Mommy Has to Work

Create a Flavor Explosion: Arranging a Surprise 50th Birthday Party

March 5, 2023 By Anne

Your parents have done a lot for you. They’ve been there through thick and thin, always offering their support. So it’s time to return the favor and throw them an incredible 50th birthday party! But how do you make sure it’s a surprise? Here are some tips for preparing that special dinner to arrange the best party.

1) Choose a Suitable Location:

Choose the location for your party with discretion. You don’t want to alert your parents of the surprise by having them see decorations or people around their house. Instead, try to find a venue that is close enough and suitable for all guests, such as a restaurant or banquet hall. In addition, make sure there is enough space to accommodate everyone.

2) Food Options:

When it comes to food options, you want to choose something exciting and special. Get the siblings all involved, to help prepare this special dinner. Consider a buffet-style dinner made up of dishes that your parents like. Offer a variety of flavors such as Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese and more. You could also put together specialized bars like sushi or a taco bar. It would be extra meaningful if you could get a favorite family recipe to serve as one of the dishes, such as dad’s simple steak seasoning recipe for a BBQ on the side.

3) Decorate Strategically:

When it comes to decorations, carefully plan your decor. If the location allows you, create a theme for your parent’s 50th birthday that is special to them – maybe a beach-side celebration or an entertainment-themed party. Choose decorations accordingly and use colors that will be eye-catching but not too flashy. You can also add some personal touches, like pictures of your parents during their younger years and make sure to include lots of balloons!

4) Music and Entertainment:

Once you’ve done the decorating, set the mood with some music:

Curate a playlist of old and new songs that have meaning to them or will get everyone dancing.
Consider adding some interactive activities like karaoke and trivia games that will keep everyone entertained throughout the night.
Ensure ample seating is available for those who might need a break from all the fun!

5) Photos and memories:

Create an area at the party where people can take photos to capture all the memorable moments. Have a professional photographer on hand or set up a photo booth with props and silly accessories. You can also arrange for friends, family members and colleagues to give speeches about your parents and share stories from days gone by. This will make for a truly special event that your parents won’t soon forget.

Via Pexels

6) Cake:

No birthday party is complete without cake! Choose one that reflects their personality – maybe you could even recreate a childhood favorite like banana bread pudding. Make sure to order it ahead of time and keep it in hiding until the big moment! As for presentation, go all out with vibrant colors and tasty toppings like strawberries, cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache.

7) Gifts:

The final element of throwing a surprise 50th birthday party is finding the perfect gifts for your parents. If budget permits, you could get them something special, like jewelry or tickets to their favorite show. Alternatively, you could make it more sentimental by creating a scrapbook full of pictures from their younger days.

In conclusion, throwing a surprise 50th birthday party takes time and dedication. However, with the right planning and preparation, you can create an unforgettable event that your parents will cherish for years to come.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

Planning a Weekend Getaway in New Orleans

March 2, 2023 By Anne

New Orleans is one of the most famous cities in the world, alongside the likes of Barcelona, New York and Paris. It is located along the great Mississippi River in the southeastern region of Louisiana, USA. With its diverse culture, incredible cuisines and magnificent architecture, the city should be at the top of your list as you plan your next weekend getaway.

The city is widely known for its distinctive culture, jazz music and for the iconic New Orleans streetcars, vintage-looking carriages have become a symbol of charm and romance for more than 150 years they’ve been operational. The 32-mile street railway starts in a street uptown and stretches all the way to Canal Street, making a few stops along St Charles Avenue, Loyola and Audubon Park.

If you need more reasons to visit New Orleans, here are a few of them.

Visit the French Quarter

The French Quarter is the oldest and most popular neighborhood in New Orleans. It is home to a few centuries-old buildings with beautiful little balconies wrapping around them. The neighborhood also serves as the roots of the city’s rich and unique culture, with museums, art galleries and amazing cuisines to go along with the soothing sounds of jazz music as you walk down the old streets.

Steamboat Tour on the Mississippi River

Like the streetcars, the Mississippi river boats have become permanently ingrained into the New Orleans culture. Your weekend getaway wouldn’t really be complete without a short cruise in one of these steam-powered paddle boats. They offer tour options for both night and day. Day tours generally involve sightseeing and learning more about the city’s history, while evening cruises are perfect for dinners, cocktails and live jazz music.

