Ringing in New Years with Kids

Ringing In New Years with Kids

New Years Eve is not the same as it once was. Now that we celebrate New Years with kids, we’ve changed things up to make things more kid-friendly. Including starting a little earlier than we once did.

Below are a few great ways to have a rockin’ New Years Eve with kids. From fun mocktails and food to fun and games, everyone will have a good time!

Start the Party Early!

There’s no need to wait till midnight in your timezone! Consider starting the party early and celebrate when the kids are still awake by choosing a different time zone. My brother in law hosts a GMT New Years Eve party every year where we count down to 4pm PST (0000 GMT).

The kids get the full experience of New Years Eve without having to force themselves to stay awake. Then the adults can celebrate how they’d like afterwards. Or go to bed with the kids at their normal time. I’m pretty sure I do the later every year even though I make an effort to stay up.

New Years with Kids Mocktail

Get Creative with Mocktails

Grab some bottles of bubbly… bubbly apple cider and grape juice that is and start mixing up some fun concoctions (or let the kids make their own). All you need is some sparkling juice or sparkling water and a variety of other juices. Then let the kids have fun mixing them up

Consider adding a few mix ins like maraschino cherries or fresh fruits. And for dessert create an ice cream sundae or ice cream float bar!

Mini Corn Dogs with Ketchup

Serve Up Kid-Friendly Foods

Miniature or small finger foods work best with the littles. Consider cooking up some mini corn dogs or sticking with a simple cheese, cracker and meat platter. And snacks are a must so consider a variety of bunnies, pretzels, fish, and grahams. And I’m sure the kids would go crazy for this Inside Out Garlic Cheese Bread.

Need something for the adults too? Grab a few bags of Pretzel Crisps, and whip up this delicious hot pizza dip. It’s a crowd pleaser!

If you’re looking for more traditional fare, consider making a batch of black eyed peas to bring good luck with you into the new year.

New Years Eve Countdown Boxes - Play Party Pin

Have Some Fun

It isn’t a new years eve party without fun and games! Check out these great ways to ring in the new years with kids in style! From homemade balloon drops to creative ways to count down each hour, these bloggers have you covered!

In Southern California? Check out these kid-friendly New Years Eve parties hosted around town!

How do you celebrate New Years with kids?

ringing-in-the-new-years-with-kids

This post was originally featured on December 26, 2013.

21 Best Birthday Party Ideas for Children

Looking for birthday ideas for children? We’ve rounded up 21 of the best birthday ideas all in one place! And #13 is our favorite, hands down.

If you are looking for some amazing Birthday Party Ideas for Children, I have good news. I’ve gathered up some of the top party ideas for children of every age, gender or interest. With tops tips, tricks, recipes and decor ideas, you won’t have to strain your brain to come up with some wonderful party plans of your own! Jump right in and find the idea that’s right for you!

1. Disney Brave Birthday Party Ideas – All Things Thrifty

This fun birthday party post includes templates and printables to help you plan your very own Disney Brave-themed birthday party. Perfect for little girls OR boys!

2. Planning a Chuck E Cheese Party – Living Mi Vida Loca

Everything you need to know about food, decor and party favors to help you create the best experience at your kids’ favorite pizza place!

3. Ultimate Sports Party – The Joys of Boys

If your kids are the athletic types, it makes sense to give them a super fun sports-themed party. Here you’ll find recipe ideas, sporty games to play and awesome sporty decor, too!

4. Minnie Mouse Summer Party – Simmworks Family Blog

Too often, Mickey Mouse gets all the attention. But if your little one is Minnie Crazy, then you need to feast your eyes on this Minnie Mouse-themed party that features creative decor, food and treats that the whole family and all your friends will love.

5. Butterfly Garden Birthday Party – Lydi Out Loud

For your favorite little girl or boy who loves nature and the outdoors, here is a fun and beautiful party idea.

6. Pirate Birthday Party – Baking with Blondie

Ahoy mateys! It’s a pirate party, and this one has it all. Seafood and other pirate-themed foods, easy decorations and even costumes. Your kids will love it!

7. Pirate Halloween Birthday Party – It’s A Mother Thing

Another fun take on a pirate theme, this one has a Halloween twist! Perfect for your little one’s birthday, OR as a themed Halloween party!

