Let's Play "Guess Who's Coming to the Party!"

So, I don't know if you have heard the news recently about the dad and son over in the U.K. somewhere who received a bill for NOT going to a birthday party that they r.s.v.p'd to that they would be attending.  Seems that Jr. found he had other plans with Grandma, they didn't have a way to contact the people throwing the party, and didn't show.  Now there is a viral story batting around the universe about how they received a bill, and they're not paying the bill, and BLAH BLAH BLAH.

Regardless of where you stand on these people getting the bill, not paying the bill, or why stories like this go viral in the first place, it brought a dilemma to mind that plagues many a parent throwing a birthday party for kids. 

R.S.V.P. (ing)

If you are having a backyard party, while it may be inconvenient to have people not show up that you were expecting,or show up when you didn't expect them,  it's usually not the end of the world.  There is a general rule of thumb that I follow now for party favors bags/gifts that has developed from people with this habit.  I don't customize party favors anymore!  If you have someone show up that you were not expecting, I always feel bad for not having a gift bag!  By not putting names on the bags (or hats or whatever), you can roll with the punches.  Also, consider making up a few extras as siblings can, and often do, show up with guests occasionally. You can always keep leftovers for a rainy day (or donate them to a local charity to brighten someone elses!)

Here's my tried and true check list of how to deal with RSVP's and kids parties.

DO add an R.S.V.P. with YOUR name (not Caden's Mom) and best contact number/email.
DO consider using an online site to keep track of invites (like Evite or whatever).
DO expect that some kids are going to lose paper invites before getting home, that some kids are dealing with two households and the parent that has them that weekend might be clueless.
DO send out your invites a month ahead, if possible.
DO call the week of the party the kids house (or email) and follow up to see if they received the invite.  Say something like "I'm following up because I know that invites often get lost on the way home" because Mom/Dad may have just forgotten and are now horribly embarrassed. 
Do expect a few extra kids if possible.  If the party is offsite, they usually try to accomdate unexpected guests.  If not, perhaps that's not your site for next year!
DO relax!  In the big picture, a stressed out Mom is a sure fire wet blanket for any celebration.  Your kid is having a birthday!  Awesome!  Enjoy every minute, regardless of what anyone else is doing!
DON'T customize party favors/bag - roll with it as kids show up!
DON'T take it personally when kids don't show up.  You might be the most organized Mom in the world, but some Mom's are hanging on by a thread and they need a little love. Next time that Mom with cake on her face might be you!
DON'T send party favor bags for the kids that didn't show into school...it  is never pretty.

Have a wonderful party! Free party tips and themes on our Facebook page daily!  Love, from Party Jumpers!

Be a Doll and have a Matryoshka Party!

I may NEVER be able to pronounce these dolls, but we have a ton of them at the house!  I have ALWAYS loved them.  Matryoshka dolls have fascinated generations of kids and adults for years, which is why I was so excited to stumble across a party theme devoted to them today!  Check out our Pinterest page devoted to them - and feel free to snope around and find some OTHER great party ideas for your next birthday or other family friendly celebration! 

If you are in the Sarasota or Bradenton area - Friend us on Facebook for great discounts on party rentals! Party Jumpers Facebook or check out our fun inflatables online at www.partyjumpersinc.com.

The Holiday Break (and WHAT TO DO WITH THE KIDS!!!)

I LOVE love love Christmas - and having all five kids home is incredible.  My sister is coming in from Chicago with her daughter who's 14, and I can't wait to celebrate!  They will be visiting for a couple of weeks, so we have ample opportunity to do lots of fun activities while they are here.  I've started a Pinterest page (naturally)...but here are some of the ideas that we've come up with so far!

1) Rent a Golf Cart (o.k. this was hubby's idea - and honestly - I wasn't so crazy about it) but the kids love it!  We're decorating it for the holidays and using it to deliver cookies to the neighbors! Rent it for a month!

