The Ultimate DIY LEGO Party

In July, my two boys turned four and six, and we celebrated with a joint LEGO party.  It was a great party, and I am super-excited to share all the fun and easy DIY details with you.

You can find all the fun party details below, and you can watch the video I made here.

We started out with a super-cute invitation that I put together using Picmonkey.  I used a picture of the birthday boys holding cardboard LEGO men that I made for them {using foam board and bristol board from the dollar store}.

I used the same LEGO men as part of the party decor, and I made a fun LEGO banner using construction paper.  Everything was tied together with a red, yellow, and blue color scheme.

As children arrived at the party, they were directed toward a table where they designed their own LEGO person.  {You can download the worksheet I created here.}

Then, after everyone had arrived, all the children decorated LEGO cookies.  I made butter cut-out cookies and cut them into rectangles.  Every child decorated two cookies using icing and skittles.  The children ate one of the cookies and took the other one home in a bag labelled with their name on it.

After the cookie decorating (and while the children were still seated), we ate and had the birthday cakes.  You can read all about how I made my boys' simple LEGO cakes here.

Then, we played the following LEGO games:

1)  Guess the number of LEGO bricks in the jar.

2)  LEGO bean bag toss.  (You can find a "how to make a bean bag toss from a box" tutorial here.)

3)  Free play with bins of LEGO.

4)  Pin the head on the LEGO man.  (You can download the free templates here.)

5)  Tower building with "life size LEGO".  (You can find the instructions for building your own life size LEGO blocks here.)

6)  Bust open the LEGO Ninjago Piñata.  (I made this DIY LEGO piñata using a balloon, and the same technique I used here.)

7)  LEGO Balloon Tennis... where the kids hit balloons back and forth using their LEGO paddles.  (This game was a VERY popular with the party guests.  I crafted paddles using paper plates with popsicle sticks duct taped to the back.  Then, I added a LEGO head cut from yellow construction paper.) 

Before we knew it, the party was over, and it was time for the guests to leave... with their loot bags. Each guest left with their LEGO cookies, their LEGO paddle and a balloon, and a little treat bag. Instead of traditional treat bags, I made special LEGO cupcakes for the kids to take home. They were definitely a hit!

It was a great party, and a good time was had by all.  I think "LEGO" is a really fun and simple theme for a birthday party, don't you?

♥

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

You might also like the fun DIY party ideas here.

20+ Awesome No-Sew Costumes for Kids

For those moms out there who don't sew, this is the perfect collection for you. These "no-sew" costumes are not only great for Halloween -- they are excellent for playing dress-up any time of the year. I also have several options suitable for older kids! Number 26 is my favourite, but let me know what you think.

Click on the links below for all the easy DIY (no-sew) details:

1)  Zombie Waiter - This is a simple idea if you want a costume that is a little spooky. Splatter fake blood on an old white dress shirt, put on a suit, glue a fake arm to a dollar store tray, and add some zombie make-up. That's it! 

2) DIY LEGO costume (from a box) - Such a simple and cute idea from Semi-urban Mom.  {Here's the link.} 

3)  DIY Ninja - I based this no-sew ninja costume on "Zane" the white ninja from LEGO Ninjago.  It cost less than $10 to make, and it was a huge hit with my 7 year old.  {You can find the full tutorial here.}

And, if you prefer a black ninja, you can find a fantastic step-by-step tutorial here.

4)  No-sew angel wings - I don't think I could convince my boys to wear these, but I think Creative Connections for Kids did a beautiful job on these no-sew angel wings.  {Here's the link.} 

5)  Doctor - Recently, boys decided to set up a teddy bear clinic in our living room, and I made this quick doctor lab coat from an adult t-shirt.  It took less than 5 minutes!  {Here's the link.}

6)  Soldier - My boys love pretending to be soldiers, and I think they would love this adorable version from Frugal Fun for Boys.  Aren't the moustaches too cute? {Here's the link.}

7)  Olaf - I made this adorable "no sew" Olaf costume for my five year old, and I am so please with how it turned out.  If you have a Frozen fan in your house, you can find the full tutorial and free templates here. 

