Easter Eats: Edible Egg Macaroon Nests

Easter is one of those holidays that goes hand-in-hand with endless amounts of sweets. It's our absolute favorite time of the year! Don’t get us wrong: Cadbury Eggs and marshmallow Peeps are great. But it’s also fun to whip up an original treat to celebrate spring in your own festive way...like these edible egg macaroon nests by A Sweet Savory. Check out the recipe here!

Easter Egg Macaroon Nests

Ingredients:
½ cup butter
¾ cup sugar
1/8 tsp salt
3 eggs
6 cups shredded coconut
¼ cup Nutella
45 mini chocolate Easter eggs

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Then, using an electric mixer, beat butter, sugar, and salt.
• Add eggs, one at a time, until mixed thoroughly. Mix in coconut.
• Drop your batter onto a cookie sheet by tablespoons, using a scooper. Roll into balls, then make an indent with fingers to resemble a bird’s nest.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on the bottom and browned in spots on top.
• Once completely cooled, spoon a little Nutella into each “nest”. Top with 3 chocolate eggs.

Perfect for any Easter celebration! Get the ingredients today and devour the details of these adorable (and sweet) spring treats. Yum!

Wedding Wednesdays: How to Measure Ring Size without Her Knowing

Wondering how to measure ring size withour her knowing? Don't worry! You don't have to ruin a surprise proposal by asking your partner their ring size. Find an insider source who might have the scoop on what ring size she wears. A mom, best friend or sister may know, or can work their magic to find out her ring size without her suspecting a thing.

Also, pay attention to the jewelry she's already wearing. Does she have a ring she loves that fits on her left ring finger or even her middle finger? If so, wait for her to remove it and secretly take it to a jeweler to be sized. If she only takes it off to work out or shower and you have limited access to the ring, buy a bar of soap and press the ring in to make a mold. Your jeweler should be able to use the markings to identify the correct ring size.

If she literally only takes her rings off to lotion her hands for five seconds, slip the ring on your finger and note exactly where it fits on your finger. Using the various ring size charts and sizers, you or a jeweler should be able to replicate the fit.

And when all else fails, go for a larger ring size; it's easier to resize a ring smaller than it is to go bigger. But if you do decide to get the ring together, here are some additional jeweler tips for sizing:

• Go for a snug fit
• Keep seasons in mind
• Consider the width of the band
• Warm up your hands
• Go big. If you get two different finger measurements or find that a ring you wear often fits differently from time to time, it's best to choose a slightly larger ring size, and, if you can, consult a professional.

We hope this has given you a starting point to devour the details of finding the right size ring for your one and only! For more information on ring sizes, visit TheKnot.com.

DIY Rose & Lavender Bath Bombs

After this harsh winter, your skin is in for a real treat this spring with these rose and lavender bath bombs! Let’s be honest, taking a bath is way more fun with a fizzy bath bomb working its magic in the tub. This DIY tutorial is super easy to recreate. Try it yourself today!

Here’s what you’ll need: 
rose-shaped silicon molds
mason jars
ribbon

For the rose bath bombs:
1 cup baking soda
½ cup citric acid
½ cup cornstarch
¼ cup dry milk
3 tablespoons Epsom salt
a handful of dried rose petals
1 teaspoon water
2 tablespoons almond oil
15-20 drops rose oil

For the lavender bath bombs:
1 cup baking soda
½ cup citric acid
½ cup cornstarch
¼ cup dry milk
3 tablespoons Epsom salt
a handful of dried lavender
1 teaspoon water
3-4 teaspoons almond oil
15-20 drops lavender oil

Here’s how to make them: 
1. In two separate bowls (one for the lavender and one for the rose bath bombs), mix together the baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, milk powder and Epsom salt.

2. Separate from the dry ingredients, mix the water, almond oil, and rose and lavender oils together.

3. Slowly mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. You may need to add a couple of extra drops of almond oil so that the mixture sticks together without crumbling.

4. Your bath bombs are ready to be placed into the rose silicon molds once you can make a ball with the mixture and it doesn’t fall apart.

