***Birthday - Birthday Supply Depot

I have three sons and one husband,  which equals four birthday parties I have to host within a years time.  That could be a good thing or a bad thing but for me it's a great thing because I love planning parties.  The truth be said I probably should of been a party planner because I have been hosting parties since I was just a young girl and I guess you could say I just have a knack for it.  This past week I just hosted my middle sons 3rd birthday party.  I wanted to do a fun theme that was somewhat unique so I thought Bubble Gum party, but my mom thought it was somewhat too plain of a theme.  I go to thinking,  why not go with a "Candy Land"  themed birthday party and incoporate the gumballs into it, perfect! 

The only problem was finding a store that sold the "Candy Landy" themed party supplies.  I tried visiting my local party store because it is very well know,  but surprisingly they did not stock the "Candy Land" themed party supplies.  After visiting one more party store,  I decided to do what I should have done in the first place,  search for it on the internet.  After visting numerous online party supply stores I thought I may be out of luck,  until my luck changed! The Birthday Supply Depot offers everything you need to decorate your "Candy Land" themed birthday party. 


When shopping on the Birthday Supply Depot,  you may choose to order a party package and then add items to it(if you choose to) or purchase your party supplies separately.  The Birthday Supply Depot generously provided me with a Deluxe pack to review at the party. 

Here's what I received in the Deluxe Candy Land Party Pack:

• (1) Candy Land Mylar Balloon
• (1) Centerpeice
• (1) Confetti
• (1) Plastic Purple Tablecover
• (3) Curling Ribbons (Lime Green,  Yellow,  and Aqua Blue)
• (3) Streamers (Yellow,  Orange & Aqua Blue)
• (8) 9 OZ Cups
• (8) Activity Placemats
• (8) Dinner Plates
• (8) Invitations
• (8) Yellow Forks & Spoons
• (16) Classic Neon Candles
• (16) Napkins

In addition to the Deluxe Party Pack Birthday Supply Depot was also kind enough to let me select a couple other items to review.  Of course I chose the Candy Land Personalized Birthday Banner because what better way to personalize a birthday than with a banner!  I also selected two Candy Land Party Favor Boxes - one for the birthday boy and one to hand out as a prize. 

Since the Deluxe Cand Land Party Pack included just about all the decorations I needed for my party I did not have to do much further shopping for decorations except for a few ballooons and hanging decorations since I like to go all out for my parties.  I used the favor boxes and confetti to help decorate my table and make it look festive.  I also purchased a gumball machine and peppermint candies to add to the table decoration.   When it came time to eat I set each table setting with a placemat,  cup, plate,  napkin,  and platic ware.  I used a helium tank to fill up the Mylar "Candy Land" themed balloon for the birthday boy. 

I placed the  Candy Land Personalized Birthday Banner just above the goody table to make for a perfect setting and covered the table in a bright purple table cover that was included in the package.   Doing this really made the "Candy Land" theme come together with the candy buffet and goodies on the table.  Towards the end of the party we played a Candy Land game and the winner received one of the Candy Land Favor Boxes, the other Candy Land went to the birthday boy or course. 

Inside each Candy Land themed favor box you will find:

• Candy Land Blowout
• Candy Land Bounce Ball
• Candy Land Sticker Sheet
• 8 Jumbo Crayons
• Pinwheel
• Mini Activity Book

The favor box and contents required a tiny amount of assembly and was super easy to put together.  Birthday Supply Depot offers three different Candy Land themed party packages including Basic,  deluxe Pack, and Deluxe Pack & Favor Boxes. for your convenience.  They also offer an assortment of Candy Land themed items that you may want to purchase seperatly.  The Candyland Giant Wall Decals really caught my eye and I think they would make a great addition to any Candy Land themed party.  You may also want to purchase a set of Candy Land themed party hats because the packages does not include hats. 

Overall I was very impressed with Birthday Supply Depot and all the guests were too!

