A slumber party is almost a rite of passage for a girl – it shows they are grown up enough to spend the night away from home, and it’s not about sleeping. Tweens love to spend the night with their friends. They play games, talk, listen to music and try to stay awake as long as possible. The party can be to celebrate a birthday, or just because…. and it doesn’t have to be complicated. 

Allow your daughter to choose whom to invite, but limit the guest list so it’s manageable for you. Plan on not getting much sleep yourself. a slumber party is usually a simple seat-of-the-pants party where no plans are made ahead of time. However, you will find it easier to keep them occupied if you have some suggestions and activities ready in case they get bored, just don’t over-plan. 

Allow the girls to make their own plans. Limit activities to your own yard for safety reasons, or one room in the house if possible. Don’t allow them to go off on their own without supervision.

Some ideas to have on hand: music, dress up clothing box, craft box, board games for more than two (twister, pictionary, etc.), Treasure or scavenger hunt, Let’s Make a Deal, (Avoid truth or dare games). You can even supply basic colored t-shirts and have them make their own designs with clothing paint, sparkles, buttons and glue. You can also have a lot of buttons and safety pins on hand for them to make their own bracelets. Kids are creative, so get suggestions from them.

If you have planned this far enough ahead of time you may want some favors for the guests, such as lip gloss in cupcake containers, or nail kits and compacts (tweens love to put on makeup and primp) that they can use that night. Perhaps even get some small nail polish samplers (can be found at dollar stores) so they can experiment with different colors.

Food is always important for a slumber party. Mostly snack food, but you may want to limit the sugar for your own sanity.  Kids love to make their own food, so here are a few suggestions:

• Pizza they make themselves using their own selection of ingredients. Have available ingredients such as: English muffins for crust, sausage, mushrooms, pepperoni, cheese, tomato sauce, green peppers, onions
• Sloppy Joes & Cheese Fries
• Root Beer Floats
• Seasoned popcorn, pop come popcorn and let them add their own flavorings (cheese, cayenne pepper, chocolate, caramel).
• Cupcake decorating – make plain cupcakes ahead of time and let them decorate their own
• Smores
• Breakfast – waffles with whipped cream an orange juice; bagles and cream cheese; fruit with cream dip.
• Snack foods – chips, dip, pretzels

If there are other siblings in the home, either make arrangements for them to sleep over somewhere else, or invite one friend for them to keep them busy – and not bugging the girls.

Tip: Although you want to let the girls come up with ideas on their own, you are still in control. Don't allow them to do things their own parents won't let them do. Pre-teens are always trying to push the envelope, so in choosing movies take into consideration parental limits to avoid conflicts with parents.

 

 

No matter whether you are looking at a cruise ship or an exotic island to hold your fantasy wedding, a destination wedding requires a lot of planning, a great deal of money, and guests who are willing to travel to participate.

The one main reason to hold a wedding is to include the people you care about in sharing your big day with them. Exotic getaways are romantic, and can be an experience of a lifetime - combining a wedding and honeymoon all in one.

Destination weddings are not usually large affairs. They are small and intimate - unless you choose a destination that is within a short drive from your home and is not an inconvenience to your guests.

The main thing a destination wedding requires is ambiance. That could be seashore or lake setting, with a decorated arch or trellis set in the sand and chairs for the guests. Or an outdoor mountain cabin with a background of mountains. It could also be a tropical cruise, with all sorts of entertainment, food and lodging provided by the shipping line. It's best to consult a trusted travel agent (make sure to get references) to help you put something together that will fit into your budget, and consult your main guests as to what arrangements they can make, or share expenses with you on.

A nice idea to present your guests with are luggage tags as special favors, they are practical and considerate. If you are planning an evening wedding, flower lanterns offer a romantic setting that is amazing!  There are so many beach themed favors and decorations to choose from to make a destination wedding absolutely perfect.

Nothing says that a baby shower has to be party games and a simple cake and ice cream event. Baby showers are the perfect time to get your friends together for cocktails and hor' dourves, and opening of wonderful gifts for the new arrival.

A baby shower doesn't even have to just be women. Since fathers are just as much a part of the new baby's life there is no need to exclude them from the fanfare and pampering a baby showers brings to the parents. And, since he doesn't want to be the only male in the crowd (although some may find this an interesting concept) other male friends should be included as well. There is always the grandfathers-to-be for starters.