8. Root Beer Float Party – Simmworks Family Blog

While a traditional barbecue may not appeal to some kids, renaming it into a Root Beer Float Party will surely get them excited! And happy bonus for the grownups – you can totally still have the barbecue! This one features healthier options, as well as the star of the show – Root Beer Floats!

9. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Birthday Party – Baking with Blondie

I don’t know a single child that doesn’t love The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and the theme lends itself so well to a young one’s party. It’s an especially good one for those with allergies or health concerns, as it is the perfect party to load up on fruit!

10. Frozen Birthday Party – Dinner at the Zoo

I can’t say enough about the thought that went into this Frozen-themed party. Any child would be delighted to host or attend such a fabulous party, and this will give you a load of ideas on how to throw your own for your little Elsa or Olaf.

11. Angry Birds Birthday Party Part 1 and Part 2 – The Joys of Boys

This two part party post features amazing food and games to help you throw an incredible Angry Birds-themed party that your little ones will be talking about for ages!

12. Fabulous and Fancy Party – The Crafty Chicks

Have you got the girliest girl who loves to feel fancy? Then check out this adorable party plan that just screams fabulous!

13. Reptile Birthday Party – Simmworks Family Blog

Does your child love all things creepy and crawly? They will love this reptile theme! Featuring creative naming of traditional food and drink (Swamp Water? Gecko Grapes??) and ideas of entertainment and decor, this one is perfect for your slithery snake lovers!

14. Under the Sea Birthday Party – Dinner at the Zoo

This super adorable party plan will make your little one feel like The Little Mermaid on their special day.

15. Ghostbusters Birthday Party – Living Mi Vida Loca

This party is perfect for your own little Ghostbuster. With themed games, including a huge pinata, and some fun printable coloring pages, tshirt transfers and Slimer tattoo station, this is one party that will have you saying, “I ain’t afraid of no ghosts!”

16. Princess Birthday Party – The Girl Creative

This is one awesome Princess party plan with some free printables to help you make it easy to throw your own!

17. Farm-Themed Birthday Party – The Joy of Boys

If your kids love animals and the outdoors, you must consider the fun that comes with planning a farm-themed birthday party!

18. The Ultimate Minion Movie Birthday Party – Third Stop on the Right

If your kids are as Minions-obsessed as most, they’re going to LOVE this party idea. Find out how to make an amazing layered minion cake and other fun projects for your party.

19. Easy Cars Party – The Joys of Boys

If you want simple and classic, you can’t go wrong with this fun Cars-themed party. It doesn’t get any easier than chocolate donuts posing as car tires!

20. Star Wars Party – Pretty Providence

I have two words for you: Wookie Cookies. Your kids will love the amazing food ideas from this Star Wars themed party!

21. Princess Tea Party – Dinner at the Zoo

Cuteness cannot be contained when you throw your little one this delightful Princess Tea Party. Edible DIY necklaces, magic wands and fabulous flowers and food are going to wow the adults as much as the children!

With all of these birthday party ideas for children, you are sure to be able to come up with your own take to make your next party amazing. 

What is your favorite birthday party theme for kids?

A Colorful Affair: Adult Coloring Party

Tracking Pixel

Sometimes you just need to sit down with your girlfriends, mimosa in hand, and color! And that’s just what I did last week at the adult coloring party I hosted with the help of our sponsor, Prismacolor Premier®. Read on to see how easy it is to host an adult coloring party with your friends!

A Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party

Over the past few months, the only thing I’ve heard a handful of my friends talk about is adult coloring. No, not adults coloring. But adult coloring books with beautiful intricate designs and themes for grown-ups to sit down and color with. With this craze comes a little bit of sanity for those who hop on board. It’s been confirmed that those who sit down to enjoy a few minutes of coloring each day have actually found that they’re less stressed!

A Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party coloring books and pensA Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party coloring pens and pencils

Since so many of my girlfriends have expressed an interest in adult coloring books, I was pleased to host this adult coloring party for a few local blogger friends with the help of Prismacolor Premier® products last week. It was a wonderful morning filled with great conversation, good food, and relaxing coloring for all. I don’t remember the last time I sat down to color but I’ll be doing it a lot more frequently now that I’m hooked!

A Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party food spreadA Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party with brunch foodA Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party fruit and cheese tree

Tips for Hosting An Adult Coloring Party

1. Fun and Easy Food

Egg Bake + Cinnamon Pecan Pullapart Bread + Fruit and Cheese Tree

When I host get-togethers for the girls I always have one homemade item, and then the rest store bought. Not only does it make things easier on me as I get ready for things but it also allows me to focus more on the guests the day of because I’m not running around trying to finish up making this or that.

For this event, I chose to make a delicious egg bake with bacon, cheddar, and broccoli. I picked up a cinnamon pecan pull apart bread from the store and made a festive fruit and cheese tree with cubed cheese and grapes. The tree was very easy to make. I added two mandarin oranges to the top as a tree topper and the bottom as a tree stump and then added pretzel crisps to the last layer to use with the cheese for snacking.

The egg bake and pull apart bread were served on the main buffet spread and the fruit and cheese tree was set out on the dining room table so we could munch as we colored. Who doesn’t love to munch along as they color and visit?

A Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party mimosa barA Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party with mimosasA Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party mimosa bar name tagsA Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party mimosas

2. Drink Options

Mimosa Bar

Mimosa bars are perfect for morning get-togethers! They pair perfectly with the breakfast foods I was serving and guests can choose to either pour a mimosa or just drink the juice. For this simple mimosa bar, I grabbed a few glass juice carafes and some champagne glasses.

I paired together orange juice and cranberry juice to bring more color to the spread. As for the champagne, I grabbed my favorite local almond champagne. And some non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice for the non-drinkers.

Grab a few gift tags and Prismacolor Premier markers to make name tags for the drinks!

Hot Cocoa Bar

Another great addition to any brunch or evening event during the winter months is a hot cocoa bar. It adds a little sweetness and some warmth to the event. Plus there are so many fun additions and toppings one can add to their hot cocoa to make it personalized to their taste. Grab a pot of coffee to add to the mix so guests can make mochas too!

I chose to use my single serve coffee machine and some hot cocoa cups I had, however, I’ve also made a delicious batch of slow cooker hot chocolate in the past with this recipe for a little adult fun.  I’ve also passed out these cute hot cocoa snowmen as gifts and favors at parties before.

A Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party hot cocoa barA Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party hot cocoa bar toppingsA Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party hot cocoa bar and coffee station

3. Adult Coloring Books + Colored Pencils

And, of course, for the star of the event, adult coloring books are a must! Each guest should have either a few adult coloring print-outs or a coloring book of their own to enjoy during the event. Pair with Prismacolor Premier coloring pencils and you have the perfect outlet for moms to relax, de-stress and re-energize during the often-stressful holiday season.

In the living room and the dining room table I put a few coloring books out with packs of Prismacolor Premier colored pencils. I also used a roll of butcher paper as table runners for both the coffee table and dining room table so guests could doodle and find out what colors they wanted to use.

Coloring together allows friends, families and co-workers an opportunity to take a moment together to reflect and reenergize, sparking creativity and inducing productivity. It’s a relaxing way to reconnect with each other. We enjoyed chatting around the table about work, life, and everything else in between.

A Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party coloring with prismacolor pencilsA Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party coloring in the lines

What do you love to do when you get together with your girlfriends?

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Prismacolor Premier®.

Tips For Hosting A Photobooth At Your Next Event

Tips For Hosting A Photobooth - using a smartphone to print photos
Photobooths are very popular right now. Kids love them, adults love them, and they make great momentos from events attended. And there are a lot of things you can do to change a photobooth up to make it relevant for the event you’re at or the group you’re with. From including fun props to changing up the backgrounds to match the theme or season,

After joining the PTG I started to realize that a photobooth was a great way to document the special events we host every year. From our Fall Festival to our Junior High dances, having an easy way for parents and kids to make memories is a big plus. Photo booths are also very simple to set up nowadays and fairly inexpensive with the use of technology.

Tips For Hosting A Photobooth - printer and props

Tips For Hosting A Photobooth

1. Find A Good Location –

Make sure to find a spot at the event with the best lighting. If your event is at night, consider additional lighting to light up the photo booth area. Because you’ll be having guests use their phones to snap photos you don’t want them to have to worry if their flash will be enough light.

