Have you ever been to a function where there is a nice spread of food and it’s all you can eat?

And at the end of the gluttonous adventure you decided that you had enough for the time being and you want to dispose your tools of desire (AKA plates and utensils) only to discover in your epic horror, you can’t find the trash point!

So how now?!?!?!??!

Annoying isn’t it?

I’ve been to one such function recently. Not that I’m being nitpicky, but such situation will just create a lot of awkwardness. (Since the aim of EVERY event is to make your guest feel comfortable)

Imagine, YOU’ve just finish eating a whole LOT of food and you would like to dispose of the evidence but you can’t find the rubbish point. What do you do next?

In a civilize society you would find the nearest server/helper and explained your peculiarity and get them to help you locate that rubbish point.

In a semi-civilized society (sadly where I’m from), ignorant farts would just place it on the serving table. Yes! The serving table! (this will just create more awkwardness!)

Or if they could locate a rubbish bin (or something that looks like one) they would just place the rubbish next to it (if it was a close unit bin) or they would just pile it up (if it has overflowed)!

So planners, pleaseeeeee, set up that rubbish point! Here are some tips to get you going.

1.    Set your rubbish point near the serving area (putting a trash bag underneath the water dispenser is a no-no. Although many are practicing this, bottom line, it is just unhygienic!)

2.    Get a good size rubbish bin with a good size opening. Those that has always been originally around the function room/hotel/reception area (You know. Those that is already there before you came, before the place opens, the one that have always been there) are NOT mean for catering purposes. A shocker? Believe it.

3.    Have somebody to manage the bins. Nothing worsts that seeing an overflowing bin with chicken bones or laksa gravy dripping. Always double, triple, quadruple the trash bags in the bin before hand. This will make maintaining the bin easier. Just tie-grab-go. Easy! Repeat after me. Tie. Grab. Go!

4.    Finally, after you have tied, grabbed and go. You better go! Don’t leave the tied up bag beside the bin. Dispose it off properly. Don’t get me started on the need of knowing/having a centralize waste point.

Hope this helps!

-Mudd-

I’m talking about Earth Hour, of course!

Remember how I told you about March Madness & how we tested & reccee-ed a cycling route? We finally had the event on 27 March, for Earth Hour! Along with 38 other cyclists (participants & marshals alike), we cycled for 7km, from SMU Green, over 3 slopes, around town & CBD area to finally reach Esplanade Park where Earth Hour celebrations were in full swing.

The Earth Hour Fun Cycle by BAIK (and co-organised by Mudd & Nadd) was kicked off by our lead cyclist, Mudd!

Fast forward to 40 minutes later, & there we were, enjoying the sunset whilst standing from the Esplanade Bridge. Such an achievement for a very amateur cyclist like me.

I’m just gonna let the pictures do all the talking!

For more pictures, click HERE!

Happy Happy! ‘Till the next year!

Keep the wheels going!

Nadd

Date: 30th January 2010
Venue: Marina Barrage
Event: Picnic Under The Stars for  le Lucky Birthday-Boy

So I met up the amazing duo at Yishun MRT. We then went down to Dhoby Ghaut to get food & a couple of other logistics.

1st thing we did was to order the food at  Kampung Jawa Timur afterwhich we went our separate ways: Nadd & myself to Carrefour whilst Mudd headed to Spotlight. This is where the fun starts!

Nadd & I spent too much time trying to get some chips & salsa deep + chilled drinks. &of all days, they  just had to run low on salsa dips that day! ($%@#$%#&&*%^) In the end we just grabbed a salsa +chips combo & 3bottles of drinks and went to meet Mudd who was already done with his shopping.

By then, it was almost 5pm!! God! Okay ,we decided to take a taxi there.

Oh! Did I tell you that we were carrying so much stuffs, we looked like tourists. He-He, Endurance baby! But I have to hand it to Mudd & Nadd as they were carrying massive amount of weight on their shoulders. It doesn’t help that there was a Thaipusam procession on that day. But luckily a kind taxi driver picked us up!

It took around 10 minutes to get to Marina Barrage.

(view from Marina Barrage – Green Roof)

Once there, we went in search for that perfect spot! After walking around for a while, we went up to the Green Roof.  It was windy & there were a lot of people flying their kites.  It was hazardous!!

(a portion of the sky)

I felt like I was walking through a war zone – at any moment on of the kites can lose its steam and plunge down & hit me on my head.  Scary!

So we found the Spot and started setting up.

