Have you attended a few Mixing Out events and now find yourself thinking ‘I could do that, I could host the most amazing event’?

Well, if you haven’t noticed from the prompts around the site already, YOU CAN!! You could be the host/hostess with the most/mostess.

Your event should very much represent you and your interests, and you will find that those with similar interests will come flooding to join you. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a night on the town, a girly shopping trip, or bowling – whatever you want to do with other people then put on an event for it.

In case you’re wondering just how easy it is to put on an event lets quickly run through the steps to creating a Mixing Out event:

1. Give your event a catchy title and put enough information in it to draw people in – don’t make it too long though!
2. Provide as much information as possible about the event – go on, sell it to us. If you can make the event sound fun and unmissable then people will want to join you. Be sure to set a member limit if you want to keep it cosy.
3. Set the event location, time, and date – if you need to provide more information for getting there or where to meet then please do!

Besides a few others boxes that you can fill in to add a bit more to your event, that’s it! It really is that easy and quick to add your event – then you just wait for the bookings to fly in.

Interested? You may already be aware that to become an organiser typically requires a certain Sociability score. BUT you can skip that process and apply to upgrade your account for free and become and organiser right now!

Click here to apply to become an organiser: http://mixingout.com/info/start-fun-where-i-am

That’s right, 2015 is on it’s way and marks a new horizon of exciting things to come for everybody here at MixingOut. Yep, it’s all about getting out more, meeting new and exciting people and having a great 2015.

And to get the ball rolling, we’re pleased to announce that MixingOut will be expanding to Nottingham as of January next year!

Nottingham joins in the fun

That’s right, Nottingham joins the MixingOut fun as of 2015. We’ve already taken a good look around the city and visited some of the friendliest bars, clubs and venues we think would make excellent places for groups to meet up and hang out (more about those venues coming soon on our website).

MixingOut has seen massive success in Derby since we launched there earlier this year, with over a thousand members using our social network, and now we’re very excited to be taking the party to Nottingham. We’ll be rolling out events at the start of the new year, beginning with our ever-popular ‘Ladies That Lunch’ sometime in the near future – so keep an eye out for that, ladies of Nottingham!

So, if you’re new to Nottingham and looking to meet new friends, or if you already live in the city and feel like trying something different, meeting up with lots of new people who just want to have a good time, then sign-up to MixingOut and get a heads-up on the latest goings on near you. Click here to sign up for one of the 250 FREE accounts that are available.

In the meantime, be sure top keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter for further developments and MixingOut News.

Whilst you aren’t going to find yourself in nowhere near as a precarious situation as a gangland shooting, it’s still worth brushing up on the appropriate vernacular for your next MixingOut get-together. So with that being said, we’ve put together some useful slang that should see you in good stead nicely…. maybe.

Brofie (Bro-fee)

A “selfie” with your bro. In other words, a picture that’s been taken on your smartphone of you (by you) and another guy, in full-on “selfie” pose.

There’s probably a female equivalent but an all girl selfie is such a regular occurrence, there doesn’t seem a need to give it a name. Sorry, ladies.

Oskilio (Osk-ee-leo)

Taken from the Alpha, Bravo Alphabet; Oskilio combines Oscar and Kilo to mean O.K. (as in everything is okay) and mashes it together with “coolio” – a painfully outdated term meaning pretty much the same thing.

We predict it will be HUGE, quickly making its way into the English dictionary along with “selfie” and “twerk”, before succumbing to absolute obscurity. So you might not want to use it by the time this post goes live…

Minesweeper (Mine-sweeper)

Somebody who goes around blagging drinks at a party or at a bar amongst a group of friends, only to avoid the very same people who have already bought them a drink (and possibly expect one in return) upon their second go-around.

Snappening (Snap-en-ing)

When something newsworthy is taking place abruptly on Snap Chat. Kind of like a live rundown of a good night out, including the buildup and the aftermath.

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.

But you know what? That’s completely fine! Because every week, we see plenty of newbies attending their first events; most of them nervous about not knowing what to expect. But once they settle in, have a chat and drink, they soon loosen up and get into the swing of things. That’s because all our members are welcoming, friendly folk who know how to enjoy themselves and love to meet new people.

It’s all because of our users and event organisers that MixingOut has been such a success at finding fun, interesting people more and more exciting things to do together. And it’s because our members are so welcoming that everybody comes away from an event looking forward to the next one, and the next, and the one after that! 

“When I first signed up with MixingOut, I’d arranged to go on a couple of get-togethers but I was so nervous, I backed out each time. Then one of my friends suggested she come along too. When we got there, I realised I had nothing to worry about. Everybody was so welcoming and friendly. We even left at separate times, I’d gotten so immersed into the whole thing.”