2. Set Up The Printer

At the dance I had a whole table for props and another table for the printer and photo paper. You’ll want to choose a location that has a good WiFi connection so that you’ll be able to set up the printer and so that you can connect the phones to the printer as well on the WiFi connection. We made sure to test out our printer during set up when we first arrived so we could confirm that everything worked before guests started showing up. 

Tips For Hosting A Photobooth - props

3. Provide Lots Of Props

A quick visit to the dollar store can provide very helpful with props. I was able to find huge glasses, silly masks, signs, and more in the aisles of the dollar store. I also made a few signs on my own through PicMonkey and laminated them so they wouldn’t get ruined after multiple uses.

4. Use The HP Social Media Snapshots App

We had a few signs around with instructions on how to download the HP Social Media Snapshots app and use the app to print out photos from the event. We shared how easy it was to write new captions if they were using photos from their social media accounts and how to print photos from their galleries that they took that night. The kids loved being able to get with their friends and customize their photos.

Tips For Hosting A Photobooth - use Social Media Snapshots

5. Print Memories Easily Onto HP Social Media Snapshots

I cannot say how much I love HP Social Media Snapshots! Not only are they awesome for printing out Instagram and social media photos, they’re also awesome to have for parties and events at a photo booth. Not only can you take photos at the photo booth and have them print out, but you can capture photos all over the event and print them out. Simply select your favorite images straight from social media, print them out onto the 4×5 paper, and stick them anywhere.

HP Social Media Snapshots are available now at Staples and they’re BOGO free until 11/30. Grab a few packs for your next party or event!

Tips For Hosting A Photobooth - thinking outside the booth

What events do you have coming up?


Tips For Hosting A Photobooth

5 Easy Ways to Celebrate Cinco De Mayo

5 Easy Ways to Celebrate Cinco De Mayo

It’s a few weeks away from Cinco De Mayo and we’re planning our fiesta! I can’t resist celebrating a day that’s filled with good food, good friends, and fun drinks.

Now I know that this is one of those holidays that’s been taken over by Americans for the fun and excuse to party. But that doesn’t mean that we should skip it and NOT enjoy a fun party.

So grab a few friends and follow these 5 easy ways to celebrate Cinco De Mayo. You may just realize that you want to find more excuses to party!

partida skinny margarita aerial

1. Grab the tequila and make a skinny margarita!

tequila lime pork tacos aerial

2. Turn up the grill and make some tequila lime pork tacos, these easy tex mex cheese enchiladas and some beef and black bean enchiladas.

creamy tomatillo avocado sauce

3. Mix some dips! This creamy tomatillo avocado sauce isn’t only good on my tequila lime pork tacos but it’s super tasty with chips too. And this simple 4 ingredient roasted corn and black beans dip is the perfect accompanyment.

My PB&J Churro Cupcakes

Churro Cupcakes from My PB&J

 

4. Prepare some tasty desserts like these churro style tortillas or churro cupcakes. OMG – I can’ believe how delicious these both are!

diy-geometric-fiesta-garland

DIY Festive Garland from Oh Happy Day!

 

5. Grab that margarita and delicious food, hang up some festive DIY garland, and turn on the mariachi music!

How do you celebrate Cinco De Mayo?

Christmas Gift Making Party Ideas

This #GoNutsForNuts shop has been compensated by #CollectiveBias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

Christmas Gift Making Party Ideas

Tis the season for gift making and gift giving. One of my favorite things to do is make homemade goodies to give out to family and friends. This year I’ve put together some fun ideas for a Christmas gift making party. Gather some friends around, put on some crock pot hot chocolate, and make some gifts for your friends to pass out to their loved ones.

One of my favorite snacks to bust out during the holidays – and a family tradition – are the Planters mixes. From their Brittle Nut Medley to their Winter Spiced Nuts, there’s a combination for everyone.

I still remember many Christmas Eve’s over at my grandmother’s house reaching for the Planters mix. Such fond memories! And now I’m sharing those memories with my friends. But in a slightly different way!  [Read more…]

Big Game Party Ideas: Creating the Perfect Football Party

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big game party ideas

Last weekend I hosted an awesome playoff party for family and friends in celebration of getting our new, amazingly awesome big screen from Best Buy the week before. We wanted to celebrate the playoffs while talking about our new electronic devices with family and friends.

