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Food and Fun Jun 19, 2013

100 of the Best Kids' Birthday Party Themes

It's your little one's special day, so there's no stopping Mom when it comes to planning the perfect birthday bash.

by Rebecca M Gruber

It's your little one's special day, so there's no stopping Mom when it comes to planning the perfect birthday bash. Kids wait all year to celebrate their big days, and with one of these amazing party themes, they're sure to have the best days ever. From parties inspired by glitter, sprinkles, strawberries, and lemonade to princess bashes of every variety to boy-perfect soirees featuring mad scientists, pirates, ninjas, and even construction cones, we've rounded up the best themes for the guest of honor! Keep clicking to find the party that best matches your little birthday boy or girl.

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summer Jun 19, 2013

25 Great Summer Dinner Ideas For Families

Warm weather may mean it's time to break out the BBQ, but it also means putting some of those standby soups, stews, and other hearty meals on the back burner for the season.

by Lisa Horten

Warm weather may mean it's time to break out the BBQ, but it also means putting some of those standby soups, stews, and other hearty meals on the back burner for the season. If you're searching for Summer dinner inspiration for your family, look no further. These 25 recipe ideas feature seasonal ingredients and are sure to satisfy parents and kids alike. Eat up!

One-Dish Artichoke Chicken With Asparagus

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summer Jun 18, 2013

What-a-Melon! 9 Fun Ways to Serve Up Watermelon For Kids

Nothing screams "Summer's here!"

by Lisa Horten

Nothing screams "Summer's here!" quite like a ripe, juicy bite of watermelon. Take advantage of the summertime favorite's short shelf life by serving it up in an extra-special way. Whether you're carving a whole melon or turning it into a frozen treat, these nine fun ideas are sure to delight your little ones. Eat up!

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Food and Fun Jun 18, 2013

A Woodland-Fairy-Themed Birthday Party

"Usually it takes me a good four months to plan a party from scratch (mostly because I'm a control freak who loves to DIY), but for this fairy-tale birthday party, I wanted to incorporate simple decor ideas and create a magical ambiance that anyone can pull together quickly and without much fuss," says Bird, a mom of two, a graphic designer, and the founder of party site Bird's Party.

by Kate Stahl

"Usually it takes me a good four months to plan a party from scratch (mostly because I'm a control freak who loves to DIY), but for this fairy-tale birthday party, I wanted to incorporate simple decor ideas and create a magical ambiance that anyone can pull together quickly and without much fuss," says Bird, a mom of two, a graphic designer, and the founder of party site Bird's Party. Using her Pink Fairy party printables — full of summery pinks, greens, and butterflies — a cool crafts table, and an amazing toadstool birthday cake, Bird created a whimsical party with decor that feels like an indoor garden. And, true to her mission, it's supereasy to re-create! Keep clicking for all the details.

Source: Bird's Party

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Food and Fun Jun 17, 2013

44 Outdoor Parties to Throw Your Summer Birthday Child

With two cold-weather babies, I've always envied moms who could plan an outdoor birthday party and take advantage of their backyard or local park.

by Rebecca M Gruber

With two cold-weather babies, I've always envied moms who could plan an outdoor birthday party and take advantage of their backyard or local park. Nature makes the great outdoors ideal for garden parties, water games, messy projects, and sporting events — and best of all, they can be done at a fraction of the price of indoor ones without rental fees. Check out 44 fun parties you can throw right in the yard, without ever worrying about how you'll fit all those kids in your home!

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Baby Showers Jun 17, 2013

Baby Cakes! Inspiration For a Classic Baby Shower Cake

We're all about seeking out new trends when it comes to hosting a stylish baby shower, and over the past few years, cake pops and cupcakes have ruled the scene.

by Lisa Horten

We're all about seeking out new trends when it comes to hosting a stylish baby shower, and over the past few years, cake pops and cupcakes have ruled the scene. But sometimes a party calls for a good old-fashioned cake — the kind that needs to be cut with a knife. If the mom-to-be who you're honoring is more of a traditionalist than a trend follower, then serve her up a sweet slice of one of these 15 beautiful baby cakes!

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Food and Fun Jun 14, 2013

Family Favorites: 9 Healthy Homemade Summer Snacks

It's tempting to stock up on popsicles and ice cream when you start to feel the heat.

by Shari Wargo Stamps

It's tempting to stock up on popsicles and ice cream when you start to feel the heat. But as moms share here, there are healthier (and even tastier) Summer snacks you can easily make at home. From cantaloupe sherbert to a fruity cashew parfait, all of these family favorites are simple, delicious, and healthily homemade.

Individual Peanut Butter, Banana, Jelly-Filled Baked Oatmeal

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Bows Jun 14, 2013

Sweet and Saucy! A Bow-Filled First Birthday Party

Pastry chef Melody Brandon of Sweet & Saucy Shop has been the sugar-loving mind behind of some of our favorite parties ever (like this under-the-sea birthday party and this vintage-inspired colorful baby shower).

by Kate Stahl

Pastry chef Melody Brandon of Sweet & Saucy Shop has been the sugar-loving mind behind of some of our favorite parties ever (like this under-the-sea birthday party and this vintage-inspired colorful baby shower). She was also the guest of honor at this swoon-worthy pink ruffle baby shower, but Melody's bump has now grown into little lady Blake, who recently celebrated her first birthday in sweet and saucy style!

"I have always loved putting bows and headbands on Blake since the day she was born, so I thought the 'Bows for Blake' theme would be fitting and lots of fun," Melody says. Melody went big with the bow theme, enlisting her sister to help create an incredible bow backdrop, dressing up almost all of the amazing dessert selections with bows, and, of course, putting a bow on Blake! Add in the pink-and-gold color scheme, a gorgeous photo display of Blake's first year, and one happy birthday girl (we would be too if we had a playroom that looked like hers!), and you have one sweet party. Keep clicking to check out all the details.

Source: Sweet & Saucy Shop photographed by Krista Mason

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Food and Fun Jun 12, 2013

A Father's Day Luncheon Fit For a Superdad

Every little kid thinks that his dad has special powers — Crazy strength!

by Kate Stahl

Every little kid thinks that his dad has special powers — Crazy strength! Under-the-bed monster removal! — so why not treat him like the superdad he is with a luncheon inspired by old-school superheroes? Your party is just a few printables away! Dawn of Not Just a Mommy created an inspirational luncheon full of supersnacks and cool decor that all the dads and kids in your life will love. Keep clicking for all the details!

Source: Not Just a Mommy

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Food and Fun Jun 12, 2013

11 Homemade Ice Cream Treats Both Moms and Kids Will Love

Nothing screams Summer like ice cream, but you don't have to run to your favorite ice cream shop every time you have a craving.

by Kate Stahl

Nothing screams Summer like ice cream, but you don't have to run to your favorite ice cream shop every time you have a craving. Ice cream makers can be found pretty inexpensively (Cuisinart makes a great one for under $100). After you're up and churning, we've found 11 homemade ice cream treats that will appeal to kids of all ages — and their parents. From gelato-topped cupcakes and ice-cream-stuffed waffle sandwiches to unique recipes that will make your ice cream taste like strawberry Pop-Tarts, oatmeal cookies, or bananas and peanut butter, these treats are sure to add some cool, tasty fun to your Summer! Keep clicking to find your favorite sweet treat.

Caramelized Banana and Peanut Butter Ice Cream

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food and parties