Christmas Eve Traditions

Once the kids are tucked into bed on Christmas Eve, my husband and I crack open a good bottle of wine and enjoy a cheese tray while we watch Love Actually.  This has been our tradition since my son was born five years ago.  Because we've seen the movie so many times, we mostly talk and watch at the same time. The glow from the Christmas tree provides lovely ambience and we take a quiet moment, just the two of us, before the Christmas morning chaos arrives.  We think of this as a special occasion and so it requires special wine and special cheese! Here are my picks that have made it into our Christmas Eve soiree.

Cheeses

Dubliner - I first tried this cheese at a Mother's Day event and have bought it many times since then.  It comes from Ireland (as the name suggests) and is a mix between sharp cheddar and parmegiano.

English Applewood Smoked Cheddar - Smoked cheddar is very holiday-ish to me.  Its got a richer flavour then traditional cheddar but is very palatable even for those that aren't into fancy cheeses.

Oka Classique - This is a Canadian classic and appeals to everyone (even kids) but its a but fancier than something you may buy every day.

Saint Honore - Triple cream cheese.  Need I say more.  This is an award winning cheese that is the perfect decadent finish to any cheese tray.

Le Douanier - I tried this cheese for the first time at momstown's recent Fall conference.  It was served at our wine and cheese event at Chateau Des Charmes and I just loved it!  Similar to French Morbier, this semi soft cheese is split with a thin line of grey-blue ash made from maple wood.  Very unique and very delicious!

Le Douanier (photo credit)

Wines

Konzelmann's Pinot Noir - One of my faves!

Chateau Des Charmes' Earth & Sky Riesling - I'm actually not much of a white wine fan (red is much more my thing) but I really liked this one when I tried it recently.

Mitolo Jester Shiraz - Often the wine I bring as a gift for the hosts

Wyndham Estate Bin 555 Shiraz - A family favourite

Beringer California Collection Cabernet Sauvignon - Very well priced, tasty, and goes well with just about anything in my opinion!

Hopefully I've made a few suggestions that have piqued your interest.  Whether you add these to your Christmas Eve or another holiday occasion, I hope you enjoy!

Bringing Innovation & Activation To Your Business

Being an entrepreneur can be tough.  Being a momstown chapter owner makes the tough parts so much easier.  This past weekend, the entire momstown team from across Canada came together for our annual Fall conference.  To have a room full of other entrepreneurs that understand your business, your challenges and your successes is such a source of support!  We gathered in Niagara Falls for three days of brainstorming, planning, evaluating and innovating, I can honestly say that it was a bit overwhelming, but in the BEST possible way.

Momstown can't be considered a new company anymore, we are more than five years old.  While we have achieved many successes since opening, the theme of this conference was innovation.  The vibe in our conference room over the course of the conference was electric, positive and inspiring.  We are all ready to take our businesses to the next level.  And while creativity and innovation are very exciting, they are nothing without activation.  Not only did we spend lots of time being innovative but we did the work to make sure we can activate and make 2014 the best year yet.

So what went in to making this weekend an undoubted success?

• Fabulous accommodations at the newly renovated Courtyard Marriott in Niagara Falls.  A big thanks for their hospitality including a scrumptious dinner at The Keg located inside the hotel (so handy) and a delicious buffet breakfast each morning.  The hotel is in a great spot, right in the middle of all of main Niagara attractions - museums, casinos, restaurants, etc making it easy to walk around and enjoy the sites.
• Arriving in style thanks to GM Canada providing our crew with Chevrolet Equinox vehicles
• An awards ceremony recognizing the hard work from across the country.  Momstown Oakville is so proud to have been the recipient of the 'Chapter of The Year Award' for 2013!
• Working sessions that provided smart goals thanks to the momstown head office team and Shelagh Cummins from BizTrainHer.com.  We also came up with the momstown five daily practices to help grow our business.
• Sharing best practices with all 18 other momstown chapters across Canada
• A perfect balance between work and play.  We worked hard, we really did.  But we also got a chance to visit Chateau Des Charmes winery, enjoy mani/pedi's from Ah Bella Luna Mobile Spa and got some fabulous new head shots taken by CL Buchanan photography.

On the steps of Chateau Des Charmes winery

This conference was a game changer for many momstown chapter owners.  I can hardly wait for 2014 to arrive!  I am so proud of what was accomplished at this conference and ready for a great year ahead.  To find out how you can bring momstown to your community and join a group of incredible entrepreneurs, click here.