Ideas To Host & Celebrate Thanksgiving 2020

We are all looking forward to some Holiday cheer in 2020. We know that our Thanksgiving traditions will need to be re-imagined a bit. We are here to help you with some ideas to enjoy Thanksgiving this year and help adhere to the CDC Guidelines to stay safe.

Virtual Thanksgiving

Give The Gift of Family Recipes- A favorite of Thanksgiving is family traditions are the food and recipes being handed down from generation to generation. Organize a virtual Thanksgiving where family members exchange those recipes and share the recreations over zoom. Here are some great tips to organize this help to make this a success!

Have Virtual Thanksgiving Meal or Dessert together - This is especially important for our older family members who can't attend or families who won't be traveling. . Pick a time for everyone to join and enjoy the Thanksgiving meal together. Here are some tips to make this go smoothly…

Hosting Thanksgiving?

One idea we love is if you are having people over, set up tables per family so they get thief food together and eat together at the same table. Here are some tips and ideas full pulling this off and keeping as safe as possible

Small Business Support/ DIY & Order out

Pie for Breakfast! This is a trend for 2020 and a great way to support small businesses in your area and take some work off your plate! Here is our Ultimate Pie For Breakfast Checklist to make it extra special!

Order "Thanksgiving in a box" dinners from local restaurants and small businesses for your family or order for your loved ones like our older family members to include them. Here are some ideas to make sure it goes off without a hitch!

Thanksgiving Deliveries /Drop Off

Preparing traditional family recipes for family and neighbors, especially those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and delivering them in a way that doesn’t involve contact with others. Here are some tips for preparing them, contactless drop-off, and how to package them to be beautiful.

Cookie/Cupcake Decorating or Create a Thanksgiving dessert table. This is a great activity for kids and can be used wonderful surprise to drop off to a grandparent or send - they will eat them up, attach cute notes, drawing and packaging! Here are some fun ideas to do this.

Make it Fun & Memorable!

Decorate the Gobble out of it - Here are some great decor ideas to get everyone in the mood. We cover Table Settings, Decorations, Gobble gobble boxes for kids, and all the extra details that make it special. Get our top tips here,

Keep Busy- Don’t be boring! Watching sports events, parades, and movies from some Macy's Day Parade is our favorite to watch while we prepare our Thanksgiving meal. we love to watch the National Dog Show after that and get ready for the big game after that! Sometime in the day, we put up our tree so it’s light on when the game comes on! We also play games and toast what we are thankful for at dinner. Here are some ideas to keep it moving!

Cookie/Cupcake Decorating

Create a Thanksgiving dessert table. ...

Small Business Pies

Moderate risk activities

• Having a small outdoor dinner with family and friends who live in your community

  • Lower your risk by following CDC’s recommendations on hosting gatherings or cook-outs. —— YVONNES IDEA

  • If you are hosting a gathering:

    • Host as many activities outdoors as possible.

    • Be reasonable: Consider how many people you can safely host while maintaining distance and safe practices.

    • Ventilation: Open windows as much as possible to increase air circulation.

    • If you or relatives are coming in from out of town, limit your exposures in the two weeks before you travel.

    • Seating arrangements: Keep members of the same household together; separate households as much as possible.

    • Limit the number of people in smaller areas of the home like the kitchen.

    • Consider spreading the gathering into multiple rooms.

    • Serving: If serving buffet style, remind those using shared serving utensils to wash their hands before they eat. Consider serving food already plated.

• Visiting pumpkin patches or orchards where people use hand sanitizer before touching pumpkins or picking apples, wearing masks is encouraged or enforced, and people are able to maintain social distancing

• THANKSGIVING PORCH OFF

• Day AFTER -SANTA

Write down what you're thankful for.

Indulge in a pie breakfast.

Instead of starving yourself until 3 p.m., start the day right (and expand your stomach a little!) with a pie breakfast. Invite guests to bring their favorites, or try one of these killer recipes.

In all the fun and frenzy, it can be easy to forget the true meaning of Thanksgiving: gratitude. Dole out black sharpies and, before digging in, invite each guest to write what they're thankful for on a butcher paper cloth laid over the table. You can archive the sheets to look back on fondly.

Fun Christmas Ideas For 2020 During COVID

Fun Christmas Ideas For 2020 During COVID

Fun Ideas to Celebrate Christmas Season! Ho, Ho, Holy Crap. Looks like we are still in this through the Holidays. This can be especially hard because it is the time of year where have traditions embedded in our Holiday Celebrations - we pack in the malls, go to parties, and travel to see loved ones to name a few. We know you just got the kids finally back on a school schedule and before you know it, they are home for three weeks. Before you start a naughty and nice list with a permanent marker on your living room wall to blackmail the children into submission, we are re-imagining how we can get through this and enjoy this Holiday Season. Let’s try some new traditions and revamp some old ones to keep the little’s busy and you just might keep them for years to come.

Christmas Advent Calendar We are huge fans. It’s a fun surprise for the little’s to look forward to every day. Set it at the same time, use it as an incentive to get through bath time and once they are in their Jam Jam’s. You can find a variety of Advent Calendars in every price range and size but we like the handmade paper bags and wooden pins in a decorated basket - you can decorate the bags & pins if you love little details like us. Older kids? They love them too, stuff them with iTunes Cards, Funny Socks, Cash, etc.

Putting together a Hot Cocoa Bar This is a must and can make a wonderful DIY gift! Create cute decorated space for a Hot Coca bar with all the fixings –the kids will love Cocoa Time (you know, how we love Cocktail time!) We created this one all from HomeGoods, they had adorable Holiday cases where I delivered portable cocoa bars to my parents and grandmother.

Cookie & Ornament Decorating & Gifting Another Holiday must and make great gifts for Grandparents! I would recommend getting a role of craft paper for the kiddos, they can go nuts and it’s easy to clean up. You don’t need to do all your baking at once. Make it an activity you do once a week. I use this metal carrier to separate all the décor options. Buy the store-bought dough to save time. Grab some inexpensive times and paper and send a dozen to with a note to Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles. They will eat it up.   Ornaments Decoration’s- Follow the same ideas as above. You can buy inexpensive plastic ones at any craft store, glitter, glue, etc. Have the children make homemade ornaments as gifts! These are such a wonderful keepsake. Pack them in bubble wrap if you are mailing to keep from breaking.

Virtual Santa Visits

Dragging your kids to the mall, standing in a crowded line, and putting your kid on Santa’s lap where 10,000 diapers and tears have been prior, seems a bit off this year. Virtual and Zoom Santa will be all the rage this year. One of our favorites is the virtual Santa & His Elves experience at Santa zoom visit.com. Personalized One on One Santa Interaction for 20 minutes.

Zoom Christmas- Opening Gifts sent by loved ones together

Social distancing will keep families at home this year, so gifts will be sent all over the world. No doubt the joy of giving gifts is seeing the reaction of the people opening them. Create a Zoom Family Christmas Gift Opening/Exchange Party. If you have a large extended family here is how to pull off the ultimate Zoom Secret Santa exchange party.

How to throw a Matching Pajama Party & Pancakes

This is your Instagram/Facebook/TikTok moment! Nothing is cuter than this tradition of IHop like Pancake station with all the fixings (hello Craft Paper again) in matching Family PJ’s. You can inexpensive matching PJ’s at your local Walmart.

Making Reindeer Food to Prepare for Santa

This is a fun family favorite. Letting the children spread out Reindeer food the night prior- All You Need is Oats, Green Sugar, Red Sugar, Cellophane Christmas Bags and get your free reindeer stickers here. This makes a fun and inexpensive gift for friends and their children. Keep the Christmas Magic alive with this fun & super easy holiday tradition! Here’s a great recipe.

Car or Bike Ride/Walk A Parade of Lights

We are predicting the decorations will be all out this year - and we need it. Get out in the crisp air or the car and drive around, grab some blankets and pillows, thermos of hot cocoa, sing carols, and go enjoy the beautiful Christmas Lights. Make sure to check your local activities for Christmas experience like drive in Polar Express Movie or Drive Through Zoo Holiday experiences, there will be plenty of safe options to enjoy!

Gingerbread House Contest This can be done in any neighborhood or group and families can take turns dropping them off at a designated judging table. Wrap them in cellophane so they stay protected. It’s just a super fun activity and kids get a holiday lesson in competitive and probably not winning - you know there’s always one freak on the block that will recreate the Magic Kingdom out of graham crackers.

16 Halloween Party Ideas 2022

Best Halloween Party Ideas for 2022!

Halloween is right around the corner and we have some spooktacular Halloween party ideas for you!

