About Mindy Cone & her Blog
Mindy is a winner of Top 25 Party Planning Moms - 2012
Of all the parties you've thrown, which was your favorite?
My favorite party ever was definitely the “potty party” that I threw for my daughter. Yes – you read that right – it was a potty training party! While embarking on the not-so-fun task of potty training, I came across advice on how to “potty train in a day”. Part of the advice was to throw them a party! Well, you don’t have to tell me twice! I tried to turn something that usually is dreaded by moms we turned into a light hearted humorous and fun event for the moms & kids. You will get a good chuckle when you see the diaper toss game, “reward” treats for going #1 & #2, toilet paper wreath, and of course the underwear cake & cupcakes!
The details were so fun to plan – I think I laughed through the whole process. AND the best part is that all 4 kids are now potty trained & had a great time!
You can see all the details here: http://getcreativejuice.blogspot.com/2011/11/our-parties-potty-party.html
What's a great tip for keeping a party affordable?
I am all about keeping a party affordable! The best tip I have is to use inexpensive items in a creative way to make a big impact focal point. For example, using streamers to create a rainbow backdrop for a party {as seen here in our St Patricks Day party - http://getcreativejuice.blogspot.com/2012/03/st-patricks-day-party.html }. Other inexpensive DIY items I have used are felt, tissue paper, scrapbook paper, plastic tablecloths, paperplates, and flat sheets. {you can see how I used these items in this party: http://getcreativejuice.blogspot.com/2012/05/our-parties-are-you-watching-bachelor.html, and in this party: http://getcreativejuice.blogspot.com/2011/09/our-party-bug-birthday-free-printable.html }
Using printables is another way to keep your party budget low, but still have a party that is cohesive, personalized, adorable, & unique. Printable packages usually come with everything you need – cupcake toppers, banners, bottle wrappers, food tents, invitations, and often more than that! We have many favorite printable shops, but have styled many parties using Bird’s Party printables. You can see one of the parties we did for her magazine here: http://getcreativejuice.blogspot.com/2011/11/magazine-holiday-birthday-party.html}
I am very passionate about keeping things under budget and creative! My biggest piece of advice would be to try to use things from around your home. Use what you have! I have been known to use my curtains as a party backdrop, my kids bookshelf to hold party favors, and my candleholders to hold cupcakes! I even styled an entire party around the fruit trees from my backyard – you can see it here: http://getcreativejuice.blogspot.com/search/label/Lemon%20Party
What are some unique ideas for party favors?
Party favors can be anything – polariod pictures from a photobooth, food / sweet treats, toys, jewelry, even clothing. I love to mix it up for each party. Try to keep the favor aligned with the theme – but of course you don’t have to. Favors can be a budget buster so for our Safari party we got creative using brown paper bags & toilet paper rolls to make safari costumes! The kids loved them! The tutorial is here: http://getcreativejuice.blogspot.com/2011/06/safari-party-cotumes.html. One of the most unique favors went with our potty party – we used yellow jelly beans & tootsie rolls for two separate “reward” bags – you can see these here: http://getcreativejuice.blogspot.com/2011/11/our-parties-potty-party.html
We also made inexpensive snowflake scarves for the guests at our “cool igloo” party using felt snowflakes and cheap fleece fabric – it was super easy and affordable! You can see those here: http://getcreativejuice.blogspot.com/2011/11/magazine-holiday-birthday-party.html . The favor can also be part of the activity – at our bug party the kids each received bug jars {remodeled baby food jars!} and had to dig through the dirt to find the bugs they would take home! You can see our bug party here: http://getcreativejuice.blogspot.com/2011/09/our-party-bug-birthday-free-printable.html. Combining the activity and the favor can help keep cost down when you are on a budget.
Mindy's Answers
What's a great theme you've done for your child's birthday? Please share a link with a photo.
i love birthday parties!!!
i have too many favorites to choose from... we did a bug, safari, potty training {yes you read that right}, penguin igloo party, curious george, princess, and an equestrian horse party. i think my favorite was the bug party! so many fun details!
you can see the party here:http://getcreativejuice.blogspot.com/2011/09/our-party-bug-birthday-free-printable.html
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