Looking for some ideas on how to host Thanksgiving, but need assistance getting creative during a global pandemic? My Big Day has a helpful list for you! Keep it small - The safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is with just your immediate family. Traveling is still considered risky - hotels, airports, planes, and gas stations are more crowded during the holidays. Hold your immediate loved ones close and sit down for an intimate dinner featuring everyone’s favorites. Swap recipes - Try something new and feel closer to your family at the same time by swapping recipes with grandma via email or text. The 2020 holiday season may leave your relatives – particularly the older and more vulnerable – feeling lonely. Involve them by reaching out for recipes or decorating tips and spending time on a phone or video call while you’re cooking. Go virtual - In addition to individual video and phone calls, many creative planners are already gearing up to host Thanksgiving dinner virtually on a simultaneous video call. Invite friends and family (you can even send a paper invitation, if you want to be fancy) to gather around the (virtual) table and eat together. After all, what would Thanksgiving be without Aunt Judy’s unsolicited advice and Grandma’s etiquette corrections? Enjoy already-COVID-friendly traditions - There are plenty of Thanksgiving activities that are already COVID-friendly: watching parades and sports on TV, playing family board games, and going for a walk or run post-turkey. Others can be modified, i.e. moving your Black Friday shopping online this year. Give thanks - There are countless activities to be found online (check out My Big Day’s “Saying Thank You” Pinterest board [https://www.pinterest.com/MyBigDayEvents/saying-thank-you/] for some of our favorite ways to say thanks) to encourage kids and adults alike to express what they are grateful for. It is especially important this year to remember what we do have, when so much seems missing or different. You may surprise yourself and find that you appreciate Thanksgiving this year all the more for its simplicity and quality time at home. Finally, if you must invite someone from outside your household: Host outdoors - Try moving your festivities outdoors (weather permitting). Not only is it a fun change of pace to spend the day outdoors in the fresh air, it reduces the risk of COVID spreading among your party. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a barbecue-style Thanksgiving dinner. Clean before and after - This is another one that’s important if you’re hosting a guest from outside your home. You’ll want to be extra-diligent this year about cleaning your home and, especially, dinner table before and after your guest arrives. Make sure you take the same approach to bathrooms and doorknobs, known as high-touch areas. Ask guests to wash their hands before they come to your house, and use hand sanitizer when they arrive and periodically throughout the day. Consider a buffet - By far the safest way to host a meal this season is to have each guest serve themselves. Have clean utensils and a plate already set out for each guest, so they can bring them to the buffet rather than reaching into a shared utensil cup or stack of dishes. Consider using disposable utensils, plates, and napkins, or for an eco-friendly approach, ask guests to bring their own place setting from home that they’ll take with them when they leave. Also encourage guests to clean up after themselves by having a foot-touch or already open trash can ready for any unfinished tidbits of food. Mask up - It may feel extreme, but you can reduce the risk of COVID spreading to your family and friends by having everyone wear a mask except when eating or drinking. Remember, the more alcohol people consume, the less likely they are to wear a mask or to wear one properly. If you don’t want to spend the day dishing out reminders, it may be best to limit the alcohol this year. Get tested and stay home if you have symptoms - Guests who are traveling should get tested before hopping on an airplane and travel only if they have a negative test and no symptoms, to minimize risk to others. The same goes for hosts: Even if dinner is an hour away and the turkey is in the oven, the safest option for everyone is to cancel. Here is a list of symptoms to watch out for:
Stay safe, be creative, and enjoy this (unusual) Thanksgiving! Contact My Big Day Marketing & Events
Small Business. Big Impact. Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken ![]() We wanted to express our sincere gratitude to each and every person who was part of our 6 week pop-up fundraiser, "The Loveland Drive In". We have received countless compliments from the public and amazing PR around this event. This was a BIG DEAL for Northern Colorado, and we were proud to have served our community. Some rough estimates worth sharing: In 6 weeks, we were able to....