8)  Pirate costumes (from old clothes) - My boys and I recycled old clothes and transformed them into perfect pirate costumes.  {Here's the link.}

9)  Norman the slug - How original is this costume from Zing Zing Tree?  I love it!  {Here's the link.}

10)  Skeleton (using paper and tape) - This skeleton by Red Ted Art is the perfect last minute Halloween costume.  I love how easy it is to put together.  {Here's the link.} 

11)  Jake (from Jake and the Neverland Pirates) - Here's a cute costume I put together for my oldest son.  I have included a full step-by-step tutorial and a template for the cardboard sword.  {Here's the link.} 

12)  Peter Pan - Peter Pan is a great character, and this costume is super cute and easy to put together.  {Here's the link.} 

13)  Witch (with a DIY tutu) - What is cuter than a witch in a tutu?  I just love this purple, green and black costume from Red Ted Art.  {Here's the link.}

14) Mickey Mouse - This adorable Mickey Mouse costume from The Chirping Mom is too cute for words.  I love the great big ears.  {Here's the link.} 

15)  Minnie Mouse - This Minnie Mouse costume by School Time Snippets is a great choice for a toddler or preschooler.  I love the polkadot tutu and the yellow shoes.  {Here's the link.}  

16)  Detective - This DIY detective costume by Toddler Approved is really original and totally cute.  {Here's the link.} 

17)  Captain America - This Captain American shield by Toddler Approved is the perfect accessory for a little super hero in training. {Here's the link.}

18)  Super Hero masks - I made these foam super hero masks for my boys in a bunch of different colors.  They are super fun, and you'll love how easy and inexpensive they are to make.  {Here's the link.} 

19)  Super Hero capes - I made a bunch of these capes for my boys' super hero birthday party a couple of years ago, and my boys still play with them all the time.  They are made from felt which makes them really easy and inexpensive to make.  {Here's the link.}

Here is another version.  Click the link for a full tutorial for t-shirt capes and toilet roll cuffs.

20)  Army men - My boys are big fans of their bucket of soldiers (from Toy Story), so I know they would love these army men costumes by Frugal Fun for Boys.  I love the platforms for their feet... so cute!  {Here's the link.}  

21) Explorer - Is your little one always up for an adventure? It doesn't get much easier than this simple explorer costume. {Here's the link.}

22) Mad Scientist - The secret to these adorable mad scientist costumes are the easy no-sew lab coats. Find out what we used to put together these mad scientist costumes here.

23) Clark Kent aka Superman - It doesn't get much easier than this. I bought a $7 Superman shirt from Walmart, added a white shirt and tie (that I already had), secured things in place with safety pins, and added some glasses. The result is fantastic... don't you think?

24) Diary of a Wimpy Kid - To make this simple literary favourite, you just need black and white clothes and a bristol board mask. Easy peasy!

25) Secret agent - This is the perfect costume for kids that already have a suit hanging in their closet. Just add a dollar store hat, sunglasses, and mustache. I also used my computer to make a "secret agent" nametag and my son carried a toy briefcase we already had. So easy... and super cute!

26) Minion - This minion costume is made from a dollar store bowl and laundry basket. It's adorable... and totally genious! Find the full "how to" here.

27) Robber - Pop on a striped shirt, a black hat, mask, gloves and black pants. Then, just add a money bag! Easy... peasy!

Which of these 27 costumes is your favorite? Have you ever made a great no-sew costume for your little one? I'd love to hear about it!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)


PS (For more great ideas... you can check out my "no sew" costume Pinterest board here.)

You can also find more frightfully fun Halloween ideas here.

Pumpkin Loaf... with a cream cheese filling

Fall is in the air, so this afternoon I made pumpkin loaf with cream cheese filling.  Yum!  It turned out great, and my house smells heavenly.  This recipe is a great one for this time of year, and it's sure to put you in the mood for Fall.

For the Loaf, you'll need:
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 egg whites
1/2 cup 1% milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 cups flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp all spice
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt

For the Cream Cheese Filling, you'll need:
1 block (8oz) light cream cheese
2 tbsp white sugar
1 egg white

Directions:
1)  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2)  In a medium bowl, mix the pumpkin, sugars, egg whites, milk and oil.
3)  In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and spices.
4)  Combine the wet and dry ingredients... just until moistened.
5)  In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, white sugar, and egg white... just until well mixed.
6)  Spoon half the loaf mixture into a greased loaf pan.  Top with the cream cheese filling.  Cover with the other half of the loaf mixture.
7)  Bake for 60-70 minutes (until a tooth pick inserted into the centre of the loaf comes out clean).  (I left mine in for 70 minutes.)
8)  Cool in pan for 15 minutes, transfer to rack, and allow to cool completely.

Trust me... you won't be disappointed with this one.  If you give it a try, let me know what you think.

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Note:  I based my recipe on one I found here.

