Move over Barbie, there something hotter than you with the tweens these days – and it’s Monster High! My 10 year old has been to 4 birthday parties recently and three of the 4 had Monster High themed birthday parties.

Monster High dolls are fun, pose-able 11″ dolls created with a tongue in cheek sense of humor and are the modern day teen children of famous “monsters” in history. For example Draculaura is the daughter of Dracula and she and her friends all attend Monster High School. When I was first introduced to the line, I did not like them, but after reading their packaging, watching some of the animated videos, and seeing how the tweens are really taking to them, I have changed my tune.

If you are planning a Monster High birthday party for tweens, the photos above can be inspiration to get you started. The following are links to each of the photo sources:

1. Monster High Party Favors
2. Monster High Party Supplies
3. Monster High Cake
4. Monster High Journal Party Favors
5. Monster High Cake Pops

If you visit the Monster High website you can create and print Monster High Student ID cards for all your guests to use as placeholders and to take home as favors as well. Download a fun Monster High Word Scramble Game or print out some Monster High coloring pages while you are at it, and don’t forget the Printable Monster High activity book, too.

Looking for Monster High Party supplies? Here are the best ones we have found online:

Buy Now Monster High – Deluxe Party Pack & 8 Favor Purses   Buy Now Monster High – Party Favor Purse   Buy Now Monster High Liquid Stickers   Buy Now Monster High – Paper Tablecover   Buy Now Monster High Portfolio Sketch Book   Buy Now Monster High Square Dessert Plates (8)   Buy Now Monster High Square Dinner Plates (8)   Buy Now Monster High Empty Favor Container   Buy Now Monster High Mega Value Favor Pack   Buy Now Monster High Pencil Favors Pkg/12   Buy Now Monster High Mini Molded Candles (4)   Buy Now Monster High Monster Fashion Mini Sketch Book   Buy Now Monster High Mini Stickers   Buy Now Monster High Tattoo Roller   Buy Now Monster High Tattoo Sheet   Buy Now Monster High Wall Decorating Kit   Buy Now Monster High Value Pack Hanging Swirl Decorations   Buy Now Monster High Centerpiece Decorating Kit Each   Buy Now Monster High Latex Balloons (6)   Buy Now Monster High Characters 18" Foil Balloon"   Buy Now Monster High 10 Color Pen (1)   Buy Now Monster High Nail Polish   Buy Now Monster High Eraser Set   Buy Now Monster High Lipstick Erasers (8)   Buy Now Monster High Clutch Tin Box   Buy Now Monster High Tin Lunch Box [Freaky Fab]

When it comes to cake decorating I have a few friends that are amazing at it, but somehow I really didn’t get that magic touch. However, if I have a pattern and am having a patient day, I have been known to create some cake cuteness of my own. I was going through some pictures and realized I never posted my adorable Easter Rabbit cake that I made last year!

I used the Wilton Step-by-Step Bunny Pan to ensure that what I created would at least look like “something!” Having the rabbit shaped pan and some guidance made this a project even I could handle. All you need is a cake mix (your favorite flavor), white icing, pink icing, black icing (a tube is perfect) and a pink jellybean for bunny’s nose. You could use black licorice for bunny’s whiskers, too, but you don’t have to.

Following the instructions on the cake mix you choose, mix the cake batter, pour into the bunny cake pan (don’t forget to spray with non-stick cooking spray and flour the pan first) and cook according to the cake pan’s directions.

Remove cake and let it cool for a few minutes on a cooling rack before you attempt to remove the cake from the pan.

I obviously did not grease and flour the pan enough because my bunny cake did not come out of the pan in one piece. Even though it cracked a bit, all was well, and once it was frosted, no one else was the wiser!

See – no cracks!! Frost the rabbit cake with white frosting – your choice of flavors – and make it from scratch or cheat and use premade frosting from the can.

After frosting the whole bunny with the white frosting, I created his cheeks by mounding white icing. I used pink sparkly icing from a tube to fill in the ears and mouth. I also used black icing from the tube for his eyes, mouth and whiskers. Finally, I used a pink jelly bean for his nose. Looking back, it would have been cute to add extra jelly beans or green colored coconut shreds around the base of his head for some fun.

