Ana's 8th Mermaids and Unicorns Birthday Party

 I wasn't going to let my daughters birthday be marred by the pandemic. I knew she wouldn't have many people over, so I wanted to make sure I poured as much love into as I could. I determined that I was going to plan out some fantastic surprises for her. And here they are for inspiration in making your mermaids' day. 

Every princess needs a crown! 

The first project I undertook was 4 days ahead of her birthday. I saw an idea on Pinterest from Disney for making adorable mermaid crowns. I added my own twist to it as I knew both girls would want to have unicorns incorporated in them. Creating a portal to the fun.

For the doorway, I decided to create this and make her entrance to a house fully decorated just that much more magical! All you need are streamers and tape. 

Decorating as though everyone is showing up!

I hung decorations everywhere for her. Even if her friends and other family won't be here, we can still make it look like a true party. This day is hers. And she should feel like that. When she entered the rest of the house, I wanted her excitement to raise to the roof. I wish the table cloth had been thicker, but I added gems and pearls to make it better.

Breakfast should always start the day, but more so today!

We tell our kids to start the day right. To enjoy a good breakfast. So making her something special for that day is important. There were these pancakes for breakfast. Perfect way for a princess to energize!

Let the hunt begin!

And then I had set up the scavenger hunt to find all the gifts! Okay not all. I left the larger ones to be opened later in the day. I took some little ones my mom had sent her and used those in the scavenger hunt. My daughter loves mystery packs of just about anything. And that is what I wrapped up. I wrote out little clue cards as well as a letter of introduction. I didn't want anyone but her going around, finding surprises. 

Let's play BINGO! 

A party is way more fun with games. So I found this free printable unicorn bingo game that I laminated so that we can use it again later. This gave her and her siblings some fun before her party. In addition, they won prizes! Pokemon and Yugi-Oh cards, glow sticks, whatever we had in our 'Chore Store'. 

What's for dinner?

She got to choose her dinner. And homemade pizza was that choice. I made it just the way she likes it! And after dinner comes.... 

CAKE!

Last, but certainly not the least, was cake and ice cream with her Nona and aunt. They came to celebrate with us. 

If you need more ideas, I have a bunch! 

I can't do everything, but that doesn't stop me from creating a Pinterest board just for the Mermaid Party ideas. Who knows if she or her sister will want another? So if you need more ideas, check it out! 

Behind the scenes look....

My husband likes to tease that I'm an overachiever. I can't just do a little thing. Apparently, when I do something, I go all out. And it looks like a mess until completion!

Growing Hair the FAST Way! (Discount included)

Time for another party through my association with Tryazon! This time, it comes in two parts. And it is hosted by Nisim.

*Disclaimer: I was sent this party pack for the sole purpose of hosting two parties and sharing reviews of the products with other participants. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are mine and my party guests alone.*

Everyone has moments in their life when they wish their hair would grow faster. Whether you got a bad hairdresser who butchered it too short or you got it cut, but within a week or two you wish it were long again. Whatever the reason, you start trying to will it to grow faster. Or you look for things you can use that will enable just that. I used biotin in the past. It is a supplement you can get in the vitamin section at local grocers or supplement shops. It also helps nails grow, however. I'd take it, if I can ever remember to. You know what I don't forget to do? Wash my hair. And wouldn't it be so easy and amazing if all I have to do to get my hair to grow faster is wash it? Well, I may have just such an option.

What is it?

Nisim came out with Fast. It is a shampoo and conditioner duo that is designed to speed up the growth process. Even better is that it comes without the addition of sulfates. They also have the hair masque which is more like a side conditioner you can choose to use. It is recommended for those with dryer or damaged hair.

How does it work?

You wash your hair as though it were your normal products. That is it! Perfect for those who don't have time for adding to their daily routines. It is packed with nutrients that promote healthier hair growth without sulfates and parabens. Your hair is nurished safely, causing it to grow faster, naturally.

What are the initial thoughts?

My initial "party" was to contact my guests as a group and let them know what my party was about, who my sponsors were and to make sure they each received products to try. Each pack came with shampoo and conditioner. Each of those are enough to last 4-6 weeks. After that time, we will reconvene and remeasure our hair. I was given 3 shirts to help us measure with. Sadly, not everyone could fit the sizes they came in, so we improvised a bit. But this will allow us to keep track of how well our hair grows out. And at the next party, I'll be handing out prizes.

So far, I have only heard from one guest.

Robin's response to her first wash was, "I used it this morning. It has a mild scent, which I like. The conditioner made my hair real smooth."

I'd have to agree with her on this. I've been using it for a week now and have noticed a difference in the soft texture my hair has taken on. I also like the mild scent. It is great for those who have allergies or are more sensitive to smells. I think of it as being more universal in that aspect. I also love the detangler in it. I have been brushing my hair way easier than ever before!

