Sunday, November 22, 2020

STARS: How To Have a Successful Adult Event, COVID style

Yes COVID is not getting better and people still want to have social indoor events such as all black parties.  I get that you still have to make bank and do so with limited capacity. Here's what I've seen work in the past with the CDC guidelines added. 

I would definitely use a medium such as Eventbrite for tickets. Secure and it's contactless. 

Far as ticket prices go, I would do a limited supply of low prices for early bird. I would offer 3 options: general admission, $20 more for VIP and a drink card, $120 per table for VIP and bottle service. These prices would increase a week after the events is announced to $10 more for everything except the tables ($20 more). I would also ensure everything and everyone is spaced out

Masks would be required, as well as a current negative COVID exam. You would receive a partial refund if you have a positive COVID exam a week prior  (due to quarantine) and a full refund 2 days or less before the event. Notice how all of this already reduces the crowd while allowing you to still bank.

I wouldn't charge for parking but would have valet. Open bar would of course be available with general admission and if I chose a hotel, I would offer a discounted rate for a room. It is an adult event and I want everyone to really stay safe. 

I would also offer paid professional pictures, a package for multiple VIP tickets and for future events. I would also have a raffle for tables to encourage more money into the pot. 

I would primarily advertise on social media and word of mouth. I would limit any paid advertisements to one or two.

I would plan on an event that gets people out, allows them to feel safe and is still profitable. It can happen and one must be creative..

Sunday, November 8, 2020

STARS: Lowering your BP without medicine

I have had a couple of faint spells with my blood pressure. I have literally had maybe 5 in my lifetime. I keep myself healthy and my BP normal at worst. I donate blood and somehow my BP mysteriously was so elevated I couldn't do one of my favorite activities: donate blood. This left me hurt and embarrassed. 

I am ensuring that I drink my organic apple cider vinegar with the mother regularly.  I recommend Bragg's. 

I am also regulating my caffeine and sugar intake, as well as increasing my capcasin consumption. I'm consuming more hot foods and even peppers. I spoke to a friend last year that suffers from HBP. He says that when he feels his pressure getting too high, he eats wings or really hot sauce.  And it works! 

I am also drinking a gallon of water/daily, even on my off days. I am sticking to my strict regimen of fruits and vegetables. I was going to so intermittent fasting until Thanksgiving but I will pause this until I get my BP where it needs to be. 

Many public machines have closed due to COVID. Therefore, I purchased my own monitor so I can see for myself. I do plan on visiting the doctor more and I refuse to take any sort of medication with adverse side effects that I can prevent. 

I will beat this as I always have. I am also getting even more rest.  It is causing my to-do list to grow but I will be more healthy first. 

Sunday, November 1, 2020

STARS: How I Shop For and During Christmas

I thought this would be a nice topic to explore since we are in that season, we're still in a pandemic and it's nice to get it out of the way if possible. 

I have always did as much shopping as possible online. I utilize Amazon, Target and even Home Depot. I do a lot of gift cards and cash unless it's my mother or someone close to me. 

I don't do a lot of in-person shopping after Thanksgiving. People are typically extra tense and stressed (and crowding will already be an issue) and I like to mitigate that whenever possible.  

I don't have a true deadline. I simply try to have it all complete the week before Christmas at the latest. If I cannot, I don't stress. At the same time, I'm not the type to be out on Christmas Eve. If I haven't gotten it by then, I'm not stressing it. 

I have been able to shop for friends, family, Secret Santas, children and the like for 25 years utilizing this strategy