Choo Choo 1st Birthday!

www.CluelessChick.com

We were so pleased when Little Max's mom contacted us about planning a Choo Choo 1st Birthday Party for the little man!  For a little guy who loves trains, this Choo Choo theme birthday party held at Pullen Park in Raleigh, NC, was the perfect way to celebrate his 1st Birthday!  Not only were we able to create countless train-theme decorations, treats and favors, all of the little ones had a chance to ride on a real live train.  It was the perfect setting and luckily the weather was even perfect.

Here is just a peek at what we created for Max’s Choo Choo 1st Birthday:

Edible Cupcake Train

This adorable, and edible train is the perfect way to display your cupcakes!  

Tip: Be sure to wear gloves when you are assembling the train so that little ones (and big ones) can enjoy the pieces after the cupcakes have been served

Components:

• Electrical tape
• Large marshmallows
• Toothpicks
• Graham Crackers
• Oreos
• Cupcakes 

Instructions:

1. Use electrical tape to create a train tack on your tablecloth 
2. Attach 2 large marshmallows to each other by inserting a toothpick in the center of the flat ends
3. Place 2 sets of marshmallows on your track and place a full graham cracker on top to create your train car
4. Set an Oreo wheel in front of each marshmallow (Oreos will stay put on their own.  If you are concerned about little hands knocking them over, attach them with a dab of frosting)
5. Place 2 cupcakes on top of each graham cracker, being sure to place them above the large marshmallows to support the weight (If you are adding cupcake toppers to your cupcakes, be sure to do so before you place the cupcakes on your graham cracker cars.

Personalized Mini Goldfish Cups

Plastic Shot Glass + Personalized Sticker + Goldfish = A Toddler's Favorite Grab-n-Go snack!

Tips: You can fill these adorable cups with everything from pretzels to cherrios to apple slices

Veggie Shots

For a fun twist on a plain old veggie tray, put ranch or hummus in the bottom of a small cup and add a few colorful veggies.  

Tip: Avoid small shot-size cups because they have a tendency to fall over under the weight of the veggies.

Fruit-filled Ice Cream Cones  

These Fruit Cones are the perfect way to serve a healthy treat to little ones.  Simply place small bites of fruit into ice cream cones and you've got the perfect, portable, healthy treat!

Tip:  Place a cupcake liner in the top of each cone before you add fruit to avoid a soggy mess

Die Cut Train Centerpiece

Create a cute centerpiece by attaching bamboo skewers to festive die cuts and inserting them in floral foam inside a cute pail.

Tip: Get creative with your centerpiece container, you can use everything from a traditional vase to a mason jar or a clean soup can

Animal Cracker-filled Mason Jar Plate Stands

The perfect way to add height and style to your buffet table - simply use an animal cracker-filled Mason Jar as a plate stand!

Tip: You can fill your Mason Jar with just about anything that coordinates with your party theme 

Animal Cracker boxes and Train Whistles 

For a super simple table decoration, simply stack up a few adorable animal cracker boxes in the center of the table

Tip:  These are also fun favors for your little guests to encourage them to take home a box!

Personalized Gable Boxes 

filled with Animal Cookies and a Train Ticket

The kids loved these fun favors!  These small clear gable boxes are the perfect size for little ones to carry around to enjoy their animal cookies on the go.  Decorated with personalized stickers and topped off with a ticket for the train!

Tip:  Clear gable boxes are such a versatile favor box that can be filled with anything from a sweet treat to bubbles or play doh

Choo Choo!!

Yoga Tips for The Clueless Chick [and a FREE app!]

www.CluelessChick.com

In my never-ending attempt to relieve stress I have started doing yoga again.  As many of you know, I am a huge proponent of pre-natal yoga which I did through both of my pregnancies (the benefits are nothing short of amazing!).  But alas, yoga is yet another activity on the long list of things I have not managed to work back in to my busy schedule… until now!

