Thursday, April 29, 2010

Being in the corporate dinner staff committee is no easy task as you're torn between giving your fellow colleagues what they want and maintaining the budget the company has allocated.

Some employees are very lucky to have a fully paid-for event. We've heard of companies where employees themselves have to pay for their own meals and accommodation yet the company calls it a staff event. I feel for those guys, I really do!

I might sound biased as I'm now within the event planning industry and I'll go all out promoting staff events but hear me out first! I used to work in a corporation where I was just a regular employee. Every year, my colleagues and I would look forward to dressing up and being entertained. It's just one day in a year, anyway (unless that company also organized team-building activities like my company did and we looked forward to that as well!).

Most staff work really hard and like any normal employee they have the tendency to complain about his job once in a while to let off some steam. Sometimes, when they feel under appreciated and irrelevant to the company over a long period of time, they leave. They feel they have nothing to lose.

I stayed with my old company for 8 years. My job was ok and I had my fair share of endless reports and weekend homework but I complained very little as I knew the company cared. The MD ran a tight ship but would bring us for special lunches every few months and talk to us.

If your company really has a tiny budget for social gatherings, do just this: Bring your staff to lunch somewhere near your office or even cater lunch for them and just watch a movie in the conference room (mind you, make it strictly clear that this is a treat and there are boundaries in the office!)

If you're having doubts about organizing your annual dinner this year. Here are some ideas to help you save cost written by Rob Hard:

Schedule the Party During the Day.

A general budgeting rule for business meals: lunch menus are always more cost effective than dinner menus from restaurants, hotel banquets or independent caterers.

For those organizations that typically hold employee parties in the evening, changing to an afternoon event is one of the most cost effective ways to manage expenses. Estimated Savings: 15-20%.

Pros:
•Eliminates the need to use personal time for a company event.
•Increases the number of venue options available to consider.
•Reminds everyone that they are at a company event, not a personal party.

Cons:
•Reduced attendance because many functions cannot fully shut down.
•Noticeable change that tells employees the organization is cutting costs.

2. Hold the Party in a Restaurant.



Many more restaurant venue options exist in any given area than traditional hotels and other venues that may require private catering (e.g., museums, libraries, etc.).

By considering restaurants, the planner is able to identify venues at different price points that may not otherwise be optional. And restaurants also have private event spaces. Estimated Savings: 15%.

Pros:

•Identifies a variety of ethnic and themed locations for consideration.
•Reduces the potential need to hire live entertainment.
•Offers staff an experience and service where they may not typically dine.

Cons:

•Required food and beverage minimums may be higher than hotel banquets.
•Potential of reduced intimacy for the group due to other diners.

3. Move the Event to the Office.

Many organizations already have dedicated space for all employee meetings, either using a lunchroom or auditorium after work.

Hosting the event on-site often requires additional decorating expenses that can drive up costs significantly vs. holding it off-site at a venue that is already decorated with a holiday theme. Estimated Savings: 5%.

Pros:

•Increased employee attendance.
•Ability to incorporate company themes and messages to the event.
•Reminds everyone that they are at a company event, not a personal party.

Cons:

•Increased production costs associated with theme and decorations.
•Reduced staff productivity from distractions during event preparation (but this is the same with off site venues anyway!).

4. Manage Catering Choices.

Small changes in the catering selections may be made that can result in measurable savings.

Examples: Plated vs. buffet style. Seven course meals may become five. Six pieced canapes may be reduced to five, with a small decrease in total pieces. Filet mignon may be replaced with lamb chops. Crab legs are more cost effective than lobster tail. Three dessert choices may be reduced to two. Bar selections may be predetermined in advance. Estimated Savings: 5-10%.

Pros:

•It is relatively easy to manage costs at the point of selecting catering.
•Venues and caterers usually have packaged options based on price.

Cons:

•Risk not pleasing everyone's taste preferences.

5. Hire a DJ Instead of a Band.

Band members typically get paid a minimum of RM4,000 for a three hours, four performers. On the other hand, a DJ charges about half that price. Estimated Savings: 50%.

Pros:

•Increased variety of music.
•Reduced expense associated with entertainment.

Cons:

•Risks allowing employees to request inappropriate music.
•Risks associated with creating too much of a casual party atmosphere.

6. Control Decorating Expenses.

Hotels and other venues are usually already be decorated in neutral holiday themes. Still, some expenses are difficult to avoid: centerpieces, linen rentals, etc.

Planners must still incorporate decorations that are sensitive to the all guests. Try to save money by using complimentary linens, and opt to replace flower centerpieces with colorful candles and bowls of candy when possible. Estimated Savings: 10%.

Pros:

•Subtle changes often go unrecognized by guests.
•Planner may incorporate company themes to decorations.

Cons:

•The party mood might be compromised when the decor is minimal
•Decoration expenses may be necessary to expand celebration themes.

7. Eliminate Employee Gifts at the Party.


Remember, the staff party is considered the employee gift, so it is not necessary to include party favors and other small appreciation gifts.

Some organizations feel it is necessary to give each employee some small gift for attending the event because they feel it is an important element of the event. If the business insists on gifts, opt for just Lucky Draw or game prizes. Estimated Savings: $10 per person.

Pros:

•This change often goes unnoticed.
•Reduces set-up time needed to showcase presents.
•Allows the planner to avoid other cost reductions (e.g., catering).

Cons:

•Employees who cannot attend (e.g., due to work) will feel they received nothing.
•Employee gifts can be perceived as another form of award.

8. Request Employees to Contribute for Guests.

This is a sensitive decision, but one that has become easier during the last several years. Remember that this is a business appreciation event for employees.

Although the decision is outside the scope of the planner, the accounting department will decide how much of the cost of the event is an allowable IRS deduction, and that is questionable around personal guests. Solution: establish a fee for personal guests. Estimated Savings: 20%.