What do you think? According to my kids, bunny was pretty cute and tasted great!

PS – If you are looking for some activities to keep the kids busy while you make your Easter goodies, check out our Easter printables at Printables4Kids.com.

Ireland is by far one my favorite places on earth! Lucky for me, my grandparents live there and we have made quite a few trips there over the years. When we go we usually stay at Oysterhaven which is a very family friendly resort near Kinsale with one of the most breathtaking views ever.

Growing up, my Mom would make classic Irish dishes year round, but the week of St. Patrick’s Day was always guaranteed to be special. Some of my favorite Irish dishes are:

Potato Leek Soup – This smooth and creamy soup is absolutely perfect for cold, dreary days. The leeks (from the onion family) are truly the secret ingredient. Thin sliced and tender the leeks add so much flavor to the soup.

Colcannon sounds exotic but it isn’t. Basically Colcannon is mashed potatoes with cabbage and sausage, plenty of butter and a bit of milk. Comfort food at its finest! This is also known as Bubble and Squeak.

Shepherd’s Pie was one of my childhood favorites. It is the ultimate one dish meal consisting of layers of ground meat (beef, lamb, or a combination), mixed vegetables, tomatoes, and a topping made of mashed potatoes and cheese. Yummy!

Irish Lamb Stew is made from amazingly simple ingredients, yet tastes so rich. I think the reason is that it cooks for 8 hours and those flavors just meld so well. Serve with Irish Soda Bread and you will feel like you are dining on the Emerald Isle.

Corned Beef & Cabbage is another simple yet delicious Irish recipe that is good any day of the year. The corned beef brisket will absolutely melt in your mouth after it spends all day cooking in the slow cooker.

For more great Irish recipes check out:

• Irish Traditional Cooking: Over 300 Recipes from Ireland’s Heritage
• The New Irish Table: 70 Contemporary Recipes
• The Irish Spirit: Recipes Inspired by the Legendary Drinks of Ireland
• The Irish Pub Cookbook
• McGuire’s Irish Pub Cookbook

Food photos from Food Network

Keep the kids busy while you cook with fun St. Patrick’s Day printable activities and coloring sheets.

Seriously, how cute are these little Groundhogs? Punxsutawney Phil would be so proud!! Actually my friend Jen posted on Facebook that she was making Groundhog Day cookies and I just had to see what I was missing. Luckily for me, she brought me a bag of them this afternoon and they are so adorable and they smell amazing, too!

So, according to Jen, these little gingerbread groundhogs are to be placed end up on a mound of ice cream for Groundhog’s Day. If the Groundhog sees its shadow, then a “shadow” of chocolate syrup will be required.

What a fun Groundhog Day tradition! Here are some more Groundhog Day activities for you:

• Groundhog Day Coloring Activity
• 8 Groundhog Day Crafts and Activities for Kids
• More Groundhog Day Coloring Pages
• The Official Website of Punxsutawney Phil’s Groundhog Club

Do you have any special traditions for Groundhog Day?

Minnie Mouse is another one of those totally timeless birthday party themes for little girls – well, I know a few big girls that would like it, too. The theme is easy to customize and put your own spin on – think black, red and white polkadots or some variation of them. Here is some inspiration for you:

1. Minnie Mouse Cupcakes found on Pinterest
2. Easy to follow tutorial on how to make Minnie Mouse Party Hats from Love & Sugar Kisses
3. Minnie Mouse Favor Boxes as seen on Catch My Party
4. If you have a girly girl who loves having her nails painted, you can do Minnie Mouse Manicures
5. Easy to make Minnie Mouse Oreo cookies are just the cutest snack for this Minnie party – this photo and more Minnie Mouse party ideas at Catch My Party
6. Minnie Mouse printable invitations, cupcake holders, bottle wrappers and more on Etsy.

