Tag Archives: makers

My Weekend…Planned

It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything. Not that I haven’t been writing over the lasts few months, I’ve written a ton. With all that’s happening in our country and around the world, writing is all I could do. Not for others but for myself. It’s the best way for me to release and makes sense of what I experience. 

However, this morning before my husband left for work he kissed me and asked “are you ready for a great weekend?” I am, and I want to share it. 



Friday

Today started out kind of relaxing. Breakfast with the girls, a little cleaning but I’m taking it easy. My idea of easy may be a little twisted but I’ll take it. 

This morning I’ll be checking off my to do list in preparation for our event tonight. My Makers and Music event is in partnership with Style Week Pittsburgh and Social Status Boutique. We’re gathering to celebrate some of our city’s most creative people. It started with a photoshoot and a great group of people. The incredible photographer Juan Carlos Silva, made everyone feel great and look great. Now we get to see the images, celebrate the group and learn more about what they do. 

After the happy hour event and clean up, 😩 I’m going to head over to Tako for a margarita and a song. David is spinning there until 1am. I might stay for a late night taco too. 


Saturday

No Saturday morning commitments = big (Belgium) waffles, bacon and maybe a mimosa. AKA…My favorite breakfast. David makes the most amazing waffles with help from Stella and Cece, while I prepare the mixed berries and Sofia sets a “fancy” table as she calls it. I love these mornings with my family. 

Saturday afternoon we are back to our weekly historic landmark search. Stella’s idea has become one of our favorite activities this summer. We’ve had so much fun and the girls (and their parents) have learned a lot about Pittsburgh. We know…#NerdAlert

Saturday evening another great event! My band Rhyhm ‘n’ Steel will be performing at Musicalidades, David will also DJ the event. A fundraising event hosted by Our Rhythm a project by my new friends Gabriel, Lucas and Cat. Our Rhythm will be a documentary film telling the stories of  7 musicians around the world. I am happy to support such a wonderful project but even happier to support such great people. 



Sunday 

We are definitely sleeping in on Sunday. Mass at noon will be a great way to reflect on the past week and prepare for the week ahead. Although my faith is not based on just going to church. I like the gathering, singing in unison, listening to our priest and thinking about ways I can do and be better. 

All in All

We’re going to have a typical Pugliano Family weekend action packed and fun. I have always been stuck between being  afraid of all that’s bad in the world and how it impacts my family and creating an amazing life for my girls, free of the worry and the sadness I feel. It’s so difficult but I look at them and I know I’m doing well. It’s more important for them to feel loved than anything else. And they do. Not to sound corny but love is the key. First self love. Knowing yourself, loving yourself, taking care of yourself and improving yourself. Then loving others. Being empathetic, supportive and kind, to all. That will go such a long way. Try and see. 

Top Events of 2015

If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you already know its been a very busy year. 2015 was not only about recruiting, training and business development for my clients, it was also about community engagement and The Arts. In addition to Straightforward work, I also focused on building my organization, Barrels to Beethoven, combined my skills and love of both business and the arts, partnered with Zeffiro Art, and created some really cool events that celebrated  art and music and provided the opportunity for the community to engage in a more interactive way. Creative event development took the forefront for my business and making a difference, making an impact and having my guests leave feeling good about the experience, was the reward. Here’s what’s at the top of my list…

 

The Engagement Party


This panel discussion in partnership with the Open Engagement Conference, featured several local women in various fields of The Arts. The panel was asked a series of questions and their responses brought out head nods, laughter and incite into the experience of women in the arts, particularly in Pittsburgh. My goal and the inspiration behind creating this event was to provide a much needed platform for women to share their knowledge, perspective and experiences.

 

Makers and Music


  
Throughout the summer we hosted these events in correlation with UnBlurred on Penn Ave. Makers and Music provided space for local artisans to showcase their goods while local musicians performed. Makers included; Knotzland, Ruhling Woven, Zeffiro Art and Born to Be. With music provided by; Two Tall Twins, Chris Catone, Comancheria, Brett Staggs, David Pugliano aka DJ illeso, Aaron Pfeiffer, JackLucy and my band, Rhythm ‘n’ Steel. These inspiring events were so well received. Smiles on every face. Makers and Music will definitely be back in 2016 with some really cool locations and amazing artists.

 

Moving Language -Opening Reception


Take an amazing artist, an exceptional exhibition of work, and the love and support of family, friends and community and you’ll get the opening night of Moving Language. It was an absolute pleasure to work on this show and event. The exhibit ran through the summer of 2015 and the beautiful artwork created the backdrop to events like Art with the Artist, Brunch En Blanc and “The Compilation” – designer preview party and mixer. Stay tuned for more great work and exceptional events from the artist, Sarah Zeffiro.

Pop up Yoga


This event turned out to be as rewarding for me as it was for the guests. My first experience doing yoga could not have been more impactful and amazing. Led by instructor Cara Bessko and set amongst the art of Sarah Zeffiro this class left me feeling great the entire weekend. Next up with Cara? Yoga and The Pan 1/23 @ Alloy Studios.

Let’s Play Pan 21+


  
 This interactive workshop for adult students, featured Caribbean cuisine, cocktails and lots of music and laughter. Each session, we started a band! Taking non-musicians, teaching them steelpan technique and turning them into musicians. By the end of the evening we were playing songs like, Viva la Vida, Hey Jude and Watermelon Man. These events were beyond awesome. My eyes might have teared up at some point in the evening during each session. I love teaching Steelpan but I am so grateful to all who attended. Funds from these events help to support the Pittsburgh Youth Steel Orchestra.  More events to come in very cool locations!

 

Gather and Give



This event could not have come at a better time. Right before Christmas my friends, family, supporters and collaborators all gathered at The Goldmark in Lawrenceville for a happy hour event to celebrate the season and give back. Every guest brought a sweater or two, or ten to donate to our sweater drive. We enjoyed cocktails and danced the early evening away to great music provided by DJ illeso. On Christmas Eve my family and I delivered the sweaters to The Salvation Army Family Caring Center. Because I will always do for others, and the interest of some other organizations in need, this event will hopefully occur quarterly. I’m really looking forward to that. Special thanks to The Goldmark for hosting us and being such an awesome venue.

 

Favorite Events, Attended

Luckily I didn’t have to creative my own events to learn, be inspired and have a good time. There were some really cool events that I was honored to attend..

Six X Ate

Fuse: Beethoven + Coldplay

Startup Weekend Education

Style Week Pittsburgh

Speak Freely with Luis von Ahn

Maker Faire Pittsburgh (attended and participated)

Stay tuned for more arts focused, engaging, uplifting and interactive events. 2016 will yield great moments built by collaboration and focused on community. Happy New Year!