Pros:

•Increases the accuracy to estimate attendance for budget.
•Identifies in advance everyone who is likely to attend.
•Increases accuracy of corporate budgets.

Cons:

•Perceived by employees as shifting the expense away from the organization.
•Reduction in the % of employees who may attend.

9. Hold the Party on a weekday (Mon-Thurs) and off peak seasons.

Event planners understand that they are facing a question of supply and demand. Event spaces quickly fill up in the months of November- January, and the most popular days are usually Tuesday through Thursday.

Little value may be gained by holding the event on a Friday or Saturday because those days quickly book up with social events at venues. The best option: consider a Monday. Estimated Savings: 0-5%.

Pros:

•You get to negotiate with the venues on better deals
Estimated Savings: 10%.

Cons:

•Employees prefer end-year parties as they feel more relaxed after a year of hard work.
10. Host Departmental Parties Instead.

The way to really reduce expenses is to shift the responsibility to each individual department. Smaller gatherings will always be more cost effective than larger ones.

Fewer details are needed, and the individuals within a department are more likely to do all the planning. However, more drawbacks exist with this decision. Estimated Savings: Whatever amount is determined; recommend 15%.

Pros:

•Reduced organization resources required.
•Employees will feel more involved within the department.

Cons:

•Most managers do not know how to organize employee events.
•Some departments will have better parties than others.
•Greater inconsistencies will exist across the organization.
•Senior management will likely not interact with employees.

When in doubt, call Best Events! We can recommend the activities that best suit your budget!

Budgets budgets budgets

Being in the corporate dinner staff committee is no easy task as you're torn between giving your fellow colleagues what they want and ma...

Saturday, April 24, 2010


Both families have agreed that the two of you are ready to get hitched. Both families get along. What next? Different religions and cultures have different requirements. As long as you acknowldege this fact, there's no real reason for family wars to occur. To make your search on procedures easier, just click below:

http://www.gov.my/MyGov/BI/Directory/NonCitizen/nFamily/nMarriage/nMarriageProcedureInMalaysia/


It is safe to say that once all the paperwork is done, the fun begins...or does it? Let's just say that there is more work involved if you come from different religious backgrounds and cultures.


For example, if you're a Buddhist marrying a Christian, your families might want two types of ceremonies- one in a temple and one in a church. Or if you're a Malay getting married to a Chinese, there'll be two types of cultures involved- one involving perhaps Malay cultural dances and Bunga Manggar and kompang while the other involves the "bullying" of the groom as he steps into the bride's family home and perhaps a tea ceremony later. Malaysians generally solve these differences by having two separate receptions for the two families. This way everybody goes home happy and not offended.

The most important thing is to adapt and adapt some more! Remember, love is what brought you together in the first place so remember how much you love each other and other things won't matter as much.


Being in such a colourful society really makes Malaysian weddings very interesting. The current trend though is the white wedding. Here the wedding is kept simple and straight to the point with the Walk In, followed by the parents or best friend's speech, lunch or dinner, slideshow, cake cutting and photography session. Some might opt for an after-wedding party and perhaps fireworks for those who don't mind spending a little more.

Wedding Procedures and Cultures

Both families have agreed that the two of you are ready to get hitched. Both families get along. What next? Different religions and cultures...


You've dreamed of the moment where the two of you will spend the rest of your lives together. Now that it's actually happening, enjoy it! Weddings can be overwhelming. A wedding will probably be the biggest and most involved party or ritual either of you have ever put together. While you bask in the natural glow that you're bound to emit, take a deep breath, then do these ten things.

1.Enjoy being engaged
Jump up and down saying "We're engaged!" Stare at the engagement ring. Take the time to write down in detail how you got engaged. Contemplate the wonderful things ahead of you. Take pictures of yourselves with the engagement ring.

2.Tell your parents
You should tell your parents of your impending nuptials before anyone else. (Unless of course, you are estranged.) Both of you should be present and ideally you will tell them in person - they'll have a chance to see your happiness up close, look at the rock, and start talking about the wedding. Then share the news with a few close friends - the ones who are likely candidates for maid/matron of honor and best man, or definite attendants in some capacity.

3.Purchase a diary if you don't already have one or write a wedding blog
This will be a time of ten thousand moments you won't want to forget, as well as some frustrating times that you'll need to vent about, and not necessarily to your partner. The journal you keep while planning your wedding will not only help you through this time, but it will be something you cherish for the rest of your life.

4.Announce Your Engagement
Tell everyone the good news! There are many ways of doing this, and no way is more correct or better than another. Click here to read about engagement announcement etiquette and see samples of engagement announcements. Consider:

•E-Mailing or mailing announcements to your family and friends

•Creating a wedding website
•Just flash that ring around!

5.Set the Date
One of the most important decisions you will make as you plan your wedding. Not only will it be the first question everyone will ask you, but you'd be surprised how difficult it will be to make any progress on planning your wedding without knowing the date.

6.Set the Tone of Your Event
This is the time to decide if you're having a formal wedding, a casual affair, or a theme wedding. It's also the time to decide on having a religious or secular ceremony. In short, you need to decide what you want your wedding to feel like. A good way to begin is to sit down with your partner and do some free writing about your ideal wedding. Look at the adjectives that each of you write and use them as a starting point.

7.Set the Budget
Start off by using a printable wedding budget worksheet. Look at your finances and figure out how much you already have in savings, and how much you can save each month. Talk to each of your parents and ask them if they'd like to contribute to your wedding, and either how much they'd like to give you, or what specific things they'd like to pay for. Lastly, decide how much you feel comfortable going into debt. Couples should avoid debt as much as possible. Since married couples fight about money more than anything else, why start marriage with debt on your backs? At this time you may consider opening a new credit card just for the wedding that will earn you airline miles, cash back, or other incentives. It's a good way for you to keep track of wedding expenses, and can help you pay for your honeymoon. Just try to pay it off in full each month. If you're not sure where to start, just send us an e-mail requesting for our Dream Wedding Scope form. It's free!

