Denis Carriere, Author at Montreal Event Planner

Can someone say “chaos”?!

December 2021December 2022 in Articles

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The year wrapped up with a hectic month, to say the least. It was quite chaotic in the sense that I had a lot going on with my family, I was planning a quick getaway, and school was finishing up.

In December I did a quick trip to Costa Rica and it’s such a beautiful place. Thank GOD I had that escape because of what was coming up: it’s a good thing I had a break and a vacation for my mental health. Let me just say that it’s very draining taking care of elderly parents. And I do LOVE them to death.

I finally got to do an event in December. It was for Lasalle College, and I helped plan luncheons for all the departments. These luncheons where spread over a two-week span during their lunch hours. Each department had their luncheon within the school’s restaurant. This year exceptionally it was done this way so we could still celebrate and respect the COVID19 restrictions at the same time.. Oufff that was quite challenging but great. What was great too that I was able to recruit some of my students to help and work off some of their internship hours. Even though we worked hard for those 2 weeks. We also got to taste the food that was served yummo… wonderfully prepared gourmet lunches by the College’s graduating chefs.

On the Planner front…. I did have meetings with clientele and suppliers – all in hope we can get events off the ground and in motion for April and May coming…

Unfortunately, Christmas gatherings were odd again this year because my niece got Covid so the family couldn’t all get together. But, as always, we made the most of it.

Wishing everyone Happy Holidays and Happier SAFER New year… see you all next year!

Gains & Losses Kinda Month

November 2021December 2022 in Articles

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Hi everybody and so another month concludes November was a pretty intense and interesting for me.

Interesting because there was a lot of insight, intergrowth, and reflection and this came about because once again we had another month of deaths. Also, the unexpected passing of my beloved little fur baby Ballo (he was 12 years old) I loved him so and was my TRUE partner (we where with each other 24/7) due to the pandemic so you can imagine my devastation….

Ballo 2009 – 2021
The most difficult thing of having you is saying goodbye…
We loved you your whole life and we will miss you for the rest of ours…
We are taught that angels have wings…true… however, the bonus is when they have 4 paws…
This is where our journey together ends and yours begins running around with your buddies
I stroked your nose and kissed you as you take your final rest we love you tons.
Send our love to your buddies Max – Bowzer and Celestino… until we meet again..

However, this being said life goes on… had my usual incentives travel zoom meetings and several contracts that materialized. They are the annual sales meetings that I prepare per usual only this time with the logistical changes due to COVID regulations. Yes, folks it is slowly but surely picking up – fingers crossed people fingers crossed.

Was quite busy on the school front. Besides my online classes, we held the bi-annual Open House for future students to come and signup for their courses. Was invited to be a keynote speaker at one of the Tourism classes. And we launched the Entrepreneurship Contest (dubbed as lion’s den) for the upcoming year. How exciting!!!

For the Holiday Celebration, I was asked to help out the staff at the school’s restaurant LaClasse to help man the registration for the school’s holiday party. This year was slightly different logistically speaking; it was decided to break it up into a 2-week span and have departmental luncheons. This is because we can’t have our annual big bash of 400pple in one place. Although it was GREAT the unfortunate thing is that not everybody could attend. Due to the labour shortage. Boy this pandemic is really affected a lot of things at a lot of different levels (it’s incredible) …

I also helped out at a bowling fundraising event for the following organization Friends4acause what a success it was they quickly sold out the alleys and raised quite a bit of money. I guess people really miss going out and they of course believe in the cause.

I actually attended a few events, (let me tell you it felt weird and good at the same time. One was a Book launch of one of my dear friends and the other was an homage concert for Elton John what fun that was !!!! Good god I miss socializing…

And YES, I’m still cooking up a storm with some baking here and there.

So that was my November in a nutshell. Let’s see what December has in store… OMGosh I just said December …. so, this means 2021 is almost done!!!