Jackson Square

If you are an art enthusiast, an afternoon stroll around Jackson Square would be a great way to start your weekend getaway. The park is located in front of the St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter and is just a few steps from the Mississippi river. It is surrounded by some of the oldest buildings in the city, housing various stores and restaurants. As you explore Jackson Square, you can take a few minutes to appreciate local artists who display their paintings, drawings and other works of art around the park.

St. Louis Cathedral

Founded in 1720, the St. Louis Cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals in North America. It is one of the many architectural masterpieces in New Orleans and includes both Renaissance and Spanish Colonial architecture. Despite being over three centuries old, the cathedral is still in use, hosting masses every Saturday, Sunday and Monday. You can also visit the cathedral any other day for tours between 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Enjoy the Local Cuisine

If you get hungry after exploring the city, it might be time to try some fantastic local cuisine. The city has a few signature dishes, including Creole gumbo, beignet doughnuts and Cajun jambalaya. You can also try out a muffaletta and po’boy sandwich if you are on a tight budget. New Orleans has something for everyone – whatever cuisine route you choose; every mouthful will have a flavor of the city’s unique melting pot.

So, have you ever been to New Orleans? If yes, leave us some recommendations of the best places and things to see in the city!

Anne

Exploring Your Options: Alternatives to Public Education

February 23, 2023 By Anne

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More and more parents are choosing to find alternative education options for their kids. As modern technology allows us to access the world like never before, the ability to home-educate or find different teaching methods has also exploded to allow alternative options to the public school education system.

If you want to know what is available, this post has some options to consider.

Homeschooling

Homeschooling is becoming an increasingly popular option for families who want to provide their children with an education tailored to their needs. Homeschooling is defined as “the practice of educating children at home, typically by parents or guardians, rather than in a public or private school.” With homeschooling, parents have the freedom to choose their child’s curriculum and pace of learning, as well as the ability to customize their learning environment. Homeschooling allows families to create a learning environment that meets the needs of their children and works best for their family dynamic.

Montessori

The Montessori approach is based on the idea that children are born with a natural desire to learn. This approach allows children to develop at their own pace and encourages them to explore their environment to learn. Montessori classrooms are typically designed to be hands-on learning environments, and the curriculum is often tailored to each child’s individual needs. The advantages of Montessori education include the opportunity for children to develop self-discipline and independence and the chance to explore their own interests. A Primary Montessori Day School also allows children to develop social skills and emotional intelligence.

Charter School

The primary advantage of charter schools is that they are usually smaller than traditional public schools and offer more individualized attention to students. The primary disadvantage of charter schools is that they are not always subject to the same standards and regulations as traditional public schools. Additionally, charter schools often have more flexible curriculums and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the students. The second advantage of charter schools is that they are often more innovative than traditional public schools, as the same bureaucratic restrictions do not limit them. This can lead to more creative and engaging learning experiences. A third advantage of charter schools is that they often offer more extracurricular activities than traditional public schools. This can include music and art classes, sports teams, and more.

Forest Schools

Forest Schools are outdoor educational programs that provide children with a unique learning experience. These programs are typically held in a natural environment, such as a forest or park, and focus on teaching children about respecting and protecting the natural environment. Forest Schools also provide children with the opportunity to explore and discover the joys of nature.

Forest Schools are an excellent option for families seeking an alternative to traditional public education. These programs provide an immersive learning experience tailored to each child’s individual needs. Forest Schools also offer a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and explore.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision of which educational option to pursue is a personal one and should be made with careful consideration. We hope this guide has provided the information and resources you need to decide what’s right for you.

Anne

3 Unique Vacation Ideas Every Traveler Will Love

February 17, 2023 By Anne

I mage Credit: Dennisflarsen from Pixabay.

The recent pandemic meant everybody was cooped up in their home and there was no opportunity to travel. With everything easing up, however, there’s no time like the present to book yourself a trip. Nobody wants to settle for something bog standard, though.

A few unique vacation ideas every traveler will love should more than fit the bill. Since there are countless options for this, it’s difficult to figure out where to start. Three top options stand out, as they’ll be more interesting than you’d expect, as well as being a lot of fun. It’s worth considering each of them.

