Author: Andrea Wong
5 Apps to Ease Meal Planning
Whether you’re hosting a small get-together, big celebration, or just a night in, decisions about food can be difficult to make. Not to worry, we have a great list of apps to ease meal planning! From recipes, to restaurant suggestion,s to food delivery apps we’ve got you covered! We’re excited to try EatWith and their private chefs for our next dinner party!
1. ChefsFeed
ChefsFeed is the inside connection to the best dishes and food culture. They offers chefs a platform to engage with guests, featuring reviews from more than 1,000 chefs in 24 cities. Who doesn’t want the inside scoop from the chefs themselves? Users can read up to date reviews on food and restaurant reviews, check out chefs recommendations and search for reviews by chef, dish, cuisine or keywords.
2. Grubhub
GrubHub is an online and mobile food ordering company dedicated to connecting hungry diners with local takeout restaurants. You can order directly from approximately 35,000 takeout restaurants in more than 900 U.S. cities and London. If your hosting a get together, but don’t feel like cooking, just order in. With Grubhub, food for everyone is just a click away!
3. EatWith
EatWith is a community marketplace offering authentic dining experiences in people’s homes in over 150 cities around the world. Through EatWith guests can not only connect with amazing hosts, and enjoy delicious homemade cuisine, but you can also hire a chef for your very own custom private event! You team up with a chef to create an intimate event and personalized menu your guests will not forget!
4. Yummly
Yummly is the ultimate kitchen tool and recipe discovery app that combines beautiful pictures with recipes from around the web to make it easier for you cook, eat and share. You can filter recipes by the ingredients you have on hand, create different recipe boxes, and build shopping lists for the week based on the recipes you choose. It’s perfect if you’re hosting a dinner party and plan to cook!
5. Evernote Food
Evernote is a great event planning tool we often talk about to stay organized, but there is also food version? Whether you’re organizing recipes, looking for a good place to eat, or just want to lifelog meals, Evernote Food is an ideal companion app. You can save recipes from the web just like Evernote, and so much more!
What food apps do you use? Let us know with a comments below or message us on Facebook and Twitter!
ABCey’s Weekend LineUp: 8.14.15-8.16.15
With the weekend quickly approaching, we did some digging to help you figure out how you should spend your time! As usual, there are a ton of fun events going on in the Bay Area! Let’s take a look at our favorites, and let us know where you’ll be!
1. ROBIN WILLIAMS MINI FILM FESTIVAL
Saturday, August 15th, 2015 | Noon to Midnight | 428 11th Street, SF | First 200 free, $5 cover after
SoMa StrEat Food Park and Funcheap SF have teamed up to bring you the 2nd annual Robin Williams mini film festival to celebrate and remember this comic genius. They will be showing 10+ hours of his movies from Ms. Doubtfire to Dead Poet’s Socitey. There will be 10 big screen TVs throughout the park and free popcorn. For a full list of movies and times click here.
2. Off Broadway Summer Pop Up!
Saturday, August 15th, 2015 | Noon to 6pm | Kearny and Pacific Ave. SF, CA. (North Beach District)| Free
Come out and enjoy 100+ local artists, makers, designers, food entrepreneurs, and antique/ vintage upcyclers at the 1st annual Off Broadway Summer Pop Up! There will be live music from local bands, DIY workshops, kids activities, community activities, plus food trucks and stands, a beer garden serving local brews, wines and spirits. It is fun for all ages and pet friendly.
3. Craft Spirit Carnival
Saturday, August 15, 2015- Sunday, August 16, 2015| 1pm- 5pm | Marina Boulevard & Laguna| Street San Francisco, CA| $125
Come celebrate the craft spirits movement at the Craft Spirit Carnival in the Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason. This two-day exclusive showcase will feature a grand selection of over 150 handcrafted ultra-premium spirits from around the world. There will also be Polynesian dancers and other entertainment thought the weekend that you don’t want to miss! To purchase tickets click here.
