Intro

Hi, I’m Juanita Royal-Burgess. I own Sweet Occasions. Sweet Occasions is a premier event and travel planning business. We specialize in customized event coordination and destination events of any kind. From weddings to reunions to family vacations, your event will create lifetime memories. Sweet Occasions will make you event the sweetest day you’ve ever known! This is our guarantee. Now, let me tell you a little about myself. Unofficially I’ve been planning events and travel for about 10 years. This came about because I love to shop and will search tirelessly for a great deal. My mom taught me at a young age to have a strong sense of community. Community activism and volunteering is a passion of mine. I strongly believe that, whom anything is given, something is required. This means that if you live in a community, you need to do something to better that community. So although I love to spend, I love to give. When my job closed down in 2007, I was at a crossroads. Thinking I’d be out of work for a few months I began doing more volunteer and community work. A few months then turned into a year. During that time, my community involvement through Regeneration Development Group, Inc. helped empower me to go forward in starting my own business. I’ve had this dream for a while and it finally came to life April of 2010. Regeneration has helped me connect with the NC Rural Economic Center and the NC GATE project. I am grateful to Regeneration for giving me the information and the push I needed to become an entrepreneur. Now I help many people make their dream vacations, reunions, and weddings come true. Because class does not have a price tag and Sweet Occasions specializes in classy customized events. Our events are classy because we give our customers four plus star treatment no matter how large or small the event. Customized because no two events are alike and each customer’s event is tailored to their specifications. For more information or to plan your next event or vacation, visit us at .

Spice It UP

Although it isn't September 21, summer is over! Everyone is back in school...afterschool activities have begun...and buses are changing our morning and afternoon commute. The fun doesn't have to end! Here are some helpful tips to planning fun and festive indoor parties. Game Day Whether it's a gathering of 5 or 15, making your home the place to be on game day doesn't have to be tiring or time consuming. Live by one simple rule "KISS!" (Keep It Simple Sweatie!) You don't have to serve a grand spread! Choose one to two simple dishes per gathering. Switch it up every now and then so you and your guests don't get bored. Offer to let someone else take care of the refreshments. Here is one of my favorite recipes. Game Day Chili 3lb Lean ground beef (ground turkey can also be used) 1can RoTel Hot Diced Tomatoes with Habaneros (any kind will do but that's my fav0 1can RoTel Original Tomato and Green Chili Sauce 2cans Kidney beans 1 large yellow onion (chopped) 1tbsp Season salt 1tbsp Pepper 2tbsp Chili powder Season ground beef with season salt and pepper. Brown in a large pan with chopped onions on medium-high heat.Once meat is a deep brown,add chili powder and sit aside. In a 5-qt pot, add the can of RoTel Original Tomato and Green Chili Sauce, RoTel Diced Tomatoes with Habaneros, and kidney beans. Heat on medium-high heat until it comes to a boil. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. Add groud beef mixture to the sauce. Cook on medium low heat until it boils. Stir occasionally. Turn down to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Stirring occasionally. Serve with shredded sharpe cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, and sour cream. Makes 10 servings.