2) Museums Museums Museums - Our family membership to the South Florida Museum is awesome for many reasons, and one of them is free or discounted access to SO many other Florida museums! Road Trip?

3) Beach Snow-people!  Coming from Chicago - they are going to need to thaw out.  Some beach snow people will be great fun!  Don't forget the carrots!

4)  Check out some fun craft ideas on that Pinterest page!

5)  Manasota Family Fun (check out links all over our Facebook page) does a great job keeping up to date listing of fun activites!

6)  Lights Looking!  We throw everyone in the car with hot coco - put on the Christmas carols - and driving around looking at lights singing!  Sounds goofy - but we LOVE it!

7) Naturally, we'll be throwing up some fun inflatables over the holiday when all the family shows up to keep the kids occupied!  Check ours out at Party Jumpers

Just the tip of the iceberg!  Feel free to comment and let us know your favorite family traditions and holiday activities! 

From our family to yours!

Holiday Birthdays....a Jolly Ho, Ho, Ho....

My second daughters birthday is 12/25...yup...that's what you get when you pretend you are Martha Stewart Christmas Eve and have a baby due in January.  I was DETERMINED NOT to let the fact that her birthday is actually ON Christmas to ruin her special day and I think we've done o.k. so far (She'll be 17 in a couple weeks now!)  If you have a special person in your life, and THEY have a birthday on or around a holiday, here's some great advice!

• Make a decision to EMBRACE the day or DELAY the day!  For our family, we just make Christmas double duty (so much family is at our house anyhow), we have birthday cake for dessert and wrap birthday presents in birthday wrapping.  Not down with that? Celebrate the birthday a week before (a week after would probably be a huge let down)
• Consider having a Half Birthday! We did this a couple of years, and called it her Happy Un-Birthday (funniest story about telling cake people to write "Have a Happy Un-Birthday"...they wrote instead "Have an Unhappy Birthday".  While daughter #2 didn't find it amusing, I laughed until I cried!
• Ask your kid! Great parents get so wrapped up in planning the perfect day for their darlings, they often forget to take a deep breath and ask "What would your perfect day look like? Here are some great options - what would make you happy?"  What's their personality? Are they going to be so exhausted and overwhelmed by celebrating close or on the same day - or would they just LOVE the extra attention?

Whatever and whomever you are celebrating this time of year - We at Party Jumpers wish you the happiest of everything - today and for all of 2015! 

www.partyjumpersinc.com
(941) 343-0370

Farm / Barnyard Party - the perfect fall party theme!

I love Fall - not like - love.  Growing up in New England, it was such a magical time of year.  I love it here in Sarasota too - we have so many fun fall festivals, it reminds me of home.  It also reminds me of what a great time of year it is to throw a "Farm" themed party - you have pumpkins/hay/scarecrows - so many things available to decorate the perfect backyard party (or festival - carnival!).  I've been busy working on some cute ideas up on our Pinterest board - check them out here!  Of course - we have the perfect bouncehouse to go with your theme - but check out all of the other great decorating ideas, cakes/cupcakes, invitations and food!  Perfect for boys or girls on any age - I hope you have fun planning!

Farm Bouncehouse - Party Jumpers

Pirate Party!

I just had a mom reserve our Pirate Bouncehouse today for a Jake and the Neverland party, and feeling nostalgic as my little boy turned 15 this week, I'm remembering HIS pirate phase.  He was Captain Jack EVERYWHERE! At the grocery, the doctors office, the beach - anytime he left the house - he was a pirate.  Accent and everything.  There are few things funnier than your 7year old son mimicking Johnny Depp and I miss those days!  His pirate birthday was a BLAST!  We had remote control boat battles in the pool, the invitations were treasure maps, and there were many HATS.  Thinking about a party for your pirate? Follow this link to our Pinterest Pirate Party page for some ideas (I love the Bananas!)  Need a pirate bouncer - Call Party Jumpers! Be sure to check out our Facebook page for current FB friend specials first!

The Pirate Bouncer - available through Party Jumpers! (941) 343-0370

Forgot to plan the party....

