948-9711 to answer any of your questions.

“Best Florist” in the latest Toronto Life...

Isn't nature just amazing?
Flowers....it cheers up our lives, it makes a room look fabulous, it demonstrates love, affection and care...

Taking care of them is a challenge that requires talent and study. I say that cause I've felt on my own skin the ups and downs of trying to make a beautiful orchid survive in my living room...or a raffia palm for instance....

I failed many times, but I love them so much that I keep trying...getting better though. You had to see my happy face some weeks ago when some friends came over to my place and commented on my pink orchid with lots of blooms...I felt so proud...

That's why I strongly admire and recommend the work of this artist, Rosemary Little, from Quince Flowers. Not for nothing is she elected the best florist by Toronto Life.


Flowers just cheer up my life!
Happy flowery summer everyone!
Renata Altrão

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Scotiabank Nuit Blanche is looking for volunteers....

About 600 volunteers are integral to the event’s annual success. Scotiabank Nuit Blanche is produced by the City of Toronto’s Special Events Office (TSE) in partnership with Toronto’s arts community. This year’s date and time are Saturday, October 2 at 7 p.m. (dusk) to Sunday 3 at 7 a.m. (dawn).

As in previous years, volunteers assist at the eight information centres and at the commissioned installations, which number 38 this year. Your assignment will depend on your skills and interests, and availability for one of the training evenings. All assignments should be in place by the end of August.

They expect all volunteers to attend the mandatory training, and to be present and active for the entire shift. You are required to send the Assignment Request Form by July 20 at the latest.

Need help? Please contact Fiona at 416-392-9315 or spevvol@toronto.ca

Fiona Lucas
Coordinator of Volunteers
Toronto Special Events Office
City Hall, 6th Floor, West Tower
100 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
Phone: 416 392-9315 / Fax: 416 395-0278
spevvol@toronto.ca

Nuit Blanche was originally conceived in Paris, France in 2002, in an attempt to bring contemporary art to the masses in public spaces. Now universally translated as 'Sleepless Night', Nuit Blanche brings more than a million people to the streets of Paris every year. In 2005, Paris organizers contacted the City of Toronto's Special Events office with an invitation to join the ranks of approximately six other European cities producing similar all-night events. The international success of Nuit Blanche continues to build each year and has expanded its reach beyond Paris to Brussels, Rome, Bucharest, Riga, Madrid, La Valette, Portugal, Tokyo, Montreal and Leeds - each offering its own version of the all-night art extravaganza.

Toronto was the first North American city to fully replicate the Paris model, and has inspired similar celebrations throughout North America, including San Francisco, New York, Miami and Chicago.

FastLane: Patio party - buy tickets now!

Patio Season has arrived, let's take networking outside!
It's time to sit back, relax and get to know one another. Join us at Ultra Supper Club for cocktails, snacks and good conversation.

Hidden behind the "ornate red doors" at Queen and Soho, Ultra, the new evolution of Ultra Supper Club - continues it's celebrated reputation for dining, cocktails, socializing and stargazing, recently reinterpreted for its ever-evolving clientele. Gracious is the new glamour...style is the new fashion. Socializing is wistful not work fuelled and hobnobbing is simply great time with cool friends.

Guests will be entertained by the live magician Dan Trommater, have the opportunity to do a henna tattoo by the artist Nadia and have great pictures taken by Anthony Parazzo.

Date: Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
Time: 6:00pm - 9:30pm
Location: Ultra Supper Club
314 Queen Street West, Toronto

For tickets please click here, or call 416-551-0251.
*Your ticket includes complimentary beverage, hors d'oeuvres, a gift bag and the chance to win door prizes.

On-line Advance: $25 each
At the door: $35
Group Ticket Rate: Buy 4 tickets and get the 5th FREE!
Corporate Group: Purchase 5 tickets (admit 5) to 5 different FastLane events for $450.

Hope to see you there!
Renata Altrão & The Gatherings Team

"Through the Garden Gate" tour this weekend!

Toronto Botanical Garden committee and Gatherings Event Planning is organizing the event "Through the Garden Gate" that will be held this weekend, June 20 & 21, 2010.

Through the Garden Gate, now in its 23rd year, is an annual garden tour organized by the Toronto Botanical Garden. Each year the tour highlights a different Toronto neighbourhood, and we are excited to have chosen 26 private gardens in THE BEACH to showcase this year.

