5 Ways To Rock Your Teenager's Birthday Party

If you are the parent of a teenager, you know how difficult it can be to plan a birthday party for your teen. When children hit teenage years, they start to grow out of all the childish things they used to love. They begin to develop their own tastes in sports, music and movies and what you thought they once loved, no longer applies.

When your prince or princess was little, it was easy to make them happy with a cake, balloons and a a few toys. It was also a lot easier to plan their birthday party – everyone loves to play pin the tail on the donkey, right? Well, your teenager is coming into their own now, so birthdays are changing. They need to be cool and fit in with their friends. Teenagers have a lot of pressure upon them to do well at school while maintaining their social circle, so it’s only fair that they have a birthday that they will be high-fived for!

If you have a son, it’s time to look at the best gift ideas for men, as he’s not a little boy anymore. If you’re looking for a gift for a girl, hunt for the best experience for her, a visit for her and friends to a nail salon, a favorite restaurant, or a movie, show, or concert. Race cars, ballet slippers, and electronic gadgets won’t have the same effect as adrenaline-fueled and high energy experiences. 

Here are a few ideas for a birthday party your teenager will never forget.

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Thirteen

Today is Emma's 13th birthday, and while this particular number fills me with a sort of fear and dread, it also fills me with excitement and wonder.

These can be very trying years as she experiences many physical and emotional changes. These years can also be challenging as she starts to exert her independence and push limits. But they can also be very rewarding years as well.

Here are my wishes for my daughter on her 13th birthday:

1. To know that she is never alone although she may feel like she is. I am always here for her whether she needs me to listen or to talk.

2. To know that she'll encounter lots of drama from now until the end of high school (and even beyond). That drama may seem like a big deal now, but in the whole scheme of things, it's not important.

3. To know that it's perfectly ok to say "no" without explanation to anyone.

4. To know that communication is key. Once you stop talking, a breakdown begins. Whether it's with a friend, a parent, her sibling, or anyone else, keep the lines of communication open.

5. To know that she should go confidently in the direction of her dreams.

6. To know that we love and support her in any decision she makes.

Happy 13th birthday, big girl!

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Minted.com Satisfies All Your Stationery and Gift Needs

Even in this age of technology, I still have an obsession with stationery and papery. I love notecards, thank you cards, notebooks, and no, you are not likely to receive an electronic invitation from me. Ever. I am all about the pretty, printed invitations, even for the smallest and simplest of gatherings.

When I recently decided to invest in some stationery for my business and blog, I went in search of some high-quality, online options. I had very specific requirements for what I wanted the stationery to look like. After looking at several options, I found exactly what I wanted at Minted.com.

Minted had the colors, fonts, and high-quality card stock that I wanted. I have to say, I was really surprised. I thought Minted specialized in seasonal greeting cards and not much else. I was thrilled to find such a variety of products from home decor to paper goods to stationery.

I love the foil pressed business cards.

I love the clean simplicity of this business stationery.

Whether you've got a wedding in the works or another celebration, Minted has a beautiful selection of "Save The Date" cards so your guests can be sure to share your big day.

Can we talk about the notebooks and journals? I am a notebook freak. I can never have enough of them, and Minted has page after page of notebooks ranging from colorful to neutral to simple to elaborate. Most can be personalized with names, initials, and even pictures.

Looking for a piece of wall art? Minted has got it! I love this gold foil-stamped map of California.

There are plenty of cards for kids too. I am big on making sure my kids send thank you cards as a follow up to their birthday parties.

After initially browsing Minted in search of business stationery, I ended up making a long wish list of items that I would love to have. Now, my goal is to narrow down that list and make a purchase. Stay tuned to see what I choose. I'll be sharing my purchases in a few weeks!

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Step-By-Step Guide To Hosting The Perfect Kid's Birthday Party

Hosting a fun kid's birthday party for your little ones can be stressful, but it can also be a lot of fun and very rewarding. With a little forward thinking and organization, it can become a more straightforward task. Whether you are throwing a small party for your baby or something more extravagant for an older child, this step by step guide will ensure the occasion goes off without a hitch.

Step 1: Recruit helpers

If you are hosting a big bash, enlist the help of others. Ask your spouse, your kids, family, friends, and even other parents to help. They can be of assistance with ideas for the party and can help out on the day.

