South Puget Sound

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You Say It's Your Birthday...


Birthday Party Edition 3 - Photo from Indulge Cupcake in Sumner

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Dear MK South Puget Sound Subscriber,

I am late publishing today - so sorry but I am a widow of college basketball today, tomorrow and for as long as my husband lasts in his bracket.  As my friend Brad so eloquently put on his Facebook status today "We interrupt this marriage to bring you the NCAA Tournament" - so true for so many of us! 

In this week's issue we profile the Top 6 Best Cupcakes in South Puget Sound, offer up 3 great South Puget Sound locations to host your birthday parties and provide articles on how to make, enhance or buy the perfect cupcake and how to follow the correct Birthday Party Etiquette from A to Z. 

Also, this week is our your last week to ENTER TO WIN a Family Overnight to Great Wolf Lodge so check out the contest below.  Additionally, we chose another winner from our readers submissions of their best South Puget Sound Birthday Party Ideas - scroll down to see this week's winner! Next week will be our final Birthday Party dedicated newsletter until next year so please send me any submissions of ideas, locations, vendors, etc and if we use them in our issue you will win as well!  sarahb@macaronikid.com

Have a Happy Day,

Sarah Beyersdorf

Publisher

Macaroni Kid South Puget Sound

www.south-puget-sound.macaronikid.com


ENTER TO WIN


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Macaroni Kid is excited to announce our BIGGEST CONTEST YET!!!  With a generous offer from Shop N Swap Children's Consignment Sales Events (www.shopnswapsales.com), Macaroni Kid is giving you a chance to WIN AN OVERNIGHT, FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, AT THE GREAT WOLF LODGE!!!
 
It's so easy to enter.  Sign up to subscribe to one or more of the Macaroni Kid sites below and you will be entered to win!  To subscribe, click on any link below and click on the "subscribe now" button, enter your info, and where it says "how did you hear about us", please write: CONTEST ENTRY.  It's that easy!!!
Remember, you must pick a new site to subscribe too, not the Macaroni Kid you already receive!  For example, if you receive the Snoqualmie Valley Macaroni Kid e-newsletter each week, to enter you must sign up for one of the other four Macaroni Kid sites!

www.south-puget-sound.macaronikid.com (Auburn, Tacoma, Lakewood, Kent, Renton, Sumner, Federal Way, Gig Harbor, Bonney Lake)
www.mercerisland.macaronikid.com   (Mercer Island)
www.northsound.macaronikid.com (Edmonds, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood, Mill Creek)
www.snoqualmievalley.macaronikid.com (Issaquah, Sammamish, Snoqualmie, North Bend, Fall City)
www.the-eastside.macaronikid.com (Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Bothell, Woodinville, Kenmore)

We would like to thank each of our loyal subscribers for your support, and we would also like to thank Shop N Swap Children's Consignment Sale for supplying such a generous prize!  Please visit their website for more info on their Children's, Women’s/Home Décor & Bridal Consignment Sales Events, Next Children’s Sale - March 20 & 21: www.shopnswapsales.com.

Contest info: New subscription must be to a different site than you currently subscribe to.  No limits to how many sites you may subscribe to, up to four.  Up to four total entries per family.  By entering the contest, subscribers understand that their email address may be used for marketing purposes solely by Shop N Swap Sales, and Macaroni Kid, but will NOT be sold to any third parties.  Overnight is to be used at Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, Washington.  Winner will be announced at the end of March on the Macaroni Kid sites, as well as each night at the Shop N Swap Children's Consignment Sale, March 20th and 21st, 2010


Birthday Party Ideas From Our Readers!


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Amber Livesay had the best suggestion for a South Puget Sound Birthday Party this week so she wins a $10 Starbucks Gift Card - Congrats Amber!  Please read below for Amber's glowing review of Jim's U Fish in Spanaway!

