Reflecting on April 2025: My Month in Review
I thought it would be nice to look back at April - and maybe I’ll keep this up in the coming months, turning it into a little digital diary.
Blogging Progress in April 2025
April was a good month for my blog. I started posting on Instagram, Threads, and Pinterest, which finally brought in some views (though I’m not sure if anyone is actually reading - except for my mum, who is always supportive, and I love that). This is my 21st blog post, and I still enjoy writing and learning about blogging (it’s still just a hobby, nothing to monetize yet), which honestly surprises me, but in a good way.
Planning a Bachelorette Party
I also started planning my friend’s bachelorette party, since I’m the maid of honor. At first, it was pretty stressful (well, it still is, but at least now I have a plan). I got the guest list - eleven of us! I thought that was normal, but apparently, according to Google, it’s more than average, and it’s not easy to find activities for such a big group. I’ve planned three main activities for the day, and I think it’ll be fun. I’m tempted to write about them here, but there’s a slight chance the bride might stumble upon this blog (however unlikely), and I don’t want to spoil the surprise.
Family Escape Room Adventure
On the third, we went to an escape room. It’s kind of a family tradition - we’ve done dozens already, so it’s hard to find a new one that’s both challenging and enjoyable. But this one was great. We made it out in about 53 minutes - enough time to spare, but not so fast that it felt too easy (which has happened before, leaving us thinking, “That’s it?”). I’m sure we’ll do at least one more this year.
Traveling and Career Highlights
The first weekend of the month was exciting because we took a little trip to Hungary. If you want to know more, check out my previous blog post: The One in Hungary. Right after the vacation, I had an amazing opportunity at work to join a design sprint and help create a prototype for a new web page. You can read about that in this post: The One With the Incredible Work Opportunity.
We welcomed two new colleagues (both women, so I’m not alone in a sea of men anymore). They both seem great, and one sits right next to me - it looks like we’ll be good work friends. I also got to present my work to senior managers, and it went really well (more on that in: The One With a Peek Into My Life).
Celebrating Easter 2025
Organizing a Board Game Night at Work
On the 24th, we organized our first board game evening at work. It was amazing. We stayed in the office, booked a nice meeting room, ordered pizza, and played Activity all evening. I was surprised everyone agreed to start with that game, and even more surprised to learn that half of my colleagues had never played it - even those with kids! I explained the rules, divided us into teams, and we dove right in. We laughed all evening. I love when people have so much fun just because of a board game and good company (sometimes I feel people think they need alcohol to enjoy themselves). Some colleagues suggested taking the next board game night to a pub, but I’d rather keep it at work - no need to move, nobody but us, and we don’t disturb anyone (and nobody disturbs us). We’ll see next time. But I can safely say - the evening was a success.
Family Gatherings and Social Recharge
On the last Saturday of the month, my dad invited us to his birthday party at his and his wife’s cottage. We spent the day outside, ate great food, and had fun. My sister brought her guitar and we sang a few country songs (we grew up listening to country radio every morning, and I miss it - I need to find a good country playlist on Spotify). We also went for a walk and had a barbecue. It was a big gathering, and my social battery drained quickly. Family can be challenging sometimes. But I survived, even drove us home safely (still working on my driving skills, but I’m getting better thanks to my husband, who’s a really patient teacher).
Self-Care: New Hair for Spring
I also got a new hair color and cut. I really needed it - the last time I went to the hairdresser was in early January. Stress and genetics are relentless, and I have a lot of grey hair for a 27-year-old. But I like my new color and shorter hair, and I like my new hairdresser too. I hope I’ll manage to call her sooner next time so I don’t look as weird as I have lately.
Spring Vibes, Sushi Outings, and New Adventures
The last days of the month were very pleasant. Spring weather finally arrived, and I could wear dresses again. One colleague told me he almost didn’t recognize me in a dress with my new haircut and color, which was funny. We also went out for running sushi - as we do about once a month, abandoning our office canteen to enjoy something less usual. My friend recommended a restaurant, and it was a great choice. We all felt like zombies in the afternoon from all that food.
And I’m leaving April by leaving the country - we’re going on another mini vacation to Naples. I’m just sitting in the airport lounge waiting for the flight, and already planning a blog post about it in my head. Hopefully, it will be out on Monday, so stay tuned!
Tips for Organizing Group Events: Bachelorette Parties, Team-Building, and More
Organizing a group event - whether it’s a bachelorette party, a team-building night, or a family gathering - can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. Here are some practical tips to help you plan your next group event with confidence and creativity.
1. Start With a Clear Plan
Before you dive into details, take a little time to outline the basics:
- What’s the occasion? Is it a celebration, a work event, or just for fun?
- Who’s invited? Make a guest list early and confirm numbers as soon as possible.
- What’s your budget? Knowing how much you can spend will help guide your choices for activities, food, and location.
2. Get Input From the Group
It’s impossible to please everyone, but a quick group chat or poll can help you understand what people want. For bachelorette parties, ask the bride for any “must-haves” or “no-go” activities. For work events, see what colleagues are interested in. This way, you’ll avoid surprises and make everyone feel included.
3. Choose Activities That Work for Your Group Size
Some activities are perfect for small groups but tricky for larger ones. For example:
- Escape rooms work best with 4–6 people, but you can book multiple rooms for bigger groups.
- Board games can be a hit, especially if you pick games that allow for teams or larger groups.
- Workshops, outdoor activities, or cooking classes are great for bigger gatherings.
Always check if your chosen activity has a maximum group size and if it can be adapted for your needs.
4. Plan the Logistics
Once you’ve settled on the activity, don’t forget the details:
- Location: Is it easy for everyone to get there? Is there parking or public transport?
- Timing: Pick a date and time that works for most people, and send invites early.
- Food and drinks: Will you need to book catering, order pizza, or ask everyone to bring something?
- Special needs: Check for dietary restrictions, accessibility, or any other requirements.
5. Communicate Clearly and Early
Send out all the important info well in advance - date, time, location, what to bring, and any costs involved. Use group chats, email, or event apps to keep everyone in the loop and answer questions as they come up.
6. Be Ready for Surprises
No matter how well you plan, something unexpected might happen - a last-minute cancellation, a change in weather, or a hiccup with the venue. Stay flexible, keep your sense of humor, and remember that the goal is for everyone to have a good time.
7. Capture the Memories
Don’t forget to take photos or even short videos during the event! These are great for sharing afterward and help everyone remember the fun you had together.
Final Thoughts
Organizing group events can feel like a big responsibility, but it’s also a wonderful way to bring people together and create lasting memories. With a little planning, open communication, and a dash of creativity, you’ll pull off an event everyone will be talking about for months to come.
Have you organized a group event recently? What tips or lessons did you learn? Share your experiences in the comments!
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