Calendar Craziness Simplified

I am craving organization these days with back to school schedules and lots of dates to enter onto family calendar which seem to be coming from every direction these days-- so back to www.googlecalendar.com
 I am, and its a great "all in one" calendar for us-- I have made individual color coded calendars for each of our children, a color coded work calendar for me; color coded "family" calendar, chore color coded calendar, meal planning calendar, and upcoming holiday planning calendar, budget calendar, birthdays and events calendar, etc. etc.-- it allows for a great overview of all daily tasks as well as keeps our information "shareable" as needed--- and that's a "good thing"! Try it out!

It's a Dinosaur Paleontologist Birthday Party!

Here was the initial inspiration for a Dinosaur / Paleontologist Birthday Party-- a "large floor size dinosaur puzzle"!  And from there, well, one thing led to another and it became an all out "DINOSAUR PALEONTOLOGIST REAL LIFE ADVENTURE PARTY!" 



ALL "PARTY GUESTS" WERE GREETED WITH THEIR VERY OWN SCIENTIST WARDROBE UPON ARRIVAL TO THE PARTY. WE HELD OURS AT A LOCAL PARK WITH WALKING PATHS.

"WHITE LAB COATS" GAVE EACH CHILD A TRUE SCIENTIST LOOK (We purchased a variety of children's white button down shirts for less than a dollar each at Goodwill and laundered at home) but white tee-shirts cut down the front would work as well.

"SCIENTIST GLASSES" CONFIRMED THAT PALEONTOLOGISTS WERE SERIOUS ABOUT THIS DINOSAUR PARTY! (We Purchased -1.25 magnifying reading glasses at the Dollar Store and popped the lenses out of each pair to give to guests as they arrived) So fun!

AND THE "WARDROBE" WAS COMPLETED WITH A "DINOSAUR LAB" SIGN FOR AROUND THEIR NECK WITH THEIR PERSONALIZED NAME ON THE BACK (We made these free hand out of green card stock. We cut a large leaf from the card stock and added a few leaf detail markings with black permanent marker and wrote " DINOSAUR LAB" on one side and the child's name on the back side, and then laminated it. We then punched two holes in top part of leaf to add a a piece of raffia or grosgrain ribbon to so it could be worn around the neck. You could easily pin it to the lab coats as well instead or simply write "Dinosaur Lab" on the back of each shirt, and the child's name on the upper left front of the shirt in black permanent marker to given the appearance of an "official" lab coat if you're short on time.

These dinosaur "paleontologist" oufits made for great photo ops at the party and the kids look adorable and ready for their dinosaur excavations!



Coastal Pink Polka Dot Tablescape

Easy and quick, this simple pink polka dot theme tablescape has a fun coastal twist and uses everyday items you have might have on hand....Strawberry flavored pink milk is a great hit for any gathering (especially for kids) and makes for a great presentation when mixed in a mason jar and topped with a brown coffee filter topper. Pink polka dotted ribbon is added to the mason jar for a final touch.

Simple additions to chocolate and pink polka dot tablescape!

We used all white platters (this large white serving dish is from Pampered Chef Simple Additions collection) for a clean visual display for all of our menu items. Our first layer for this tablescape was inexpensive chocolate and pink polka dot wrapping paper (We found ours at the Dollar Store) and carried over this theme for the remainder of our tablescaping. We love coffee filters and this display was not lacking for them. Our choice was the natural colored brown hued coffee filters (but white would work well too), and we used them to serve as individual serving holders for our mini pudding graham cracker pie desserts garnished with pink polka dot sprinkles and white gum balls on toothpicks. A pink polka dot ribbon was wrapped around the serving dish to add a touch of whimsy and makes it all the more special for your guests!

Easy Chocolate, Pink, and Polka Dot Tablescape

This tablescape was inspired by pink polka dot ribbon and a pink painted conch shell that leads you to a simple easy pink polka dotted celebration. Most of these items can be found in your pantry and if not, are readily available. The pink tissue paper flower balls are simple and easy to make and add a fun instant party atmosphere. We made then using 8 sheets of pink tissue paper, a twist tie, and brown string to hang them. We accordian folded the 8 sheets of tissue paper, and then used a twist tie to secure the center. Next, we used scissors to round the ends into flower petal shapes, and tied the brown string to the center. Then we simply and carefully pulled the layers of tissue paper away from each other, shaping both sides into a hanging flower ball. Hang from the ceiling and Whala! The more the merrier! Instant party happiness!

Chocolate Mousse and Bubble Gum Toppers

In keeping with the chocolate and pink polka dot themed tablescape, we indulged in chocolate mousse dessert (made from a box) with fun mini cupcake and pink bubble gum toppers. Super easy, and super fun for everyone! Just take a toothpick and carefully poke a hole through the center of a mini white cupcake holder and then top off (carefully without letting the bubblegum slip) with a round piece of pink bubble gum. Whala! We displayed the dessert in champagne glasses adorned with a piece of white grosgrain ribbon simply tied at base of the stem on the glass. To finish the presentation, we used a large square plate (ours was from Pampered Chef Simple Additions collection) and layered a pink square paper plate on top to set the chocolate mousse desserts on! Fun, yum, and oh so delightful for your guests!

Chocolate milk and polka dot fun!

Easy, simple presentations add some charm to a favorite stand by chocolate milk drink. It carries over the browns and pinks of this spunky tablescape. Pink polka dot ribbon is wrapped around "Yahoo" chocolate flavored drink bottles after their wrappers have been removed and then topped off with mini cupcake toppers for a fun drink display. Set them on a large square white plate platter lined with a pink square paper plate and you are ready for show! We chilled ours in the fridge before guests arrived but you could easily keep them chilled throughout the party in any ice bucket display as well and wrap the ribbon with clear packing tape to make it a bit more water proof if desired.