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  • Social Downtime – Things to do this Autumn when you’re not out meeting friends

    Sure, we all love going out and meeting friends but everybody needs a little “downtime” now and again; if only to recharge our batteries for that next big get-together. Not to mention the obvious fact that it’s starting to get very, very cold outside! Sometimes it feels good just to shut those blinds, pull on your grubbiest loungewear and settle-in for a lazy day on your lonesome… When you’re not too busy partying it up, that is.

    Here’s our pick of cool things to keep you occupied this autumn when you’re busy not being busy:

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    True Detective Box Set, DVD/BluRay/iTunes

    If this American drama passed you by when it originally aired earlier this year, then you can make up for it now by gorging on the entire eight-episode series in one calorific sitting. Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson star as two detectives following a string of disappearances and ritual killings in the deep-fried south.

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    Fargo Box Set, DVD/BluRay/iTunes

    Inspired by the Coen Brother’s movie of the same name (if you haven’t already seen it then stick it on your viewing list this instant) this stand-alone series is equally brilliant.

    If you like your humour “black” – as in a black hole consuming everything good and pure kind of way – then you’ll love this comedy/drama about crime and corruption in the quirky mid-western city of Fargo, North Dakota.

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    The Evil Within, PS3/PS4/XBOX 360/XBOX ONE

    Shinji Mikami, creator of the original Resident Evil games and progenitor to the Survival Horror genre, helms this terrifying exploration into the unknown. You take control of Homicide cop Sebastian Castellanos and investigate a series of eerie goings on at a secluded mental hospital.

    Fans of the genre will feel right at home here; atmospheric, slow-burning, and heavily puzzle-driven amongst the bursts of breakneck action. A very engaging single-player campaign for winding away those boring nights in.

  • Halloween Survival Guide, Part Two

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    You might be a bit too old for trick or treating but that shouldn’t stop you from going out and meeting friends this Halloween. October 31st is right around the corner and as part of our special Halloween Survival Guide, we’ve put together this list of things to do for all you guys who really want to get into the spirit of things.

    Hospitality Halloween

    What is it: A monster line-up of some of the best live music acts and DJ’s, at one of the city’s biggest venues.

    Where is it: The O2 Academy, Crookridge Street, Leeds.

    When is it: Friday October 31st from 10pm to 6am.

    What to expect: Acts include the likes of drum & bass duo Camo & Krooked, Mia Dora and DJ Pete Graham. So you can expect to be up long after the dead have returned to their graves and a little worse for ware than any remaining zombies stumbling through the streets. If you want to secure entrance then book your tickets here.

    The Sin Lounge, Halloween Special

    What is it: A night of raving, dancing and scarily good music from House Nation. They’ll also be serving up some special Halloween-themed drinks, so you know you’re going to be in for a really good time!

    Where is it: The Sun Lounge, Derby City Centre.

    When is it: Saturday November 1st from 7pm to 3am.

    What to expect: Banging tunes, great atmosphere and plenty of party revellers. An all-round epic night out for anybody who fancies a good time!

    Halloween Story Walks

    What is it: A lantern-lit stroll through Allestree with folklore storyteller, Sophie Snell. You’ll stop by some of the area’s creepiest, most haunted locations and hear all about their bloody history.

    Where is it: Groups meet at Allestree Hall and progress through the gardens and grounds.

    When is it: There’s two variations of this event. One taking place from 5pm and again at 6:30pm for families. And a later walk for adults at 8pm. All walks take place on Thursday October 30th.

    What to expect: If you’ve never been on a ghost walk, they can be as entertaining as they are informative. Perfect if you and your friends are interested in folklore and scary goings on. Should make for interesting talk over a few drinks later that night!

    Dancers Halloween Jam

    What is it: A fancy dress party for everyone of all ages, so even you responsible parents out there can go out and have some fun while the kids are kept entertained. There’ll be karaoke, games, prizes for best costumes and even a photo room for spooky selfies.

    Where is it: A little bit out of Derby, this one. The QMX Academy, Nottingham City Centre.

    When is it: Friday October 31st from 7pm to 11pm. Bookings must be made before October 28th, so get on it here.

    What to expect: Fun, friendly and easygoing. If you’re coming from Derby, with or without the kids in-tow, you’ll need to arrange transport. So don’t expect to be up all hours at this event.