Cocktail parties don't have to be prim and proper either. Vie for beer on tap as well as mixed drinks served from a pitcher - like marguaritas mojitos or sangria cocktails.  Of course it goes without saying that at least one of the guests of honor will not be drinking alcoholic beverages, but there are "virgin" cocktails available so she won't be left out of the celebratory drinks.

Decorate the room with tiny bundle lantern garland complete with baby danglers, or you can string both pink and blue hanging lanterns. If you know the sex of the baby,  you will probably opt for the standard blue for boys and pink for girls.

Hand out adorable favors like "A Star Is Born" bottle stoppers, and "Baby Announce-mints" to your guests as thank you favors for their attendance. Have the pictured shower umbrella at the gift table and have each of the guests sing their name on the ribbons.

There's no need to stick with tradition all the time. Sometimes a departure from the norm makes things a little more exciting.  (Note: for baby shower favors, or gifts for the newborn, don't miss checking out our home site - Celebrate Milestones). 

Here are a couple great recipes to get you started:

No Guilt Pina Coladas
(Calories reduced from 300 to 150 calories!)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 Oz of coconut rum
• 3 Oz pineapple juice
• 2 Oz light coconut milk
• Dash of club soda
• A pineapple slice for garnish

Directions
In a shaker combine the rum, pineapple juice and coconut milk, and shake with ice.

Pour into a high ball glass and top with the club soda. Garnish with the pineapple slice.


Traditional Marguarita with a Twist
(Recipe based on a version by Vilis Ozlos)
Everyone loves a classic, but here's a new take on the traditional Marguarita that will kick it up a notch. The secret ingredient - beer!

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups quality tequila (try Jose Cuervo 1800, Patron or Agave Anejo)
• 1/2 cup of Grand Marnier
• 1/3 bottle of beer - makes the Marguarita taste smoother and ads a hint of carbonation
• 1 can frozen lemonade concentrate (without pulp)
• Juice from 1 lime
• Juice from 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 cup of agave nector
• Ice

Directions
Add all ingredients to a blender and mix it up
Pour Into a Marguarita glass and enjoy!

The weather is finally getting warmer and it's almost time for summer holidays and picnics. Here in America the beginning of the season is Memorial Day on May 30th, and extends through the summer - all the way to our final summer holiday fling on Labor Day,  this year on September 5th.

The holiday picnics usually  include the red, white and blue color theme - with fresh strawberries, cherries and blueberries used as toppings for cakes (with a flag theme) and colorful tablecloths and napkins. Small flags are used to decorate for the affair, and traditionally the 4th of July has the sparklers and fireworks, but it's not limited to just that one day.

The picnics (whether for holidays, family reunions, or simply a small romantic get-away) include baskets laden with a red/white checkered tablecloth, silverware and dishes (plastic dishes for larger parties and real china for the smaller intimate ones) and condiments. For the adult parties a bottle of wine is included in the package. For everyone a cooler filled with all sorts of drinks is necessary.

Most American picnic food includes baked beans as well as potato and a variety of other salads, hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill, and potato chips and other munchables for the kids. For some, ribs and chicken are served instead of (or in addition to) the hot dogs and hamburgers. There are always lots of desserts, and plenty to eat for everyone.

For the more adventurous, a game of touch football, croquet and sack races keep the entertainment going. Use your imagination to keep the kids occupied, but include the adults (who are still kids at heart) to participate in the activities as well. The kids will love it, and it gives everyone a good afternoon laugh. Here is one game everyone can play:

Mother's Day is the busiest day of the year for retailers - besides Christmas, but Father's seem to get the short end of the stick. Statistics show that a good father figure in a child's life is extremely important in a good emotional development. Even father's who may not be there every day can make a difference, as long as the time they spend with their children is quality time.

All too often the father's role in our lives gets diminished.

Father's Day is Dad's day to shine. He may not want flowers and candy, but he deserves special attention for all he has done to help. For the Dad's in the world - whether they be part of a loving couple, single fathers, adopted, divorced, or grandfathers who take on the father's role - let's celebrate the role they play in our children's life.

Dad's are just as pleased as Mom's when their young child gives them a handmade card or drawing. It doesn't take away from the machisimo to let a tear well up in their eyes from such a heartfelt gesture.

A party isn't a party without food, and Dad's love food! If he likes to grill, let him do the honors over the fires while Mom can get the kids to help make the salads and other food. Give him a chef's apron with a mitt and his initials so he can feel like "King of the Grill."

If he's a sports fan, a personalized print or mug of his favorite team, event or stadium would make him happy, and of course there is always cufflinks, money clips and dresser boxes that are sure to please as gifts.

