It's tailgating season...pump up the party!

Each fall the brisk, cool weather is accompanied by football season which is a reason to celebrate for many.

I'm not a big football fan, but I do like tailgating and I love unique party essentials which is why I'm so enthralled with the Party Pump. The Party Pump is the tailgating must-have of the year! This is a party waiting to happen.

It's functional and chic. It is reusable, portable, durable and holds up to 9 liters of your favorite party drink. It's easy to assemble, easy to clean and easy to re-fill.

Don't tailgate? That's OK, the Party Pump is perfect for picnics, camping, boating, backyard BBQs, potlucks and office parties. If you own it, you will use it!

This and many other party essentials (that add personality to social gatherings) are available at CasualPanache.com.

I love these Celebration Candles

My daughter's "Hang 10" beach/luau themed party was a ton of fun for many reasons including our friends and the great location (Jellystone Campground). There are so many things I could highlight but I'm going to focus on my favorite feature of this party...the birthday cake topped with these magnificent 15 inch tall candles. I have been dying to use these Celebration Candles since I first found them and they did not disappoint!

The cake was a masterpiece in it own right, created by Dyan Larson and Sandi Meinsen from Desserts First Bakery in Eau Claire, WI. The flamboyant sherbet orange icing and giant bright hibiscus flowers on a simplistic round cake served on a pedestal was the perfect platform for these fabulous candles.

I love that these candles flirt between fun and frivolous and classy and elegant and no one can deny the "wow power" of Celebration Candles. The "larger than life" feel evokes the same emotion in the guest of honor. It amazes me how one simple touch can add so much character and flair to a party. These candles are the essence of Casual Panache.

Positive Alernatives' Menomonie Idol

What a blast. I had a great time tonight supporting an agency that is near and dear to my heart. Tonight was the 4th Annual Menomonie Idol which is a fundraiser for Positive Alternatives. No, I didn't sing, but I was one of the judges. It's a tough job but I love it! Blain was the well deserving winner tonight.

Those of you that know me, know that I was the director of this non-profit, social service agency for many, many years. Positive Alernatives does great work supporting our youth and helping to strengthen families.

A big round of appaulse to the PA Director, Kim Edwards, and the rest of the staff. They did an excellent job of coordinating this large event tonight. I am so very proud to have been a part of it. I'm looking forward to next year.

Go on Staycation and Party

Given the state of the economy, staycations (staying home while on vacation) have been a popular topic of conversation. I like this idea a lot. That’s not to say that I don’t love the idea of vacationing in Hawaii or Mexico too, but if that isn’t in your financial future then I say, go on staycation and party.

If you think about it, throwing a party is very similar to going on vacation. All of the excitement is there. When planning a vacation, first you have to decide where to go. The same is true with a party. Where do you want your party to take you - to a Hawaiian luau; a Mexican fiesta; a grand casino; a barnyard bash; on a scavenger or smack in the middle of a murder mystery?

Once you decide on your vacation destination then the focus shifts to what you’re going to do when you get there. Same with a party – what will you and your guests do? What will you serve to eat and drink? Will there be activities, contest, games, prizes, or party favors?

You get the idea. The party-vacation parallel goes on and on. Packing for your travels compares to shopping and preparing for the festivities. Of course the best comparison is last one… the amazing fun you will have with your friends and family and the lasting memories created. (Don’t forget your camera!)

Having a staycation party is a win – win. You save money, have a blast and may even be motivated to tackle those household projects you’ve been putting off. I can’t help with the household projects, but my e-boutique is growing everyday. There you can find new and unique or tried-and-true party products that will add panache to your gathering and not break the bank.

Parties with meaning create lasting memories

It's that time of year again...my daughter's birthday is just around the corner. Of course I love planning parties, but I have to admit I've created a monster. "What are we going to do for my birthday?" is the question of the week. Interestingly enough, I thought we had already decided that. Weeks ago, she told me she wanted a Hawaiian Luau themed party. Great, no argument from me. There are tons of fun products out there for a Hawaiian themed party. We started making lists of decorations, food and drink ideas, and activities. We talked about what she would wear and possible party favors. I was set to put the plan in motion and then she started asking the question again, "what are we going to do for my party?"

She had decided that a Luau was not "original" enough. (Where does she get this stuff? Oh yea, from me. I knew those words would come back to haunt me one day.) I assured her that it was original, that we have never had a Hawaiian themed party before and, in fact, she has never been invited to a Hawaiian themed party. She was not buying it. She knew that Luau parties were not a new idea. However, she really liked everything else about it; the menu, drinks, decorations and activities that we had discussed.

What was missing was the personal connection to the theme. It was missing meaning. When she was younger and in love with princesses (as most little girls are) we had a Princess for a Day party. The year she was a flamingo for Halloween she had a Pink Flamingo birthday party. When we moved into our new neighborhood and wanted to get to know all the new neighborhood children, we had a Backyard Carnival. But this year there didn’t appear to be a reason for selecting the Luau theme.