(view from the spot)

Once the tables were set and pictures were taken. I proceed to help Mudd with the “Happy Birthday” sign. At first i was quite skeptical on whether the glowsticks thingy will work. But lo & behold it turned out GORGEOUS!!

By the time we are done, the Birthday-Boy has arrived!

Table was set, sign was up & we in hiding, the Birthday-Boy made his entrance with his Love on his arms. The look on his face was PRICELESS! & for that moment I can see the satisfied grins  on both Mudd&Nadd’s faces.

I too can’t help but feel proud -  after all that hard work, someone  appreaciates it. While the couple gets ermmm, couple-ly, we headed on to our very own spot & laze around watching the magnificient sight of flying kites with the wind in our faces.

Indeed it was a fantastic day & I hope to be given another chance to do it again!*hint hint*

In my opinion, event planning is actually very rewarding – the satisfaction you feel when everything falls into place & seeing the smiles on peoples’ faces is such a good feeling. Thank you Mudd&Nadd for that day.

It was truly inspiring & fun in more ways than one.

- Looney Balloney Lyn

It was an awesome event!

Picnic Under The Stars was a belated birthday surprise for a really nice laid-back guy. & Man, he was pleasantly surprised!

We of course, had plenty of fun lugging & purchasing items, setting up, helping them to fly a kite & snapping many many pictures of the happy couple dining on the green.

When: Saturday, 30 January 2010, 7.00 pm onwards

Where: Marina Barrage Green

I’m just going to let the pictures speak for themselves!

Needless to say, the couple were really thrilled & looked really comfortable there – it’s as if they were in their living rooms!

We were quite contented too – Nothing beats the rush of planning & the satisfaction of a successful event.

‘Till the next one!

Your Excitable Sidekick,
Nadd

p.s. If you’re looking for something special for Valentine’s Day (or any other special day),  how about one of our funky picnics? Drop us an e-mail at hello@muddnadd.com. We love mail!

While we were at our usual hangout last week, we noticed something out of the blue. And we thought it was a brilliant move by the event organizers!

The event we are referring to was “The Bull Charge 2009 – SGX’s sixth Charity Fun Run”

[Source: http://bullcharge.sgx.com/ ]

What’s so brilliant about this event?

It was held on a Friday! [20 Nov 2009]

Before some you get defensive and say that its not a brilliant idea, let me tell you why it was a brilliant idea.

1. The event was held on a Friday, which means the end of the work week.
2. The timing was good because it will not clash with whatever is already planned for Saturday.
3. Since its not on a Saturday, you wont feel dragged into it even though it’s a charity event (you know what I mean… :])
4. And since it’s a Friday, might as well end the week with a run.
5. And also since most of the CBD professionals are already independently conducting leisure runs after work (haven’t you noticed?) it will not be something awkward. It will give a chance for those who haven’t tried running after work to feel how it’s like! :]

But one thing we did conclude is that it can only happen coz the event is for a specific group of people located at the same location (CBD) with the same goals.

But nonetheless, we still think it was a very very brilliant move by the event organizers.

A total win-win-win situation!

What do you think?

Happy Wednesday!

-Mudd-

Hey You!

Have you ever walked into an exam room all prepared, but the moment the exam paper or examiner appeared before you, your mind goes completely blank?

That’s what most of us would call an “exam block”. Have you every wondered why they happened even though you have been preparing for the exam for weeks or months? Exam blocks have got nothing to do with how much you know about the topic. Rather, it has everything to do with how capable you are in dealing with the stresses of the situation.

The thing is, you would probably have realised that exam blocks don’t just occur in exams. You get blocks like these in many other things you do – like when doing a presentation, your first performance on stage, going for a job interview…. and the worst of all, in a first aid emergency.

If freezing up and going blank in exam is hard enough to handle, just imagine if you freeze up and go blank when the one person you truly care suffers a medical emergency in your arms.

It is funny how schools teach us everything we need to know to answer the questions in exam, but not on how to deal with the stresses of an exam.  Similarly, most first aid courses cover how to perform first aid, but they left out the most crucial part of performing first aid – which is how to deal with the stresses and paralyzing fears that stop most people from stepping forward and rendering help.