Unique Vacation Ideas Every Traveler Will Love: 3 Top Options

1. Sporting Getaway In Georgia

If you’re looking for a more sport-focused vacation, then Georgia is always worth considering. The 100-acre Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds will more than fit the bill for all of your sporting needs. Add in the scenic beauty, and you shouldn’t have a problem enjoying yourself.

As a sporting fan, this should be a must-visit at some point, especially if you’re traveling on a budget. Even if you’re there for a week or two, you’ll have more than enough to do without needing to spend a lot on it. Put it at the top of your list.

2. Family Fun In South Carolina

South Carolina’s beauty knows no bounds, and it offers more than a bit of fun for the whole family. Look no further than Myrtle Beach to see that. It’s got more than a few activities that’ll keep you and your kids entertained for the entire time. From mini-golf to go-kart tracks, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

You wouldn’t need to break the bank with this, however, as it’s one of the more budget-friendly family vacations you can go on. The hotels will be more affordable than you’d think, and so will all the activities you can do. If you’re on a budget, it’s more than worth considering.

3. Zipline Through Branson

Branson is a beautiful place to visit for more than a few reasons. While it gets tourists, it isn’t one of the more well-known places to go, so you won’t need to worry about it being overcrowded. You’ll be free to enjoy everything without having to wait too long.

Coupled with that are the countless activities you can take part in. Branson Ziplines can be one of the more recommended, as you can get a much better view of everything while still having fun. With how beautiful the area is, it’s something you shouldn’t miss out on.

Unique Vacation Ideas Every Traveler Will Love: Wrapping Up

There are more than a few unique vacation ideas every traveler will love, some of which will be much more interesting than you’d think. That adds to the fun, and you shouldn’t have a problem making memories you’ll look back on fondly.

Ziplining through Branson, getting some sport in Georgia, and having some family fun in Georgia can all be recommended. With how affordable and exciting they could be, there’s no reason not to give them a go.

Anne

Discover The Perfect Destination For Your Journey

February 9, 2023 By Anne

When it comes to planning a vacation, choosing the right destination can be a daunting task. Where should you go? What are the must-see attractions? How much money will you need? All these questions can make it challenging to decide on just one location. To help make this process easier, here are some of the most important factors to consider when selecting your next travel destination.

Budget & Affordability

Budget and affordability are the first and most crucial factors to consider when selecting a travel destination. No matter how amazing a place looks in photos, it’s best to look elsewhere if it’s not within your budget. It pays to be realistic when setting a budget. Consider all costs associated with your trip, including flights, accommodation, food, activities, and souvenirs. Research prices before booking your trip, so you know exactly what you’re getting into financially. Once you have the numbers in front of you, it will be easier to determine which destinations fit your budget and which ones don’t.

Photo by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi

Weather & Climate Conditions

You may want to relax by the beach or go hiking in the mountains – but if neither of those is possible due to weather conditions, then it won’t be a great experience! So, take into account seasonal climate differences from region to region before making any final decisions about where to go for your travels. For example, if you plan on going skiing during wintertime, then naturally, countries like Canada or Switzerland would be better suited than countries such as Thailand or India, which don’t get snowfall at that time of year.

Attractions & Activities

Once you know where you want to go and how much money you have available to spend, you can start looking into attractions and activities at each destination. Some places offer more cultural experiences while others are filled with nightlife venues – so think carefully about what type of experience appeals more to you! If particular attractions interest you, then research them thoroughly beforehand for some travel tips or insider knowledge that may be helpful.

Safety & Security

Safety should always come first when traveling abroad – no matter how excited or eager you may feel about your upcoming trips! Before deciding on any specific destinations, research safety measures (e.g., embassy contact information). Also, look up crime statistics in areas where visitors commonly stay and general safety tips for traveling abroad (e.g., do not carry large amounts of cash). Knowing these types of details ahead of time will help ensure peace of mind throughout your entire journey!

Travel Time & Flight Duration

Finally, travel time and flight duration are another essential factor to consider when choosing a travel destination. Consider how much time you’re willing to spend in the air when selecting a destination. For example, if you only have a few days off work, then it may not be wise to book a trip to Europe from North America due to the long flight duration. On the other hand, if you can spare an extra week or two for travel, then spending the extra money on a longer flight may be worth it.

When it comes to choosing a travel destination, there are many factors to consider. From budget and affordability to travel time and flight duration, make sure to thoroughly research each aspect before booking anything. That way, you can be confident that your chosen destination is perfect for your next adventure!