5+ Creative Ideas to Celebrate Your ‘Sweet 18’

Everything that we do in our life has to bring its benefits - when we do sports, we want to feel results in some time, when we work hard on a paper, we want it to be useful for readers, as well as when cooking we want the dish to bring joy to our family. Thus, organizing a birthday party, we have to make it as memorable as possible and bring much use and benefits.

Recently, I had to mull over all possible variants when planning my own ‘sweet 18’ :D 

You can’t even imagine how much time I spent to find the best option that will suit our 30+ party. And now, I want to present some interesting ideas that are definitely worth your attention.

1. Time Clubs

These are cozy cafes where you pay for the time spent. Here, you can bring your own food, drinks and other goods that you need to spend time with pleasure. The cafe, in their turn, will provide you with some tea, biscuits, sugar, and water. 

If you are one of those who do not mind some pizza with cola and want to spend time with guests talking about your life and sharing your experience, this place is just for you. 

2. Photo Studios

Do you want your friends to memorize your birthday for long? Celebrate it at a photo studio! Why not choose characters for all guests and organize a theme photo session? Or, you can mention the theme in the invitations and meet your guests ready for the party!

This is a really great idea if you are fed up with ordinal banquets and need some creative ideas as well as want the party to be memorable. 

Well, what can be more memorable than hundreds of funny photos with your friends costumed in different characters?

One more thing I’d like to advise - you can bring some vine or champaign with sweets to make the party more dynamic as well as not to let guests yawn when you are taking a picture with others ;)

3. Quest Rooms

Do you have some favorite TV shows, series, films, or even computer games? - Sure, you have! Today, you have a great opportunity to become a character of your favorite program.

Quest rooms are places organized for people to pass themed quizzes. There are lots of Game of Thrones rooms, Harry Potter quizzes, Ghost Busters, Black Mirror, and many other rooms that might be interesting to your friends.

Do NOT miss your chance to spend time enhancing your brain functions as well as bringing all the guests together. Remember, only together, you are power!

4. Master-Classes

Writers are creative people! So, what can be better than a party that will help develop this skill? 

Today, there are a lot of master-classes where you can learn lots of creative things.

• Writing classes. If you are a newbie in the writing sphere, it would be really useful for you to visit a class where a professional writer will tell you how to work with writing, how to make it perfect as well as how to catch the readers and NOT to lose the interest in this activity.
• Art classes. Well, when you are a writer and spend all your time writing, it is more likely that you want to target your creativeness at some other activities. Why not try art? Actually, creativeness is developing better if you insert it in different directions; creativeness does NOT like monotony - the more you create, the more this skill develops.
• Decor classes. There is hardly a person who does not want to be good at decorating. Most celebrations and even most life situations need us to be able to decorate habitats. What do we do when Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Halloween, and other holidays are coming? Well, and what we do when moving to a new house? Yeah, we decorate our habitats! Thus, why not visit a decor class? Again, if you are a creative person, this will help you develop new creative skills. Thus, do not neglect the opportunity to celebrate your birthday party at such a master-class. 

These are just a few ideas; search the web and find out what classes are coming soon nearby!

5. Board Game Cafes

One more idea is board game cafes. Here, you are to spend time with friends playing board games. Usually, at these cafes, you can find board games that are popular these days. 

If you do not want to spend money on board games that cost a lot, you can visit these cafes and play with your friends. Google some games that could be interesting for your friends and make sure these games are presented at the cafe you are going to visit. 

This option will provide you with a great mood as well as the perfect time.

Use of one of these options, and your birthday party will become the most memorable event your friends have ever seen.

The American Secret: How You Could Betray Yourself Ahead of Natives

It is no secret that English is an international language spoken in a great number of countries. This option gives people the opportunity to travel around the world and communicate with the citizens, even if they do not know the language of the country they visit.

In a majority of regions, they learn the so-called ‘standard’ English - means, its British variant. And this often unmask them - ‘gives the black cap’ (if you want to sound like an American) :D

In the USA, they have a large number of peculiar expressions. When you are in this country, like it or not, you WILL make use of words and phrases to communicate with people. And, here comes the magic - from the very first word, an American will see if you are a native or not.

In this article, I’d like to pay your attention to some ‘strange’ English phrases that are ‘okay’ for native citizens.