I have discovered the perfect solution to my “I just can’t manage to fit in a trip to the yoga studio problem” – an app!  It just so happens that my new favorite Yoga app, Pocket Yoga - Practice Builder, is this week’s Starbuck’s Pick of the Week.  That’s right – it’s FREE!  So now you don’t have any excuses either.  Go pick-up a Pick of the Week card at your local Starbucks or e-mail me and I’ll hook you up with a download code.

The Pocket Yoga app is fantastic – you can create your personalized yoga routine literally in just a few minutes, complete with music, personalized background and audio post instructions.  If you are a novice, the app will even suggest the best transitions between poses.  If you are a master it will also allow you to pick from all available poses and time each and every one.

You can even create multiple practices for different days or moods J  I’ve got a quick 5 min “I need to re-center” practice and a longer practice for when I have the time. 

Namaste!

-Jennifer

jennifer@cluelesschick.com

P.S. I did not receive any compensation for the above glowing review of Pocket Yoga - Practice Builder.  If you happen to know someone connected to the app, please let them know I do accept cash, checks and all major credit cards ;-) 

Healthy Pregnancy Tips from Invidia Health & Fitness

www.CluelessChick.com

We all know how important it is to remain healthy throughout your pregnancy; after all there is another little life depending on you! Plus, all of the weight you put on while you’re pregnant will have to come off at some point…  If you’re eating for 2 now, you’ll be exercising for 2 later!

But how do you safely stay fit throughout your pregnancy?  We went straight to the experts at Invidia Health & Fitness in Austin, Texas for some advice:

Invidia’s Top 5 Tips for Exercising While Pregnant

1.     Continue exercising - just listen to your body

Your doctor will advise you as to what types of exercise you can safely do while pregnant.  Luckily most doctors agree pregnancy doesn’t have to sideline you from running, yoga, cycling, or even step aerobics.  Continue exercising BUT start listening to your body.  Some days you might feel better than others so work with how you feel. Monday you might have little energy and barely finish your jog.  On Tuesday you might have a little spring in your step and run a little faster or swim a few extra laps in the pool.   Listen to how your body feels and follow accordingly.

2.     Make exercise a habit

If you haven’t done so before, this is the time to commit to a consistent exercise routine.  You might as well do it now because it won’t get any easier when the baby comes!  Pencil your workouts into your schedule and treat them like a meeting with your boss.   On days when morning sickness, backaches or indigestion leave you on the couch, commit to at least a short walk.  Nine times out of 10 that short walk turns into a longer walk once you're up and at ‘em!

3.     Give swimming a go

As you progress in your pregnancy the extra weight and pressure might make exercise seem like the least appealing thing in the world.  You might even vow to give up chocolate for the remainder of your pregnancy if it means not having to exercise!  Don’t stress; give swimming a try!  Fitness experts agree that swimming is one of the best forms of exercises to engage in while pregnant.  The weightless sensation of the water alleviates joint and back pain.  Further, swimming provides a two-for-one punch: a cardiovascular AND strength workout in one.

4.     Hydrate

One of the most important tips to remember when exercising while pregnant is to stay hydrated.   Make sure to drink plenty of water before you exercise, while working out, and continue drinking long after you’ve finished.  Early contractions, raised blood pressure, and increased body temperature are all possible side effects of improper hydration.  There isn’t a recommended amount to drink but aim for 8 oz. before, during and after exercise.

5.     Don’t get overheated

Perhaps the most important tip for exercising while pregnant is to avoid getting overheated.  During pregnancy the increased blood flow and increased metabolic rate contribute to you feeling slightly warmer than normal.  When exercising, this sensation increases even more!   So, if pre-pregnancy you braved the heat for a 4 pm run, you need to second-guess yourself now. Head out in the early morning when temperatures are cool and humidity is low.  Avoid exercising in direct sun and stick to cooler, shaded areas.

Thanks for the great tips Rhian!  No matter how you chose to exercise throughout your pregnancy, remember to talk to your healthcare provider or certified personal training and above all else listen to your body.