No matter if you are young or old, and your father is active or retired, they enjoy the special attention lavished on them on Father's Day every bit as much as Mom did on her day. And, just like mom, they don't need gifts to make them feel special - a hug, a Thank You, or just spending time with them is the greatest gift of all!

Happy Father's Day to all the men who share in the lives of their children - you are valuable, and appreciated.

I never was much of a bird watcher. I never had a birdhouse or bird feeder, and only occasionally watched a bird fly. My husband, on  the other hand, participated in the annual bird count. Whenever we went out he would point to a bird and name the species, and tell me if it was indigenous to our area. At first it was a yawn for me, and I was thinking “What a geek”, but soon I started to pay attention because some of those birds are really spectacular and amusing to watch. It wasn't too much later that we started amassing bird houses and bird feeders around our doors and windows, and in the trees.

I knew that some birds fly south for the winter, but what is more interesting are the ones who stay, and how they survived in our cold, Michigan winter climate.

I particularly liked to watch the cardinals and the finches. With the distinctive bright colors of the male birds, and the evolution that takes place before they reach maturity, it's an interesting metamorphosis. When they started coming to our feeders and birdhouses I learned to distinguish between the male and females, and sometimes could tell them apart. There even were interesting and distinctive dynamics within their families, some had tempers, and some were just as curious about us as we were about them.

We have followed one cardinal family through generations in our back yard. The original pair were the most memorable, and I believe the female was actually more beautiful than the male - with her reddish brown feathers and bright orange beak. The second year they started to bring their young to feed at our feeders, and soon we lost sight of the older ones as the next generation began bringing their young. I often wonder whatever happened to the first pair we took to heart.

The finches here are mostly yellow. They are bright yellow during the summer, and turn a dull brown when it gets colder. The females (as in most bird families) are not so brilliantly colored and do not stand out as much. I was extremely excited to see a female red finch come to the feeder outside my window. I had never seen a red finch before. This one must have been lost. I had never seen another red finch around, and soon she disappeared as well.

I wonder if birds discriminate? I never saw a yellow finch feed at the same time as the red finch – although I have seen finches and cardinals, wrens and other birds feed from the same feeder.

If you really want to enjoy nature, put up a birdfeeder, birdhouse or birdbath and place it outside the windows where you normally sit. You will then understand that bird watching is not a “geek” hobby, but actually a study in society of other species. What an education!

A birdhouse, birdfeeder or birdbath are wonderful gifts for people who are confined to their homes, and especially to bed. You can place the habitats outside their window and move their bed so they can see the activity all day long. They also make excellent gift ideas for nature lovers, so don't be afraid to become the neighborhood "geek". You will be delighted that you did.

Years ago there was a weekly show titled “This Is Your Life.” A celebrity was surprised with an hour of testimonials and revisited highlights, and sometimes lowlights, of their entire life – from birth to date. It was done in good taste, and was a lovely way to honor a person and their accomplishments.

A “This Is Your Life” party would be especially fun as a birthday celebration for older adults who don’t really want gifts, but like to see and hear from people in their past. Younger people, although not having as long a history to revisit, could enjoy this type of event in the form of a roast (as long as done in good natured taste and not to reveal scandalous secrets that could do some damage).

Decorate with large photos of this person through different times in their life (check with Kinkos or a local printer as to prices and ideas). Have friends who can not attend send audio or video recordings of memories they have of the guest of honor, and play music from the different types of music they grew up with.  Put together a scrapbook with written testimonials and present it to the guest of honor.

Select a personable character to serve as the guest of honor, and ask any guest present to stand up and recall memories they have of their experience with the guest of honor.

You can hold this event as a simple cake and ice cream event – or part of a sit-down supper with champagne toasts. It is a lovely or afternoon of fun that can be added to the guestbook or scrapbook later as well. Best of all - keep it a secret from the guest of honor!

 

Have you decided whether to use a traditional cake, or cupcakes for your next event or party?

Cupcakes used to be reserved for class parties or children's birthday parties - No More!  Big parties and small are using cupcakes.Now brides are opting to serve a variety of cupcake flavors and display them on a multi-tiered stand, and decorate with flowers and ribbons.

There are hundreds of different cupcake stands - from the unusual and decorative to the standard platforms. In addition, small individual pedestals are also a fun idea.  The cupcakes can be decorated in so many different colors and accessories, and the stands can also be adorned with jewels and crystals, ribbons and flowers.

