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WSBT-TV: Hosting a Game Day Party

Thursday, November 1st, 2007

Unfortunately, there was a technical glitch so my scheduled segment did not air and it ended up being a repeat this week on my WSBT Mom’s First segment. The good news is that the first time it ran, I didn’t have a link yet to the video, but now I do and can share it with everyone.

This segment goes along with my discussion awhile ago on Frugal Hacks and shares more tips for hosting a game day party without spending a lot of cash.

I hope you guys enjoy it! Next week I will be discussing ways to save on your holiday baking. I will be working frantically on an article to go along with this discussion so keep your eyes peeled. A new article compiling my wrapping ideas will also be featured this next week on our site.

If you have suggestions for a future segment, please email me at amy@momadvice.com. It would mean a lot to me especially with the holidays fast approaching!

Tags: WSBT
Posted in Celebrations | 2 Comments »

The Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Dinner: Side Dishes

Wednesday, October 31st, 2007

I just wanted to take the time to share some make-ahead side dishes that you could bring or provide at your next Thanksgiving dinner. Don’t forget to visit my make-ahead appetizers post to get ideas for getting your meal started off right (without the stress!)

These entries will be an ongoing series until Thanksgiving, and then these will be turned into an article for future reference. If you have ideas for dishes that you can make ahead for the holidays, please email me at amy@momadvice.com and I will include your recipes within the entries.

Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Bread Stuffing

Creamy Corn Casserole

Boston Market Squash Casserole

Broccoli Rice Casserole

Sweet Potato & Apple Casserole

Macaroni & Cheese

Cranberry Sauce (Make a few days ahead to allow flavors to merry)

Mashed Potatoes

Sound Off: What is your favorite Thanksgiving side dish?

Tags: Holidays, Recipes
Posted in Celebrations, Sides | 8 Comments »

Fun & Frugal Adult Halloween Costume Idea

Monday, October 29th, 2007

Sometimes the adults have to dress up for parties too and couple costumes can be so outrageous. While deals can be scored on costumes through eBay or by making your own, many costume sets can cost fifty dollars or more for one night of entertainment. That is where creativity and fun can come into play, as we got the chance to do this year.

Above is my husband’s handsome milkman costume. (Note: I hope you can click on this picture to expand it to see things in more detail. The lighting was not good so I apologize for the lighting in this!) The hat was purchased from a costume shop and originally was intended as a captain’s hat. We took all of the gold roping off of it and made it into a milkman hat. The cost for this was $6.99. I purchased a white shirt for him from Goodwill on half off day which cost me $1.25. The bow tie was made from the ribbon that I had bought from Big Lots this past week for $1.00 per spool.

Although you can’t see it, he also is carrying a small grocery basket from our children’s kitchen set. We filled it with empty coffee bottles to mimic the old school milk bottles.

The kisses on his collar were free and completed his milkman attire!

As a housewife, I just dressed like I always do (in one of my fun aprons), but rolled my hair and made my make-up a little more reflective of the times. I carried one of our daughter’s baby dolls with a little bow tie on it (also from the Big Lots ribbon) that indicated that this was most definitely the milkman’s baby.

This was an adult-only party, but our son wanted to be “fancy” like daddy so we made a little bow tie just for him. He wore it for the duration of the evening and I kept joking that he looked much more like the milkman’s baby than that silly baby doll.

We had a blast and it was fun to play dress-up for one night. We rarely do things like this and it was a real treat to have a night out like this.

Anyone else go to a Halloween Party? What did you dress up as?

Tags: Crafting, Frugal, Holidays
Posted in Celebrations, Saving | 10 Comments »

The Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Dinner: Appetizers

Tuesday, October 16th, 2007

Thanksgiving isn’t far away, but you don’t have to wait until the night before to get your Thanksgiving meal ready. Many recipes can be prepared in advance and they can be waiting for you when the big day arrives.

This year I am trying something different. Instead of the frantic cooking the night before (or the morning of), I am going to try and prepare as much as I can in advance for the big day. I am not sure who is planning on hosting our dinners this year, but even if I am not hosting myself, I try to do my part to help with the meal. I thought it would be so nice to have the food waiting for me instead of me waiting for it.

First, let’s began with the appetizer portion of the meal. I think it is so nice to have some dishes for people to munch on while they are waiting for the meal to be prepared. Here are some fun recipes that you can prepare for the big day and store in your freezer until the day before. Double or triple these recipes for a large crowd!

Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Appetizers

Cranberry Spread

16 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup dried cranberries
1/4 c. orange juice

Do-Ahead: Mix all of the ingredients together and mold into a ball or leave loose as a spread. Wrap in plastic wrap, then wrap in foil, and store in a freezer bag. Make sure to label your bag so that you can find it again.