8.Choose Your Bridal Party
As your bridal party will do a lot more than just stand next to you on the day of the wedding, now is the time to get them involved. While some couples opt not to have any help at all, especially if they're having a casual event, most choose between 2 and 12 members of the bridal party. Look over these lists of responsibilities for bridesmaids and groomsmen before you make your final choices. If they live nearby, its nice to ask someone in person, but a phone call is fine for those who live far away. Do take note that the reception table should have a relative standing by to identify family members from the other guests.

9.Start Looking for Venues for Ceremony and Reception
Many venues are booked a year in advance, so the further in advance you start looking, the more likely you are to get the time, date, and cost that you've planned for.

10.Get Support
The successful bride and groom do not plan their wedding alone - they get help! This may be from professionals, respected publications, or trusted friends who've planned their own weddings. A good start is reading this blog!

•Consider hiring a wedding planner or consultant. Especially if you are a busy person, or just feel a little lost, a professional can be invaluable in putting together your ideal day, and can often save you money.

•Use checklists - they're especially helpful if you're planning with your mother or future spouse in another state. The most important of these forms is the overall wedding checklist which will help you stay on top of all of your important to dos. You can get a complete check list and constant reminders from BEST EVENTS once you engage our services.

•If you're like most couples, you'll come home from the bookstore with a few thousand pounds of wedding magazines - why not throw in a wedding planning book as well? While the internet offers many useful tools, a book is portable when you visit vendors and can accommodate the many brochures, swatches and other items you'll be collecting. If you are budget conscious, purchase a three ring binder, and build your own planner with printouts from the internet.

You can also get to discuss wedding matters with other brides in the forum below:

http://www.malaysiabrides.com/forum/

Now that you've made all these decisions, you have a solid foundation for your wedding! It's now time for the fun stuff - dresses, tuxes, flowers, music, favors and more! Remember to use a checklist to help yourself stay organized and on top of it all.

Before Tying the Knot

You've dreamed of the moment where the two of you will spend the rest of your lives together. Now that it's actually happening, enjo...




I'm sure some of you remember the time when we loathed our school uniforms and looked forward to the day when the Malaysian Education Ministry would approve the request for no uniforms and we got to dress just like those 90210 kids on TV. Well, the day never came and in a way it's a good thing for both the school goer and the parents!

Imagine the amount of time (and money!) needed to dress up for school with already the bad- hair days to deal with! Now that we're all grown up, we find ourselves secretly saying "Why can't there be just a uniform to wear to work or to an event to save us all the trouble of deciding what to wear?" Oh but it won't be fun then! Decision making won't be fun anymore if it was always about what to cook, where to eat, when to pay the bills besides all the corporate decision making done every day.

Here are some tips from Vanessa Lausch to help you decide what is good to wear to a:

Daytime Wedding / Graduation Service / Funeral:


It seems odd to see these three events grouped in the same fashion category, but the same, simple dress can work for all three events. Look for a dark, sheath dress to keep in your closet as a stand-by. It can be simple and staid enough for solemn events like a religious service or funeral and can be dressed up with jewelry, make-up, and accessories for a wedding or graduation service.

Party / Date:


Never underestimate the power of pants for bringing together a sexy, laid-back appearance. Look for pants with a slim, elegant fit and pair them with a feminine blouse that shows a hint of skin. Finish the outfit with a pair of high heels, and you will turn heads without looking like you are trying too hard.

Baby Shower / Birthday Party / Luncheon:


For an event where you'd like to appear informal and feminine, look for a skirt or dress that offers movement and drape. You can pair the skirt with a simple tank sweater in a light, feminine color. Your end result will be soft, feminine, and casual.

Formal Cocktail Party / Evening Wedding / New Year's Eve Bash:


On the nights when you really want to make a statement in your outfit, look for a simple dress with a bit of shine or one interesting detail. You will be able to wear this dress to several events without feeling too conspicuous. To keep eyes on you, try showing a little bit of skin with a strapless style. Your shoulders and neck definitely deserve some attention, and a strapless dress is less flashy than a plunging or backless style.

Gala / Ball:


For true evening dress style, you will likely need to purchase a new gown before the event. In this case, look for a simple style such as an A-line or sheath dress that you will be able to find in nearly any evening dress boutique. You can always add glitz to your outfit with jewelry and accessories.


With these tips in mind, you should be able to avoid the last-minute hassle when shopping for your next formal wear clothing item.

For men, it's a whole new confusing ball game unless you're one who's born a metrosexual, of course. Here's something from the Ask Andy About Clothes website:

INVITATION TERMINOLOGY

When the invitation reads "Black Tie", "Black Tie Preferred", "Le Smoking", or "Smoking" for an evening semi-formal event or "White Tie" or "Full Dress" for an evening formal event, then your host is providing an elegant affair and expects you to dress according to fit the decor and ambiance of the evening.

When your invitation reads "Black Tie Optional", or "Black Tie Invited", the host is leaving the final decision up to you. Most men will be wearing tuxedos, however if you don’t have one you shouldn’t feel uncomfortable in a dark suit.


The big confusion with "Casual" on an invitation, comes from the fact that there are varying degrees of casual and just one word doesn’t cover it! Often the inviter has something in mind that isn’t properly communicated. "Informal" may mean "casual" to the inviter, but it is not!


PROPER FORMAL WEAR BY OCCASION:


What gentlemen wear depends upon the time of day and the occasion. A recent innovation of some wedding consultants to have the bridegroom wear one style of formal wear while the groomsmen and/or ushers wear another is a social blunder. (This is in reference to long jackets called Strollers or Walking coats). If you like, you can vary the look through different neckwear or boutonnieres.

