April Escapades: Bridging

April arrived with a mix of offer and fresh energy. The kind of month that feels like both an ending and a beginning all at once. It was a time for wrapping up, reflecting, reconnecting, and planting seeds for what’s next. A true bridging month.

First off we celebrated my brother inlaw’s Birthday, reconnecting with friends and Easter with family.  These celebrations are great to keep us coming together and staying connected.

The mid part of April was all about closing the winter semester. That meant donning my teacher’s hat full-time—writing and correcting final exams, reviewing projects, and guiding students through their final push. It’s the kind of work that demands focus, attention, and care… and I gave it all. And in return (to my surprise) I received a flood of LOVE right back from those students. I’m telling you it is a sincere honor that took the time to write me appriciation notes.. worth the HARD work!!!

There’s a quiet satisfaction that comes from closing out a term. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about witnessing growth—watching how far students have come and knowing you had a hand in their journey. Exhausting? Absolutely. Worth it? Every time.

On the event planning side, April marked a bit of a shift. Most of the client event programs were wrapped up, leaving space to turn the page and begin shaping new projects. It was the perfect time to reflect on what worked, what wowed, and what’s worth reimagining.

This slower pace (relatively speaking!) also gave me time to explore new ideas and collaborations that have been simmering in the background.

This is the perfect time for suppliers to come and do their ‘magic’ with their networking events – really Sales Calls but hey who’s counting. These gatherings weren’t just about exchanging business cards. They were about meeting new people, sparking strategic alliances, and opening doors to fresh possibilities. There’s something incredibly inspiring about being surrounded by peers and professionals who speak the same language of creativity, logistics, and vision. It reminded me why I do what I do—and how much room there still is to grow.

More than anything, April was about bridging and preparation. The preparation for a new academic year. The preparation for the next wave of client events. The preparation for where I want to go next both professionally and personally.

It wasn’t a flashy month, but it was a meaningful one. And sometimes, those are the months that matter most.

See you in May….

Work, Teach, Repeat and Thrive

March arrived like a gentle wake-up call. After the warmth and celebration of the past few months, it was time to return to the rhythm of real life “back to reality” doesn’t have to mean same old dame old. Especially when your calendar includes a whirlwind trip to Marrakech, Morocco.

March was all about keeping things going and on track. Kept teaching online, managing my events, and keeping all of it at a steady pulse with a jam-packed schedule. Having said all this somehow, I’m loving the flow: it’s all about the familiarity, structure, and momentum. In other words, the constant evolution of my work.

Every Teams class, every meeting, every deadline, in the end it all matters. Ohhhh and It’s quite demanding, yes, but also deeply rewarding.

This was also a month for networking. With my busy jam-packed schedule, I made an extra effort of showing up weather online, in person for all industry events. These tend to spark conversation, collaboration, and opportunity. There’s an energy that comes from being in a room full of people who are passionate about what they do. That energy? It fueled me all month long.

The highlight of March? Was a four-day trip to Marrakech for a conference that blended business with cultural richness. It wasn’t a vacation it was an immersive, eye-opening experience.

Marrakech was every bit as enchanting as one imagines: the red-toned architecture, the bustling souks, the scent of spices in the air. But this trip wasn’t about sightseeing—it was about education and learning. The conference brought together voices and ideas from all over, creating space for meaningful dialogue and reflection.

Even though the trip was brief, it was impactful. Between sessions and networking, I took in the city’s vibrancy, its deep history, and its unique rhythm. Marrakech reminded me that business can be beautiful, and learning can happen anywhere—even halfway across the world.

Right after the Moroccan trip we fly out west to Lake Louise Banff what a wonder and what a CONTRACT of weather.. Been to Lake Louise several times during different seasons and my favorite one is all the season it has it’s beauty all on it’s own… Just breathtakingly WOWZER.

As March came to a close, I felt grounded. Recharged. Reminded that even “back to reality” can include color, connection, and moments of inspiration.  It’s not always about escaping it’s about weaving the extraordinary into the everyday.

Tah Tah see you in April ….

Milestones & Moments

February has always carried a certain sweetness, but this year. It was something special. A month of celebration, connection, and quietly powerful moments that made me pause and smile—despite the chill in the air (and in some moments, in my bones!).

The birthday streak continued February didn’t hold back on the festivities. There’s something heartwarming about starting the year surrounded by reasons to celebrate life, and this month delivered in the most meaningful way.

The heart of the month? My husband’s 65th birthday a milestone that deserved more than cake and candles. We celebrated with a trip to the Islands, and it was nothing short of magical. I had planned a special outing, but what truly made it unforgettable was how the hotel staff went out of their way to make him feel honored and cherished.