Thanksgiving Day: Let the spread thaw in the refrigerator 1-2 days before Thanksgiving. Place dip in a bowl (or on a platter if it has been molded into a ball) and serve with gingersnaps or crackers.

Italian Meatballs

1 pound lean ground turkey
1 cup bread crumbs
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 egg beaten

Do-Ahead: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, parsley, Parmesan, garlic powder and beaten egg. Shape into small meatballs and place on a cookie sheet. Bake in a 400 degree oven for fifteen to twenty minutes. Allow them to completely cool and then place meatballs in a labeled freezer bag.

Thanksgiving Day: Allow meatballs to thaw overnight. In the morning, throw meatballs in your slow cooker and dump a jar of spaghetti sauce on top. Cook on low for two to four hours, or until the meatballs are warmed through.

Spinach Balls

2- 10 oz packages frozen spinach
1 package chicken-flavored stuffing mix
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
6 eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup butter, melted
Salt & pepper to taste

Do-Ahead: Cook spinach according to instructions, drain in a sieve, use back of a wooden spoon to press the spinach against the sieve to get as much moisture as possible out In a bowl combine the spinach, stuffing mix,cheese, eggs, butter, salt& pepper Mix thoroughly& roll into small balls 3/4 to 1″ size. Place on a cookie sheet and freeze.

Thanksgiving Day: To serve place frozen balls on a cookie sheet and bake at 350F 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned If you are doing them fresh or thawed only bake for 7-10 minutes. Serve hot.

Pine Cone Cheese Ball

1 package cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Do-Ahead: Mix cream cheese, shredded cheese, and Dijon mustard in a food processor until blended. Shape into a ball and store in your freezer.

Thanksgiving Day: The day before- remove from freezer and allow it to thaw. Shape cheese into a pine cone shape. Stick almond slivers into the cone-shaped cheese in rows, until the ball is completely covered. Cover and refrigerate. Serve with crackers.

Bonus Additions: On the big day you can also add a veggie tray and shrimp cocktail to have out for your guests.

Sound Off: What appetizers do you serve for Thanksgiving Day?

Tags: Holidays, Recipes
Posted in Celebrations, Sides | 5 Comments »

Best Birthday Cupcakes in the World

Monday, October 8th, 2007

My sister-in-law’s boyfriend celebrated his birthday Friday night. To help out with the evening’s festivities, I offered to make the cupcakes for his special day. I found a recipe in my favorite cupcake book, “Cupcakes from the Cake Doctor” and picked her “Best Birthday Cupcakes” recipe.

These cupcakes are as close to a bakery cupcake as I will probably ever make. They are light and sweet, but not too sweet. They have a great consistency and are perfectly moist and sturdy enough to hold up to a good dose of yummy frosting.

I will probably never search for the perfect birthday cupcake again after sampling these. I paired the cupcake with her Chocolate Syrup Frosting which was the perfect way to top this delicious cake.

No more searching, ladies! This is THE cupcake for every celebration. Enjoy!!

The Best Birthday Cupcakes

24 paper liners

1 package plain butter recipe golden cake mix (I subbed with white and loved it!)

1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese, at room temperature

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup vegetable oil

4 large eggs

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Chocolate Syrup Frosting (recipe to follow)

Colored sprinkles or candy cake decorations for garnish

Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees. Line cupcake cups with liners. Set the pans aside. Place the cake mix, cream cheese, sugar, water, oil, eggs, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Blend on low speed with an electric mixer for 30 seconds, until the ingredients are well blended then stop the machine and scrape down the sides. Increase the mixer to medium speed and beat for 1 1/2 minutes to 2 minutes more, scraping down the sides again if needed. The batter should be smooth and thickened. Spoon or scoop 1/4 cup batter into each lined cupcake cup, filling it two thirds of the way full (You should get between 22-24 cupcakes). Place the pans in the oven. Bake the cupcakes until they are golden and spring back when lightly pressed with your finger, 24-27 minutes. Remove pans from oven and place them on wire racks to cool for five minutes. Run a dinner knife around the edges of the cupcake liners, lift the cupcakes up from the bottoms of the cups using the end of the knife, and pick them out of the cups carefully with your fingertips. Place them on a wire rack to cool fifteen minutes before frosting. Meanwhile prepare your frosting…

Chocolate Syrup Frosting

1 stick butter, at room temperature

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup chocolate syrup

3 cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted

1 tablespoon milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Place the butter, cocoa powder, and chocolate syrup in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed until just combined (about 30 seconds). Stop the machine and add the sugar, milk, and vanilla. Blend with the mixer on low speed until the sugar is incorporated, 1 minute. Increase the speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy, 1 minute more. Use to frost your cupcakes.

