About.com

How to Make Butterfly Pretzels

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 02:22:24 +0000

I recently wrote up some ideas for hosting a butterfly birthday party, and in that piece I mention making edible butterflies out of twisty pretzels.

My daughters and I decided to bring that idea to life today, so here is a quick recipe for making the super-easy butterfly pretzels pictured here.

...

Read Full Post

Bowling Birthday Parties

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 19:56:33 +0000

A couple months ago, my daughter's birthday landed in the middle of our family's move across the state. We were knee deep in boxes and packing tape, so when she suggested having a bowling birthday party instead of our regular backyard bash, we jumped on the idea.

...

Read Full Post

Outrageous Kids' Parties, Take 2

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 02:49:13 +0000

I noticed a couple of new comments this week on my original post about the TV show "Outrageous Kid Parties". That can only mean one thing:

Season 2 has begun.

Just to recap ... the reality show, which launched last winter, follows families as they plan and host over-the-top birthday and holiday parties for their children. In some episodes, families spend tens of thousands of dollars for the events (and stress out a wee bit in the process).

...

Read Full Post

Bento for Birthday Parties

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 01:21:10 +0000

With it being back-to-school season, I keep getting e-mails and seeing magazine articles with tips on what to pack in kids' school lunches. I'm especially drawn to the suggestions to make bento, which is a Japanese word that refers to boxed lunches.

...

Read Full Post

Butterfly Birthday Parties

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 02:24:45 +0000

Sometimes a birthday party theme comes along that you just know will die out in popularity after a few years. Butterfly birthdays, on the other hand, will probably outlive us all.

...

Read Full Post

End-of-Summer Parties for Kids

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 01:44:28 +0000

I recently posted some links to fun back-to-school party and snack ideas, but most of us still have some summer left, so don't put away the beach (or pool or lake) bag too soon. Here are some ways to celebrate summer with kids while we still have some sunshine left.

...

Read Full Post

DIY Party Supplies--Some New Links

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:53:59 +0000

This has been a summer of transition. Our family moved across state, and two months later, we're still getting settled in our new home.

I have always been someone who gets a bit antsy if I go too long without creating something ... anything! With my craft supplies packed away here and there, though, it has been hard, lately, to scratch that itch.

...

Read Full Post

Wording a Charity Party Invitation

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 18:30:35 +0000

I wrote earlier this week about the wave of generosity the public has shown after a young Seattle-area girl was killed in a freeway accident. In June, the 9 year old had asked her birthday party guests to give to a charity that provides clean drinking water to people in Africa in lieu of receiving traditional gifts. She'd raised $220 of her $300 goal back then, but once news of her tragic death in late July spread, donors flooded her cause with more than $800,000 (so far), helping 40,300 people in need.

...

Read Full Post

Girl's Birthday Wish Fulfilled After Fatal Crash

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 03:12:51 +0000

Late last month, in my corner of the country, a 13-vehicle crash took the life of a young girl named Rachel Beckwith. It happened outside of Seattle when a logging truck lost its rear axle.

...

Read Full Post

Tutorial: Chalkboard Cupcake Toppers

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:19:23 +0000

Just a quick heads up to show you a tutorial I just posted for making miniature chalkboard cupcake toppers.

You could use these at a back-to-school party or as a treat on the first day of school. The great thing is that you could write whatever message you want on them, and then erase and use them for another holiday or special event.

...

Read Full Post