Guest Bloggers

Bill Gates and Warren Buffet, along with 38 other billionaires have made a moral commitment to donate half of their wealth to charity (http://givingpledge.org). Excellent! Charitable organizations will be saved. Problem solved . . . Wait! The problem is not solved? There is more to do? Do we need more billionaires to step up? Yes! Okay, great plan. Let’s start making those calls.

I feel incredibly fortunate to be among those who wake up every morning excited to get to work. I’m a sports nutritionist for professional and amateur combat athletes. My clients range from casual athletes to elite mixed martial arts (MMA) competitors in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).  My company Fuel the Fighter LLC was established in 2009 with the goal of providing the most scientifically accurate nutrition information for combat athletes. My approach is customized for each client to take into account food preferences, training schedule, long term goals and cooking ability.

As a planner, working with a catering company that genuinely cares about the preparation, style, and nutrients is extremely special. This experience in the pre planning process allows us (the planners), the client and the caterer to work together beginning with the menu conception, the tasting, followed by the presentation and enjoyment of the cuisine on the wedding day.

Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa was the setting for a relaxing retreat for about two dozen wedding industry professionals hosted by Josh Friedman of Elan Artists and Dan Reyburn, General Manager of Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa, located in Milton, NY.  Not only is Buttermilk Falls a fantastic place for a getaway weekend, but for a wedding as well.  They have many spots on property which can accommodate outdoor ceremonies and tented wedding receptions.

The week between Earth Day and Arbor Day is a perfect time to reflect on how we can be more environmentally conscious in our everyday lives.  And since a large part of my everyday life revolves around planning events, I thought I’d share some earth friendly ideas which can be incorporated into any celebration.

An easy and fast spring-to-summer meal is this Hazelnut Pesto with Angel Hair Pasta. Fresh basil and arugula give this recipe that right-out-of-the-garden taste, and the hazelnut adds a wonderfully nutty, sweet addition. Plus, it’s super easy!