And here are even more items you can use for inspiration or to add to your Minnie Mouse Birthday Party:

Disney Minnie Mouse Deluxe Party Pack Disney Mickey / Minnie Mouse Party Backdrop Minnie Mouse Party Favor Value Pack Disney Minnie Mouse Sticker Sheets (4) EK Disney Sticker Minnie Mouse Disney Minnie Mouse Party Favor Box Disney Minnie Mouse Shopping Cake Topper Disney Minnie Mouse Edible Icing Cake Topper Disney Minnie Mouse Centerpiece Clubhouse Minnie Mouse Pink Toddler / Child Costume- 2T Disney Minnie Mouse Ears Headband Disney Minnie Mouse Standup Disney Minnie Mouse Tablecover Minnie Mouse Head Jumbo 28" Foil Balloon" Minnie Mouse Tin Box Carry All Disney Minnie Mouse Hair Ponies Assorted (8) Disney Minnie Mouse Invitations (8) Disney Minnie Mouse Bracelet Sets Assorted (8 sets of 4) Minnie Mouse Award Ribbon Mickey Mouse Clubhouse – Pink Minnie Mouse Drawstring Treat Sack Disney Minnie Mouse Tumbler (8) Disney Minnie Mouse Blowouts (8) Disney Minnie Mouse Deluxe Adult Costume – 12-14 Disney Minnie Mouse 18" Pull String Pinata" Disney Minnie Mouse Giant Wall Decal Disney Minnie Mouse 1st Birthday 18" Foil Balloon" Disney Minnie Mouse Fun Pack Activities

The New York Giants and New England Patriots are set to clash in Super Bowl XLVI. For many the Super Bowl means parties and commercials – and a little bit of football, too.

If you are hosting a Big Game party, print out my free tailgate party invitation, then check out my article for Snackpicks.com for some great tips on planning your gathering, ways to keep the party moving, activities for the kids and post-game cleanup.

Some of the tips include:

• Show your team spirit by decorating the house in team colors (or get the Super Bowl XLVI Party Pack from Celebrate Express). For easy clean up, use disposable tablecloths, napkins and cups.
• Cover a card table (or similar) with butcher paper. Put out a bucket (or helmet) full of crayons/art supplies and let the kids be creative. Download and printout a variety of printable football coloring pages and activities for kids (and fidgety grownups).
• Have activities and games set up to keep the kids entertained. Like a football toss, play “hot potato” with a football, make goal posts and have a bean-bag toss, or try a sports trivia contest.

And more party supplies perfect for your SuperBowl party:

Super Bowl XLVI 24" x 36" Super Tickets Poster New England Patriots Navy Blue Tailgate Party Big Sizes Hawaiian Style Polo Football 3D Centerpiece Football Gleam ‘N Burst Centerpiece Football Mini Cascading Centerpiece Football Accordian Centerpiece W/frame Each Football Goal Post Ring Toss Game 6′ Inflatable Goal Post Cooler with Football

Sock monkeys are a classic toy that are making a huge comeback for a new generation even bigger and better! If you are planning a Sock Monkey birthday party, baby shower or just have a thing for sock monkeys in general, take a look at some of the fun sock monkey party inspiration we found!

Last year my daughter wanted to have her birthday party at the local ice rink. Since her birthday is in late December, the ice rink was the perfect party destination and we settled on a snowy theme. My friend (the same one that made the gorgeous tween zebra striped cake) made my daughter a custom ice rink cake.

The cake was two layers with the top layer being smaller than the bottom. She used fondant to create the ice pond, snow balls and even the little puppies and bears ice skating. Not only was it so cute – it tasted amazing!

Finding ice skating themed party goods is nearly impossible, so we just settled for snowflakes. We found the Snow Flurry Deluxe Party Pack and used plain blue table cloths.

The party itself was very easy. The girls all skated around the rink for about 45 minutes and then came back to the party room for pizza, cake and gift opening. While my daughter opened her gifts I put crayons and some coloring sheets out on the table for the girls to color. The one most of them liked best was this cute picture of mice playing in a pair of ice skates. (click on image to view and print full size).

Overall this was one of the easiest kids birthday parties I have hosted. Everyone had fun and for most of the kids it wasn’t something they do on a regular basis so it was a real treat.

