Chaos Season, Cheeseboards, and Manifesting Magic
Yea, I’m late. If you were checking the site last night looking for your weekly dose of Graze chaos, I promise I wasn't just ghosting you to watch Netflix (though, I started Dinosaurs and 🤯). It’s another Monday and we marathoned through this past week.
Where did the time go besides with the time change? But even with the chaos season in full swing, there was something... different? The universe was throwing a lot at me, but for once, I wasn't just catching it; I was actually juggling it without dropping the metaphorical (and literal) cheese.
The NYC Manifestation
So, let’s talk about the big, huge, massive news. You guys know I’m all about those manifesting those orders and putting good vibes out into the world, right? Well, the lucky streak is officially here.
I had a meeting last week with a much larger charcuterie business rooted in NYC. Like, *NYC* NYC. The big leagues. And hi. It went SO well. We’re talking about a partnership where they’re going to list my website on theirs so their clients who have events or needs in my neck of the woods can order directly from me.
I’ve been vibrating with excitement since the meeting ended. I even had to check with my legal associate to make sure everything was good and she gave me the official green light! Knowing the legal side is locked down makes this feel so much more real. It’s funny how a few months ago I was just floating around and now we’re looking at something like this?! It’s wild.
The Weekend Whirlwind: Toddlers, Tummy Time, and TONS of Meat
If the weekdays were for business breakthroughs, the weekend was for the real life hustle filled with work, baby showers, meal prep and 5 year old birthdays. I was fed and watered at all the parties so I can’t really complain. I honestly don’t know how I’m still standing. I’m not. I’m literally writing this in bed still but my millennial battery is surprisingly holding a charge today.
Usually, a weekend like this would leave me in a puddle of stress on the floor (maybe with a glass of wine, maybe just crying into a napkin). But somehow it didn't feel that stressed? I think I’m finally leaning into that slow and steady vibe I’ve been trying to cultivate. Instead of rushing to the finish line, I just focused on the next board, the next present to wrap, the next client email. One foot in front of the other. It’s Monday morning clarity I didn't see coming.
Trusting the Gut (And the Stars)
I’ve been paying a lot of attention to my intuition lately. I think there’s a Sun trine Jupiter thing happening right now so don't quote me on the exact degrees, I'm not an astrologer but the lucky streak energy is palpable and the last month has been pretty good.
I’ve spent so much time in the past doubting if I could actually pull off Graze as a real business. And, yea, it’s a real business but you know that feeling? Maybe not, but imposter syndrome is real BUT I’m learning to reframe that feeling. So after this NYC partnership and the way this busy weekend flowed, I’m finally trusting my gut. When you feel that spark of "this is going to work," you have to hold onto it. It’s like when you find that perfect piece of aged cheddar that doesn't crumble too much, you just know it’s right.
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by your own chaos season, here are my unsolicited tips for having a semi-decent day:
Embrace 'Slow and Steady. I know, I know, we want everything done now. But patience is actually a superpower. If you rush the brie, you cut your finger.
Trust Your Gut. If a partnership or a project feels right, lean in. If it feels like a headache waiting to happen, run. Your intuition is smarter than your anxiety.
The Overnight Peel-Off Mask. Seriously. My focus for this week is "conversations and skincare." There is nothing that makes you feel more like you have your life together than peeling a layer of gunk off your face on a Monday morning. It’s symbolic. Out with the old chaos, in with the new glow.
Speaking of self-care, I dreamt I got a spray tan last night and you all know I’m already naturally tan but in this dream I was the perfect sun-kissed shade and I quite liked it. At first I was like hmm is this dream reflecting a fear that my career is "processing" me into a standardized, glossy version of myself that feels sticky and temporary? Yep. But here I am reframing into something more positive. I am already enough (naturally tan), but I am choosing to enhance my visibility (the spray tan) because I am ready to step into the spotlight (the NYC partnership). That’s all I got. Someone else please give me insight!
The Social Drain is Real
As much as I love making people happy with cheeseboards, I am officially "socially drained." The 4PM Sunday birthday party was the final straw for my extrovert reserves. My plan for the next few evenings involves zero talking and maximum creative hobbies. Maybe a quiet walk if the weather decides to behave.
I’m so incredibly grateful for all of you who keep checking in, who order from us for your moments, and who let me vent my stream-of-consciousness thoughts here. Being a caterer in Chelmsford isn't just about the food; it's about the community and the crazy, messy, beautiful lives we all lead.
Stay lucky, stay patient, and for the love of all things holy, do a face mask.
XX,
Abby
Song of the day: Melanie Martinez-Possession
It’s a heavy track to play on loop but it’s candy coated and haunting at the same time. Just my vibe.