Andrea and Kristina both thought the scent was odd. They thought it seemed "medicated" and would have preferred something more feminine.

Here is what we started with!

As you will see, most of us have longer hair already. I know for sure that I'm not done growing mine out though. I can't wait to see how long it will get in the next several weeks. I'll have another post at that time. So keep watching the blog!

It is all about the hair! Even if you don't want to grow your hair faster, they have other products available. So be sure to check them out and let me know what you think! If you want to order some to try for yourself, use the code TRYAZON at checkout for a discount!

Celebrating Birthdays During the Pandemic

This year feels over without ever truly getting started. Ever since Covid-19 took over, nothing has seemed "normal" to say the least. Outages in stores, wearing masks, being confined at home, closures of businesses and buildings - it has been a roller coaster! But now we have big choices to make. Choices on birthday celebrations. To do, or not  to do, lists. Obviously, there won't be parties. Okay, most likely... We can't have anyone over. Even if someone wanted to, my husband works closely with the public. So closely, that in less than 2 weeks time, there had been at least 6 cases announced on the overnight crew alone at his store. No one who fears getting sick wants to be around us.

So how do I make these birthdays special?

I've been prodding around Pinterest. After all, I know I'm not the only parent with this question. On the Nextdoor.com website, I've seen local moms asking strangers to send birthday cards or drive by in a parade during a certain time frame on the day. The neighbor across from us had a police PR car come by, followed by folks from around town in a parade! It was great just watching the turnout. Fantastic ideas! But I wanted to see what else is being done. I have 3 kids celebrating their birthdays before Christmas this year. The way things look right now, there won't be much celebrating going on for the rest of this year - nothing with extended family and most friends at least. Even school was talking about staying virtual, or not at all, until at least September 8th. So glad they revised that to begin in person and online August 24th! My son might actually be able to have a real party...

I have a son turning 12, a daughter turning 8 and the youngest is turning 4. I want their days to be special, even if it is just us. I don't want the memory of this years birthday being simply that it was during a pandemic.

What plans have I come up with?

The oldest daughter comes first in just two weeks. She has been wanting a unicorn mermaid party. First things first - I saw a great idea for starting her special day right. When she wakes up that morning, I will have decorated as though there was a party coming. I'm thinking about having my husband get her a balloon to hang from her bed. Or even putting a bunch of balloons in front of her door so that when she opens it, they spill out around her!

Well, maybe not... in case her little sister opens the door before she does... In which case I found this idea instead!

Breakfast will be pancakes that are decked out with whipped topping and strawberry syrup. I found a new recipe I wanted to try out just for her.

She will decide what we have for dinner that day too. And then we will eat on plates from the Dollar Tree, as I picked up some mermaid ones that are perfect for her theme. Next is a mermaid cake, followed by presents! Or maybe I will let her open gifts before dinner... We shall see what the day looks like closer to that time. One idea that stands out, though, is to have a scavenger hunt, of a sort. With clues that lead her from one birthday treasure to another. My mother has already sent gifts and I was thinking that wrapping each one individually and having my daughter find them would be something fun just for her.

Dollar Tree finds that could be helpful if you need the same theme.

Then comes my son.

He is turning 12. Pre-teens are coming on strong with this one. He's actually showing darker hair above his upper lip! I'm in so much trouble...

He had wanted another gaming style party. Being that his birthday is in October, he might actually have a chance at having friends over. IF the pandemic craziness winds down. If not, I have a couple ideas percolating already.

His day will start much like his sisters. But I'm thinking that he will spend a good majority of it playing video games. I'll have to find a cool gamer cake - or come up with my own design. But I think I will reach out and get anyone who is willing, to write a card to him. In the cards, I'm going to ask that everyone write out a piece of advice. Something for him to grow on. I think we will also do a printable Bingo I found here.

Last, but not least...

We have the toddler. This little darling is turning 4 already! And her dreams of unicorns dancing around her birthday are often told to me. That, and her desire for more mermaid toys. Her birthday is dangerously close to Thanksgiving. Plenty of time to hope things clear up, but if not, plenty of time to plan. We don't really enjoy combining her birthday with Thanksgiving dinner. She doesn't want us calling her our "Little Butterball Baby". And who can blame her?! So, I am planning to have her unicorns stationed all around the house for her special day. I'm going to decorate with mermaids and unicorns. She's going to have special pancakes too. Her day can stay simple. She's only 4. And so long as she can open presents, she's a happy girl! Oh and, lest I forget, her unicorn cake that Daddy found at work... If you haven't seen these new ones yet, they are awesome!

Even if they do have Red40 and other artificial coloring. (But that is for another blog post.) She has been reminding us that she wants the unicorn cake nearly every week now.