We all welcome the fall this time of year with cooler weather and kick-off to the Holiday Season. Halloween lands on Monday this year - this gives us the opportunity to stretch the holiday and celebration over the weekend so you can get some extra mileage out of those costumes before trick-or-treating time. Since Halloween falls on a Monday- remember those class treats Momster!

Here are our favorite Halloween party themes picks for Halloween Parties, Trick or Treating, Cocktail Parties, Costume Party, Pumpkin Patches, Halloween Wedding, Halloween Baby Showers or any occasion!

1.Fortune Teller Halloween Party

This party them should include tarot card readings, rich fall colors, candles and smoking pumpkins. This spell binding theme is perfect to thrill your guests! Great for Halloween theme for bridal showers, birthday parties, or couples parties!

Halloween Video Invitation from Hostessy InvitationsHostessy Video Invitation

2. Hippie Halloween

Hippie Halloween is very popular this year for Halloween. Peace out and get your ghouls together for a groovy great time! Hey Boo invitations and 70’s flower ghosts are great combo for birthday parties and bachelorette parties!

Halloween video Invitation, 2022 Halloween party ideas

Hey Boo Halloween Invitation, Hippie Halloween Invitation

3. Wizard Halloween Party

A Wizard and witch party is perfect for those who believe in magic. There is so much fun- you can get scarves and robes from your local fabric store for the kids. Set up a potion making slime and wand making stations for crafty fun!

Wizard Hallow Party theme

4. Halloween Birthday Party- Non-Scary

Kids with a birthday is October? The theme couldn’t be easier. Throw a Halloween Birthday Party - even create a theme every year like Hannah-ween. It’s a great way to let’s parents get multiple uses out of those expensive costumes and some amazing pictures and backdrops with balloons, pumpkins, scarecrows, and hay bales. Keep it non-scary and let parents know that it will be kid friendly (and to please keep costumes non scary) .

Shop the largest Halloween video invitation selection anywhere from Hostessy! Hostessy Halloween Invites

5. Pink Halloween Theme

Pink Halloween party themes are very very popular in 2022. Great for girl birthday, girl baby showers, and bridal showers. Nice alternative if you love pink or have an adverse reaction for black and orange.

Hey Boo Halloween Invitation, Pink Halloween Invitation

Pink Halloween video Invitation. Halloween party themes for 2022

6. Halloween Cocktail Party

With Halloween being on Monday, you will have the weekend to plan an awesome cocktail party for adults! Popular themes are Costumes and cocktails, Boos and Booze, and Bad and Boozy. Party trick: fill clean plastic gloves up with water, freeze them, and use them as ice. Looks like hands are floating in the punch!

Shop the largest Halloween video invitation selection anywhere from Hostessy!

Halloween Video Invitation from Hostessy.io

7. Scary Video Invitation

The kind of party theme that will freak your guests out! With this theme, they expect a show- animatronics, horror show level, all food resembles a body part and you have to force yourself to separate your mind from your stomach literally.

Scary Halloween Video Invitation, Halloween Party Ideas

2022 Halloween party ideas, Halloween invitations

8. Halloween Festival, Hallow Fest Theme

Everybody loves a festival, a Halloween Festival is perfect for a birthday at Halloween or Neighborhood Halloween Block Party, or larger get together with friends and family. Great way to have a actively for every age group and fun carnival items like candy apples and hot chocolate bar! Have each parent team bring their favorite savory appetizer and set up a smores station for treats. Family Costume Contest time!

Halloween Festival Invitation, Halloween Fest, Hallow Fest 2022

Halloween Party ideas 2022

Halloween Invitation, Adams Family Invitation

9. Halloween Glam Party Theme

Glitter and glam Halloween style. Over the top Sexy cocktails are a must. Try a Blood Moon Cocktail:

To a shaker with ice, combine 1 ½ oz of Single Malt, 1 oz fresh beet juice, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice, and 2 dashes orange bitters. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with blood orange peel. Enjoy!

Halloween Video Invitation, Glam Halloween Invitation

2022 Halloween party ideas

10. Couples Halloween Party Themes

Nothing says Halloween Couple like Till death due us part…You can change the occasion to anything on this invitation, but an ornate Halloween theme will set the mood for a classy and modern Halloween Party. Have fun and add a photo of you both dressed up!

Halloween Video Invitations from Hostessy: easy, fun and thrilling

Halloween Party Ideas, Halloween Vidro Invitations

11. Funny Halloween Invitation

Nothing says getting the ghouls together for Halloween like this high definition Halloween Invitation- guaranteed to thrill your guests!

Halloween Video Invitation, Halloween party ideas

2022 Halloween Party Ideas, Halloween Video Invitation

12. Masculine Halloween Theme

A Sea Evil or Boos and Brews invitation are great party ideas!

Halloween Video Invitation, Halloween Party Ideas

Boos and Brews Party ideas, 2022 Halloween party themes

13. Eyes Wide Shut Halloween Theme

Looking for a sexy Halloween- this is perfect for a sexy couples Halloween party, Bridal Lingerie Party, or an Engagement Party.

Halloween Video Invitation, 2022 Halloween Ideas

2022 Halloween party ideas, cocktail’s and a bite invitation

14. Halloween Baby Shower Themes

A Halloween Baby Shower is so different and fun. Folks will remember it forever!

Fall Baby Shower Themes and Halloween Baby Shower Invitations

15. Gender Reveal Pumpkin

Is Your little boo is almost due?  A little pumpkin is on the way? Get your guests into getting excited for your big announcement! Pink and blue pumpkins are a must!

Gender Reveal Pumpkin Invitation Hostessy Video Invitations

16.Halloween Movie Party

Show a favorite Halloween movie indoors or under the stars, such as Hocus Pocus for the Momster’s or It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown for the kids or another Halloween flick. Set up an outdoor cinema complete with hay-bale seating and propane space heaters.

Halloween movie party invite Hostessy.io

2022 Halloween Party Idea, 2022 Halloween Invitations

About Hostessy Video Invitations

Amaze your guests with an amazing editable video invitation from Hostessy. An easy editable video invitation or itinerary from Hostessy is a quick, easy and modern way to invite your guests by text, email, or social media to any party or occasion! Eco-friendly animated invitations for Birthdays, Engagements, Weddings, Graduations, Baby Showers, Holidays, any occasion!

Halloween video invitation will get your guests excited for your party and you‘ll look like a Rockstar! Pre-designed templates made by pros are QUICK, AFFORDABLE, EASY, and FUN!  Choose any template for any occasion. Enter your party info, save and send via text message, Messenger, WhatsApp, iMessage, Facebook, Email, social media, and more!

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Use your template for the thank you note, save the date, invite and itinerary! You can even print out beautiful paper invites and duplicate pages.

Any questions? Just email us at support@hostessy.io Guest Compliments Guaranteed!

10 Best Gifts To Give Your Mom For Mother's Day In 2021

Mother’s Day is a few weeks away, but it’s never too early to start thinking of ideas to spoil moms. Whether you will be celebrating your mother or a mother figure in your life; Mother’s Day is a great time to show how grateful you are for her, and how much you appreciate her hard work. Due to the global pandemic, we were reminded why moms are the glue that holds it all together for us. Most moms went from working mom on the go, to work from home mom. In addition, most had to fill the role of teacher and tutor, daycare worker, fight negotiator, and an all-day personal chef. 

We often scramble to find gifts of appreciation for mom. The bright side is this; most only care about the thought you put into showing your love and admiration. We’ve put together a list of 10 possible gifts your mom will love this Mother’s Day. 

A Digital Card

Every mother loves a heartfelt Mother’s Day card. Especially one that was handcrafted by the kids. The best cards are the ones that include a note for mom on why she is the best mom in the world. This year instead of giving your mom a boring paper card that can get ripped up. You can send mom a beautifully crafted digital Mother’s Day card from Amazinginvites.co. Amazing invites is offering animated digital Mother’s Day cards. All you have to do is choose what card template your mom would like and send in your video telling your mom 5 reasons why you love her and the Amazing Invites team will put it together for you. 

Apple Air Pods

This gift might be a little on the pricey side but if your mom operates with apple products this is a great gift to give her. Especially if your mom is a full-time WFH mom these pods will come in handy when mom just wants to tune out the yelling and fighting over the remote for 5 seconds. She can take work meetings in style and drown out any background noise. 

A Cheese Board

Since Summer is right around the corner and the chances of gathering (safely) are starting to look up. This Smirly Cheese Board will be perfect for a relaxing outdoor picnic with mom. Or even better, let your mom let loose for a night while you babysit the kids so mom can have a wine and cheese night with her closest girlfriends. This large cheese board has five serving sections, a separate pull-out snack tray, serving accessories, and a wine opener.  

