Weekend in the Berkshires

What's everybody doing this weekend?  I mean seriously, has anyone taken a look at some of the events going on in the Berkshires?  The farmers markets are starting, estate sales abound, the museums are hopping with their newest exhibits...

I am taking my daughters to see Rhythmic Circus at The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, and I. CAN'T. WAIT!  I mean what's not to love about dancing (like tap dancing on steroids, from what I hear) and percussion instruments TOGETHER?!?!  In fact, The Colonial's website reads something like this, 

"There’s tap dancing and then there’s Rhythmic Circus, the percussive-dance phenomenon that features a variety of musical flavors, from Minneapolis funk to salsa, and enlivened by a seven-piece band, vocalists and a beat-boxer."

(Okay, so The Colonial's website reads exactly like that, since I just copied and pasted that part.)  

So I think that looks like a really fun night, and for two little girls (and one big girl!) that get really pumped by funky music with a great beat and CRAZY dancing, I think it's a no-brainer. 

And speaking of no-brainers (well, kinda...I just said it right there ^), I think that all too often people come to the Berkshires expecting that going to the theatre means listening to a symphony, or seeing the opera, or watching ballet. But TRULY every taste is represented here.  And The Colonial, among other places, has SO MUCH to offer, but I think sometimes people who aren't the "artsy-phartsy" type are NEEDLESSLY intimidated by some of the amazing local venues we have.

So if anyone is looking for the Consolati girls tomorrow night, you know where we'll be! (Probably kicking up our (my) heels in the aisles...my girls will be mortified...a win-win situation!)

Til next time!

Learning curves for a PR consultant

So, it's funny.  When I'm writing blogs for my clients (view one here), it just seems to come naturally...I could go on and on about all the cool stuff that they have going on.  Same goes for the marketing and design aspects...I'm so "outside-the-box" with the fun, quirky ideas that I'm becoming known for.  But then I start focusing on my own business and it's like, "Um...what?"  Don't get me wrong, it isn't that I'm not SUPER excited about the work that I'm doing (I LOVE what I do!), but all my ideas tend to start swirling around in my head like a destructive tornado and I start thinking, "I'd really like an Oreo and a glass of wine...together...right now."  Good thing this doesn't usually happen early in the morning!  LOL

Okay, so with all that being said, I've decided that I need to break down my "Luxe-ness" into categories, but I want your input (a little bit later...I'll give you the signal).  Since the Berkshires really is an amazing place to live (don't just take my word for it, Smithsonian Mag thinks so too, apparently!) I think I need to discuss the best of everything.  So here are my categories: Arts, Dining, Shopping (this will be home decor and clothing...although more home decor, because I don't think my Virginia Tech sweatshirts--though completely awesome--exude the whole "luxe" appeal), Antiques, Wedding/Event Venues, Lodging and maybe even People.  Oh, and probably something for pets, since I'm beginning to think I may have a hoarding problem.

So now, this is where I'd like your input.  Do you want to wake up every morning and wonder, "What category will Tara discuss today?"  Or should I do something like Twitter's "Travel Tuesday" (or #TT), "Wedding Wednesday" (#WW) and so on? (I haven't figured out what the other days are supposed to be, and truthfully, I thought Wednesdays were about Weight Watchers for the longest time...)

Let me know your thoughts!  I know right now, no one really knows about this blog yet, so I'll probably just hear from my mom, sister or maybe cousin.  But that's okay...you guys count, too! ;)

Hello...let me introduce myself!

Well, it seems like this has been a long time in the making, but I'm so excited to announce that there are some really fun things going on in my neck of the woods!  For the last six years, I've owned my own business that provides business support services (marketing, office organization, personal assistance to solopreneurs, etc.) and this has allowed me to meet all kinds of terrific people!

Last year, I was fortunate enough to get involved in the Lenox Wedding Tour, which brought luxury event planners to the Berkshires for a scouting trip.  Our mission was to raise awareness of the Berkshires as a luxury destination wedding location...I mean, really, we live in an amazing region!  It's basically Newport without the ocean (but SO much more!).

I quickly realized that marketing the Berkshires was the direction in which I wanted to take my own business.  I'm passionate about everything we have to offer here...a cultural mecca, fabulous shopping, fine (really fine!) dining, and so on.  And so here we are...I've dedicated this blog to highlighting some of the amazing things (services AND products) that the Berkshires has to offer (i.e., we're not just a bunch of country bumpkins...we're bumpkins with a lot of class!).

This is a work in progress, but as we begin this process and get to know each other better, I think it'll be great!  Here's to new endeavors!  Enjoy!