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

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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

What's in this issue :

1) NEW! Save the World party theme
2) Make a Rainstick
3) Chicken dippers
4) Your tips
5) 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.

I am always trying to think up original and new party themes and this one came to me one day when my youngest son who is 10 years old asked me what the Ozone layer was for? I realized that he is at that wonderful age when he just loves to absorb new information and being a sensitive boy, he would do anything not to upset anybody and to help those less fortunate than himself – I hope it lasts!

Anyway it then came to me that a Save the World party theme would be a great idea for both boys and girls and of all ages. It really is a versatile party – you could make it flowery and feminine or macho and full of Super Heroes or cute and cuddly full of animals and wildlife. The key is to make it fun yet at the same time to teach the kids how they can do their bit to save out planet.

If you want a whole load of ideas on what to write on the invites, what to wear, games to play, food to serve and lots of fun activities then take a look at my Save the World party theme

The rainstick was invented by Chileans in South America and it is thought that by shaking the raintstick it will encourage the rains to come. A rainstick is a long, hollow tube that's filled with small baubles such as beads or beans and has small nails inside it. When the stick is turned, the beads slide to the other end of the tube, making a sound reminiscent of a rainstorm as it hits the nails.

Materials and tools :

STEP 1:
Using the darning needle, make small holes in the cardboard tube all the way along its length and around the sides. Insert a tooth pick into each hole so that it roughly reaches past the centre of the tube. Place a small blob of glue at the insertion point of each toothpick to secure it. Leave to dry completely.
STEP 2:
Using the scissors, snip off the protruding bits of the toothpicks.
STEP 3:
Close one end of the tube by covering it with masking tape. Fill the open end of the tube with some beads, rice or dried beans then close the end with more masking tape.
STEP 4:
Cover the outside of the tube either with silver foil or craft paper. Then decorate with stickers of paints. STEP 5:
Now you should have a wonderful sounding and looking rainstick. Hold it in one hand and carefully tip it upside down. All the beads and beans should slowly fall to the bottom and make the wonderful sound of rain.

3) Chicken Dippers

Someone recently contacted me for a recipe for chicken dippers as she said that was all her toddler would eat. After testing out a few on my kids we came up with this recipe which we think is finger licking good and plus it is quick to prepare.

Ingredients :
4 x boneless chicken breasts, skin removed
1 cup of cornmeal
2 tsp of ground cumin (optional)
Salt and pepper

Method:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cut chicken breasts into long thin strips.
Pour cornmeal, cumin, salt and pepper into a re-sealable freezer bag. Add chicken strips and shake well.
Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25 - 30 minutes.

3) Your tips

** If you don't know all the kids at the party, let them make badges as they arrive. Buy plain white paper badges from your local stationers and arm the kids with marker pens – make sure they write their names on as well! Jessie, Cleveland

** Make ice cubes using frozen fruit juices. It is much more fun than plain ice and looks great in a glass of clear lemonade Ash, London

** Instead of attaching balloons to your front gate which often burst, try adding a bunch of flowers. ZiZi, Australia

4) Bag a Bargain

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 you 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.

Complimentary day at a Knowledge Learning Corporation center with every order. (US only) With any order from Birthday in a Box, you'll receive a card which can be used for a complimentary day at one of the many Knowledge Learning Corporation Centers.

Personalize your favor packs (US store) Shindigz have a superb collection of favor packs which are so cheap and for an extra $0.5 per child they will personalize them with the child's name. You just can't go wrong with these as there is something for all ages and all themes.

Bratz partyware – 50% off (UK store) If you are looking for Bratz partyware going cheap then take a look here.

Create an impact with personalized banners (UK store) NEW to Party Box are these superb personalized banners.

All the best and let me know of any ideas, tips and suggestions that you have.

Nicole
www.kids-partycabin.com