It's 3am....you are jolted awake with one thought. "OMG - it's almost OCTOBER". 

Normally, another month on the calendar is not cause for a cold sweat.
It is however when you are entering ......

"The Birthday Zone"

(insert ominous music here)

In my house, "The Birthday Zone" means that my oldest four kids have birthdays in immediate succession (read as October, November, December and January). Add in the holidays, and you have mind numbing, head spinning stress, the kind that curves your spine and chips your GEL nail polish. 

Fear not dear maiden....

For you have Party Jumpers. I specialize in last minute dinners, hairdressing appointments, and you guessed it, BIRTHDAY PARITIES!  One call does it all - I can hook you up with a cool inflatable (bouncehouse - waterslide - obstacle course), Concessions (popcorn, sno cones, cotton candy, hot dog warmers), tables and chairs, and NOW (drum roll) COMPLETE PARTY STUFF (table clothes, paper goods, custom invitations).  It's so hot you can't find it on the web site yet - mostly because I suck at keeping the website up to date because I'm too busy trying to PLAN A PARTY! I'm joining forces with some cool and LOCAL businesses to provide you with the best in town for party goods. Think cool cakes, great helpers, and naturally, the best party rentals in the Sarasota and Bradenton areas for your kids birthday party.  A D.I.Y. kinda gal? Then check out our cool Pinterest page here for the hottest trends in kids parties. Check out my site at www.partyjumpersinc.com and remember...

(941) 343-0370

Firefighter Party - The Hottest Scene in Town!

I love this idea for a kids birthday!  My son was obsessed with fire trucks when he was little - so this one really warms my heart (hahaha!)

The Dalmation Bouncer - Party Jumpers!

Check out my Pinterest page here for some great ideas - but some of my favorite are water balloons thrown at a board - our Dalmation bouncehouse (or a waterslide would work too! We have one in great primary colors!)  Rescue the day with the best birthday ever!  Did you know that we now offer FULL PARTY PLANNING?  Party Jumpers to the rescue - we do the invites! Bring the Bouncehouse and concessions - even the paper goods, tables and chairs!  How could it get any easier?  Call for details!!!! (941) 343-0370 !

Check out all of our cool inflatables for your next party in the Sarasota and Bradenton areas at www.partyjumpersinc.com!

2nd Baby? Have a "Baby Sprinkle" instead of a Shower!

     I hadn't heard of this idea until today, but it's my new favorite party idea!  Is someone you love having baby #2 (or 3 or more?).  It feels kinda tacky to keep throwing baby showers, and after you hit 3 or more kids, people WILL start rolling their eyes!  Instead of a full blown shower, have a "Baby Sprinkle!".  People feel less pressured to bring big gifts, but every baby deserves a celebration, and EVERY Mom deserves to be celebrated!

     Check out our awesome Pinterest page for lots of great baby shower and sprinkle ideas!  Think INFORMAL - a much more laid back feeling with this party.  As many of the guest (including the guest of honor) have kids as well - why not consider inviting them?  (Shameless plug alter - we often deliver bouncehouses to showers! Check us out at Party Jumpers!

    Sprinkles - everywhere!  What a fun and festive idea!  Sprinkles on the invitations, food, decorations! Now the only question is WHERE was this great idea when I was having all those kids!

Word on the street - Hot Party Trends for Kids!

Everyone loves a great party!  Throw one that your kids will be talking about forever!  Here are some ideas for the coolest parties in town - complete with Pinterest links to help you plan your next - Best - party! I've tried to include in each theme ideas for food - decorations - activities and invitations! Whatever your party theme - we wish you the very best day ever!

Frozen! Can your girls just not "Let It Go"?  Oh - that SONG!  Make your life a little easier with these fun ideas to have a cool Frozen Party of your own!  Check out the Party Jumpers Facebook page as well - I found a super cute "Build a Snowman" project at the Dollar Store for a craft! 