In Amber's own words - "Jim’s U Fish in Spanaway is a FUN birthday place!  A friend of mine had her son’s birthday there and they have a huge fish pond with a little bridge, a bait shop, they provide all the poles and bait and they’ll even clean and bag any fish you catch (or you can throw them back in).  Plus they have a barn with animals including a huge camel!  There are also ducks and other miscellaneous farm animals running around.  There are picnic tables outside and under canopies where we had cake and her child opened presents.  It’s a cool and different spot and my son Anthony just loved it!"

Check out Jim's U Fish in Spanaway and tell them you heard about them on Macaroni Kid South Puget Sound!

Jim's U Fish at Old McDebbie's Farm

4924 268th Street East, Spanaway

(253) 875-0356

www.jimsufish.com


Top 6 Best South Puget Sound Cupcakes


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Indulge Cupcakes

1913 Main Street, Sumner

(253) 447-7824

www.indulgecupcakes.com

Sweet Things Cupcakes & Couture

2510 North Proctor Street, Tacoma

(253) 503-0709

www.sweetthingscupcakes.com/

Hello Cupcake

1740 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma

(253) 383-7772

www.hello-cupcake.com

Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes 

900 South 3rd Street, Unit A, Renton

(425) 235-1717

www.commongroundcupcakes.com

The Cupcake Lady of Fox Island

The Fabulous Fox Island Indoor/Outdoor Market

Nichols Community Center, 690 9th Ave., Fox Island

www.thecupcakelady.biz

Something Delicious Bakery

21224 84th Ave S, Kent 

(253) 395-5572

www.somethingdeliciousbakery.com

If you have a great cupcake recommendation, please send it to us - sarahb@macaronikid.com


This Week's Picks:


March 20th through March 24th

Saturday, March 20 through Sunday, March 21 - GRAND MOUND -Great Wolf Lodge- Shop N Swap Children's Consignment Sale

Buy and sell fabulous Children’s clothing, furniture, cribs, strollers, high chairs, baby equipment, toys, books, shoes, maternity and more.  Find great deals and check out our local vendors.  Come bid on autographed memorabilia in a silent auction with items from the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Michael Jackson, Harry Potter, Angelina Jolie and more benefiting www.Dreamcatchersforabusedchildren.com.  The Easter bunny will be there taking pictures with kids and they can jump free on the provided bounce house.  Enjoy a fun event for the entire family with the chance to win over $50,000 in prizes and give-aways so far!
Where: 20500 Old Highway 99, SW, Centralia, WA 98531
When: 9:00 AM ((7am, volunteer presale, 8am Consignor and New Mom Presale))
Who: All are welcome!  Especially parents looking for deals or those looking to buy and sell items!
How: Just show up!  Unless you wish to consign, then visit: http://www.shopnswapsales.com/Home.html
Cost of event: Free admission and Free parking
For more info: For more information or to sign up to consign: http://www.shopnswapsales.com/Home.html
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Saturday, March 20 - TACOMA - Healthy Kids and Green Parenting Fair

Learn how to protect your child from toxins in the environment, and find resources to help you make safer choices at the Healthy Kids and Green Parenting Fair.
  • Free blood lead testing for children and pregnant or nursing moms,
  • Free lead testing of toys and other consumer products,
  • Safer toys and personal care products,
  • Natural yard care,
  • Organic foods,
  • Cloth diapers,
  • Breastfeeding,
  • Babywearing
Where: South Park Community Center, 4851 South Tacoma Way
When: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: Free eco-friendly art supplies for the first 50 kids. Babywearing fashion show at 11 AM. Fantastic prizes from ERGO Baby, Sleepy Wrap, Earth Mama Angel Baby, Happy Heinys, Hotslings, BabyLegs, BellyFish, FuzziBunz, and more!!! http://www.tpchd.org/page.php?id=111
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Saturday, March 20 - TACOMA - Tacoma Rainiers Pre-Season Party