A comprehensive garden guide outlining the unique features of each garden is provided and Toronto Master Gardeners will be located in each garden to answer questions and identify plant material. Complimentary shuttle buses continuously drive the route, giving participants the option to "hop on and hop off" at each of the gardens.

Headquarters located at:
Neil McNeil High School
127 Victoria Park Ave., Toronto, ON
(Kingston Rd. & Victoria Park Ave.)

TICKETS ON SALE
One-day Pass: Public $40; TBG members $35
Two-day Pass: Public $50; TBG members $45
(tickets are limited, advance purchase recommended)

Includes: Comprehensive Garden Guide, access to 26 beautiful private gardens and complimentary shuttle service throughout the day.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
416-551-0241 or buy tickets online

Read more here. "Tour shines spotlight on Beach's bountiful gardens."

Donkey Day this Sunday!

Donkey Day is the annual fundraiser of The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada and is being held on June 13^th, 2010 from 11am to 4pm. Gatherings is helping them to organize the event and all logistics.

The DSC is a registered charity. Since 1992 it has provided a lifelong home to donkeys and mules that have been abused, neglected or were no longer wanted. Along with being the site for this ongoing animal care, the Sanctuary Farm, with its rejuvenated wetlands and forests, serves as a backdrop for interactive humane education programs that promote the proper stewardship of animals, land and the environment.

2000 visitors from across Ontario will pass through the gates of the beautiful DSC farm, located outside Guelph, to enjoy a special afternoon in the country for animal lovers of all ages. They will have terrific entertainment by local musicians, interactive donkey activities, and so much more. And of course, there will be lots and lots of donkeys.

Date: Sunday, June 13th, 2010
Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada (DSC)
6981 Puslinch Conc.4, RR #6 - Guelph, ON N1H 6J3 - Google Maps
Tickets: Sold at the door only - $10.00/adult, $5.00/child (age: 3-18)

May 18th 2010 FastLane “Wine and Chocolate"

Repeating April 2009’s wine and chocolate theme, FastLane once again held the event to a great success.

Wineries and agents joined us for the evening; they did sampling a variety of wines that complemented the delicious hors d’oeuvres of the evening.

Thanks to all vendors and partners for making this event more tasty and fun, and Anthony Parazo for capturing those special moments.

Stay tuned for the next event!

Theme: Patio Party
Date: July 13th, 2010
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Location: TBA

Renata Altrão & The Gatherings Team

Hope House fundraiser tonight!

The Hope House fundraiser was inspired by the Oscar winning film "Born into Brothels" and we are raising money to build a wonderful facility to help 100 girls from the red light district of Calcutta. Your support will allow girls to live in safety, receive an education, and escape their vicious life cycle.

There is a special BRING A FRIEND 2 for 1 ticket sales special.

For $100, receive two entrance tickets and one drink ticket per person (equal to $50 per person).

We have a terrific line-up for the evening including:

In Attendance
Oscar winning Director and Executive Producer flying into Toronto for the event.

Entertainment
Exclusive engagement with Hip Hop legend Maestro Fresh Wes from Los Angeles performing classics and new music (Let your Backbone Slide!).

Rare appearance by Juno nominated singer Ivana Santilli performing her R&B/pop hits.

World renowned DJ Rekha (as seen on CNN and David Letterman) from New York City with Dhol Circle drummers.

Drinks and Delicious Food
Tickets will also include two bevvies and catering by Babaluu Supperclub, Palais Royale, Cheesecake Lolli's and Couture Cupcakes.

And that's not all! Enter a world inspired by India's magic with Fantasy Lounge, Fortune Tellers and Tarot Card readers, a Maharani's Salon (Henna Beauty Bar & Make-up Artistry), Fashionistas Shopping Haven, Photography Expo, and much more!

Event Details
Date: Thursday, May 27, 2010
Time: 8:30pm - 12am
Location: Palais Royale, 1601 Lake Shore Boulevard W

To buy tickets http://torontohopehouse.eventbrite.com/ or telephone 647-801-3159.

VIP guest at Gatherings...

Guess who?
Spencer Miller!!
He came for a quick visit and spent the afternoon with us...it was great to chat with him, listen to his stories and ideas...he always inspiring and making people laugh.