A Wine Club Subscription

Does your mom love a nice glass of wine to unwind after a long day? After the kids go to bed, it’s mom's time to have a drink or two to unwind a bit. A wine club subscription is the best way to tell mom you love her and want her to relax. First Leaf is offering $40 off your first order plus free shipping. You can get up to six wine bottles delivered a month. 

Hemp Bath Bombs 

If you want mom to really relax, fix mom a nice warm bath, light some candles, set her favorite book or magazine beside the tub, play some spa music, and don’t forget the Hemp Bath bombs. According to their website, these Gummy Bear-shaped hemp bath bombs from SundayScariesHemp.com are perfect for unwinding after a chaotic day, escaping parental obligations, decompressing and checking out, and promoting mental relaxation. Sounds like everything mom needs in the form of a bath bomb. 

Monthly Candle Subscription 

Between mom’s busy schedule and the kids running wild, and free the house might become a bit messy. Get mom a monthly candle subscription for Mother’s Day this year. It's a great way to keep a pleasant and calming scent around the house. Crate Joy has a lot of candle subscription boxes to choose from. These boxes are packed with goodies and give mom something to look forward to every month. 

Cold Brew Coffee Maker

If you’re anything like me, I’m the mom that NEEDS coffee to get me through the day. While I do love hot coffee something about cold coffee just hits differently. This Cold Brew Coffee Maker is a game-changer. No more watering down your coffee with ice cubes, or paying $10 at Starbucks. This pitcher with an airtight lid makes 4 servings of coffee, so you can grab your cup and store the rest for later. 

Personalized Tea Box

Tea makes everything better. If mom is feeling stressed, restless, or has an upset stomach there’s a tea to fix it. Gift your mom this Personalized Tea Box from The Sinclair Company to store all her favorite teas. This beautiful box made from Acacia wood is sure to add some charm to any kitchen. 

A Self Care Box 

Self-care days are super important for your mental health. Every mom deserves to have a mental self-care day to herself. Give mom a day to do her favorite things. Even something as simple as going grocery shopping without the kids. Let her enjoy a nice at-home facial while she busts some moves to her favorite song at the moment. This customizable Self Care Box from Shop Tilde comes with a soy candle, all-natural soap, a scrunchie, all-natural lip, and body salve, bath salts, a cute, dainty necklace, body butter, a personalized note, and more. 

Birthstone Necklace

You can never go wrong by spoiling mom with some jewelry. This customizable birthstone necklace makes the sweetest Mother’s Day gift. Silver City By Eva creates beautiful necklaces, bracelets, and stackable rings with your family's birthstones for mom to rock. It’ll be a gift that your mom will treasure.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the super mom’s and mother figures out there holding it down, or at least doing great at appearing to have it all together.

A Little Legends, Exceptional Men in Black History Birthday Celebration

This party was submitted and styled by Victoria @queen_victoriap

Vendor credits below.

It’s no secret that it’s been a tough year for children. I wanted to do something at home for Lennon’s birthday to honor his heritage. Ever since he was a baby, we’ve been reading a page of Vashti Harrison’s “Little Legends, Exceptional Men in Black History” to him every night. Every night we focus on one individual and their accomplishments. As he’s getting older, he’s starting to look forward to this. When I had the idea to make this book a birthday theme for him, I wanted him to feel represented in a beautiful light. Representation is important. Images help shape our identity. 

The cover of the book was my inspiration. I worked with the moon rising, an incredible designer that helped me recreate Lennon in the same style as the characters in the book. He was now front and center as he is an exceptional black boy, soon to be a man.

Each child had a bookmark with a different character from the book and their names on the back. We had library cards made so that they can continue with the rest of the book series reading about exceptional people in history. I kept the color scheme the same as the cover of the book, focusing on black-white mint and yellow stars.

Working with Pavan Floral is always a pleasure. The florals she creates are stunning. They always fit perfectly with my aesthetic.

Janice Wong with the desert never disappoints. We had a beautiful cake where she hand-painted the characters. The cookies featured the faces of the characters in the book and the cake pops had a printed image of the cover. 

The star of the show was the incredible backdrop provided by Modest Peach. They recreated the cover and had each character's life-size standing on podiums. I want Lennon to always remember this day. How special he is. How exceptional he is and to shoot for the stars.

A bbq lunch catered by the incredible Sarah of Active Palate was the perfect meal. The children had Mac and cheese cups and fried chicken sliders, while the adults had bbq and a beautiful grazing table put together by cheese pretty please. A yummy green juice for the kids and sangria for adults by Nate Parker really complimented the meal. The incredible Kara Coleen shot this day for us. She helped us capture the magic of a day we’ll always remember. 

Party Vendor Credits:

Party Stylist: @queen_victoriap

@karacoleen - photography - https://www.karacoleen.com/

@modestpeach - backdrop - http://www.modestpeach.com/

@pavanfloral - flowers - https://www.pavanfloral.com/

@cheese.prettyplease - grazing table - https://www.cheeseprettyplease.com/

@creativeamme - signage - https://www.creativeamme.com/

@janice.w0ng - dessert / cake - NO WEBSITE 

@activepalate - food - https://activepalate.com/

@iamnp3 - cocktails - NO WEBSITE 

@letscreateevents - balloons - NO WEBSITE 

@moonrising20 - Lennon design  - NO WEBSITE 

@3littlebirdseventplanning - rentals - https://3littlebirdseventplanning.com/

@ohhappyday - paper goods - https://ohhappyday.com/

@vashtiharrison - Author of the book - https://www.vashtiharrison.com/

A Virtual Santa Experience in 2020

Due to COVID a lot of things have been off this year, but one thing that makes me cheerful is thinking of the holiday season. Every holiday season is filled with family traditions, one is taking your kids to meet Santa. But dragging your kids to the mall, standing in a crowded line, and putting your kid on Santa’s lap where 10,000 diapers and tears have been prior, now that seems a bit off this year. That is why we found some alternative ways to meet Santa and not have to worry about lines or germs.

Virtual Santa Visits

Virtual Santa visits will be all the rage in 2020. One of our favorites is the Zoom Santa & his Elves experience over at Santazoomvisit.com. 

You will receive:

•  A personalized digital video invite from Santa with the Zoom link included

• Tips and Inspiration to make the Santa Experience ever more magical

• A one on one Santa interaction for 20 minutes (you can have up to four screens)

• Santa will interact with each child by name

• Santa will read a story and share some fun facts about The North Pole

• Q & A with Santa

• A recording of the interaction to save as a keepsake 

You can book your virtual Santa visit now for 11/27- 12/24. Book your time and day for your Santa virtual experience. Santa visits will fill up quickly, so book before the sleigh is full. 

Zoom Christmas- Opening Gifts sent by loved ones together

Since we are in the Zoom Christmas spirit and because of social distance, many families will be staying home this year, so gifts will be sent all over the world. No doubt the joy of giving gifts is seeing the reaction of the people opening them. Create a Zoom Family Christmas Gift Opening/Exchange Party and share that joy together. It will feel like your extended family is in the room with you. 

We hope you have a safe and wonderful holiday season.

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Swap

How LYFETYMES Can Help You Pull Off the Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Swap

With Thanksgiving being right around the corner and CDC releasing Thanksgiving COVID guidelines we wanted to help people around the world make early preparations for one of America’s favorite holidays - Thanksgiving. The holidays are supposed to be a time to gather with family and friends, eat delicious home-cooked dishes, and make memories. Due to COVID-19, the holidays will look a lot different.

Family being advised to not fly in for the holidays means you might not be able to hang out with your favorite aunts and cousins that would normally fly in for the holidays, or even worse you won’t be eating your aunt Linda’s famous Thanksgiving dish that you’ve been looking forward to all year. To help recreate those yummy memories  LYFETYMES came up with a recipe swap Thanksgiving Party to make sure you get the famous green bean casserole you’ve been dreaming of since you devoured it last Thanksgiving. 

Whether your family hosts a potluck style Thanksgiving dinner or you designate one person to cook for the day this recipe swap idea works for everyone. Decide who is going to participate in the swap and head over to LYFETYMES.com to create your Thanksgiving Recipe Swap Challange and easily share recipes.

Let’s Talk Turkey

A LYFETYMES SHARABLE URL

If you don’t have an account already. You can create a free account in seconds. There are key features on LYFETYMES you want to take advantage of the Thanksgiving recipe swap. 

• To begin, you will need to create a new celebration where you can be as creative as you want. Give it a fun name such as Nanna’s Make your mouth water Key Lime Pie. 