4. Dionysus Dash Wine Run NAPA
Sunday, August 16th, 2015 | 8:15 | 4411 Redwood Rd. Napa, Ca | $49.99
Put on your toga’s, Greek head pieces and running shoes because the Dionyseus Dash Wine 5K run through the beautiful vineyards of Hess Winery and Christian Borthers Vineyeard is this Sunday! There will be wine tasting and awards to follow. So grab a friend, get your tickets and enjoy a great morning of exercise and drinks.
5. Urban Air Market: Dogpatch
Sunday, August 16th, 2015 | 11am-6pm | Esprit Park, SF| Free
If your looking to buy some accessories, body products, home décor, art or furniture made by locals, the Urban Air Market is the place for you! Featuring 100 local designers and artists at the intersection of Minnesota and 19th street this is a unique shopping experience that builds community. Then if you get hungry the San Francisco Street Food Festival is also taking place at Pier 70 — which is only a ten minute walk away!
Which events will you be attending? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter and Facebook!
5 DIY Wood Pallets Ideas for Your Wedding
Looking to have a rustic wedding, but don’t want to break the bank? ABCey has compiled 5 great DIY wood pallet ideas fit for a wedding! We love wood pallets because they can be crafted and used in so many different ways, from seating to signage.
1. Event Design
Pallets can be used as a main element of your event design! Set the stage using them as part of your opening ceremony, a backdrop or even a chandelier.
2. Lounge seating
Extra seating at weddings is always a good idea! Build your own benches or couches using wood pallets. Get out those power tools and click here for instructions!
3. Décor
Use pallets as a photo display or even place flowers among them for decoration! Easily hang, drape or pin pictures in the different sections for everyone to admire.
4. Signage
Pallets make for beautiful signs. Paint, stain or cut them however your like. You can write your favorite quotes or give your guests instructions. They are fun to make and look great!
5. Menu
Instead of printing out hundreds of menus for each guest, paint it onto a pallet nice and big. Everyone will be able to see it and it saves the environment!
Will you be doing one of the DIY pallet projects for your wedding? Let us know with a comment or message us on Facebook or Twitter!
Outside Lands 2015: The Local’s Guide
Are you ready for Outside Lands this weekend?! Whether it’s your first or fourth time attending, there’s lots to do and see! Navigating the festival is no walk in the park. ABCey has your local’s guide to make sure your experience is stress free!
1. Know Your Lineup and Schedule
This year there is more than ever to do! Make sure you know the line up and schedule of events! You definitely don’t want to miss something because you didn’t do your research. Get the Outside Lands App to help with all your planning. You can build your own schedule with all your personal picks and the app has everything in one place from food, event times and updates making it easy and convenient!
2. Ride your bike
There are a variety of ways to get to the festival. Drive, Uber, Muni or a 3-day shuttle pass! We suggest to bike for the best and easiest way to get there! You can valet your bike at the festival and if you park between 10am and 8pm they’ll even hook you up with a free bike wash! Don’t forget to bring your own lock!
3. Eat lots of Food
Alongside the amazing musical acts will be some equally amazing food! There will be a massive collection of local vendors, food trucks, restaurant partners and carts. Longtime favorites, Namu and Pacific Catch will there again, but you definitely don’t want to miss out on some newbies including Sababa, The Monk’s Kettle and Rocko’s Ice Cream Tacos, and more! Set deep in the woods these are perfect spots to explore between sets!
4. Beer and Wine Lands
Since you can’t bring in your own alcohol, The Wine and Beer Lands are your alcohol stops! Both are stacked with fantastic options. Beer Lands will feature amazing local brewers like Anchor and Sierra Nevada and incredible micro-brewers that you should definitely try as well! Overall, there will be a staggering 32 breweries!
This year Wine Lands (37 winemakers, 120 +wines) has a new home in Lindley Meadow and will be going completely cashless! Your wristband is your festival ticket and your digital wallet at Wine Lands. Find out how to create your cashless account and get your ‘Bison Bucks’ here.
5. Be Awed by Some Art
There are many reasons why Outside Lands is a festival unlike any other, but a big one is the art! With outside art, from artists like Amanda Lynn and Jeben Berg, live painting by Sam Flores and Zio Ziegler +friends and Dr. Flotsam’s Hell Brew Revue, you are sure to be stunned by some amazing masterpieces.
