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Reflecting on Our Time in New York: From Launch to Connection

Just a few months ago, belong started an exciting adventure in the vibrant city of New York. Since our launch, we’ve been on a remarkable journey, and we want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences, connections, and memories we’ve shared.

Connecting with a City

New York City has welcomed us with open arms, and we’ve been overwhelmed by the warmth and energy of its people. From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the cultural diversity of Brooklyn, belong has found its place among the iconic skyline. The sense of unity in this city is truly inspiring.

Bringing People Together

Our mission has always been clear – to make it easier for people to connect and find their tribe in a new city. In just a short time, we’ve seen friendships blossom, communities come together, and shared moments that make living in New York even more extraordinary. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness the bonds that have formed through belong.

Celebrating Diversity

New York is a true melting pot of cultures, and we’ve celebrated this diversity by bringing together people from all walks of life. Whether you’re a born New Yorker or recently moved here, belong is here to help you find your sense of belonging in the midst of this diverse mix of cultures and backgrounds.

What Lies Ahead

As we reflect on our journey so far, we’re excited about what the future holds. We’re committed to expanding our offerings, hosting even more exciting events, and creating countless opportunities for you to connect with others who share your interests and passions. The possibilities are endless.

Join Us in the Big Apple

If you haven’t already, we invite you to join us in making New York feel a little more like home. Download the belong app today, and let’s continue this incredible journey together. Thank you for being an integral part of the belong community in New York! Your presence makes this city even more special.

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A Year of Belonging: Reflecting on Our Journey in San Francisco

At the start of the year, belong planted its roots in the iconic city of San Francisco. Today, as we reflect on the past year, we’re overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible journey we’ve embarked on in this vibrant city.

Finding Our Place

Our journey in San Francisco began with anticipation and excitement. From the very start, we were embraced by the local community, and we quickly found our place among the diverse and welcoming people of the city. It’s been a journey filled with connections, conversations, and memorable encounters.

Moments That Define Us

Throughout this year, we’ve had the privilege of being part of countless moments that match our mission. Whether it’s been a chat at a local cafe, participating in the city’s diverse events, or witnessing the incredible unity among us, each moment has reinforced our commitment to creating a space where everyone feels they belong.

A Bright Future Awaits

As we look ahead, we’re filled with excitement about the potential for more connections, shared experiences, and an even deeper sense of belonging in the coming year. belong is dedicated to making San Francisco an even more connected and vibrant city, and we can’t wait to embark on this journey with all of you.

Our year in San Francisco has been truly transformative. We’re immensely grateful to each member of our community for welcoming us with open arms and sharing in the spirit of belonging. Here’s to another year of growth, friendship, and endless possibilities in the City by the Bay!

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Starting the New Year Right in Dubai 

As a new year begins, it’s a chance to reset and look ahead. Whether you’re new to Dubai or have been here for a while, belong is here to help you make the most of it. Here are five tips to start the new year right:

1. Connect with Your Dubai Community:

Join belong’s Dubai community to meet new friends, discover exciting local events, and build meaningful connections. Building a support system is key to thriving in a new place. Connect with people who have similar interests and share your journey of exploring Dubai.

2. Set Achievable Goals:

Take some quiet time to set realistic goals for the year. Whether it’s a career milestone, a fitness target, or a personal project, belong connects you with people who share your ambitions. Collaborate with others to achieve your goals and support each other along the way.

3. Explore Dubai’s Hidden Gems:

Resolve to explore more of Dubai’s lesser-known places and local experiences. With belong’s diverse events and local groups, you can discover new spots and like-minded adventurers. Get insider tips from fellow members about the best places to explore in Dubai.

4. Prioritize Self-Care:

Start the year with a strong focus on self-care. Join wellness and mindfulness groups on belong to find support and practical tips for maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. Learn from others’ experiences and share your self-care routines with the community.

5. Embrace New Experiences:

Challenge yourself to try new things and step out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, joining a class, or attending events, belong is your gateway to diverse opportunities. Discover unique experiences that you can enjoy with new friends from the belong community.

Thank you for being part of our journey. As we step into the new year, we’re excited about the adventures and connections ahead. If you haven’t already, download belong today, and let’s make 2024 an unforgettable year together.