• Your Celebration details should be simple with the date of Thanksgiving, Create a fun Thanksgiving website you can share on social media or via text. For your website picture you can check out our new, free animated 3D invites here that you can easily download and upload to your celebration website. You can find these animated invites under the Shop Party Decor tab here. You can also edit your URL name to personalize it. Here is an example of Thanksgiving Recipe Swap

• From your Celebration Dashboard, you will be able to invite the friends and family you wish to swap recipes with- add them as Co-Hosts so they can have full access to sharing pics, videos, and the menu planning page to send recipes via email.

• Use the Pinspiration Boards feature to add step by step photos and videos/ link of how to make the famous dish. You can add video links!

The Goods

The menu planning feature on LYFETYMES is a favorite of mine. Not only is it great to plan the menu for any event but it also makes for a great every day easy to use grocery trip list. You can’t make nanna’s famous key lime pie without all the ingredients, so this menu planning list is a great way to share the ingredients needed with your friends and family. Your family can easily print it out and it saves you time when it comes to giving them your secret ingredient. My family and I can’t wait to try this recipe swap idea. It's a great way to stay safe at home and still eat some of your favorite dishes. 

The best part? You will keep this Recipe Swap forever - Every Celebration created is kept in “Your Celebration” forever. This is a great family activity and a way to catalog your favorite family recipes forever. On Thanksgiving Day share all the recreations on your social media with your own hashtag like #lopezrecipechallange.

Have any questions or need some ideas? Reach out to us here and we are happy to help!

Ideas to Decorate Your Front Porch for Fall

Ideas To Decorate Your Front Porch for Fall

Decorating my home according to the season or holiday is one of my favorite past times. Nothing puts me in the holiday spirit like adding some good decor to my home. We gathered some easy and affordable ideas to decorate your front porch for fall.

Create Some Cute Pumpkin Planters

(photo from: @wyosparkle on TikTok)

The Supplies you will need: 

• Pumpkin candy baskets (3 to create 1 planter)

• 1 can of Spray paint 

• Twine

• Hot glue gun

• Flowers of choice

Because of COVID-19 your kids might not be able to use their Halloween candy baskets so let’s put them to use. If you don’t have any from previous Halloweens I found this pack of 10 on Amazon. Grab some spray paint. I went with a white matte spray paint for my pumpkin planter.  Remove all the handles from the baskets and begin spray painting. Once they are done drying, stack them on top of each other and hot glue the bottoms to the top of the basket - you may want to add some rocks or dirt for weight. Wrap the twine a couple of times around the spaces you hot glued together. And for the final touch add some fall colored florals inside the top basket. To complete the look add an assortment of pumpkins to your porch, a cute fall wreath, and corn husk stalks by the door. 

We partnered with RedFin and other experts on their latest blog post to bring you 15 Ideas to Decorate your Front Porch .

Work Outwards

Fill the space around the door and work outward from there to the steps as you’re decorating the front porch. This gives it an eye-catching illusion of looking like you decorated more than you did. Start with a bright autumn wreath or garland on the door and add some taller accents around the door frame, like a fall sign or colorful garland. Add beautiful fall flowers in a pot at the base and then add lanterns or pumpkins of different sizes, colors, and shapes trailing down the steps. You can add Halloween decorations and simply take out those spooky pieces on November 1st.

Add Some Plaid

I don’t know about you, but when I think of fall I think of my favorite long sleeve cozy plaid shirts of vests. Not only do I love adding plaid to my wardrobe I also love adding it to my home. Whether it is plaid pillows, throw blankets, or rugs you can instantly get ready for fall with the help of a plaid pattern. Get some plaid pumpkins or doormat and add it to your front porch decor.

Plan A Virtual Party with LYFETYMES Party

How To Celebrate Virtually In 2020

Planning a Virtual Party and not sure where to start? You can plan any Birthday Party, Baby Shower, Graduation Party, Holiday Party, and more, with LYFETYMES - the fastest-growing party planning platform and app.

At-Home and Virtual Parties can still be festive and engaging. It does not just have to be a Face-time call, you can make it as memorable as you want and it is important to celebrate those milestones and recognize they have been accomplished. You can plan for free at LYFETYMES or if you don’t have the time or non-technical, head to the LYFETYMES Vendors Marketplace to find a party stylist or wholesale goods to help plan and style your entire party at an affordable price.

There are still many ways to still celebrate with your friends and family and put on the best celebration possible in 2020 you can give them while at home during quarantine and engaging in social distancing. Whether it is a Virtual Party, At-Home Party, Drive-by Party, or Hybrid of them all, we have gathered some innovative ways to celebrate the moments that matter most.

Virtual At-Home Party

Virtual Major Moments- Great for Proposals, Gender Reveal, Sip and See’s, and College Admissions

These are intimate feel-good moments that people are going to love to be a part of even virtually. We will celebrate more of them than ever because we want to connect even more with friends and family, as these are the precious memories that will bring smiles.

Most commonly, you will physically be with less than 10 people, most likely people that live in your home only, and having friends and family join virtually. You can still decorate, open presents, have party activities, etc. You may want to move things traditionally at the end of a party to the front- So start with singing Happy Birthday, Blowing Out Candles, opening gifts, that way if people cant stay they at least get the big highlight!

Add some front yard signs to add to the moment!

There are many sign companies where you can hire (and support small businesses) to come decorate your yard with personalized signs overnight so it is ready to go in the morning! You will be surprised by the smiles, great selfies, and honking you get from well-wishers driving by!

Hosting a Successful Virtual Party

At Home & Virtual Parties can be fun, but if you want it to be as successful as possible, then it does require some planning and effort. Here is a quick rundown of how to get it done!

• Start Planning Your Party at LYFETYMES -It is a free one-stop-shop for parties.

• No more Paper Invites-Create your Free Party Website to text/email to guests to RSVP to your party, you can personalize with a picture or a video and share your LYFETYMES Party Website on FB or via text.

• Add a virtual party link/URL to your LYFTEYMES from any of the services you use like Zoom or Goggle Hangouts, so all they have to do click it and party with you!

• Add a slideshow link! These are great to include on your website for guests to enjoy!

• Add an easy registry link for guests to send gifts to your door! Including a registry is a great way to receive cash or gifts directly.

• Determine where in the house, backyard, or space you will use for the party, a fun backdrop can be great for gift opening, a central focus of the room for photos.

• Determine Theme and Decor and order to your door ahead of time there are a ton of delivery solutions, like yard signs, food, cake, and balloons that can be dropped outside your door. You can add all your ideas to your LYFETYMES party!

• Make an agenda, especially for your video call - make sure you have put some thought into the call- the last thing you want is a boring virtual party! You can create an agenda and digital checklist in LYFETYMES to keep you on track for songs and games!

How to Throw the Ultimate Voting Party

A Party To Encourage Your Friends & Family To Vote

Party Submitted by the talented: Victoria

There are so many reasons for us to remember to vote. It's no secret that 2020 has been a tough year and left many of us feeling we're living in a divided country. I wanted an opportunity to bring people together for a nonpartisan lunch to simply encourage them to vote and to get their voices heard. I wanted to bring further awareness of the importance of voting. We vote for ourselves, our kiddos, and the future generation and so I wanted everyone to feel empowered to make a difference. What was supposed to be a simple lunch turned into a beautifully styled event. I kept the colors black and neutral. I felt it was the perfect combination to bring across a powerful message but also to look stylish. I have worked with Pavan Floral on multiple events and as always, her florals absolutely stun. The use of the blackberries and the dried flowers were gorgeous and cohesive with all the other details. I rented dishware and tables from 3 little birds who never disappoint. Details are incredibly important to me, I had custom french fry containers and cones for breadsticks, pencils, stickers, and everyone had their own pencil cookie with their names on it. Janice Wong made the cutest desserts and Sarah Kleinknecht cooked up an incredibly delicious lunch.  Not only did it taste great, but it was so aesthetically pleasing. Shana Sharp of Sharp balloons enhanced everything with her balloon display. Overall, I hope to have made the voting experience a memorable one. At the end of the day, we walked our ballots over and submitted them. Don't forget to vote. 

Vendors: 

Event Design / Styling: Victoria Petrovsky @queen_victoriap 

Event Rentals - 3 Little Birds Planning  https://3littlebirdseventplanning.com/

Flowers: Pavan Floral - https://www.pavanfloral.com/ @pavanfloral 

Laser Cuts: @creativeamme  

Balloons: @sharpballoons 

Food: @activepalette 

Dessert: @ janice.w0ng 

Entertainment: www.djwillgill.com/  @djwillgill 

How To Host A 2020 Election Day Party

How to Host Election Day Party

Elections are exciting, they should be celebrated, people everywhere will be watching as the numbers roll in all night, regardless of who you are voting for it is America’s Ultimate Political Super Bowl. We wanted to help you throw some great “political parties” that can be hosted to get in the Red, White, and Blue mood and celebrate this years Election.