Come down and join the fun as the Tacoma Rainiers kick off their 2010 season with their pre-season party!  Activities will include – ticket sales, tag-a-seat, ballpark tours - including access to the dugouts and the clubhouses, national anthem tryouts, and more.  The Rainiers will be serving up free hot dogs and sodas.  Bring the kids to see Rhubarb and get their face painted.  
Where: Cheney Stadium, 2502 South Tyler Street, Tacoma
When: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up! 
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: www.tacomarainiers.com
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Saturday, March 20 - OLYMPIA - Father Daughter Magic at Hands On Children's Museum

Enter a magical world of fairies and elves! Dads & daughters, work together to build a fairy house, find your way through the garden maze, and search for treasure at the end of the rainbow!
Where: Hands On Children's Museum, 106 11th Ave SW, Olympia
When: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Who: Father and Daughters
How: Pre-registration required.  Call 956-0818, ext 0
Cost of event: 35.00 father/daughter team; $25.00 per additional daughter
For more info: www.hocm.org
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Monday, March 22 through Friday, March 26 - VARIOUS SOUTH PUGET SOUND LOCATIONS - "Cover the Uninsured Week" - Healthcare for Children

Apple Health for Kids enrollment events are taking place locally in recognition of Cover the Uninsured Week.  These events will provide enrollment assistance and information, in Spanish and English, on healthcare resources for kids as well as adults.
Where: March 22, 1:00 – 7:30pm, Children’s Home Society, 4388 Auburn Way North, Auburn March 23, 5:00 – 7:30 pm, HealthPoint SeaTac, 4040 S 188th St, SeaTac March 25, 5:00 – 7:30 pm, HealthPoint Federal Way, 33431 13th Pl S, Federal Way March 26, 1:00 – 6:30 pm, HealthPoint Auburn, 126 Auburn Avenue, 4th floor, Auburn
When: 1:00 PM - 7:30 PM (See dates, times and locations below)
Who: Parents of Children With No Health Insurance or Insurance they find too expensive for their monthly budget.
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: Free or Low Cost Insurance
For more info: Apple Health for Kids provides free or low-cost health coverage for eligible children. Often parents don’t know that their children qualify. For example, a family of four with a monthly household income of up to $5,513 may qualify.  For more information, call 253-874-7642 or 206-550-6119
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Tuesday, March 23 - TUKWILA - Ben & Jerry's Free Scoop Night at Westfield's Southcenter Mall

The Washington State Patrol Troopers Memorial Foundation and the Washington State Patrol Troopers Association are teaming up with Ben & Jerry’s to scoop free ice cream on March 23rd from noon to 8:00 PM at Westfield Southcenter. While the full flavor line-up is up for grabs on Free Cone Day, featuring legend-dairy palette pleasers like Chunky Monkey, Cherry Garcia and Chubby Hubby, you may want to try one of the newest offerings (while supplies last): Boston Cream Pie, Chocowlate Chip, Dulce Almond, Hannah Teter’s Maple Blondie, Milk & Cookies and Peanut Brittle. 
Where: Ben & Jerry's at Westfield's Southcenter Mall, Tukwila, located on the 2nd level near XXI Forever.
When: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: FREE
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Wednesday, March 24 - FEDERAL WAY - Learning Styles and Homework Strategies for Parents

Discover the different ways that people learn and what that means for your student. Follow easy tips to develop strategies to make homework time more successful…and less stressful!
Where: Federal Way Library, 848 320th St, Federal Way  
When: 7:00 PM
Who: Parents
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: www.kcls.org
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Teen Scene:


March 17th through April 15th

Wednesday, March 17 through Friday, April 30 - DES MOINES - New Moon Movie DVD Raffle

To enter the raffle, stop by the Help Desk and pick up an entry form, complete the tasks and turn in the completed form by April 30.  
Where: Des Moines Public Library, 21620 11th Avenue S, Des Moines
When: 12:00 PM - 12:00 PM
Who: Teens
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: We'll draw the lucky winner on Monday, May 3.
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Tuesday, March 23 through Wednesday, March 31 - DES MOINES - Study Zone - Free Help with Your Homework, Every Tuesday in March

Drop in for homework help from volunteer tutors during Study Zone hours
Where: Des Moines Library, 21620 11th Ave S, Des Moines    
When: 3:30 PM
Who: Teens
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: www.kcls.org
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Wednesday, March 31 - FEDERAL WAY - Meet an Olympian!

