Archive for July 2009
Mastering the Art of the Playlist
Monday, July 20, 2009 | 8:49 pmOne element of hosting a good party that goes unnoticed is music selection. I have come to realize that music and entertainment go hand-in-hand. I’ve hosted many dinner parties, celebratory cookouts and other events. And one of the first items on my agenda when planning a party is the music playlist. If you’re not investing in a deejay for your event, this responsibility is all yours.
No matter what kind of party you’re throwing, you definitely need some background noise. Otherwise, it’s just the sound of random conversations going on at the same time, and that’s no fun.
So here’s what you need to take into consideration: the type of vibe you’re trying to create and the overall personality of the group that will be in attendance. If this is a formal dinner party, you’re not going to want to play gangster rap, but if it’s a kegger you’re hosting for old college buddies, you’re not going to want to play classical music (unless that’s really what your old classmates are into, of course).
The vibe of your party is one of the most important elements. Do you want your guests to dance? Do you want the music to be soft enough so they can enjoy conversation amongst themselves? Does the party have a theme? If so, you’ll definitely want to center your music choices around the theme.
Next, you must keep your guests preferences in mind. Just because you’re a heavy metal fan does not mean your guests want to listen to Megadeth while sipping on wine and biting into their cheese and crackers.
Lastly, think about the length of time this party will be running. You don’t want to make a one-hour playlist that is just going to keep repeating over and over again all night. Your guests will notice and grow bored with the music and entertainment. So keep them on their toes and keep the music fresh!
—Mr. UK | no comments
(posted in entertainment | tagged entertainment, music)
Road Trips: The Ideal Cheap Vacation
Sunday, July 19, 2009 | 8:46 pmIt can be quite difficult to plan a vacation during these tough economic times. Luckily cheap vacations are easy to plan out on your own, with the help of travel websites. Just look up special deals and vacation packages, and the results will be plenty.
My favorite idea for cheap vacations is the popular “road trip.” It’s easy to plan and easy on the wallet. Get a group of friends and a large enough vehicle, and you’re set. All you need to worry about at that point is hotel and filling up the gas tank, but with a group of people traveling, it should be easy enough to split the cost amongst yourselves.
Road trips are convenient because you can plan them however you’d like. If you just want a weekend getaway, you can simply choose a city within reasonable driving distance. Or if you don’t mind taking a few extra days off work, you can make it a cross-country trip. Depending on what kind of traveling partners you have with you, this may be the deciding factor. Do NOT travel with people you know you will get sick of within a matter of hours. The rest of your trip will be miserable! This goes for any length road trip.
Also, take into account what kind of trip you want this to be before you begin planning. If you’re going to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, you may not want to go with your conservative older cousins who will judge you as you’re inappropriately collecting beads. Or if you’re into outdoor activities and want to make this a hiking trip, don’t invite any of your high-maintenance gal pals that are going to complain the entire time. Figure out something you and your friends can enjoy together, and set up a game plan.
—Mr. UK | no comments
(posted in travel)
Who Needs a Vacation?
Friday, July 17, 2009 | 8:44 pmWho doesn’t, right? It seems now more than ever we could all use a vacation. The economy is still in bad shape and doesn’t seem to be getting any better anytime soon. As a result, our stress levels are up. We’re overworked and underpaid. I know I’m only speaking for myself and the general public when I say this, but if there was ever a time we needed a break it’s now.
While my favorite form of vacation is to travel abroad, that isn’t necessarily possible at the moment. So what can one do in the meantime?
I know many people who have been practicing the fine art of the “staycation.” This economical alternative involves enjoying time at home while taking a break from work and life’s many stresses.
I know it may not sound appealing and/or glamorous, but at times like these, it may be worth the effort to simply turn your home into a destination. Picture this: an attractive gazebo in your backyard with a fire pit in the center, a beautifully landscaped flower bed, tiki torches, and a small outdoor bar. A water garden feature could add a nice peaceful touch and bring sounds of the ocean without the ocean. Maybe add some fun outdoor games: a volleyball net or bag boards.
Coming home from your 9 to 5 would never feel so good! The costs are minimal compared to splurging on a 10-day European cruise. I’m not saying the rewards are even the least bit comparable; for me, this is just a quick fix for cabin fever. This will allow you to save some cash for a future getaway. But while in limbo, why not make your at-home experience that much more pleasing?
—Mr. UK | no comments
(posted in travel)
What Entertains You
Wednesday, July 8, 2009 | 4:36 pmWe live in an era that belongs to computers. Advanced technology and new innovative approaches have given us many gadgets that help us live a comfortable life. Even our kids are exposed to computers and video games. The most important aspect in making kids grow up as healthy individuals is physical health. But all important physical activity is missing from the lives of our kids. They are ready to spend time in front of a computer or playing a video game but they do not like to go out and play or do any type of physical activity. The use of gadgets has made most kids lazy.
Toys gadgets are the toys used by kids for playing these days. Toys gadgets have replaced the exercises and outdoor games of kids. These are available in the market in a wide variety and at affordable prices. The reason for the increased use of such gadgets is the fact that kids from a very young age have a fascination and admiration for technology. They will not touch their toys but try to play with the laptops and cell phones that they see around them.
Most children today are tech- savvy. They want to play with remote controlled cars, helicopters and planes. They even prefer to play traditional games like scrabble on the computer. All that the children of today want are gadgets instead of books, board games, racer bikes and dolls.
Gone are the days when kids liked playing with stuffed toys and building blocks. What they need today are Xboxes and the hi-tech gadgets.
—Mr. UK | no comments
(posted in entertainment | tagged entertainment, Fun, Toy Gadgets)