Weekend: Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

That time of year is here again! The 18th Annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival kicks off this weekend with highlights – including the Lights Procession with Mickey Mouse as Grand Marshal.

Click here for the full schedule of activities.

Fitness in Focus: Staying Fit During the Holiday Travel Season

By Kerry Sayers

It’s that time of year again!  The calendar has flipped to November, and with holiday travel and activities ratcheting up a notch, we all make our annual pre-New Year’s resolution not to gain weight over the holidays.  Unfortunately, our willpower gets weaker as stress piles on – and we take less and less time to do the one thing that could make both our minds and bodies feel better – get moving! … read more …

Memorable Entertaining: Party Planning Made Easy with Debra Kavalos-Delaney

As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us are busy preparing for holiday entertaining. Whether it’s hosting your in-laws for the week or your friends for a dinner party, entrepreneur Debra Kavalos-Delaney offers countless tips and how-to advice to take the stress out of party planning through her website MemorableEntertaining.com.

We asked Debra to share her experiences as an entrepreneur and some of her tips for entertaining.

What inspired you to make the leap from the corporate world to entrepreneurship? How did you come up with the idea to start Memorable Entertaining?

I was becoming increasingly disillusioned with corporate America. The dream I thought I wanted and the ‘measures of success that came with that dream’ weren’t enough anymore.

I asked myself: “Do I want to be doing this 10 or 15 years from now?” The answer was a resounding no! It became more about personal fulfillment than money and a bigger title. I realized that I had a greater fear of the consequences if I didn’t follow my dream.

Therefore, after 32 years in corporate America and a milestone birthday, I asked myself what I loved doing and the answer was that I loved to entertain and help others successfully entertain.  That’s how MemorableEntertaining.com was born.

What were some of the biggest challenges and rewards in starting your own business?

In terms of challenges, there are daunting days where you question everything you do – be prepared for those days. Your tenacity and belief in yourself will carry you through. In addition, everything takes longer and more money than you think it will, so a big challenge is managing and deciding what to spend your time and money on.

Be flexible and open to other possibilities.  My original idea was to focus only on a membership based site. The first year of business taught me a lot and now I’ve identified four other avenues to expand my business and generate revenue.

Believe it or not, one of the biggest rewards is the process itself. It is exhilarating.  Don’t get me wrong – it is a lot of hard work and some days can be down right excruciating, but along the way you learn so much and meet the most fascinating people. It is very rewarding when you are building something that you own, on your terms, especially when you realize all the possibilities!

What are a few of the most important tips for someone who is holding their first major dinner party?

The following are some important tips:

• Who you invite to your party is an important component of its success.
• Send your invitations out far enough in advance.
• Plan a menu that takes into consideration your time constraints, comfort with cooking, the occasion, the audience and time of year.
• What type of party do you want to throw?  Formal, informal, buffet, cocktail party, inside or outside.
• Set the mood: Warm and intimate, laid back and quiet, high energy and festive, or theme party.
• Party flow and timing is crucial.
• The host and/or hostess are responsible for keeping the flow of conversation moving.
• Consider the senses as you plan your party:  visual, sound, taste, smell and touch.

These elements will help you determine your guest list, menu, tablescape and setting.

Most importantly, relax!  Even a hamburger or a bowl of pasta presented with a little imagination can make for a spectacular evening.

What are the most important etiquette tips for guests?

• RSVP in a timely fashion.
• Don’t be more than 15 minutes late.  If you must show up late call your hostess.
• Bring a hostess gift.  Avoid flowers unless they are already arranged.
• Be thoughtful of your surroundings.  For example; Use a coaster, don’t leave glasses on a wood surface.
• Mingle with other guests and participate in the conversation.
• Send a thank you note.

What advice would you give to other women who wish to make the transition from corporate America to pursuing their own passion?

• Do your homework before you leave your job.
• Set as much of the groundwork in place as you can and save, save, save as much as your budget allows.
• Have a good support system.  Surround yourself with successful people full of positive energy that give you strength and challenge you.
• Help others whenever you can.  People come back into your life in the most unexpected ways.
• Never burn any bridges.

Any other insights you would like to give to our readers?

Listen to your inner self and don’t be afraid to follow your dream. You can only ignore your inner voice for so long. Sooner or later, if you don’t pay attention, it will affect you emotionally, physically or both.

Take the leap – it a great ride, albeit scary.  You will grow and learn more about yourself than you ever imagined!

As a Me: In Focus reader, enjoy $10 off a first year membership or gift

membership to MemorableEntertaining.com through December 25, 2009.

Use code:  71534541.

To learn more, visit Memorable Entertaining.

Watch Debra Delaney’s appearance on ABC7 News here.