Former Olympian Libby Ludlow discusses her role as a member of the United States Ski Team in the 2006 Olympics and talks about the hard work, dedication and challenges young athletes face when they are competing on the world stage.
Where: Federal Way Library, 320th Location, Federal Way
When: 7:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: www.kcls.org
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Thursday, April 1 - AUBURN - Seminar - What Smart Girls Know: Empowerment for Girls

Author Deborah Reber will share with girls a healthy way to deal with life, love, friendship, health, emotions and everything in between.
Where: Auburn Library, 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn
When: 5:30 PM
Who: Girls ages 11-18 yrs
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: www.kcls.org
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Friday, April 2 - AUBURN - Twilight Prom

Celebrate the release of the New Moon dvd with games, trivia, a photo opportunity and snacks.
Where: Auburn Library, 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn
When: 6:00 PM (This is an after-hours event in the library meeting room. No in and out privileges.)
Who: Teens
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: www.kcls.org
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Thursday, April 8 - MAPLE VALLEY - Young Authors Group

Teen writers meet at the library to share your work and get helpful writing tips.
Where: Maple Valley Library, 21844 SE 248th Street, Maple Valley
When: 4:00 PM
Who: Teens
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: www.kcls.org
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Thursday, April 15 - AUBURN - Teen Poetry Cafe

Bring your poetry, short stories or song lyrics to share. Light refreshments will be provided.
Where: Auburn Library, 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn
When: 6:30 PM
Who: Teens
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: www.kcls.org
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Plan Ahead:


March 26th through May 8th

Friday, March 26 - RENTON - Flashlight Easter Egg Hunts

Join the fun as we hold two separate night-time egg hunts at Liberty Park based on age ranges. We will stock the darkened field with loads of candy and prizes! All you need is a flashlight and a sack to carry home all your goodies. Bring all your friends to this free program.
Where: Liberty Park, 1101 Bronson Way North, Renton (Bronson Way Northeast and Houser Way Northeast)
When: 8:00 PM
Who: Ages 7-15
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: FREE
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Saturday, March 27 through Sunday, March 28 - TACOMA - Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Spring Break Tropical Party

Come out to PDZA and welcome Spring with the animals!  Watch sharks gulp down special treats, go behind the scenes with some of the world's most impressive coral, enjoy festive cuisine and tasty drinks all while watching some amazing live tropical dancing!
Where: Point Defianze Zoo and Aquarium, 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma, 98407
When: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: Adults (ages 13-64) $13.50
Seniors (ages 65 & older) $12.50
Youth (ages 5-12) $11.50
Tots (3 & 4) $7.50
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Saturday, March 27 through Sunday, March 28 - RENTON - Sleeping Beauty performed by The Evergreen City Ballet

Will the beautiful Aurora awaken from her deep sleep?  Only the kiss of her true love will save her.  Celebrate the triumph of love over darkness in this classic ballet performed by the incredible dancers of Evergreen City Ballet.  As a special treat for youngsters, ECB will sponsor "Sleeping Beauty Day" in the lobby prior to & during all intermissions for all performances. Youngsters are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Sleeping Beauty costume.  Parents can take their child's picture with one of ECB's very own ballerinas.
Where: Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center , Renton
When: 1:30 PM (Saturday Evening Performance at 7:30PM)
Who: Everyone
Cost of event: Tickets begin at $24.60
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Thursday, April 1 - AUBURN - Teen Study Zone

