The Era of Women... Lean In!

If the Mayans are right and 2012 dawns the Era of Women (and I think they are) then what does that mean for our society and world? Well I think we should follow Sheryl Sandberg's advice "Lean In".

The following is an excerpt from a huff po article by Birute Regine author of the book Iron Butterflies: Women Transforming Themselves and the World:

     "The late Congresswoman Bella Abzug predicted that in the 21st century, power would not change women, women would change the nature of power. This is what I found in my research on women leaders. Women are changing the nature of power from power over to power with and for others. In this way, they are midwifing a new era of collaboration and cooperation, what I call a revolution hidden in plain sight. So, back to my prediction. It is my prediction that this revolution hidden in plain sight will become visible in 2012. For the past decade I have been watching women learn to collaborate and support each other in a way they have never done before -- it is revolutionary. Like smoldering coals, their behind-the-scenes work is ready to catch fire. At all levels we will see women taking their place as leaders, within organizations, as entrepreneurs, in politics. As they transform the nature of power, they transform the nature of leadership."

I, Cathy Riva, believe this to be true. Women are changing the nature of power.  In this new era both men and women will be respected and honored. I'd like to be a part of the change in the way we teach our children. Sheryl Sandberg make a compelling request to Lean In. I think that means to support and love one another more, both men and women and children.

I think Dina Kaplan, Sheryl Sandberg, Birute Regine, Margaret Nichols, Jennifer Gilmore, Anita Devlin, and so many others, are leading the charge for a more compassionate world. I am so excited to be a part of this new era and I look forward to doing my part to LEAN IN! Want to Lean In with me?

Celebrate Everyday

Celebrate Art

"The two artists loved to paint. They painted everywhere and everything."

This drawing is by my 5-year-old who wants to be an artist when she grows up. We were at the Museum of Modern Art Wednesday and she saw Van Gogh's Starry Night. Her friend, who is also 5, had just drawn this photo, so Riley says to me "Look it is the picture Stella painted." Van Gogh's art lives on even in the hearts of five-year-olds. I hope you can make time in your life to create your own art. 

Place your best Egg forward!

I had the pleasure of hosting a few children over for egg dying this week. I found these tips from PAAS very helpful in creating our colors, so I thought I'd share!

For ultra bright eggs use one color tablet and 3 tablespoons of vinegar to dissolve the tablet. Once the tablet has dissolved add 1/2 cup of water. (or you could just use 1/2 of vinegar here as we did.)

For traditional colored eggs use one color tablet and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice. Then once the tablet is dissolved add 1/2 cup of water.

For pastel eggs use 3 tablespoons of warm water to dissolve the tablet, then add 1/2 cup of water.

We also enjoyed the color crayon this year, as you can see.

We heart you! Happy Easter everyone.

Every Moment Counts

This was floating around facebook this morning. Thank you Shea Najafi for posting this zen moment by Charlotte Joko Beck. I think it sums up my Celebrate Everyday theory! Love the life you have and you will have the life you want.

A Sweet Mother's Day Gift Idea: A Cookie Stamp

I am always on the lookout for great gift ideas, and personalized presents are my favorite to give. A lovely new friend, who is French, hosted a cookie baking day. Yum. She had this marvelous cookie stamp. I love the idea of adding a family name, so I researched it online. Check out My Cookie Stamp to order your own cookie monogram, or this makes a great gift (perfect cookies for mom from the family)! If you don't want to swing for the stamp, you could also buy these inventive and educational personalized cookies online from the  Dick & Jane Baking Company. Cheers to your cookies being the sweetest on the block. Watch a video of how to stamp your own cookie here.

Celebrate FUN!

Somehow in my busy schedule I forgot about fun. I mean real Fun. Spontaneous Fun. Fun with the man I'm married to. Fun where I'm dancing down the hall. Fun where I run to where I need to be in excitement. Fun that is not results driven-but maybe that's where we obtain the best results- fun. In this busy world how do we just stop and get back to that feeling of FUN? Between the babysitters, childrens' schedules, tiny spaces, overcrowded brain... I'm working on it. Does anyone else feel this way?
Let's try this:
Step 1. Do something impromptu with no expectations!
Step 2. Include a special person(s) in your life in the above moment.
Step 3. Breathe and laugh out loud.

I want to open up a school of FUN. Shall we? Let's meditate on it. 

Magic Monday's

Monday's are sometimes very challenging for us! Getting back into our school and work routine is a challenge. I discovered if I let my 5-year-old, Riley, choose a Monday night "party"it makes our A.M. time a little easier, and it gives her something to look forward to. Usually we have "Mexican Monday" (make your own taco night)! She helps prepare the decor and food. We all win! 