Frozen Party

Minecraft!  My kids are OBSESSED with Minecraft!  Build your own party with these ideas - 

Minecraft Party Ideas!  

Legos!  Although the movie has been out for a while, Lego's are an eternal hit!  This party theme is still SUPER popular!  You can even have a showing of it now that's it out on DVD.   Don't forget you can get Lego Block candy at Bulk Nation.  Check out these awesome ideas to make your party planning so much easier!

Lego Party

To Bake or Not to Bake...The Cake is the Question!

I'm thrilled that I have great friends that are WONDERFUL bakers....because at my house, where there is smoke - there's dinner!  When my kids were little, I made their birthday cakes - and at no small expense.  I would travel to the far corners of the Earth to find the "right" candy rocks for a construction birthday cake, or the perfect princess for that precious little girl.  And every year, I would beg my mother-in-law to NEVER LET ME DO THIS AGAIN. I don't have the patience to painstakingly attend to the details that are required to make a cake great and it ends up causing more stress (and more expensive when you consider all the time and energy it takes to find all the materials, buy all the materials, and apply the ice packs to your head after banging it on the kitchen table repeatedly).

So now I purchase cakes...and it's a beautiful thing!  What kind of cake you make/buy should depend on many factors, not the least your budget!  Custom cakes can run into hundreds of dollars...money that might be better spent on something that won't be consumed in five minutes!  Here in Sarasota, we've done Publix cakes, Sam's Cakes, A Slice of Heaven Cakes and some private bakers (who were AMAZING!) to get just what we needed - and honestly - they were all perfectly fine!

Ask yourself...

• What's my budget? 
• How many people am I feeding? Check out my Pinterest page for a servings chart!
• How will I store the cake (ask me about the time that i brought an ice cream cake to my daughters pony riding party....still a family favorite story)
• Do I have a theme? Favorite flavors? 
• Do I have the time and energy to pull off a masterpiece of my own?
• Do i even want a cake? How about cupcakes? Cake Pops? Cake in a Cup?

Purchasing the perfect cake for your special event doesn't make you a bad Mom - being a frantic lunatic who's been up all night battling with fondant and arrives at party battle worn might!  I'm including a few pictures of some cute cakes for your viewing enjoyment....and throwing two thumbs up to all you Mom's out there - the bakers and non-bakers alike! Party On - and don't forget the inflatable fun from Party Jumpers.  Friend us on Facebook for monthly specials on bouncehouses, waterslides, obstacle courses, giant slides, dunk tanks and more fun for every event!

Last Minute Get Togethers!

Sometimes the best parties are those that have NOT been obsessed over for months!  This weekend, I was inspired to through a last minute cast party for some awesome Sarasota High School students while watching their final performance of "The Sound of Music".  For you, it might be an "End of a Great Season!" soccer party...or "Congratulations on winning STATES!" party!  In any case, finding ways to celebrate lifes special days dosen't have to take much time.

So in under 12 hours (most of which were spent sleeping!) - we followed this recipe for a great last minute get together!  

One Pool

One Awesome Waterslide (We set up the Raging River below!)

A Cake from Sam's (with Congratulations Cast! written in school colors)

Our Block Rockers - hooked to IPhone and Spotify

Food (grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, two salads, chips, drinks)

and about 20 great teenagers.....

And you know what? It was perfect! No stress! They all had a blast!  They had a wonderful time reflecting and relaxing after a stressful week - and we really did NOT kill ourselves in the process!  Don't be intimidated by last minute planning - enjoying the moment is the best! If you are in Sarasota or Manatee Counties, don't hestitate to call on us to "Bring The Party!" (941) 343-0370 or visit us at www.partyjumpersinc.com

Combined Birthday Parties - Saving Time AND Money!

I've been chatting with a lot of moms recently who have kids with birthday's close together, and I'm always interested in what's working for them!  Joint birthday parties have become a great option for parents who are looking to conserve resources (time/money AND sanity) into one day.  You might consider a single theme that they both agree to - but what if they can't settle one a single theme?  I've collected some themes that work together, while giving each kid a sense of their own individual spirit!  Boy/Boy - Boy/Girl or Girl/Girl - Have any suggestions? We'd love to hear from you!

