TresSugar

Dear Poll: Are You Craving More Alone Time?

DearSugar — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 07:30:00 -0800

I don't know about you, but getting a night to myself these days is getting harder and harder. While I love attending holiday parties, I need some alone time every once in a while to recharge my battery and get my beauty sleep. Some people I know, though, look forward to having every night booked up throughout the month of December. So where do you fall in the spectrum: are you craving more alone time this holiday season or are you thoroughly enjoying being a social butterfly?

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Do Tell: What Was Your Most Embarrassing Holiday Party Experience?

DearSugar — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 06:00:00 -0800

A few days ago I gave you some suggestions on what to remember when attending a holiday party and your comments made me realize that some of you have experienced a few party disasters in your time! The stress of the holiday season, combined with alcohol, can make for a pretty interesting night on the town so ladies, do tell, what was your most embarrassing experience while drinking eggnog under the mistletoe?

8 Things to Remember When Attending a Holiday Party

DearSugar — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:00:00 -0800

I came across a very timely article on The Frisky the other day about how not to become a party pariah in front of your family, co-workers, or friends. I'm sure most of you will be attending your fair share of holiday parties this year so I thought it'd be a good idea to share its four suggestions with you, and offer up four of my own, too! Check out their tips below:

Keep the booze in check
Invite one date at a time
Don't drunk dial
Keep your inner stripper at bay

To see my suggestions, read more

Don't say anything that you wouldn't say sober
Don't overstay your welcome - no one likes a lingering party guest
Don't overdo the PDA
Be mindful of wardrobe malfunctions

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The How-To Lounge: Perfecting Your Holiday Hosting Outfit

DearSugar — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 10:00:00 -0800

You're hosting a holiday party at home and have no idea what to wear - for some helpful tips on marrying practicality and fashion, click here to read more.

Since you're the hostess with the mostess, you should dress to impress all while keeping comfort in mind.

If you're having a more laid-back party, jeans are okay as long as you opt for dark or black denim. Pair your jeans with a more festive top or sweater and make use of your accessories.
Since you will be walking around playing hostess, either wear flats or a low heel so you're not uncomfortable at your own party.
If you're going to be in and out of the kitchen all night, wear a cute apron to protect your clothes.
If you have long hair that's always in your face, wear a headband or pin it up so you don't get your hair in the food, decorations, or - God forbid - anywhere near a candle.

I hope these tips are helpful for you this weekend or the days leading up to the big day and good luck!

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The How-To Lounge: Recover From Holiday Embarrassment

DearSugar — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 08:00:00 -0800

If you're accident prone, this post is for you! Since holiday parties are quickly filling up your calendars, chances are you're going to be drinking and socializing so here are some tips if you make a blunder or two this holiday season.

Click here to read more

If you're invited to a holiday party, your host knows that accidents will happen, so don't beat yourself up if you spill your wine, drop hors d'oeuvres, or break a glass. Obviously be aware of your surroundings, but I'm sure your host has factored in a few party fouls here and there.
If you do happen to drop something, take responsibility for your actions without drawing too much attention to yourself. Quickly take your napkin and wipe up a spill or dash to the kitchen to grab some club soda if you get something on a carpet or sofa. If you break a plate or a glass, make sure to pick up all the pieces so no one cuts themselves. Your host will be busy enough as it is, so if you can take care of the mess on your own, I recommend doing so.
If you happen to do something embarrassing, like put your foot in your mouth or even call someone the wrong name, don't sweat it too much. You're only human, and people make mistakes. Chances are you'll be with someone who can correct you, so simply apologize and move on. Over thinking the situation will just make you feel worse.
If you trip and fall at a party, a common mistake, pick yourself up as gracefully as possible and laugh it off. You'll feel like the entire party saw you, but chances are it wasn't that big of a deal.

Sometimes the best part of attending a holiday party is gossiping with your friends the next day about all the shenanigans that went on so keep an easy going perspective and just have fun - tis the season! Cheers!

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The How-To Lounge: Recovering From Embarrassment at an Office Party

DearSugar — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 10:00:00 -0800

Since the holidays are just around the corner, I'm sure you'll be bouncing from one office party to another. It's important to remember not to drink too much so you don't make a fool of yourself in front of your officemates. If the damage is already done, here are some tips on how to save face from the night before.

Click here to read more

The number one thing to keep in mind before a long night of drinking is to eat. Drinking on an empty stomach is a recipe for disaster. If there is food at your event, eat it even if you aren't hungry. You'll thank me later for this tip!
If you are not one to pace yourself, I recommend attending your work function with a date or an office friend. Use the buddy system so you can monitor how much alcohol you're both consuming.
Stay hydrated in between your alcoholic drinks and keep eating.
It's fun to let loose with your coworkers and even though there's alcohol involved, you're still surrounded by colleagues who you need to face the next day at work so make sure your not that girl!
If you speak inappropriately, slip and fall, spill a drink, or even get sick, try to keep it all relative. Although it's not an ideal situation, accidents happen, so keep your head held high and know when to exit gracefully.
If you owe an apology to your boss or coworker, make it your first order of business the next day, no matter how terrible or embarrassed you feel. Hopefully your coworkers will understand the situation, and you can have a good laugh about it down the road.
If you were in fact that girl, chances are you're thinking the worst and reading into the situation much more than anyone else is, so try not to dwell on it. The more you bring attention to your actions, the longer it will take for everyone to forget about it. You're apology should be more than enough, so take the situation as a lesson well learned.