DAY FORMAL: (Very formal diplomatic receptions) Black or Gray tailcoat, with matching trousers, gray double breasted vest, long gray tie, gray gloves, white boutonniere, gray homburg hat, pearl cufflinks and studs.

DAY SEMI-FORMAL: (weddings) Gray morning coat (cutaway), black or gray striped trousers, gray double breasted vest, gray long tie or pinned ascot, gray gloves, white boutonniere, gray top hat, spats, pearl cufflinks and studs.

EVENING FORMAL: (The Opera, charity ball) White tie and tails (black tailcoat), black trousers with two satin seams on the outside leg, white pique vest, white bow tie, white kid gloves, white boutonniere, black top hat, white silk scarf, black or gold cufflinks and studs.

EVENING SEMI-FORMAL: (weddings, theatre opening nights) Black dinner jacket or white in summer (tuxedo), black trousers with one satin seam on the outside leg, black vest or cummerbund, black bow tie, white silk scarf, black or gold cufflinks and studs.

DAY or EVENING INFORMAL (Don’t think casual!) also COCKTAIL, or BUSINESS ATTIRE: This requires a business suit, necktie, lace-up shoes, and for evening occasions a non-button-down collar dress shirt. Make certain that the person sending out the invitations really means informal and not casual since this is a common misconception!


CASUAL WEAR BY OCCASION:

Let’s separate casual into five degrees! Remember within these categories styles can range from dressy to sloppy! See the table below for examples of specific items of clothing.
The first two categories are acceptable for business and social occasions (office parties, functions at a friends house or a nice restaurant) where image is important.

1. BUSINESS, also EXECUTIVE- or CORPORATE CASUAL: The level beneath the business suit and tie, which can consist of a suit or sport jacket and/or sweater, and an optional tie. This is what you’d wear to a company party (retirement, holiday, etc.). The fabrics may be less dressy, and the tie a knit or novelty print. You may have slightly relaxed the look, but you’re still there for business.
In some cases you may want to wear a suit that’s a step up from business wear like your best Armani suit, French-cuff shirt, and Hermes tie just to show you have a life outside business!!

2. COUNTRY CLUB, or DRESSY, RESORT CASUAL, CASUAL CHIC: Apparel that you’d wear to a private country club for lunch or dinner. Dress trousers, sport shirt, dress shirt or knit polo shirt, a sweater or sport jacket and leather shoes/belt. It’s also appropriate for an off-site seminar, a party at a friend’s home or dinner at a nice restaurant. And yes the elements in your attire may have cost MORE than a good suit!!
Number 3 may be acceptable for certain businesses and some social functions.

3. SPORTY or RUGGED: The outdoor look! Off to the local pub to watch Monday night football with the guys, to a real game, when you’re invited to spend the weekend at one of Ralph Lauren’s homes, or third date out for pizza. Any activity where you might run into someone interesting. It’s more casual, but you still took some time to coordinate colors, and think about what elements you put together.
The following two categories are not acceptable for most businesses, or for any "important" social occasion (i.e. first date) where you’re concerned about your creditability, authority and/or image:

4. SATURDAY CASUAL OR LEISURE: What you wear on weekends, if you had to go out shopping or doing laundry, and there was even a remote chance of human contact.


5. ACTIVE: gear you’d wear to the gym, to play b-ball, washing your car, or gardening, but not stop off at the grocery store on the way home. It’s also what you might wear around the house if you weren’t expecting any visitors.


If you're not sure, it's always better to dress up than down. You can say you've got someplace important to go after this event!

What to wear?

I'm sure some of you remember the time when we loathed our school uniforms and looked forward to the day when the Malaysian Education Mi...

Thursday, April 22, 2010



We have so many stories about how mums dedicate so much of their energy in nurturing their children. Here are some we picked to tug at your heartstrings or make you laugh and make you rush to your mum to give a hug.

Things My Mother Taught Me

My Mother taught me LOGIC...
“If you fall off that swing and break your neck, you can't go to the store with me."

My Mother taught me MEDICINE...
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they're going to freeze that way."

My Mother taught me TO THINK AHEAD...
"If you don't pass your spelling test, you'll never get a good job!"

My Mother taught me ESP...
"Put your sweater on; don't you think that I know when you're cold?"

My Mother taught me TO MEET A CHALLENGE...
"What were you thinking? Answer me when I talk to you... Don't talk back to me!"

My Mother taught me HUMOR...
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

My Mother taught me how to BECOME AN ADULT...
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

My mother taught me ABOUT SEX...
"How do you think you got here?"

My mother taught me about GENETICS...
“You are just like your father!"

My mother taught me about my ROOTS...
"Do you think you were born in a barn?"

My mother taught me about the WISDOM of AGE...
"When you get to be my age, you will understand."

My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION...
"Just wait until your father gets home."

My mother taught me about RECEIVING...
"You are going to get it when we get home."

And my all time favorite thing- JUSTICE
"One day you will have kids, and I hope they turn out just like
YOU. Then you'll see what it's like."

A Journey Never to Far



A man stopped at a flower shop to order some flowers to be wired to his mother who lived two hundred miles away.

As he got out of his car he noticed a young girl sitting on the curb sobbing.

He asked her what was wrong and she replied, "I wanted to buy a red rose for my mother.

But I only have seventy-five cents, and a rose costs two dollars."

The man smiled and said, "Come on in with me. I'll buy you a rose."

He bought the little girl her rose and ordered his own mother's flowers.

As they were leaving he offered the girl a ride home.

She said, "Yes, please! You can take me to my mother."

She directed him to a cemetery, where she placed the rose on a freshly dug grave.

The man returned to the flower shop, canceled the wire order, picked up a bouquet and drove the two hundred miles to his mother's house.


