LilSugar

Bedrest Bash: Games

babysugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:00:09 -0700

While you're lounging in your pjs and snacking on pizza, prolong the girl time by playing some fun (not corny) baby games. Make it worth the ladies' while actually presenting the winner with a bottle of champagne or gift certificate for a mani/pedi.

To see what games I like to play at showers, read more.

Guess the Belly Size: Bring a spool of yarn or twine and a pair of scissors. Everyone takes a shot at guessing how big the mama–to–be's belly is and cuts their piece. When all the guests have snipped their string, you measure the expectant belly and compare the strings. Whoever guesses closest to the real measurement wins.
Blushing Baby Moments: Pass out a piece of paper and pen to each guest. Everyone must write their most embarrassing childhood moment down on the slip and fold it in half. Once all are complete, collect them in a basket. The mama of honor must read them aloud and then try to guess which story belongs to whom.
Betting Time: Not so much a game, ask guests to guess the sex, weight, date and length of the baby on one piece of paper. The grid is a fun keepsake for baby's book.

Source

Bedrest Bash: Order In

babysugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 07:00:09 -0700

Everyone has arrived in pajamas and the diaper cake and balloons are festively placed around the room.

Things are looking more like a sleepover than a baby shower. Stick with that vibe and order food to be delivered.

To see what I recommend, read more.

Since you're in the home of the bedrest mama–to–be, the last thing you want to do is make a big mess. Of course you'll be there to tidy up after the soirée, but the guest of honor will probably be pretty wiped out and ready for some R&R.

Keep things clean and maintain order by calling up the expectant mama's favorite pizza place, sandwich shop, Greek taverna, or whatever her cravings dictate.

By ordering in, you're saving yourself oodles of time, lots of prepping and maybe even some money. As long as you supply the utensils, plates and napkins, your party will be set to go. And, forget the dishwasher - you just need a good old recycling bin to take care of those pizza boxes!

Source

Bedrest Bash: Edible Invitations

LilSugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:00:38 -0700

Past letting people know about an upcoming party, most invitations end up in the trash. So when you're planning the bedrest bash, why not choose something guests will enjoy making disappear. To check out this alternative invitation, read more.

Edible chocolate bar invites by CustomCandyBarWrapper.com ($1-2) will set the mood for a laid back affair for the mama-to-be and double as a sweet treat. Available in numerous patterns, there's one for every occasion.

April Showers: Bedrest Bash

LilSugar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:00:00 -0700

Sometimes pregnancy calls for the mom-to-be to take to her bed. Limiting an expectant woman's time on her feet decreases pressure on the cervix, increases oxygen and nutrients to the baby, and helps maternal organ function.

But that doesn't mean the impending arrival shouldn't be celebrated with a fabulous fête like the ones thrown for mobile moms-to-be. So check and see if your bedridden friend minds if you bring the party to her.

To start planning a bedrest bash, read more.

Since space is likely limited, put only her closest friends on the guest list. Then ask everyone to throw on their favorite pair of pajamas and head over to the house. Whether you choose to set up a bedroom spa or just kick up your heels and keep her company, the expectant woman will probably welcome the festivities.
Source

Bedrest Bash: Soda Bar

LilSugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 07:00:43 -0700

Break out the bubbly! But since it's a baby shower and the mama-to-be probably isn't indulging in alcohol, opt for Italian sodas and some old fashioned floats!

All you need is some soda water, flavored Torani syrup, ice cream, root beer and twisty straws if you dare.

The blast back from the past beverages will remind you of childhood and provide the perfect refresher to go with the take-out you are eating bedside. To learn how to make an Italian soda, read more.

Pack tall glasses with ice and fill with seltzer water, then add flavored syrup to taste (usually 2 ounces). If you want to make a creamosa, blend in a bit of half and half or milk.

Cheers!

Source

Bedrest Bash: Diaper Cake Decor

babysugar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:43:00 -0700

I love the idea of a diaper cake. Unfortunately, I don't like the price they charge for them. So I put my creative juices to work and crafted my own. Making the cake allows you to personalize it to suit the mama–to–be.

To see how to make a diaper cake, read more.

Supplies you will need:

Diapers (I try to find plain ones so the colors won't clash too much)
Tulle fabric
Ribbons (different sizes and colors)
Scissors
Tape (optional)
Cake platter
Cup (can help hold diapers in place)
Bottle
Candy
Extra doo-dads, like pacifiers, onesies, etc.