5. Fill your rose-shaped silicon molds with the rose and lavender bath bomb mixture. Let the bath bombs sit in a dry, safe place at room temperature for a minimum of 3-4 hours before attempting to remove them. Note: Letting them sit even longer will help them to solidify in the molds.

6. Once you’ve let your bath bombs sit for a few hours, remove them from the silicon molds and place them into a mason jar sprinkled with leftover rose and lavender petals.

These will be a treat your skin will be happy to soak in! Get the ingredients today and devour the details of these perfect bath bombs!

Yoga Saturdays at Short Path Distillery

Start your weekend off the best way...with some yoga! Get zen at Short Path Distillery this Saturday, March 31st and every Saturday at 11AM followed by a cocktail (or two). These awesome classes will be held either in the tasting room or on the patio (weather depending). LeeMarie Kennedy will lead participants through a community all levels class.

Short Path Distillery is three friends who are dedicated to changing the way people think about spirits. By combining old-world distilling techniques with a new-world, chemistry-based approach to spirit development, they’re marrying the art of distilling with the science of taste — and creating unique spirits that represent the best of both worlds. Short Path uses locally sourced and organic ingredients wherever possible to reflect our commitment to our community and our customers. And they’re handcrafting our spirits in small batches to deliver an engaging experience that starts conversations.

Short Path believes in making connections: connecting with our community, connecting with our customers, connecting with the world around us, and connecting distilling’s past with its future. Boston’s rich history and its embrace of innovation serve as inspiration for their products. They also value the connections that the right spirit can provide — whether it’s reminiscing with old friends and your favorite bottle, sharing a cocktail with someone you want to get to know better, front-porch sipping on a summer afternoon, or however you choose to enjoy Short Path spirits.

Tickets include a post-yoga cocktail from the Short Path Distillery menu. All are encouraged to stay after class, and relax. Get to know your favorite spirits a little better with some yoga and Short Path this Saturday and devour the details of the best way to start your weekend!

Wedding Wednesdays: The Pros and Cons of Airbrush Makeup

As you plan your day-of services, consider hiring a makeup artist that uses typical makeup application as well as airbrushing. Makeup airbrushing is extremely popular in the world of modeling and movies, and has also gained popularity with brides. There's no doubt that airbrushing, when done correctly, creates a smooth, flawless look that may be difficult to achieve with regular makeup, but there are some things you should consider before receiving an airbrush application. Here are some of the pros and cons:

Pros
All Day Stay
Most airbrushed makeup is silicone based, which means it lasts longer and is more water resistant than regular makeup. It’ll be able to withstand most of the hugging and kissing that will inevitably happen throughout the wedding day.

Flawless Finish
Airbrushing allows for makeup to be applied evenly, creating an impeccably smooth finish—perfect for the hundreds of pictures that you’ll be taking all day.

Minimal Makeup
Airbrushing requires less product for more coverage. Because of the spray technique application process, a minimal amount of makeup goes a long way.

Easy to Layer
Since you can apply airbrush makeup in such a fine layer, it dries super quickly, so you can add more layers for coverage if you want.

Cons
Can Be Flaky
Airbrush makeup is great on moisturized, hydrated skin, but if your skin tends to be on the drier side, the spray-on product may begin to flake. Since the formula is waterproof, the consistency is a lot less creamy than traditional foundation.

Hard to Re-Blend
If you do end up crying and your makeup streaks, it’s difficult to fill in the streaks with more airbrushing or even regular makeup, making it harder to re-create your original, flawless look. However, if it’s applied and dries properly, then this shouldn't be an issue.

Limited Shade Options
The type of foundation formula used with an airbrush is different than everyday foundation, and there’s a more limited selection of shades and brands to choose from. You may find that your skin matches better with traditional foundation.

More Expensive
For most makeup artists, airbrush is considered an add-on and typically more expensive than a normal makeup application. So if you’re planning to pay for your bridal party's services, airbrush may not be as cost effective. But if you’re curious about trying airbrush, ask about it during your makeup trial—it’s the perfect time to try it out to see if you like it before spending the extra money on the day of.