Filled with Adventures – Accolades

October 2021December 2022 in Articles

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October, was an exciting month and I loved, loved, loved it. The main reason I loved it so much is because for the first time in almost 2 years I headed to a new travel adventure in Quito, Ecuador . That was much fun and enlightening. Just the fact that I was able to travel again was exhilarating!! Of course, it goes without say I was scared – excited – nervous – uber anxious… in regard to the flight and the destination itself. And to my pleasant surprise all went well, so long we follow the rules that are implored to everyone. About the trip take a look at my pictures, which tells the story of this colonial city where there’s lots of churches – museums – chocolate factories and distilleries to discover. I even had the privilege of walking the centre of the earth called: Ciudad Mitad del Mundo (Equator Marker) it being on the equator and all. Here is the link to my Travel Trend Blog, should you want to read more about it:

The month continued with my online teaching, great group of students really enjoying them; love to see up and coming Event Planners (eager beavers) to do what they love to do. They inspire me so much and probably have no idea. Speaking of education, I was asked to represent College Lasalle at the Salon Education held this month at the Olympic stadium. FUN to see up and coming students and it was GREAT to get out and about (a bit of normalcy)

In the meantime, there has been a little bit of activity on the business side of things. Had opportunities to bid on a few upcoming contracts. Didn’t get them all – yup – you lose some you win some. But either way it is a good sign of things to come. I’ve been keeping up with the Zoom meetings and networking opportunities. Truth be told I’m really getting tired of this virtual stuff .. I really cannot wait to start in person meetings – we are made to be social beings!! And uber anxious to get this “monster pandemic” gone.

Since the pandemic began, it seems to me I’m being recognized and/or nominated as of late. You see, I found out that I once again have been nominated in two categories. The fabulous thing is that it was not in my home province that I was recognized. That alone is an HONOR!!!! The 2 categories are Mentor of the Year and Planner of the Year for MPI Ottawa’s Annual Prestigious Awards… WOWZERS!!! Goes to prove that your peers are actually noticing or looking at your work… who new??!! I don’t know who nominated me, but I would love to thank them very much. No folks, I didn’t win, however, just the fact that I was honored with two nominations in another province that is pretty spectacular to me!!! Once again Congrats to all the winners.

Took advantage of the fall colours and went up north to my parents’ cottage for a few weekends. It did me good, I know it’s not busy for me, however, at times I need to get away in seclusion and just be with myself. I love it there. It’s saves me from my own sanity again and again even though I’m not going crazy it’s still my escape.

Cooking up storms and I enjoy every moment of it – just forgot to take picture of my creations…

Happy Halloween…

That is all for now – see you in November !!

Semi-busy month this month.

September 2021December 2022 in Articles

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September is one of my favorite months of the year not only because it’s my birthday but also because of the fall colours.

Regarding school, it’s business as usual, the online classes continue this semester I have five classes and I loving it. Out of the two groups I have, one is on their last semester and the second group is brand new and I/m loving their enthusiasm!! You see when it’s brand group their eagerness and excitement is contagious. Which encourages me to share my passions and my knowledge of this beloved industry.

Yes, the Zoom/Teams meetings still going strong. The show must go on!! And it’s lovely to see my industry colleagues (even though it’s not in person yet) thriving and doing the best we can considering the situation at hand. You see unfortunately not many people have survived the COVID situation and when I say situation, I mean workwise our industry has been damaged BIG TIME to the point people have lost their jobs and/or positions have been abolished due to closures of businesses – I’m telling you the industry had taken a WOPPING hit these past few years due to the pandemic. It is a sad sad situation, for now. Hopefully, I myself could hang on to it a little longer.

It has been a fruitful month with lots of harvests; tomatoes, fruits, salads, peppers, cabbage, etc. etc… I am busy jamming and preserving all these beautiful, delish gifts from mother nature. Yum Yum!!

We also journeyed up north for a few weekends it is usually lovely however at this time of the year with those vibrant colors it is lovelier. Also, took the time to meet finally meet friends (face to face) for either brunch or lunch. What a pleasure it was. (I haven’t seen these people in person) So it was nice to do so. It’s amazing what this pandemic did to our perspectives and taught us how precious life is.

On the event planning side, I got to help out at an annual Golf Fundraiser Tournament event that was held on a Saturday at Piedmont Golf. BOY I forgot how fun these tournaments can be!!! I also realized I was in my true element – I loved it – I also enjoyed the fact that it’s nice to not have the responsibility of running an event and help executing it with full heartedness. Yes, I love love loved it.