This Monday happens to be passover, so it an especially fun party for Riley. Happy Passover to those who celebrate!

The Art of Balance

I struggle every day to find balance in my life. How is it I can figure out how to spear pineapple, mint and raspberries on tiny little skewers, place them in a bed of wheat grass to celebrate spring, and yet my life can be such a mess? Can I multiply myself like these pineapple squares? That would help a lot. How do you guys juggle it all? I'd love to hear your "Art of Balance" suggestions... for me it is still a work in progress!

Saturday Family Game Night!

Game night! I LOVE a great game with my family. Our favorite thing to play is UNO ATTACK. Here is a fun way to present some "dicey" food and sauces if you throw your own fun family party. Above are dominoes and chicken nuggets with sauces. To the side are cards used to hold black bean and cheese bites. Yum and fun!

Practice What You Preach...

There is a saying my friend Jen has "If you clean your side of the street others will be inspired to follow." So today I practiced what I preach. I enjoyed a full day of living in the present. My 5-year-old and I stayed home together. We watched a PBS cartoon where they made smoothies, so we made our own from strawberries. I waited patiently while she cut up our berries. Then we placed them in the freezer and about a half hour later we blended them. Then she got creative and added blueberries and almond milk along with some other fun items from our fridge. She then made out invitations for our neighbors to come to our "restaurant" and try our delicious treat. The love in my heart from today sings out that I am on the right path. I hope I can inspire you to enjoy your own present moment! Please share with me if you do!

Facebook: To post or not to post?

Facebook: To post of not to post?

How conscious are we with our social media? I recently found out I was not, so I thought I'd share.

What do you guys do when a great moment happens to you? Do you rush to share it online? What if there is a group of people sharing the same moment? For example; When you are at a birthday party with a group of friends it is sometimes fun to share the occassion with your Facebook friends- spread the joy, right? What if it is a children's party? Is it OK to share then? Do parents care if their child is on the Internet without their permission? Or, what if it is a personal moment like an engagement or birth?

I'm excited to just have found out I am an aunt as of yesterday! The first time I saw the baby was on Facebook. It is such a joyful moment and I'm so lucky and happy to be a part of this new beginning, but I was a little sad my first moment of joy wasn't shared in person. This world of technology opens up amazing possibilities. I hope people can find positive ways to navigate these new learning curves that pop up with each special moment.

ps: The above photo is a shot I grabbed from Facebook and dragged into my blog. This is my little one as Wonder Woman discovering the quantum theory (ha!). But.... maybe almost anyone can use your photos from your Facebook account...just one more conversation to consider before posting! Cheers to using social media consciously!

Celebrate Everyday

Heart doesn't come without ART.

On the first day of spring 2013 (today) I set a goal for myself. I have over 1000 event photos from past parties and I am pairing them with messages of meaning. I'm looking to create, for myself, a modern version of story telling. I hope you will join me on my upcoming year-long CELEBRATE EVERY DAY trial and error attempt on how I try to find something to enjoy in the present.

So, on this first day of my new story telling...HeART doesn't come without ART. I'd like to thank my mom for giving me the art of celebration as a theme of our life. In Mobile, Alabama, we did not have a lot, but man she could whip up a good kids party. I had the best coconut covered bunny cake ever (pictured below at a Hardee's birthday party when I was 6).

I now have been a party planner based in New York City for over 10 years, and I now hope to inspire you to add fun back into your every day. So cheers to my school of fun, celebrate everyday, live in the present adventure! Whoosh. And, we are off.... I'd love to hear from you. Facebook me at my Cathy Riva at Riva Events or catch me on Twitter @CathyRiva.

The beginning! Let's celebrate the divine feminine!

Today, December 21, 2012, The Mayan calendar ended! Instead of the end of the world or history, I think we should celebrate the beginning of herstory! It is my wish that the powerful and loving female energy be a driving force of a new age of consciousness.

I think that deserves celebration! So, cheers to seizing the present, practicing gratitude and love, and embracing the power of the divine feminine!

You go girl!

Crafty Turkey Day Ideas for parents and kids

I'VE GOT A FUN AND FESTIVE WAY TO CREATE A KIDS TABLE FOR THIS YEARS TURKEY DAY THAT ALLOWS CHILDREN TO BE A PART OF THE EXPERIENCE AND GIVES PARENTS A MOMENT TO GIVE THAKNS TOGHETER WITH YOUR CHILDREN.