I hope these tips help, and good luck this holiday season!

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Ask a Party Planner: Should I Date Outside My Religion?

TresSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Conventional Wisdom is a different kind of advice column. Your questions will be answered by people from all walks of life rather than by advice experts. If you have a question you'd like answered on Conventional Wisdom, you can submit it here.

This week, a party planner offers advice to a woman unsure about a new love interest. After you read her answer, be sure to check out our Group Therapy group where I found this question.

Today's Question:

I'm a single 32-year-old woman and I am under immense pressure to get married from my family and community. I have been single for two years since my last relationship, and four months ago I met this guy and started dating him. We quickly got close and we really care for each other. He wants me to be his girlfriend now, however there a few issues with us - he is only 28 and from another religion. If this goes anywhere, then we are sure to face opposition from both our families. We are from cultures where our families mean a lot to us.

We have talked about this being a long-term relationship, but we have yet to figure out if we will end up married since it's obviously too early. I'm wondering if I should date other guys while we figure this out. I really don't want to, but my friends warn me to not put all my eggs in one basket, especially when he is four years younger than me. I also worry that our religions will come between us in the future.

What should I do? Date other guys, or be his girlfriend and see this through?

Signed, Unsure

To see the party planner's answer, read more.

Dear Unsure,

It seems like there are two issues here: first, his age, and second, your religions. Let's discuss.

I think you should not worry about his age. Twenty-eight is old enough to be in a serious, committed relationship if that's what he wants. Like you said, it's early in the relationship, so you can't predict whether you two are going to get married. But there is only one way to find out - by dating him exclusively.

As for the religion issue: this is something to seriously consider. But I think you need to figure out if you're willing to date someone with a different background - is it worth it to you, not your family, to work through the inevitable obstacles (like choosing how to celebrate holidays, or how to raise kids)? As for your family, I think that they will be more supportive than you think. If you're happy, they should be happy for you too. And you say this guy really values his family, so I think it's great that you found someone who thinks his family is important - just like you do.

If you really like this guy, it's worth giving it a chance. Good luck.

Signed,
A party planner

The Dos and Don'ts of Attending a Super Bowl Party

DearSugar — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:00:00 -0800

Super Bowl Sunday is a national holiday for sports' lovers, but if you're not a football connoisseur, you can still reap the benefits of a fun Super Bowl party! Check out my dos and don'ts before spending this weekend with die-hard fans, and please feel free to add you own in the comment section below.

Just click here to read more

Don't

Do know what teams are playing.
Do root for your team if you're a fan - don't be shy!
Do enter the betting pool - even if you don't know the facts, you could end up victorious.
Do throw the football with the boys at halftime - it'll help burn off some of the calories you've consumed!
Do be understanding if your significant other's team loses - some guys take a loss very seriously.
Do look forward to the commercials.

Don't talk during a big play, or any intense moment in the game for that matter.
Don't overdress for a Super Bowl party.
Don't comment on the players "outfits."
Don't walk in front of the TV.

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5 Things to Look Forward to This January

DearSugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:00:00 -0800

I've already been bombarded by friends telling me that they're suffering from post-holiday blues, and to be honest, I'm feeling it a little too. When it's dark and cold outside it's easy to get down, but there are some really fun things we can all look forward to this January. Check out my list below and if you think I've missed something, add your thoughts in the comments section - the more things to look forward to the better!

Even if you're not a sports fan, football playoffs are a fun excuse to get out of the house and meet new people, especially if you're single!
Most of us have a long weekend to look forward to just two weeks away - Martin Luther King Day falls early this year, Jan. 19.
Weekends away during the Winter can be just as fun as any Summer vacation. Bundle up and hit the slopes (or the lodge) and enjoy the snow while you can.
Most of us know someone with a January birthday, so blow it out this year! It's easy to hermit after the holidays so don't let your friends get the short end of the stick - make it a big celebration and get back into the swing of things before you get stuck in a rut.
If you need another excuse to celebrate, plan an inauguration party and watch history being made with close friends and family.

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Briefing Book! Everyone to "Cash Room" For Treasury Bash!

LibertySugar — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:30:29 -0800

Treasury Department: Let them eat cake? US Treasury Department to host annual holiday party in the "Cash Room." - Huffington Post
Obama: Barack on the line? Eight ways to figure out it's not Obama calling you. - 23/6
Holiday: Think Laura Bush has great taste? How to steal holiday decorating ideas from the White House. - CasaSugar
Sexual Assault: Powerful or inappropriate? New Italian rape awareness ad incites controversy because it invokes Christ's crucifixion. - Feminsting
Harvard: Keeping friends close, too? Twenty of Obama's Harvard Law classmates are advising him. - Politico

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