BUY IT: 
You can purchase a Candy Land Deluxe party pack from Birthday Supply Depot for $29.99.
You can purchase a personalized birthday party banner from Birthday Supply Depot for $15.99.
You can purchase a Favor Box that includes the favors for $4.79.


LEARN MORE:  To learn more about Birthday Supply Depot  be sure to visit them on their website,  connect with them on Facebook,  and follow them on Twitter.



Dislcaimer - Birthday Supply Depot provided me with the items mentioned above,  free of charge,  for review purposes.  In no way did this alter my opinion of their products.  All of my opinions are one hundred percent honest and true.*

*** Birthday - Balloon Time Giveaway

A party isn't a party without balloons.  That being said,  our party wouldnt have been a party without the help from Balloon Time.  Usually purchasing balloons ends up being a huge process starting with purchasing them in the store.  Then theres that dreaded ride home where the balloons float all over your car and your lucky if they dont end up in the passenger seat with you or blinding you while you drive.  Once you get home then you have to get them in the house without them escaping and flying away in the process.  I am so relieved that I found a product that helps me avoid all of the stress and hastle of purchasing and transporating balloons so without further or due,  let me introduce you to a wonderful company by the name of Balloon Time!

Balloon Time offers an awesome variety of Helium Balloon Kits, that are portable and covenient.  You have the option of choosing from four different options including Helium Balloon Kits,  A La Carte Kits,  Create A Party Kits,  and Specialty Products.  No matter which Balloon Time product you choose,  it is sure to make your party very fun and exciting. 

I received a coupon good for any Balloon Time product priced $39.99 or less so I headed over to my local Party City to pick one up.  I frequently shop at Party City,  so I knew they stock the product and sure enough it was in stock.  I found it at the front of the store displayed by the check out line.  They offered The Balloon Time Standard and Jumbo Latex Helium Balloon Kits.  Of course I chose the Jumbo size which cost only $10 more than the standard size.  Instead of having to get them blown up at the store and carry them to my car,  I simply carried the box out and placed it in my truck.  No hastles...no worries!

Usually when I host parties I purchase a few helium filled balloons from the store and then a bag of balloons to blow up at the party.  By the time I'm done blowing up the balloons I usually end up light headed,  so it was so nice to use the helium tank to blow them up instead of my lungs.  Not to mention the fact that these balloons actually float,  and the ones I blew up just stay on the floor.

The Balloon Time Jumbo Latex Helium Balloon Kit comes with:

• A Portable 14.9 Cubic-Foot Helium Filled Tank
• 50 Vibrant,  Assorted Color, 9' Balloons
• A Spool Of Ribbon

Each Jumbo Latex Helium Balloon Kit will fill fifty 9' balloons or twenty-seven 11" balloons. 

About an hour before the party we used the helium tank to fill up the ballooons with helium using some of the balloons from the kit and a few mylar balloons that matched the theme of the party(Candy Land).  I tied the ribbon on each balloon and then curled the ribbon for an added extra effect.  During the party I used them as decoration and as guest went home I sent one each with each child,  so by the time the party was over I didn't have many balloons to get rid of.  The childrens face lit up with a smile each time I gave them a balloon of their own to take home with them.  After the party was concluded we tied up the rest of them and let my kids let them go up up and away, high in the sky! 

Besides using the Balloon Time Balloons as decorations you can also use them for other things too!

• Games - Fill balloons with helium.  In atleast one balloon add $1 or a $5 bill then fill with helium.  Let them go and then let the children at your party grab one each. The winner will get the money! This game is fun and also helps decorate your party!
•  Favors - Tie a curled ribbon on each balloon and hand out one to each guest as they leave your party.
• Invitations - Write your party information on a balloon and hand deliver to recipients.
• Activity for your party - have children decorate their balloons with stickers and faces.

   
The Latex Balloon approximate float time is 5-7 hours,  long enough to last for any party.  No matter how you use your Balloon Time Balloons they are sure to be a hit at your next party or get together,  I know they were at mine! 