Thank you for supporting the Thompson Education Foundation and the small businesses who put this fundraiser on. And thank you for being part of our strong community! Contact My Big Day Marketing & Events Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us As event planners, we serve the entire Front Range; Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken ![]() We LOVE love here at My Big Day and we LOVE everything about weddings. Often when interviewing couples we ask them to describe their vision for the day and what they are most looking forward to. Most everyone wants their day to be original, unique, and memorable! We've worked with a gal who can give couples that original and memorable element you are looking for on your Big Day. Meet our friend, Sharon Glassman! ![]() Colorado weddings are beautifully unique. My name is Sharon Glassman. I create custom wedding songs that celebrate your Big Day in a uniquely personal way. My happy, original love songs have a Colorado acoustic sound that pairs beautifully with the setting and your special wedding day. I call my songs Smile Songs because the music, lyrics and mood of each song makes folks smile. (And cry happy tears sometimes, too.) Here’s how I create your custom wedding song: 1 We chat in a friendly, easy way, about your life, your love story, your wedding plans. Your dreams. Anything you’d like to share and celebrate! How you met, where you got engaged. Your dog’s name. Favorite pizza. Mountain. Or flower. Sentimental is great. Serious rocks. Silly’s great, too. It’s all about you. 2 Next? I write an original acoustic song that celebrates moments. Words. Images you’re shared. Instrumentation can be pure and simple as me and my guitar. I can also add mandolin, fiddle, bass and harmony vocals. 3 Then: I record your song for you and deliver it as a high quality mp3. You can add it to your DJs set list. Play it during your wedding ceremony. Or first dance. I also design personalized Smile Songs wedding song posters and art print. They play your song when you scan the QR code in the design! Great event artwork and to enjoy at home. Here are some of my love songs and singing poster designs. I’d love to work with you to create a unique, custom wedding song that sings to your heart and ears. Listen to a sample: ![]() Here’s how you can contact Sharon: Website: https://smilesongs.com *Sharon Glassman is an award-winning Colorado songwriter who creates custom wedding songs and personalized singing art prints. http://smilesongs.com Contact My Big Day
"Dream Big, Live Big. For Life's Events!" Original Ideas, superior strategies, your own private party planner. ~Event Planning, Coordination & Management~ My Big Day llc Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us Located in Loveland, CO As event planners, we serve the entire Front Range; Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken Autumn is a beloved time of year for many. This makes it the backdrop for planning a joyous wedding celebration. From cooler temperatures, to warm delicious drinks, to the transitioning colors of falling leaves—there are so many beautiful elements that go along with this season—all of which can provide inspiration for the wedding of a lifetime. To help with the planning process, here are some of the top wedding trends that go along well with this upcoming fall season. Inspiring Autumn Palettes Fall represents a distinct time of year often recognized by traditional color combinations to include red, yellow, orange, and brown. These are colors that are often also included into fall wedding décor. The great thing about these colors is that variations of these hues can also make for an even more spectacular wedding day. Colors such as chocolate, mustard, rust, gold, cognac, and plum are all awe-inspiring shades that can truly represent a couple’s personal aesthetic. With truly unlimited color options, there is no wonder why so many choose to celebrate their union in the fall. From lush autumn floral arrangements to lavish centerpieces with floral accents and greenery, these warm shades can provide the perfect palette for a very special wedding occasion. Maximized Use of Space Another trend for fall weddings is the maximized use of venue space. Today’s trendsetting brides and grooms are searching for new ways in which they can tap into the unused space that is left free of décor on their wedding day. From grandiose wall hangings, to elevated centerpieces with floral accents, to low hanging decorations like string lights from the ceiling, couples are finding creative ways to use all available space for weddings that are truly amazing. The maximized use of vertical space creates beautiful imagery and visual impact for a memorable experience. Using every inch of available space is a perfect way to celebrate the fall with wedding décor that will surely leave a great impression on all guests in attendance. Florals Straight from the Garden Another upcoming trend this fall is the use of rustic florals that appear to have been hand-picked straight from the garden. These wildflower arrangements include earthy, neutral, unexpected blooms for a wedding vibe that not only connects with nature, but is distinctly fall. For instance, traditional flowers like peonies, orchids, gardenias or roses can be paired with succulents, eucalyptus, and other greenery for an organic look and feel. What’s so unique about these bouquets and floral arrangements is that they do not have to look perfect to make a statement. The best natural arrangements will say so much about a couple’s personal taste and style. No matter if the wedding is traditional, romantic, dramatic, or outdoorsy, there is an organic floral combination for every personality type. When it comes to planning for your big day, consider any of these upcoming trends for an exciting fall wedding event. Autumn-themed color combinations, strategic use of vertical space, and garden-inspired bouquets are all at the top of the list for this year’s upcoming fall weddings. Couples can plan the wedding of their dreams by embracing these trendy autumn trends for the most memorable, heartfelt occasion. Authored by contributing writer, Shannon Lochwood.
