Friday, January 18, 2013

Game Day Parties

First and foremost GO RAVENS!!!!  Now that we've gotten that out the way lets get to business.  If your team is still in the hunt, I'm sure that you or someone you know is knee deep in party prep for this weekend. Party planning can be stressful no matter how small or large the crowd and house parties have a tendency to bring out the freeloaders.  No worries, as always I am here to help:-)  These next five tips will help save you time and money no matter what team colors you bleed.
  1. Ball on a Budget - Your budget determines everything from the guest list and menu to decorations and beverages.  Make sure your guest count matches your budget.  You can't entertain 25 people on a $100 budget, but you can show 8-10 guests a great time.  I always tell my clients to be realistic about their financial situation before they consider throwing a party.  
  2. Dips are your Friend - Dips can help you stretch every penny of your budget. You can feed 10-20 people, depending on the recipe, and the ingredients don't typically cost more then $15-$20.   You can even make dips the theme of your menu.  I like to serve at least two dips and some kind of meat dish when I throw small parties.  You can find great dip recipes at FoodNetwork.com and AllRecipes.com
  3. Show Team Pride with Jello Shots-  I love love love jello shots, especially for game day parties.  They are cheap, easy to make, and you can buy flavors that match your team's colors.  My private recipe calls for one 5th of cheap vodka, on 5th of triple sec, six boxes of jello and 4-6 cups of water.  Always pour a tester shot and put it in the freezer for about 20mins to make sure it sets up.  
  4. BYOB- My basic rule has always been if I provide the house, food, and TV then my guests provide the drinks.  This doesn't just apply to alcoholic beverages, soft drinks fall under this rule too.    
  5. Frozen Appetizers are a Gift from God- Finger food is always the best way to go on game day.  They help diversify your menu and they're inexpensive.  Not to mention all you have to do is heat them up. Place them on a nice platter with some curly kale and grape tomatoes and you're good to go. You can find frozen appetizers at your local grocer, however, Trader Joe's and Sam's Club usually have a better selections. 

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Things to Do

When I create itineraries for my clients they are always amazed at the amount of options I provide.  Most of them can't believe the services or events I've selected are even available in Baltimore.  I often hear people complain that they can't  find anything to do in the city and my response to them is always, "That's because your not looking." The only things that limit your entertainment options are your budget, transportation, and your willingness to step outside your comfort zone.  I'll admit, events don't exactly jump out at you the way the do in D.C or New York but, you can find whatever your social life needs right hear in good old Charm City.  You just have to know where to look.  Here are four tips to help you find exactly what you need to spice up your social life:
  1. Pick up a Free Paper- The City PaperBaltimore's Child, and B are packed full of traditional and eclectic events.  You might event discover a new hobby or favorite place.  
  2. Keep an Open Mind- You can't find something new if your not willing to try something new.  Don't write off an event or venue because your friends never heard of it, distance, or because it has a couple bad reviews.  Everything isn't for everybody.  Just because one or two random strangers online didn't like it doesn't mean you wont have a great time.  Remember, people tend to post and spread complaints faster then praise.  
  3. Ride Shotgun- If your always the driver, take the passenger seat or public transportation.  You'll be amazed at how many event advertisements and venues you never notice while you were driving.  
  4. Hire Me- Shameless plug I know, but it is part of what I do folks. My company can crate an itinerary tailored to your personality and preferences to help you celebrate any occasion. Itineraries start at $60, logistics and day of support are additional.  If my services don't fit in your budget no worries:-) You can subscribe to this blog, follow me on Twitter (@Slplanning), Facebook (Lovelaceplanning) or Google+ (Sherria Lovelace) for tips, reviews, and recommendations. 
   

Friday, January 4, 2013

Ballin On a Budget

It's FRIDAY!!!  Congratulations, you've survived the first week of 2013!  Hopefully, your New Year's resolutions did too.  Now while I can't help you maintain your weight loss goals, (sorry, cookies are my weakness) I can help you trim your entertainment budget.  Here are five tips to help you maintain your social life and trim your budget without limiting you to the $1 at McDonald's.

  1. Don't be afraid of discount sites- Websites like Groupon and Living Social can help you save big time on dinners, concerts, parties, and dance lessons just to name a few.  They are also good for finding events and activities outside of your normal routine. Try something new in 2013! 
  2. Join the email list at your favorite places- I know everyone hates junk mail but establishments often offer deals that are only available to their email subscribers. 
  3. Check the City Paper- You would not believe how much free and almost free stuff there is to do in this City!! I've found everything from free concerts to free food and wine tastings :-)  
  4. Take public transportation- There really is no reason to ever drive downtown for anything! The Charm City Circulator, Subway and Light Rail are all you need.  Yes, you may have to leave the party a little early but you'll save a ton on parking fees and gas.  Plus, not having to deal with downtown traffic is priceless!
  5. Take advantage of Happy Hour- In addition to traditional Happy Hours, more and more establishments are offering "reverse or late night" Happy Hours.  Most start around 9pm and run till close.   

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

The Dark Spot in the Room


     One of the biggest challenges my African American clients face is finding eclectic entertainment that also caters to their demographic.  More often then not, local venues provide interesting themes, great atmosphere, and quality customer service but the entertainment leaves a lot to be desired.   The crowd can also be a bit one sided.  Leaving Black folks feeling like the dark spot in the room.  Believe it or not, this issue will stop many Black people from attending events in curtain neighborhoods, counties, and venues.

      Now don’t get your panties all in a bunch White folks! This doesn't mean we don’t like you or don’t want to be around you.  Y’all are lots of fun! Your, “just out to have a good time,” attitude and willingness to pick up the tab always makes for an interesting night outJ But sometimes we simply want to be around people that look like us, talk like us, and understand our unique experiences. 

     So how does one get over being the dark spot in the room?  The answer is simple, own your position and get others in on the act!  Business owners cater to their customer demographic. Therefore, if you want them to cater to you consider becoming a regular patron.  Stage a good old fashioned sit in with 10-20 of your friends, family, and co-workers.  It’s best to do this on non-peak days (Monday-Thursday) that way your crowd really stands out. These gatherings can be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.   Each time you visit make sure you have a five minute meet and great with the manager or owner.  Introduce him to his new patrons and share what you would like to see more of as well as what you love about the place.  Trust me, if management values your patronage and sees an opportunity to grow profits, they’ll make the necessary adjustments to keep you coming back.  

How to become and MVP (Most Valuable Patron):

  1.  Tip appropriately -Don’t leave a $5 tip for a $100 bill! If the service met or exceeded your expectation  15%-18% is the rule.
  2.  Bring in new customers – Host a happy hour, dinner, party, etc.
  3.  Patronize regularly- Preferably twice a month.
  4.  Introduce yourself to management.
  5.  Invite the right people- We all have, what I like to call, a “Ghetto Bird” friend or two.  Everything isn't for everybody. 
  6. Be friendly and express your needs up front- Let the staff know if your party needs separate checks, has any food restrictions, preferred seating or if your celebrating a special occasion.