Spencer Miller is a motivational speaker, hosts his own radio show called "Sounding Off With Spencer Miller", is an entrepreneur and author of the book "The Man Without Boundaries".

Essentially 'the book chronicles his life from growing up in a dysfunctional family, dealing with a debilitating affliction, fighting against the odds to become a voice in his community, to becoming the Ambassador to people with disabilities for the Hugh MacMillan center.

Thanks Spencer for the visit!
Renata Altrão & The Gatherings Team

Dragons' Den Brett Wilson and me...

Photo by Timothy Grotrian

I had the honour to meet and listen to Brett Wilson last week at The Rostie Rainy Lake.

He spoke to a group of students and business owners. His inspirational talk touched on entrepreneurship & goal setting.

W. Brett Wilson (born on July 1, 1957) is a Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and panelist on the CBC Dragons' Den.

Known as the newest member of the CBC's Dragon's Den, Brett Wilson's knowledgeable, energetic and down-to-earth nature has endeared him to many. He has been a key player in the development and success of a number of investment-based companies including FirstEnergy Capital Corporation and the Prairie Merchant Corporation. Brett's extensive entrepreneurial experience, made him an ideal fit for the Dragon's Den, where he has offered invaluable advice, support and funding for a number of entrepreneurial ideas. In addition to his professional success, he is one of Canada's most significant philanthropists, having raised or helped to raise millions of dollars for non-profit organizations.

It was awesome to meet him :)

Kendra Court
Gatherings Event Planning

Places to Gather...

We will start a series of posts called "Places to Gather" and highlight new venues in the city. Hope you like it.

The first one is the newly renovated Luna Lounge, an upscale restaurant located at Lawrence and Avenue Road, Toronto, ON.

The 150-person, 3000 square foot space has been completely renovated and re-designed by acclaimed design company HE Designs. The venue features 3 intimate bar areas, plus front & back outdoor patios.

Headed by Chef Mathew Alexander, the lounge features an exciting Tapas menu of small food items that includes key menu dishes such as Jerked Australian Lamb Pops, Seafood Tian, Stuffed Zucchini Flowers and Beef Carpaccio. A wide arrange of jazz, rhythm & blues, soul, funk & rare-grooves serves as the perfect musical backdrop.

Let us know if you like this place. :)
Renata Altrão & The Gatherings Team

The benefits of utilizing a virtual office...

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to have a prestigious Bay Street address for your home-based business?
Do you need to increase your businesses profile, and professionalism in your chosen market?
Then you will want to have a closer look at what I truly believe should be of consideration. The "Virtual Office" is the best option for small businesses, and start-ups. It’s an amazing way to get your company up off the ground, or further your company’s goals, and efforts; in a fast, efficient, and cost effective way.

Perfect for a home based businesses, or for companies expanding into a new markets. A virtual office is an easy, cost-effective way to give the best impression from the get go. Enjoy all the benefits of having a fully functioning office without moving from your present location; including priority access to offices and meeting rooms. Executive Business centre’s like "The Rostie Group", offer the following virtual office solutions, completely tailor able to fit your businesses needs:

• Prestigious business address - for use on your business cards, letterhead and marketing materials
• Mail collection and forwarding - Mail is collected, packages are signed for and sent to you according to your instructions
• Preferred rates on office supplies and couriers - Receive discounted rates on FedEx and more
• Access ready-to-use offices and meeting rooms - preferred rates
• On-demand administrative and technical support - Access to administrative and technical IT support teams
• Incoming and outgoing faxes - Use local fax number; collection and sending faxes to you, wherever you are
• A local phone number - Provide a local phone number to all your contacts
• Personalized call answering - Professional receptionist answers your calls in your company’s name according to your specifications
• Call redirecting - Specialized technology enables call redirection to your primary number
• Voice mailbox - Remote setup and retrieval of your personal voicemail 24/7
• Lobby listing - Your company will be listed in the lobby along with all building tenants
• 16 hours of private office time - Work from a professionally furnished and equipped office, in your location, for 16 hours a month

Read more about Virtual Offices:

Rostie Group, How Stuff Works, CBC, A Better Virtual, PR Web, Los Angeles Times, TMC Net, SCPR, Philly.com, TreeHugger, TreeHugger, NPR, YouTube

The Rostie Group
Downtown Toronto Location
WaterPark Place, 20 Bay Street, 11th Floor
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2N8
Email: info@rostiegroup.com
Tel: (416) 214-1840
Toll Free: 1-800-648-1840

Looking for casual work in Toronto?