For those who prefer the traditional cake, they are still popular,  and getting more unusual all the time!  There are some beautiful crystal and crazy novelty cake tops and cake jewelry to appeal to almost anyone. If you catch an episode of "The Cake Boss" you will see some fabulous cakes that depart from the traditional cakes.

Designer cupcake wrappers, also known as cupcake sleeves or wraps, are also becoming very popular. They come a large selection of colors and designs, such as classic damask, graduation, sports themes, polka dots and more - and are best-sellers worldwide! They provide a finished, refined look to your cupcakes by hiding wrinkly cupcake liners, and can be found at all types of special events, including wedding, bridal showers, baby showers, bar mitzvahs, Hollywood galas and more! These fashionable cupcake wrappers are the perfect final touch for your cupcakes, birthday cupcake cake or even your wedding cupcake cake! 

For those who are on a budget, or want to decorate their own cake, special cake pans are available to go with your theme. Novelty cake pans are coming in a variety of shapes and sizes.

No matter which way you decide to go, have fun with it and...let them eat cake!

There was a time where Mother's were proclaimed goddesses and worshiped - Imagine that! Now we take advantage of this “Hallmark” holiday to honor the special mother or mother-figure in your life.

Mother’s Day is a time for children helping dad make breakfast in bed for mom, and hand-made crayon cards. It’s a time for mom to kick back and let other’s wait on her, for a change and give back a little of what she gives to them all week.

This is the busiest day for flowers and restaurants, and phone systems are jammed with children remembering their mothers.  This year, May 8^th is Mother’s Day.

This year you can try something a little different, but you may want to get a move on – it’s only two weeks away. What about indulging your mom with a Hot Air Balloon ride, or take her on a sailboat ride that includes a Sunday brunch.

 If mom still has young ones at home how about giving her a day away from the kids. If she is like most mothers she will not know what to do with herself.  Give her a spa getaway or a weekend retreat and furnish her with a couple books she has been dying to read but never had enough time.

If you can’t afford a get-away, take the kids away and give her a nice spa gift basket so she can let bath bubbles take her away.

If you want to help the kids come up with ideas for Mother’s Day gifts,  check out Mother’s Day Central for craft ideas.

No matter what you do for her,  she will undoubtedly feel loved – and just remember, if you forget Father’s Day is next month, and what goes around comes around!

Mother’s Day is one of the biggest florist days of the year. It’s the one day a year we set aside to celebrate our mothers, and when we remember to thank them for all they have done for us. Many of us use this day as a sort of family reunion and celebrate with grandmothers, all the siblings, and their children.

Don’t think of putting a party together for Mother’s Day as a chore. Make it a loving gesture filled with fun for everyone. Include the kids in the process. Sing songs with them, make preparation a game. Since usually it’s a mom who is putting a Mother’s Day party together for her mom, mother-in-law or mother figure it should be more fun than work.

Decide whether you want a more casual affair, or just an intimate dinner. Consider what Mom would prefer.

Put together a brunch buffet, where everyone can serve themselves – scrambled eggs with sausage, hash brown potatoes, fruit, coffee cakes, muffins and mimosas. For more intimate affairs use the good china.

For more casual parties consider a pot luck, where everyone brings something and you don’t have to do all the work yourself – after all it’s your day too. You can combine the potluck with the grill (some great recipes can be found at www.grilling.com).

No matter what you are planning - place flowers around the room for that added touch. You can purchase a planter and decorate it nicely for the table, then send it home with her to hang or plant in her garden.

Although mother's usually prefer to be remembered throughout the year, they still appreciate the effort to please her. They don't really want gifts, but still like to receive them. The most precious gift you can give her is to have all of her family around. A nice photo of the entire family, in a personalized frame, would be a special touch, or something for her garden – like a birdfeeder or fountain. No matter what you get her, she will love it!  (For more Mother's Day gift ideas, click here)

Brunch Casserole

"Chicken combines with hash browns, sour cream, ham and cheese for a filling, one-stop morning feast." (from Allrecipes.com)

1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup 1 (16 ounce) container sour cream 1 (2 pound) package frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed 1 cup cubed, cooked chicken meat

1 cup diced ham 1 onion, chopped 3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 1 cup crushed potato chips 1/4 cup butter, melted

1.	Combine undiluted soup, sour cream, hash browns, cubed chicken and ham, onions, and cheese. Pour into a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch pan.
2.	Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes. Top with crumbs, and drizzle with melted butter or margarine. Bake for another 15 minutes.