How to Throw the Ultimate Super Bowl Party

Photo credit: bedifferentactnormal.com

The Super Bowl is the perfect excuse to throw the kind of no-fuss, no-muss party that’s just plain fun, which is why Michael J. Knapp and his wife Amber host one every year.

There’s no need for table settings or good china. You don’t need index cards with topic lists in case the conversation lags because all the entertainment’s provided. You can also skip slaving over the stove to create a culinary masterpiece. At a football-themed party, the gooier, messier, and cheesier the food, the better. It’s a chance to throw out the rulebook and build a seven-layer dip that defies imagination. And it’s your chance to can hang out with like-minded football fanatics who not only don’t care that you shout at your TV—they’ll shout out with you.

That said, Super Bowl parties are still parties, so they do require a little planning. Here are some tips on how to throw a party that will have everyone hoping for an invite every year.

Overestimate your guest count: In most cases, you can count on at least a 20 percent no-show for parties. But the Super Bowl is different: this is the kind of party where the guest list is fluid, and someone almost always shows up saying “Hey, you don’t mind that I brought a couple of friends, right?”

Have extra food and drinks on hand: Even taking extra guests into account, remember that the Super Bowl is at least a four-hour deal, with no set “sit down” meal time. You need to have enough for everyone to snack on for the duration. One option that works well, according to Michael J. Knapp, is to keep the chips and dip, pretzels and peanuts coming continuously, and then bring out a different specialty item like wings, sandwiches or tacos every hour or so, setting some aside for seconds.

Do as much as you can beforehand: Prep the veggies and cheese platters the day before, and precook everything possible the morning of the game. Make your primary goal having fun with your guests and seeing as much of the game as possible.

Decorate: You don’t have to go all Martha Stewart here. Even something as simple as napkins and plastic cutlery in team colors can make things more festive. If you’re feeling inspired, add a few novelties, such as a football-shaped ice cream cake, a football piñata or some foam fingers. Of course, if going over the top is your thing, break out the face paint and jerseys and go to town.

Plan out your space wisely: Clear out as much extraneous furniture as you can so that people have space to move around. Set up tables near the TV so people don’t have to leave the room to grab a quick bite. Also, keep a cooler stocked with beer and soda near the seating area so that it’s in easy reach of your guests.

Provide some fun: Offer your guests foam bricks to throw at the TV. Find out everyone’s predictions for the game, and take friendly bets or award a fun prize to the one who comes the closest.

Real Estate Leads in time of Recession

The economic doldrums must have been very difficult for the real estate industry and the real estate agents. Even the banks and property owners with house mortgages are not exempted from the bitter reality of the great recession of the 21st century.

While a lot of home owners, real estate builders and real estate agents suffered a big blow in this negative occasion, others thrived because of the money they have saved. This gives the thriving public purchasing power. Moreover, some real estate business still managed to perform as top producer 8i. Their listings of properties available for sale increased because of foreclosures and voluntary revocation in the part of the home owners.

Real estate companies have become very robust and creative with their marketing to attract buyers and real estate agent to sell on their behalf. Their goal is to stay afloat and dispose as many properties in their lists to the public. Despite the economic situation, it has brought about a window of opportunity for others to acquire these properties in a much lesser and affordable price.

The situation in the real estate industry is still very volatile. Real estate companies are still cautious with their future projects and keeping their business thriving in this harsh time.

Property Holding

Real estate and property firms have been one of the hardest hit by the economic slump sweeping the entire world. My hubby and I are teetering on our seat on whether to sell our condo unit back home or hold on to it while we see the collapse of major real estate firms here in Dubai. So far, the property firms back in the Philippines are still in a better position than their counterparts here. However, there are uncertainties looming. It's kind of bleak and scary but we are holding on to our faith in the Lord that we will get through this crisis, stronger and with more faith in Him.

Catching Up

I am back but taking things easy and slowly this time as I have a lot of catching up to do. I didn't realize the amount of tags and awards I need to do and post; not to mention the other articles I have set aside to post eventually at a later date. They need updating of course.

How was everyone's Christmas? I hope it was spent meaningfully with the people who matters most. My family had a great time and I was glad I took the trip. I was adamant of going because of financial reasons. I felt it was too "inconsiderate" thinking how the world was suffering from economic crisis and there I was - traveling. Then again, I didn't travel for the sake of satisfying my travel bug sickness but I had to spend my Christmas with my mom and siblings and in-laws too.

Well, the New Year will be a different matter. I dare not talk about it ;) I just pray and hope that good things will come despite the rise of job cuts, the crazy increase in credit card interest rates (which reminds me that I need to discard mine before I fall into a bottomless pit!), the uncertainties looming around us. I always believe that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The tunnel might be long and winding but it will reach its end. Let's just have faith and rely on our family and friends for support in this time of need.

I wish you all a very peaceful and prosperous 2009. Prosperity might not come in riches but the blessings that we still have food on our table, a roof over our heads, clothes to keep us warm and a job to sustain our living. Let's all believe. We will all pass this storm unscathed but with more steadfast faith in Him.

Happy New Year everyone.

What's in store for US of A?

Now that Mr. Obama has been elected as the 44th president of the US of A, he has a lot of cleaning up to do. He is going to face a big challenge when he starts his official day in the White House.

I cannot help but hope for the best to come for USA. I have always have this soft spot for the US since I have relatives and friends there. I hope and pray that US will come out of the financial quagmire it is in at the moment with the help of the able President Obama and his Vice.

We all go through burdens in our lives and so are our countries no matter where we reside. However, with the mighty US as one economic giant affecting other countries like my home country, we could only pray for positive things.

So, what's in store for US now that they have a new president? If I were to voice out my hopes, I want US to pull out from the crazy war and solve the war within (poverty, economic crisis, homeless people, recession, diseases and the thinning moral fiber of a nation), better education, support for the US troops and to provide more jobs to their people and to those who find greener pasture in the land of milk and honey.

These are just hopes from someone who is neither an American nor a resident of the US. Someone who believes that US will come out of whatever battle it has at the moment - a winner!