For the first time since I can remember (not counting having a baby four years ago, I guess), I took off two weeks following the Christmas holiday. The goal was to have time to relax and reset, so I could enter the year with a renewed and refreshed vibe.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
But first, a look back at 2021
Part of my plan included the completion of a personal annual review. Last year provided a lot of bumps and changes for me, and though I tried not to dwell on things that negatively impacted me, reviewing them reminded me of what my goals are for the future.
I’ve long embraced the New Year’s resolution — I used to share them here on the blog, in fact. Though many people eschew the concept of the annual pledge of metamorphosis, I’ve always found the notion refreshing and inspiring (even though my record probably isn’t that great).
I felt pretty down at the end of 2021, honestly, and I couldn’t embrace the mojo displayed on social media to grab 2022 by the horns or whatever.
And so, I let it wash over me, whatever that means, and embraced my two weeks “off” (which weren’t really, because I hadn’t ever fully completed my tasks in advance, because clients needed me, and probably also because I wanted to work). This also was helpful when we pulled our son from childcare when cases spiked because the center doesn’t mask, vax, or test.
However, I kept my out-of-office reply on (and tried to remind myself of that), and despite the aforementioned primary caretaker duties, I followed through on my plans for my mini-retreat. I designed the getaway as an opportunity to relax with spa services and spend time preparing for a new year of personal and professional development.
And today, I’m updating that auto-reply from OOO to “oops, don’t have childcare,” which I struggle with admitting for a myriad of reasons.
But — I’m back. If you’ve made it this far, you’re rewarded with this: What I have planned for 2022.
Events
Events are back, baby. Here’s what’s on the agenda:
sip @ soma
Guest tasting room in the SoMa (south of Market) neighborhood of downtown Harrisburg. I’m booking PA breweries and similar for this space that features 30-ish seats, plus an outside patio.
Events occur 6-9 p.m. during every 3rd in the Burg weekend, which is the third Friday of each month and preceding Thursday. No tickets or admission requirements for guests.
On 3rd in the Burg nights, we’ll also have live music, a food truck on the blog, and more.
Save the dates: Jan. 20-21, Feb. 17-18, March 17-18, April 14-15, May 19-20, June 16-17, July 14-15, Aug. 18-19, Sept. 15-16, Oct. 20-21, Nov. 17-18, Dec. 15-16.
Find it: 23 S. 3rd St. Harrisburg
sip @ 17
Intimate tasting room hosting PA wineries and distilleries (and other).
Events occur in tandem with sip @ soma — 6-9 p.m. during every 3rd in the Burg weekend. No tickets or admission requirements for guests.
★ Save the dates: Jan. 20-21, Feb. 17-18, March 17-18, April 14-15, May 19-20, June 16-17, July 14-15, Aug. 18-19, Sept. 15-16, Oct. 20-21, Nov. 17-18, Dec. 15-16.
Find it: 17 S. 3rd St. Harrisburg
SoMa Block Party Series
Discover and enjoy a night in SoMa under the lights! This fan-favorite event is back for 2022. Live music, PA beer, spirits, wine, kombucha or other PA-made NA bevs, and food trucks — plus shop local vintage and other vendors!
★ Save the dates:
- May 19
- June 30
- July 28
- Aug. 25
- Sept. 29
- Oct. 20
All events are Thursday nights and run 7-10 p.m. on S. 3rd St., between Market & Chestnut Sts. in downtown Harrisburg.
If you’re a PA brewery, winery, distillery, cidery, meadery, food vendor, or musician interested in participating in any sip @ soma, sip @ 17, or SoMa Block Party events, contact me.
Plants & Pints (formerly Harrisburg VeggieFest)
Celebrating plant-based life and PA craft beer! Our reenvisioned festival returns with a new name. Plants & Pints showcases healthy living and craft beer around Harrisburg. Vegetarian and vegan options are welcome (any animal-related products will be clearly marked). Try new foods, drink great local beer and kombucha, shop plant-based products and artisan wares, and sample fitness trends.
Save the date!
★ Saturday, Aug. 20 at Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg.
If you’re a plant-based vendor, artisan, brewer, etc. interested in participating in this event, please contact me. Details are still being finalized.
Holiday Pop-Up Happy Hour
The orig returns for the holidays. The Holiday Pop-Up Happy Hour takes place in the Atrium of Strawberry Square and features local beverages, food, live music, and Santa!
★ Save the date: Wednesday, Dec. 14
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Promotion
Though I’m still finalizing this year’s Editorial Calendar (last year was easier, somehow), you can look forward to food and drink content, including restaurant and dining reviews, food and cocktail recipes, giveaways from local businesses, #shoplocal gift guides, and much, much more.
Weekend Roundup
Inclusion in my Weekend Roundup is always free. Read this post for details on whether your event qualifies and how best to submit your events. Join this email list for submission reminders.
Giveaways
Offered to my promotion clients and a la carte, giveaways have been a cornerstone of my blog for more than 15 years. Now, choose from blog or Instagram placement (blog giveaways get a bonus email sent to my list), and get a boost in social subscribers and eyes on your brand and products through this promotion.
Original Content
From blog posts to Instagram Reels, I’m a skilled content creator who values long-term partnerships to deliver authentic, sought-after content.
Social Media
I’m not currently accepting new social media clients. However, I will offer one-time consults and self-audits at a special rate for start-ups and side hustlers later this year.
