Super Bowl Sunday, Velveeta, and a Reason To Party!

     As a reader, you're probably wondering what in the world does Super Bowl Sunday, Velveeta Cheese, and a reason to party have anything to do with each other.  Well, this story begins a couple of years ago, when I came across a website that honestly gives every day people a "reason" to party.

     The website, known as www.houseparty.com , actively seeks every day people to host parties in their home.  The parties are sponsored by various types of different companies: Xbox 360, Gerber, Cartoon Network, Clairol, etc., etc.  When I first began with the site, the first party that I was chosen to host had been a Cartoon Network party.  The site usually has a few parties to choose from, and, one must complete a short survey/answer some basic questions before being chosen as a host, but, if chosen as a host, the corporate sponsor (in this case it was Velveeta/Kraft) and house party send the host a party package with items that will help with the partys' theme.  This can include plates, napkins, balloons, products, cents off coupons and other items: it just depends on the partys' corporate sponsor and the type of party one is selected to host.

      I had applied to host the "Velveeta Game Day" house party when I first received an e-mail from the site, yet, I didn't believe that I would be chosen, because, quite honestly, I'm not a huge fan of football (I'm pretty much a baseball fan). But, I applied for this particular party because I had pretty much grown up with Velveeta cheese, and, with the Kraft brand---it's one of the main brands in my adult life as well.  I was notified by houseparty.com that I had been chosen as a finalist for it about a month later!

     Now, when one is selected as a finalist, that doesn't just seal the idea: once notified that you're a finalist, one must immediately log in to the website (through the link in the e-mail) to set up the details (time, date, invite guests, etc., etc.).  Guests can be invited through e-mail, snail mail, or via telephone---but, in this day and age, I pretty much rely on e-mail.  It takes about five minutes to do, and, once set the partys' details, that is when you become an official party host.

     With the Velveeta house party, I originally invited fourteen guests and their families/friends using the e-mail option, set the beginning time for the party at three o'clock p.m.,  and began planning the entertainment for the party.  About a week before the party, I received my Velveeta Game Day party package which included sixteen Velveeta Loaf Savers (for the 2 lb. loaf size), sixteen Velveeta Chip Clips, twenty-four Etch-A-Cup disposable Velveeta cups, a 2 lb. loaf of Velveeta cheese, a can of Rotel diced tomatoes and chilies, three bags of Original Toasted Ritz Chips, and recipe cards with an attached couponfor Velveeta cheese/Rotel diced tomatoes and chilies.

     Though I would have liked to have more of my guests attend, the Velveeta Game Day Party that I hosted turned out to be one of the best house parties I had been chosen to host.  A total of seven guests were able to attend, and, a couple of my guests---my sister Donna and our mutual friend Cindy---each brought additional food for the day.  Our menu included a homemade italian party sub, marinated/slow-cooked chicken wings, mini-pizzas, a huge veggie tray, potato skins, Velveeta Con Queso Cheese Dip (very easy to make!) with crackers, and Wheat Thin Toasted Crackers/Cheddar Ritz Toasted Crackers with cream cheese.  You might think that was a lot of food for just nine people, however, my party began at three p.m. and didn't officially end until 10:30 p.m.!

     Some of the activities during the party included awarding a door prize to the lucky person to pick the only goodie bag  that contained a football designed easter egg and a smaller prize for the winner of the Velveeta Game Day Trivia Game, which was naturally about football.  The party was an absolute success, and, I can't wait to be chosen again for another house party!

     Another thing to remember: although you can apply for as many parties as you like, this does not mean you will definitely be chosen as a host.  The sponsors have a "target audience" in mind, and, when one fills out the survey questions in the application, the answers given will let the sponsor know if you belong in their "target audience".  However, if you're looking for a reason to party, this website may very well supply you with it!