That is why Singapore First Aid Training Centre created the My True Hero Seminar. This experiential program will cover various strategies, techniques and skills critical for anyone to perform effectively in an emergency. You will practice

- How to differentiate quickly the “RIGHTS” vs “WRONGS” in an emergency
- How to overcome stepping up before a crowd and perform effectively
- How to make a split second decision that decides between life and death
- How to stay calm, focused and undeterred during chaos and panic
- How to extract your inner capacity that will help you ACT IN SPITE OF FEAR
- How to unleash, become and live as the Hero that you truly are

An ancient saying goes, “How you do one thing is how you do everything.”

The best part is that the very skills and strategies you learn at My True Hero can be applied and practiced not just for a first aid emergency, but can be used to enhance other areas of your life. You will discover and set free your tremendous potential within.

Click HERE to know more how you can sign up for this seminar.

So are you a true hero? :]

-Mudd-

p.s. The Special My True Hero Package found on the webpage is only valid while stocks last. Visit the site NOW.

(This is a series of blog entries on Safety)

Lets talk about First Aid!

Have you heard about Second Aid? If you have, you must be lying! Hahaha

Anyways, First Aid is called First Aid because it’s supposed to be First Aid!

Catch my drift? You will get what I mean by the end of this article. :]

First Aid is probably the most important aspect of Event Safety. You can don’t have Fire, Food, Security or Health safety protocols in place but First Aid is a must!

Let me paint you a picture.

If there’s a fire and people are injured. Who will response first? First Aiders!

If there’s a case of food poisoning where everybody is instantly vomiting after consuming their food. Who will response first? First Aiders!

If there’s a security breach and people starts to hit each other. Who will response to the injured first? First Aiders!

If there’s people starting to sneeze or having rashes all over their body due the bad air in the room. Who will response first? First Aiders!

(although some of the scenarios are highly unlikely, but it could happen!)

You can never go wrong having First Aiders onsite. You don’t need to have an army of them. Just one at an intimate event will do just fine. Of course this is event specific, you would definitely need more for sporting event etc.

Its good to have a First Aider on standby, but it is as equally important to have a fully stocked up first aid kit too! Unless your First Aider is McGyver, having a fully stocked up first aid kit helps! And again this is event specific. Do a preliminary assessment of your event and anticipant what are the most likely injuries that can happen. This will determine what extra first aid items you need to bring along on top of the basic kit.

For higher risk event, do also indent ambulance service on standby. Not only will your guest have a piece of mind but in an event that something does happen, evacuation of the casualty can be done quickly. Because, every minute counts!

At Mudd&Nadd it is part of our company culture to have most of our staff be first aid trained. Not only will this save us money from specifically hire a first aider to be on standby, it would also increase the number of first aider at the event! Isn’t that a good solution?

But we do also realize, its one thing to be a first aider but its another thing whether one is ready to react when called upon.

To that, we do have a solution!

Keep a look out for our entry tomorrow!

Be safe!

-Mudd-

This trademarked phrase of Paris Hilton is one that most planners would want to hear about their event. (If you’ve been living under a rock, “That’s Hot” refers to something that is Totally Awesome & ‘In’.)

Of course, we planners would never want to actually make an event super burning hot – literally.  If you have no idea what I’m talking about here’s a clue : It rhymes with Liar & when it’s raging, hot uniformed men will magically appear. Yes, I’m talking about FIRE!

The worst Scenario: Your event burns down, your guests injured!
The best scenario: Paris Hilton drops in to declare your event “Hot!”

The former  can definitely be avoided with some fire safety systems in place.The latter…well, unless you have some VERY famous friends (& a whole lot of ka-ching!) will forever remain in your wildest dreams.

Here’s some tips on Fire Safety:

1.  Always be prepared. Have fire extinguishers ready. Brief everyone on your team, including your helpers on where extinguishers are kept, where’s the nearest water point or fire hose & tell them what to do when a fire breaks out (yes, no point telling them where everything is when they don’t know what to do with it!). Also, brief them on emergency exits, evacuations plans & their roles in case of an emergency.

2. Tie up Loose Ends: Most of us think that fires are something that someone started or it could be because of a live flame. In actual fact, fires can start from power points, electrical wires & short circuits. That’s why it’s important to tape your wires down, shelter your electrical points carefully & have your speakers covered when necessary. Make sure your guests too, are not drinking or holding drinks near electrical points – you might never know what could happen. I sound a bit like Monk (the OCD detective) but well, better to keep your blindspots checked is what I feel!

3. Keep to fire protocols. Sometimes, different countries have different protocols. Get to know more about fire safety & protocols in Singapore. How? The Singapore Civil Defence Force offers information & some courses for the public that focuses on fire safety & emergency preparedness. Knowledge is power & in this instance especially, having the knowledge is essential so that you are well-prepared.