The 2020 Election

The 2020 United States presidential election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2020. It will be the 59th quadrennial presidential election. 

★ Political Debates & Election Night Watch Parties

The chance to decorate your place for an Election Night party only comes along every four years. So, why not decorate with some red, white, and blue? You can serve food on patriotic plates — you might even still have some from your Fourth of July barbecue. 

The Decor

No matter what party you associate with or who you are voting for you can’t go wrong with red, white, and blue decor for your watch party. We found this USA inspired party decor set that is perfect for any watch party. Grab some American colored balloons to throw some extra color to your party. So get into the spirit and order your patriotic invitations and party supplies today! The more red, white, and blue - the better. Make sure you capture the memories. We love Photo Props to get in the political spirit.

Outdoor Watch Party

Depending on where you are located and the social distancing regulations in your state. If you plan to have an in-person event have everyone wear their masks. To make sure your guests can keep 6 feet apart have an outdoor watch party. Set up a TV in your backyard and some games like corn hole, washers, or horseshoes. We found this red and blue corn hole board to get your guests entertained during your watch party. Have a backdrop with some fun photo props for your guests to take pictures for Instagram to show their support.

Zoom Watch Party

Have a virtual watch party with friends and family this election year. Set up a Zoom event, invite all your friends and family, and have a live chat about the debates or election. You can add a Zoom background to show your support for your party of choice. For entertainment have your party guests dress up as their Presidential Candidate, make a rule that everyone has to talk like the candidate they dressed up as. The first person that messes up has to do a dare. Get your Free Election Zoom Backgrounds here.

Presidential Debate BINGO

BINGO is a classic game that is fun for everyone. Create a BINGO card or find one online that you can print out and enjoy some good laughs. If you want to kick things up a notch and have some extra fun with your friends create a drinking BINGO game. You can check out UNRAVEL.com 2016’s Presidential debate drinking card to get some ideas on what you can add to your 2020 Presidential debate drinking card.

Something for the kids?

A home-from-school home run that teaches kids to think big things while mastering the hardest to learn addition and multiplication facts, U.S. state geography, and the mechanics of the Electoral College.

Drink - THE PATRIOTIC MOSCOW MULE

There will be drinking. Some will be celebrating, others will be grappling with the next four years. Just celebrate responsibly please. With all the news around election interference, we thought nothing would be more fitting than a good ol’ Moscow Mule.

This Election Mule is a classic Moscow Mule recipe with a twist, add fresh berries and a super special garnish.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 ounces vodka

• 4 ounces ginger beer

• 1/2 ounce lime juice

• 6-8 fresh berries Sprig of mint, lime wedge, and fresh berries to garnish - (optional)

• INSTRUCTIONS In a Moscow mule mug or Collins glass, add the berries and lime juice. Lightly mash with a spoon or a muddler. Top with ice. Then pour in the vodka and ginger beer. Stir to combine. Serve with a sprig of mint, lime wedge, or fresh berries.

Dessert - S'mores Bar!

Nothing like a nice fire in cooling temperatures. A flag in one hand and a S’more in the other. If you have a fire pit in your backyard set up a S’mores bar for your party guest to enjoy once the sun goes down. Set out a variety of chocolates for your guest to choose from. This kit makes it easy so you don’t forget the marshmallows and graham crackers. You can also swap out the traditional graham crackers for the cinnamon ones to add a unique flavor. 

Shindigz has a ton of great election decor if you want to go all put! Check these plates our here.

Your Secret Weapon for dealing with the next day.

You’re Welcome.

5 Amazing Ways You Can Celebrate Halloween Safely in 2020 (Copy)

5 Amazing Ways You Can Celebrate Halloween Safely in 2020

Celebrating Halloween in 2020

One of the most anticipated fall favorites, Halloween is right around the corner! This usually kicks off the entire Holiday season for the rest of the year! Who doesn't love dressing the kids up and taking them trick or treating then sneaking into their Halloween baskets later to steal some candy? We all have adapted this year through COVID-19 celebrating Holidays and Milestones that have come and gone, from Easter to Graduations. Halloween this year will be no different. Every parent will ask themselves “What should we do on Halloween”?

• Do I take them trick or treating?

• Will people even give out Candy?

• Do I even want their Candy?

• What if I’m actually wearing a Halloween mask?

• Should I just dump a 10 Pound Bag of Hershey Bars in the middle of the living room and let this thing play out like the Hunger Games? 

Hmmm. That's tempting...

The good news is you have plenty of time to make Halloween fun and memorable. If you are looking for some safer ways to celebrate Halloween this year, here are some fun ideas to get your Monster Mash on safely.

Haunted Halloween Hunt (0-5)

Think Easter but for Halloween celebrations. Get parents of younger children and turn your house or backyard into a Fun-O-Ween. This is for parents who want to dress their children up but are not exactly comfortable sending their littles up to the door of people in quarantined houses for candy. They are probably not too upset or even notice not going door to door but you still want to celebrate that tradition and make some fun memories.

Make it a big day! You can get these amazing Halloween Eggs to hide small treats in as well as or if you're planning the hunt for when the sun goes down get some glow in the dark eggs! Before the hunt, do a fun activity like have them decorate their pumpkins or candy hunt bags. Use markers, glitter, and stickers to keep it a low-stress mess.  Dress your little ones up in their costumes. Take your family pictures for Instagram and let them hunt for treasures hidden in the backyard.  

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Host a Spooky Halloween Scavenger Hunt 

This is great for the 6+ group, but scavenger hunts are fun for everyone. Here are our top tips to pull off the ultimate Halloween scavenger hunt. 

What You Will Need

The most important thing to pulling off a Halloween scavenger hunt is to have everything planned and ready ahead of time. The last thing you want to do is be scrambling for things to hide. Think of clues, prizes, and hiding places. Include a couple of your neighbors in on the fun.

The Clues

First things first, let's start with the clues. Coming up with clues is my favorite part of a scavenger hunt. The clues are what make the hunt thrilling. You can get creative and come up with your own clues or Pickle Bums has some fun ones you can download and print for free. Be mindful that your clues have to coordinate with your hiding spot, so make sure you know where you will be hiding clues and prizes.

The Prizes

It’s not a treasure hunt if there’s no treasure! The prizes can vary depending on the ages of the hunters. If you decided to go with small Halloween themed prizes that were easy to hide with each clue and also fun to find. If your kids won’t be going trick or treating this year you can grab some sweets for them to find, but if you want to avoid giving them sugar check out these fun Halloween toys.  I found these neat treasure chest boxes for the larger prizes that you can reuse. 

Good Hiding Spots

Whether you are planning a scavenger hunt for the whole neighborhood or a quick indoor “skeleton race”  around the house it’s important to plan a good hiding spot. This is where creativity comes in. 

To help plan this ultimate Halloween hunt in the simplest way possible using the LYFETYMES app. Created an event like the “Spooky Halloween Hunt” and sent it out to your neighbors that wanted to participate. Neighbors will RSVP to the scavenger hunt and leave comments saying where they were hiding the prizes and add a picture of what prize they were going to be hiding. This is really helpful for creating clues. 

Halloween Trunk Party! 

We’ve all seen the drive-by parade celebrations, so why not have a drive-by trunk-or-treat? This is a great idea to keep kids from gathering around your front door. To set up, park your car in your driveway and add some fun Halloween decor like some spiders and webs to your car or go nuts by decorating your porch, or turn your front yard in Mini Haunted House or set up some balloon displays in the front yard. Set up a lawn chair and enjoy all the costumes that come by and can say hi and wave from a socially safe place. You can also get your neighbors in on the fun and coordinate a neighborhood Drive-by trick or treat and a specific time. 

NEIGHBORHOOD “Spooky Hollow” Drive-Thru

This works great with a community type Neighborhood. You “drive Thru” a Halloween experience. Each family that wants to participate contributes a certain amount - for easy calculation $10 a kid. A few neighborhood rock stars take the reigns. 

They select up a pickup station at the designated park or location and the parents drive, bike, walk kids to the location. They will decorate ‘drive-thru experience (could be a rented tent, front yard decorated), organize and pack the “ghoul bags”, play some music, keep things safe and organized.

Neighborhood Driveway Halloween Table Contest

This is a great option to ditch the communal candy bowels and get the family in on some competitive action to show some Halloween spirit! Every house participating sets up a decorated themed table where trick or treaters can have some socially distanced fun, pick up a candy bag while keeping the contact to a minimum. Designate a neighborhood judging team that gives out an annual traveling trophy to the family with the best table!