LEARN MORE:  To learn more about Balloon Time be sure to visit them on their website,  and connect with them on Facebook.  While on their site you may want to check out their fun Party Ideas. 

BUY IT:  You can purchase a Balloon Time Jumbo Latex Helium Balloon Kit from a Store near you.  Use their Store Locator to find a location near you.

*Disclaimer - Balloon Time provided me with a coupon good for the item mentioned above,  free of charge,  for review purposes.  In no way did this alter my opinion of their products.  All of my opinions are one hundred percent honest and true.*

Preschool Parties Book

Ever since I was just a young girl I have always enjoyed planning parties.  Now that I am older with three young sons I get plenty of opportunities to plan parties.  I am always in search of fun party ideas that my children will enjoy, so when I was asked to review a copy of "Preschool Parties" I gracefully accepted the offer.  I actually receive a lot of pitches from authors and pr reps to review books and a lot of times I have to decline,  but there was no way I was going to decline this one!  I was very anxious to read the book and fill my mind with fun activities and ideas for my middles sons 3rd Birthday Party that will be coming up soon. 

As soon as I laid eyes on the book I knew it was going to be packed full of fun party ideas.  The front cover features fun party scenes,  while the back is covered in vibrant colored clown cupcakes.  The title of the book is called "Preschool Parties easy ides for Princesses,  Pirates & Other Little People."  The title of this book fits it to a tee.  This 144 page book is jam packed full of F-U-N!

The Preschool Parties book features fun party ideas for children ages 1-8,  depending upon the theme of each party,  which is perfect for our family because that is the exact age group of our children.  Overall the book contains fifteen fun filled theme parties for boys and girls.  Although,  I do not have any daughters,  I enjoy gathering the information to share with my friends and family  that have girls.   Some of the party themes are directed towards one gender or the other ,  while others can be enjoyed with both boys and girls.  My seven year old son and my two year old son enjoyed flipping through the pages and looking at all of the fun themed parties.

This book does all of the thinking and planning for you,  so all you have to do is invite the guests and set up your party!  Each party theme includes games,  activities,  a complete menu that corresponds with the party theme,  and tips to make your party a success.  Illustrations in books are a must have for me,  so I was pleased to see illustrations on every page.  Bright colorful images will pop out at you and catch your attention,  making you want to read all about the parties!

I think my oldest sons seemed to be most interested in the pirate party.  I personally liked the Splish Splash themed party,  which make a perfect way for your little ones to celebrate the hot summer months.  The "Icecream Cone" cupcakes recipe really helps top off the Splish Splash party.  I was very impressed with the "dumptruck" cake featured in the Truck Rally party.  The cake is served in an actual toy dumptruck and the cake can even be served in a shovel!  Each party theme is unique and full of innovative ideas.  I think of this book like a party planner in a book!

*Disclaimer - I received this book  free book for review purposes.  In no way did this alter my opinion of their products.  All of my opinions are one hundred percent honest and true.*

Celebrate your Lil One's 1st Birthday Party with 1stbirthdayparty.com/ GIVEAWAY!!!*CLOSED*

1stbirthdayparty.com offers a wide selection of party decorations for 1st birthday parties.  Party Pail is their parent site and operates 1stBirthdayParty.com.  The site has been operating for over 4 years now and served tens of thousands of customers.  1stBirthdayParty.com has everything to make your party a success and not have to stress!  From Decorations to favors and gifts,  they have it all!   Select from over 40 + themes to personalize your party with your favorite themes or characters.  Some of the items you can expect to find on their site is:  Tableware,  Games and Activities,  Cake and Cupcake supplies,  Favors,  Keepsakes and Registries,  Hats and Tiaras,  Clothing,  and of course party essentials! 