Step 2: Decide on the theme

Deciding on a theme for the party will make organizing the event a lot simpler. It will help you make quick and easy decisions on what food to provide, which decorations to buy, and the music and games that should be played. If you think costumes will make a fun addition to the theme, save yourself money and time by purchasing these online from stores such as www.hollywood.uk.com. The theme does not need to be complicated, however. Even “summer” would make a good kids’ birthday party theme with outdoor games and a BBQ.

Step 3: Create a guest list

The next thing you should do is create a list of invitees to the party. A rule of thumb used by many party planners is that the number of guests should be the same as the age of the birthday girl or boy. If this works for you, then that’s ideal. However, if you find the number too limiting or too much, just focus on a number of guests that you are confident you will be able to manage.

photo credit

Step 4: Send invitations

Send out the birthday invitations at least two weeks in advance so that the guests have plenty of warning and time to RSVP. There are many options for designing and printing invitations from online printers to local ones in your town.

Step 5: Go shopping

At least a week in advance of the party, buy or order all the party food and decorations you need. By doing this in advance, you ensure that everything you need is available and in your possession. Decorations can be bought online, delivered to your door and stored until the party. The food can also be bought in advance and frozen or delivered to your door a day or two before the party to ensure it is fresh. If you can, try to buy everything from the same store to avoid multiple deliveries.

Step 6: Throw the party!

Give yourself plenty of time to set up for the party to avoid a mad rush at the last minute. If you have a lot to do, ask your family and friends to help out with putting up decorations and preparing the food. Now relax and enjoy your child’s birthday party. Pat yourself on the back; you’ve done an excellent job!

Do you have any tips to add?

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Celebrating Birthdays, Growing Older ... And Being OK With Both

Yesterday on Instagram, I shared a photo of myself. I don't do this very often...share photos of myself. I'm not a "selfie" kind of gal.

But a few days ago, Emma snapped a picture of me and when I looked at the picture, I found myself all of a sudden studying the photo. Like really, really examining it.

Something funny happened in those moments that I looked at my picture. I began to really see myself. See myself for who I am and what I have become.

At 46, I am finally at ease with myself. Finally comfortable in my own skin.

This famous quote (which, by the way, is often incorrectly attributed to Dr. Seuss) pretty much sums up how I feel right now in my life.

“Those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” — Bernard Baruch

It took me a long time to get to this point. I spent years worrying about pleasing everyone, those who matter the most and those who matter the least. I worried about what people thought of my hair, my clothes, etc. 

I spent years nurturing friendships and relationships that were going no where.

With age and experience comes wisdom. The wisdom to know what you want and what you like. The wisdom to set yourself free of all that has weighed you down in the past.

Now, if I like it, it doesn't matter what others think.

I have friends who aren't judgmental. I have friends who are real. No pretenses. They tell it like it is, and I know I can do the same. The same goes for my husband and my sisters.

With age comes a knowledge that I am not perfect and that no one is. With age comes an acceptance that I am not perfect and no one is. And I'm perfectly OK with that.

At 46, I am perfectly OK with me.

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11

My big girl is turning 11 today. It hardly seems possible, really.

I still vividly recall the doctor placing her on my chest just mere moments after she was born. It seems like I can reach my hand into yesterday and pluck those moments out.

Except they happened 11 years ago, not yesterday.

As my oldest, Emma has always been the child for which I look forward to the future. I am excited about what lies ahead for her. It isn't often that I have the desire to turn back the clock on her. But recently I find myself wanting to put her in a bubble and freeze time.

It's the combination of her physical growth and her emotional development. She's almost as tall as I am. Every time she stands in front of me, I have to resist the urge to push her down by her shoulders in an effort to shrink her in size.

Although she's still a baby in so many ways, she's understanding so much more about how the world operates and how to find her place in it. Her friends are starting to become a large part of her world.

Our family used to occupy most of her time. Now a small chunk of that time has been broken off and is reserved for her friends.

It makes me both sad and happy at the same time.

I am proud of the young woman she is becoming, but I miss the little girl that is buried deep inside her. The occasions that the little girl emerges are becoming fewer and farther between.

Eleven is bittersweet. She is on the cusp of bigger and better things.