Gatherings Event Planning & Fundraising, a full service event planning in Toronto, is always seeking reliable, friendly people with positive attitude for casual work . So whether you are a server or bartender, we want to hear from you.

Also, we are always looking for volunteers to help out with fundraising events, it's a great opportunity for networking, meet people and get some experience.

Please e-mail renata@gatheringseventplanning.com with the following information:

• Are you Smart Serve Licensed?
• Are you looking for work as server, bartender or both?
• Do you have experience?
• Are you looking for volunteer opportunities?

Don't forget to include your cell phone at the end of the e-mail and attach your resume.
Cheers!

Renata Altrão
Gatherings Event Planning

FastLane and the Community...

This month event was held at Kultura, same venue as last year, and once again was a great success.

April's FastLane centered on what you as a Torontonian can do to give back to the community. Community partners had its own booth including United Way's GenNext, Volunteer Toronto, Toronto Twilight Rotary Club, Junior League of Toronto & Hope House.

Attendees had the opportunity to participate in Speed Networking, a service that was introduced to Toronto by FastLane, similar to speed dating. People are able to meet others who can be potencial business partners, clients or event to build up a potencial contact list.

Next event's theme is "Wine and Chocolate Tasting". Stay tunned!

Date: May 18th, 2010
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Location: Downtown Infinity Dealership - 43 Eastern Ave., Toronto
Cost: $25 in Advance, or $35 at the door
Please contact us for group rates @ 416-551-0241
Tickets HERE.

Renata Altrão & The Gatherings Team
Pictures coming soon :)

Upcoming event: April 13, 2010: Fastlane in the Community

Titled “FastLane in the Community”, April’s FastLane centres on what you as a Torontonian can do to give back to the community.

Last years “FastLane in the Community” was such a success that we were inspired to approach Kultura and United Way’s GenNext and they have partnered with us again for 2010. Kultura will once again host FastLane in the Community; you can absorb the rustic appeal of Kultura throughout this unique networking experience. Other community partners new this year include the Volunteer Toronto, Toronto Twilight Rotary Club, Junior League of Toronto & Hope House.

Come check out the opportunities these organizations have available to you, after all experience is everything; you can take all of the skills you learn throughout your time volunteering and apply them to achieving your career goals.

After hearing such rave reviews at February’s FastLane we are bringing back the ever so popular Speed Networking sessions - a service that was introduced to Toronto by FastLane. Participants will have seven minutes to begin a business relationship creating an opportunity to leverage each others’ success. Remember to bring your business cards!

Date: Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: Kultura, 169 King Street E
Tickets: On-line Advance $25 ea / 2 for $40 or $35 at the Door
For tickets please click here.

*Your ticket includes a complementary beverage, hors d’oeuvres, a gift bag and a chance to win door prizes.

We'd like to thank all sponsors for their support: Kultura, Emergen-C, Hope House, Junior League of Toronto, Sweax, Starbucks, Toronto Twilight Rotary, United Way GenNext and Volunteer Toronto.

Benefits of a GOOD bed...

If you haven’t experienced a full, interrupted night’s sleep then you don’t know what you’re missing. I can honestly say I’ve been sleep deprived for the last few years and didn’t know it. Does this sound familiar:

- I wake up several times per night
- I often toss & turn to get comfortable
- I feel my partner move in bed and it wakes me up
- I feel tired & groggy in the morning
- I don’t feel like I’ve had a full night’s sleep

If this describes your current situation, I highly recommend investigating a new bed. My partner & I recently embarked on the enormous task of purchasing a new bed and came across the Tempurpedic “memory foam” bed. I’m not usually one to give such strong recommendations on a specific brand but certainly in this case it is warranted.

A recent nationwide survey revealed four in 10 of us sleep poorly and the average amount of sleep is just 6.6 hours, almost 90 minutes short of the recommended guide of 8 hours, Almost a third say a new bed would make a big difference to their sleep quality: what are you waiting for?!

Kids today are taught at school how to eat properly, the importance of exercise and even how to have safe sex. But for sleep, which takes up a third of our lives, there’s not a whisper. "Daytime tiredness in young students is a real problem, so schools need to provide more formalised information about the benefits of sleep as part of an ongoing compulsory health education" says sleep expert Kath McGrath, author of The Sleep Council's new Goodnight Guide for Children.