Drop-in during scheduled Study Zone hours for free homework help from volunteer tutors.
Where: Auburn Library, 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn
When: Monday April 12th, 19th and 26th at 5PM, Tuesday April 13, 20 and 27 at 6PM and Thursday April 1, 15 and 29th at 4PM
Who: Grades K-12
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: www.kcls.org
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Thursday, April 1 through Saturday, April 17 - BUCKLEY - "Annie" Performed by Stage Door Productions

Stage Door will present the famous story about the spunky orphan girl and her love for life, Daddy Warbucks, and her dog Sandy.
Where: White River High School Theater
When: 7:30 PM (Matinees are April 3, 10, 11 & 17 at 2 PM.)
Who: Everyone
How: Advance tickets are available at Enumclaw Radio Shack, the Arts Alive Gallery, the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce, or online @ http://www.stagedoorprod.org
Cost of event: $15 Adults, $12 Seniors and $10 Students
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Saturday, April 3 - BURIEN - Bunny Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt

Come eat a yummy breakfast and then hunt for your Easter eggs at Burien's Bunny Breakfast and Egg Hunt.  Staggered start times based on age.
Where: Burien Community Center and Park, 425 SW 144th St, Burien, for breakfast and Egg Hunt for walkers to 7 years, Dottie Harper Park for Egg Hunt Ages 8-11 years, 4th Ave SW and 146th SW, Burien    
When: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: (206)988-3700 or visit www.BurienParks.net
Cost of event: Breakfast $4.00, Photos with Bunny $4.00 and Egg Hunt is FREE.  You can call ahead to buy tickets this year - (206)988-3700 or visit www.BurienParks.net
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Saturday, April 3 - ENUMCLAW - 3rd Annual “Hop to it” Egg Hunt

Join us at the Enumclaw Expo Center for some Easter fun! Children will be divided into age groups to hunt for eggs, candy, and prizes. Saturday, April 3. Hunt begins at 9:30am sharp!
Where: Enumclaw Expo Center
When: 9:30 AM
Who: Ages 3-12 years
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: FREE
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Saturday, April 3 - TACOMA - Easter Eggstravaganza

Come decorate your own Easter Buckets, participate in exciting Easter themed games, and enter to win a Build-A-Bear animal! 
Where: Tacoma Mall, JC Penney Court, 4502 S SteeleSt. Ste. 1177, Tacoma
When: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Who: Kidgits Members - If you aren't a member you can sign up by clicking this link - http://www.simon.com/kidgits/#/parents/membership
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: FREE with membership, Annual Membership is $5.00 per child
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Friday, April 16 - SUMNER - Windmill Gardens Girls Night Out

Bring your girlfriends, co-workers or relatives and enjoy Girls Night Out at Windmill Gardens which includes live entertainment, a martini bar, complimentary wine, hors d'oeurves, exhibitors, door prizes and much more!  This is a fundraising event benefiting Good Samaritan Hospital.
Where: Windmill Gardens, 5823 160th Avenue East, Sumner
When: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Who: Ladies
How: Stop by our store, call 253-863-5843
Cost of event: $35/guest in advance
$40/guest at the door
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Friday, April 23 through Sunday, April 25 - ENUMCLAW - Enumclaw's Spring Fair

Come celebrate Spring at the Enumclaw Spring Fair.  Here are a few things you will find at the Enumclaw Spring Expo - a carnival, games, plant sale, garden art, tractor pull, kiddie korral, pony rides, lawn mower races, entertainment, antiques, hot air balloon rides, baby animal exhibit, train and hay rides.
Where: Enumclaw Expo Center, Enumclaw
When: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Sunday 11AM-5PM)
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: FREE entry, rides and events may cost additional
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Saturday, April 24 - AUBURN - Making Science Fun

Teachers, caregivers and parents will learn how to engage children in learning science through hands-on activities that are enquiry-driven and open-ended
Where: Auburn Library, 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn
When: 12:00 PM
Who: Teachers, caregivers and parents
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: FREE
For more info: www.kcls.org
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Friday, April 30 - FEDERAL WAY - Free Family Movie Night at The Federal Way Community Center

