Life at Chez V - A Pragmatic Birthday Approach

Never Say Never

All the finger and toe crossing in the world didn’t prevent the inevitable which is to say that I also succumbed to the vomit show.  Talk about the pits.  I still don’t feel right with the world.  So please excuse my unexplained absence.

In other news, The Monster is turning 4 this weekend.  I am really into parties and birthdays but I am very glad that my cousin is hosting the Derby/birthday party this year instead of me.

Admittedly, at first, I was sort of bummed not to be hosting my Derby bash, which conveniently coincides closely with Pieti’s birthday.  But after this past week of enduring sickness and exhaustion at Chez V (I am currently suffering another round of insomnia on the heels of that creeping crud - at last count I haven’t slept 4 nights in the last 6), I couldn’t even imagine planning/hosting a party 4 days from now.

From a previous joint birthday party I hosted for Pieti and Lew

that party was a 'Bubbles and Bubbly' birthday/Mother's Day fete

The party, falling on May 5th, is aptly a Derby de Mayo party this year.  Pieti’s birthday is a day apart from her cousin Lewis, so for simplicity sake, we are celebrating Derby, birthdays, and Cinco de Mayo in one fell swoop.

In the past, I was one of those smug creative types who swore up and down to never have a licensed character birthday party – you know, of the Dora/Thomas/Spongebob/Hello Kitty variety.  But her cousin is REALLY into Super Mario right now and Pieti is in between obssessions, so Super Mario it is for the children’s portion of the day’s festivities.  And I, for one, am in no shape to object.

In addition to some of my traditional Derby Party fare, I am also contributing the gift bags for the kiddos.  At least in this, I can exercise my creative muscles a bit.  Because frankly, that Super Mario stuff is super spendy.

So this week, I am never saying never and happy to do so.

kisses, mrs. V

Mid-Life Career Shifts

Pipe Dreams…

I will let you in on a little secret.  I am going to share one of my dreams with you.  I want to turn my passions into a career.  All this stuff that I wax poetic about - somehow, some way I want to do these things FOR A LIVING.  I want to build a Chez V lifestyle brand of sorts.  Interiors, styling, entertaining, party planning, and product development all wrapped up with a darling little Chez V bow.  At the heart of it is my overwhelming desire to inspire others.

But that is only part of the story.  You see, it is time for me to go back to work.  And it is sort of a milestone year in my life, as by the end of it, I will officially become a ‘woman of a certain age.’  That scares the hell out of me. 

I have been so fortunate to be able to spend these first few years at home with my daughter.  Something my mother could never do.  And that has affected me over the years in different ways.  So it is very important for me to be home with Pieti, for as long as possible.  But now, we really need two incomes.

I could go back to my sweet spot of coaching operational excellence, continuous improvement, and behavioral leadership development.  Or I could follow my gut which is screaming at me to take a leap of faith to pursue my more creative passions.  So many times have I advised to an unfulfilled mentee, ‘You’re never too old or too young to start being the person you have always wanted to be.’  Funny how it is most difficult to follow our own counsel.

If ever there was a time for me to swerve in my career path, this is it.     The game has changed significantly in just the last few years.  Social media has leveled the playing field and people are creating their own roles and jobs doing things they truly love.  I want some of that action.

If I have to spend time away from my daughter, I would much rather be doing something that I REALLY love than just doing something at which I am really good.  mr. V does not think it is possible to make a living doing this sort of stuff.  And he might be right.  But in this one case, I REALLY want him to be wrong.


Have any of you out there taken a mid-life leap of faith?


all photos by me

kisses,  mrs. V

Meet mrs. V

That Elevator Speech…if it is going to the Moon

Remember that post with the advice about making sure that you, my dear readers, know who I am and what I stand for – in 5 words or less???  Welllllll….I have been thinking about this a lot and I must admit that I am still flummoxed.  Let’s make a pact that I will work on editing (another one of my not-so-strong suits) my entire being into those 5 pesky words.  In the meantime, grab a cup and let’s get to know each other.  Here’s what I can tell you about me:

I have many and varied interests.  I live for music – can’t function without it.  I love a great story – real or imagined – and it is impossible for me to communicate without moving my arms .  My obsession with interior design started at the age of 4 when I received an incredible wooden dollhouse.  I began moonlighting as a party planner at 5 when I planned a birthday party for my little sister without telling my mother.  Seriously, parents showed up on a Saturday with kids and presents in tow much to my mother’s dismay.  No worries, I totally rocked that party – games and everything!!  Both grandmothers influenced my love of cooking and entertaining.  My world gets all wobbly if I ignore my need to paint or draw.   Making stuff, learning stuff and sharing the result makes my heart go pitter patter. 

I do my best work when I have creative freedom.  I find inspiration EVERYWHERE I look.  Inspiring others to chase their dreams and do their best work is my strongest competitive advantage.  I will run through a brick wall for you if I respect you.  I can at times seem emotionally detached but my lack of commitment is not for lack of interest.   I like immediate results and get distracted easily so I move on to the next thing quickly.  It is not out of character for me to repaint my bedroom when cleaning out the refrigerator.

I am a staunch friend and don't hold grudges.  At least not for long.   I am not a rule-breaker by nature with the exception of speeding.  I can't abide bad drivers.   I am an incurable people pleaser.  I run from confrontation like I have shooting diarrhea.  I laugh like a crazy person and talk super fast.  I dance like nobody's business.  

I am very present in the moment sometimes to the exclusion of others.  I used to be tardy, A LOT.   And not always dependable.  But that was in my 20’s when my world view consisted of me.  I have changed my flaky ways.  And you should know, I am an avid car singer.  And clapper.  But I am told my car clapping is obnoxious.

I started this blog as a creative outlet but it is really about finding my voice and honing my style.  It is about evolving as a person and sharing the details that make up my life.  It is about creating a well-lived life and aspiring to do better.  To be better.  I hope I entertain you a little along the way with life at Chez V.  This blog is my story.  What’s yours?

kisses,  mrs. V

Party Details and Super Bowl half-time recap

Boogie Down and Not So Much Boogie Down

The party was a smashing success.  THUMBS UP!  As George would say. Could not have pulled it off without the help of my mother and stepfather.  Thanks Momma for the use of your house!  And my dear cousin Jennifer helped me prep the food.

Here a few pre-party shots.  I apologize for the dark pics but it was a rainy day and I am NOT a photographer.

Welcome!

the bar

before I stocked it

the dining room

before the buffet was filled with food

Lots of good food, good peeps, loud music and TONS of dancing.  Many many laughs.  I could hardly walk yesterday after dancing in 4” heels all night but it was sooo worth it.  Clearly I am not 22 anymore. 

Nor are you Madonna.  Even though my infamous high kicks have often resulted in broken heels or a busted butt, they are WAY better than your sad attempts at kicking.   Did you really do yoga for all those years?   I mean, I get that you are trying to concentrate on remembering the words to songs that are 20 years old, and that all those injections prevent your lips from actually moving, and shimmying around a stage in those high heeled boots can prove tricky.  But when it takes you 10 minutes to do one cartwheel, it is time to re-think your ‘performance.’ 

What did you think of her performance?  Because according to FB some people thought she rocked.  Were they watching the same show or just 3 sheets to the wind by half-time?!

Note:  I used to be a Madonna fan.  But that was long ago, before she started feigning a British accent. 

kisses,  mrs. V