If you're looking for some more ideas to celebrate a safe and fun Halloween check out this blog post on 10 Fun Social Distancing Ideas. 

10 Fun Social Distancing Halloween Ideas

10 Fun Social Distancing Halloween Ideas

I love Halloween for many different reasons. Growing up, my favorite part about it was collecting all the candy and goodies throughout the night and getting to sort through them when I got home. Now that I am older, it’s being able to dress up the little ones in the cutest costumes and seeing all the creative, spooky Halloween home decor. I think we can all agree that 2020 has been a spooky year. With a global pandemic going around and a lot of families still social distancing we have rounded up a few creative ways you and your family can celebrate a safe but fun Halloween. 

Drive-By Trick-Or-Treat

We’ve all seen the drive-by parade celebrations, so why not have a drive-by trunk-or-treat? This is a great idea to keep kids from gathering around your front door. To set up, park your car in your driveway or set up a table at the end of your driveway. Add some fun Halloween decor like some spiders and webs to your table with the candy bowl. Set up a lawn chair and enjoy all the costumes that come by. You can also get your neighbors in on the fun and coordinate a neighborhood Drive-by trick or treat.

Host A Zoom Halloween Party

Just because you may not be able to physically attend a Halloween party this year, doesn’t mean you still can’t celebrate. Throw a Halloween Zoom party with friends and family. Let everyone know costumes are mandatory. Put on your Halloween playlist, catch up, and enjoy. For some extra fun, have a costume contest and encourage your guests to model their Halloween costumes for a prize. 

Hand Out Candy From Your Window

If you have a front porch, this will be great for you. Set out a small table with a bowl of candy and place it on your front porch. If you have a window nearby, set it right in front of the window so you can keep an eye on the candy bowl, and also greet the kiddos from a distance. 

Halloween Movie Night

If you and your family are looking to spend some quality spooky time together, but you would rather stay in, put on your costumes and watch a spooky movie. From Hocus Pocus to a super scary Haunting in Connecticut there’s surely a movie out there for everyone. Mix some candy corn into your popcorn and start your movie marathon. 

Create a Spooky Basket

A spooky basket is a gift basket filled with all the goodies your kids or significant other loves. Include their favorite candy, some activity books, pumpkin carving tools, some fuzzy socks, and more. Gifting a spooky basket is a good time to spoil your loved ones with some items they enjoy or have been wishing for (I hope I get a puppy in mine this year). You can also send a spooky basket to your neighbors to share some candy with them and send some love. 

Bake Spooky Treats

If your kids won’t be trick-or-treating this year, you can still give them something sweet to look forward to. Get creative and bake some spooky cookies. Have the kids join in on the fun and let them decorate the ghost cookies with some icing and sprinkles. 

Carve Pumpkins

One of my personal favorite things to do for Halloween is carving pumpkins. I like to do it a few days before, so I can display my jack-o'-lantern on my porch for everyone to see on Halloween night, but in this case, you can save it for the day of. Pick your pumpkin the day before Halloween and choose your carving design. Whether you want to go for the classic jack-o’-lantern face or something else, pumpkin carving is the perfect activity to do with friends or kids. 

Bingo Drive

Play Halloween BINGO with your family. Print out some BINGO cards or create your own and go for a drive to see how many items you can spot. Crazy Little Projects has free offers cute and fun printable BINGO game cards. Take your cards with you on the drive or wait until you return back to your home and cross off what you see on your drive. You can award prizes by how many items were spotted or who completes the card first. 

Create a Spooky Playlist

I never miss an opportunity to throw a dance party at my house. This is also a great way to let the kids burn off some sugar. Create a Halloween playlist, or check out the one we created for you on Spotify, put on your costumes and monster mash the night away. 

Spooky Hour

This one is for the grown-ups. Put your bartending skills to the test and create a Halloween cocktail or just keep it simple and find one online. Funny Money Mom had some great cocktail recipes (my personal favorite is the Poison Apple). Enjoy your at-home happy hour once the kids crash from their sugar rush. You can include some friends and family in your spooky hour by organizing a Zoom call and sending them your cocktail recipe ahead of time. 

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I hope this list was helpful and you find some fun ways to have a safe and spooky Halloween. 

7 Ideas to Make Money From Home

7 Ideas to Make Money From Home

What’s better than making money? Making money from the comfort of your couch. Whether you're a busy mom looking for some income, or a working mom looking for some side income. We have put together a list of ideas that will make you easy money from home. 

Learning how to make extra income has changed my life for the better. It has helped me 

• Pay off my debt

• Save for Vacations or big purchases

• No more living paycheck to paycheck

• Stop feeling stuck at my 9-5 job
  

Whatever it may be, these 7 ideas to make money from home are gold!

1. Start a Blog

If someone has ever told you that blogs are dying and blah, blah, blah. That is so not true. Did you know people are making up to 7 figures by blogging?? Many have started as a side hustle but then turned into their full-time job. 

If you have something you are passionate about why not turn it into a business! Make money by writing about things you are interested in. There’s a niche out there for everyone and I guarantee you will have an audience that cares what you have to say. If you don’t know where to start there’s plenty of free Facebook blogging groups that can point you in the right direction. You can also start off with a blogging course. There are some good blogging courses out there that don’t cost an arm or a leg, so be sure to do your research before you choose one. 

2. Start a Party Business

This one is a personal favorite and one that I have done myself. In just a month of working with Hostessy Pro, I made over $1000. If you have a passion for baking delicious cakes or desserts, if you love creating awesome balloon art and bouquets, or even if you are the hostess with the mostess that all your friends and family come to when they would like some help party planning. Or even if you spend hours upon hours trying to create the best content for your social platforms. This one's for you! 

Whether you haven’t started, have recently started, or are currently operating a small party business. Join The Marketplace at LYFETYMES - get listed on the fastest-growing party platform and marketplace. They also provide you with the tools and training you need. Everything from what you need to do to establish your business- all the legal paperwork, how to promote and market your business online, tips on how to convert customers to clients on Pinterest, how to throw a virtual party. When you sign up to Marketplace Pro you also get access to their social media library with images and videos ready to download and use on your social media platforms.

3. Become an Amazon Affiliate

If you love Amazon as much as I do you can get paid to shop and promote what you buy from Amazon. Whether you wish to become an influencer or just want to make some extra cash to buy stuff on Amazon becoming an Amazon affiliate will get you paid. All you have to do is sign up, Amazon will then approve you and anytime you find an item you love you can post your affiliate link on your social media or even include it in your blogs. Encourage people to use your code so you can earn the credits. 

4. Get Paid to Search the Web

What if you could get paid for doing something you already do? Or by completing easy surveys? Swag Bucks is a site that helps you earn money by scrolling through the internet. 100SB= $1.00. You may not be able to quit your day job, but it's an effortless and fast way to earn some extra income. You can also redeem your Swag Bucks to some of your favorite stores like Amazon or Starbucks. 

5. Become an Etsy Affiliate

Just like Amazon Etsy also has an affiliate program called Awin. It’s sort of the same as Amazon but you can also post company ads that Etsy has available to your page or blog site. Get paid to promote your favorite small business products. 

6. Invest Your Time In DIY

Another creative way to earn some income is to take advantage of your crafting skills. Can you sew, Tye-dye, upcycle or make home decor. There are so many ways you can make some extra income by getting crafty. If you get on Tik Tok you will find many ways people are using their DIY craft projects and turning them into a small business. The earning power is endless when you discover your hidden talents. 

7. Deliver Food with GrubHub

You can set your own schedule and make money on your own time. Delivering food isn’t super hard to do. Signup with GrubHub and be on your way to making some cash in your free time. The application process is super simple and you can start making money right away. 

I hope you like this list of ideas to make money from home. We strive to get you the best content. If you’ve tried or will try any of these ideas above let us know we’d love to hear from you!

Best 1st Birthday Baby Shark Theme Party

Best 1st Birthday Baby Shark Theme Party

This beautiful 1st baby shark birthday party was submitted by Carter 7 Grand Events. This is what she said was her inspiration to create and style this party. “As a party planner/decorator; we are often asked to repeat a popular theme more than once; and BABY SHARK being as popular as it is; we have completed several setups; however, this was our first large setup and our first setup for the theme outdoors. 

It was a very HOT TEXAS DAY, but we managed to pull through. Our client was very excited to celebrate Romir's first birthday party and even motivated and gave us so much eagerness to set up such a memorable event. We took a little bit of everything we had previously set up before and added a little twist to it. 