Knights/Princesses           Pirates/Mermaids           SuperHero (SuperGirl AND Boy!)      

Movie Theme (with each of their favorites)       Mustaches/Bows         DIfferent Colors? *Black/White

Different Animals/Insects       Fire/Ice (that could get intersting!)     Different Seasons

I would suggest TWO cakes however (even if they are small!).  Sing to each of the kids individually - it's their day to shine!   If your kids birthdays are close together - but not their ages - consider having two parties in one day (one early/one late).  You can still combine a lot of the work and expense, but not worry about the big and little kids not getting along!  Another idea is having a joint party with another family!  Sweet 16's are a great example of this!  Want some more cute ideas? Check out our Pinterest page, Facebook page or our website for great ideas that will make your kids birthday, graduation, first communion or other special day the best!

Boy and Girl Joint Party Ideas here!

Best Inflatable Rentals in the Sarasota/Bradenton Area!

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Kids and Organization - the Essentials!

I don't tell many people that I meet for the first time that I have five kids, but when I do, I get many wide eyes stares that range from the "Are you NUTS" look to the "You MUST be NUTS" look :)  Truth be told, because it's our life, it dosen't seem like a big deal,  but when I look at a friend that has eight kids, I am blown away.  "How do you do it?" is the most popular question - so I'm here to tell you the secret!  ORGANIZATION

A Closet Sweater fabric bin

Folders for each kid!

Really!  That's it!  My grandmother told me to do an extra 20 minutes of housework everynight - and that was a great piece of advice!  I call it "Getting my ducks in a row" - don't go to bed without the laundry flipped, the dishwasher running, the floors and kitchen cleaned.  Waking up to a mess is the WORST!  I'm including some crummy pictures (from my phone)  of some of the things that help my house look like it's not a warzone - the key is HIDE STUFF! No coffee "tables" - coffee "trunks" - that end table is - yup - another trunk (holds a Huge train set!)   The playroom - an 8 foot room divider holds board games and a small part of a huge book collection.  The laundry room has a bin for each kids clothes - comes out of the dryer and into the bins.  In the kitchen there is a folder for each kid that holds school info ( 5 different schools! Yikes!)  as well as a folder for each activity with the schedules, guidelines etc.  Online organization I owe to Cozi - an online family organization system really - it's our calendar, all my shoppings lists, to do lists, and more.  You'll love it trust - trust me!  Check out my Pinterest page as well for the board on Stuff with Kids!  If you are organizing a party in the the Sarasota or Bradenton areas - check out Party Jumpers - I'll help you organize your next best family friendly event or birthday! Here's to Spring and your organized home!

Coffee table or Train Set container?

There's alot of toys, games and craft in them there cabinets!

Ikea - a Mom's best friend!

Great Birthday Party - Great Mom!

I just posted about Do-It-Yourself cakes last week, a few days before tripping over some super cute pictures of a birthday party hosted by my friend Chanda.  She did just a great job, she really deserves a shout out!  Truth be told, she loves to do this stuff (outside of her regular profession as an eye doctor!) and it shows in her cute ideas.  But also, most of these could be done even by super un-crafty Mom ME!  She had a minecraft party for her 9 year old boy ( but my daughter would love this theme too!).  Check out her cute ideas here and the rest of them up on my Pinterest board.  Not into Minecraft?  There are lots of other great ideas on our Pinterest.  Need some fun party rentals? Call me at Party Jumpers (941) 343-0370 if you are in the Sarasota or Manatee Counties - We Bring The Party!




Minecraft Party Ideas

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D.I.Y. Birthday Cakes That You Can Actually Make!

