LilSugar

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.

Taking Tot Out to the Ball Game

LilSugar — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:00:00 -0700

George Will says that baseball is one of the first places a child can match wits with an adult. Hitting a ball with a bat and running in a modified circle is something that children understand and parents can appreciate so heading out to cheer on your local team is a fitting family affair. Here are our tips for a ballpark excursion.

Minor League Action: Minor league teams often pack all of the action of their big league siblings, at a fraction of the cost and in a more kid-friendly environment. The games tend to be shorter and the stadiums often have barbecue facilities available for families to use prior to the first pitch.
Pick Your Game Wisely: Free beer mug day may invite a crowd that you don't want your little one shuffling through, while star player bobble-head handouts might be more up your alley.

For more tips on taking tots to their first ball game, read more.

Bleacher Seats: Most kids don't know the difference between box and bleacher seats and since you won't be spending too much time actually sitting through the game, consider buying the cheapest ones you can find.
Research the Stadium: Today's newer stadiums have areas dedicated for kids with child-sized batting cages, mini baseball diamonds, photo op and mascot-greeting areas. Others offer first game photos and certificates from the home team.
Pack Well: Aside from the requisite sunblock, bottles of water and team cap, be sure to pack enough goodies to get you through the day and figure out where your child's favorite snack stands are - peanuts, popcorn, chili fries and Cracker Jacks make for edible memories.
Know When to Fold Them: If mom and pops go into the game knowing that they are not likely to stay for the whole thing, they won't be upset when their lil one reaches his limits at the bottom of the sixth inning.

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.