6. Watch Master Chefs do Gastromagic
The festival’s culinary entertainment is promising even more outlandish food stunts this year! Gastromagic is the celebration of culinary wonderment and the home for innovation around all things possible for food, drink, music magic and more. We can’t wait for Morimoto Karaoke, where Iron Chef Morimoto will be rolling sushi while singing Karaoke! For the full Gastromagic schedule click here!
7. Participate in Other Activities
The Festival is jam packed with great music, food and comedy, but Outside Lands is also bringing you other can’t miss activities like The House by Heiniken, Castland by Chromcast, Beer Camp by Sierra Nevada, Aloha Sculpture by Oluki and more! We are most excited for The Back Wine- Mini Golf Course! This new attraction will include a 3-hole mini golf course with each hole paired with a different wine tasting by Cannonball.
8. Experience the City with Night Shows
In case you can’t get enough at the festival, there will be night shows around the city as well! We are can’t wait for “The Notorious Wilco Brother” on August 6th. Few details have been released, but we know what every member of the indie rock band Wilco will be there. For a full list of performances, locations and to buy tickets click here!
Final reminders:
1. Phone charging: Don’t worry about how to charge your phone, The Recharge Spot powered by Paypal has got you covered. They are stocked with a variety of phone chargers and you can even play a game for awesome prizes, get your face painted and more while you wait!
2. What to wear: Wear layers because one moment it can be warm and sunny, then winds gust and then next moment its foggy and cold. The weather changes quickly so be prepared! You can rent a locker to keep your things stored if you wish!
3. Cans/ Can’ts: Finally remember that you can’t bring in any alcohol, chairs, professional still cameras or hard coolers. Blankets, empty camelbacks or other plastic containers and selfie sticks are a go. Here is a full list of can and can’ts.
Can’t make it this year? Don’t worry! This year Outside Lands will also be live streaming. We hope you have an amazing time at Outside Lands! Let us know what you’re most excited for in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
6 Creative Adult Party Activities
Not all “kid themed” activities have to be just for kids. ABCey found a way to make some of the most childish of activities the most fun for you and your friends and family. From an adult goodie filled piñata to a “boozy popsicle,” we promise you’ll have more fun than any child would with these adult party activities.
1. Slip n Slide
Don’t just have some friends over for a pool day, have an all out water party! Break out those swim suits, rent an inflatable slip n slide, fill up water balloons, and get out those water guns. Fill the day with different water games to get the competive juices flowing. We promise it’s way more fun as an adult. 
2. Paint Twister
Get messy and add paint to your twister board. Have everyone come in white clothes and get colorful with paint on this classic childhood game. And hey, we won’t judge you if you make it a drinking game too. 
3. Piñata
Piñatas aren’t just for kids and candy. Buy a pretty party piñata and instead fill it with adult goodies like mini alcohol bottles, lottery scratchers, LED sunglasses, gift cards, and anything else inappropriate you can think of! Everyone will have a blast hitting the piñata and will be fighting to see who can collect the most Jose Cuervo bottles! 
4. Giant Jenga
If your looking for a fun DIY project and party activity, giant jenga is just for you! Get out those power tools and sharpies. After constructing the blocks, write questions or activities on each block! It will be a blast for your guests, and it is sure to get them laughing. 
5. Hamster Balls
Rent and jump into these inflatable balls! You have to admit, these look like the most fun thing you’ve seen in your adult life. Be the actual bowling ball in a game of bowling or challenge your friend to a sumo match. Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of protection, but we can’t promise your competitor won’t pout if you beat them.
6. Boozy Popsicles
Popsicles aren’t just a kid favorite, give them an adult twist and serve them at your next summer party! With flavors like strawberry champagne, tequila mango with chile, and blackberry chèvre bourdon, they are sure to get everyone’s taste buds singing and the party going! For a full list of flavor options and recipes click here! 
Will you be including one of these activities at your next party? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter!