Shannon Lochwood currently lives in Southern California. She has a passion for weddings and loves to write about anything related to special "I do" moments. In her free time she loves to hike and spend time with her family and her two lovely dogs @shannonlochwood http://shannonlochwood.weebly.com/ “My Big Date,” a Valentine’s Day getaway in Loveland, Colorado
Loveland, Colorado January 4, 2016 – The brainchild of three Loveland-based, female owned business owners, My Big Date is an opportunity for couples to experience the Sweetheart City on Valentine’s Day. In its third year, My Big Date represents three various outings on Valentine’s Day weekend in Loveland, Colorado including a brunch and brew tour, a spirits tour and, new this year, a VIP brunch and brew tour. “Loveland is the perfect place to visit on Valentine’s Day and we’ve put together packages that celebrate some of the best this town has to offer,” said Christine Forster, founder of My Big Day Events, LLC, an event planning company in Loveland. Each tour is provided transportation on NOCO Short Bus Tours, LLC, a brewery tour service founded by Mechelle Martz-Mayfield. Colorado travel writer and promotor Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer, founder of HeidiTown.com, rounds out the three woman trio behind My Big Date. “We want to make it easy for folks to enjoy Loveland on Valentine’s Day weekend. We provide the transportation, food and drinks so that guests can just sit back and enjoy the experience and enjoy each other,” said Martz-Mayfield. There are three packages available this year, and space is limited. On Saturday, February 13, 2016 there will be two Brunch & Brew packages offered. This package includes a coffee tasting at Loco Artisan Coffeehouse, a beer and brunch pairing at Grimm Brothers Brewhouse and a beer tasting paired with B. Sweet Cupcakes at Loveland Aleworks. Guests are then invited to spend some time strolling Loveland’s Fire & Ice Festival in downtown. Transportation between venues will be provided by NOCO Short Bus Tours, LLC. Also on Saturday, February 13, 2016, in the afternoon, there are two Spirits Tours available. Guests start their tour with cocktails and tapas at Origins Wine Bar in downtown Loveland and then proceed to Climb Hard Cider for a flight of delicious 10 delicious ciders. The last stop is Spring 44 for a spirits tasting and cupcakes from B. Sweet Cupcakes. Transportation between venues will be provided by NOCO Short Bus Tours, LLC and time will be allotted for guests to experience the Fire & Ice Festival. The VIP Brunch & Brew tour will be offered once on Sunday, February 14, 2016 only. This package is similar to the Saturday Brunch & Brew tour, but includes extras such as one six-pack per couple of Grimm’s special Valentine’s Day beer, Bleeding Heart, pint glasses from Loveland Aleworks, a bag of LOCO Artisan Coffee’s special Valentine’s Day blend and an additional stop at the Loveland Museum Gallery to tour the Sweetheart City, USA exhibit. This year, My Big Date has collaborated with Candlewood Suites Loveland to offer a discounted room rate to the first ten couples who book a package. “I believe that once folks experience Loveland on My Big Date, they will want to come back again and again. We’re just giving them a small taste of what the Sweetheart City is all about and there’s so much more for them to discover,” said Kerr-Schlaefer. The founders of My Big Date polled last year’s participants and 100% of guests who responded stated that they would take the tour again. “We think that’s a pretty compelling endorsement of My Big Date,” said Forster. My Big Date packages are available for purchase at ValentinesDayinLoveland.com. My Big Date is brought to you by My Big Day, LLC, NOCO Short Bus Tours, LLC and HeidiTown.com, and has been endorsed by Visit Loveland. For more information on the subject matter of the press release call Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer at (970) 213-2354, email TheMayor@HeidiTown.com.