Ready? Off we go!

By the skin of your teeth

Some of you may think that Americans are strangers, and their teeth are covered with skin, but calm down they are the same people as you are. When they say that somebody does something by the skin of their teeth, they mean that the person has just succeeded in something.

Get out of hand

It doesn’t, actually, mean that one has butterfingers or somebody was in the hands of another person and decided to get off them. Usually, people use such an expression to tell that somebody or something became difficult to control. So, don't get rattled! It is a usual practice to hear such words from natives :) Let’s move on!

Bob’s your uncle

When you tell an American that you are going to pass a difficult exam or anything, you haven’t done before, and hear “Bob’s your uncle”, do not try to reclaim the speaker telling that Bob Marley is NOT really your uncle. Using this expression, Americans mean that everything is going to be alright, and you are going to succeed. Agree, strange, but roll with it!

Go cold turkey

No, Americans do not have supernatural power, and they can’t transform into turkeys! When they say that one goes turkey, it means that the person has suddenly decided to get rid of a quirky habit like smoking or something else.

Actually, I do not understand why a turkey, in particular.

On the ball

When you hear these words for the first time, it may seem that somebody is doing yoga, but indeed, to be on the ball means that one is very clever and perfectly catches the new information!

Find your feet

There is no need to call 911 when you hear that somebody finds their feet, it is more likely that no one has really got hurt and lost their legs. When one is finding their feet, it means that they try to get used to some new events in their life, and that’s it :)

Smell a rat

Oh sure, the person who said it to you is not an idiot, though, and they didn’t really smell a rat. Among native Americans, to smell a rat means to feel that something unfair is currently happening or is going to happen in the nearest future.

You might have no idea how easily an American can get to know whether you are native or not. So, as soon as you hear one of those, at first sight, strange words, do not rush to a conclusion that Americans are aliens - they just have some tricky ways to sense foreigners :D

If you learn all these expressions as well as search for some more examples, you are more likely to be on the ball and make even natives believe that you are one of them ;)

12 Present Ideas to Get Armed for Christmas among Friends-Writers

Hey, guys! Bet, you hear ‘Holidays Are Coming’ as well as see Coca-Cola train quite often these days.

Yup, this holiday spirit is amazing until you face the most challenging issue - presents. Breaking my head, mulling over interesting yet useful gifts for mates is a must-have experience just before the holidays; especially, dealing with friends-writers. This time, I decided to break the rule. I have spent days to find out all the hot tools for writers that would turn great Christmas presents. Sure, the price tag is not the last thing you look at so I have included items from different price categories.

Cheap Ideas (under $15)

1. Rory’s Story Cubes ($8)

Who does not like playing games? This is a great opportunity to have fun with friends and to rest mentally. For writers, it is quite difficult to fully get rid of the work question; everyone wants to share their experience as well as make a boast of wins:) For you talk about writing even when having some rest, why not sharpen your creative skills? This game contains cubes that will provide certain pictures, be they characters or situations, and you have to make up a story using all of them. Listen to others, show your own skills, and maybe, you will even note down some ideas for your next writing :)

2. Pencils-Storytellers ($5)

Bet, you have faced the writer’s block, at least, once, right? When you are stuck and have no idea how to start, continue or end the story, these pencils-storytellers will help you out! Each pencil provides a writer with a fragment of a sentence that could help them come up with a great idea and proceed writing.

3. Aqua Notes ($15)

Being a writer is quite a tricky talent. Yeah! You never know when the inspiration is going to come. What should one do if a great idea has come when taking a shower? ‘Easy come, easy go!’ - that is all about creative ideas. If it has come, you have to note it down; otherwise, you risk forgetting it in a matter of seconds. Thus, aqua notes will come in handy. A waterproof paper will help one make notes even in the bath.

Affordable Tools (up to $50)

1. Chalk Tray ($30)

As a great idea can come when you are in the shower, the same way, it can come when you are having breakfast. In such a case, this tray will be of much use! Note down your ideas without leaving your current place. All you need is a piece of chalk :)

2. The Storymatic Classic (Board Game) ($30-45)

Let’s move to board games again. Why not train your imagination? Take a card, read the situation and develop it. Dare you do this in the most creative way?