-KID HAND PRINT TURKEY TABLE CLOTH OR RUNNER

Craft paper table runner or cloth. Use finger paint to create orange hands for turkey’s and glue feathers and googley eyes on for fun. They key is to stick to one or two colors that match your grown up décor to keep it looking complimentary.

-FELT PLACEMATS
Use pre-cut felt squares found at www.michaels.com . Make thanksgiving themes with ric rak, fall leaves, turkeys stickers, so your kids can make their own design. Another idea for place mats is to use construction paper and real photographs of your guests and laminate them for use year after year.

-FALL CENTERPIECE

The centerpiece is made from fall leaves. This can be a fun family activity if you plan in advance. We went to central park and gathered leaves and then pressed them overnight in a book or magazine. Add the leaves branches or add the fallen leaves to floral wire and stick in floral foam, those green bricks you can find at any most craft stores.

-PINECONE PLACE CARDS

We glittered pine cones in a ziplock with glitter and glue and added a personalized card with every child’s name for the place card. These pine cone place cards can be used for the grown up table too and are great for family gatherings because they allow you to mix up your guests who always are used to sitting in the same places every year. And, when the kids see their crafts at the adult table they will gain self esteem when everyone comes in and says oh wow these are great!

-CANDY APPLE STATION
The candy apple station is just a fun way to keep kids occupied while you enjoy a quick bite. Take slices of apples place in a small bowl, then place caramel dipping sauce in a matching bowl next to the apples. Add a buffet of choices for dunking, such as candy sprinkles, coconut, mini m&m’s, whipped cream etc. The secret to great apples is coating them with LIME juice (not lemon) for a delicious tangy taste that works well with the caramel.

-VERTERRA PLATES
The kids table is set with environmentally friendly Verterra plates made from pressed leaves you can find them Whole Foods or Fairway or online at Verterra.com. The great thing about these plates is if you do not have enough plates to accommodate all of your guests for the holidays these look stylish and sophisticated, but are just a little more than the cost of plastic disposable.

 

-VOTIVE HOLDERS
I added votive holders we covered with burlap and raffia and filled with battery powered votives for an added touch.

-HARVEST FRIENDS PUPPETS
We also made a few felt harvest friends puppets. These we found half off at Michaels! Thanksgiving items are on sale so its not to late to grab a few great finds for less.

-CORNUCOPIA BASKET
And, for additional décor I found this great cornucopia basket which I filled with fresh fruit and vegetables and mixed in my leftover leaves.

I have an orange pumpkin left over from Halloween I make a Thanksgiving Turkey out of a wooden kit I found online at Etsy.

-TO SUM UP THE SPIRIT OF THANKSGIVING: GRATITUDE BUCKET

And, finally to sum up the spirit of thanksgiving I suggest a gratitude bucket. Allow the kids to go around and ask every adult to place what they are grateful for in the bucket and have the kids do this too.

THE BEST PART IS YOUR CHILDREN CAN HELP MAKE THEIR OWN SPECIAL TABLE FOR TURKEY DAY AND AS A PARENT YOU CAN SPEND SOME QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR KIDS AND GET SOME WORK DONE TOO.

For more creative ideas you can check out www.celebrateeveryday.tv or for event plans www.rivaevents.com

Halloween Treats

Happy Halloween everyone. My prayers are with those who are suffering in New Jersey and lower Manhattan. I hope a new day brings more treats than tricks. Attached is a E! News Halloween video for some last minute inspiration if you are planing an impromptu bash.

Summer Shake Off!

Tonight I have the pleasure of helping mix up a NYC networking party by offering a fun "Shake Off". Each guest gets the opportunity to use professional bar tending tools to shake their cocktail. The person with the best shake is awarded fun prizes. I'm hoping this gets people talking and laughing which will allow for new connections! I'll post photos tomorrow. 

Here is tonight's special Summer Shake Off drink.

Spicy Watermelon Margarita

Serves: 1

Fresh watermelon margarita. Add an extra sliver of fresh jalapeno for garnish/a little more heat if you wish.

Ingredients

1 shot silver tequila- Sauza is very affordable

1 shot orange or citrus liqueur- I like Contreau

1 cup fresh chopped watermelon- use seedless

1/4 tsp. seeded, shredded fresh jalapeno

1 lime wedge

1/2 shot simple syrup

(optional slice of watermelon for garnish)

Salt or sugar the rim, optional.

Instructions

Muddle the fresh watermelon.

Add the tequila, liqueur, jalapeno, simple syrup.

Fill a glass with ice, pour all into glass, add cover and SHAKE!

