This weekend really got away from me! Actually, that’s true of all last week-lots of extra time at work, plans with family, and hosting a friend’s birthday party left me with very little free time. I’ve also been, for some reason, struggling with writer’s block this week. I started drafting posts on four different topics, …
2019 is almost behind us (and, in a few early time zones, is already gone). I hope it’s been a wonderful year for all of you, and that you’re ready to welcome the new year with hope and anticipation. I’ve kept New Year’s Eve pretty low key for the past few years, preferring small gatherings …
Many organizations have one big holiday party, and call it good. Not my job. We have ugly sweater days, and gift exchanges at team meetings, and department parties, and whole staff potlucks…we love the holidays. I have a holiday event with one group after work today, and one during a meeting tomorrow morning, with several …
What are we going to do today? I don’t feel like going out tonight. There’s nothing good on TV. We’ve eaten the cake and opened the presents…now what? I’m bored. Sure, let’s all get together…what are we going to do? When I was growing up, game night was a regular thing for my family. We …
I can’t believe it’s already August! Last month was a mix of fun and irritants (but a good month overall). Here’s the recap: Episode One: Independence Week We fade in on me, sitting on my couch, reading a book, with “July 1” written at the bottom of the screen. Suddenly, we hear the sound of …
Back in my post about low-stress gatherings and social activities, I listed a few fun activities that you can do with a group of family and friends. In the past year, escape rooms have become one of my all-time favorites. If you aren’t familiar with the concept of the escape room, it’s a room where …
Last Sunday, I wrote about how the universe had conspired to force me to stop stressing over hosting the perfect parties, by throwing some truly insane monkey wrenches into several events. I did take that lesson to heart, and started to relax more. What I still needed to get through my thick skull, though, was …
Back in November, I shared my tips for low-stress parties and gatherings. Lest anyone think that my life always goes smoothly (although if you read my post about wrapping Christmas presents, you already know better), I have to tell you that I only learned to relax about these things through some very strong lessons. Here …
I’m definitely the planner in my social circle. When there’s something to celebrate (birthdays, holidays, important life events, etc.) or when people just want to get together, nine times out of ten I’m coordinating, and often hosting. Gatherings with friends and family create some of my very best memories. However, a few years ago, while …
Amanda Cade 