Why we LOVED the Maker Faire

Last weekend, the wildly popular Maker Faire invaded The San Mateo Event Center. After having heard about it the past few years, we were ready to check it out. My were we in for a treat!

A common misconception of this event is that it is a 'craft fair'. While it does boast to being a home to all kinds of crafty stuff, it is so MUCH more than that. In fact, we saw it as more of a science fair on steroids. You know, the kind where you have to sign away liability regarding your safety, because you never know what could happen. In essence, Maker Faire is a place where hobbyists get out of their garages, basements, workshops, etc. and share with you what non-manufactured brilliance they have created.

Once we got past the super-friendly event staff and into the gates, we decided to start with the inside exhibits first, before they were crowded in the afternoon. The second we stepped foot into the expo hall, we had chills running through us and the excitement of our surroundings was electric. There were robots, lights and technology experiments EVERYWHERE. Can you say, robot spells your name in jelly on toast? Haha...we're serious!

In one corner, there was a homemade tent where about 20 people at a time crawled on the floor into it, and were privy to a 3D puppet-like show based on Star Wars. Honestly, it gave Hollywood a run for its money. In other corners, there was a gigantic, electronic spider and giraffe. We pet the giraffe, but not so much the spider. Remote controlled sharks were lit up and cruising the halls, although we didn't quite pet them either!

Outside, there was a HUGE spaceship replica to climb through, and all kinds of mechanical robots and vehicles roaming the grounds. Remember, these are DIYers (do-it-yourselfers), so you are seeing raw talent before you, not some highly manufactured concept brought to life by large technology companies and their funding. In purest form, it's the grassroots of innovation. Plus, there was every other aspect of 'making', from creative coffee makers to creative gardening solutions to straight bizarre creations we don't know how to begin to describe.

Marveling at the magnificent level of innovation before us, the experience brought forth many epiphany-like moments throughout the day. It was a real pleasure to see 'projects' that people had thrown themselves into in such detail. It made us realize as consumers ourselves, how much we've strayed from the pleasure that comes from 'making' something. As one person put it, 'we are so quick to run out and buy the same old doorknob replacement when we need one, but how cool would it be to have a uniquely made one the shape of a lion's head.' We don't know about having one shaped as a lion's head, but we get the point. Our fast-paced life is leading us to stray away from the beauty, uniqueness and pleasure that comes from the art of simply 'making'. This in itself gave us a greater appreciation for artisanship and hand-craftsmanship.

We were impressed with every aspect of the Maker Faire. We are thankful to all the 'makers' for sharing such talents and makings with us, and are thankful to the organizers for bringing forth the opportunity to experience it altogether. This annual event in San Mateo (more frequent events nationwide) is a 'Do Not Miss'.

We are already looking forward to next year!

To see add'l pics and video, check out Social Betty on Facebook

For more info on Maker Faire: www.makerfaire.com

Social Betty digs ELEW

Forget 'hello', he had us at Mr. Brightside!

Eric Lewis, aka ELEW, tore things up in San Francisco this weekend, bringing down the house at The Redwood Room inside the uber-trendy Clift Hotel. ELEW, a pianist and rising star, has found a unique niche that infuses his piano magic with the rock/jazz world. His fingers hit the keys like no other, entertaining audiences with feverish intensity you rarely get to witness. Or maybe you were lucky enough to catch him at SXSW last month.


Either way, here's a few links to some of ELEW's past performances. You'll be hooked like we are:


Eric Lewis @ the White House - Mr. Brightside
Coldplay "Clocks": Eric Lewis on Piano
Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit": Eric Lewis
Eric Lewis does Linkin Park Breaking the Habit
"Georgia on My Mind" performed by Eric Lewis

And by the way, we loved his shoes at Saturday night's event...they were Social Betty-ish! :)

Super Bowl Party Planning Tips

The biggest Sunday for parties of the year is Super Bowl Sunday. No matter if you are planning a meet-up at a restaurant or bar or having people over to your house we are sure that you need some tips on how to make it a great day.

Here is a great list we found of awesome Super Bowl Party Planning tips.

ENJOY!

Video Offering Non-Alcoholic Holiday Cocktails

The holidays bring about lots of things, one of these is office holiday parties. One great thing to offer at these holiday parties is festive non-alcoholic drinks. This video gives some great tips on how to make these type of drinks in a quick and easy manner. Enjoy!