In a month she will graduate from elementary school and move onto middle school. I know it's time. She's ready. Ready for new challenges. Ready for a new life.

I'm not convinced that I am as ready as she is.

But this journey isn't about me. This is her road to travel. Her story to tell. This is her eleventh year to take and run with it.

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Red Envelope: The Perfect Place to Find Great Jewelry

I've been yearning for a personalized necklace, something that honors my daughters. I've been looking around for quite some time now, and most I have seen are either too expensive or are of poor quality. I haven't been lucky enough to find one that falls somewhere in the middle. A personalized necklace that can be worn everyday to do everyday mom tasks but also one that can be worn out to a nice dinner would be ideal.

When I was invited by Red Envelope brands take a look at the jewelry offerings and make a selection for $65, I was delighted. I couldn't wait to take a look at the selection and the prices. I was familiar with Red Envelope, but I had never ordered from the site before. It didn't take me long to hop on RedEnvelope.com and start browsing.

There were so many beautiful pieces to choose from. From necklaces, bracelets, and rings to jewelry trees and boxes, there was something for every jewelry lover.

I zeroed in on the necklaces.

My eyes went directly to the "hand-stamped mother + children" necklace, but I also loved the "Sisters" necklace. That would be the perfect gift to give my three sisters.

I went in for a closer look. I was in love. I could picture my daughters names on this necklace draped around my neck.

The big question was, "How much does it cost?"

The necklace with one disc started at $49.95. I obviously needed a necklace with two discs, which costs $74.95. I was sold! I wanted this necklace, and I wanted it NOW!

I placed my order easily and quickly. The personalization was straightforward and easy to do. I should point out that only lowercase letters are used for this particular necklace. I didn't mind though. I actually liked the appearance of the lowercase letters.

One of the aspects I love about ordering from one of the Red Envelope brands is that the buyer can specify the exact date on which the item is received. This is particularly helpful if you want to give the item as a gift but don't want to be hanging on to the item for weeks prior to the gift-giving occasion.

My necklace arrived in a red box. It was so pretty.

I put it on immediately, grateful that I was wearing a v-neck top on the day the necklace was delivered.

I haven't taken it off since.

If you are looking to purchase a gift of jewelry, think outside the box (haha! get it? outside the jewelry box). Look beyond your typical big name jewelry stores and try Red Envelope instead. The selection may be smaller than the big jewelry stores, but I am overwhelmed in those stores. Too many decisions to make. Red Envelope has just the selection and the quality that I am looking for.

If you find something that you just must have, you can find coupon codes here. They include everything from free shipping to 25% off your order of $75. Some really great coupons, so be sure to check them off before you make a purchase. If you do buy something, please come back and let me know what you bought. I'd love to know!

Disclosure: I received a $65 credit to shop at RedEnvelope.com. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.

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Wordless Wednesday: Making A Wish

Is there anything more spectacular to a child than blowing out the birthday candles and making a wish?

Quite possibly. But birthdays rank up there with ice cream for dinner and dancing in water puddles.

When I snapped this photo, I couldn't stop wondering what Harper was wishing for. I love that she thinks the sky is the limit and wishes well beyond it.

Here's to hoping all of her wishes come true.

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Since When is an RSVP Optional?

Did I miss a memo or something?

Was my head stuck under a rock?

Is it not proper etiquette to respond to invitations anymore?

I sent out invitations to my youngest daughter's birthday party 2 weeks ago, asking recipients to reply within one week. I know, that's not a whole lot of turnaround time, but my hands were tied as the party venue had limited availability due to St. Patrick's Day. And seriously, you're either available or you're not. Which is it?

I couldn't have made it any easier. I included my phone number and my email address. I realize people have phone phobias. It's the age of technology. People don't want to interact. So, send me an email. I'm so cool with that. I'd prefer to reply via email as well. But when I can't, I do make a phone call.

Why? Because it's polite. And it's requested.

As of the RSVP date, I still hadn't heard from over half of the invitees. Nothing. And I mean, nothing bothers me more. Now, almost one week later, and I still don't know if 3 people are coming...and that's even after a phone call.

What is wrong with people?

I have goody bags to prepare, and I don't mean penny candy stuffed into a treat bag. I have goody bags for a cooking party. Aprons, chef's hats, spatulas. I can't just throw a bag together "just in case" someone shows up.