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Celebrating Thanksgiving in San Francisco with belong: Tips, Treats, and Toasts

This Thanksgiving, if you’re planning to be a guest rather than a host, we’ve got some fantastic tips for you. Here’s how to be the perfect guest at any Thanksgiving gathering in the city.

Being a Great Thanksgiving Guest

San Francisco’s vibrant culture and community spirit shine during Thanksgiving. Here’s what you can do to contribute:

  • Bring a Local Treat: Consider bringing a side dish that highlights San Francisco’s fresh, local produce. A quinoa salad with roasted butternut squash and pomegranate adds a Californian twist.
  • Choose Artisanal Goodies: San Francisco is famous for its sourdough and artisanal cheeses. Picking up something from a local bakery or cheese shop shows thoughtfulness and appreciation for local flavors.

Spiced Apple Cider Sangria Recipe

A unique drink can be your special contribution. Try this easy-to-make Spiced Apple Cider Sangria:

Ingredients include white wine, apple cider, club soda, brandy, honeycrisp apples, pears, and cinnamon sticks. Combine wine, cider, soda, and brandy in a pitcher. Add chopped apples, pears, and cinnamon sticks. Refrigerate for an hour, serve over ice, and sprinkle cinnamon and pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.

A Thoughtful Touch

A small gesture, like a handwritten note or a bouquet of fall flowers, can make a big difference. It shows your host that you appreciate their effort and adds a personal touch to your contribution. Check out the belong arts group for some inspiration.

Engage with belong

Share your Thanksgiving experiences in San Francisco on the belong app. From your choice of dish to the making of your sangria, let’s inspire each other with our festive celebrations.

As a guest, you have the opportunity to add warmth and joy to the Thanksgiving festivities. With these tips, you’re all set to make a delightful impression at any San Francisco Thanksgiving gathering.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

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Celebrating Thanksgiving Away from Home with belong in New York City

This Thanksgiving, even if you’re away from home, there are many ways to feel connected and share the holiday spirit.

Virtual Thanksgiving Dinner and Care Packages

Kick off your holiday by setting up a virtual dinner with your family. A video call during mealtime can make you feel like you’re right there with them. Complement this experience by sending a care package filled with New York delights like cheesecake or local artisan treats, offering a taste of the city. Find the best tastes in the city in the belong foodies group.

Connecting Through Shared Traditions

As you bridge the gap with your family through virtual dinners and care packages, remember that shared traditions play a crucial role. Maybe it’s watching the Thanksgiving parade virtually together or sharing family recipes over a video call. These shared moments create a sense of continuity and belonging, vital when you’re far from home.

Embrace the New York Thanksgiving Vibe with belong

Now, let’s bring your Thanksgiving to the belong community. Share the unique New York City atmosphere – the festive streets, the autumnal beauty of Central Park, and your city-based Thanksgiving experiences. This is where you can inspire and connect with others who are also celebrating away from home. Your stories and photos on belong can foster a sense of shared experience, making everyone feel a part of the city’s vibrant Thanksgiving celebration.

Thanksgiving in New York City is a blend of personal connections and community engagement. Whether it’s through a virtual dinner with your family or sharing your city adventures on belong, you’re part of a larger community that celebrates together. This Thanksgiving, let’s cherish these connections and the unique spirit of New York City.

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Celebrating Thanksgiving in Dubai with belong: Tips, Treats, and Tech

As Thanksgiving nears, we’re here to guide you in celebrating this heartwarming holiday right here in Dubai. Whether you’re an expat or a recent arrival, belong is your companion in making this Thanksgiving memorable in the comfort of your home.

Hosting a Traditional Thanksgiving in Dubai

Bringing the essence of Thanksgiving to your Dubai home can be both nostalgic and heartening. Here are some tips to help you create that traditional Thanksgiving atmosphere:

  • Indoor Setting: With the urban setting of Dubai, an indoor celebration can be both elegant and comfortable. Set up your dining area to create a warm, welcoming space.
  • Traditional Decor: Go for classic Thanksgiving decorations. Use warm, earthy tones, autumn leaves, pumpkins, and candles to create a festive atmosphere.