We hope this helps you devour the details of hiring the best makeup artist with the services you need to make your wedding day picture perfect!

Tasty Tuesday: Overnight Oats You'll Love

Start your day the right way..with these two different and delicious kinds of overnight oats! You can save time by putting together the perfect breakfast the night before. Nothing beats these recipes! Check out our favorite overnight oats.

Pecan Banana Bread Overnight Oats

Ingredients:
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1½ cups milk of your choice
2 very ripe bananas, mashed; plus sliced banana for topping
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
2 Tbsp. unsweetened coconut flakes, toasted
2 Tbsp. honey, plus more for serving
1 Tbsp. chia seeds
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt
½ cup pecans, toasted
blood oranges, peeled and sliced, for serving (optional)
strawberries, halved, for serving (optional)

Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, stir together the oats, milk, mashed banana, yogurt, coconut, honey, chia seeds, vanilla, and salt until well combined. Divide the mixture evenly between two bowls or two 8-to 12-ounce glass jars. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.

2. In the morning, stir the oats, then top with sliced banana, toasted pecans, and figs. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds.

Warm Cranberry Apple Overnight Oats

Ingredients:
butter or nonstick cooking spray, for greasing
1¼ cups steel-cut oats
1½ cups milk of your choice
1 cup apple cider
2 apples, cored and chopped, plus more for serving
½ cup dried cranberries, plus more for serving
2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup, plus more, if desired, for serving
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ tsp ground cinnamon, plus more for serving
¼ tsp flaky sea salt
toasted pecans, for serving
toasted pumpkin seeds, for serving

Instructions:
1. Lightly grease your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter. In the slow cooker, combine the oats, milk, cider, apples, cranberries, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and 1 cup of water and stir to combine. Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 9 hours.

2. In the morning, stir the oats, then serve warm, topped with apple, cranberries, cinnamon, pecans, and pumpkin seeds. Drizzle with additional maple syrup, if desired.

We hope you enjoyed this latest edition of Tasty Tuesday! Get your ingredients today and devour the details of starting your day the right way with these delicious overnight oats!

Monday Mashups: A Pop-Up Focused on Plants

Despite a rise in popularity of plant-based eating, anyone unfamiliar with the diet might think it’s bland or boring. To counter this idea, margarine brand Becel recently staged a greenhouse restaurant for consumers called PLNT, where everything inside—from the entrees and decor to the dinnerware and server outfits—was made entirely out of plants. This is definitely a restaurant we wouldn't mind spending some thyme at.

The restaurant, open at Toronto’s TD Tower Plaza from February 28 to March 2, enlisted the likes of TV personality and interior designer Jillian Harris, registered dietitian Tori Wesszer, and chef Matt Dean Pettit to help put together dishes with a goal of redefining how people view the term “plant-based.” The restaurant hosted seven seatings where diners could taste dishes including vegan mushroom wellington, crunchy guacamole bites, and deviled eggs, all of which used Becel products. The pop-up, which was produced and designed by EventSing and Jesson Moen and Crux Design & Build, created an outdoor oasis by installing garden lights, laying down sod flooring and wooden fencing, and creating a small forest that guests could walk through.

The inspiration for the event came after a successful pop-up PLNT in Montreal at Monsieur Resto and Bar with local chef Kimberly Lallouz. Fischer also explained that social coverage stemming from a Becel with Avocado Oil pop-up restaurant—which took place in Toronto in the fall to coincide with its product launch—was so impressive that the product quickly gained a 2.1 percent market dollar share in the margarine market.

Proceeds from the PLNT pop-up ticket sales were donated to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, and were matched dollar-for-dollar by Becel. We love all that inspired this pop-up and hope it will plant a seed and inspire you to devour the details as well! For more information on plant-based diets, check out the Becel website.

Party All Day Long with Beer, Bands & Beat-Go-Bragh

Head to Harvard Square on St. Patrick’s Day, Saturday, March 17th for Beat Brasserie’s Irish Pub Takeover Celebration!