Free Family Movie Night Toss the kids in the car and go to the Federal Way Community Center for a showing of  “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel” and free snacks. Space is firstcome, first-serve.
Where: Federal Way Community Center, 876 S. 333rd Street, Federal Way
When: 7:00 PM (Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the movie starts promptly at 7)
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up!
Cost of event: FREE
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Saturday, May 8 - TACOMA - Tacoma Farmer's Market 1st Annual Rodeo Barn Dance

YeeHaw…The first ever Rodeo Barn Dance is happening for the Tacoma Farmers Market all of Tacoma is invited! Come join them for a market themed Rodeo Ho-down complete with a Blue Grass Band, fresh market food and an all night mechanical bull for the those brave enough to try! A live band and country DJ will keep the rodeo vibe going the whole night with music and square dancing.
 
 
Where: The Freight House Square, Rainer Room in Downtown Tacoma
When: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Who: Ages 16 and over
How:  
Tickets are available at this link - http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/100991
Cost of event: 25.00 
For more info: www.TacomaFarmersMarket.com  VIP tables are available for groups of 8 or more. This fundraising event marks the 20th Anniversary of the Tacoma Farmers Market. Admission includes a free adult beverage ticket, incredible live entertainment and unlimited access to the mechanical bull.
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Unforgettable Cupcakes - Homemade and Store Bought


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Make cupcakes unforgettable at your next party with these awesome tips from Momologie.com!

Step 1:  The Cupcake

From Scratch:

The cupcake has become quite the craze, and with good reason.  The nostalgia and convenience (no more cake-slicing debacles) make them a great way to celebrate birthdays and other rites of passage.  Michele even has favorite cookbooks she counts on for inspiration.  She especially loves Hello, Cupcake! for clever decorating ideas and great recipes for mildly sweet and moist cakes.  The end result looks quite intricate, but the book breaks down techniques in a way that makes it doable for anyone.

Semi-DIY:

We can’t always bake from scratch, so we’re continually on the lookout for shortcuts that make the grade.  Michele’s favorite cupcake mixes from Barefoot Contessa are delectable. High-quality ingredients result in down home goodness.  We love the chocolate cupcakes because they’re not too sugary.  Michele got rave reviews when she took them to her son’s school for his birthday.

From the Bakery:

Cupcakes are America’s favorite treat, and some of the best varieties are cropping up in bakeries dedicated to making them an art form.  If you don’t like to bake or don’t have time, cupcake shops allow you to customize your order with a variety of cake and frosting types to please a crowd.

Step 2:  Decorating

Whether you bake them from scratch or a box, the cake itself is only a vehicle for icing.  At our last party, more than half of the kids licked off the icing and left behind soggy cake. 

Here is where the fun begins!  Don’t forget that you can start with making your cupcakes in patterned or metallic baking cups or wrappers to add color and design. Then, you’ll top with colored icing, sprinkles, berries, candies, flowers, specialty picks, and other special effects to create your showstoppers.

We love  the Layer Cake Shop for their retro-kitschy inspired designs.  The selection of toppers and kits are the easiest and fastest way to decorate in practically every theme imaginable — pirate, baby shower, birthday and luau. Williams-Sonoma has a cupcake decorating kit that's designed especially for kids with icing containers are easy to control. Jimmies are one of our favorite toppings—you can combine them with a topper, cover the entire cupcake or simply roll the edges (they’re great for covering mistakes).

Step 3:  Transporting and Packaging

If you’re transporting your cupcakes to another location, make sure you protect your work.  There are many great carriers available to keep treats intact and then display them when you arrive.

We love the gingham pattern of this recycled cardboard carrier for outdoor events.

The stackable Cupcake Courier holds up to 36 cupcakes in three layers with a protective covering, keeping everything in place and well protected from spills and bugs.