Lucy Taylor, Leeds

“Putting yourself into a room with a whole new group of people you’ve never met before can be a little daunting. Usually I go for a drink with friends from work, but quite often they’re too busy with family to really stay out late. I was very nervous about my first MixingOut event, but everybody made a real effort and by the end I was totally relaxed and having a good time. The drinks didn’t do any harm, either!”

Cris Stringer, Woodhouse

But that’s not enough. We want to make life more exciting for EVERYONE! Which is why MixingOut is bringing the party to those who want to meet new friends in Wakefield.

As of right now, MixingOut is thrilled to announce we’re expanding our user base for people in Wakefield. That’s right, MO is getting bigger and bigger by the minute. We’ve taken a good look around the city and visited some of the local hotspots we think would be great for members to meet up and get together – so keep an eye out for a few of our favourites to appear on the site.

With so many great places to visit, we’re ecstatic to say we’re bringing the party to Wakefield. We’ve already had an overwhelming number of sign ups, local girls and guys who are up for having fun and making new friends in the process. As well as all that, we’ve also got some really friendly organisers lined up to help put on events.

So if you’re new to Wakefield and looking to meet new friends, or if you already live in the city and fancy trying something different, meeting up with lots of new people who just want to have a good time, then sign up to MixingOut and get a heads up on the latest goings on.

In the meantime, ladies of Wakefield might be interested to know that on Saturday 22^nd March, MixingOut organiser Andie will be hosting a get together at Qubanas in Wakefield, for a light lunch, girl talk and cocktails. So if you fancy popping along, sign up here.

So we thought we’d help switch things around a little, and give you the literary upper hand when it comes to one to one verbal combat (that’s another way of saying conversation).

Here are just a few of our favourite words you probably never knew existed.

Kitsukuroi (kin-tsu-ku-roi)

This lovely little word comes from Japan and literally means: ‘to repair with liquid gold, and to understand that the piece is more beautiful for having been broken’.

Probably not one to slip into casual conversation, but perfect for those deep, philosophical chats after one too many glasses of wine.

Esoteric (ess-o-teric) 

If something is purposely intended to be understood by a specific group of people only, then its esoteric.

The best example of something being esoteric is a private joke between friends. So hopefully you’ll get the chance to share a few of these at your next MixingOut event.

Belghard (bel-ghard)

No, it’s not an otherworldly demon from Lord Of The Rings – although it certainly sounds like one – belghard derives from the Italian bel guardo (lovely look) and means a kind of loving look.

So the next time you’re at a MixingOut event and you spot somebody giving you a belghard, you’ll know it might be worth your while to go over and say hello. Which leads us nicely on to…

Duende (doo-en-day)

Somebody who possesses duende has the ability to attract others through personal magnetism and charm. Which might come in handy when you’re on an event full of pretty ladies or good looking fellas.

Bumfuzzle (bum-fuzzle)

Quite simply, to perplex, confuse and fluster. Which is probably the very reaction you’ll receive the next time you tell somebody that you’re ‘completely bumfuzzled’.

So what does an event organiser actually do? Well, it’s really quite simple – you get to organise the kinds of events that interest YOU. And you’ll get to meet new and friendly people while you’re at it, it’s the perfect way of making new friends with similar interests, who want to share the same experiences as you do.

Feel like organising a massive night on the town? How about a friendly drink at that new bar you’ve always wanted to go to? Or maybe you’ve got something a little more adventurous in mind… always wanted to go paint balling, or Go Karting? The best part of being an event organiser means you’re able to experience all the things you’ve dreamed, in the company of some really great people. And that’s how we think all things should be enjoyed.

“I love going to the events and organising them. You get to meet so many different people and I’ve made friends with some great people within my first few events.

It is such a relaxed atmosphere, there is no pressure and everyone is in the same shoes.

Once you have been and even organised your first event it’s easy from there, so pluck up the courage and go for it, try it out because it’s really good and you won’t be able to wait for the next event once you’ve experienced your first!”

Francy,

At the moment, we’re putting on events in Leeds, Wakefield, and Derby, so we’d love to invite anybody to come along and see how easy it is to organise your own event. Have a chat with our organisers and regular members, and find out for yourself just how much fun it can be. So long as you’re outgoing, up for a really good time and you know how to enjoy yourself, we think you’d make a perfect event organiser.

To find out more on how to become an organiser and hosting your own social event, click here.

Spontaneity is all part of the fun of going and and meeting whenever you feel like it. After all, the best nights out are the ones you never plan. But sometimes it’s a good idea to do a double-take and make sure you’ve got everything you need – and the ditch the things you don’t – because you’re going to want to make a super good impression with any newbies that are going out!

So with that in mind, we thought it a great idea to share with you some tried and tested tips taken from our MixingOut community members, who have learned one or two things along the way to meeting new people and making friends.