There’s something deeply touching about watching someone you love to feel genuinely celebrated. His smile said it all. From the thoughtful gestures to the gentle breeze over dinner, the day was perfect—one of those golden moments you want to bottle up forever. .

Of course, life didn’t press pause. I continued working remotely, juggling emails, projects, and teaching my online courses. There’s a unique satisfaction in being able to stay connected and productive, even while traveling. It’s not always easy—but it’s absolutely worth it.

I’ve come to love the rhythm of work-meets-wander, of Zoom calls under tropical skies and lesson plans balanced with life experiences. For instance, was once again invited to join Jasmine’s podcast. It’s a reminder that we don’t always have to choose between passion and purpose—we can live both.

Even when the weather whispers winter, February felt warm. Maybe it was the milestone moments, the laughter, the sense of gratitude that lingered in the air. Or maybe it was just that this month reminded me how beautiful it is to show up .. for work, family, love, and life. Even though it is a juggling act…

Ok ok enough mushiness – see y’all in March.

Remotely

Burr, welcome to January. Happy New Year everybody. Hope everybody had a great New Year’s. Wishing you all the best. Tons of health, wealth and happiness, of course.

Houffaa, what I month it was. Client conferences to organizing and coordinate with eventual execution. Love doing it remotely … one of the benefits of the COVID situation… (it opened doors to remote work).

It’s nice that I can travel and work, truth be told is can be unbalancing at times. Truth be told I am getting accustomed to it. (who’d of thunk it)

This month there were a few birthdays. So of course, they were celebrated (my brother’s girlfriend and my Dad’s)…

Oh and of course the start of the winter session at Lasalle College … this session I chose all online courses. It was a conscious choice due to my hip issues. What I mean is I purposely chose those types of classes to try and heal myself physically … meaning not to be exposed too much to the cold humidity … YES, I am now there… (not fun getting old) and so far this method seems to have worked out …(fingers crossed)

 

The first quarter is always working on a few upcoming projects for clients and getting the chance of bidding on other ones… When I reflect at times and think of it’s time to stop working on events in general … BOOM multiple opportunities come my way…  So it makes me wonder I guess it’s not time yet … is life trying to tell me … no Daniela not yet!!  

Speaking of plans, wrapping this month up for now …  

see you in February… Stay warm!!

Celebrating the Holidays together

December the last month of 2024. Wow, where did the year go? It seems to have flown by.

Started off the month with a nice little getaway at hotel up north called Estérel Resort & SPA. The getaway was one night only. I have forgotten what a LOVELY spot it is… Very ZEN and calming. A little back story: about 2 years ago I had won a luxury all inclusive one-night getaway and never got the chance to use it. This winter was FINALLY the time, ahhhh what a treat this was. Even though it was one night, it was just what the ‘doctor ordered’ so relaxing, it felt like we were gone for a week. We took advantage of the thermal baths, got massages and treated ourselves to fine dining, including a delectable breakfast.

Once back needed to ‘tie-up’ loose ends on the school & business side of things. This means preparing to correct final exams and finalizing/reconciling all office year end paperwork.

Believe it or not somehow, we managed to squeeze in last minute outings with friends soooo much fun…

Meanwhile because it is Christmas period, we started preparing all the gifts; for clients and families (yes there was tons of wrapping). Thank GOD Tony is the wrapping WIZARD he did most of it. Due to last minute changes, we even ended up putting up the Christmas tree and decorations, I say last minute because the original plan was to do everything  at my brother’s this year. But, some logistical issues came up unexpectedly .. we offered to move it at our house … what a SUCCESS. Have to mention Alba’s cooking, my brother’s girlfriend, was divine. AND Dario’s generosity with TONS TONS TONS of food ….oh my goodness. But hey it’s the holidays and we are ITALIAN … enough said. In the end it’s all about LA FAMIGILA!!!  I thoroughly LOVE LOVE LOVE having everybody together no matter how crazy and dysfunctional at times both sides get.

Then the last days of December, we usually spend it quietly at home, and ring in the new year by watching TV just the two of us. However, this year we actually went out with my brother, his girlfriend (Alba), friends and the kids to a restaurant to bring in the New Year. It was sooooo much fun we LOVED it !!!

That’s it for now, wanted to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU for your support in reading my blogs. Wanted to wish you and yours a HAPPY New Year, with tons and tons of health!!!  See you next year.

