I celebrated my birthday while the rest of the world celebrated the 40th anniversary of the moon landing. We were on vacation, just having arrived at our first destination – Phoenix, also known by my husband as the center of the sun. Rick said he wanted to buy me something, wanted to arrange a spa visit or give me something I don’t really need. I said no. There was enough love around me, with my son and my husband in a far away place away from the stresses of the world. That was plenty for me. And, really, we were …read more

The recession is hitting everyone hard and if holding birthday parties for the kids is one of the things you have to give up then so be it. It doesn’t mean though that the kids miss out on the fun on their birthdays just because they don’t have a party!
There are ‘free’ things you can do that is as much fun as having a big birthday party. The important thing is you mark the occasion of the birthday by blowing the birthday candles with just your family around.
For the birthday celebrant, here are a few ideas on what you can …read more

What is the average time for a birthday party? Is there any time you won’t allow your child to attend a birthday party? I know it is summertime and all but I was curious on this. We were recently invited to some summer birthday parties, some ofhich were fine but some of the times left me puzzled. Here’s a few, you tell me which you’d be fine with and why or why not.
Saturday noon-2pm
Saturday 2p.m.-4p.m.
Sunday 3p,m. -6p.m.
Wednesday 6:30p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Growing up we were only allowed those after lunch and before dinner. I’m guessing this was to make sure we were …read more

Food Network has rolled out seven of their most popular “celebration cakes” this week.

Their lineup includes:
~ Spring Celebration Carrot Cake
~ Savarin Cake with Vanilla-Grand Marnier Syrup
~ Lemon Bundt Cake with Berry Rhubarb Glaze
~ Jamie’s Coconut Cake
~ Have Your Own Cake and Eat It Too
~ Strawberry Shortcut Cake
~ Caramel Peach Upside-Down Cake.
I’ve got two birthdays coming up next week and I think I’m going to try the coconut cake and the carrot cake! What are your favorite celebration cakes?
[image: flickr]

PetSmart is throwing a party and your pet’s invited!

On April 21st from 6-8pm, PetSmart stores around the country are throwing a birthday party. It doesn’t matter how old your pet is or when their birthday actually falls, either!
Party treats include a free framed digital photo of your pet and a free goodie bag. There will also be a “musical sits” game (similar to musical chairs) to win Purina prizes.
Until April 27th, select items in the store are also 20% off, which makes buying your four-legged friend something a little easier!
[image: flickr]

As mothers/fathers we all go through the birthday ritual, you know the whole cake, ice cream and a present or two. Sometimes if the child is lucky enough he or she gets to have a birthday party with all his/her family and friends. This isn’t always the case though, sometimes a birthday falls the wrong time of the year, other times a child must go to another parent’s house for their birthday. Or in our case, one family member won’t be here for it so you must decide what to do.
What’s your take on the “early birthday party”? I’ve heard …read more

Someone close to me had said, “Of course, it matters. We girls love prezzies.” That’s not verbatim but I think you know what I’m getting at, right?
Well, time came and went. Special days for special people. Do gifts or presents really matter?
I love giving gifts and, quite naturally, receiving them. How about the rest of you? it doesn’t really matter if they’re expensive or if it was just one small card that greeted me, I’d treasure it. It somehow tells me that you’ve thought of the day beforehand. You were counting down the days till you can actually bring out …read more