If this isn’t the coolest idea since sliced bread, I don’t know what is!  From The Kitchn, these pie birds keep the hot bubbly center of pies from boiling over because they ventilate the sweet goodness while baking.  Now if only they whistled when the pie is done!

H/T Brittney’s Shared Items. Thanks!

I put cookies in the oven a little while ago, and decided to see what I could find when I did a search for “cookies”.   Look what I found!

I just returned from training at the Sommet Center (actually it is now officially the Bridgestone Arena) to work concessions as a fundraiser for a friend’s daughter.  What I initially dreaded turned out to be a very informative evening.  75 to 80 percent of the workers in the concession stands there are “volunteers”, working for money that goes directly to their organization.  What a great way to give back to the community.  Some groups have earned over $50,000 in a year’s time.  Yes, it takes a commitment of time and effort (and Advil for the leg and foot cramps from being on your feet for hours), but considering today’s economic struggles, it’s a welcome relief to many people.  I spoke with several parents this evening who said that without this extra “income”, they would be forced to withdraw their children from their activities.  Many thanks to the people who make all this possible.  I guess sometimes it does take a village!

As promised, I have some ideas for kids parties.  Just keep in mind that your most important factors are cost, guests, and space.  From there, the possibilities are endless!

I can’t post this without mentioning the basics…the swimming party, day at the museum, bowling, bounce place, gymnastics party, etc.  But as I thought about what to write, I remembered a friend of mine who is struggling financially.  For the last two years, she’s really had to stick to a budget…and I think she’s given her nine-year-old a couple of great parties. 

The first year, she had a “formal”.  All the guests dressed up in anything from Sunday clothes to prom dresses.  They had a tea party, and decorated their own cupcakes.  They had fancy punch, played a few games, and hung out.  They had a blast!

This year, they went on a neighborhood scavenger hunt.  My friend spoke with neighbors on her street ahead of time, and made a list similar to the following:

• something fuzzy like a cat
• something mushy like the inside of a pumpkin
• something hairy like a spider web

Since the birthday party was at the beginning of October, she took advantage of the Halloween theme, but it could be adapted in many ways.  The girls set out, with adults and teen volunteers, to find things on the list…to be provided by the neighbors.  After finding all ten items, the groups returned to the house for cake and punch.  What a clever idea.  Not to mention low cost and unique! 

Another friend did a sundae party one year.  It was one of the best parties she had ever had, and one of the best we had ever attended! 

Remember, parties don’t have to cost a fortune.  Don’t stress.  Enjoy it.  If you have fun, so will your guests!

Photo by Theresa Thompson via Flickr Creative Commons.  

I cannot believe it…my “baby” turns nine on Sunday.  With that harsh reality also comes the dreaded question.  What kind of party will she have?  In early January, I was looking at either one MASSIVE party or two medium sized parties, one for her friends and one for our large extended family.  The family all lives fairly close, and quite frankly, expects a party.  And honestly, my daughter is very attached to most of these people, so it seems unfair to deny her a party with them.  Then, there’s the school friends issue.  No one gets an invitation unless they ALL get an invitation.  That’s the school rule.  One I definitely understand, but hate at the same time.  Regardless, it’s another factor we must consider when planning a party. 

So I began my yearly research of possible birthday venues and their party packages…Swim parties, museum parties, bowling parties, gymnastics parties…and so much more.  Prices varied greatly, from just at $100 to over $300.  Then again, I also had to consider the guests.  I found great rates for a two hour swim session at an indoor pool…but I just couldn’t see Grandmothers and uncles swimming with  Emma’s school friends (I don’t know, it just seemed wierd). 

By the end of January, I was cut a huge break.  “Girl Drama” as I loathingly call it struck my daughter and her “best friend”.   So, much like her mother, my baby decided she “didn’t want to deal with any of them”.  Neither of us deal all that well with conflict!  So the decision was made…a fun, family party.  I still had to find the place, as parking is a huge issue at our house, but it had gotten a whole lot easier. 