This party. It's a big deal to my little girl. She hasn't had a proper friend party in a few years. She just wants to know if her friends will be there.

So, if you are the "not responding" type, keep that in mind the next time an invitation comes your way.

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Six Years Ago Today...

I gave birth to my second child.

I never thought I'd have more than one child. After Emma was born I was completely content. As a mother, I couldn't imagine ever having the ability to love more than one child.

Finally, when Emma was nine months old, we decided to try for number two. I wrestled with my decision. But after thinking about the strong bond I have with my sisters, I knew I wanted Emma to have a sibling. I wanted her to know the love of a brother or a sister.

On the day that Emma turned a year old, I took a pregnancy test. It was positive. We were elated.

Six weeks later, I suffered a miscarriage. I was devastated. I blamed myself.

It took me three years to muster the courage try again.

On our wedding anniversary, June 25, 2005, we learned that we were expecting a baby, once again.

I was cautious. I didn't allow myself to become too excited. I worried for most of my pregnancy...about every little thing and every big thing.

On February 13, 2006 when my water broke at 5:00 pm, I felt a wave of relief rush over me.

At 10:29 pm, I gave birth to my precious Harper Elizabeth.

I am grateful that I had the strength and courage to try again. We couldn't imagine a life without her, and I couldn't imagine Emma not having a sister to share her life.

Wishing my baby a happy birthday and many more!

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25 Days of Christmas: Day 4 ~ My Birthday

Yes, today is my birthday. And, yes, I'm going to be selfish here. There will be no fun Christmas product, item, recipe, cocktail, etc. It's all about me today.

And guess what? You're lucky because I'm going to drag it out for only a day here. In real life, I drag it out for a week. Actually, I've been dragging this birthday out since we left for vacation on November 11. We returned on November 18th, but the birthday celebration didn't end there! Yeah, it's been a 3 week long celebration. The Hubs is so over it!!!!

So, bear with me...just for one day. I promise by December 5th, it will be OVER.
Happy Birthday to me, and thank GOD for Prosecco! Cheers!!

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Birthday party fun

Do you remember the days of birthday parties in our backyards, complete with latex balloons blown up by our dads, word-of-mouth invitations, cake, ice cream and a few simple yet fun games? If you're a mom, I don't need to tell you that those days are gone. Parties are competitive, expensive, and over the top.

We recently went to a birthday party that was reminiscent of the parties of yesteryear but with modern day twists. The original party was scheduled for Bounce U, but when my girlfriend's daughter became ill during the week of the party, the Bounce U party had to be cancelled. Instead Kristy scheduled the party for a local park. I was expecting playtime on the equipment, but we got so much more!

There was sand art.

There were Crazy Coupe races.

And in addition to that fun, there was parachute play, pizza, cake and goody bags!

The best parties are definitely those that exceed your expectations. This was one of those parties.

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A day of distractions

Yesterday was my father's birthday. He would have been 77. I tried to fill my day with distractions to keep my mind off of my dad and his special day. Working out, taking Harper to the park, baking brownies were some of those distractions. Of course, having two rambunctious children helps distract me as well.

However, it's my children who steer my thoughts to my dad most often. In the year between my mother's death and my father's death, my girls and I spent a lot of time with my dad. We would visit him often, the girls always looking forward to their sleepovers with "Pop". Harper had a special relationship with him. It's hard to define it, really. She was just two at the time of his death, but you could tell that they thoroughly enjoyed each other.

But, at the end of the day, I put the distractions aside and celebrated my dad's birthday. While the girls were having ice cream, we put a candle in each of their scoops and sang "Happy Birthday" to Pop. After the girls were in bed, I browsed pictures and videos, re-living those moments with my dad. Those memories are so special to me, and despite the distractions, I'll never forget them.

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Four year olds know how to party!

Yesterday Harper went to a birthday party, complete with 20+ screaming kids running around a mini-gym. The parents stood on the other side of a glass, mostly sound-proof wall watching the kids. It was perfect. While the adults chatted, the kids played on the equipment and ran in circles. It doesn't take a whole lot to keep them entertained. Nor did it take much to keep the adults entertained.

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On this day...

four years ago, my sweet baby was born. I can still remember seeing her precious face for the first time, and the first words my hubby spoke. "She looks just like you", he proudly said. And she did. She was an angel sent from God.