  • Halloween Survival Guide – Part One

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    The end of October is probably best known for one of three things: beer gardens closing down, wearing shorts outdoors becoming less acceptable, and only 54 shopping days left until Christmas. However, for those of us with a child-like taste for the theatrics it’s also time for dusting off those pumpkins (ooh-err) and getting out your best fancy dress. Because October for most people under eleven means Halloween time!

    Love it or loath it, October 31st is creeping up like a deranged psychopath with a bloody knife. And that means you’ll either be standing outside in the cold, daubed in makeup and drinking with your mates… or inside, not daubed in makeup and drinking with your mates. So in the sprit of things – no pun intended – we’ve decided to put together this Halloween Survival Guide for all our MixingOut members who want to embrace the frightening festivities or shy away from them.

    Don’t fancy dressing up? No Worries!

    If dressing up like a “Zombie Nurse/Celebrity” really isn’t your idea of a good time, there’s still plenty of things you can do with friends this Halloween.

    1. Drinking Games, Horror Movie Style

    The premise of this activity is quite simple. Sit down with a bunch of friends in front of a classic horror movie and every time somebody onscreen does something stupid (i.e. goes back into the scary house, leaves an attacker supposedly unconscious without taking said attacker’s disarmed weapon, or splitting up into search parties) you take a drink. You’ll get hammered very quickly.

    2. Ouija Board Monopoly

    Ordinarily, we wouldn’t advocate the use of an Ouija board. But when you’re playing Monopoly, we can’t imagine any unexplainable mishaps, except maybe the odd hotel going missing. The same rules of traditional Monopoly apply except you get to rename all the locales, such as “Elm Street” and “Leicester Scare” – only not as lame as that.

    3. Friday Night Out

    The best thing about Halloween this year? October 31st falls on a Friday, so there’s no need to stay in! Even though there’ll be Halloween themed events going on near you, there’ll also be plenty of venues putting on alternative events if you’re not into that sort of thing. Perfect!

  • 4 Things Nobody Tells You About Making Friends When You’re a Grown-Up

    1. Every night is “you’re not going out tonight” night

    Remember when you were little? You’d make plans to meet up with your friends after school and then as soon as you got home you’d hear “you’re not going out tonight” from your mum and dad. Maybe they had other plans, maybe you did something wrong, or maybe they just wanted to keep a close eye on you.

    Well, now every night is like that. Family, work, kids, rent, bills… going out can be tricky for us responsible grown-ups. We can’t be as spontaneous as we used to be. Luckily, MixingOut is here to makes things a little bit easier.

    2. Your awesome toy collection isn’t going to impress anyone

    Okay, that’s not entirely true. There might be a few guys and (possibly) girls out there who are really interested in your Mint Condition Death Star – but generally speaking these are subjects to avoid bringing up in a grown-up conversation. Instead prepare to discuss mortgage rates and the best place to buy a decent coffee table.

    3. Crashing at someone’s house isn’t cool anymore

    When you were a student living in a grubby flat, crashing on random people’s sofas was as much a part of the norm as waking up in the middle of the afternoon. Try that now with somebody you’ve only just met, and they’re likely to give some spare change for a cup of tea and walk the other way.

    4. You’ve got to make the most of the free time you have

    If you really want a fulfilling social life now that you’re an adult, there can be no room for forgoing opportunities to go out and meet friends. When you were younger, you had all the free time in the world. Now life is a whole lot busier, you need to find those moments to enjoy yourself and make them count.

  • Things to Do in Leeds This October: Meet Friends in The Dark

    If you’re looking for something different to do and meet friends this October, we’ve found some very interesting events cropping up in Leeds this October.

    Art in The Dark

    What it is: The streets and buildings of Leeds will come alive this October with more than 50 Free art events and street performances – including the Civic Hall being transformed into a theatre illumination and an explosive firework display.

    When is it: Friday October 3rd from 5pm

    What to expect: A combination of funfair frolics and art show extravagance. As well as light-shows, optical illusions and live music they’ll also be an interesting take on the playground game “Heads, body, Tails” recreated for the digital age. Definitely something for those of you who fancy something artsy and little bit different.

    Goth Reunion Night

    What it is: 30 years on from the Goth movement (which swept through Leeds like a black fire back in the day) the Squash Club in Dewsbury will be putting on a grand reunion night to celebrate the underground culture.

    When is it: Saturday October 4th from 8pm

    What to expect: The Squash Club was one of the movement’s biggest haunts, so expect flocks of men wearing more makeup than the women and some outrageous clothing. But that doesn’t mean dressing the part is necessary. Anybody who likes the music from the era – or simply fancies a taste of it – will find plenty to enjoy here. In short, it’ll be like going back to the 80’s.

