Last month, I had the opportunity to host the first annual, Back To School Mom's night out event.
As a family lifestyle influencer, I have this beautiful platform that I've always looked at doing more with, and an intimate motherhood, community event seemed like the perfect way to share a message.
Sure, it's fun to share travel tips, family friendly activities, recipes and of course cute photos of my adorable children, however, being a voice a in the community, a cheerleader to encourage unity, love and support among women, has always been the direction my heart strings pull.
I have felt a responsibility to LOVE everyone, which I'll be the FIRST to admit is pretty darn hard sometimes, and to see past their imperfections, difference and struggles to see them as a higher power sees them, equal.
As I've grown, I've experienced heartache, loss, judgment and pain sometimes that felt unbearable and would lead to my certain demise. However, each time I had one of these life changing experiences, it taught me more about the type of wife, mother, daughter, WOMAN and human being I want to be. The type of example I want to set for my daughter, and to any person that ever crosses my path.
(Setting my self standard pretty high, I know)
The idea for a Mom's Night Out first came about as I prepared to send my first child to Kindergarten this fall. I knew I was going to need support and words of encouragement from mama's who had already been through that "first child goes to school" tearful day.
I thought; an intimate party set in a private backyard in the cool summer evening, dinner, drinks and a guest speaker, would be the ideal environment for a conversation that I wanted to have about the upcoming school year.
After weeks and weeks of planning, support from local businesses, encouragement from mama's throughout the community and a heartfelt desire to make a night for these women they wouldn't soon forget, the event came and went.
AND. IT. WAS. PERFECT.
I feel blessed to have been surrounded by many incredible women, who shared similar goals and dreams, but were also able to share their different types of motherhood lovingly and in supporting enviornment.
The evening was full of laughter, getting to know new friends, eating a delicious dinner, sharing ideas and love for each other and hearing uplifting and inspiring thoughts from the wonderful Kim Christenson from Talk To Wordy To Me.
Kim, a journalist and writer by trade, was our speaker of the evening and her thoughts on Mindfulness Motherhood touched each one of us as we listened and felt motivated to better ourselves which in turn betters our family and those we interact with.
Kim taught us that we shouldn't be just surviving, but THRIVING.
I love how she said to quiet the distractions and that we can control the weather in our homes.
She also said to stop apologizing, let go of perfection and normalize mistakes!
Some of my biggest take aways from her message were, "It start with ME, and how I feel INSIDE", that I shouldn't let my dreams die, just because I'm a Mom, that I should start talking back to those nasty thoughts I have about myself, my body, my home etc... and to make a Happy List, a simple list of your favorite things, activities and experiences that bring you joy.
I've linked Kim's blog and social media accounts because if you're ever in need of pick me up, a little encouragement or just having a down day (which WE ALL HAVE), Kim's thoughts are a place for you to go, read, be inspired and reassured that you are enough.
This event would not have been possible without our incredible sponsors and collaborators.
I am so grateful to each of them for their support and donations to make this evening special for these women.
It's with companies and people like these that encourage and support women, small businesses and events that uplift and inspire, that we are able to build a community of happy, confident, loving and strong women.
Thank you again to each of them.
Dinner provided by: Mt. Vista Catering Co. - @mt.vistacatering
Tables/Chairs/Linens: Excel Rental
Decor: Utah DIY Weddings - @utahdiyweddings
Photography: Jessica Katherine Photography - @jessicakatherinphoto
Designs - Breezy + Co. Custom Design
Swag Bags Sponsor and Collaborators:
Bag Sponsor - Junes Bags
Kidz Shake
Woven Pear
Daly Bird
JoJos Chocolate
Moms Stuff Slave
Sodalicious
Five Sushi Brothers
Gathre
H&C Designs
A Priortized Marriage
So here's a little secret:
My dream is to one day be a full time PARTY hoster (It's a real thing).
Growing up my parents were always hosting different shindigs.
My mom catered weddings and corporate events and threw amazing parties right in our own home weekly.
It's engraved this desire to mingle and celebrate life EVERYDAY with friends and family.
One day, I'd love to own my own party hall that can be rented out for parties, weddings, photo shoots, classes and anything that brings joy, fun, laughter, dancing and food.
Luckily for me, right here in Utah county, there is already an amazing lady who is living and breathing full time party hoster, setting this incredible foundation for my life long dream.
People pay her to throw parties and she is AWESOME at it.
Meet Alison from The Alison Show.
If you don't follow Alison's blog, or her Instagram, or her Snapchat... you're missing out.
Daily Comedic Inspiration.
This week I got to attend one of Alison's parties sponsored by Munchkin Inc. and The Gallivan Center.
What a great night of dancing, yummy treats, a fabulous braid bar and Cabana Boys!
Yes. Cabana Boys. It was that EPIC.
This wasn't my first Alison rodeo and all I can say is her events continue to get bigger, sweeter and dancier!
Thanks to all the awesome sponsors at the event:
Sodalicious for the Dirty.
Platinum Studio for their amazing Braid Bar.
Milk Honey for their YUMMY yogurt.
The Penguin Brothers for the delicious ice cream cookie sandwich.
Thanks to the other sponsors for the fabulous goodies in our SWAG bags.
Swag Bag Design: HelloTosha
Munchkin Inc.
JulieAnn Caramels.
Little Sappling Toys.
TubbyTodd Bath Co.
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If you missed this one be sure to follow Alison on social media to join her next dance party.
Lets do this again real soon Alison!
And let me know if I can come be your party prep slave for all future events.
Seriously!
My sweet friend Sarah designed Alisons PERFECT kimono for the occasion.
Vivian Johnson did Alisons makeup and she seriously looked flawless.
Stunning Floral Arrangements by FoxgloveUtah