3. Pencil-Stylus ($30-50)

We are writers, and our best friends are pens and pencils. I guess I use them even more often than a fork. When it comes to writing, some experts can’t even pull themselves together if they do not hold a pencil. For such a case, this stylus will be a great solution. One can work using their tablet but still feeling this must-have tool in a hand.

4. Multi-Device Keyboard ($30)

How annoying it is, when you want to have some rest, put off the writing, and watch your favorite TV show, but you have to leave your bed to take a remote. With this tool, one can control up to three devices not leaving the place they are comfortable in.

5. 100 Essential Novels Scratch-off Chart ($30)

Reading is essential for writers, but at times, we do not have time to even choose something catchy. No problem, this scratch-off chart will definitely recommend you something you will like. Free your mate up from choosing what to read. Moreover, the desire to get to know other suggested books could be a great motivator to complete the quiz.

Costy but Awesome (over $80)

1. Portable Desk ($90)

The place where a writer works plays a huge role! They may lack great ideas sitting at a table, but be full of inspiration and great thoughts when laying in a bed with a laptop. Sure, it is not really cozy to work in your bed, but with the help of this table, you will feel 100% comfortable working from the lovely place.

2. Bed Tent ($130)

You know, there are night and day people. While ones are more likely to be productive at nights, others feel better working during the days. If your mate is the person who likes night shifts, such a tent will be a great Christmas gift. It will help isolate themselves as well as let other people in the room sleep well.

3. Voice Recorder ($80)

It is quite difficult to bare everything in your head. When a catchy idea comes to your mind, and you have no opportunity to write your thoughts down, a voice recorder will be of much use. Just press the button, talk your ideas, and… ta da… you should not worry that you will forget something interesting.

4. Digital Note Taker ($100)

A small pocket notebook is an essential item that should be at hand all the time. Paper notes are not always handy - they are soft, have a lot of pages. All these issues could be resolved with the help of such a digital note taker. Leave notebooks at home! Write down all your ideas, and then, shift them to your lovely kit of ideas when you are at home.

All these gifts are quite simple, but they are must-have items for writers. If you are wondering how to impress you mate with a Santa gift, have a look at this list, and you will surely find something interesting.

Merry Christmas, friends, and Happy New Year! Hope, this list will come in handy these holidays, and you will amaze your pals ;)

How Have You Withstood the Field of Writing for So Many Years?

Most people ask me how it is possible that I have dedicated so many years to writing. The answer is pretty simple - while being a writer, I also work a large number of jobs. But, do not ask how I could combine them all, for I will explain in a while.

Academic writing is too diverse to consider it boring. When you deal with such a great number of orders, you even do not notice how multicultural you become with every single piece of writing. The knowledge I get from my works is enormous. Did you know that J.K. Rowling had several tries before being published? Yes, when I was dealing with a book review on “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”, I used it as a hook to grab the reader’s attention. And you know, it worked!

During my career as a writer, I have met a lot of interesting people. And, it is a huge benefit. No, I do not talk about those who are researchers or scientists. I mean colleagues. Now I know that if I have any questions, they will help me out. Moreover, we created a Facebook conversation, where we discuss cunning issues. My job takes all the spare time, and at times, I even can’t take a snack, so what can be said about the news. To learn all the needed novelties in our industry, I just need to open our conversation on Facebook. I think, one day we can make money, having published it :)

One more benefit I’d like to mention is an experience; not only writing experience. Actually, I am talking about experience in communication. And the greatest impact it has on your daily communication; honestly, it wasn't my strong side to explain anything briefly so that everyone understands the main idea :D

And, the strongest reason for being a writer that I have left for dessert - the experience to enjoy the job and motivate yourself to work harder. Being a writer, you are responsible for your income! Originally, a writer is paid only when they have completed the order. For me, this option has made me more organized as well as it always motivates me to finish the order as soon as possible, be paid, and move to a new assignment. Moreover, when you feel that you are absolutely fed up with permanent writing, you can easily have a break; just finish the order, and you are free! :)

Sure, the profession of a writer is not all that easy, and you should always work hard to earn enough money. Believe me, you will hardly find a job with such a number of benefits but the same amount of ‘minuses’. 

Guys, you should be proud that you are writers!

What If I Am a Writing Frog?