Wedding Planning tips from the 'just married'

This insightful post is coming to us from a friend of Social Betty who got married in September. We asked her if she could give us a couple tips that she had for other brides-to-be out there now that she has been through the planning and the big day. So here are some lovely nuggets of info from a new wife to future ones:

• If you can't afford to hire a planner for the wedding think about hiring one for just the day of. This allows you to really enjoy the day and not stress about all the little things like where the programs are. If you can't afford to do that make sure you have a personal attendant or a family member that can do the final setup and worry for you.

• There are many places that you can cut corners in terms of budget, but do not cut corners on a photographer. We allowed a family friend to take our pictures and it was a mess. The photos were not great and the person actually lost one of the memory cards before uploading them, so they are gone forever. The photos of the day not only document the event, they bring all the wonderful memories of it. Make sure there is someone there to really capture that.

• If you are having a DJ ask your guests for song requests. This helped keep OUR music interesting to OUR guests. DJs often play the same songs at every wedding and not everyone has the same taste in tunes.

• Find the dress of your dreams and be willing to find it anywhere. The dress can make or break the day and you never know where you will find it. So be willing to try lots of places and when you try it on you will know.

• Don't try to do the printing of save the dates and invitations yourself. It is super time consuming, nerve racking, and after paper and ink it costs just much as hiring someone to do it for you.

• Look on Etsy.com for accessories. My headpiece was handmade for me and I got a million complements on it.

• Even if you are not the bridezilla type, they day before and of is very stressful and can get to you. If you end up crying at some point about something little, don't worry it happens to us all.

• Try and take it all in. The day is about you and your partner and people are there to celebrate a fun new adventure in your life

Thanks you so much for all the great tips and so many congrats on your new life together.

Tips and Tricks for Holiday Party Planning

The holidays can be very competitive when it comes to finding that perfect venue for your personal or corporate holiday party. By now, many of the most popular venues have been booked up six months to a year in advance for the two busiest weekends of the year, and the chance of getting the venue you want could be challenging.

If you haven’t booked your venue yet, be sure to consider venues that aren’t as popular, but still offer a great experience. There are lots of hidden gems out there. Moreover, be flexible with your needs, especially if you are on a limited budget.

Speaking of limited budget, many organizations over the last year have been cutting back on their holiday parties due to the economy. Social Betty believes there is always a way to celebrate even if you have to cut back and we have got some great tips for you to still maximize your fun without breaking the bank:

• Use fewer decorations and stick with the basics.
• Choose buffet style instead of a sit down dinner.
• Offer a cash bar or hosted beer/wine instead of open bar. If you have some extra money in your budget put it toward a drink ticket or two per guest.
• Instead of door prizes, offer up opportunity drawings.

Regardless of your budget or location, the important thing to remember when planning a holiday party is to be sure your attendees have a great time. Providing the right atmosphere can make for a perfect event, but having the right people and energy will make your event even more special.

Are you ready for some Football?

The fall season brings to mind things like the changing of the leaves, school starting, and one popular sport - Football. Football is one of the biggest sports for friends and family getting together to enjoy each others company and the game. There are numerous ways that people can plan events to get in on this pastime: You could be going to the game, inviting people over to watch the game at your house, or getting everyone to meet at a specific bar or restaurant. No matter which path you take it will take some planning to make sure that your Sunday is, in fact, a "Funday."

The major things to think about include:

• Food-Always think about what time of the day the event will be and what types of food would be appropriate. Consider how long the event will be and make sure their is snacks to cover the day. Consider possible food roadblocks (no grill, guest is a vegetarian or has food allergies, food is cold but will be sitting outside). Call the restaurant or bar and find out if they are having their regular menu or something special for football season.
• Drinks-With this you need to consider if there will be alcoholic beverages available with the non-alcoholic options. If there is going to be alcohol at the event remember to consider how people will safely get home. Call the restaurant or bar and find out if there are any specials.
  
• Parking-This is something to consider with any event.
  
• Seating-Make sure that every person can find some kind of a seat somewhere. This one doesn't quite apply when we are talking a pregame tailgate where standing is obviously allowed.
  
• Televisions or Tickets-The game is technically the reason for the get together isn't it?

Hopefully some of these things will help you know what to consider before your next game day. We all know there is nothing worse than needing more ice or chairs or food or drinks during the game and having to miss the game to fill the void.

Happy Planning
Social Betty