I remember calling my mother-in-law one year, and begging her to hit me in the head with something blunt if I ever decided to make a birthday cake for one of my kids again!  Birthday cake prep requires a level of patience that I do not possess, but I do love a great cake!  Since Cake Boss and his friends, the pressure is on for the cutest cakes - modeling chocolate and all!  Some of these cakes can get OUT OF CONTROL!  They are truly a work of art, and can cost as much as one too!  I've dug up some reasonable cakes that regular parents could pull off and hope you love them!  Check them out on our Pinterest page - then check out our Party Jumpers page to pick out the perfect inflatable - and VOILA' - instant party - just add invites!  Having trouble with your theme?  If you are in the Sarasota or Manatee county area - give us a call at (941) 343-0370...we love to provide free advice helping you plan the perfect birthday, shower, graduation, family reunion - or ANY party day!

Cutest Homemade Birthday Cakes

Rent Your Bouncehouse/Waterslide/Tables & Chairs Here

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Hot Birthday Party Ideas for Kids!

Baby, it's hot outside!  As the temperatures soar here in Sarasota, we change our focus on party planning to water sports!  A dry bouncer can get HOT (think slide in the sun at the playground HOT), so it's a wonderful time of year to include some water features into your birthday party planning!  It's great to have a pool party, or consider a Teen Beach Movie theme (still super popular with the pre-teens!).  There are lots of fun ways to cool things off while still having a hot party!  We've included some great pictures on the Party Jumpers Pinterest page, but here are some basics as well!

1) Have your party earlier in the day!  Late afternoon storms can put a big damper on your plans!
2) Include some cool treats!  While plenty of drinks are needed, maybe a fun sno cone machine as well!  You'll find some fun cool off treats on our Pinterest page!
3)  Include a water feature!  Sprinklers! Water Balloons!  Water guns!  Or one of Party Jumpers awesome waterslides or slip-n-slides!  There is cool fun for everyone!

Happy Planning!  If you have a great suggestion, holler out!

PIN it at Party Jumpers!

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FIND US at here  and PARTY WITH US on the SUNCOAST ANY DAY!!!

Want a great party idea for everyone!  Try this new inflatable!  We call it the Octodome - you'll call it the best idea EVER!  It's Basketball - Jousting - Volleyball - Twister - or just a HUGE bouncehouse!  Great for all events and ages!  Check out this video while it was out for a youth group event at our church - We Bring the Party!  Party Jumpers!

Check out the fun on this link!

Great kid parties on the Suncoast!

Loving Pinterest!

It's so much fun to help a customer find a great theme for their upcoming birthday party!  So many wonderful choices here in the Sarasota - Bradenton areas!  Today, one Mom I spoke to is planning a Minion party for her child! Fun!  I helped her find a great bouncehouse - and then hopped over to our Pinterest account to start working up some fun ideas to make the party a complete success!  The bright colors and simple design of Despicable Me lend themselves to a great party!  Do you have an idea?  Call us at Party Jumpes and we'll help you get your party bouncing!  (941) 343-0370.

Kids Birthday Party Planning!

I spoke with a great Mom of twins yesterday, knee deep in planning their birthday party here in Sarasota. There are so many options available, it can get a big overwhelming!  Here are some basic considerations when planning your next special event!

 When!  While you can't change the time of year of your child's birthday, here are some things you might want to consider...

• Time of Day -  Do you need to consider nap times? If summer, morning parties are better because it often rains in the afternoon! Are many of your guests involved in activities that take up mornings instead?
• Day of Week - While most parties are on the weekend, if you have preschool children, there might be more flexibility during the week for certain venues or vendors.  Many people are very busy on Saturdays, but find Sunday afternoons more open.  Will guests religious commitments conflict with a weekend party? 
• Week of Year - Does your party date coincide with school vacations? Manatee and Sarasota counties often have different schedules for Spring Break - will that present a problem?  Are there other holidays that might conflict?

Next week, we'll discuss some of the great WHERE to have the party options.  If you have any questions about kids birthday parties here in the Sarasota or Bradenton areas - feel free to email me fun@partyjumpersinc.com