In most cases, when you, guys, ask me what kind of job I would recommend you, one of the options is a profession of a writer. And in 80% of cases, I hear ‘What if I am a writing dummy?’ Not to repeat every time the same, I decided to answer you here :)

First of all, you have to mind that no professional writer was just born, and that's it. If we look at this question from the psychological angle, writing skill is always gained through the life. If you are not sure that you could show your best self in writing, it doesn't mean that you are ignorant; it means that you haven’t done anything to move off dead center.

So, what can be done to become a pro out of a dabster?

Read! It doesn't matter what books you prefer; you just have to read to see how thoughts are presented on paper. While reading, you will notice that your brain remembers everything that seems catchy to you.

Highlight! Get a highlighter and mark all the phrases and sentences that seem well-built. When you lack imagination and creativity to express your own thoughts, reread these highlighted sentences and they will surely inspire you!

Watch films! This is almost the same as books for every film has a written script that actors read, but you comprehend the plot aurally. Listen to how actors express their thoughts. In some films, you may even face the type of writing you suffer from.

Make notes! When reading a book, you highlight interesting thoughts, but in case of watching films, it would be beneficial to make notes! Write down everything that impresses you. It doesn't only concern films. Take a notebook always with you! You can't predict when a great thought will come :)

Personal tip: do not rely on your memory; you will definitely forget it!

Find a pen friend! Despite the fact that the most modern people communicate via social networks, post offices still offer their services. Do you have a dream to visit a country you have never been to? If yes, join the ‘postcrossers’ at Postcrossing.com. It is a network where people find pen friends from different countries and send each other postcards with greetings. Find here a person who shares your interests, and maybe one day they will invite you to visit them so your dream can come true ;) Again, this is also writing and you will have to do your best to make a person understand you.

Create a blog! There are a lot of platforms where you can create your own blog. Choose a topic you like most and off you go! Put a goal and write posts every week. This will definitely help you master your writing skills as well as become helpful for other people who are quite poor at your strong side.

Let me say it once again: “There are no poor writers, just those who haven't tried to master their skills. Next time when you want to ask “What should I do, I am a writing dummy?” Let this article answer your question.

Good luck, guys! I believe in you ;)

15+ MS Word Hacks to Work Twice as Less on Your Orders

Most writers use MS Office Word. How much time does it take you to complete a writing assignment on a par? Sit well, I will tell you some secrets how to tackle them faster, and thus be able to take more tasks in one run and earn more cash.

1. Ctrl+C

Need to use a word or a sentence once more in the text? Do not waste your time typing it afresh. Select the needed text fragment, press Ctrl+C. Now, the needed line is saved in your computer’s memory, just choose where you have to put this phrase and click Ctrl+V.

2. Ctrl+A

If you have to select the whole text of your paper, especially, if it is a large one, you do not have to scroll through the whole document. Press Ctrl+A and your text is already selected, no matter how long it is.

3. Ctrl+B

Need to make a word or a sentence bold? Here is a quick solution! Select a needed part of the text and press Ctrl+B – presto – the needed fragment is already in bold type.

4. Ctrl +I

Need to set a word/line/sentence/etc. in italics? Select a needed passage – or whatever you want – and press Ctrl+I.

5. Ctrl +H

Have to substitute an element? You do not have to do this manually! Press Ctrl+H, mention the element you want to substitute as well as the element you want to see instead. After clicking ‘apply’, the selected item will be changed throughout the whole text.

6. Ctrl +S

To be on the safe side, save your document from time to time. Just press Ctrl+S and the there you are.

7. Ctrl +X

You may need to cut a fragment and put it somewhere else. In this case, just select a needed set of words, press Ctrl+X, rollover the needed place and press Ctrl+V.

8. Ctrl +U

Need to emphasize a word? Make it underlined! Choose a word and press Ctrl+U.

9. Ctrl +[ or Ctrl+]

Your font is too large, or too small? It is easily amendable! Select a needed fragment of the whole text and press Ctrl+] to make it smaller, or Ctrl+[ to make it bigger.

10. Ctrl +E

In most cases, writers are required to make a centered layout. Just select the whole text and press Ctrl+E. Now, the layout is straight and more attractive.

11. Ctrl + R / L

At times, you will need to make some sentences right/left aligned. Choose a needed fragment click Ctrl+R to make it right aligned, or Ctrl+L - left aligned.