Still cooking up a storm. And I must confess I am STILL loving it!!!!

Wrapping up the month with my Birthday Celebration on the last day of September. This year (because we are allowed) I invited my close-knit family; my parents – my brother and his kids to celebrate. What fun it was. It had been such a long time since we gathered all together. Again, the thing the Pandemic has taught me….

Lastly, in early October I’m going on a FAM (familiarization tour) to Quito, Ecuador. This will be my very first business trip since the Pandemic started. I will not lie, I am anxious nervous happy excited all in one but I can’t wait. Will share my experiences next month with you.

Take care – Stay safe – Speak soon…

A month of HiGHS and LoWS

August 2021December 2022 in Articles

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A month of HiGHS and LoWS… what I mean by this is that I had to attend quite a few wakes/funerals. (6 to be exact) It was a month of losses, friends, family, and colleagues. When this happened this time, it forced me to reflect on my own mortality and truly take stock and appreciate everything that life has given me thus far. I don’t mean to be philosophical nor cliché, however, in times like these I can’t help to be grateful of my life; loved ones, friends, co-workers, employees so on and so forth. And to evaluate my gratitude for everything, and I mean everything that has happened so far. Yes, the good the bad and the ugly. Sending out prayers to everyone that have been dealing with some sort of lose in their lives….

That was the lows, now there was plenty of highs too. For instance, it was my 35th wedding anniversary when I reflect on that, I think oh my God WOWZERS 35 years that’s a long time. But honestly it doesn’t feel like it at all. The plan was to celebrate and to go to Indonesia for this milestone. However, due to the pandemic, we couldn’t do it, oh well. We did, however, celebrate in small ways, with family friends for drinks, at restaurants, picnics, etc… Then the day after it was one of my nieces birthday, she turned 18…. Oh my God where has the time gone. She’s legal and all grown up!! I cannot wait to see this young lady flourish!!

Speaking of celebration, we celebrated ‘life’ with friends, families, extended family. Simply because we FINALLY CAN . During our 18months (or so) of the pandemic isolation and with the vaccine available it has enabled us to socialize ‘liberally’ always with caution.

As for my Event Planning business it is still dormant. However, I was hired by the school’s Director at LaSalle College to plan BACK TO SCHOOL event. We where on uber tight schedule 6-7 weeks this did not give us much time. Too boot it was to be a hybrid event, due to the pandemic. (of course, I took the challenge!!) The restrictions where enormous and complex for this situation and it was very new to everyone involved. As the Project Manager and I had to make decisions based on the government’s constant changing rules. Not an easy task. You need to understand to organize and execute a Hybrid event adds tons of other variables we where not accustomed to as meeting planners…. However, when you work with great – professional – fantastic suppliers it does ease the process to execute this event flawlessly. PROUD moment!!!

Ohhh yes, I did the usual zoom industry destination meetings which I’m working with clients to possibly start the travel itinerary. This is if Canada opens up and other countries allow us to come.

Amongst all this the third week of August symbolized five-year anniversary for me since my diagnosis of breast cancer as much as I want to celebrate and am grateful for this. I am STILL nervous about it coming back … behind in my mind I’m always cringing, always worried. I do try to calm it down, taking it one day at a time… it is not easy once you’ve been touched by this horrible disease it basically changes your entire perspective on things and you stay marked for life. Don’t get me wrong, I am a positive person!! However, I’m still secretly petrified by it.

Moving forward, yes, I am still cooking up a storm… here are some pictures. YES, I still enjoy this tremendously and am very thankful for all this.

And believe it or not, somehow someway we managed to squeeze in a quick get-a-away. It was a four-day vacation. We ended up going to a spot called Sandbanks. It’s a National Park here in Canada. WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW. We where shocked, my husband and I could not believe that we had this paradise only 4 1/2 hours away from where we live. Let me explain, we kept hearing about this place and wondering if it was really “all that”. Well folks YES, IT IS … I swear to you it was very much like if you were in Florida!! Only thing difference is no salt water and no palm trees, other than that guys it was spectacular true we had fantastic weather 30+ degrees which helped. And the water was so warm 80+degrees, for me this was warm enough go in and enjoy it. OMGOSH I could not believe the paradise that we have discovered and to boot it is next door to Quebec!!! The only thing is that the hotels are not near by. Account for approximately a maximum of 45 minutes drive to and from the beach. But trust me, it’s worth it. Those three days actually helped me so so much!! We returned fully relaxed. I will do a write up on my Travel Trend Blog in the next few weeks. Here is the link:

So folks that was my month of August with lots of highs – lots of lows – much ups and much downs.