You read that right! This Saturday, Beat Brasserie Go Bragh is undergoing a full Irish pub transformation and bringing the luck of the four leaf clover to Cambridge’s Harvard Square with its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration! From 10:00AM to 2:00AM, guests can don their greenest attire during the all-day celebration of St. Patty himself, while enjoying festive green beer and libations by West Cork Distillers, live Keltic performances and signature pub fare. Sounds like our kind of Saturday!

Kick off the holiday and get into the true St. Patty’s spirit with a flavorful Irish fare that includes traditional Irish Breakfast, Corned Beef & Cabbage, Lamb Shepherd’s Pie, Irish Ale Mussels and more, sure to embody the Emerald Isle itself. Pair Irish comfort food with a whiskey cocktail made from Ireland’s own West Cork Distillers, or just stop by to enjoy the music with a pint of green beer in hand. There will be plenty to go around!

From 12:00PM to 4:00PM, the amazing Kate Mc D will be performing, coming all the way to Harvard Square from Galway. Matt & Shannon Heaton, Boston’s most famous Irish duo, are performing from 5:00PM to 8:00PM. To finish off the night, Four Bridges Band is performing from 9:00PM to 1:00AM. Jams on jams on jams.

Join the fun and devour the details of the Beat Brasserie Go Bragh all day long with us on St. Patrick’s Day! Don’t miss out on this authentic all-day party and full pub takeover! For more information or to make a reservation for Beat Brasserie’s St. Patrick’s Day Pub Party visit www.beatbrasserie.com.

Wedding Wednesdays: Meet the Buffr Band

This is the solution gym-going gals and cleaning fanatics alike have been waiting for! We don’t blame you if you haven’t wanted to take off that stunning engagement ring of yours since the day you got it. And we understand the difficulties that come with keeping it in perfect condition! You don’t want to take it off at home, you don’t trust it in the locker room at your local gym and you definitely don’t want to damage it while hitting the weight machine or scrubbing those dishes. So, what’s a bling-bearing girl to do? Meet the Buffr band!

The Buffr band is basically a soft, rubber guard that covers and protects your ring (or rings) from damage while you work out and clean. So whether you’re lifting or scrubbing, your ring can stay put and stay intact. They come in various sizes and they’re only $25. But the best part? You can work out and sweep up with the peace of mind that comes with knowing your ring is safe and sound on your finger instead of in a questionably secure locker or down the drain.

What a thoughtful solution for every bride-to-be! Check out the Buffr band on Instagram or their website for more information and join us in devouring the details of protecting our precious rings!

What's Going Up in Boston's Seaport District?

The potential for a gondola system being installed in Boston's Seaport district is up for discussion to aid public transportation. The eccentric idea — in which thousands of commuters would glide from South Station to the Seaport each day in aerial, cable-propelled lifts — has recently picked up momentum. But how close is it to actually getting off the ground? And should it? Here’s what Boston.com shares so far:

Seaport gondolas have been bandied about before, but the latest iteration of the idea was first proposed last summer by Millennium Partners, the New York-based development firm behind other Boston properties, such as the Millennium Tower in Downtown Crossing.

Renderings by Handel Architects

Proponents of the gondola system envision a reality where commuters are carried several stories above the bumper-to-bumper traffic. Millennium Partners says it would carry 15,000 people a day along the mile-long stretch from South Station to a gondola station at the Marine Park. And despite the self-advantageous positioning of the final terminal, the company says it would be widely beneficial. The entire gondola system would consist of 70 individual cable cars running every nine seconds and capable of carrying up to 10 passengers, according to the Boston Globe.

Renderings by Handel Architects

Two highly cited examples of urban gondolas are in Medellín, Colombia, and Portland, Oregon (the latter of which is technically an aerial tram, not a gondola). However, both systems were constructed to address geography — rather than traffic — carrying passengers up steep hills. Similarly, the Roosevelt Island Tramway in New York has shuttled Metro riders back and forth across the East River from Manhattan for more than four decades.