Reconnecting with Family and Friends

November, ohhhh where do I start!!! A few more months and the year is over. Wow, how did that happen? When did this happen? Where did it go?

Oufff, needless to say this was a month full of good crazy and of reconnecting with some family and friends. I say reconnecting cause next month some of us are soooo busy we will not have the time to do so …

Caught up with friends. Starting with a mini–High School reunion supper … this is soooo awesome, I’ve said it before, and I have to say it again … when we get together it’s like we automatically warp back in time to 1982… LOVE LOVE it !!

Went to see my Rock Star Hockey player nephew Giuliano play. Tony and I don’t get to do that often,  we truly really want to, however, more times than none our schedules don’t work at times. Anyhow, this time we got to go to Victoriaville’s game. He did not end up playing (bummer) but no problem it was nice to see him in person and catch-up. It is soooooo nice to see the family rally around him for support…  

Again, to attending his games at times it is impossible due to my crazy schedule, especially this time of the year, with my clients’ Holiday Parties to finalize and organize last minute logistics and finals exams to prep for my students it’s not always easy to juggle it all.

Other great accomplishment to report; my brother finally (after much struggle with logistics) was finally able to open the Bistro YAYAYAYAY ….

He and his partners have been working/talking about it for a few years now and FINALLY it opened!!! 😊 You should go visit .. it’s called: Bistro Lachenaie, 1220 Av. De La Croisée, Terrebonne, Quebec J6V 1S8.  The sandwiches alone, are the BOMB. Yum Yum Yum!!!

As I’ve mentioned it’s the end of November and this also means wrapping up the Winter Session (aka) FINAL EXAM Time oufffaa the stress on both sides…..speaking of ‘wrapping things up’ the school session. I got a few thank you notes/thoughts and letters from some of my students expressing their gratitude (how sweet of them).

Here’s an example of one: 

Okay that’s a wrap folks and yes totally intended pun. See you next month, December.

It’s going to be quick and jolly kind a month HoHoHo. 😊

Work Work Work

As per every year October is a month of several industry conferences that are always during the Canadian Thanksgiving, so it gives me the opportunity to leave without missing a beat on things here in Montreal and this year was no different.

I truly enjoy attending this conference it is where I have learnt and continue to learn tons within our industry… Oh did I mention it happens annually in Vegas… Even though I’ve been there TONS. I manage always to discover new things to do there… after all it is a continuously evolving city… this time I discover the newly built SPHERE … OMG talk about AI trends… scary and fabulous all together…

Speaking of Loving my industry – they honored me with another shout out for “She’s GOT the Power” regarding women making waves in the Canadian Events Industry – WOWZER thanks EventCombo team!! Here is the link to the article : https://www.eventcombo.com/a/1113/top-10-women-in-leadership-shaping-canadas-event-industry?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Resources&utm_campaign=Top+10+Women+in+Leadership+Shaping+Canada%E2%80%99s+Event+Industry&utm_term=Explore+more    

Once back, I continued with my teaching and planning client programs.

And guess what … we celebrated another milestone birthday this time it’s on my husband’s side of the family… it was for my sister-in-law Lory. (she hit BIG 50) Their family organized a lovely intimate surprise party for her. It was just LOVELY.  You know it’s nice to have the opportunity to celebrate one’s milestone moment.

In the meantime, I did continue the negotiations and sourcing of venues for my clients. This year they decide ‘last minute’ to have the holidays parties – only on a smaller scale that usual… (these last minute decisions created a ton of work for me, only because this late in the game to book venues for the Holidays for semi-large groups, it is HARDER to find appropriate places for them because all has been booked already … but I digress and just do the job …  😊

Also, participated as per every year at several Educational Conferences in and around the Greater Montreal Area. As for the classes it’s more or less as per usual. I am however, finding it a little more challenging this session. The students seem to have run out of steam mid way through the Fall Session … this is just bizarre… I don’t know what’s going on wondering if it’s just me that’s noticing or something else? To be determined…

That is all for October .. see you next month – Ciao Ciao

Milestone Celebrations continued

Hello everyone, I must say September is my favorite favorite month out of the year. I just love the Fall season…  True, it’s also my birthday month, however, it’s really because it’s a colorful time of the year (and I LOVE colors).

It was quite a month busy finalizing all the details of my semi ‘surprise’ birthday party. Truth be told, I really felt awkward about the party, don’t like all that attention. but I convinced myself that it’s OK. Truth be told it was on my hubby’s insistence that it cam to be – EXTREMELY thank you for that.