A Date with Mum


After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another
woman out to dinner and a movie. She said, "I love you, but I know
this other woman loves you too, and she would love to spend some
time with you."

The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my MOTHER,
who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work
and my three children had made it possible to visit her only
occasionally. That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner
and a movie.

"What's wrong, are you well?" she asked. My mother is the type of
woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is
a sign of bad news.

"I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you," I
responded. "Just the two of us." She thought about it for a moment,
and then said, "I would like that very much."

That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up, I was a bit
nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too,
seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with
her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress
that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary. She
smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's.

"I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they
were impressed," she said, as she got into the car. "They can't wait
to hear about our meeting."

We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice
and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady.
After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only
read large print. Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and
saw Mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her
lips.

"It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small,"
she said.

"Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor," I
responded.

During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation - nothing
extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each other's life.
We talked so much that we missed the movie.

As we arrived at her house later, she said, "I'll go out with you
again, but only if you let me invite you." I agreed.

"How was your dinner date?" asked my wife when I got home.

"Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined," I answered.

A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It
happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to do anything
for her. Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a
restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined. An
attached note said: "I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I
could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you
and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night
meant for me. I love you, son."

At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: "I
LOVE YOU" and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve.
Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the
time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till "some
other time.”

Mother's Day Stories

We have so many stories about how mums dedicate so much of their energy in nurturing their children. Here are some we picked to tug at your ...
Kuala Lumpur is a shopping haven and there are plenty of places to shop for mum this Mother's Day but why not make this year's extra special? Here are 5 gift ideas (which are not limited just to Mother's Day!) we have for you:

Slope/Water sphering


Yes, this is where you get into a transparent sphere and roll down a hill or across the lake for 30 seconds.

The plastic ball is filled with 30 litres of water (and no, we have no control on the temperature of the water!).

With aqua sphereing no harness is used, so you and up to two friends will climb into the plastic ball and let loose 'freestyling' it down the slope, churning around inside the sphere. We think this is probably as close as it gets to feeling what it's like to be in a washing machine on spin cycle!

Don't forget you can do a solo aqua sphere or you can go for a voucher for two or three people all in the same sphere at once. There's no need to choose the venue when buying your sphereing voucher - it's your choice of venues in the UK.

Experience Summary: Each roll lasts around 30 seconds and takes place on a specially prepared track. Aqua sphereing can be done solo, with two or three friends.

Availability: Sphereing runs on weekends and some weekdays. We are happy to check advance availability for this activity.

Requirements: You cannot participate if you are: under 3ft10ins and less than 7 years old,exceed 18 stone (or maximum girth 60 inches) pregnant, suffering from high blood pressure, any heart condition or epilepsy, suffering from or have ever had any back or neck problems, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, undergoing medical treatment or have had an operation within the past twelve months. Parental consent is required up to the age of 18.

If you suffer from any other conditions and are in doubt of your participation please contact us. The judgement of weight/height (or any other restriction) is final and may be decided upon by the staff on the day of the ride. Water sphereing is open to two or three people or individuals, according to the type of Water sphereing voucher bought.

Price per person RM55

Hot Air Balloon Ride



We've seen movies where marriage proposals are done mid-air and we wonder when we would ever experience such a moment. Well, don't wait for marriage proposals! Now you can bring your whole family up with a Hot Air Balloon Workshop that gives you hands-on experience to learn the behind the scenes of how a hot air balloon actually works plus you get to ride on the tethered balloon up to 50metres! (Better make sure your mum isn't afraid of heights!) Hot Air Ballooning is an early morning outdoor sport and this workshop involves physical activity & lots of fun!

Dates: First weekend of every month

Venue: Football Field, Taman Tasik Titiwangsa
Registration: 7.00am
Time: 7.30am-10.30am

Fees: RM80 (adults)

RM50 (children age 7-12)

Group of more than 10 get a 10% discount
Attire: Casual wear, sports shoes & cap

Spa package

All of us need a spa treatment once in a while and who deserves it more than your mum?

Ravissante is having a Mother's Day Special. Get a Relaxing Body Scrub, Smoothing Milk Bath, Hour Aromatherapy Massage, Traditional Bamboo Cupping Treatment, Ella Bache Hydra Booster Facial & Mesonano Stemcell Wrinkle and Pigmentation Killer Treatment for only RM398 (usual price RM1,104)The spa treatment starts with a delightfully gentle yet exfoliating scrub to rub away dead skin cells, while moisturising and softening skin. Then simmer in our jacuzzi milk bath. This hydrotheraphy will soften muscles pre-massage, energize, cleanse and freshen you physically and mentally. Enjoy our Spa Cuisine, which is a little culinary delight while in the jacuzzi. Next, indulge your muscles in a relaxing 60 minute full body aromatheraphy massage


Traditional Bamboo Cupping is an ancient Chinese technique of healing that has long been a part of traditional Chinese medicine. This treatment is traditionally used to remove "wind" from the body (especially after pregnancy) and is remarkably good to treat back, neck, shoulder, and many other musculoskeletal pains.


Ella Bache Hydra Booster Facial is a re-hydrating feast using the perfect hydrating ingredients to re-plump, smoothen and softhen your skin so that it glows with new radiance. While you succumb to a gentle soothing massage, your skin, bathed in luxurious textures, is plumped up and flourishes with new radiance. Your skin is so visibly revived - you'll be amazed!


Mesonano Stemcell Wrinkle and Pigmentation Killer treatment is a new revolutionary anti-aging technology reduces pigmentation (99%), wrinkles 99%), open pores (82%), and blackheads & imperfections (80%). Get rid of your lines, and have pigmentation free skin, and feel better – because you deserve to be Ravissante (ravishingly beautiful).