If you're not sleeping comfortably - which you won’t if your bed's not right - then you’re not getting the quality sleep you need and without that you won’t have the mental or physical resources to stay calm, in control and on top of things.

Good Night's Sleep!

Kendra Court
Gatherings Event Planning

Thick vs. Thin…

What comes to mind when someone says thick vs. thin? This debate could be about pizza crust, books, or coffee. (thick Chicago-style crust with cheesy toppings or strong, thick Italian coffee). You could also be talking about gorgeous, voluminous hair, thick strong nails or luscious, thick eyelashes. There is even a thick method of advertising. For example in the radio business, buy ads on ONE radio station, and have them air everyday in the same 4 or 5 hour block of time, and pretty soon, you will become the most recognized business in your profession for the thousands of listeners that hear about you day after day. Contrasted by a thin method which would be more sporadic and less strategic.

Isn’t it funny that in most cases we enjoy & appreciate thick, robust things rather than thin, wiry things. But who decided what’s attractive & enjoyable? We generally agree as a society that thick eyelashes & thick hair are attractive but thick bodies are not. Generally speaking, thin bodies are more attractive to the opposite sex. We revere & celebrate the thin body. We put it on the cover of magazines & hoist it up as an example of how to be successful & get ahead.

The pressure to be thin in our society has gotten so great that women are going to extreme lengths like starvation & surgery to be considered beautiful. In fact I recently found a heinous website describing the top 100 ways to be thin including:

- drinking vinegar
- eating laxatives
- diet pills (that may cause heart problems)
- punching your stomach when you get hunger pains
- caffeine pills
- smoking to curb cravings

This twisted, shocking website described in detail how to hide your starvation in the quest to be thin. Haven’t we gone too far? Rather than making ourselves sick, tying ourselves into knots, and forming equally destructive habits like smoking on the quest for a thin body, can’t we be happy being thick & healthy? We could always pretend that someone decided thin, wiry hair and thick thighs & stomachs were attractive. Oh what a different world it would be….

Kendra Court
Gatherings Event Planning

I’m a coffee convert…

I recently started drinking coffee. I am in my mid-thirties and have managed to make it this long with the nasty habit of drinking coffee. I resisted the temptation in high school when several friends started the habit because it was cool. I pulled several all-nighters without the assistance of the wonder stimulant in University, while my roommates glided through the night with ease. And I have even resisted the professional temptations over the last 10 years in the corporate world while my colleagues were advancing & climbing the ladder over coffee breaks.

I prided myself on not drinking coffee. I wore it as a badge of honour at social functions as if I were doing something virtuous. Sometimes I would even state it loud & proud for all to hear, “actually I don’t drink coffee”.

So it came as a shock to me in the fall of 2009 that I ordered a coffee at Starbucks during a routine business meeting. I was dealing with a lot of personal and professional stress at the time and feeling quite sleep deprived. On the off chance that this beverage accomplished what it claimed to, I was willing to try it. “WOW”! So this is what everyone has been talking about for years. I felt brighter, more alert, and full of energy. I was ready to face this meeting with verve.

In the next few days I found myself ordering coffee each time I was given the opportunity. It was only once in awhile and my rationale was that it was a latte so it was mostly milk anyway. Then the weeks turned into months and I now drink coffee daily, full strength, plain black.

I suffered much ridicule from friends and family for my recent habit. Why are you drinking coffee NOW? You’ve lasted this long without it. I can’t believe you’re drinking coffee. It seemed as though I was getting criticism for engaging in a self-destructive behaviour. But then it dawned on me, what’s so bad about coffee? I assume the main reason for the negative press is the amount of caffeine. However look at the rest of the North American diet, there is caffeine and other stimulants in most processed food. Then take tea, I mean tea is touted as a wonderful alternative hot beverage. Don’t drink coffee, tea is much better…but do most people know tea has as much or more caffeine?