Quick Tip Tuesday #17 - Ready-to-go bags

I hate being late, and I am always rushing to get the kids to their lessons and sports activities on time.  One of the ways I keep myself organized is to always have "the bag" (for each activity) ready to go.

For example, I have a swimming bag with the boys towels, bathing suits, and bathing caps.  When they get home from their lessons, I wash everything, and as soon as it is clean, I stick it all back in the bag.  This way... I always know where everything is, and it is always ready to go when we are.

Who doesn't love one less thing to worry about?

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Fajita Friday... and a great giveaway from Old El Paso - CLOSED

*Winner is Lori's Place.

Every Friday I let the boys have pancakes for supper.  It has become a bit of a tradition in our house -- ending the week with pancakes for supper and a family movie.  The boys love their pancake supper, but my husband and I aren't keen on them, so this week we decided to start our own tradition... Fajita Friday!

And because the kids weren't sharing our dinner, I made the Old El Paso "hot & spicy" version, and they were delicious!  Don't you just love it when a plan comes together and everyone gets what they want?  I even added a little "Mexican Flair" to my boys' family movie night snacks.  How cute is this margarita glass full of Skittles?

Old El Paso wants to help you "spice" things up on your dinner table, so they have put together an "Old El Paso Prize Pack" (worth approx $75), and I have one to give away to one of you lovely readers.  Just enter below, and you will be on your way to your own #TacoTuesday or #FajitaFriday Fiesta.

To enter, just leave a comment below letting me know which you prefer... #TacoTuesday or #FajitaFriday.  (Don't forget to log in or leave me your email address.)  This contest runs until September 30th, 2013, and is open to Canadian residents only.  {You may enter across multiple blogs, but you may only win one prize.}

Good luck!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

PS (You can always check out the Old El Paso Canada Facebook page for delicious meal ideas, and you can follow this campaign on Twitter with the hashtag #YouMexiCAN.)

Disclosure – I am participating in the Old El Paso Ambassador Program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of Old El Paso. I received compensation as a thank you for participating and for sharing my honest opinion. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Rules {I am a mom... I can't help it}:

1. The winner of the contest will be chosen by the Random Number Generator.
2. To enter the contest, you must leave a comment on this post.  Contest is open to Canadian residents only.
3. This contest is not being hosted or sanctioned in any way by facebook.
4. Contest closes on September 30, 2013 at 11:59pm.
5. Prize will be accepted as awarded.
6. Winner will be contacted via email (so make sure to log in or leave your email address) and will have 48 hours to respond.  After 48 hours the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected. 

Halloween Lunchbox Notes... free printable

I know it is early to start sharing Halloween ideas, but I know some people are already "pinning" ideas for the Spooktacular Day!  So, in an effort to keep up with my lovely readers, I thought I would share my Halloween Lunchbox Notes with you today.

You can download a free 8X10 jpg here.

Cute, right?  My boys love jokes!  What would your little ones think of these adorable lunch box notes?

♥

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

5 Tips for Getting Kids to Eat Their Lunches

I have been hearing from a lot of moms that are worried because their little ones aren't eating their lunches.  I had similar concerns when my oldest son started school, and I think it is a pretty common problem.  I am not an expert, but I thought I would share a few things that worked for my boys.  So...  here's my best advice for getting your kids to eat their lunches.

1)  Make it easy - Buy containers that are easy to open, and practice opening them at home.  If children need to wait for someone to help them open containers, they are likely to run out of time, and they won't finish their lunches.

2)  Pack what they like - As much as you would like them to eat a perfect lunch, the truth is that they are not likely to eat things they don't like.  Work with them to come up with healthy options that they want to eat.

3)  Eat more at snack time - From my experience, kids want to eat their lunch as fast as they can so that they can get outside and play with their friends.  In the past, my boys have tried to eat bigger portions of their lunch at snack time so that there was less to eat at lunch time.  If this is an option for your little ones, you should give it a try because it worked for my boys.

4)  Save dessert for last - The rule in our house is... "the treat in the lunch box doesn't get eaten until all the healthy food is gone".  This is a big motivator for my boys.  If they break the rule, there is no treat in the lunch box the next day.

5)  Don't worry - If you little ones eat a healthy breakfast and a healthy supper, don't freak out if they don't eat every bit of food you pack in their lunch boxes.  They'll eat if they are hungry, and the best you can do is pack them a healthy lunch and hope they eat it.

I hope you find one or two of these tips helpful.  Do you have a tip that works for you?  I'd love to have you share it in the comments.  

♥

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)