I love hosting parties and everything that comes along with it,  that is why i was estatic when Party Pail offered me a $60 coupon code to use towards purchasing party decorations for my sons party!  I spent at least an hour browsing their wide selection of wonderful products.  I found everything i needed to complete my party decorations.  Basically,  The only thing that i lacked was a cake and guests!  1stBirthdayParty.com offers Birthday kits that conveniently includes all the tablewear and decorations for your party!  This saves time and hastle because you dont have to spend your time trying to  coordinate a bunch of decorations into one theme.  

After searching through many themes such as First Birthday Boy,  Radio Flyer Red Wagon,  and Mickey's First Birthday,  i ended up going with the Sesame Street First Birthday.  Afterall,  my son loves Elmo and it is his favorite character on Sesame Street.  Besides the Sesame Street First Birthday theme,   i also decided to tie it in  with a regular 1st birthday theme.   When i first received the box i noticed it was well packaged and everything was in tact except for the hat which had a minor problem.  The pom pom puff at the top of the hat was slightly hanging down but that was not a problem as they took care of it as soon as i emailed them,   they promptly sent me a replacement hat,  free of charge.    They have wonderful customer service which we all know,  can be hard to come by sometimes.


1stBirthdayParty.com also offers a Closeouts section that includes deeply discounted items that includes a variety of decorations.  I ordered a few items from the Closeout section and was very happy with the price.  My favorite items that i reviewed were the Jungle Friends Plush Animals,  Satin first Birthday Cone Hat,  and the Big One Dots High Chair Kit.  The only thing i had a hard time finding on their site was pinatas.  They have a section for pinatas but currently only carry a Pooh Character Pinata.  I had fun chosing party decorations for my sons birthday and decorating with them!   Overall i reviewed 14 if their products ranging in price from (.89cents to $7.99).  I will briefly go over each product i reviewed:

1. Satin First Birthday Cone Hat-($5.99)  I chose this hat because it is brightly colored and will go well with the theme.  It always pays to get a really cute hat because really cute hats leads to really cute pictures!  I usually take my sons first birthday pictures at the mall and have them pose in a diaper with their party hat on and a cupcake.    
2. "I'm One" Cone Hats- I found this item in their "closeout"  section.  They come in a package of eight and make festive hats for the children attending the party.  Party hats also make great filler items for favor bags.
3. "I'm One" Party Cups-  I found these in the "closeout" section as well.  These cups  are the perfect size for party guests.  If you want to get creative fill each cup with some candy and favors then place in a clear celephane favor bag and tie it off with a curled ribbon. 

4. Polka Dots 1 Candle- ($0.89) These candles fit perfectly on top of your babies cake and add festivity to the cake.

5. Big 1 Dots Boy Centerpeice- ($4.00) This centerpiece is easy assembled and measures 27" long by 12" tall  and includes three dangling decorations.

6. Big 1 Dots Boy High Chair Kit- ($4.68)- This product makes a great addition to the decorations at the party and also comes in handy.  It contains three pieces:  a throw away bib,  floor mat and a decorative high chair banner.  These enhance your childs birthday pictures and set a festive mood.  The floor mats come in very handy because they save your floors from cake mess.  You know how messy it can get when your child goes to town on his/her own little cake!

7. Jungle Animals 48 Piece Favor Pack-($7.99)- This favor pack includes everthing you need to make eight goody bags!  The 48 piece kit comes complete with 8 Loot Bags,  8 Sticker Shapes,   8 Activity Sheets,  8 Animal Figures,  8 Prism Viewers,  and 8 two toned whistles.  My favorite thing about favor kits is that they require little time and price.  It is so much easier to purchase a kit rather than have to purchase lots of small items to go in the loot bags.

8. Mickey's Clubhouse Goody Bag-($2.55)- This individual goody bag comes pre assembled and requires no effort at all.  The goody bag is for ages 3+ and icludes an Activity Card,  Whistle,  Sticker,  Maze,  and Top.  These are perfect for unexpected guests at your party.  Purchase a couple to keep on hand in case any unexpected guests show up,  that way no one at the party will be left out.