More recently, Mexico City opened a seven-stop gondola to cut down commutes and connect poorer communities with the heart of the capital. As The New York Times reported at the time, the Mexicable has “brought new visitors, shorter commutes, a burst of street art and a new sense of inclusion” to Mexico City and adds to a growing number of cable car systems in Latin America.

Renderings by Handel Architects

But as for now, state and city transportation officials stress that the gondola idea is a preliminary concept for private transportation and that local agencies are looking at other alternative solutions to the Seaport congestion issue, such as dedicated bus lanes or bus rapid transit on Summer Street. MassDOT is also looking at a dynamic, $5 million traffic light control system in the Seaport, spokesman Patrick Marvin confirmed.

What a way to devour the details of public transportation; definitely an interesting concept to say the least! Aside of enhancing ones commute, we like the idea of riding these for fun too! For more information check out the full story on Boston.com.

Monday Mashups: 5 Ways to Learn without Going Back to School

Back before the big technology boom, having a four-year degree under your belt would usually provide enough weight for your entire career. Sticking to the same job until you retired was considered normal, and going back to school was unheard of. Now it’s completely normal to switch careers, move jobs every two years, and even go back to school when you want to learn something completely new. But for some, going back to school isn't an option--especially with the cost of education these days. We're here to share that there are plenty of other ways to educate yourself so you can continue to learn as you grow!

Check out our top 5:

1. Listen to a financial podcast
Getting your money in order can be as easy as downloading a podcast episode to your phone. Whether it’s for your business or your personal life, make sure to save the episodes you like so you can go back and listen to them again. Which one are we loving? Ashley C. Ford’s new podcast with MasterCard, Fortune Favors the Bold.

2. Join a Facebook group for freelancers
When you’re yearning for a community of like-minded individuals, you can join a Facebook group to learn and grow from people who either have similar if not more experience than you. Freelancing Females, for instance, is a community that’s not only made for women but will also help them learn how to grow their business and freelancing careers.

3. Sign up for newsletters that provide daily tutorial or tips
If you don’t have time to search for the latest news or teachings, let all of it come directly to you. Newsletters — like theSkimm — will send you daily emails about things that have been going on in the world. They categorize multiple topics so you can just scroll to the one you’re interested in the most.

4. Subscribe to local magazines to learn about the community
While the print industry might not be doing as well as we hope, you can still purchase a few local magazines to learn what’s going on around in your community to give you the 411 on latest events, politics, or culture. You can also try subscribing to local facebook groups or using the app Nextdoor.

5. Watch documentaries on your day off
When it’s just too cold to go to a museum or to a fun art class, you can stay at home and watch a documentary. Netflix has hundreds of them to choose from. Plus, documentaries’ runtimes usually lean on the shorter side, so you could probably squeeze a few in throughout the night.

PSA: Never stop learning! It's so important to expand your mind and continue to grow. Devour the details of building your knowledge bank one day at a time with these 5 easy ways to broaden your horizon! You won't regret it!

Salty > Sour Seas at the ICA

For more than 75 years, the ICA has presented contemporary art in all media—visual arts, performance, film, video, and literature—and created educational programs that encourage appreciation for contemporary culture. At the close of the 1990s, several innovative programs strengthened the ICA’s public role, including the teen filmmaking program Fast Forward, and ICA/Vita Brevis, whose temporary installations throughout public spaces in Boston drew critical and popular acclaim. In 2006, the ICA opened its visionary new building, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, on the Boston waterfront. In its new facility, the ICA has expanded the scope and size of its exhibitions and programs—increasing its audiences tenfold and serving as a catalyst for contemporary art in Boston.