So I’ve accepted this habit for what it is, and to heck with those sceptics. I like the taste, I love how it makes me feel and it’s warm & confronting. Why wouldn’t I drink it? I’m a coffee convert…

Kendra Court
Gatherings Event Planning

I’m sitting here on International Women’s Day reflecting on how far we’ve come. There are groups and services that are dedicated to the advancement of women and typically they describe a very depressing story. These groups talk about the glass ceiling and how women aren’t represented adequately enough in positions of leadership. For instance at the most recent Women of Influence Luncheon the statistic was announced that only 14% of all available board seats are held by women. Meaning 86% of all directors on corporate boards are men. A stat that seems appalling in this day and age, however I pose the questions “have women asked to be in these board seats” and “do we advocate enough for ourselves and each other?” I realize that our male counterparts in business are making x% more than us, attributing to the inequity in compensation and advancement. It’s also come to my attention that in the arts & culture sector there are many inequities as well. I sit on the board of directors for Nightwood Theatre and a recent study by the artistic director showed how few positions there were for women in the theatre community. She also pointed out how few females are in positions of leadership (i.e. directors, producers). I’m sure if we studied other industries, we’d see a similar story and similar representation.

I’m sure we can all get caught up in the anger of this inequity and asking the proverbial question, WHY? However as I sit here on International Women’s Day, I’d like to take a different approach and CELEBRATE where we are. Just this past Sunday the first woman ever won “BEST DIRECTOR” at the Oscars, Katherine Bigelow. What an amazing accomplishment for her to win best picture and best director in such a male dominated industry. Another fantastic accomplishment can be recognized right here close to home. Mary Aiken has to be celebrated for creating a haven for women at the Verity Club. This is a supportive environment for women to network, mentor each other, and gain respite from the stresses of life.

I choose to celebrate today and think of all the good things that are happening for women both abroad and at home. If we want to pave the way for our daughters and grand-daughters, I invite you to choose celebration and NOT anger. I invite you to encourage your female counterparts, mentor young women when & where you can, and always advocate for those that can’t advocate for themselves. Let’s not get caught up in the negativity on such an incredible day...cherish being a woman and celebrate our accomplishments!!!

Kendra Court
Gatherings Event Planning

FastLane: Makeover your Business

Last month's event was held at Demalogica Institute at King Street West.
The theme was "Beauty" and guests explored many outlets that could assist them with first impression and provide with the knowledge and tools to look your best.

FastLane also featured two Speed Networking sessions - a service that was introduced to Toronto by FastLane. Much like speed dating , participants had seven minutes to begin a business relationship creating an opportunity to leverage each others’ success.

We'd like to thank all sponsors for their support: Dermalogica, Absolute Comedy, Aradia Fitness, Anthony Parazo Photography, Blo Blow Dry Bar, Château Des Charmes, Clothes Call, Dalish Cosmetics, Element, Fit Wraps, Massage on Wheels, Fruits and Passion, Nail Art, Oyster Bay, Sharp Reminder and Your Shop Girl.

Stay tuned! Check the website for upcoming FastLane events.

We hope to see you all at our next event on April 13th!
Renata Altrão & The Gatherings Team

Succeeding in Turbulent Times

Feng Shui & Astrology Seminar 2010

Join Joey Yap for his highly popular and informative seminar that provides you with everything you need to know to succeed in the Year of the Metal Tiger!

Online: http://www.masteryacademy.com/toronto
Email: lydia@liferesources.ca
Tel: +416-564-9800 (Lydia Loo)

** Call Lydia Loo @ 416-564-9800 or lydia@liferesources.ca
to get a special price.
Mention the promo code "Gatherings" and pay only $38.00.
Bulk tickets of 10, are giving an extra 10% off. **
Offer Expires: 13th March 2010

Waste Reduction for a “Cause” (at your next meeting):

The trend the last few years has been to "green" our meetings and events and think of ways to save the environment one biodegradable cup at a time. Well here is a great way to reduce waste & hunger at the same time. It’s as easy as “wrapping it up”.

- Start by developing a contract clause with the venue and/or caterer that requires them to donate the extra food to a local food bank;
- Any food that is prepared and not served from meetings typically goes into landfills, however it can go to feed the hungry;
- Develop a partnership with a local service organization to come & pick up the leftovers;
- During the meeting or conference offer delegates the option of working for a few hours at a local soup kitchen or food bank…this not only gives back to the community but offers the company a chance for corporate social responsibility thereby increasing the physical and economic health of all people.

Check here more tips of how to make your own green event!
Renata Altrão & The Gatherings Team