Having the event outdoors under a tent; gave us a little more imagination to work with; from the balloons hanging from the center of the tent; to the props being placed in front of the water wave custom table cloth that was made by our business owner Carla Smith. The entire setup was  FUN - FUN -FUN. We never draw out a detailed setup map; we just bring what we need and then we allow our creative juices to flow and we create a GRAND-ness. 

Carter 7 Grand Events is our business name; which has a very meaningful meaning behind it; which is part of the reason we love setting up children's events. Carter is the name of the owner of our business’s first son; who passed away during birth; it was her only child; but was the 7th child of her deceased husband, who passed away suddenly 2 years after their son passed away from a blood clot. 

When hired to do children's events; it is always an exciting and fun time for us and most of our inspiration comes from our sweet and precious angels who watch over us from above. 

We would like to invite you all to our business page on Facebook @Carter 7 Grand Events and on Instagram Carter 7 Grand Events

We would like to give a special thanks to She's Making Sweets for the amazing cake, custom candy apples and cupcakes; and also La Casa de Carton for our amazing marquee numbers that we love so much. 

Romir's Baby Shark 1st birthday was definitely one of our favorite setups since dealing with this pandemic. Due to the pandemic of course business for us is not what it once was and parties are not how they use to be. Through the hand sanitizer on each table, and no candles being blown out on the main birthday cake, and food being served in to-go containers; we were still able to bring some sunshine with our decorations; even during the pandemic storm. We pray for the safety and well being of everyone and this too shall pass; we hope very soon. 

We’ve included lots of pictures for you to enjoy every child’s dream party!

Vendor Credits:

Party Stylist & Event Planner: by Carter 7 Grand Events

Cake: She's Making Sweets

Party decor: La Casa de Carton

LYFETYMES is the #1 party planning website. Check us out for all your party planning needs!

Want to be in the party business but don’t know where to start? Whether you specialize in party planning, baking, or balloons Hostessy Pro can help you get your party business off the ground. Hostessy Pro will create your personalized business webpage, URL, and email. As well as access to our digital media library with over 100 of our best content & more, Check them out to get started on your party dreams.

The Best Safari Baby Shower Ideas

The Best Safari Baby Shower Ideas

When hosting a baby shower choosing the perfect theme is part of the fun of party planning. You get to use your creativity and showcase your talents for the expecting mother and guests to enjoy. 

Party Submitted By Janessa Morton Resendes!

A Safari Themed Baby Shower will definitely set the tone for a cute and intimate gathering to celebrate the expecting parents and new baby! The possibilities are endless when it comes to planning a Safari Themed Baby Shower with all the fun animals and jungle greenery this Safari Theme is sure to be a hit! 

Janessa is a teacher but does party planning as a hobby. Her kids are 5 and 6-year-olds and she says they always have pretty fun parties. Janessa styled this Safari Themed Baby Shower for her sister and she said, “I’m pretty simple. The only person I used was a cake lady, and the rest was me. It’s a lot of work, to say the least… my sister created a safari themed nursery for baby Gavin so that’s what inspired me to go with the Safari theme.” 

Check out all the beautiful photos we’ve included showcasing all the beautiful details and creativity that went into styling this Safari Themed Baby Shower. 

Vendor Credits:

Cake: Sweet Adelaide's Bakery

Cake Topper: Etsy

21st Painting With A Twist Inspired Birthday Party

21st Painting With A Twist Inspired Birthday Party

Turning twenty-one is a milestone that almost everyone looks forward to. So, it’s sort of a big deal when it comes to planning the perfect 21st Birthday Celebration.

We loved this 21st Birthday Sip- and - Paint party submitted by @MamiiCreations.

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This is what she had to say about the inspiration for the party: The party was for my little cousin's 21st birthday. Her mother had originally planned a trip to Canada but due to Covid-19 we decided to have a Sip- and Paint party at home for the birthday girl and 10 of her close friends. We went with Rose Gold for the main color because it’s a cute new trend. We used the deck as a section that was set up for drinks and we wanted it to have more of a rustic look while still incorporating the rose gold color. We also included a yellow wreath to add a pop of color.  A lot of the items used to decorate were things that we already owned. We also shopped on Amazon, Party City for the helium-filled balloons and even family dollar for a few odds and ends. The paint pallets were purchased on Amazon. We went with the Paint- and- Sip theme because the birthday girl majored in art and her mother used to do wine tastings. Her aunt (my cousin) also helped a lot in setting up and bringing the vision to life. Everything came together beautifully. We used props from older parties for the photo booth and an old pallet as a photo frame. 

LYFETYMES is the #1 party planning website! Check us out for all your party planning needs! We provide you with all the party planning tools for FREE!

10- Must Have Baby Products for the First Year

10 Must-Have Baby Products for the First Year

If you're expectant with your first child, chances are you have no idea of the newborn products you’ll need. We thought ahead and prepared a guide of all the essentials you should have for the first year. The products range from baby clothing to safety products. Take a look. 

Welcoming a newborn baby can be very exciting and very scary at the same time, especially if it's your first time. One thing that makes the first-year smooth is having all the necessary products the baby will need.

We have prepared a detailed checklist of all the must-have newborn products to make work easier for you. Starting from feeding, bedding, diapering to clothing, we've got you covered.

Check this out: 

1. Baby Clothes

Baby clothes are sized by age. However, some brands can vary in their sizing, so it's crucial you check weight and height description to help you find the right outfit.

Some babies wear three-month outfits straightway and never need the newborn size. But since there is no way of knowing, it's safe to have a few newborn outfits.

Also, buy a few clothes with the next size that your baby will need before they get there. Kids grow up really fast.

Accepting hand-me-downs and buying second-hand clothes can help you have multiple size options to choose from.

The best newborn products as far as clothing is concerned should be soft, durable, and roomy. They should also be made from materials that can withstand multiple washings. Avoid clothing with ribbons, tassels, and strings to avoid choking hazards.

Consider organic clothing as it is made with no chemicals or harsh dyes. The setback is they are a bit expensive. Regardless of the cloth type, you can use friendly detergents to avoid skin irritation.

2. Car Seat and Stroller 

The first journey with your baby will be from the hospital to your home. Most hospitals will require you to have a car seat to make sure the baby is safe. The car seat is also to ensure you have a smooth ride during clinics and outings. Invest a reasonable amount of time in choosing the best car seat and don't compromise on quality for a cheaper one.

Another gear you need is a baby stroller. You obviously want to take your baby around the neighborhood. It's crucial you choose the best umbrella stroller in the market to allow your baby to sit and nap comfortably during walks without getting sunburns. 

3. Diapers and Wipes 

This should be on the top of every must-have newborn product list. Babies use the most diapers and wipes in their first year. The number will reduce as they move towards their first birthday. So, stock up on lots of them as they're a necessity. 

With that said, diapers are one of the most sensitive newborn baby care products because of diaper rash, which is very common. To avoid the latter, choose a quality diaper and make sure it fits to prevent skin irritation. 

As for the wipes, you can choose to go with reputable brands or any wet wipes for the purpose. Make sure they're hygienic and safe for the baby. 

Consider having a changing station at home with all these products. There is a good amount of diaper-changing in the first months, and the changing station makes it easier.

4. Feeding Essentials 

Whether you'll be bottle-feeding or breastfeeding, it's essential to have enough bottles and nipples. Newborns only drink around 4 ounces of milk at the beginning, so you can start with four ounce-bottles and upgrade to 8 ounces as the baby grows. 

You'll also need milk bags, formula, and a breast pump as they're the most critical baby products needed for a newborn for the first year.

Once your baby is six months old, they'll probably be ready to eat solid food. It's therefore good to have food smashers, baby spoons, washcloths, bibs, and bowls on standby. A high chair with a tray also comes in handy as you can move it around and attach it to your dining table set. 

5. Bedding Essentials

It's vital that you make sure you research the best products for newborn babies when shopping for your baby's beddings.  

However, for starters, you can co-sleep with your toddler. This way you'll have your baby close to you, making feeding easy. 

When you decide to move them to their crib, find one that has perfect safety features and an excellent mattress to ensure your baby is comfortable.

Also, avoid leaving quilts, blankets, and pillows as it could increase the risk of SIDs. Using Swaddlers instead of blankets can help prevent suffocation issues as well. 

6. Bathing Essentials

You can give your newborn a bath once the umbilical cord dries and falls off. You can either place the baby bathtub in your tub or use the kitchen sink. Make sure you choose a tub that is strong and durable. Remember to include shampoo and no-tears formula baby wash on your newborn baby bath product list. To avoid any chemicals, use no fragrance shampoo and body wash. 

Include newborn hair products to detangle the hair as combing their hair can be painful for them. 

After the bath, wrap your baby with a soft hooded towel, and use washcloths to clean the ear area.