    Chortle Kombat, Deathmatch Comedy

    What it is: 10 standup comedians (or should that be Komedians?) will be battling it out for your laughter and applause – on top of a cash prize – at The New Roscoe.

    When is it: Wednesday 1st October from 8pm

    What to expect: Jokes. Drinks. Laughter. Doesn’t that sound like the perfect night out?

  • The Hottest Way of Meeting People – What We Got Up To

    Things have certainly been heating up recently at MixingOut. In fact you could say we’ve had our “hottest” events to date; meeting up with some of our fantastic members across Derby and Leeds who fancied adding a little spice to their social lives. (Okay, enough of the puns).

    Curry Night in Leeds

    Mid-week Curry

    Above: The MixingOut gang enjoying their meal at Akbar’s curry house in Leeds

    First up we were out in Leeds for an epic night of drinking and some delicious food. Everybody loves a curry, and our MixingOut members are no exception. The guys met up at Akbar’s, a fantastic little curry house in Leeds Eastgate.

    As you’d expect, everybody had a great time. Sure, you can order a takeaway at home and sit in front of the television but nothing accompanies a hot curry better than a group of friendly people. The atmosphere was relaxed, cosy and welcoming – which made it so much easier for our newbies to settle in and get involved.

    Salsa Session in Leeds

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    Above: Getting to grips with each other at Distrikt

    This time in Leeds dancing was on the agenda. Not the strobe-lit, house-pumping acid kind. No, we’re talking about salsa dancing. Or rather, salsa lessons; none us were what you call “experts”. But everybody had so much fun that another outing is definitely on the cards.

    And in the end, isn’t that the whole point of joining MixingOut? We want our members to get out and meet new people, try lots of new and exciting experiences and enjoy themselves as they go. Salsa dancing is certainly something nobody had done before, but it proved to a huge success and lots of fun.

    EVENT ALERT: Mid-Week Thai

    Fancy trying a bit of Thai? On Thursday 16th October one of our MixingOut members will be organising a get together at the Chaopraya restaurant in Leeds for some delicious food and friendly banter. Book on here.

  • How to Save Your Social Life – The Best Way of Meeting New People

    Let’s get one thing straight. Sometimes it’s hard meeting new people and getting your social life back on track. We’re all so bogged down nowadays with commitments at work and home that it’s often difficult getting out there and having fun whenever we feel like it. If our friends aren’t busy with their families or partners, then it’s usually the excuse of “I can’t afford it this weekend, mate”. And money’s tight at the moment, so who can blame them?

    So in the interest of keeping things fresh, we’ve decided to put a quick survival guide to saving your social life.

    Make your social life a priority

    You might get slammed down with your responsibilities, but unless you break routine and enjoy yourself on a regular basis you’re going to end up resenting everything else. Not to mention it can be a huge exertion on your mental wellbeing. So long as you’re not neglecting your responsibilities altogether, there should be no reason for you not to put your own gratification first.

    Yes, yes, yes!

    The trick to having a great social life is spontaneity. Don’t be afraid of saying “yes” to an invitation or opportunity to try something different. Chances are you’ve gotten into the habit of turning invitations down and the more you do, the more you’ll have reservations about accepting them. Change your mindset and try not to think about those so-called “consequences” of breaking your comfy routine.

    Going out doesn’t cost the earth

    Okay, some activities are more expensive than others. But it isn’t as though going out needs to be a drain on your finances. There are tons of things you can do for free, it’s the company that counts, and plan to spread more costly get togethers when everybody can do it.

    Book on an event now!

  • Your Social Life Horoscopes for This Month

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    ARIES – Don’t be surprised this weekend, when you and a group of friends attend a remote theme park in the middle of the Pacific filled with genetically engineered dinosaurs and things go awry. Your lucky numbers include the telephone number of the national coast guard.

    TAURUS – A friendship with a fellow Taurus will lead to an embarrassing situation when both of you arrive dressed as bulls at an up and coming Halloween party. Find yourself a backup costume.

    GEMINI – A close friend will be there when your partner breaks up with you – and then takes him/her for themselves. Don’t worry though, you’ll laugh about it one day over a drink and a loaded rifle.

    CANCER – While it’s true that you’re a stable, reliable individual, don’t let your best friend use you as a table at his next dinner party. Go shopping for furniture instead.