Call Ravissante at 03-7728 2577 to make an appointment. Join our Mother's Day contest to win a Ravissante Traditional Bamboo Cupping Treatment (30 minutes)voucher worth RM148 too!

Chocolate making/Appreciation class




You've heard of wine tasting, now relatively new to the KL market is chocolate making and tasting!

Chocolate has amazing complexities and levels of flavor. You'll find unique attributes for each chocolate you taste, from flavor notes to texture to finish, as though each one had a distinctive personality.

Like fine wine, many things affect the final product: the blend of cacao beans, the percentage of cacao, the region where the beans were grown, as well as the timing and manner of the roasting and drying processes. Like wine, chocolate connoisseurs hold tasting sessions that let them explore all the delicious details of their favorite food.

Batik Painting Class


What about a bonding session with your mom? Just book a class for you and your mum and get started on your batik painting!

OR surprise her with your own batik painted hanky!

Price: RM40 per pax (normal price Rm50 per pax). Classes are carried out at a studio Off Jalan Imbi




Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Kuala Lumpur is a shopping haven and there are plenty of places to shop for mum this Mother's Day but why not make this year's extra...

Mom knows best. So how are you going to come up with a fitting gift to surprise her this Mother’s Day ? What do you give the mom who has it all or just happy with everything's that she's got?

Look no further than this Mother’s Day quiz. We’ll help you figure out what your mom would love and even offer suggestions for handmade Mother’s Day crafts mommy dearest is sure to adore.

1. Your mom's idea of a relaxing afternoon is…

a) tending to her herb garden.
b) a bubble bath with a glass of wine.
c) settling down with her favorite magazine while the kids watch a movie.
d) whipping up a batch of cookies.

2. When she's preparing for a dinner party and is in need for a floral arrangement, your mom…
a) pulls a handful of flowers from a nearby field.
b) orders a stunning arrangement from a pricey floral shop.
c) snips a few flowers from her meticulous garden while picking the vegetables for
the salad she is making.
d) picks up a bouquet at the supermarket while getting groceries.


3. How long does your mom spend on hair and makeup in the morning?

a) Hardly any time at all since she doesn't wear makeup.
b) You can guess that she needs at least half an hour…she's not ready for the day without a little primping.
c) She takes about ten minutes--which is about how long it takes the kids to brush their teeth and comb their hair.
d) She spends only two to three minutes because she can't wait to eat breakfast.

4. If your mom could go on vacation anywhere, where would she go?

a) The Grand Canyon
b) Italy
c) Walt Disney World
d) Paris

5. Which movie would your mom prefer to watch?

a) March of the Penguins
b) Breakfast at Tiffany's
c) Parenthood
d) Chocolat

6. Which phrase could you catch your mom saying?

a) “I'll add that to my to do list"
b) “I just need a few minutes to myself.”
c) “It's a beautiful day. Let's all go outside to play.”
d) “Everything on the menu looks delicious!”

7. Mom keeps busy on the weekends by…

a) going on hikes through nature preserves.
b) getting a manicure and pedicure.
c) going to her kids soccer games and dance recitals.
d) cooking up a big feast for a family get-together.

8. The chore your mom always makes you do is…

a) unloading the dishwasher.
b) making your bed.
c) rubbing her feet.
d) watering the plants

9. What is one thing you can always find in your mom's purse?

a) An eco-friendly reusable bag for purchases
b) Designer sunglasses
c) Her day planner
d) Bubble gum

10. What is your mom's favorite kind of ice cream?

a) Rainbow Sherbet
b) Pralines 'n Cream
c) Moose Tracks
d) There is no way she can pick just one!

Mostly A's
Natural Knickknacks



Your mom is wild about nature and has an eco-friendly spirit. So let the great outdoors inspire her Mother’s Day gift. Give her a pair of hiking shoes or a new perennial to plant in her garden. You could even plan a weekend lakeside or hiking trip. If she's daring Best Events can arrange for her to go water sphering!

There are also boatloads of gifts of the homemade variety that your nature-loving mom would adore: Try making a bouquet of photo flowers, a a hand-painted vase or recycled flower pot.

Best Events can also arrange for a one-off art class.
Mostly B's

The Finer Things in Life



Your mom loves to be pampered, especially on Mother’s Day. A gift certificate to her favorite spa or a personal fashion showcase at home would be perfect gifts. And she’d surely love a trendy new handbag or killer shoes. Best Events can arrange this for you!

If you’d rather make her something yourself, try some homemade soap, a cute bath salts container, a no-sew make up bag or a jeweled candle holder.

For moms who enjoy dancing, we can arrange for a one-off salsa class for just her and the family.

Mostly C's

Practical Present

Your mom is a neat, organized, practical person so only a down-to-earth gift will do. She loves thoughtful gifts that she can use everyday, like a family planner or a picture frame for one of the many photos around the house.

If you’re thinking about a gift certificate, try one from her favorite housewares boutique or garden center. Or you could even make her a personalized memo pad she can use for making all her to do lists or a utensil holder to help corral all her kitchen utensils.

Why not give her a break from cooking and hire a personal chef from Best Events to cook a family lunch?

Mostly D's

Decadent Delight


There’s no doubt about it. The way to your mom’s heart is through her stomach! A big box of chocolates (she doesn’t have to share) is a great gift idea for your momma.
Best Events can even arrange for a Chocolate tasting workshop just for her and family members!

If she also likes to cook, you could get her a high quality cast iron pan or set of exotic spices. And she’d be delighted with a handmade recipe card box to store all your family’s favorite recipes.

No matter the gift, be sure to let mom sit back and relax.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Cherishing and Celebrating Mothers

Mom knows best. So how are you going to come up with a fitting gift to surprise her this Mother’s Day ? What do you give the mom who has it ...