Crate&Barrel’s cupcake carrier is designed to take you through the whole process – bake, cool, carry and store.

Or, purchase cardboard boxes like you’d get at a cupcake shop to send leftovers home after the party.

Step 4:  Displaying

We love a tiered stand for making cupcakes accessible and displaying your hard work. A tall stand with a lovely grosgrain ribbon edge makes a statement and easily disassembles flat for storage. Or a wire stand that holds each cake in place is reminiscent of a tea party.


Birthday Party Idea - Federal Way Community Center


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Federal Way Community Center

876 South 333rd Street, Federal Way

(253) 835-6900

www.itallhappenshere.org

Celebrate your next birthday or family event at the Federal Way Community Center. Their party packages offer a complete and fun-filled event sure to please any boy or girl. Each party package includes one hour of activity (pool, climbing pinnacle or gym) and use of a poolside party room for 45 minutes — plenty of time to open gifts and blow out the candles! You bring your own balloons, streamers and other decorations to customize the space.

Or if you want to take it easy yourself, for a modest fee, their staff will handle event set up and take down, decorate (using your decorations), and guide your group through their activities to keep everything on schedule. All you have to do is accept the compliments for hosting such a fun-filled event.


Birthday Party Idea -Odyssey 1 in University Place


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Odyssey 1

2310 W. Mildred #110, University Place

(253) 566-3233

www.odyssey-1.com

Odyssey 1 in University Place is a little kids' heaven - parties are packed with excitement and adventure!  Choose between a Laser Tag, Jungle Gym or Game Party. The coolest thing for the birthday girl or boy is they get to enter the "Birthday Machine" where they get 35 seconds to grab as many tickets to redeem for game tokens. Their food and customer service is amazing which is an added bonus.

For specific birthday party packages visit their website - www.odyssey-1.com


Birthday Party Etiquette FAQ's


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Be a host or party-goer that Miss Post would approve of! Leading etiquette experts and parents who've been there solve sticky party dilemmas.

Do I have to invite everyone in my child's class?

No. But you should try to be discreet about it. Assemble the guest list with your child; she'll have a good idea about her class' social dynamics. Drop off or mail the invitations — don't let your child distribute them in class — and discourage her from talking about the party at school.

We "should" invite more kids than I can handle at the party. What should I do?

Plan a playdate or outing at another time with different groups of kids. For example, if your first-grader has friends from school and a soccer team, plus a few cousins, limit the party to the school friends and family, then plan an outing to a pizza parlor or sporting event with the team for a separate day. If you're not inviting kids whose party he's attended, you might want to use it as an opportunity to teach your child about the importance of reciprocating hospitality and plan a get-together with those kids as well.

Can I call people who don't RSVP to find out if they're coming?

Absolutely. Don't let others' bad manners spoil your party. On the other hand, don't use the phone call as an opportunity to share an etiquette lesson. Find out what you need to know and save any snide remarks until after you've hung up the phone.

How do I make sure my child is gracious to the guests?

Start by setting the tone when you begin to plan the party. If you emphasize the importance of guest enjoyment from the beginning, your child will be more likely to recognize her role as host. Also, create opportunities for her to interact with guests individually. For example, put her in charge of handing out a prop to each guest as he arrives and distributing goodie bags as the party-goers depart. Be forgiving if she forgets her manners sometimes, after all, there's a lot going on, but don't be afraid to remind her gently to thank guests for gifts.

Are competitive games a bad idea?

Not necessarily. They've stood the test of time, most kids know the rules, and they're fun. The key is make sure no one goes home empty-handed, and that the winners' prizes aren't outrageous, like that one special toy everyone wants to have. 

What do I do if someone brings a sibling or a parent stays unexpectedly?

There's not much you can do except squeeze in another chair. You can always put an extra parent to work, but younger siblings will have to be incorporated into the festivities. If you can, prevent this problem by being as clear as possible on the invitation — state the child's name directly rather than use "you" — but keep a few extra goodie bags on hand, just in case.