My mother-in-law was able to rent out part of the clubhouse at her apartment complex for a very reasonable price.  Emma decided on a “dinner party”, requesting salad, lasagne, bread, and, of course, cake (also provided by my mother-in-law who makes wonderful cakes!).  We’ll throw in some sodas and call it a party.  I feel like I got off really easy…and Emma is ELATED!  Sometimes it’s the simple things that makes them the happiest!

Okay…I did get off really easy.  I won’t leave you hangin’.  Stay tuned for some fun birthday ideas for kids!

Photo by Pink Sherbet Photography via Flickr Creative Commons.

Some of us will choose to stay at home on Valentine’s Day, and spend the day with our children.  Don’t make it just another Sunday.  Find something fun and exciting to do as a family.  This is the perfect opportunity to take in some of that much-needed family time you’ve been craving! 

Try some of these ideas:

• Bake cupcakes or cookies.  Allow all of the children to take part.
• Ask the children to plan the dinner menu, and, if age appropriate, have them help cook the meal.
• Game Day!  Spend a few hours playing family-friendly games.  Snack on munchies the kids helped make.
• Watch a movie…or two…or three!  Make popcorn - air poppers are a fun addition!
• Scrapbook - Provide supplies for the kids to put together their own scrapbooks or scrapbook pages.  Maybe you could even find photos of past Valentine’s Days.

Whatever you decide to do, remind the kids of what the day is really about…spending time with the people you love.  It’s amazing what a little “together time” can do for today’s busy family!

Photo by VMiramontes via Flickr Creative Commons.

I have to admit, I’ve never cared much for Valentine’s Day.  To me, it has just been an excuse for florists to jack up their prices!  I’ve alway felt like people should let the people they love know this on an everyday basis.  But, as I get older, and time with my husband becomes more and more valued, so does the the “idea” of that special day to celebrate our love. 

Now, the question arises…What are we doing on Valentine’s Day?  We’ve done the usual dinner and a movie.  But by the time we wait in line for two hours at the restaurant, eat, then sit through the two hour movie, the night is over.  Sometimes that route is more stressful than enjoyable.  So, I’ve done a little research, and have found some fun, different, and sometimes even FREE Valentine’s date ideas.

I, personally, love the idea of a date that allows for communication.  If you have children, you know exactly what I mean.  A few hours talking to your spouse is almost unheard of in the everyday life of today’s busy families.  A few of my favorites are :

• A picnic…outdoors or indoors…takeout or homemade.  Be creative about the place. 
• Take a hike…together, of course.  Bundle up and go for a walk.
• Plan a game night for just the two of you.  Think about it…how long has it been since you’ve done this without the kids?
• Cook a meal TOGETHER.  This can be really fun without the added stress of the kids fighting in the background.

There really are some great ideas out there.  If these ideas don’t appeal to you, try doing a little research of your own.  One of my favorite resources is Coolest Dates.  This site offers lots of ideas for many occasions, even for different age groups.   Whatever you decide to do with that special someone, ENJOY IT!  After all, Valentine’s only comes once a year!

Photo by Illusive Photograpy via Flicker Creative Commons.

Photo by SherriW via Flickr Creative Commons.

Brittney at Sparkwood & 21 says cupcakes are not a trend.  For this I am thankful, though honestly I haven’t even walked into a cupcake boutique to sample a little piece of frosting and sugar heaven.  So I’m not sure about this whole “this is not a trend” headline, especially when she confirmed,

People walk by this store in droves, but it is always the women whose gait slows, whose heads tilt back to take it all in, to see that, yes, there are hundreds of tiny cakes, each decorated and topped and put on display. Almost none go inside.

I did buy myself a Christmas gift which still sits unopened in the box it came in.  A mini-cake decorating kit.  When will that “someday” come I keep asking myself?  I fear the kit may be headed for a yard sale 10 years from now … the poor dust-covered box will go for 50 cents to someone else with aspirations of culinary art and deliciousness combined into one.

Meanwhile, if you want to keep up-to-date on cupcake recipes, Utah Loves Cupcakes!

Photo of Emma and Cade as we celebrated a great two weeks of school with a cupcake party at my house!