Tags: Birthday Party, Recipes
Posted in Celebrations, Desserts | 7 Comments »

WSBT-TV: Getting Ready for Halloween

Tuesday, September 25th, 2007

This morning on our Mom’s First segment, we got the opportunity to share about getting ready for Halloween. This segment goes along with our new article, “Scary Deals on Halloween Costumes” that we had recently posted.

This year my daughter is going to be Minnie Mouse, compliments of my dear friend AnneMarie, and my son has decided to be a Ninja.

Have you seen this video on You Tube about how to make a Ninja costume out of a black shirt? I loved this idea and am hopefully going to try this for our little Ninja! This clip gets a little long near the end, just watch the beginning where he breaks down how to make a mask for your kids.

Tags: Holidays, WSBT
Posted in Celebrations | No Comments »

Frugal Hacks: Hosting a Game Day Party

Tuesday, September 18th, 2007

Today at Frugal Hacks, I am discussing some great ways to host a game day get together without spending a lot of money.

I will be doing a piece each Tuesday and discussing creative and frugal ways to entertain and be entertained!

Is there anything you have in mind for discussion? What is not budget-friendly in your house, when it comes to the subject of entertainment?

Tags: Entertainment, Frugal, Frugal Hacks
Posted in Celebrations | 2 Comments »

New Article: Frugal Halloween Time

Thursday, September 13th, 2007

It is that time of year again! I have been getting lots of emails asking how to save money on Halloween costumes so I wrote an article to answer the questions.

Check out our new article, “Scary Deals on Halloween Costumes” that we have added to our site!

Sound Off: How do you save money on your children’s Halloween apparel?

Tags: Frugal, Holidays, MomAdvice News
Posted in Celebrations | 8 Comments »

Birthday Party Ideas

Saturday, September 23rd, 2006

Build-A-Bear Birthday Party

Pawsome parties start at $10 per guest. Every scheduled party (of six or more children) includes a party leader to keep your guests entertained throughout the party process, an autograph bear for the guest of honor, party favors for all guests, & printable invitations & thank you cards online. The $10 price tag includes only the bear (outfits & accessories are not included). They do not allow food or drinks in their store, but most of the malls partner with restaurants, within the food court, and provide discounts on food for the parties. Call 1.877.789.BEAR, visit a store, or visit their website for more information.

Snip-its Birthday Party (for girls)

Snip-its Birthday Parties are fun for kids and easy for parents! Just choose the party that’s right for you, and let the experts at Snip-its do all the work. They provide all supplies, cake and juice, party favors, a special gift for the birthday girl, and a party organizer so you don’t have to lift a finger! You can style a doll’s hair or have a glamour party, where Snip-its does glamour photos with braids & curls, nail polish, make-up, & dressy clothes. Choose your party package, then call them toll-free at (877) SNIP-ITS, or visit their website for more information. Pricing is not listed on their website.

Little Gym

Kids love to have their parties at The Little Gym. Every party has the entire gym to themselves, and includes plenty of music, movement, games and fun, created especially for each child. Our facilities and staff are bright, cheerful and child-friendly. A party at The Little Gym is a no stress birthday party for parents, because we handle everything from invitations to clean-up. Kids have a blast and parents rest easy…awesome!

Oogles n Googles

Oogles n Googles offers unique and zany “all inclusive” themed kids birthday party packages. From set-up to clean up, we do the work so you don’t have to. Our birthday parties are activity-based and totally engaging for the children. Our kids parties will razzle and dazzle your guests and at the same time provide your child with an unbelievably memorable birthday party experience. They offer tons of themes (for both boys & girls). A themed birthday party includes: two-hours of non-stop action led by two Oogles n Googles trained party professionals, postcard style invitations and thank you notes, a structured, well planned party full of imagination, games, and songs. Other services included are a themed Birthday Party Cake, plates, cups, napkins, and flatware, unique party favors that match the theme, and a souvenir photo for each of the children.

Mall of America

The Mall of America has several options for birthday parties (including the Build-a-Bear party listed above). Here are some of the other options for birthday parties:

The Park at MOATM

Birthday party packages include:

5-hour unlimited ride wristband
Three arcade tokens
Your choice between a cupcake for each guest, or 30% off a decorated birthday cake from Mrs. Rich’s Bakery

The birthday child receives a birthday button and birthday club cards that allows the child to receive one free 6-point pass and three arcade tokens each month following their birthday for a year. The total cost per person is $17.95 and the minimum party size is four guests. No party reservations are needed. Simply purchase your birthday package at Guest Relations located on the second floor on the north side. If choosing the cake option for dessert, please remember to make your cake order 48 hours in advance.

