par·ty1 – ˈpärdē/
noun – a social gathering of invited guests, typically involving eating, drinking, and entertainment.

As Out of the Weeds products came to fruition, some of my close friends and colleagues asked me when I was going to host THE product launch party. Hmmm. Oddly enough, this party planning girl hadn’t even thought of that. Invitations, guest lists, menus, decorations, invitee follow ups, all while fall season is kicking in at Three Birds Tavern? Who would come? Did anyone care that we were bottling three of the dressings that we make in our little kitchen at the restaurant that so many of our guests seem to love? At first, the thought wasn’t very appealing to me, but with time, and consideration, I knew that this new product line deserved a celebration.
However, doesn’t something always try to stop you? As party plans were underway, on Wednesday morning, September 24th, on our way to the Sysco Food Show in Tampa, I fell in the parking lot at Three Birds, moving too quickly with too much on my mind, and to make a long story short, I had foot surgery on Tuesday, September 30th. On a positive note, Dr. Swick of All Florida Orthopedic is a rock star, just in case you need foot or ankle surgery (hope not). So here it was . . . my excuse to cancel the Launch Party. My excuse to not have to worry about invitee follow ups, poor attendance and lack of interest in Out of the Weeds. I can’t walk, very well, and three to four weeks of accident and surgery recovery will put me way behind on my day to day responsibilities, let alone an additional event, right? Something will always try to stop you. Don’t allow that to happen!




Was anyone interested in Out of the Weeds? I’m happy to say, yes, indeed. The Mayor of St. Petersburg,
Rick Kriseman, and his lovely wife, Kerry, were with us, and toasted Jack and me with warm words and gratitude for our continuing efforts to grow business in St. Petersburg. Chris Steinocher, the President of St. Petersburg Chamber, Barry Rubin, the President of Gulfport Chamber and Billie Jo Bell of Pinellas Park Chamber were here. Cindy Stovall
of Life Improvement Radio. Janan Talafer of 83 Degrees (who is going to do a BIG feature on the creation of Out of the Weeds). Foodies Nichole Crews of Casa de Crews, Kay Clark of Edible Tampa Bay, Lane Richeson of Supper for a Steal, Alison of Never Have I Ever and Nikki Alaee of SandBookWich. Ester Venouziou of LocalShops1 had a table of several local business owners out showing their support. Andi Graham and Adam Kuhn of Big Sea Design and Development, who’ve created my logo, website, label design, and so much more. The Saucy Queen,
Michele Northrup, my co-packer, friend, inspiration and mentor. I know I’m forgetting so many. Friends, neighbors, book club pals, former employees, vendors, too many to list. Photographer from the heavens, Rossie Newson. Family. My rock, and the one who challenges me each day to raise the bar, my husband and twin soul, Jack. My daughter, Mackenzie, who unexpectedly is living in St. Petersburg right now, and who I hope becomes a much bigger part of Out of the Weeds one day. But the true joy of the evening was the presence of my beloved aunt, my mother’s baby sister, Aunt Becky. Aunt Becky has been my biggest fan for decades, all the way back to Junior Miss and the modeling days of the late 70’s and early 80’s. Among a guest list of Who’s Who, and local business and community leaders, she was my VIP.




Every hour of doubt, every sleepless night, every check written, and every difficult step on this sore foot has been worth it. All the cliches are true: success seems to be connected with action – successful people keep moving – they make mistakes but they don’t quit; it’s lonely at the top; people who succeed are willing to do what others won’t; nothing can subtract hard work from success – only add to it; possibilities don’t add up – they multiply; etc. Work your ass off, and surround yourself with believers, or go it alone. However, remember to celebrate the successes, ’cause who doesn’t love a party?
Cheers, my friends,
Robin
It was such a wonderful time, Robin! I loved the sense of community, the band, and of course all those yummy dressings! Thanks for having me.
I’m so grateful you were here, Nichole, and hope to see you again soon.
Robin
Robin,
Everything was amazing, the food, cocktails, music, your fabulous staff and of course the dressings are so good even my mom is getting all tree for Christmas ;))
Thank you for letting me be part of your great event.
I am so proud of you for not giving up and for showing the world that dream do come true.
I wish you everything best with Out of The Weeds adventure, can’t wait for more goodies
Petra
My dear Petra . . . thank you for helping with this very special day. Some people come into your life for a reason, for many seasons, and I’m grateful you’re in mine! I look forward to continuing to work together, and celebrate together.
Robin