6 Ways to Spark Creativity Within Your Workspace
Event professionals are constantly trying to come up with new ways to create and design. Studies show that your workspace environment can boost innovation among yourself and others! ABCey has six fun ideas to help create a workspace that will optimize your creativity.
1. Lighting
Make sure you have a good balance of light. Turning down the lights can spark creativity. Also make sure to get natural light in to to keep the mood alive! Find a unique desk lamp with an adjustable nob so you can’t set the prefect amount of light and set up your space by a window.
2. Organized Clutter
Keep your desk organized but cluttered. Some disorder simulates creativity, but don’t have it so messy that you can’t find anything! Keep a desk organizer that holds all the office essentials, but leave some magazines or newspapers laying around for those days when you’re stuck. New ideas can come from anywhere!
3. Inspiration Board
Create a “mood board” by carving out a blank space of your office wall, or use a cork board. Whenever you see something that you love or sparks your interest add it to the board! Be sure to rotate pictures so you are always seeing something that inspires you in the moment. Your board can be a gateway for inspiration!
4. Comfort
You probably spend just as much time at the office as you do at home so make your space comfy with a great desk chair. If your sitting in a chair you love, you can do hours of undisturbed work. Add a colorful patterned pillow too!
5. Greenery
Add some real life to your desk by putting some small office plants or succulents. They not only make your desk prettier and more cheerful, but according to The Huffington Post the color green can boost your inventiveness!
6. Take a Break
Too much time at your desk can make you feel burnt out, no matter how much you love your space! Find a spot in the office where you can just get away, take a break and clear your mind. Not giving your brain a rest can actually hinder the flow of creative ideas.
Will you be upgrading or adding any of these elements to your workspace? Let us know in the comments or message us on Facebook and Twitter!
Startup Monday: HoneyBook
Startup Monday is ABCey’s weekly post that features some of the best and brightest companies in the Bay Area. They are often companies that we have our eye on or have worked with in the past & would like to share with friends and followers of ABCey Events!
HoneyBook recreates the way creative professionals work with their colleagues and clients through their market network platform. Their mission is to modernize the event planning experience for businesses and their clients, by streamlining the booking and payment process. Since their launch in January of 2013, HoneyBook has raised over $37 million and helped hundreds of businesses organizes their jobs seamlessly, so they can focus on getting back to creating unforgettable event experiences.
We think HoneyBook is great because it is super easy to use and helps keep everything organized. You can customize your company’s account, write proposals using a drop down menu and track all earnings on your dashboard.
How it works: HoneyBook connects the different parts of the event industry, by bringing them all to one place. Once an event planner builds a profile on HoneyBook.com, they can send self- branded proposal to clients, sign contracts digitally and connect other professionals like florists and photographers working on the project. They also get HoneyBook profiles and everyone can team up, communicate and get paid! HoneyBook moves connections and transactions into a software, making it easier for you to operate your business and provide better service. See more of how you can get back to the creative work you love here.
What do you think of Honeybook? Is this a service you would use to help streamline your event planning services? Let us know in the comments or on Facebook and Twitter!
ABCey’s Weekend Lineup: 7.10.15 – 7.13.15
It’s that time of the week again! Start planning your precious days off with the help of ABCey Events! From flea markets, to performances and block parties, discover what this weekend has in store! The girls here at ABCey are extra excited about the inaugural Hops of Fire: Spicy Food and IPA festival.
1. The Luminous Edge
Thursday, July 9, 2015-Sunday, July 12, 2015| 8pm, 3pm(Sunday) | Yerba Buena Center for the Arts| starting at $25
Award-winning choreographers, Janice Garrett and Charles Moulton, return to San Francisco for an encore performance season of The Luminous Edge. Honored by the SF Chronicle as one of the “Top 10 Performances of 2014,” this will be a deeply expressive and theatrical evening of live music and dance. Click here for tickets.