But overall wonderful … see you in September!!

Intense Party month of July

July 2021December 2022 in Articles

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Intense Party month of July

Hi everyone welcome to my monthly blog for July …. OUFFFFFFFAAAA what a month it was for me!!!

Started with and early morning phone call from my brother informing me that he is at the emergency!!! So, of course, I immediately went to assist and help him on whatever needed to get done that week. Needless to say, it was much juggling – back and forth trying to help out and managing his day-to-day affairs as best I could. And of course, the PANDEMIC complicated matters a little more. In the end, the pain he felt was a result of a complication of a hernia & ulcer operation he had a few years ago. It was the mesh that was placed during that operation that somehow someway during the healing process it intertwined itself with the intestines and that is where things got painful so much, so he rushed himself to the emergency. This was resolved with a quick non-invasive operation, and all is good now thank God.

That following week was one my niece’s birthday, she turned 12 years old we surprised her with signage in front of the home. We couldn’t attend the birthday party due to covid, so we compensated in that way.
The ‘joys’ of the PANDEMIC ().

This month I actually started to do some ‘work’, we ended up doing a few site visits at a new hotel here in Laval Times Hotel the other was Jardin Montreal. It was nice and at the same time it felt odd, not having done a site visit in such a long time…

Speaking of more work, I did the usual industry zoom meetings from destination spots all over the world. Yes, folks for now, it is STILL my reality. Hopefully things will get back to some sort of normal. I will confide to you guys that for me it will take another year or so before the incentive part of my business will properly start.

Speaking of properly starting I am starting to go out more, visited friends and colleagues, meeting them at restaurants/cafes or simply in their backyards. What fun it was nice actually see humans (in person) and to be back to some sort of normality (whatever that is nowadays)

Then a few weeks later the July Birthday celebrations continued… With my brother’s – our mom’s and close family members. And yes my baking/cooking obsessions continues…

And since I NEED to get out and traveling (by plane) anywhere still seems too complex right now, we decided to do a few road trips like heading north to Tremblant to get away for a few weekends. Yes, it’s getting hard to be home 24/7 I’m starting to realize that I’m getting a little stir crazy… Don’t get me wrong I love, being home and all am TRULY enjoying it especially during the summer. However, trips to the supermarkets and malls are not as exciting anymore, I am realizing that I NEED a change of scenery too. So, if I can take small road trips and get out on the weekends it’s really great and it’s really appreciated…

See you all next month … ciao for now

BOOM BOOM BOOM SHAKALAKA

June 2021December 2022 in Articles

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BOOM BOOM BOOM SHAKALAKA

Hi everyone, oufffffaaa what a month June was….

Started quiet enough with a few typical industry destination meetings. Which I learnt so so much and it’s having me DESPERATELY wanting to travel more and more. But alas, for now it will have to be virtually. Yup we are STILL in Pandemic mode here in Canada – even though hubby and I are fully vaccinated – The Canadian government has been cautiously giving the green light and allowing some re-openings even though another variant is at large!! STILL is scary!!!

School is still forging ahead online and am LOVING it!! A few more weeks left for the summer session and then hopefully we will be physically back on campus?!? (fingers crossed)

On the personal front Hubby and I are trying to figure out some vacation time and where to go exactly… I’m pretty opened to go out west or out est within our beautiful country … all that is left to do is hunker down dates!! (yes the pandemic has effected vacay dates too) GRRRRRR!!!

However, having said this we did celebrate Father’s day with family and celebrated St. Jean Baptiste and some life’s milestones with some friends, all socially distanced of course.