Underwater Adventures® Aquarium in Mall of America

Birthday party package includes:

An all day aquarium admission for 10
Full-color invitations
1.5 hours of reserved seating in Sharky’s Party Room with decorations, balloons, goody bags and more!
Personalized birthday cake and beverages
Hands-on activities with aquarium staff
A commemorative photo of the group

The birthday party package amounts to $295 for the first 10 guests and $15 per additional child and $10 per additional adult. If you are a member of Underwater Adventures® Aquarium, you save $30. To book your party today, call 952-853-0612.

The Dinosaur Walk Museum

The perfect place for a birthday party or any other kind of celebration. We provide the place (so you don’t have to clean your house). You won’t have to think up any games because we have fun stuff to do. You invite the guests and bring the cake, and we take care of everything else. We provide the dinosaurs, the activities, the dinosaur masks, and the party favors. We even clean up!

We can now offer a catered birthday party! We can provide pizza for up to 10 kids for $15.

We have two party options. To schedule your special occasion, call us at 952-854-6451. A $50 deposit is required for each birthday reservation.

Club Libby Lu at Mall of America

As the V.I.P. (Very Important Princess) birthday girl, you’ll get to choose a Style Studio Makeover. Then, when you and your friends arrive you will be transformed in the makeover of your choice. Each girl then custom designs their own party favors from Club Libby Lu’s “Pick a Mix.” The party continues with the “Wheel of Fame and Fortune Game.” Once each guest has been made over, you will form a musical party train and boogie down to the Club Libby Lu beat. Choose from three different package prices:

For $30/guest, the package includes accessories to complete the look, any five items from “Pick a Mix” in a backpack for you to keep and a Fancy Potion Pack or a Super Smooch Lip Gloss Kit.
For $25/guest the package includes accessories to complete the look, any five items from “Pick a Mix” in a backpack for you to keep and a “Create your own” Fancy Potion.
For $20/guest the package includes accessories to complete the outfit and any five items from “Pick a Mix” in a backpack for you to keep.

To book your party with Club Libby Lu at Mall of America, call 952-858-8550.

Rainforest Café

Book a Wild Bunch Birthday Bash and receive a free Rainforest character with the purchase of a Pacific Rainbow Icee served in the Rainforest’s collectible souvineer cup.

NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway

Compete with your friends and family racing over 200 M.P.H. in authentic NASCAR simulators on the Daytona Speedway. Great for all guests who are 52″ in height or taller. Specific dates and times can be confirmed with groups of five or more drivers. The birthday package includes the following:

Four races for the price of three at $19.95 each
A complimentary NASCAR driver’s license customized with each driver’s name

After hour parties are available for adult groups of 12 or more drivers. For complete details and availability, contact Sinda Schirra at 952-854-4308.
They also offer even more parties at Glamour, Claire’s, & the LEGO store. Visit this website for more details.
Burn rubber, not candles on your next birthday at the Mall’s famous NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway. Compete with your friends and family racing over 200 M.P.H. in authentic NASCAR simulators on the Daytona Speedway. Great for all guests who are 52″ in height or taller. Specific dates and times can be confirmed with groups of five or more drivers. The birthday package includes the following:

Four races for the price of three at $19.95 each
A complimentary NASCAR driver’s license customized with each driver’s name

After hour parties are available for adult groups of 12 or more drivers. For complete details and availability, contact Sinda Schirra at 952-854-4308.

For more information on other parties the Mall of America offers, please visit their website.

Michaels Arts & Crafts Store

Choose one of our 11 fun projects or work with our party planner to create one of your own. Our party planner will get everything ready and show the kids how to do each step of the projects. Every child will make something special to take home. Birthday packages are available for ages five through twelve. There is a non-refundable room fee ($25) due at the time of the party reservation. Project prices range between $6-10 per child. A minimum of six children (which includes the birthday child) is required. Michaels includes, on their site, lots of great themed birthday cakes (to go along with the projects). Please visit their site for more information. Birthday party does not include paper products, cake, or refreshments, but they will clean up for you!

My Gym

A My Gym party includes two hours of nonstop fun (times vary on location), an experienced My Gym teacher who handles everything (including songs & games requested by the birthday child), & exclusive use of their facilities. They do all of the setting up, decorations, cleanup & service of refreshments. The party package includes up to twenty children, with an extra charge for additional children. Party favors are available, but do cost extra. Visit their website for more information.

