Newsletter for Friday, February 21, 2025

Me, Jf and Julia

The Party is Over… But Was It Ever Fun!

Do you ever put so much effort into planning a party that the next day you wake up thinking, Wait… that’s it? It’s over?! That’s exactly how I’m feeling after hosting a big engagement party for my son and his fiancée this past weekend.

I wanted everything to be perfecto! Every detail, from the food to the drinks to the little surprises, had to be just right. And of course, I wanted all my guests to feel comfortable—whether they drink or not. So, I went on a mission.

Now, as you all know, I don’t keep alcohol in my house. Not because I’m tempted (thank goodness!), but because I protect my sobriety like it’s my full-time job. That’s why JF and I still go to meetings after 18+ years. We’ve heard it too many times—people who relapse often say it started when they stopped going to meetings. And trust me, I have zero interest in going back to that drinking life.

But I also wanted my guests who do drink to feel welcome and have a great time. So, how do you throw a party with a fully stocked bar without physically buying alcohol or dealing with leftover bottles staring at you the next morning? Enter: the genius solution!

A catering concierge here in South Florida recommended a bartender who brings everything—booze, mixers, garnishes, even the bar itself. And the best part? He takes it all away at the end of the night! Poof! No stress, no mess, no awkward leftover liquor cabinet situation. It was seamless, and everyone had an amazing time.

The food? Delicious. The cake? Divine. The games? Exactly what the couple wanted to kick off the excitement for their 2026 wedding. Mission accomplished!

But let me tell you, after all that planning and running around, I was wrecked. I mean, completely wiped out. I used to throw parties all the time when I was married the first time, but let’s be real—I was way younger then. Now? I’m 56, and sometimes I forget that!

Here’s what I won’t forget next time:
✅ Schedule some downtime afterward.
✅ Prioritize sleep, healthy food, and self-care.
✅ Trust that it will all come together the way it’s meant to.

Because at the end of the day, we can put our hearts into making these moments special, but if we’re running on empty, we can’t fully enjoy them. And what’s the point of a party if you don’t get to have fun too?

Oh, and thank goodness I hired a photographer. I wanted to be in the moment, not running around with my phone trying to capture every memory. Highly recommend!

So, the next time you’re throwing an event—whether it’s a big party or just a small gathering—remember to take care of you too. Plan, prep, and then let go and trust that it will all unfold as it should.

Wishing you a weekend filled with rest, relaxation, and zero party clean-up.

XO,
Bizzy