Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

We have almost finished up party season! The boys have had their teenage mutant ninja turtle party and it was a success! They enjoyed every moment. Bob has already said next year all the kids have one large group party. Sounds good to me. I love parties and I am partied out. We hosted the boys' party at a nearby park. I am so glad i did. That really cut down on the stress since I didn't have to worry about the mess before or after. (We of course picked up the park before we left.) We ordered pizza and I made fruit and cupcakes. Easy peasy. Once again, I ordered custom invitations on esty. The design is super cute but the guy was pretty slow so no recommendations on that one!

I saw the balloon idea on pinterest. I just ordered green balloons and wrapped each one with crepe paper to make the masks. The kids thought they were great. I mostly bought pre-made decor. I typically try to steer clear feeling like I save money avoiding it but the tablecloth, loot bags and napkins were worth the few bucks they cost. Ollie was so excited about the tablecloth. I mean really if my kids is going to get that excited over $2. I'll do it. I also bought the happy birthday sign. Once again, worth it. I think sometimes in a quest to save money, I spent more and stress my self out trying to do it myself!

A neighbor and friend of mine spent the good part of Friday helping me decorate about a million cupcakes. I was really pleased with how they turned out. I made two slightly bigger cakes for the boys so I could fit all their candles in them. The kids thought they were great so once again, I think they were worth the effort and honestly, they were really easy. I was excited to find the candy eyes in the baking aisle in target. They made this so, so much easier!


In July, my mom and I spent a day sewing masks as party favors for all the kids. I was able to make four out of two sheets of felt. The felt was $.50/sheet and then I bought elastic. I think each mask cost about $0.30. I noticed not many of the girls took them but the boys loved them!

 I stressed over the pinata. I really wanted one but oh.my.word! Have you priced them? Twenty-five dollars without candy. Now this was a teenage mutant ninja turtle but geez. I called Bob. He said, "Let's do it!" I said, "Who are you and what have you done with my husband?"  Lol. IT was worth it. It was no stress and the kids really had a great time. Plus, every one got a bunch of candy and who doesn't love candy?  The other game was a ninja star game. Bob said, "Oh yeah, I know how to fold those." I think he forgot and the poor guy spent a good hour folding them. The game was ok. The kids just whipped them into baskets.


Other than the two games, the kids spent most of the time beating each other with sticks. So that was fun...I'm looking forward to next year!

Elenora Jade's 1st Birthday!

For those of you who don't know me, I LOVE PARTIES! I used to be a children ministry director and one of my favorite parts of the job was event planning. Back then, I was lucky enough to have a whole team of folks who helped me. So now, I'm on my own! Well I do have a very creative and helpful husband, mother and sister. Esty comes in handy as well. I decided almost a year ago that Nora would have an Alice in Wonderland party for her first birthday. I've always loved that story!

 I harassed Bob about creating and invitation for me and then I discovered that you can buy a custom invitation for under $10. They send you a file and you print them yourself. Bob will tell you the $10 was worth it! Look at these darling invitations from nickeldesign. She was quick and wonderful to work with.

I bought 4 sets of fake flowers at the dollar tree and a bag of googly eyes. I created the living flowers. I borrowed a few tea pots from a dear friend and my mom dug out the ones she saved from my wedding. Such cute and easy decor. I have a few sets of china (one of mine, one that was my godmothers and one that is my grandmother-in-laws). I pulled out a few cups and saucers and printed little tags that said, "move down!" 

 Drink me! and Eat Me! are such an important part of Alice's story. I made "drink me" labels for all the drinks. I bought bottles. I really wanted to buy glass bottles but the cheap part of me won out. It was just so spendy! I made the cupcakes from a box (gasp- oh the horror) and the frosting from a can. I pulled out my decorating bag and tips and wrote "eat me" on each one. Then ollie decided to add sprinkles. They were quite as I had hoped but still cute!

Off with their heads! The queen of hearts. Gotta love her, right? I went to Hobby Lobby and found a rose mold for $1.99. I picked up the meltable candy and went to work. I put just a little red in the bottom and then poured in the white to get that painted white rose look. I had the canister tucked away in a box. I bought a set of cards for $1 at the dollar tree. I also picked up the powder blue table cloth, white table cloth and the plates. Such a great store!

My mom sewed this darling dress for Nora. I just love it! It is perfect for Alice in Wonderland. I ordered a petticoat and got her some like black leather shoes. I'm so thankful for such a talented mom!

The party was pretty low key. Unfortunately, several family members were suffering from the stomach flu and couldn't make it. I'm thankful Nora is too young to notice their absence. Nora got many wonderful gifts including her own copy of Alice in Wonderland, a charm bracelet with a heart charm (represent the queen of hearts) and a jewelry ox to keep it in. She also received some great toys and clothes. We are thankful for the blessings!

 I love having a girl! Bob has decided next year that the kids will have one giant party for family and friends. So I'm already trying to come up with a theme for that will be pleasing to both the boys and my little princess!