All right good people, I guess I don’t have to say much on why we should have proper fire safety standards & systems in place for events (& anything else for that matter). We all know how much damage even a small little fire can do.

Bottom-line is: Be Safe!
& stay “Hot” while you’re at it (even Paris Hilton will be proud!). 

Till then, Have a “Boomz” weekend!

Loves Discovering,
Nadd

Picture this: You’re at an event. And you’re Hungry. You’re in the buffet line holding your plate & anticipating your turn. Happy to finally get the thong, you lean in & just when you’re about to scoop that delicious fried noodles when you see something move in the tray.

YIKES! I hope that NEVER happens to you!
(I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it!).

The most delicious element in your event can sometimes be the most overlooked. Why? Because the caterer you took is delicious. Because the food looks & smells so good, you don’t even have to check it. Because as long as it arrives on time, it doesn’t matter.

Actually Food Safety is VERY important – it’s the one thing that your guests consume! & any defects might just harm them.

Here are 3 top things that you have to consider when it comes to your food! Foodies, take note!

1. Cleanliness: Simple yet really important. As planners, sometimes you cannot control food cleanliness. That all depends on the quality & standard of your caterers. What you can do however, is look at your logistics & cutlery used. Also, ensure that your food handlers wear proper plastic gloves & handled the food properly (i.e. if its an outdoor venue, cover food with plastic wrap).

2. HACCP-Approved Caterers. HACCP = Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point. This would ensure that the caterer with this certification knows the crucial factors in the food-processing chain & has place in systems to deal with it. Technical, yes. How is this relevant to you? Well, you can have a peace of mind knowing that the caterers understand the importance of food safety too!

3.  The Aftermath: Disposal. The thing you need to remember is: make sure there’s no contamination or cross-contamination of food. Whenever you need to dispose of any leftovers or spoilt food, throw it away properly. Use double trash bags. Make sure your events team uses gloves. Have rags to wipe off any excess. It’s common sense, yes? But it’s also easily forgotten especially when your event gets too crazy (like we know some events can be).  Here’s a recommendation – Have an appointed person to be in-charge of your food disposals. It’ll give you a peace of mind for sure.

Food safety is really simple if you think about it – especially for cooks & food fanatics. It’s more common sense to maintain & upkeep food safety.  After all, it involves an element that we savour, which explains why we Have to make sure it’s safe.

Better to be safe than having your guests go running for the toilet (if you get what I mean).

Here’s to Safe Eating!

Fellow Foodie,
Nadd

P.s. Look out for the next Safety Issue on a very Hot topic: FIRE!

(This is a series of blog entries on Safety)

Ah Choo!

No, I’m not calling Mr Choo… that’s the sound one makes when one sneezes. (hehe lame I know)

Health Safety!

This one is quite straightforward.

Just recently, we had an outbreak of snouters’ flu AKA swine flu. And the most obvious solution for people running events then was to postpone or to take precautions.

Say with me, PRE-CAU-TION.

Precaution is better then cure ain’t it?

So what type of precaution?

Numero Uno : Do up a health advisory in your invites. Remind your guest if they are not feeling well or having flu like symptoms to refrain from coming to the event. Yes, use the word “refrain”. Be tactful, you wouldn’t want to tick anybody off.

Numero Dos: If need be, set up a temperature screening station. Get those handheld Infra-Red Temperature Scanners, not only will this save time, it will also be less hassling for your guests. Ultimately, guest comfort is still priority.

Numero Tres: If possible, disinfect your event location prior to the start of the event. You do need to invest on medical grade disinfectant (although you can if you want to), get those of the shelf brands you can get at the supermarket, like Lysol or Dettol Disinfectant Sprays. Just be sure when you spray, there are no uncovered food meant for the guest left in the open. And if you are afraid that the scent would linger, do spray it a minimum of 1 hour before the guests arrive. That would help the settle the scent abit.

Numero Quatro: And if you want to be more kiasu, do invest in renting portable air purifiers/filters. Only use this option if there is already a potential outbreak in the region, just in case of the in case you know? Otherwise, I highly believe the central air conditioning found at the venue is sufficient to filter out bad air.

Numero Cinco: And lastly, have disinfectant wipes or lotion readily available for your guests. This can be strategically located at the restroom, over the bar counter or anywhere that you feel is necessary (like the dancefloor…;)).

Health is Wealth! Be Safe!

-Mudd-