For delicious, halal, home style cooking, head to DISH DELI in Solaris, Mont Kiara. They offer a selection of comfort food from around the world such as Fisherman’s Pie, Lancashire Hotpot and Chicken Casserole. They have a wide range of Kid’s Meals which are healthy and prepared with absolutely no preservatives or MSG. They even have their own brand of gourmet inspired baby food called GOURMET GOO.

Every Sunday they offer the traditional Sunday Roast Set of Roast Beef, Roast Lamb or Roast Chicken – all served with the Pudding of the Day. Also on offer are great sandwiches, soups and salads and a selection of deli items such as dips, cakes and pasta sauces. This family-friendly deli offers free Wi Fi, a cosy lounge area, a kid’s corner and baby changing facilities and they have a wonderful space for Functions and Birthday Parties.

They now deliver your favourite DISH N DASH ready meals and GOURMET GOO baby food straight to your door no matter where you are in the Klang Valley! The details are on their DISH DELI Facebook page but basically all you need to do is:

1. Email your order to dd@dish.com.my. Leave your name, add, mobile number
2. Choose a delivery day of either Wed or Sat.
3. There is a delivery charge of RM 8 but any orders above RM 80 is FREE
4. Your order will be dispatched once payment has been received either through online transfer or TT or you can bank in your cheque directly into our account.
5. Sit back and enjoy hassle free, delicious meals!

DISH DELI
13A Jalan Solaris 3, Solaris, Mont Kiara. Tel: 03 62030326; Fax: 03 78730920; email: dd@dish.com.my; website: www.dish.com.my; blog: dishdeli@blogspot.com
Open Tuesday – Friday, 12 noon – 10 pm and Saturday – Sunday, 10 am – 10 pm.

Delicious meals at Dish Deli

For delicious, halal, home style cooking, head to DISH DELI in Solaris, Mont Kiara. They offer a selection of comfort food from around the w...

Monday, April 19, 2010



No idea what to get your mum this year? Why not join our contest and win her a Mother's Day lunch at Dish Deli? If you're a mummy, go ahead and join the contest too! Mums get a complimentary Ravissante Traditional Bamboo Cupping Treatment (30 minutes)voucher worth RM148 too!!!

The details can be found below.

“WIN A MOTHER’S DAY LUNCH!” CONTEST

Be one of 10 lucky persons to win your mum or yourself a Mother’s Day lunch at Dish Deli, Mont Kiara on 9 May 2010 (Sunday).

HOW TO ENTER:

Easy! Just click on the "Like"(you know the one with the thumbs up pix at the top of the page) button on our Best Events Facebook page (www.facebook.com/BestEventsAsia),e-mail your answer, your name, your mum’s name (not needed if YOU'RE the mummy), IC Number, e-mail address, and mobile number to SimplyPartylicious@gmail.com with Subject Mother’s Day 2010 contest.

QUESTION:

If you or your mum was a superhero, what powers would you or she have?

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

1. This contest is open to all mothers residing in Malaysia.
2. To enter, however, a contestant needs to click on the “Like” button on our Best Events Facebook page (if you haven't already!).
3. Only the winning mums will be treated to the complimentary lunch. Family members are welcome. As space is limited, each mum is allowed to bring up to four family members to join her.
4. Prizes are not exchangeable for cash.
5. Contest entries must be received no later than 5 May, 2010.
6. Staff of Best Events and sponsors and their immediate families are not allowed to participate.
7. The judges' decision is final and no correspondence will be entertained.
8. Judges will be from Best Events.
9. The winners will be notified either by phone or by email after the judging.
10. The list of winners will be published on our Facebook page.

OFFICIAL SPONSORS:

Best Events
Dish Deli
Eeva Florist
Truly Scrumptious
Ravissante

Whatcha waiting for? Send your entries today!

Win your mum a Mother's Day lunch!

No idea what to get your mum this year? Why not join our contest and win her a Mother's Day lunch at Dish Deli? If you're a mummy, g...

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Every month we have a little Q&A session with our vendors so that you get to know them a little bit better. We can't guarantee that it'll help you in anyway but we sure can help brighten your day!

Here we interview Chloe from Celebrate with a Cake, a baker based in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

What are you reading lately?
Unlimited Power by Anthony Robbins

What books help you fall asleep?
Any type of textbook

If you could beam a message to outer space, what would you
say?

Nothing Tastes Better than Home Baked Cakes

What is your best and worst baking experience?
Best is when the oven temperature is just right, and it's a rich butter cake recipe. Worst is when either the top or bottom oven heat is not functioning and the cake is fully browned and burned on the top but is still not baked inside

Grey's Anatomy or Private Practice?
Don't watch either program on TV

If you could do one thing to help improve the party scene, what would it be?
Break up cliques and intoduce new members to cliques or groups


If you could be a superhero, what powers would you want to possess?
Finish my cakes in a jiffy


If a newspaper were to feature you, what would the headline say?
"Nothing Tastes Better than Home Baked Cakes"

Cupcakes, chocolate or cake?
Chocolate

What makes your cakes so special?
They have my personal baking
and cake decorating touch

Chloe from Celebrate with a Cake

Every month we have a little Q&A session with our vendors so that you get to know them a little bit better. We can't guarantee tha...

Sometimes you don't know when a hidden gem is just in front of your nose. I received a last minute order for a themed birthday cake (for newbies, last minute= a week before the party) and I couldn't get my regular cake supplier to bake a cake for me. I asked around and found out from my grandmother that one of our neighbours bakes cupcakes (she came to know this only when she received some cupcakes with my neighbour's company sticker on the box.) "Perhaps she does cakes too", she suggested. I tried my luck and called the number on the sticker.

As luck would have it, my neighbour, Aunty Chloe has been baking and decorating cakes for a living for the past 4 years!!! I was so happy I could barely contain my excitement (but had to, to look somewhat professional!) Her prices are reasonable as well!

