Pancakes are always delicious, but these bran pancakes are healthy AND delicious.  These All-bran pancakes have been a favorite since my childhood, and I can't wait to share them with you.

Rainbow Unicorn birthday party, with ideas for invitations, party games, cakes, and more.

I had an opportunity to put my new philosophy of present wrapping in action this weekend!  In an attempt to cut down on my large collection of wrapping papers (oddly enough, no matter how much I have, it seems like I can't find a good one for the occasion), I've decided to wrap with plain paper and accent with pretty ribbons, greenery, yarn, etc.  Things that I have around anyway and are smaller and easier to store than lots of rolls of wrapping paper and matching ribbons.

I was looking back at some of my old pictures, just enjoying the memories, and decided I wanted to share some of them on the blog.  These are photos from 2007.  My oldest daughter was turning four, and had declared that she wanted a Madeline-Dora-the-Explorer-Pirate-Princess-Pink party.  Why have just one theme when you can choose five?  

The Pancakes and Pajamas party was one of the signature High Effort/Low Effort parties, in which the same party theme is presented two different ways.  As you might have guessed, one involving just a little bit of effort, and one involving considerably more.  Both are gorgeous.  Both are inspirational.  In Festivities magazine, we present these signature High/Low parties to show that you don't have to go over the top with details and desserts to have a fabulous, memorable event.  

Adorable peanut butter and jelly themed party by Frog Prince Paperie.

Last summer, I had a lot of fun meeting up with Mindy of Mimi Marie Designs.  Writing this blog and getting to know other creative types around the country and world has been an amazing experience.  But when you find out that one of those people actually lives just a few miles away--that's just icing on the cake.  

I volunteered to make some cookies and sandcastle lollipops and cupcake toppers for Mindy's daughter's mermaid birthday party.  

Have you seen this cartoon by Poofytoo floating around the internet lately?

My older daughter went back to school 3 weeks ago.

When Paula from Frog Prince Paperie came up with the idea for Festivities magazine, she conceived of a publication that not only featured glorious, over-the-top celebrations, but also inspiring simple parties.  Easy.  Inexpensive.  Parties that only take a few hours to put together, tops.