2. Circus Bella: Free Summer Circus in the Park
Friday, July 10, 2015- Sunday, July 12, 2015| time depending on location| varying locations| Free
Circus Bella is a full-force, non-stop 60 minute kaleidoscope of thrilling balancing and strength acts, elegant demonstrations and slapstick antics. The circus showcases static trapeze, rope walking, a 9 person juggling act and so much more! Join in the fun by watching their festive and inspiring homegrown circus at either one of their San Francisco or Oakland locations. 
3. Hops on Fire: A Spicy Food and IPA Festival
Saturday, July 11, 2015| 11am- 6pm | SOMA StrEat Food Park(428 11th St. San Francisco) | $5
SOMA StrEat Food Park and Funcheap have teamed up to present San Francisco’s inaugural Hops on Fire event. Local spicy cuisine will be paired with some of the nation’s best IPA’s. There will be a live salsa band, a spicy food contest, an ice cream truck and much more! For more event details on the festival click here. 
4. Phono del Sol Festival
Saturday, July 11, 2015|12Pm- 7pm |Portero del Sol Park, Potrero Avenue and 25th Street | $15-$60
If your looking for a fun festival atmosphere Phono del Sol is for you! Held at Potrero del Sol Park, in a corner of the Mission District, this event features indie music acts hand-picked by the folks at The Bay Bridged, a variety of food trucks and activities for all ages. Don’t miss out on some good music and fun for the whole family. For tickets click here.
5. Jack of All Trades
Saturday, July 11, 2015| 11am-5pm| Jack London Square, Oakland | Free
Brought to you by the Treasure Island Flea, the Jack of All Trades features a curated mix of local makers, indie designers, artist, antiques and more! With over 95 vendors, DIY workshops, local eats and live entertainment there is sure to be something for everyone!
What will you be doing this weekend? Let us know in the comments below or message us on Facebook and Twitter!
Startup Monday: Splacer
Startup Monday is ABCey’s weekly post that features some of the best and brightest companies. They are often companies that we have our eye on or have worked with in the past & would like to share with friends and followers of ABCey Events!
Splacer is an online marketplace for renting out and listing creative event spaces for any occasion. This innovative group of architects’ goal is to bring together owners of unique spaces with people looking to create memorable event experiences. This Tel Aviv based company launched in fall of 2014, but announced last week that they raised $1.4 million in seed funding and are growing rapidly.
How it works: Splacer is the AirBnB for event spaces. Event organizers can browse and discover listings using various filters and view venue photos. Owners can sign up with basic info about their space, get approved and instantly start renting. Splacer believes in creating a system of living that is collaborative, socially just and ecologically responsible. Be a part of their movement and sign up to list your space or find your next meeting, party, photoshoot or pop-up shop venue!
Will you be listing or looking for your next event space on Splacer? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter.
4 Ways to Enhance Your Event Using Social Media
Social media is one of the main tools event planners use to market events, distribute information, engage with guests and solicit feedback. Here are a few tips that will help keep your event buzzing from beginning to end!
1. Create pre-event buzz
Excitement is key to attracting attendees and establishing a good atmosphere at your event. You can create pre-event buzz by meaningfully posting on social media and creating a hashtag. Put the hashtag on presentations, handouts, goody bags and signage so people don’t forget to use it! You can also tease people with content to get people excited through contests, giveaways or a guest’s blog post.
2. Free Wifi
Wifi is key, so make sure it’s available and that the venue has the bandwidth to support your needs. Your digital marketing centers around your guests ability to post on social media. Guests not only share your event content, but their own generated content which helps promote your business.
3. Socialize your event
Live stream, live post, and enable the folks that are there! Post photos or short videos of what’s going on, or try Ustream to stream live video. You can also give away prizes for the most liked photo of the day or most favorited tweet to give people incentive.
It is also important to have a point person at the event responding to posts. They don’t have to respond to every single one, but there is a reason people post publicly and it is because they liked to be engaged with.
4. Post-event engagement
Keep the dialogue going post event, and keep using that hashtag! Ask for feedback from attendees, and post a slideshow or a fun time lapse video. Be sure to post a recap blog letting people about speakers key points, highlights of the event and more.
Were these tips helpful? Let us know by commenting below or on Twitter or Facebook!