Also found time to discover new spots in and around our beautiful city. Also found time to discover new spots in and around our beautiful city. Picnics along the water are a staple for hubby and I. Weather it’s along the water or in parks we truly love these escapades TONS. It is incredible how a small change of scene does wonders to the mindset. (especially since I’ve been home 24/7)

Then near the end of the month BOOM BOOM BOOM my brother rushed himself to the hospital!!! And I went into sister help mode – tended to his every need (with the help of Mom and Dad, his kids and girlfriend) We assisted his post operation recovery… It was basically a complication from another operation he had done a few years back – WOW didn’t know that could even happen…. Live and learn!! And a few days after this, my husband gets into a car accident – it was a fender bender and he is alright, thank GOD !!! However, talk about intense moments one lives through!!! I know such as life..

And yes yes I’ve been cooking up storms trying new recipes and returning with old ones… I truly LOVE being Daniela homemaker !!! (and I’m a self proclaimed FEMINIST) how ironic is that !!! lololololololololo

Well that is it for now hopefully July will full of vacation adventures that I can share with you .. stay tuned!!

Just another manic Month-day

May 2021December 2022 in Articles

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Just another manic Month-day

Another month living under the covid situation in my life and industry. I am making the best of it and hanging in there. It does help/encourage me when I attend industry meetings; basically, what I’m doing is staying in touch with client’s + suppliers virtually. And participate in the travel trade shows. For instance, this month I ‘virtually visited’ parts of Europe. One week I was all over Greece another week I was all over Italy and another week I was partaking in a FAM Tour exploring South Africa. YES, this makes me want to travel even more – I do miss traveling. Its kind of sort of torture at this point.

On the school front I did some mentoring and have my online classes that are coming along. I have four classes this summer session. Which equates to a grand total of 6 hours!! Very little I must say. Buy, I can not and will not complain it could be so much worse.

I am also still cooking up storms and loving every minute of it. Including my 2-hour daily walks with the dog. While listening to my music on Spotify. At this point I’m thinking: “I’m living the life” of course I miss working my events/meetings – I miss coordinating and organizing all my clients’ incentives programs. (and boy do I miss the $$$) However, for now, it is what it is!! The are still restrictions some have been lifted but we are far from back to normal. My prediction is that by the time things actually back to whatever the new normal is going to be, it will be a while … I’m guessing probably the second quarter of next year!!

Due to this free time, I am finally doing some gardening!! Ohhhhh yes, I totally love gardening. I actually forgot how much I love it!!! You see before COVID I would be traveling for work all the time. So, I would not have time to get my hands dirty and garden. Now I am able to plan out my planting and do some much needed upgrading in the back yard. How therapeutic this was, I loved, loved, loved it.

It was my mother in law’s birthday, so we celebrated it COVID Fashion. Socially distanced.

Due to all this time I have to spare I also was finally able to go up north where the family cottage is … Another, thing I missed out on due to my busy work schedule. SIDE NOTE: I’ve missed that place sooooo much!!! I used to go there every weekend in my youth…. Hope to continue the tradition with my niece and nephew ….

Overall, another quietish month with many good things – thank the Lord because it could be so much worse….

Hope to see you and hear from you next month goodbye for now.

Action Packed

April 2021December 2022 in Articles

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April was an action-packed month virtually speaking, of course.

Hello Y’all … how are you guys doing?

Myself? I am ‘living the dream’, yup being a tad sarcastic, considering the situation we are in collectively. However, I am aware things can be sooo much worse.

As mentioned above, it has been quite an action-packed month. Starting with Easter celebrations extremely sparse socially distanced …so it is safe to say that it was not your typical traditional Easter at the Caputo / Paduano household. It is quite frustrating, but it is what it is. Eventually we will get back to whatever the new normal will be.

The second week of April was time for my seasonal Tire Change

Then was invited to be on a panel discussion for the annual conference called THE EVENT their was a segment that was all about the certifications we have attained over the years and its importance. It was appropriately named; “Alphabet Soup” it is in reference to the bunch of letters next to our names (also known as acronyms). Which basically represents our blood sweat and tears we worked towards for our beloved industry.

the-event-color-sheet-for-vaughan-tourism-daniela-caputo-1-1

Then there was a travel trade conference called Luxury Expo yes of course it was done virtually. This is great because we are trying to stay in touch and slowly to rebuilding/hanging on to our contacts/contracts that are in-limbo in our devastated industry. This trade show covered the destinations like: India – Greece – New York – Middle East – Cambodia, to name a few. (GOD I MISS TRAVELING)

Was also interviewed by EventPros podcast “Personally Professional” to discuss my journey as a Planner and Entrepreneur, here is the link.