Check out the gallery below for a step–by–step how–to on making a diaper cake.

View 20 Photos ›

*For extra decor, buy some helium-filled balloons in the same colors and fill the room with the hovering pieces.

Texts and Tunes: Bundle of Trouble

babysugar — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 04:00:20 -0700

Think the entry into motherhood isn't tough enough? Try adding an unsolved murder mystery to your "to do" list. While it's not the typical postpartum scenario, it's entertaining to read about.

Mamas looking to kill some time may enjoy the quick mystery read by Diana Orgain. An interesting take on murder-centric novels, Bundle of Trouble ($7) is about a new mom who finds her family entangled in a fatal crime. Along with her investigative work, the recovering mum talks about breastfeeding, pumping, and losing the baby weight. The perfect gift for a lady on bedrest, expectant mothers will not only find the book a speedy read, they'll learn a few of motherhood's best kept secrets along the way.

April Shower of My Own

babysugar — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:00:15 -0700

I threw a baby shower for my bedrest friend yesterday. And, I employed a few of lilsugar's April Showers tips to create the ambiance for this special party.

To find out which ideas I used and to see pictures of the event, read more.

I used the orange and blue invitations that I suggested for a tea party. Since this shower honored my bedrest friend, we asked all guests to wear pajamas
We brought balloons in orange and turquoise – the colors of her nursery.
I purchased pretty orange and white plates and napkins for place settings.
The diaper cake was a hit and the perfect center piece for the party.
For party favors, I bought orange and white polka dot pillow boxes and placed them in a trifle dish. Surrounding the dish were bowls full of the mama–to–be's favorite candies. On their way out, the guests happily filled up on the yummy candy wheel treats.

View 6 Photos ›

Guide to Four Great Baby Shower Themes

babysugar — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:00:19 -0700

'Tis the last day of April, which means our April Baby Showers must come to an end. But before you go off to plan your own festive bash, here's a quick recap of our ideas.

Good Things Come in Small Packages
We gave you ideas for invitations and then dished on what to serve up and what to serve it on. Guests will delight in the lip balm favors and clothespin game and the hostesses will love the manicure and pedicure gift idea.

To see the rest of the clever notions, read more.

Tea Party Shower
Create your own invitation using supplies from a paperie like Paper Source. Dress up the table using floral filled tea pots and festive assorted tea cups. Once your guests have gobbled up the mini sandwiches and tea, send them on their way with decorated sugar cubes or a package full of candy.

Bedrest Baby Shower
Send out edible invitations with the announcements on a Hershey's type wrapper. In keeping with the sweet theme, bring a diaper cake for a perfect centerpiece. Keep things simple by ordering in the food and prepping a soda bar station for the pajama bash. Add a fun factor to the party by playing a few fun but low key baby games with the mama–to-be.

Couples Baby Shower
Send out some funky fresh baby shower invitations in the form of a concert ticket. Sass up the place with pink or blue cigars and bottles full of peanuts or candy. Offering up creatively named mocktails and appetizers will add to the baby chic atmosphere.

Recapping the whole month of showers, I used some of our own lilsugar ideas when I hosted a baby shower this past weekend. I crafted the diaper cake, a candy wheel and made some nursery themed Paper Source invitations. Thankfully, it was a cinch to plan and a huge success.

What You Missed While You Were Chasing a Lil One This Week

babysugar — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 11:06:44 -0700

Celebration: We offered guides to planning a baby shower including tips on how to host a Bedrest Bash. The best part? An amazing three tiered diaper cake!
Conception: We shared a list of things you should consider pre-conception, wondered if you choose to get prenatal tests, then quizzed you on how well you actually know them.
Kids will be kids: This week's Real Housewives of New York included an awful tantrum from four-year-old Francois, promoting the question: What time does junior go to bed?
Parenting: Why didn't anybody tell me that kids love to play outdoors?
What's your take: Would you put your kid on a leash? Do you think women are "buying time" by freezing their eggs?
Celebrity babies: A very pregnant Jessica Alba admitted she's developed her nesting instinct. New daddy Joel Madden may be fond of his girlfriend and baby mama, Nicole Richie, but he says lil Harlow is the love of his life. A brave Gwyneth Paltrow told Vogue she suffered from postpartum depression after son, Moses, 2 was born. Richie Sambora's run in with the law last month may end up adding more than just a DUI to his record.