A Fun and Flavorful Thanksgiving Recipe

A Thanksgiving feast is a centerpiece of the celebration. Here’s a simple yet delightful recipe with a local twist:

Camel Milk Pumpkin Pie:

Transform your Thanksgiving dessert with this unique recipe. You’ll need a can of pumpkin puree, camel milk, eggs, brown sugar, and spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Mix the pumpkin puree, camel milk, eggs, brown sugar, and spices in a bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture into a pie crust and bake for about 45-50 minutes. Once set, let it cool and enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream.

Make sure to share your creation with the belong foodies group to inspire others to host the perfect Thanksgiving feast. 

Stay Connected with belong

In the midst of your Thanksgiving preparations, don’t forget to engage with the belong community. Whether sharing your holiday plans, seeking tips, or extending a virtual invite, let’s use belong to bring everyone closer this festive season.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

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How To Move On After a Breakup With belong

A breakup is an undeniable challenge. But it’s also the perfect time for a new chapter. With belong, we understand healing shouldn’t be about sugar coating. We’ll explore helpful strategies for embracing a new fresh start. So, how do you move on…

Recipe For Rediscovery

After a breakup, it’s essential to rediscover how to be on your own. At belong, our community is great at recommending things to do and see in your local area, helping you find new passions and rediscover your strengths. The journey after a break-up should always be about personal growth and a new wave of resilience you didn’t know you had. In the rediscovery process, you should find new hobbies and interests but also have time to stop, reflect and heal, allowing room for meditation, or something calming. Our wellness group is a great community that opens up the conversation about wellbeing. 

Create Genuine Connections

Expanding your social circle shouldn’t be about filling a void; it should be about forming genuine connections. belong’s events are carefully curated to produce authentic interactions. By engaging with like-minded individuals, you’ll not only have fun but also build meaningful relationships, and these connections could become a source of emotional support, encouragement, and shared experiences.

Find a New Community

belong provides more than just a support group; it offers a nurturing community where your uniqueness is celebrated. Connecting with others who share your interest or have experienced similar situations adds immense value. Through shared experiences, you’ll find solace, strength, and inspiration, knowing you’re not alone on this journey. belong’s community becomes a safe space where you can openly express yourself, seek advice, and offer support for others as well, creating an honest, trustful and healing environment.

Pictures Speak Louder Than Words

In the midst of heartbreak, finding happiness in the little things can help massively. With belong, we encourage you to capture those moments, not just for the world, but for yourself. Whether it’s a goofy selfie, a chocolatey dessert or your pet being silly, take a picture and share it with your newfound friends. These snapshots serve as a reminder that happiness isn’t hard to find. Sharing these pictures not only spreads positivity but also inspires others on their healing journey. 

Time To Bounce Back

Yes, breakups are tough, but with the support, encouragement and opportunities for growth that belong provides, you can easily bounce back ten times harder. If you’re ready to take the first step on this journey towards healing and self-discovery, sign up to belong now as your fresh start is around the corner.

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San Francisco’s Spooktacular Events and Treats

As Halloween approaches, San Francisco is gearing up for some spooktacular celebrations. Get ready to immerse yourself in the Halloween spirit as the city comes alive with thrilling events.

Halloween Pub Crawl

Prepare for an unforgettable Halloween in San Francisco. Join the Crawloween: San Francisco Halloween Pub Crawl for a night of revelry and chilling fun. The city’s bars and pubs will be transformed into eerie haunts, making it a Halloween night to remember. Plus we hear there are going to be tasty treats for you to enjoy along the way so don’t forget to join the belong Foodies group and share your favorite bar snacks.

A Ghoulishly Good Time 

For a family-friendly Halloween experience, don’t miss the Rockridge Annual Halloween Parade. It features costume contests, Halloween-themed activities, spooky sales, creepy eats, and family fun. Trick-or-Treat along College Avenue from Broadway to Alcatrazzz. Connect with our Lifestyle group and find your crew to experience the parade with. 

Jelly Brain Recipe

Impress your Halloween guests with this deliciously eerie Jelly Brain. It’s a creepy and fun addition to your celebrations.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pack of raspberry-flavored gelatin
  • 1 pack of lemon-flavored gelatin
  • 2 cups of boiling water
  • 1 brain-shaped mold

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, mix the raspberry and lemon-flavored gelatin.
  • Add 2 cups of boiling water to the mixture and stir until completely dissolved.
  • Pour the mixture into the brain-shaped mold.
  • Refrigerate for several hours or until the gelatin is set.
  • Carefully remove the jelly brain from the mold and serve as a spooky dessert that’s sure to delight your Halloween guests.