9. Jungle Animals Jungle Friends Plush Animals-($7.79)- They come in a set of three miniature stuffed animals.  Each of the animals are 3" tall and includes a Zebra,  Lion,  and a Monkey.  Every child young and old usually likes stuffed animals so i like to put these in goody bags for the children at the party.

10. Sesame Street First Birthday Invitation & Thank You Kit-($4.12)- The best way to buy invitations i have found is in kits that contain the Thank You cards, as well.  This saves money and corresponds with your invitations.

11. Sesame Street First Birthday 7" Plates-($1.90)- Slices of cake fit perfectly on these dessert plates.  They come with 8 plates and include an adorable picture of Elmo along with the phrase"1st Birthday".

12. Sesame Street First Birthday Bib-($6.40)- Bibs come in a pack of two.  They are great to wear when the baby eats his/her first cake.  They are made of reusable vinyl and tie in the back.  My son looked super cute in his Sesame Street themed Bib.

13. Sesame Street First Birthday Party Treat Boxes -($4.72)- These Treat Boxes come in a package of six and feature  Big Bird,  The Cookie Monster,  and Elmo.  They are the perfect size to fit favors in.  Each box measures 5.25" long,  by 2.75" wide,  by 1.5" tall.
14. High Chair Kit-$ .   )- I found a High Chair kit in the closeout section and decided to get it to have on hand for an extra. 
     

GIVEAWAY:

  1stBirthdayParty.com is generously offering one of my lucky readers  $60.00 worth of FREE products of their choice,  along with free shipping. Mandatory Entry- You must follow me on Google Friend Connect and leave your email address so you can be contacted,  in the case that you win. 1stBirthdayParty asked to provide a little bit of information along with giveaway information and rules.  Below,  is the text that they wanted to include.

1stbirthdayparty.com is very excited about some of our newest products! So excited, in fact, that we can’t keep them all to ourselves; we are going to give some away for FREE! One lucky winner will receive $60 in free merchandise, plus free shipping! Whether you prefer wildly exciting "Monkeyin' Around" Birthday Party  or a more classic , Pooh's First Birthday Party,  you’ll find everything from the place settings and centerpieces to the balloons, invitations and more – all in one place. Check out our variety of  1st Birthday Party Ideas and Supplies, and start thinking about what you’d buy with your $60!

Here’s how you can win:

1. Leave a comment on this blog post telling us which items from www.1stbirthdayparty.com are your favorites!
2. On your personal blog, write a blog post about your favorite birthday party themes from www.1stbirthdayparty.com and link back to that theme’s page on www.1stbirthdayparty.com (a blog post counts as 3 entries).
3. Tweet about 1stbirthdayparty.com and our products (only one tweet per person, please; additional tweets will not count as additional entries).
4. Follow our parent company @partypail on Twitter.
5. Write a Facebook status update about which of our products you love, including our web address – www.1stbirthdayparty.com (only one status update please; additional status updates will not count as additional entries).
6. “Like” our parent company’s page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/partypail.

Each time you’ve done any of the options above, simply return to this blog post and leave a comment with a link to your blog post, tweet, Twitter profile, Facebook status, or Facebook profile so that we can verify it. The more times you enter the better your odds are of winning! Odds of winning depend upon the total number of valid entries received.

No purchase is necessary to enter the drawing or redeem prizes. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and residents of the United States of America to be eligible to enter. Deadline for entry is the 17th of January, 2011. On or shortly after January 17th, 2011, winners will be chosen by random selection, and winners will be notified by January 24th, 2011. Check back here for an announcement of the prize winners as well!

Additional Entries:

Follow me on Facebook(2 entries)

Follow me on Twitter(2 entries)

Tweet about my Giveaway and leave a comment with the link.(1 entry)

Blog about my Giveaway.(3 entries)

*Disclaimer-  1stbirthdayparty.com sent me a $60 coupon code to use toward purchasing Free products to possibly review.  In no way did this affect my opinion of their products.  All of my opinions are one hundred percent honest and true.*