Invidia Health & Fitness transforms the way you look and feel with Rhian’s personal training and nutrition consulting philosophy. Her clients work incredibly hard, but they have a lot of fun along the way!  Not only can Rhian help you shed that baby weight after you deliver, but she can also make sure you stay healthy and fit throughout your pregnancy.

Learn more about Invidia at www.InvidiaFitness.com and like her on Facebook.

“Come over to the fit side!” –Rhian Jenks Sigman

Shark Attack 7th Birthday!

www.CluelessChick.com 

What could be more fun than hunting for shark teeth at the beach for your 7th Birthday?

Have you ever found yourself just a few weeks away from your daughter's birthday party or your best friend's bridal shower with no clue what to do?  You are not alone!  The good news is that we are here to help!  In just a few days, The Clueless Chick can turn your blank canvas into the perfect party plan.  Take a sneak peek at some of what we prepared for "Walker's" 7th Birthday Party when his mom called and said "Help!  I want to throw the best 7th birthday shark tooth hunting party but I just don't know where to start."

Contact us today to get your own custom Clueless Chick Party Plan!

7^th Birthday Shark Attack!

Event

•    7th Birthday Party

•    Inspiration Pinbord: 7th Birthday Shark Attack!

Date

•    Saturday June 16th

Time

•    10am - 1pm

Guest Count

•    TBD

Theme

•    Beach Shark Tooth Hunt

Location

•    Home and local beach

Timeline

10-10:30am: guests arrive

10:30-11am: travel to the beach and setup

11am-12pm: hunt for shark teeth and play trivia game

12-1pm: travel home, open presents and serve cupcakes

Invitations

•    “Help us take a big bite out of Walker’s 7th Birthday with a shark tooth hunt!”

•    Thank You Notes:

Decorations

•    Front Door/Yard Sign 
•    Shark Happy Birthday Banner: 
•    Blue Tablecloths, Shark Plates, Napkins and Blue plastic silverware

Favor Options

1.            Each guest will receive a Personalized Shark Tooth Collection Jar

2.            Each guest will receive a small Personalized Shark Tooth Collection Jar (similar to a tic tac boxes)

Entertainment

•    The main activity will be the trip to the beach to hunt for shark teeth!

Supplies: beach towels, large sheet, baby wipes, shovels (all supplies can be thrown into a plastic tub or large beach bag for easy transportation)

•    Shark Tooth Trivia (perfect for either at the house to get the kids excited to head to the beach, or at the beach):

1. - Sharks have seven rows of teeth; each row consists of 40 or more teeth.
2. - A shark’s front row of teeth is used to feed until they wear out, at which time they are shed and a new row of teeth moves up and into place
3. - A single shark can produce as many as 2,400 teeth in one year!

Menu

•    Most food will be served on the beach post-shark tooth hunt, while cupcakes will be served at the house

Food

•    Lunch will be prepared and packaged in easy to carry Chinese Take Out Boxes for each guest containing a sandwich and snacks:

Pizza Rollups 

Turkey Tortilla Wrap (made as a wrap or Pita Pocket) 

Ham & Turkey Tumble (made as a wrap or Pita Pocket) 

Individual bag of Goldfish

Grapes (in a cupcake liner)

Carrot Sticks/Celery (in a cupcake liner)

Tortilla Chips

String Cheese

Granola Bar

•       Family style side dishes can be prepared to supplement packed lunches for allow parents to snack:

pasta salad, fruit salad and Chex Mix; all of which should be served in plastic tumblers/highballs

•    Cupcakes!

Drinks

•       Drinks are easily transported to the beach in the same cooller as the prepared lunches.  Tip: pack ice in large ziploc bags so that nothing gets wet and ice can be used for drinks.

Juice and Milk Boxes

Water Bottles

Afternoon Tea Sprinkle

www.CluelessChick.com

When it is time to celebrate the pending arrival of baby #2, #4 or #10, there is nothing better than a Surprise Sprinkle!  What's a Sprinkle, you ask?  Well, it is a a "light" shower of course :-)  Since Mommy-to-be likely has all of the basics she will need for the little on you can get even more creative than normal with your theme! You may want to have a “Turning Blue Pink” shower to make all of her baby boy things girlie, a “Disposables” shower to restock her supply of diapers, wipes, creams, etc., or a “Mommy” theme to celebrate Mom and shower her with gifts.