12. Ctrl +Z/Y

Have done something by mistake? Or, maybe you have deleted something erroneously? Cancel the last operation pressing Ctrl+Z on your keyboard, or repeat the action - press Ctrl+Y. The day of doom is off!

13. Ctrl + F

Searching for a phrase in your text? Do not waste time running through the whole document, press Ctrl+F and let it know what exactly you are looking for.

14. Alt+ 4

Saving a document? Need to create a specific folder for it? It is no problem! Press Alt+4, and here you are, a new folder is crafted.

15. Ctrl +P

The paper is done and you want to print it to present it to your friends, family or even a client? Click Ctrl+P and wait for your ‘precious’ near your printing device.

16. Ctrl + Backspace/Del

Whoohoo! There is no more reason to waste time on pressing ‘Spaceback’ hundred times! Click Ctrl+Backspace to delete the whole word to the left of the cursor, or Ctrl+Del to remove the word to the right of the cursor.

17. Ctrl +M

Want your text to be more readable? Make a left indentation at the beginning of every new passage. Place a cursor at the beginning of an abstract, press Ctrl+M and show the reader where a new idea starts.

Sure, writing takes much time and efforts, but you can ease this process. Grab this list of hot keys that will come in handy while crafting your next paper. Do your best to submit the work beforehand as well as to get down to a new job in advance.

Guys, How Do You Overcome a Writer’s Block Depression?

Quite often I hear academic writers grumbling at writer’s block telling they need a break. As you can guess, the next problem, they complain about, is a low financial position. So, today I want to share with you some hints on how to subdue such an ‘illness’ without discounting your work.

As for me, the most effective way is to entertain yourself. Watch a film, for example. Each movie is a short story that isn’t taken off the mark. All films are based on people's experience. Consequently, they can come in handy to overcome any troubles.

Here is a list of my suggestions for you.

1. Central Intelligence, 2016


Remember that nothing in this world is impossible! If you like comedy films, you will enjoy this picture for sure. Do you remember your school time? Was there a person you have been scoffing at? Be cagy; they might knock your door right now. To put bluntly, see how a whipping boy has become a stand-up guy.

‘I worked out six hours a day, every day, for last twenty years straight!’ - this was his peg to hang success on, so why not make it your own motto, huh?

2. Dallas Buyers Club, 2013

Some people face problems that are more complicated than a writer’s block. This film isn’t funny, but it will make you muse on other issues to realize that lack of inspiration is not, actually, an issue!

A man was an AIDS sufferer, but he has made the call not to give up and stand up for his life. Having found some medicines for AIDS, he starts surreptitious sale to help other people who suffer from such a malady.

3. War Dogs, 2016

It is always useful to mull over the real-life problems, but at times, we want to watch something relaxing as well as fun. In this case, I recommend you come down to this movie. This picture, based on real life events, shows how two simple mates have reached their dream, having inked a $300-million deal.

The main slogan of the film is “An American dream”, so bear in mind, if you desire, you will hit the target for sure! 

4. Hacksaw Ridge, 2016


If you are a drama fan, you will find this picture quite impressive as well as inspiring. It dwells upon the story of a man who was proclaimed objector during the World War II due to his unwillingness to kill people.

This film will help you realize that nothing should make you give up your views of life as well as your personal goals.

5. The Founder, 2016


Do you like McDonald’s? Sure, yes! At times, we all want to do or eat something we know won’t do any good for our health. Here is a movie that will tell you the full story of such a household name.

The slogan sounds as follows ‘He took someone else's idea and America ate it up!’ Keep in mind that it is not always needed to make up topics that are created from scratch; look through the other’s work and specify their subject to make up your own mustard.

Ray Kroc says that only one thing has helped him – persistence! So, show your perseverance at writing, and craft this all-fired piece!

Most people consider films, books, songs and other kinds of entertainment as tools to relax and abstract themselves from the daily grind. Of course, they help us have some rest, but it is not the only benefit that we can gobble up.

If you dig a bit deeper, you will see that films have many beneficial sides. The only thing I want to add is:

“Stop pitying yourself! Man up and show your best self! In case, you haven't enough motivation, choose a film from this list and let it charge you with motivation!” Enjoy, my dear. Hope to hear about your success soon :)