You can also add a few toys in the tub to make the washing experience playful for the baby.

You'll also need other products for grooming purposes like baby oil. The newborn baby girl products are similar to newborn baby boy products at this age, so don't stress too much. 

7. Safety Needs

You need to make sure your baby is safe even when they're in another room. Fortunately, there are both audio and video monitors in the market that can help you watch your baby.

A baby monitor becomes even more critical once the baby starts to roll and crawl as they can easily injure themselves. 

Before your baby starts moving, make your home baby-friendly to prevent accidents by adding safety gates, latches, outlet covers, etc. 

8. Baby Carriers 

While you're on the go, it's not always possible to hold your baby in your hands the whole time. And at times, you prefer not to carry your baby stroller with you. For this reason, it's essential to have a baby carrier. It helps you snuggle your toddler close to you and still be hands-free. Therefore, you can use one while you're at home doing chores or taking care of older kids.

As with any other baby product, a baby carrier should be chosen with utmost care. The straps and harness should be secure enough to hold the baby and allow you to support them. Although baby carriers come with multiple benefits, it's recommended you use them only when necessary. 

9. Baby Entertainments

Babies love to have fun, and you'll also be able to move around the house when they're engaged. Every newborn loves a pacifier, so that should be the first toy you get for your baby. Play gyms and bouncy seats also work well for kids who aren't mobile yet. They enjoy the sights, sounds, and other bouncy features.

Once your toddler starts to move, you'll need to upgrade toys to rattles, musical toys, and other interactive games.

10. Health Care Products 

After getting the best products for newborn babies to cater for their daily needs, you'll need medical products. It's crucial that you have a few healthcare items with you. They include a first aid kit, digital thermometer, teethers, baby brush, etc.

Also, talk with your pediatrician to learn what over-the-counter medications you need to keep in the house.

Final Thoughts

We hope our newborn products checklist will help you in the preparation of your newborn. Visit our blog for more articles on baby products, and get first-hand reviews to help you choose the right products. 

About the author

Rachel Burns is an experienced copywriter and photographer with a design diploma. She works with startups, entrepreneurs, bloggers, and companies from around the world. In addition to writing articles and promotional materials, she enjoys hiking, reading, cooking, and spending time with her family.

6th Birthday Cactus- Themed Party Ideas!

6th Birthday Cactus-Themed Party Ideas!

Submitted By The Amazing Party Victoria Petrovsky @queen_victoriap 

It’s been a pretty wild time we’ve all going through these past few months. Emotions are running high and if you’re like me it’s been kind of hard to wrap my head around it all. My niece who is only six understands some of what is going on but not exactly everything, so when we told her she might not be able to have a birthday party this year she was okay with it. Although, that didn’t exactly sit well with me because this little girl has been pulled out of school and had her entire world turned upside down. I felt like I had to find a way to celebrate her. 

Lea loves cacti. She especially loves the round ones. I wanted to focus on a feminine cactus event that maintained a modern feel. I don’t know about you, but Cacti themed parties are one of my favorite themes. I am showing you how you can throw your own Fan-Cactus Birthday party! 

I love the pairing of Terra-Cotta with almost anything, but especially with sage and pink. These beautiful Himalayan shot glasses were purchased from Himalayan Secrets.

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The beautiful plates came from The Little Market and were the inspiration for the whole look of the lunch.

There’s nothing that makes me happier than a pretty tablescape so I made sure to focus on the details.

Since we were outside, we set up the umbrella for some shade. I decided to decorate the umbrella with this cute balloon garland from Nifty Balloons.

Cactus shot glasses, pink Himalayan salt shot glasses, sage drinking glasses, and terra cotta bowls. The floral arrangements from Pavan Floral were absolutely stunning and fit the vision perfectly. I couldn’t have dreamt it up any better.

Sharp balloons provided the amazing balloon cactus that was used as the backdrop for the dessert table. This cute sign made by @Creativeamme on Instagram was also a great touch to one of my favorite tables at the party. 

The food ordered from Heirloom was delicious and paired great with the theme.

I also added a charcuterie board filled with greens and some pretty pink flowers to add to the party aesthetic. 

The lovely desserts were made by Janice Wong, and let me tell you Janice never disappoints with her desserts. You can find her @janice.w0ng on Instagram. 

She made the cutest cactus macaroons in terra-cotta pots 

and a delicious rose gold drip cake with the cacti on top. She did such a fantastic job that I didn’t want to mess it up, but I couldn't resist and ended up having two slices. 

At the end of the day, my niece was smiling and was so happy. She felt celebrated and that’s all I wanted. I hope this inspires you to have a little backyard cactus themed birthday celebration. We all need a little love and celebration.

Vendor Credits:

Flowers: www.pavanfloral.com / Insta: @pavanfloral 

Rentals: www.3littlebirdseventplanning.com / Insta: @3littlebirdseventplanning 

Balloons: www.niftyballoons.com /Insta: @sharpballoons.com

Sign: Insta: @creativeamme 

Music: Insta: @djwillgill / www.djwillgill.com

Dessert: Insta: @janice.w0ng 

Cactus Shot glasses: https://www.burkedecor.com

Himalayan Shot glasses: https://himalayansecrets.com

Dinner Plates: https://www.thelittlemarket.com

Food: www.heirloomla.com / Insta: @heirloomla 

AMAZON DEALS & STEALS TO GO WITH THIS PARTY!

8 Fourth of July Party Ideas You Should Try in 2020

Fourth of July Party Ideas You Should Try In 2020!

Want to throw the Ultimate Fourth of July Party? We got you covered

Summer is right around the corner and it’s almost that time again to bring out the red, white, and blue, and pop some fireworks. There’s no better way to celebrate our nation’s independence than with a fun Fourth of July party with your close friends and family. We put together a list of party ideas to get your party started with a bang. 

Have a Potluck

Is it really a party if there’s no food? Consider having a potluck for your Fourth of July party. Potlucks are a great option for large parties. As the party hosts, we like to take care of the main dishes like meat, buns, beverages, and ask our guests to bring some sides if they would like. Not only is it easier this way, but it’s also great because you end up with a variety of different, delicious dishes. 

4th of July Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches 

If you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen or on the grill all day try these crowd-pleasing pulled pork BBQ sandwiches. The pulled pork does take a couple of hours to prep and cook so I would suggest starting on this dish the day before or even two days before your party. The day of your party just heat it up in a slow cooker and your party guests will be begging you for the recipe. 

S'mores Bar

A sprinkler in one hand and a S’more in the other. If you have a fire pit in your backyard set up a S’mores bar for your party guest to enjoy once the sun goes down. Set out a variety of chocolates for your guest to choose from. Some of my favorites include Hershey’s Cookies & Cream, Dove milk Chocolate, and Reese’s Peanut Butter cups. Don’t forget the marshmallows and graham crackers. You can also swap out the traditional graham crackers for the cinnamon ones to add a unique flavor. 

Set Out a Variety of Yard Games

To keep your guest and the kids entertained, set out some yard games in the backyard such as corn hole, washers, and crotchet. Take it up a notch by setting up a slip and slide and buckets for water balloons. This will help your guest beat the heat and burn off all the bbq sandwiches they ate. 

You can also include a squirt gun station to add some extra fun for the kids to squirt the grown ups as they slide down. Check out First Home Love Life to find out how to DIY your own Squirt Gun Refill Station. 

Fun Extras Station

A fun and games station is great for all ages and super easy to assemble. Set up and decorate a table and lay out all the cool and fun party extras for your guest to grab. Set out three mason jars labeled snap, crackle, and pop filled with bubbles, snaps, and sparklers. Also, include some cool Fourth of July temporary tattoos and some glow stick bracelets for when the sun goes down.

BombPop Cocktails

What’s better than an ice-cold cocktail on a hot day? A cocktail with a Bomb Pop in it. This easy and refreshing recipe can be made as a cocktail for the adults or as a mocktail for the kids to enjoy. It’s guaranteed to put you in the Patriotic spirit. Head on over to Freutcake.com for the recipe. 

Confetti Poppers

These patriotic confetti poppers filled with red, white, and blue confetti are easy to create and will be fun for both the kids and adults. You can DIY a bunch of these poppers, count to three and hear them pop as confetti goes flying in the air. 

Fourth of July Backdrop

One of my favorite things to do at parties is take pictures. Capturing memories that will last a lifetime requires the perfect picture-taking spot. This means your Fourth of July party needs a cute backdrop setup. This super fun and affordable DIY project is made using plastic tables covers, swing/ twine for assembly, and scissors. Learn how to create this fun Fourth of July backdrop for your friends and family to capture some silly moments. 

Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable Fourth a July!