And here is the link to the written article on Contract in COVID times:

Went on a “2 day” virtual FAM tour with the gracious invitation from Tourism Kelowna. WOWZER, we got tons of gifts from their world-renowned vineyards. Needless to say, it was educational, and we had a nice array of wine tastings. ChinChin!!

As if that wasn’t enough, I also took part of a fun fun Team Building activity … cookie decorating virtual context – here are the pictures you be the judge!?!

At Lasalle the winter session has wrapped up and so has the final exam corrections. Surprisingly enough, in the midst of all this, I was asked to be a Guest Speaker for two classes … pretty exciting. Because I actually got to school and do it in front of the students live!!! Understand, we were not allowed to go to school since COIVD … So technically it has been a year since I’ve been physically there. WOW what a weird eerie feeling it was, and I realized how much I MISS it!!!

Like every year at this time, I am part of a judging panel for the Ottawa Wedding Awards like everything else, it is virtually done. Another thing I did is Mentoring several future aspiring entrepreneurs. LOVE this so much and love getting feedback for it too ASPIRE to INSPIRE!!

Good evening Daniela,
How are you?
Thank you so much for helping me throughout the whole entrepreneurship contest. You were always there for me. You were always responsive and willing to help. Thanks to your guidance, I received the second prize! I am extremely grateful, Daniela! It was my honor to have you as a coach.

I am working to continue Agence Flyless. I plan to apply to Lab culturel https://www.culturepourtous.ca/professionnels-de-la-culture/lab-culturel/cohorte-4/

But I need to find a partner who has Canadian citizenship or permanent residency. Do you know anyone who would potentially collaborate with me? Maybe your students or somebody who participated in the entrepreneurship contest?

Thank you so much and have a great day,
Khanh

I am continuously keeping in touch with friends on a weekly basis. Regardless, if they are industry friends, or school friends, friends are that friends. (they keep you sane somehow)

On a personal note, I got my 1^st vaccine YAY!! Ballo, my fur baby, finally had his overdue SPA DAY, yes, I am still cooking tons, walking everyday for a few hours and basically, taking advantage/enjoying the much-needed Vitamin D.

The last week of April unfortunately my dad was hospitalised for his heart once again. He has arrythmia and required hospitalization. The Doctor request he stays there to help rectify this condition. (hoping it will be a short hospital stay). Side Note: the staff there are AWESOMENESS – due to COVID we cannot visit him, however, we can call and get updates … those nurses are wonderful!!

As you can read, April was jam packed considering COVID situation!! I don’t know what May will be like. Stay tuned, hope it will be good at least with the weather … speak soon guys love you thanks for reading!!!

Month of Firsts

March 2021December 2022 in Articles

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Month of Firsts

March has come and gone already, but it definitely is starting to feel like Spring!

My month was interesting, simply because I was constantly push out of my comfort zone. (which I enjoyed BTW) It started with an invite to host and emcee College Lasalle’s Student Entrepreneurial event – this is besides that I am already being a coach/mentor to them. Then, I was invited to contribute in a panel discussion on Industry certifications. Lastly was asked to partake in an interview on my Meeting Planner journey… All very flattering; feeling honored and humble to share and inspire… You see I enjoy being behind the scenes more. Again, was honored they actually thought of me.

out-of-comfort-daniela-ellevate-i-support-women-entrepreneurs

Regarding Meeting Planning work, I’ve had some inquiries for this, however, truth be told, not for now. You see I need to wait till our government gives us the go ahead to start and without that go ahead I feel I can’t do anything – c’est la vie! I am however, keeping up and networking within the industry… (yes, I’ve been zooming tons)

Have not stopped cooking and exploring new ideas there! Thankfully, I have also resumed my walking. I took a little hiatus from morning walk for winter because it was just too cold, but I’m back at it and it feels great!