With the geek squad setting up everything for us, the only thing left for my husband to do was mount the screen to the wall. And invite his friends and family over so we could celebrate! The rest was left up to me. And I was up for the challenge!

I love hosting parties and celebrating just about any occasion. So this party was a blast to plan and put together. We used a few things we already had from past years celebrations and mixed them in with some new editions. [Read more…]

How to Create the Ultimate Super Bowl Party Food Spread

super bowl party food spread

While I might not know much about the NFL teams most likely to make it to the super bowl, I can tell you what super bowl party food I’ll be serving at our house on Super Bowl Sunday.

I find that there are 5 elements to a great Super Bowl: the teams, the commercials, the food, the halftime show, and the actual game. Now most of us like a few aspects while others prefer the whole package.

Me? I’m more interested in the food and the commercials! So I put together some suggestions for creating the ultimate super bowl party food spread.

Super Bowl Party Food chili bar

How to Create the Ultimate Super Bowl Party Food Spread

1. Make-Your-Own Food Bar

One thing that is always super popular at our get togethers are the make-your-own food bars we create. From chili bars (seen above made with Wolf chili), to mashed potatoes, to make your own pizzas, letting your guests choose what toppings and add ins they put on their food is very appealing.

Plus it’s easier to set up and make! Simply choose a base and then add the toppings or add ins on the side in small dishes. This also works very well for desserts too! Make your own ice cream sundaes or floats like we did here at my root beer float party.

Super Bowl Party Food bacon cheeseburgers and hot dogs

2. Classic Football Barbecue

Stick with classics like hamburgers and Hebrew National hot dogs. You can spruce them up by adding some bacon or including them in the chili bar so guests can load their choice up with chili and toppings.

This will take up less time for you because the burgers and dogs can be made ahead and guests can assemble their own.

If you are looking for a more challenging main course for your party, consider going all out with these delicious baby back ribs with homemade barbecue sauce.

super bowl party food spinach artichoke dip3. Appetizers

Ahh… appetizers. My absolute favorite part of any party. Now appetizers can be your main focus, or you can simply add a few easy platters to your spread.

I’ve used a delicious artichoke and spinach dip for my appetizer here. Hot dips are always a huge hit and this one is a crowd pleaser. You can also try this delicious hot white pepperoni dip at your party.

If you’re trying to keep things easy consider picking up a few easy fixes like Alexia waffle fries or H.K. Anderson™ pretzels. And a veggie tray is always a nice addition even though my husband thinks otherwise.

super bowl party food football brownies

4. Desserts

Desserts can be fun for events like these. I made these cute football brownies from a favorite recipe of mine but you can easily get away with a boxed package! And I let the kids help add the football strings to the tops with icing.

Other great ideas for desserts are Snack Pack pudding treats or an ice cream sundae bar. You could also consider making football shaped cereal treat bars out of your favorite chocolate cereal.

super bowl party food shock top belgian white

5. Drinks

The one thing I make sure to have plenty of come game day are beverages. From my favorite varieties of Shock Top (love their Honeycrisp Apple Wheat!) to the classic Coca-Cola, it’s always fun to drink from bottles at the game.

Water and iced tea are also a great go-to. Keep a pitcher out with the drinks and another in the fridge so you can switch them out quickly when one is empty.

super bowl party food

Pinterest Inspiration

What’s your favorite super bowl party food?

Kids Reptile Birthday Party (San Diego)

Reptile Birthday Party Dessert Table

On Friday my baby, my first born, will be 4 years old. And I cannot believe how fast time has flown by!

My boy is kind, curious, funny, and constantly moving. He is smart as a whip and picks up on everything and loves his little sister dearly.

For his 4th birthday party my son insisted on having dinosaurs. But since his 3rd birthday party was a dino party we tried to think of variations that would fit his interest. And he decided on reptiles.

Since he’s obsessed with reptiles, bugs, and really anything creepy crawly (he’s the kid digging in your garden for earth worms and other critters) it was perfect!

[Read more…]



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