Don’t forget to share your eerie culinary creations with us using the cooking interest tag.

Get Social This Halloween

Whether you’re a fan of horror films, thrilling parties, or dark dishes, belong has you covered. Explore our wide range of Halloween events and activities, making it easier than ever to find your crowd and meet like-minded people. Join our community to discover more events, connect with new friends, and make unforgettable memories this Halloween season.

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Dubai’s Spookiest Events and Spine-Chilling Fun

Halloween is creeping around the corner, and Dubai is ready to turn up the spook factor. It’s time to embrace the Halloween spirit and join the thrilling events happening in our city.

Barbie Takes Center Stage

We all know that Barbie is going to be a massive trend for Halloween outfits this year, thanks to the iconic film. Don’t miss the Halloween Party: Botched Barbieland on Tuesday, October 31st, 2023, at 1-OAK Dubai. Need a friend to come along? Find out who’s free on belong and make it a Halloween night to remember. 

Frightfully Good Food 

If Barbie is not your style, consider attending the Wanderlust Halloween Brunch on Saturday, October 28th, 2023, at Wanderlust at JW. Remember to take lots of photos to share with your fellow food lovers in the belong foodies group. 

Horror Film Night 

Dive into the world of horror movies, where you can discover and share spine-chilling films over the decades. Connect with fellow movie lovers over on our belong film TV/Movies interest tag and plan your next movie night ready for Halloween.

Spooky Spider Cookies Recipe

Try your hand at creating Spooky Spider Cookies to impress your Halloween guests. It’s a fun and creepy treat that will add a personal touch to your celebrations.

Ingredients:

  • Chocolate cookie mix
  • Chocolate truffle candies
  • Chocolate chips
  • Licorice strings

Instructions:

  1. Bake your favorite chocolate cookies and let them cool.
  2. Melt chocolate chips and use as glue to attach a chocolate truffle candy onto the center of each cookie.
  3. Break liquorice strings into small pieces and insert eight of them into the melted chocolate around the truffle candy to create spider legs.

Allow the chocolate to set, and your spooky spider cookies are ready to impress your Halloween guests. Make sure to share your spooky creations with us using the cooking interest tag.

Get Social This Halloween

Whether you’re a fan of horror films, thrilling parties, or dark dishes, Belong has you covered. Explore our wide range of Halloween events and activities, making it easier than ever to find your crowd and meet like-minded people. Join our community to discover more events, connect with new friends, and make unforgettable memories this Halloween season.

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Celebrating Halloween in NYC

As Halloween approaches, New York City is gearing up for a spooktacular celebration. Get ready to immerse yourself in the Halloween spirit as the city comes alive with thrilling events.

Spine-Chilling Halloween Events

Have an unforgettable Halloween in the heart of New York City. Join the Village Halloween Parade 2023, a wildly creative public event that runs from 7 pm to 10:30 pm on 6th Avenue North of Spring Street to 16th Street. Find your Halloween crew over on Arts group, you could even plan a costume-making evening ready for the parade. 

Discover Delicious Halloween Treats

After the parade, add a dose of enchantment to your Halloween at The Cauldron’s Trick or Drink Halloween Costume Party. Enjoy three hours of open bar, delicious food, magic, and more.

Remember, before you embark on your Halloween adventures, join our belong Foodies group. Explore a world of spooktacular culinary delights and connect with fellow food lovers. Share your favorite Halloween food finds too.

Monster Eyeball Cookies

Impress your Halloween guests with these delicious Monster Eyeball Cookies. They’re a spooky and fun addition to your celebrations.

Ingredients:

  • Sugar cookie dough
  • Miniature chocolate chips
  • Red gel icing

Instructions:

  • Roll cookie dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
  • Press a miniature chocolate chip into the center of each cookie.
  • Bake cookies as directed.
  • Once cooled, add a dot of red gel icing to each chocolate chip to complete the eerie look.

Make sure to share your spooky creations with us using the cooking interest tag.

Get Social This Halloween

Whether you’re a fan of horror films, thrilling parties, or dark dishes, belong has you covered. Explore our wide range of Halloween events and activities, making it easier than ever to find your crowd and meet like-minded people. Join our community to discover more events, connect with new friends, and make unforgettable memories this Halloween season.