After just a few minutes, we quickly came up a new twist and now it works. We decided on a “Hang 1o with Meg” party. She doesn’t surf but she is turning 10 years old and she wants a Hawaiian themed party. So, hang loose dude, it’s all good.

Wild Hibiscuc Flowers (as seen in Real Simple magazine June 2008)

New product alert! Wild Hibiscus Flowers in Syrup

This product was featured in the June 2008 issue of REAL SIMPLE magazine and is now available at Casual Panache. (REAL SIMPLE article: http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/package/0,21861,1738123-1737982,00.html)

I'm a big fan of featuring signature drinks at parties. A signature drink should incorporate the following elements:
1. Correspond with the party theme
2. Add an element of fun or surprise and
3. Be down right unforgettable

Wild Hibiscus Flowers, imported from Australia, are the pinnacle of panache and are sure to add a “WOW” factor to your gathering.

Wild Hibiscus Flowers in Syrup add colorful beauty, a sweet accent and a bit of magic to champagne, martinis and carbonated drinks. Once the bud is added to the drink, it actually blooms in your glass. And it’s edible!

A signature drink featuring a Wild Hibiscus is regal, romantic and gorgeous; perfect for a brunch, cocktail party, Valentine’s Day and Girl’s Night just to name a few.

Check it out: href="http://www.casualpanache.com/category.sc?categoryId=41">Wild Hibiscus Flowers

Family and friends are a key element in the success of a business

I’m home from the Craft and Hobby Association Summer Tradeshow feeling validated, enthusiastic and more focused. It was an excellent show and very different from the other gift and party trade shows that I’ve attended. At many of the booths, I made it a point to learn about the company's history and owners in addition to hearing about their products. The stories, timelines, risks and rewards were fascinating and heartening. The support of family and friends was repeatedly referenced and evident.

If the support of family and friends is a key element in the success of a business, then I have no doubt that Casual Panache will realize the stature I’m envisioning. Many days, it’s the excitement of my children, the eagerness of my friends and family and encouragement from my husband that re-energizes my commitment to this venture.

Here’s a great example of what keeps me going… today, my 11 year old son created a slide show / video commercial for Casual Panache and posted it on You Tube. I’m so proud and honored! I love that he sees this new business as something fun and something that he wants to be apart of. He’s sure we are going to get thousands of views. If you come across the video, keep in mind that he created this totally on his own. It was not proofed or reviewed by the Casual Panache Marketing Director (me) prior to it being posted;). http://www.youtube.com/swf/l.swf?video_id=Kj1G2iiR-rE&rel=1&eurl=&iurl=http%3A//i.ytimg.com/vi/Kj1G2iiR-rE/default.jpg&t=OEgsToPDskLlWSlQUkf9H8yzsrX4WQ4D&fs=1%22%3E%3C/param%3E%3Cparam&hl=en

It’s good to be home. I can’t wait to start working on my new ideas and responding to the many sales that will be placed as a result of the new You Tube commercial.

Great Finds at CHA Summer 2008 Show

Eight hours later and I still haven't seen it all!

There are amazing craft products out there. I know that Casual Panache is a themed party e-boutique and not a craft store, but if you are like me, you are always looking for unique ideas and concepts that add a personalized flair to your social gatherings.

I came across a few products today that are must-haves. I can't wait to show you the chic and trendy cards and invitations that you can print yourself with the Glitz Create - A - Card program and the digital scrapbook templates that can go along with it. These designs will supplement many party themes and maybe even inspire a few.

My other favorite find of the day was sheets of shrink film (you know - like shrinky dinks) that 1. you can run through your printer and 2. come in many great party colors. There are numerous ways to use this product. One idea that immediately comes to mind is making personalized cocktail charms for your guests. It's quick, easy, and anything personalized makes a great party favor. I'd be interested in hearing any ideas you might have too.

I'm headed back to the show tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.

CHA Summer 2008 Trade Show - Worth the trip!

Hello out there...

I am in Chicago at the CHA (Craft & Hobby Association) Summer Trade Show and soaking up the information and ideas. I haven't even hit the trade show floor yet and already I am inspired. I attended several excellent workshops today and one motivated me to take the leap. I've been questioning it, fearing it and avoiding it, but Claudine Hellmuth provided the motivation I needed and here I am....blogging!

Claudine Hellmuth is current and has an infectious personality. When she said that I need to be blogging, I believed her. You make be familiar with Claudine Hellmuth. She has been on Martha Stewart and HGTV. She is a fabulous artist and impressive entrepreneur. You should check out her website: http://www.collageartist.com/



Jean Chatzky is here too. You know from the Today Show! I now have a signed copy of her new book, Make Money Not Excuses.

I can't wait to get on the show floor tomorrow morning!