Be prepared to take photos…

Oh yes, a nice easy one to start with. Charge up that smartphone and make sure you’ve got plenty of free memory, because taking photographs is the perfect way to get to know each other, whatever you’re doing.

It doesn’t matter if you’re out on the town, dressed up to the nines, or caked in mud and splattered with paint. Take plenty of pics to commemorate the occasion and make sure to get anyone you don’t already know to tag themselves on social networks. It’s a fab way to stay in touch with people you’ve just met and an even better way to prompt another get together.

If you’re hitting the town, grab a bite to eat before you go…

We don’t want to sounds like everybody’s mum, but having some food in your tummy before a big night on sauce will reduce the risk of that dreaded hangover the next morning. And if you don’t listen, then you’ve only got yourself to blame!… Okay, that does sound creepily like everybody’s mum.

Ditch the ‘ice-breakers’ before you head out…

Conversation Starters have been done to death. The best way to get to know somebody is new is the same way you’ve been doing you’re entire life… just by being your fun self. You’re outgoing, friendly and you’ve already got loads to chat about, so don’t force it.

Dress to impress (or at the very least, dress for the occasion)

Wear the right clothes. You have no idea how many times we hear of people (usually the fellas) not getting into clubs because they were wearing the wrong shoes. C’mon guys, we’ve yet to hear of any girls turning up for paintball in their high heels – so get it sorted!

You’re probably sitting there thinking that Halloween probably isn’t for you, that it’s  something to celebrate only when you’re 12, but you’d be wrong. Dead wrong.

There are plenty of fun and exciting things to do on the spookiest night of the year, whatever your idea of a great time might be. That’s why more and more people are getting together to meet friends every October, embracing the Halloween spirit, and having a devilishly good time while they’re at it.

So don’t get stuck indoors handing out the treats all night. Take a look at some our MixingOut ideas on making this Halloween a night to remember and try them for yourself.

Find out what your local clubs and bars are putting together

Halloween is perhaps the one night of the year you can stagger home like the walking dead and not look out of place – so if you and your friends are up for a really hectic night out, we’d definitely recommend it. There’s always an event going on that draws a lively crowd to the local cub scene, usually with plenty of  drink offers and other fun stuff to take part in. Here’s a few that have caught out attention:

Where: The Victoria Inn, Derby

What’s going on: Halloween Zombiefication

What to expect: The Victoria Inn is famed for their live music and lively crowds, so this October 31^st they’re hosting a big night of spectacular DJ sets, ranging from French House to Garage. Entry is Free and everyone who dresses up receives a Free ‘blood’ shot at the door. They’ll also be massive bottle of Moet Champagne for the best Halloween costume, horror movies being screened at the bar area and other really fun spooky goings on.

Where: Havana Bar, Wakefield

What’s going on: Monster Mash Up

What to expect: Monday 28^th October is going to be a night packed with ghoulish entertainment, live Dj sets and queue jump for everyone in fancy dress. There’s also going to be some amazing drink offers, including a Jagerbombs for £1 and Vodka mixes for £1.50. There are lots of people already expected to be in attendance, and if you confirm now on their Facebook page you and your friends could be in with a chance of winning a bottle of bubbly.

Where: O2 Academy, Leeds

What’s going on: The Voodoo Halloween Showcase

What to expect: Unprecedented Halloween entertainment, expect huge crowds, great music and a lively atmosphere. It’s going to be a very popular event to meet friends, have a drink with your mates and party till the sun comes up.

Fancy trying something a little different?

For those of you who’d rather leave the clubbing until the weekend and your werewolf costume in the closet, there’s still plenty of activities where you can get together, meet people and take part in the Halloween fun. Here are just a few on offer:

Where: Stockeld Park, Leeds

What’s going on: The Magic of Fright Night

What to expect: A mile long ghost walk through the haunted forest at Stockeld Park, full of spooky goings on, interesting facts and tons of other scary surprises along the way. If you and you and your friends are up for something very out there this Halloween, then it’s definitely worth checking out. Be prepared to be scared!

Where: Espresso Bar, Leeds

What’s going on: Halloween Film Night

What to expect: Immerse yourself in a spooky screening of Tim Burton’s Edward Scissor hands at the Espresso Bar, which will transformed into a scary, but stylish haunt for the evening. They’ll also be a trick-or-treat welcome drink for everyone who attends and tasty three course dinner included in the ticket price.

Where: Beaver Works, Leeds

What’s going on: Halloween in Space

What to expect: As well as the standard Halloween party rooms, Beaver Works are also hosting an all-night LaserQuest event for those of you who feel like getting together and taking part in a friendly-come-competitive game  of laser tag. Expect fun and mayhem in equal proportions, and plenty of banter too.

Has this inspired you to head out this Halloween and tear things like a monster? Be sure to check with the MixingOut community for more great ideas to try this Halloween and let us know know what you’re doing.