Outfit ideas for your graduate:
- by Randi Juric DIY is hot and we are all very aware. The rising trend in DIY currently is Pinterest parties. Women are getting together bringing supplies and having what’s called 'Make Days' aka Pinterest parties. They are making their own crafts, beauty products, and health remedies. This is such a fun and creative way to get together or get to know someone. This is also great for kiddos and keeping them entertained at parties. DIY kids’ parties have become very popular as well. They can make their own chalks or toys even costumes to use at the party immediately. Kids and parents alike are loving this. It is such a fun way to teach lessons and creativity. Easy Steps to Host a Pinterst Party: You and your friends create a group craft board on Pinterest, where everyone adds pins of crafts they'd like to make. You can do this part one of two ways... OPTION 1: The host picks one or two simple crafts off of the group board and purchases the supplies so everyone can make them during the party. OPTION 2: Each guest picks a craft off of the board she'd like to make, and brings enough supplies for 4 guests, including herself. Names are pulled out of a hat to decide which craft goes with which guest. By the end of the evening, every guest gets to make 4 crafts. **Remind your guests that the crafts they choose should not take more than a half hour to complete, or you'll be there all night. :) FOOD Make the party a "Pinterest potluck" and asks your guest to bring a dish they found on Pinterest.
Our amazing photographers captured both the Loveland and the Fort Collins 2015 NoCo Easter Keg Hunts! Congratulations to the winning teams: Yellow- Loveland, and Red - Fort Collins.
Some of our favorite pics are listed below. Click the link to see more!
Pre-Dinner: Champagne and Strawberries Why: A sexy appetizer to get your taste buds ready. Drink: A glass of red wine Why: Grape skins contain the antioxidant resveratrol, the closest thing we have to an actual aphrodisiac. It increases estrogen production, say Northwestern University researchers, and that heightens sexual appetite and makes lubrication easier for her later in the evening. Red wines from muscadine grapes have a higher resveratrol content than other reds do, say researchers at Mississippi State University. Appetizer: Shrimp cocktail Why: The zinc-dense shrimp increase sperm levels and make orgasms more powerful, according to a study in Fertility and Sterility. They also contain a stress-reducing amino acid and the feel-good hormone serotonin. Entrée: Filet mignon au poivre (6 oz) (Garlic, ginger, mustard, pepper rub, porcini mushrooms) Why: High-protein foods boost production of dopamine and norepinephrine, hormones that increase alertness and assertiveness. Black pepper aids digestion, according to an Indian Journal of Medical Research study -- helpful for any energetic activities after dinner. Side: Baked sweet potato Why: It's high in potassium, which helps reduce stress--a great way to curb performance anxiety later that night. Top the potato with a dollop of sour cream, another source of libido-friendly protein. Side: Spinach salad (Spinach, Arugula, Pine nuts, Basil Vinaigrette, Parmesan cheese, carrots ) Why: Spinach is a potent source of magnesium, which helps dilate blood vessels, ensuring the smooth bloodflow that's crucial for strong erections, according to Japanese researchers. Dessert: Fresh raspberries drizzled with melted dark chocolate Why: British scientists have discovered that women release four times more endorphins after eating chocolate than they do after making out. The caffeine in chocolate also increases your alertness for what's to come after dessert. Try using Dark Chocolate on the raspberries, and pair them with a glass of port. You'll get a double dose of polyphenols -- antioxidants that increase your HDL (good) cholesterol.
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Small Business. Big Impact. Always Dreaming Bigger! We pride ourselves on giving you something to look forward to. We are a connected collective of creatives - owned an opperated by outstanding women. Search Categories
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March 2021
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