It’s good to celebrate one’s life especially when it’s a milestone birthday. I was very very touched, of course. I felt such a privilege that everyone showed up and celebrated with me.  Even though I felt awkward. Again, I don’t really enjoy being the centre of attention, I’d rather celebrate other people &/or stay behind the scenes. I guess I’m a true planner.

Moving forward, speaking of planning, besides semi-planning my own birthday. I still have client events to organize. Gosh I REALLY love love love doing this even though it is physically and mentally exhausting at times. I love my clients, they’re very nice people, very kind, even though it gets crazy sometimes and that our industry has changed quite a bit after the pandemic.

Volunteered (as I do every year) for Friend4aCasuse’s Fundraiser Annual Golf Tournament. They do this tournament to raise funds for several non-for-profit organizations benefiting the autistically challenged.  And we where guests at 2 weddings back-to-back at what fun that was…

Being September, it is also the month that we started the fall session at LaSalle College. Hoof, what a heavy schedule I inherited. It’s not that I can’t handle it, it’s just that I’m not accustomed to 5-day teaching schedule. So, I have to juggle everything else in my life even more intensely.

This session I once again have 100% international students and am LOVING IT!! Basically, the breakdown is 6 groups of an average of 30 students per group. It’s nice and it’s great to see these young people coming to a new country and opened to learn it all. I must say seeing this inspires me somehow. What courage they have to do this…  WOWZERS and a BIG BIG HATS off to them !!!

That’s more or less, my September. I’ll see you in October. Ciao for now.

More Celebrations

August this year so we got together to celebrated Gabby my wonderful niece, her birthday, and OMG she’s now in her 20’s where does time go??? Also, we Hubby and I celebrated our 38th wedding anniversary!!!!  Now whenever I say it out-loud I realize that it is a long, long  long time and to me it doesn’t feel like it. To add to the fun, we went out with my niece and nephew for an overdue outing with them … We saw one of the shows Cirque du Soleil puts on every year….

OUFFFFF, I don’t know where the time goes but I do know it gooooooossss.

Why I called it a ’more celebrations’ month is because as I mentioned there was personal celebrations … but also professional ones.

The school summer session wrapped up. And by fluke of life this gave me the opportunity to fly out to Toronto and Las Vegas within the same week… both destinations were for conferences one was the annual CMEE  conference every year in Toronto where all the Canadians in our industry gather to network and celebrate each other…. and then mid week I ended up going to Las Vegas for the other conference and more exciting a Gala called Smart Women Awards, where I was one of the many women receiving an award … my category was for Entrepreneur of the year. Snazzy I would say… WOWZERS what an honor… (especially a Canadian Woman winning in the US Market … ceiling broken) BOOMMMMMM !!!  What a whirlwind of a trip it was. Came back exhilarated but exhausted ….

Once back right away it was back to reality and work work work … School’s fall session orientation for the teachers at the college. And my clients upcoming  events/programs for the fall + winter seasons too. OUFFF what a whirlwind comeback.

Yes, I know I don’t talk about my events a lot because this summer I usually am not busy. With events, I’m usually doing the wrap up paperwork preparation logistics wise in the paperwork situation so does not know events being executed. It starts usually mid to end of September, October, November, December, January, February. March. And then it stops in April again. May maybe, but very rare.

And that’s August. Looking forward to September, it’s going to be another BIG MONTH. Stay tuned…

Month of Celebrations

Boy, the summer is flying by fast without the great hot summer weather – it’s been raining I guess it’s always better than snow.

The summer session at school is going on strong and I have another FULL schedule and yup everything is coming along smoothly. I’ve said it before and will say it again …I truly have a lot of respect for my students, they are just WOW … you see 99.99% are international students and I’m sure they are struggling being in a new country with all the culture shock … and yet are managing to do everything. Hats off to them WOWZERS!!! 

This month usually means there’s a lot of birthday celebrations. It starts with my mom’s birthday, then my brother’s and then throw in a mix, of friends. This is a GREAT excuse to get together.

My brother had a surprise-ish birthday party with all his friends and family. It was a milestone birthday he turned 50…  then came my mom’s and we got together with the Caputo clan and lastly but not least we celebrated my niece Ariana who turned 15 on the Paduano side of the family. It’s always nice to get together with family.

The end of the month, everything starting to wrap up;  When I say everything, I mean summer school session; all has come to a close with final exams – final projects and for my Event/Meeting Planning it is the summer, so it is quiet for a change. (my corporate clients are off on their own vacations with their families)  

Which means I have a little bit of time to spend with friends and family work on other personal stuff, which is nice for a change.

Ciao for now – see you all in August …