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. 

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.   

Happy Spa Week!

Hey Folks! In case you didn't know April 16th-22nd is Spa Week in the DMV. If you're thinking who cares or what is this made up holiday; let me enlighten you my friends.  This week allows spa junkies, like myself, that are ballin on a budget to take advantage of their favorite services for up to 50% off.  It's like Christmas in April for spa feens! Ladies, if you're an advent spa goer I suggest you use this week to try a service that you've been curious about or is typically out of your price point. If you never been to a spa (shocking I know but some folks haven't) then now is the best time to treat yourself and/or your boo to a pampering session.  Fellas, please don't feel left out.  There are plenty of services out there designed with you in mind.  Deep tissue massages are great if you play sports or lead an active lifestyle and regardless of any preconceived notions you may have, pedicures are gender neutral fellas.  Trust me when I tell you we find men with well kept feet just as attractive as you all find women with well kept feet.  I'm just saying, no one wants to cuddle up next to eagle talons *Kanye shrugs*.  So don't let this week pass you by without at least checking out some of the great deals available at hundreds of local spas (Spaweek.com), I promise you wont be disappointed.


Here is a list of my favorite services for my spa virgins:
Hot stone massages- Most spas will let you add hot stones to any massage for an additional fee
Body Scrubs- Ladies you will walk outta there "lookin feelin like a million bucks"
Spa Mani & Pedi- Pretty self explanatory
Mineral Soaks- Not sure what they put in the water but you step out the tub feeling so relaxed
Facials- Not always the most soothing treatment but your skin will thank you.