Dollar Tree finds that could be helpful for your unicorn lovers.

So what about you? In what ways are you making the kid (or kids) in your life have special birthdays when parties aren't acceptable? I'd love to hear your ideas, so leave me a comment below! And be sure to check out my Pinterest board. I have party ideas of all kinds at the ready! Including pandemic ideas.

Facial Rejuvanation Never Felt SO Good!

Once again I get to indulge in some self spa treatments!

*Disclaimer: I was sent these products free of charge from Silk'n in return for my honest opinion as well for hosting an online party to share information about them. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are strictly my own.*

Silk'n and Tryazon have once again let me host an online party for another wonderful product they are promoting! This time, I will get to show you the Silk'n Titan! It is a skin tightening and lifting device that reverses the effects of gravity and aging.

Despite being stuck indoors, I still want to look and feel beautiful. But no one has time to take a trip to the spa. Especially right now. Most cities are still looking at closures, limited hours, restrictions on services... So what is a girl to do? Bring the spa home!

Who is Silk'n?

A bunch of scientists and spa professionals got together to design products that made spa treatments for home use. They have the Mission Statement as follows:

A - Affordable

C - Convenient

E - Effective
S - Safe

This is the Silk'n promise, that is very important. ACES stands for - Affordable, Convenient, Effective and Safe. Using this device saves you thousands of dollars on spa treatments, which makes it affordable. You buy the device once and use it whenever, wherever you want. The convenience is astounding. I prefer treating and then showering right before bed. It is highly effective in firming your skin, so you don't have to do it all the time. You start with twice a week for ten weeks. After that, maintain by treating every 2 weeks. Safety features keep it from burning your skin or causing other damage. You can't blind yourself with it and it won't work if it isn't touching your skin or doesn't have enough gel. 

Don't use it after long sun exposure as your skin is more sensitive. That would be like double sun exposure.

Why Silk'n?

There are other options to choose from. So what makes Silk'n different? Most rejuvenation devices only use one or two energies to get the desired effect. This device comes with 3 potent energy sources: red LED light, infrared heat energy and bi-polar radio frequency energy. They also build in safety features to keep you protected from damage. Like burning and blinding yourself. This device won't initiate until it registers that it is over your skin. So unless you are staring at it while putting your finger to it - you won't be able to blind yourself. You also change the heat settings based on what is comfortable to you. You start with 1 to get used to the feeling. But 3-5 is where the real magic happens.

Getting the treatments started

I think the E in ACES should also stand for easy! Because starting and maintaining the treatments is so simple. You start with 2 times a week for 10 weeks, then downgrade to once every couple of weeks. First, you want to clean your face. Get all makeup, oils and dirt from your face first. They have this awesome mini device with an amazingly soft brush that really exfoliates the skin. You can even use it in the shower. They also have their own specialized cleanser that I really loved. After cleaning my face, there was a noticeable difference in how soft and clean I felt. Then you prep your Titan. It uses Slider Hyaluronic Gel - the same kind used in ultrasounds - to help keep the motion going while you work. Side note - you may be able to get more from your local pharmacy or you can order more from Silk'n.

If your device doesn't have enough gel, or any for that matter, it will not work! It won't flash at all. This is a safety feature for you. This activates the radio frequency.

Why should I bother with this?

Think of your skin in stages. First stage is from birth to about 25 years old. Your skin is as firm as cardboard. The next stage can last about 20-30 years and is more like paper. It becomes more pliable. Looser, even. You begin to have wrinkles. Before you know it, you are in the final stage. This is where your skin is like a tissue. Loose and flappy. Gravity starts to pull. Wrinkles start to become more prominent. This device slows the aging process, even reverses it to some degree. It restores elasticity by first causing damage to the cells when it warms them up. This, in turn, causes the cells to heal stronger and firmer. Just like going to the gym for your workouts tones your body, this tones your face and neck.

My aunt used to use all kinds of creams to do the same thing this device does. Some of these creams work pretty well. Now imagine combining those creams or lotions with the device? It would enhance their effectiveness! How so? By clearing the pores and toning them with the device first, you are giving your skin a better chance to accept and enhance the creams or lotions ability to sink in and do what it does best. You will absorb them better. This will result in having firmer, glowing skin.

What is it like using the device?

One word - amazing. Even after the first use, I noticed a difference in how my skin felt. It was tighter. It was cleaner. It was softer. It felt warm, and yes, my face was a lovely pink shade. After the pink fades a bit, you are left with a glowing radiance. Make up will apply smoother, and even better is that you won't need as much of it.

What else should you know?

There are some important things to know about using this device. You should not use it after long exposure in the sun. You don't want to overdo it to heat and light exposures. I have also learned that if you have an AFIB device or heart issues, this device may not be safe for you.

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