Photo courtesy of: http://whiteonricecouple.com/recipe/images/IZ-watermelon-margarita-11.jpg

Giggle Jiggles - Fun ways to cook with kids

Rye and I like to look through cookbooks and choose fun foods to make together. This experiment takes me back to my childhood when I used to make Jello cubes. Today we tried Giggle Jiggles from "Sesame Street's Silly Snacks" book. I think we did OK. We learned that really small cookie cutters were the way to go on this one. Our big giggle jiggles were more like giggle drippers. It was a fun thing to do to beat the summer heat.

Grooving Backstage with the Imagination Movers

Above: Riley, Tyler, Scott, Cathy, Jennifer, Reese, Dave

The Imagination Movers rock! Seriously, the show has some fun, original dance tunes. This past Wednesday, July 11, at Sesame Place we had the pleasure of grooving with the Movers and sitting with them for a little insider info. Scott and Dave are in the photo above.

The "Imagination Movers" is a show on Disney Junior, where 4 guys, Dave, Rich, Scott, Smitty and Warehouse Mouse, use their imagination to solve problems. It is great for our music loving family, because we all enjoy it. When my little one was born 5 years ago my husband and I really wanted to incorporate music into our daily lives. I started evening dance party when she was about 6 months old. Marc and I would play our favorite tunes, dance and shake out the day. Now that she's older we don't always get to have our evening party, but Riley has taken up the torch herself and dances to these guys songs.

                                          Photo credit: Tyler Gilmore (age 5) with photo assistant Riley Bloomgarden (also age 5)


We sat down with Dave and Scott (above) and asked a few pressing questions about the show:

Q (from Riley, age 5) Why is there sometimes grey smoke and sometimes white smoke on the show?
A (from Dave and Scott) Because they decided to change some of the things from season 1 to season 2. They added white smoke instead of grey and the smoke also now surrounds the Imagination Movers when their imagination is working out the problem.

Q (from Jennifer, Mom) Which do you like better live performances or the show:
A (from Dave and Scott) Both! The live performances really fuel the show, because we write all of the music ourselves and to play it live, with an audience, is part of the creative process and makes the show even better.

Q (from Cathy, Mom) What inspired you to create Imagination Movers?
A (from Dave and Scott) We all have families and some of the messages in popular music are not geared to kids. We write music that we enjoy, but that is also age appropriate for children. Our songs have meaning and positive messages that hopefully encourage creativity. We wanted to make something that both kids and adults would enjoy too.

Scott also mentioned before he was in the band he was a teacher. Once of the things that inspired him to write and perform music was to encourage movement in the body and brain. As we danced around Sesame Place I'd say job well done!

Thank you Imagination Movers and especially Dave and Scott for your time and for adding a ton of creative energy into our daily lives. If you can catch the Imagination Movers either on TV or Live, they are awesome. Let me know what you think!

Share It Maybe - Cookie Monster's version of Call Me Maybe

My 5-year-old Rye and I heard this Cookie Monster version of "Call Me Maybe" on the radio while driving to Sesame Place yesterday. It might be my new favorite song... I know it is Riley's. I love when humor and music come together is clean fun! Enjoy.




or click below:

Cookie Monster "Share It Maybe"

Duh...It is all in the presentation!

Sometimes the "why" has to hit me on the head to get it. That is what happened this morning. We were dashing around our NYC apartment getting ready to leave for Sesame Place in PA. I was proud I pre-packed everything. All I had to do was get Rye, my 5-year-old, dressed, fed and send out a few work emails.

As I'm making my morning coffee, I decide to add ice and blend. Rye comes over and asks for a smoothie like mine, so I've got extra time-- I say OK! I'm so excited. I pull out strawberries, yogurt and a scoop of peach sorbet with a few cubes of ice and blend. I present to my little one and she takes one look at my hard work (key word look) and says yuck! So, I'm confident once she tastes it she'll love it - it is like healthy ice cream with a straw. Wouldn't you know it, my stubborn little one tastes about a dab of the shake and says again "I don't like the taste".

I am so annoyed! Seriously, I just went to the trouble to make this smoothie for her and she's going to waste it? I don't think so.... so I proceed to take time bribing her to drink some of this delicious treat. No go.

Fine. Deep breath. Breath in cookies, blow out candles (as she taught me). Let it go. Better she doesn't have so much liquid before we get on the road for a long drive anyway.

Then, inspiration strikes. I was so bummed to waste the smoothie, because at the very least I liked it. Well VOILA .... I can turn it into Popsicles. Yummy, fun shaped Popsicles.

And, guess who likes Popsicles? Sometimes it is in the sales pitch and presentation, even for 5-year-olds!