Search Results for: blog other summer parties

Simple Summer Crafts

Simple crafts are the perfect remedy for cabin fever.  This summer, the following easy and affordable projects have been lifesavers when it’s been too hot or too wet for my 8-year-old to run amok outside.  An added bonus:  these kid-friendly activities require very little adult assistance.  This makes them ideal to include at a variety of summer events such as family reunions, church picnics or birthday parties. Homemade Suncatcher Materials: Colored tissue paper cut into small pieces of varying shapes and sizes Safety scissors Clear contact paper Two large paper plates Yellow craft paint Paint brush Yellow poster board Craft glue Hole … Continue reading →

Budget Graduation Parties

In 1996, the late, great American novelist Nora Ephron shared the following pearl of wisdom with Wellesley College’s graduating class:  “Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” Ten years into the future, not every student will be able to remember the commencement speech given on graduation day, but he will likely recall the party celebrating his academic achievements.  Fortunately, you don’t have to go bankrupt hosting a summer shindig for your graduating student. By incorporating these affordable elements, you can give your grad a rad party he will remember for years to come: Open House:  … Continue reading →

Are Separate Birthday Parties Necessary?

Is your child’s birthday one more day that you dread because you have to figure out how to share it with your ex? When I was first divorced Hailey’s birthday loomed over me like a dark cloud. I didn’t want it to be one more holiday that she would have to split between mom and dad’s house. That first birthday after the divorce was hard. Hailey was sad, her family was glaringly divided. After that year I decided never again. I wanted Hailey’s birthday to be a celebration for and about her. So I called my ex husband and hashed … Continue reading →

Potpourri of Cheap Summer Fun

Are you running out of affordable ways to keep your kids busy during the last days of summer vacation? August is quickly coming to an end, but for some families, money for summer fun ran out a long time ago. Now is the perfect time to use up any supplies you might have leftover from early summer projects or parties. For example, if you have any extra water balloons in your home fill them up and place them in the freezer for a few hours or overnight. When your kids start singing the “I’m bored” blues, cut away the balloon … Continue reading →

Simple Summer Shindigs

Just because you don’t have a summer birthday doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate with a monster bash that people will be talking about well into winter. Summer parties typically involve barbeques, backyard bonfires and plenty of beverages. However, if you are looking to spice up your seasonal get-together why not think outside of the box with these fun themes: Go West: Ditch the beach theme and kick up your heels at a western-themed hoedown. Print up invitations on computerized wanted posters and request that guests attend the party in western duds. For those who forget their gear, hand out large, … Continue reading →

Tea-Themed Parties

Afternoon tea is a way of life in England; however, there’s no reason the tradition can’t be emulated in your neck of the woods. Or even better—your garden. With spring in the air and temperatures on the rise, why not throw caution to the wind and host a tea party of your own? Whether you are sipping with your sisters, friends, neighbors, or you are looking for a kid-friendly activity to keep your children busy in the great outdoors, some of these ideas may come in handy: Etiquette: While you don’t have to adhere to the strict formality of a … Continue reading →

Tips for Cool Summer Parties

With much of the country melting under triple digit temperatures, I’m not sure you’d want to throw an outdoor summer party unless it involves a pool full of ice. Last week, huge chunks of ice were added to public pools in Omaha, Nebraska, to help patrons cool off as heat indices surpassed 115 degrees. Not a bad idea for a backyard pool party as well. If you are looking for other cool ways to keep your summer party guests entertained in the sweltering heat, consider these ideas: Movie Night in the Pool: Our local Parks and Recreation Department just hosted … Continue reading →

Teen Kills Parents Then Parties the Night Away

Just when you thought the state of Florida couldn’t churn out any more crazy, the horrific story of 17-year-old Tyler Hadley emerges. According to police, the Port St. Lucie teen is sitting behind bars right now following the grizzly discovery of his bludgeoned parents in the family’s Florida home. Officer say Blake and Mary-Joe Hadley were allegedly smashed in the head with a 22-inch hammer and left for dead late Saturday night. So, who would do such a dastardly deed to two well-respected members of the community? Police say the double murder is the work of the Hadley’s son Tyler, … Continue reading →

Summer Entertaining: Loving the Luau

If I have to see Party City’s TV commercial for cheap luau gear one.more.time… If you’ve been living under a rock, news flash: Party City is having a massive sale on everything you need to throw a backyard summer luau, save for the poi, lomi salmon and Kalua pig. I was born and raised in Hawaii, as such I’ve attended more than a few authentic Hawaiian luaus. They’ve all been memorable parties and I certainly see why people living outside of the 50th state would want to recreate the festivities. Unfortunately, unless you have a large budget and can ship … Continue reading →

The Dreaded Summer Birthday

Nothing says summer bummer louder than an August birthday. I speak from experience. Being a Leo has its pitfalls; namely not being able to celebrate your big day with your entire class. In all of my years as a student, from kindergarten all the way through high school, I never once had a major birthday blowout to commemorate my summer birthday. Why? Because no one was around to join in on the celebration. My poor nephew is just now realizing that being born in the middle of July is not as cool as it may seem, especially when all of … Continue reading →