Chuck E. Cheese’s

A Chuck E. Cheese birthday party includes a decorated table reserved for ninety minutes with party balloons, two slices of pizza with one topping per child plus drink, a birthday cake, sixteen tokens for each child, a birthday gift for the birthday child, a personal visit from Chuck E. Cheese, a host or hostess to wait on you, and a special birthday show performed by Chuck E. Cheese & his friends. Pricing varies by location. Please visit their website for more details.

Posted in Celebrations | No Comments »

10 Easy Steps to Great Kids Party Pictures

Monday, October 24th, 2005

Kids parties and pictures go together like cake and ice cream. If you’re the designated shutterbug for a kids party, be sure you’re up to the task. A quick study of these valuable picture-taking tips shows you how to become a first rate kid party photographer.

1. Prepare

If you’re going digital, make sure your memory stick has enough space to accommodate the pictures you intend to take. Delete or download as necessary. Check and charge the battery too.

If you’re using film, be sure you have more than enough so you don’t have to run out to the store in the middle of the action. Check and replace batteries if necessary. If your camera requires it, set it to match the ISO on the film.

2. Tell the Story of the Event

Approach your next kids party as if it were an adventure which you are going to record for posterity from beginning to end. This will mean capturing the significant high points of the party such as the guests arriving, playing party games, opening presents, and of course the cake and ice cream “Happy Birthday to You” part.

When you download your pictures to share with relatives and friends, organize them in chronological order to tell the complete party story. This is just as easy to do if you scrapbook your party showing just how the day evolved from start to finish.

3. Candids Over “Cheese”

Candids are simply more fun than posed pictures. Scope out party guests doing cute, interesting or outrageous things. Look for different expressions on their faces, capture them with a bow on their head or trying to pop a balloon with their bottom (a popular kids party game!) Those spontaneous moments are a photographer’s dream!

Candids give you many more opportunities for those silly snapshots that put a smile on people’s faces.

4. Keep it at Eye Level

For a more intimate and involved-in-the-moment picture, get down to the level of your subjects. Make sure your lens is at the same height as the children’s eyes.

5. Zoom In

This is the number one mistake most amateur photographers make when snapping pictures. Too much headroom, too much background, and not enough of your subject make for boring images. Pictures are so much more engaging when you can actually see who’s in them! Make a conscious effort to get up close and personal before you click the shutter.

6. Background and Composition

How you position and frame your subject adds to the appeal of the picture. To do this successfully you must be aware of the “bigger picture” in the viewfinder. First, make sure there are no trees or poles growing out of kids heads.

No decapitations either, please. By taking a breath and holding it, you are better able to hold the camera steady while pressing on the shutter. This prevents the camera from moving downward and cutting off your subjects’ heads.

Make your picture more dynamic and balanced by utilizing the “rule of thirds”. Mentally divide your picture into a 9 box tic-tac-toe grid. Now align your vertical subject 1/3 of the way over from the left or right. Then align your horizonal matter 1/3 of the way from the top or bottom. Practice a bit on this before the party to see how different subject placements effect the resulting photo.

7. Be Quick

Kids are usually on the move, especially when the sugar from the cake and ice cream kick in. Be prepared to capture the moment quickly. Waiting too long to get the shot will ruin a good candid and can even make antsy kids run when they see you coming!

8. One Pose for Posterity

Take one group shot of the party child and guests for your scrapbook. This is also a wonderful little remembrance to send along with thank-you notes. To make it more interesting, pose kids with costumes or props which relate to the party theme.

For example, guests at a pirate theme party can pose with their bandannas and eyepatches, looking like fierce buccaneers. Guests at a princess party could pose in their pretty dress-up clothes. Guests at a construction party can pose with their trucks in the sandbox.

9. Don’t Leave it in the Camera

Due to busy lifestyles, the tendency to leave cherished photos in the digital camera for weeks or months is great. Don’t wait until your important pictures are accidentally deleted or lost. Download them to your computer as soon as possible after the event. Similarly, make an effort to finish the film in your still camera and develop the pictures right away.

10. File or Scrapbook

This is an often neglected step in the picture-taking process, but it’s important to have a safe method of filing and storing your pictures. There are many software programs available to help you sort and store digital pictures on your hard drive. They usually have a free trial period to see if you like working with the program. Non-digital pictures can be scanned onto your computer, placed in a scrapbook, or stored in special photo storage boxes.

When all is said and done, you’ll have captured the special moments of joy and excitement at your child’s birthday party or other special occasion. A truly memorable collection that will entertain and make you smile for years to come.

Posted in Celebrations, Photography | No Comments »