For this Surprise Afternoon Team Sprinkle, the Mommy-to-be's closest girlfriends surprised her with a lovely afternoon tea at The Umstead.  What a perfect way to pamper a Mommy-to-be for the afternoon and sprinkle her with fun baby gifts!

Decorations and Favors (The Umstead is so beautifully decorated little work had to be done!):

• Oversized pink clothespins used to display the Sprinkle invitations (at a surprise party it is fun to display the invitation for the guest of honor to see)
• Place cards designed to match the invitation's cupcake design
• Mason Jars filled with a variety of teas, Lindor Truffles and a cupcake note card adorned with a personalized favor tag designed to match the invitation's cupcake design  

Activities:

• An amazing afternoon tea
• A fabulous harpist provided by The Umstead!

Menu:

•  The Umsead's amazing three course Afternoon Tea:

Loose Leaf Tea Service

Tea Sandwiches

            Deviled Quail Egg

            Sesame Chicken Salad

            Sundried Tomato Basil Tapenade

            Cucumber, Sherry Cream Cheese

            House Smoked Salmon, Crème Fraîche

Scones

            Warm Buttermilk Scones

            Devonshire Cream

            Fruit Preserves

            Lemon Cream

Sweets

            Cornbread Madeleine

            Grand Marnier Chantilly

            Hand Picked Strawberries

            Seasonal Macaroon & Pastry

Go Green! Party Planning Tips for The Clueless Chick

www.CluelessChick.com

In honor of Earth Day, here are a few of our favorite Go Green Party Planning Tips for The Clueless Chick:

Time	•      Choose a time of day that requires the least amount of energy such as mid-day when you will not need to turn on all of the lights in your home and can open windows for a cool breeze
Theme	•      Choose a theme that challenges guest to “Go Green”. Offer a prize to the guest who was most creative in their effort to go green
Location	•      Choose a location that does not have a negative impact on the environment and is centrally located so guests do not have to travel far, or are able to carpool/take public transportation
Invitations	•      Choose a paperless invitation option, if you need to send a formal invitation, choose the highest Post-Consumer Recycled content you can find.
Decorations	•      Use your gifts for the guest of honor as decorations •      Clothesline filled with baby clothes for a baby shower •      Use the crystal vase from their registry wrapped with a large bow as a table centerpiece •      Create a kitchen utensil arrangements for a cooking shower
Favors	•      Make your favors do double duty as decorations •      Cookie cutter used as a napkin ring •      Small bud vases with a single flower •      A Candy Buffet that allows guests to make their own favor bag (a bit overdone but still fun) •      Light weight favors hung from a clothesline with cute clothespins •      Skip favors all together
Entertainment	•      Create a fun activity with items you already have around the house such as playing musical chairs at a kid’s birthday party
Food	•      Avoid serving food that requires additional packaging •      Serve a menu of locally grown foods
Drinks	•      Skip the bottled water, put ice water in a large jug or drink dispenser •      Purchase drinks in large containers as opposed to individual servings
Paper Products	•      Get biodegradable disposable items (napkins, plates, etc) •      Set up recycling and compost station and tell a few key guest about it so that they can help point other guests in the right direct •      Invest in serving dishes and skip the plastic disposable ones •      Using real dishes and flatware will encourage people to only use 1 set and will significantly reduce waste •      In the summer time use mason jars to serve lemonade/iced tea
Gifts	•      Ask guests to skip wrapping paper/gift bags/tissue paper and wrap their gifts in the Sunday funny pages or a reusable shopping bag •      Save gift wrapping, bags, etc. to be reused

Let's plan an environmentally friendly Party!!  And yes, this is a sneak peek at Party Planning Tips for The Clueless Chick :-)

Happy Earth Day!