I didn't want to have a second child. A year after Emma was born, I was pregnant and it, unfortunately, ended in a miscarriage. I couldn't make sense of this tragedy and was certain that I didn't want it to happen again. It took me two years to muster the courage to take that leap of faith...to try again. I kept my fingers crossed and prayed that I'd carry the baby to full term.

On February 13, 2006 just as Emma and I were returning from shopping for her Valentine's Day party for preschool, my water broke as I stood in the kitchen preparing to make heart shaped cookies at 4:45 pm. By 5:30, my obstetrician confirmed that I was in labor. I was elated! I couldn't wait to meet my new bundle!!

At 10:29 pm, my baby Harper arrived and our lives have never been the same since. She is the sweetest little love bug on earth, stealing kisses and whispering "I love you" in our ears. Full of wonder and delight, she's brightened the lives of all who know and love her.

And so, it is on this very special day of her life and mine, I wish her the happiest birthday a little girl could ever have!

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42

Yesterday was my 42nd birthday. 42. Seems like a lot of years, but I can tell you this, they've gone by quickly. When I was a little girl, I can remember how we calculated what our age would be in the year 2000. I would be 32. It sounded soooo OLD at the time. Now, I'm 42, and I don't feel old. I don't look old, at least I hope I don't. Here's what 42 looks like.

We get pretty silly on my birthday. I always insist on lots of pictures of me with the girls. I'm rarely in front of the camera, so I use my birthday as an excuse to take pictures of myself.

I'm never far from my camera.

My girls and I..

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Happy Birthday, Honey!

It's Henry's birthday today. And it's a milestone one, but I'll say no more than that. :)

I recently read a post on Farmgirl Paints where Becky was describing her anxiety surrounding hosting birthday celebrations and parties. I couldn't agree with her more. I want to go above and beyond. Over the top for my family's birthday celebrations. The funny thing is no one expects anything grand.

Tonight, we'll be celebrating with a quiet evening at home. In a few weeks, I'll be hosting a larger get together with friends and family. But for tonight, it's going to be exactly what hubby wants...an evening with his three girls.

So, please excuse me while I go decorate the dining room, make and decorate cupcakes and cook dinner. I have a party to prepare!!

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A surprise and some horses

On Saturday, we had the pleasure of celebrating my nephew Geoff's 30th birthday at Monmouth Park, a horse race track here at the Jersey shore. What made it even more fun was that the party was a complete surprise to Geoff. So much fun!

Monmouth Park

Here's the unsuspecting birthday boy (in the white shirt) approaching the party.

Geoff and his wife Patti

Partygoers
In the home stretch Harper enjoying the festivities and patiently waiting for cake!

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An absolutely perfect holiday weekend

It started with gorgeous weather. I mean better than perfect. Low 80's, no humidity and all day sunshine. The one problem I had all weekend was that my camera was at the bottom of my beach bag...uncharged. So much for capturing memories.

On Friday Henry and Emma had planned to practice riding her two-wheeler, but she didn't want to go. She always makes these grandiose plans and lacks follow through. Wait, that sounds vaguely familiar. We ditched the bike riding and headed to The Circus Drive-In for lunch instead. If you're from or familiar with the Jersey shore, you know that The Circus Drive-In is a true shore landmark. Anybody who's anybody goes at least once a summer. Everything on the menu is good. Unfortunately, because of my dietary restrictions, I was very limited. I decided on the Greek salad, and I didn't regret my decision.

After lunch, we bought Harper a two-wheeler. It's a 12" bike with training wheels...perfect for her. Now, the race is on to see who can master riding without training wheels first. I'll upload pics of Harper and her new bike as soon as I take some pictures of Harper and her new bike!!

On Saturday, we celebrated my niece, Hayley's 18th birthday. Lots of fun, lots of food and lots of wine! I was able to get a few pics from Hayley since my camera was nowhere in sight.

Here are Emma and Harper with their cousins, Hayley, the birthday princess, and Ashley.

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Here are Emma and Hayley with their Nana, my mother-in-law. So cute!!

On Sunday, we wrapped up the weekend with a day of relaxation and one final bar-b-que. It was the perfect end to a perfect weekend.

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