Throughout its history the ICA has been at the fore in identifying and supporting the most important artists of its time and bringing them to public attention. Among the artists whose work has been introduced to U.S. audiences by the ICA are Georges Braque, Oskar Kokoschka, and Edvard Munch. Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, Laurie Anderson, and Roy Lichtenstein were each the subject of ICA presentations early in their careers. More recently, the ICA was pivotal in the careers of numerous visual and performing artists including Bill Viola, Kara Walker, Cildo Meireles, Cindy Sherman, Cornelia Parker, Shepard Fairey, Young Jean Lee, Jay Scheib, Trajal Harrell, and Rashaun Mitchell.

In hopes of spurring many more artists, the ICA offers visitors of all ages the chance to create artworks of their own in the Bank of America Art Lab every Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 4 PM. Developed in collaboration with arts education students from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design and professional artists, these activities focus on the creative process and allow participants to learn by doing. Past projects have been co-created by Nick Cave, Wes Bruce, Dave Ortega, Susannah Lawrence, and Ekua Holmes.

This season artist Evelyn Rydz explores our shorelines to see what our oceans have left behind. Reproducing plastic bottles, refrigerators, ropes, bags, and other common items discarded by humans and sculpted by the currents, her art reflects the beauty, strength, and mistreatment of our oceans and seas. At the ICA, Rydz’s investigations continue in Salty > Sour Seas, in which she reimagines the museum’s Bank of America Art Lab as an art studio and scientific laboratory for visitors of all ages to experiment, play, and create. This interactive installation uses the ICA’s unique site to consider what Boston Harbor might look like above and below the water’s surface in the future. Salty > Sour Seas is free for all visitors with museum admission.

Catch a ride on Rydz's wave and head to the ICA this Saturday, March 10th for this awesome art installation inspired by the sea! Devour the details of the ocean blue and see what you can do when you focus on your creative process.

Wedding Wednesdays: Registry Gift Tips for Dog Lovers

Is your pup your fur baby? Did they make an appearance in your engagement photos? Will they be making the walk down the aisle as part of your special day? Then treat them with a wedding gift or two for being such a good boy or girl! We're here to say that it's okay to add a few items to your registry for your pup. Consider including these paws-itively perfect gifts!

Puppy Pad

Give your pup a relaxing place all his or her own. This puppy bed has micro-cool gel to control heat and gel-bead support for ultimate comfort. Serta iComfort pet bed, $200, BedBathandBeyond.com.

Fit and Furry

Similar to the fitness trackers for people, this smart bow tie attaches to your dog's collar to make sure they're getting the right amount of exercise. Wonderwoof dog fitness tracker, $95, Bloomingdales.com.

Bring Your Buddy

If you and your spouse are travelers or constantly on the go, don't leave your puppy behind. Skip the clunky metal kennel and opt for a space-saving collapsible version that won't take up precious luggage space. Boots & Barkley pop-up dog crate, $45, Target.com.

Fountain Fresh

Keep your dog hydrated with a water fountain attached to his or her bowl. It continuously circulates water, so it's always aerated and freshly filtered. Guardian Aqua Stream pet fountain, $50, Kohls.com.

A Space for Treats and Toys

Store all of your dog's favorites, from treats to toys, in this cute, bone-shaped wicker basket. Pottery Barn doggie toy basket, from $69, PotteryBarn.com.

Show your fur baby just how much you care! Devour the details of a pup-inclusive wedding registry and get your dog a gift they're sure to love!

Tasty Tuesday: Pop. Dip. Yum.

We are absolutely obsessed with popcorn. For as long as we can remember, it's always been a snack we've craved. From days where our grandmother would melt butter to add to unbuttered microwaveable popcorn to getting a large popcorn with extra butter for one at the movie theaters, it has been our go to! But lately, we've been having cravings not only for this salty treat but for something sweet too. Well, if you're feeling the same way, we've got the perfect recipe for you! Check out these sweet and salty Marshmallow Popcorn Balls!

Ingredients:
5 tablespoons butter
10 ounces marshmallows
12 cups plain popped popcorn
8 ounces coating white chocolate or candy melts
Gold and silver sprinkles
pop sticks

Instructions: 
1. Add the popcorn to a large bowl and set aside.

2. Add the butter and marshmallows to a large glass bowl. Microwave for two minutes, or until marshmallows are completely melted.

3. Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and lightly mix. Make sure all of the popcorn is coated.

4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.

5. Form the popcorn into balls and place onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.

6. Once all of the balls are formed, dip a pop stick into the tops of each popcorn ball.

7. Melt the white chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each time. Tip: Use a Pyrex measuring cup. It makes dipping the popcorn balls so easy.

8. Dip each popcorn ball halfway into the white chocolate and set back onto the baking sheet.

9. Sprinkle the tops and sides of the popcorn balls with gold and silver sprinkles.

10. Let white chocolate harden completely and enjoy!

Pop, dip, yum! You won't be able to put these salty and sweet treats down. Get the ingredients today and devour the details of these amazing Marshmallow Popcorn Balls!

Monday Mashups: 4 Tips for Boosting Attendee Engagement at Events

An engaged attendee is a happy attendee. But with all the other challenges of putting a conference or exhibition together, from food and beverage details to attendee registration, how do you focus on improving engagement as well? Though it may feel impossible, we're here to share four strategies to help with engagement at events. From cutting-edge technology to a program designed for first-time attendees, check out these tips to get your event-goers going!

1. Design dynamic networking spaces
When it comes to spurring engagement, promoting attendee-to-attendee give-and-take is critical. So as you plan your next event, take the time to create designated areas—and programming—for attendee networking, including designing inviting atmospheres that make connecting fun. Consider having the space be a central location with specific scheduled activities. You can hold an array of mini-sessions like Millennial Mimosas, Females Entrepreneur Meetup, Makers’ Bazaar, Bookkeeping Buds, and more that will speak to your audience and attract attendees.

2. Make your content relevant and useable
While that may sound like conference planning 101, how often have you been to shows where programs and speakers are extremely broad in focus or provide inspiration instead of tangible guidance? Instead of being so vague, consider having your speakers instill your audience with concrete steps like starting and growing a business for instance. Educational breakouts can be designed with the specific audience types in mind in order to provide relevant learning and takeaways.

3. Tempt them with tech
While attendees today expect networking and education opportunities, there’s also an expectation they will experience cutting-edge technology. Consider providing breakthrough tech tools—including virtual-reality art and “emotion detection”. Include descriptions of devices and invite attendees to interact with technologies and ask questions. Some technologies you can highlight include: Google Tilt Brush, a VR art experience; Google Earth VR; emotion detection using Microsoft Cognitive Services API; a “smart mirror”; and a Microsoft HoloLens to demonstrate mixed reality.

4. Focus on first-timers
Each year incorporate “improvement actions” based on feedback from the previous year. This will help you improve the experience for first-time show-goers.

Of course the design of the entire event will contribute to the overall experience but with these tips to boost attendee engagement you'll surely devour the details of you next conference or exhibition!

DIY Pinata Letters for Your Next Party

Who doesn't love a good pinata at a party? Whether you take the traditional candy route or fill it up with some adult treats, like nips and scratch tickets, its sure to be a hit (pun intended) at any type of fiesta. What's even better is that you can DIY your very own pinata to fit your party's theme--whether a wedding shower, graduation or get-together. Here's how!

Craft Essentials:

• Cardboard letters (try Jo-Ann’s, craft or paper stores, or on Amazon)
• Multicolored tissue paper (or color of your choice)
• Liquid glue
• Scissors

Instructions:
1. Begin by cutting your multicolored tissue paper into 2-inch strips. We layered several sheets of tissue paper on top of one another before cutting to save time.

2. Keeping the tissue paper together, fold your 2-inch strips.

3. Create your fringe by cutting the tissue vertically. Be sure to leave about half an inch of tissue paper per strip so that you can glue them onto the cardboard letters.

4. Starting from the bottom, glue your tissue paper into place as your wrap it around the cardboard letters. Work your way to the top of each letter, gluing along the way.

Wouldn't this be cute for a marriage proposal too? So many things you can do with a pinata or two! Join in the fun and get crafty as you devour the details of your next party with these poppin' pieces of decor! Enjoy!