Could You Live Without Your Cell Phone? Be Honest.

Most of us live and die by our cell phones. In fact, on days where our cell phones' batteries have died or we left home without them altogether, we find ourselves feeling out of sorts and like our left arm is missing. Sometimes I look back and reflect on the age before cell phones were a common accessory and I find myself wondering what I would do in certain situations if I didn't have a trusty cell phone as my aid. For instance, if my car broke down on the side of the road, would I be able to figure out a way to get help? Or if I were stuck in traffic and going to be late to meet a friend for dinner, how would I be able to give them a heads up?

For me, and I assume many of you, my cell phone has become a life preserve.

Today our office passed around an interesting article that we'd like to share with you. From MediaPost Publications, comes a study about cell phone users. In it are some interesting facts.

The study, which says 87% of Americans have mobile phones, up from 69% in 2006, delineates five different classes of mobile users:

• "Mobirati," 19% of mobile phone owners, are also the first generation to have grown up with mobile phones.

• "Social Connectors", 22% of mobile phone owners are people for whom the mobile phone is essentially a social lubricant, and for whom texting is just as important as a voice call.

• "Pragmatic Adopters" constitute 22% of cell users, and are just getting beyond using mobile phones solely for voice calls. They say that if service quality is disappointing, they will switch to another provider. They also say once they find one they like, they will stick with it.

• "Mobile Professionals," about 17% use smartphones and haven't got a problem with using more complex phones and their variegated features. Experian Simmons says they actually feel that extra features are more important than calling, and are more likely to switch to service providers offering the latest technology.

• "Basic Planners," about one-fifth of users, are interested in basic mobile packages only, and only use cell phones in emergencies, are confused by plans and don't use other features. 

So where do you fall in this mix? We want to know. Leave your comments in the section below.

Butch Meets Bakery

What is it about a cupcake that makes a woman's heart go pitter-patter? Is it the miniature size that makes us think we are eating less? Or perhaps it's the gob of sweet, sugary delight neatly swirled on top? No matter the reason, cupcakes are a woman's pure delight. But, why don't men seem to respond in the same way when offered a little perfectly packaged treat? What is it about a cupcake that somehow makes it just a little bit girly?

Well, for all those men out there that believe cupcakes are for women, we have a revolutionary culinary treat for you. From a New York bakery called Butch Bakery, comes a new wave of masculinity in the form of a tasty sweet treat.

Choose from six styles of cupcakes: Woodland Camo, Wood Grain, Houndstooth, Plaid, Checkerboard or Marble. You can also choose from 12 flavors including: Rum & Coke (the pause that refreshes - this rum-soaked madagascar vanilla cake with cola bavarian cream filling is a knockout), B-52 (this one is the bomb: kahlua-soaked madagascar vanilla cake with Bailey's bavarian filling), Campout (you'll be begging for s'more of this graham cracker cake with marshmallow filling and milk-chocolate ganache), and Beer Run (butch meets buttercream in our chocolate beer cake with beer-infused buttercream topped with crushed pretzels).

The ladies are officially jealous.

If you don't live in the New York area, don't fret. Butch Bakery is expanding their delivery options this year and should be able to ship to your neck of the woods in no time.

Upcoming Event in Seattle: Book Release Party at Chateau Ste. Michelle

JOHN SARICH
Book Release Party

April 22, 2010
5:30-7:30 pm

TICKET PRICE with book - $40 (plus tax)
Price without book - $35 (plus tax)

Join Chateau Ste. Michelle as they celebrate the release of their Culinary Director John Sarich's new travel cookbook "Chef in the Vineyard." Enjoy appetizers from the book paired with Chateau Ste. Michelle spring release wines. John will be on hand to sign books and share his discoveries of favorite wine estates from Washington, Oregon and California. Visit their website for more information.