I'm worried my entertainer won't show up.

A small degree of paranoia can be a party-planner's best friend. Approach your party with a back-up plan, so you can handle unexpected rain, delays, or no-shows with grace. Plan for extra activities or games, and try not to over-hype an entertainer until he arrives. Buy yourself some reassurance by confirming the entertainer a week before the party.

One of the guests is being a complete brat. What should I do?

Be as positive as you can be. The combination of excitement and sugar can be too much for some kids. Try to distract the child with a task or make him feel special with extra attention. If other parents are there, you could ask one of them to take him under her wing. If niceness fails, pull him aside and warn him that you'll have to call his parents to take him home if he won't behave.

What should I do with my other child during the birthday party?

Siblings can present a challenge at a party. Sometimes the best option is to plan a day for your other child with a friend somewhere else. However, if a sibling will attend the party, invite a friend of hers to keep her entertained. Avoid letting an older sibling simply stay in her room during the party — it can encourage bad manners and contribute to jealous feelings. Another good way to solve the dilemma is to involve the older sibling in the party planning and delegate her tasks she'll enjoy during the festivities.


What if my child hates a present?

This problem can be neatly circumnavigated by not opening gifts at a party. The trend is towards that anyway — it saves time, guest jealousy, and protects everyone from the embarrassment of your child's true reaction to an unwanted present. However, if you choose to open the gifts at the party, be sure to remind the birthday child ahead of time what gifts represent: the thought behind them. While he may hate the present, it's simply mean to reject another person's thoughtfulness.

My child received four identical gifts. Can I ask other parents for the receipts so I can exchange them?

Not really. Practical parents may include a gift receipt with the package. If you know the person well you may be able to discuss it without offending her, but it's better to err on the side of politeness. Many stores will accept a return for store credit without a receipt, so try that first. But if that doesn't work, stash it on the shelf for a spare in case the first one breaks.

Are thank-you notes necessary?

Absolutely. It teaches responsibility, politeness, and consideration for others, as well as gives your child an excellent writing and creativity exercise. The notes don't have to be long or detailed, but should thank the gift-giver for their attendance at the party, their gift, and mention something specific she likes about it. Even pre-literate kids can draw a picture or "autograph" a note you write as a thank-you.

My child's been invited to a party. Does that mean I'm invited too?

Ask! Chances are if the invitation doesn't say "and family," your presence is not needed unless it's a party for a child under 3. However, the best way to know ahead of time is to discuss it when you R.S.V.P. If your spouse will also attend, let the host know. The big no-no is bringing other siblings to the party without a direct invitation from the host. Unless you have an infant, it's not particularly polite to even ask the host if you can bring a younger sibling, but if you're stuck it's always better to discuss it rather than surprise her.

I'm accompanying my child to a party. What should I do when I'm there?

Let the host set the tone. Offer to help, but if she says no, leave her alone. If she doesn't give you specific directions, act as a helpful — yet unobtrusive — chaperone. Be sure to ask before you use anything, especially the stove, changing table, high chair, etc. Also, keep consistent with the host's rules and exercise common sense to help protect the guests and party area.


Birthday Party Idea - Family Fun Center in Tukwila


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Family Fun Center & Bullwinkle's Restaurant

7300 Fun Center Way, Tukwila

425.228.7300

Fun center birthday parties are a fantastic way to celebrate your child’s milestone day! From go karts to bumper boats, arcade games to batting cages, the Family Fun Center has all the great activities that your partygoers will enjoy!   Do something different this year and challenge your friends to a race around the go kart track or battle it out in their laser tag arena. Choose from their basic package, Bullwinkle package or create your own package from their list of great attractions! Food, drink and dessert are also available as part of the birthday packages.

Reservations are required so please call (425) 228-7300 ext. 13 to schedule your fun center birthday party today!


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