Sterling silver jewelry never goes out of style and always makes a great gift. I just love these gorgeous 1/4″ tall engraved bangles from DaySpring – each with a different inspirational scripture message. The scripture on the bracelet above, which happens to be my favorite, reads, “These three remain, Faith, Hope and Love, but the greatest is love.”

The bracelets make the perfect gift for Mothers, Sisters, and other special women in your life – not just at Valentine’s Day but they also would be perfect for bridesmaids’ gifts, birthdays, anniversaries or other special occasions. And, they come in two sizes – regular and petite – for ideal sizing.

Even better, through February 14, you can save 20% on these inspirational bracelets and everything else on the DaySpring site using the code VALNTN20 at checkout.

Below are the other 6 bangles in the collection from DaySpring. Mix and match, wear them as singles or stack 3 or 4 for an effective fashion statement. Click on the images for ordering information.

Ultimate Granddaughter Engraved Inspirational Charm Bracelet With Heart And Star Charms Ultimate Faith Inspirational Religious Christian Charm Bracelet: Religious Jewelry Gift On Graceful Wings Engraved Butterfly Charm Bracelet: Inspirational Jewelry Gift Life Of Jesus Inspirational Charm Bracelet: Christian Jewelry Gift The Ten Virtues Inspirational Bracelet: Keepsake Jewelry Gift Always With You" Inspirational Italian Charm Bracelet Native-American Inspired Sacred Spirits Italian Charm Bracelet Ultimate Daughter Engraved Inspirational Charm Bracelet With Heart And Star Charms Native American Inspired "Sacred Spirits" Charm Bracelet With Southwestern Motif My Precious Daughter-In-Law Collectible Italian Charm Bracelet-Inspired Music Box My Precious Daughter Collectible Italian Charm Bracelet-Inspired Music Box

Owls are the latest animal theme to show up with oh so cute, new found popularity!  So how about an owl inspired birthday party? It would be such a hoot – especially if you have an owl cake and matching owl cupcakes to go with it:

(photo: Flickr)

Add in a tasty owl snack – Owl S’mores from Living Locurto:

Print out this complete the owl coloring activity (or check out more owl coloring pages):

SimplyBirthdayStuff.com has an adorable Owl party set that includes everything from owl invitations to owl candy bar wrappers, owl lip balms and more! Click on the images below to get ordering information for everything you need to make your Owl Birthday Party a total hoot!!

Owl Blossom Deluxe Party Pack for 8 Owl Blossom Cupcake Boxes (4) Owl Blossom 18" Foil Balloon" Owl Blossom Party Favor Box Owl Blossom Invitations (8) Owl Blossom Personalized Birthday Banner Medium 24" x 80" Owl Blossom Centerpiece Owl Blossom Giant Wall Decals Owl Blossom Stickers (4 sheets) Owl Blossom Blowouts (8) Owl Blossom Activity Placemats (4) Hippie Chick Owl – 22" x 20" – Super Shaped Mylar Birthday Party Balloon Owl – Look Whooo’s Having A Birthday – Squiggle Shaped Birthday Party Invitations Owl – Look Whooo’s Having A Birthday – Squiggle Shaped Birthday Party Thank You Cards Owl – Look Whooo’s Having A Birthday – Classic Personalized Birthday Party Favor Boxes Owl – Look Whooo’s Having A Birthday – Mini Personalized Birthday Party Favor Boxes Owl – Look Whooo’s Having A Birthday – 20 Personalized Mini Candy Bar Wrapper Sticker Labels Birthday Party Favors Owl – Look Whooo’s Having A Birthday – Personalized Candy Bar Wrapper Birthday Party Favors Owl – Look Whooo’s Having A Birthday – Personalized Birthday Party Placemats Owl – Look Whooo’s Having A Birthday – Body Butter Personalized Birthday Party Favors Owl – Look Whooo’s Having A Birthday – Lip Balm Personalized Birthday Party Favors ""19"""" Owl Blue Pull-String Pinata"" ""19"""" Owl Pink Pull-String Pinata"" Owl Rubber Stamp American Girl Crafts: Owl Case Sewing Kit American Girl Crafts: Owl Sew & Stuff Kit Martha Stewart Crafts Stickers Owl On Sign Post