Purchase Tickets »

A Technological Personal Assistant

Everyone can use a personal assistant right? All of us at B&E certainly know we could. That's why we are so intrigued with the new techno-personal assistant tool from Siri. Siri can help you find and plan things to do. You can ask Siri to find a romantic place for dinner, tell you what’s playing at a local jazz club or get tickets to a movie for Saturday night. But, since its a new tool, there are a few hiccups and kinks that need to be worked out. The current version of Siri is built for the iPhone 3GS and the iPod Touch and works only in the US. Soon, Siri will run on iPhone 3G and additional mobile platforms, as well.

Learn more about Siri by watching the video below.

Fresh Food For Busy-Bees

We all know event planners are busy-bees. So, whenever we come across a way to make your life just a little bit easier, we just have to share it with you. From Amazon.com comes a fresh idea on home grocery delivery called AmazonFresh. Although Amazon.com founded AmazonFresh, AmazonFresh operates as an independent grocery delivery business. They've created a new website to showcase their fantastic products and make your buying experience easy. AmazonFresh uses Amazon.com data and systems to simplify your checkout process and get you shopping right away.

Amazon Fresh deliveries to the following zip codes: 98004, 98005*, 98006*, 98007, 98008, 98011, 98024*, 98027*, 98028, 98029*, 98033, 98034, 98039, 98040, 98052, 98053, 98056, 98057, 98059, 98065, 98074, 98075, 98101, 98102, 98103, 98104, 98105, 98106, 98107, 98108, 98109, 98112*, 98115, 98116, 98117, 98118*, 98119, 98121, 98122*, 98125, 98126, 98133, 98136, 98144*, 98146, 98155, 98164, 98178, 98199.

* Limited coverage. Check your address to be sure. 

Hot Event Trend: Hanging Buffets

We love creativity. That is why we are absolutely enthralled by this new popular trend in event design: The Hanging Buffet. With just some simple platters and some ties the Hanging Buffet comes alive and turns any food table into an impressive art display. 

You can read more about the Hanging Buffet in the latest edition of Nesting Newbies magazine. In every issue Nesting Newbies shows you that cooking, entertaining and decorating can be easy, fun and affordable. It's one of our favorite sources of inspiration and we know you'll love it too. Check it out!

Plan A Spring Team Building Event

With spring just around the corner, it's the perfect time to start planning your next great team-building event. There is something about spring that always rejuvenates the spirit which is why a team building event is the perfect way to say goodbye to winter and welcome the newness of spring.

Why use games and team building at an event? Games and team building opportunities unify attendees and allow them to enjoy themselves and get to know their fellow visitors. Corporate team building for employees can serve as a morale booster to build strength within the company. There are many companies that provide services to encourage and entertain attendees, employees, and visitors. At your function, hiring a company to provide games and team building provides the attendees with a memorable experience that they will take away from your event.

When are games and team building appropriate? Anytime you have an event. When done properly, themes can be used to enhance a business meeting, client appreciation, awards event, and even reunions.

How is a theme chosen? Define the goals of your event first, what you want to accomplish with the event, who is attending, and what you want them to take away with them. Then you can decide what theme options may work. Brainstorming with a committee or colleague can be a big help.

Are theme events expensive? They don't have to be. It depends on your budget. Some of your theme ideas can be accomplished with a small budget if you and your committee are willing to spend the time. However, a much better use of your time and money may be to use a meeting planner, prop, or entertainment company.

Decorating tips for theme events: Consider three to four main areas of the facility for theme props. Main focus areas can include the entryway to the event, state, guest tables, beverage and food stations, to name a few.

Interactive and Theme ideas for your next event:

• Casino Night
• Game Shows
• Murder Mysteries
• Tropical Themes
• Fiestas
• International Themes
• Mardi Gras
• Western/Wild West
• Hawaiian Luau
• Period Themes like the 40's, 50's, 60's, or 70's
• Karaoke
• Carnival Games
• Inflatable Games
• Interactive Games
• Cooking Classes

SEATTLE HOT DEAL ALERT!