The fun newsletter that has me doing the running so you can enjoy the party.

It's Nicole the party mum here,

A big welcome to all my new subscribers and as usual a big welcome back to all those seasoned Kids Partygoers. For those of you who recently subscribed, let me introduce myself.

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What's in this issue :

1) My daughters 12th birthday
2) Make a bubble notebook
3) Your tips
4) Bag a bargain

I love feedback as that is what makes this newsletter so valuable. Tell me what you would like or what you don't like and send in your party tips, feedback and comments. Either fill out my contact form or just press the reply button to this email.

Wow the holidays have been full on fun and tomorrow it is back to school.

Much as I love having my 3 kids around all day, it does take a lot of organizing to keep them busy. We had 3 weeks in France and in between visited family and friends and then of course there was Ellie's 12th birthday….

This year was the start of the end of the traditional games and ice cream parties for her so we had to come up with something a little more grown up. In the end she invited four girlfriends (boys are still a no-no according to her!) and we took them to an early evening film of 'Herbie'. Then we went out to a smart pasta restaurant. The girls sat at their own table and we sat alongside. That way they could have a good giggle. We opted-out on desert and instead went home for chocolate cake and non-alcoholic fruit punch.

Instead of party bags we gave the girls disposable cameras and they spent the evening posing for the camera whilst tucked away in the privacy of Ellie's bedroom. Once the photos were developed, Ellie stuck them in the bubble notebook (see below) that her brother had made. This was one of his more creative art ideas and I must admit that he really enjoyed doing it although he might well have preferred to be playing football if given the choice!

I must admit that this was one of the easiest parties that I have done for my kids and so if you have a teenager or a preteen, don't panic as it is not that hard. To give you a few more ideas, take a look at these teen party themes.

A brilliant homemade present that can be done by kids of all ages and most of the materials you will probably already have at home.

Materials and tools :
Square or rectangular washing up bowl
Washing-up liquid
Colored inks or food coloring
White cartridge paper (bigger than the notebook)
Scissors
Newspaper
Apron
Notebook
PVA glue

STEP 1:
First off is to prepare your work surface. It is better to be in the kitchen and lay newspaper on the work surface. Squeeze a generous amount of washing-up liquid into the bowl and add cold water to come up half way up the bowl. Give it a good swoosh with your hands to make plenty of bubbles.
STEP 2:
Carefully dribble different colored inks/food coloring onto the surface of the bubbles. When you have a nice mosaic of colors, gently lay a piece of white cartridge paper onto the surface of the bubbles. Leave for 5 seconds and then carefully remove and place it face up on sheets of newspaper to dry. If the paper is crinkly when dry, simply flatten it by placing between some heavy books and leave overnight.
STEP 3:
Open the notebook and lay it on the paper (ink side down). Draw a pencil line round the template of the book. Cut the paper using the pencil lines as a guide but make sure you leave an extra 2.5cm (1 inch) all around. Cut across the corners and cut a V at the top and bottom. Glue the paper to the book including the extra width to the inside of the book cover.

Voila, a really special present!

**Birthday cards are so expensive. I save old cards and cut them up to use as labels for presents. An easy and free way instead of costly cards. Justine Baker, Sevenoaks, England

**Giving out sweets and candy during a party can make for some very hyperactive kids. Instead, hand out party bags for the kids to store their goodies for when they go home. Candice Tyler, Australia

**I always put a big sign on the toilet door. Many kids are too shy to ask where it is. Laura, US

Send me your tips and I'll print them here.

I only ever include here what I think are genuine bargains and also things that I think that you would find useful such as new items. I know that many of my subscribers are from around the world so I always include where the country is of anything that I recommend so as not to waste your time. We all know that time is precious.

Jewelry for a teenager or pre-teen can make a perfect gift, if carefully chosen. We gave Ellie a birthstone pendant for her birthday which is similar to the one below. A beautiful gift and you get a freebie with it as well! Heart I Love You Birthstone Pendant with Free Gift

Party Box (UK site) has a sale of their last years Halloween products. As Halloween is nearly upon us (well 2 months away but close enough), go grab those Halloween sale bargains now.

Birthday in a Box (US site) have a sale on the following party themes
Robots
Kim Possible
Scooby – Fun times

We have some new kids party themes in our US party store which are proving hugely popular.

Sponge Bob party packs
Madagascar
Perfect Dora Party!

Have fun!

Nicole

www.kids-partycabin.com