So here's the link to her website just in case you're looking for a wonderful baker!

http://www.celebratewithacake.net/aboutchloe.htm

April 10 Find: Celebrate With a Cake

Sometimes you don't know when a hidden gem is just in front of your nose. I received a last minute order for a themed birthday cake (f...

Wednesday, April 7, 2010


I came to know about this concept during my visit to the UK a few years back. I decided to incorporate it into one of our party themes mid-last year as no other party planner specializes in it in Malaysia.

Our first event was held at Michelangelo's Restaurant & Bar, Mont Kiara where the public were sold tickets to attend. 50% of the proceeds went to Salaam Wanita. We hired talents to act out certain roles and put up a short show for the guests who had to figure out who among the talents was the murderer.

Clue cards were distributed and because there were so many clues, the game lasted about 2 hours after buffet dinner was served. As it was a thinking game, most of the guests were not prepared to spend time poring over the clues so we decided to take another approach for our future Murder Mystery Parties.

(Most Malaysian restaurants are not ready to host this sort of party unlike the UK so we only do this sort of parties upon request such as during birthday parties and anniversary dinners.)

A more interactive approach was to get the guests involved in the "murder". The host would allocate characters to his/her guests a few weeks before the party without knowing which character is really the murderer. As the party draws closer and the guests get excited, we give them a more detailed background of their character and this is when they might know if they are indeed the murderer. Exciting ain't it?

As we have many Murder Mystery themes to choose from the guests are encouraged to dress to the theme according to what sort of character he's supposed to play. Some might come as a loony scientist, some as political figures, some as call girls and entertainers.
As the guests arrive at the party, they are given instruction sheets so they need not memorize any lines. (Some guests play their roles so well that other guests have to ask them whether they're in their character or not!). The instruction sheets then tell them who to approach in the party and how to react to certain statements.

Throughout the night, they have to figure out who the murderer is (by snooping around and interrogating other guests) while hiding their own secrets (through bribing, of course! Scandalous!). The detective then reveals all at the end of the night.

One important note is to JUST RELAX! Things will happen naturally (if all the allocated main characters are there at the party, of course! A missing character spoils the whole scheme of things and that's why RSVPs are very crucial)

So if you're into this sort of party, come book us 2 months in advance. It's ideal for guests above 18 (we don't want to teach the young ones naughty things, do we?) and for groups of 20-50.

Murder Mystery Party

I came to know about this concept during my visit to the UK a few years back. I decided to incorporate it into one of our party themes mid-l...
Something I was sure about when forming Best Events is that I wanted a company that creates a good, personal experience for everyone attending the event or party at reasonable prices.





Every event or party that we organize is a new learning experience for us.

I was once asked to do a poolside party for kids and I believe that was one disaster! It was held on a public holiday and the balloon supplier could not deliver the helium balloons.

It was my first time filling balloons up with helium and it wasn't too difficult. Filling the water balloons with water is a different matter! I was lucky enough to have my partner help me with the chore though he swore never to get involved in that sort of thing again. Poor thing! The balloons kept bursting!


We were also asked to assist with the barbequeing ( by assisting we thought it meant mostly serving) but ended up having to man the whole thing the whole night. I can tell you, it's no easy task! Needless to say, we burnt all the garlic bread. Thank God the client's family friend saved us from further embarrassment. The party went well but it would have been best for the client to have hired a proper caterer to help with the food and to clean up after. Back then I hadn't mastered the art of saying "no". Now I've gotten better at it!


OUR VISION
Best Events will create and sustain the highest level of service and customer experience through our unique and passionate culture. We love what we do!

OUR CULTURE AND CORE VALUES
Best Events is an entrepreneurial company, dedicated to your continued success. We have fun and are committed to longevity, creativity and humanity in our relationships.

OUR CUSTOMER FOCUS
Best Events is honest, hardworking and listens to you.
As collaborative partners, we respond to your needs with solutions that are creative, timely and effective.

There are plenty of party planners out there but with Best Events, you can be assured that you and your guests will enjoy your party! We are after all Simply Partylicious!

Read more about the services that we provide at http://www.bestevents-asia.com/

A little about Best Events...

Something I was sure about when forming Best Events is that I wanted a company that creates a good, personal experience for everyone attendi...

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Who doesn't love parties? I like throwing them more than attending them! Growing up in Petaling Jaya during my school days, I loved celebrating my birthday simply because I enjoyed buying prizes to go along with the games that my guests and I would play at home. I'd find simple ways to decorate the house and simply enjoyed celebrating Halloween just for the fun of dressing up and hanging plastic insects and creating invites.



Party planning took a back seat during secondary school and gatherings were held more often in restaurants for more privacy.

Event planning became very much a part of me when I joined CHANEL as a Communications Assistant. My boss and I were in charge of the fashion shows and media launches. To ensure that the image of CHANEL is never compromised, I learned to develop my eye for detail. Thanks to my perfectionist boss, I grew accustomed to things being of a certain standard.

After 8 years with CHANEL, I was attracted to join a company hiring party planners. Alas, it wasn't what I thought it would be and decided that I should try other event companies. I won't boast and say that I turned down jobs offered by these companies but I was really looking for something more personal. The term "party planner" wasn't big then when I decided to start Best Events in late 2008. (yup at the start of the economic crisis!)

I was brand new in a market where so many event planners already exist. What was I thinking? I wasn't! I just jumped into the deep end of the ocean and learned to stay afloat!

Today, I'm still learning something new everyday and doing what I love- party planning!

I started this blog to share with you all things related to throwing parties as well as to write about the parties and events that I've done or have attended.

If you have a party that you'd like me to review, do write in and I'll see what I can do!

En fete! Let's celebrate!

A bit about me...

Who doesn't love parties? I like throwing them more than attending them! Growing up in Petaling Jaya during my school days, I loved cele...

 

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