    LEO – Born under a wandering star, instinct leads you to explore new territories and form tight friendships by joining a gang. Approach this avenue with caution, though, these people take loyalty very seriously.

    VIRGO – Don’t worry: that bungee jumping trip you’ve arranged will go smoothly, on the way down. Coming back up may prove problematic.

    LIBRA – Next week there’ll be an opportunity to do something impulsive and very out of character with your friends. Keep a close eye out for any unattended security vans parked outside of the bank.

    SCORPIO – You’re going to be very, very busy this month supporting a close Libra friend in the middle of a serious court battle. Don’t get your hopes up.

    SAGITTARIUS – Whilst you fancy a quiet weekend, your friends will want to do something a little more exciting. A compromise leads to coffee and cake on white water rapids.

    CAPRICORN – There’s going to be a number of social events cropping up over the next few weeks. It’s a pity you’re not invited.

    AQUARIUS – Don’t stay in and watch television this weekend. Get out and meet some new people. Then bring them home and you can all watch TV together.

    PISCES – Today you’re going to make friends with somebody on the bus. You won’t want to, he just won’t leave you alone.

  • Making Friends, In The Interest of Self Preservation

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    Now and again we like to strap on our thinking caps here at MixingOut. And without getting too deep about the whole thing, there’s definitely an element of meeting new people and making friends that serves us in good stead, philosophically speaking. We’re ‘social animals’ and hardwired to seek out human companionship. Friendships have benefited us from the moment we first learned to walk upright and step outside of our caves.

    But what about today? It’s not as if we’ve got giant wooly mammoths and sabre toothed tigers to contend with nowadays. Self preservation has shifted from survival to spiritual harmony. And if magazines, television and movies have taught us anything (because that’s pretty much where our researchers get all their information from) here’s precisely what we mean:

    Friends will give you new and exciting experiences

    Did you ever see The Hangover? How about The Goonies? All the great adventures begin with one thing: friendship. Why, even The Lord of The Rings begins with a gang of tiny buddies drinking in a tavern. You might not end up scaling the mountains of Mordor, but having an active social life is likely to give you new and exciting experiences.

    Friends will help you overcome heartbreak

    There’s fewer things more painful than a broken heart this day and age. Thankfully our friends are there to pick us up when we’re at our lowest. Read any copy of Cosmopolitan or catch any episode of any US sitcom ever. Failing that, watch Swingers, perhaps the funniest movie about friendship and heartache.

    Friends will help you succeed at work

    No, we’re not talking about that hilarious Pepsi advert where the lead’s friends help him rig a job interview so that he gets the job. Provided your mates aren’t keeping you out till all hours, having a fulfilling social life can make you happier and more productive at work.

  • Ladies Loving MixingOut – A Fun Way of Meeting People

    We’ve mentioned before about why women only events are such a big hit here at MixingOut. Sometimes it’s tricky for busy ladies to find the time to go out and have fun, meeting people with shared interests.

    Sometimes ladies just want to get together with other ladies in a relaxed, friendly setting where they can have a chat over a few cocktails and a bit of lunch. So it’s no surprise that we’ve had such an amazing response over the past few months to these kinds of events. In fact we’ve seen so much success with our women only events that we wanted to share them with you.

    Ladies That Lunch, Derby – What We Got Up To

    A couple of weeks ago, MixingOut member Julie organised an event inviting female members in the Derby area to meet up for a little lunch, a few drinks and a side helping of hot gossip. Needless to say, the event was a big success and everybody turned up and had a great time.

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    Above: MixingOut ladies enjoying a relaxed get together over a few drinks at Zest restaurant.

    For those of you who haven’t already visited, Zest in Derby is a great little restaurant, with a superb atmosphere. We’d definitely recommend it as a place to visit to MixingOut members who are looking to get together in Derby.

    Shortly after arriving in time for the lunchtime menu, everybody ordered a few drinks and settled into things, browsing over what to have to eat. By the time the food arrived, the conversation was flowing (rather like the wine) and all our ladies were having a ball. In fact everybody was having so much fun that the restaurant let them stay two hours after closing!

    EVENT ALERT: Ladies that Lunch (again!)

    On Saturday 20th September MixingOut member Julie will be hosting another women’s only event. This time at Fats Cats Restaurant on Friar Gate, for any of you ladies who fancies some friendly conversation over some delicious food and a few cheeky drinks.

    Book on here.