she's noticed that the kids notice the presence or absence of goody bags, and is trying to be a good mom and hostess. FWIW. If goody bags are "expected" in your area, she should try to do something. It depends on the type of kids in the area Niece is crazy over the Jonas Brothers (heaven help us), and will be getting a JB pinata, and the kids can carry home whatever candy they collect in little bags. We're also going to look for the aforementioned pinwheels, or something equally inexpensive and relatively entertaining for the kiddos to take home when the party ends. I love the idea of crafts - in fact, on niece's last birthday, the kids decorated crowns and took them home (it was a princess theme), but there probably won't be enough time. The party will be scheduled for only a little over an hour, though, during which time cake and ice cream will be served and the pinata will be the primary entertainment. Don't the JB's wear 80's style sunglasses? I think they wear vests too. Maybe adding those to the party, take digital pics of everyone in their JB shades & get one vest that everyone uses for their shot, print them out and give on in a pre-decorated JB frame? Too bad the party isnt longer, she should be able to find cardboard type frames.. they can paint their names on them or something JB.. maybe glue JB pics to the frame? I have seen parties where one of the activites was their take away gift - like painted t shirts, decorated wooden frames (take pic of whole group to include), wooded vehicle sets you put together (Michael's has a bunch for $1). I love this idea For her, it isn't just a party bag -- it's a thank you gift to the friend for attending her party. If you ask her opinion, she probably think it's totally uncool not to have party bags. That's how I've always looked at goody bags as a thank you for coming Wow...never would have crossed my mind to give out goodie bags. My kids didn't, and I honestly can't remember them getting them. But then, my kids quit having kiddy parties over 10 years ago! haha. I can tell you that its a different world these days. My son is 24, gift bags weren't a big deal but these days it's all about the gift bag. I think we have Hollywood to partially blame for this.. Think Paris Hilton, star parties where they get gift bags with the latest phone or video game system. Lots of celebrity mags talk about gift bags, win the gift bag from such & such party, it's like a status symbol to get the best gift bag.

It will be interesting to hear your recipe, trailrunner! I just made a small batch (way too small as it turned out), this was enough for two pizzas. Minced garlic from 2 heads, simmered slowly in around 1/4 cup olive oil, for 5 minutes only, being carefully to not let brown. I can't remember for sure, but I think it was almost equal parts garlic and XV olive oil. Then, added a small can of tomato paste, 1/4 cup sugar and a couple Tbsp of water, and 1/4 tsp of oregano and pepper. The crusts do look different but I'm pretty sure they are both the Baguette recipe (which I must attempt this week, having found my pans). The second crust looks more like the Bittman recipe, but that was because it was made in a square pan, more deep dish style. I wasn't thrilled with either crust this time. We had a hockey game in the middle of the day so I made the 4 batches of dough in the morning and let them proof in the fridge, then skipped the second rise for the baguette recipe. Maybe they rose too long? Next time, I'll shoot for around two hours before oven time. Then again, I tend to not eat when I am hosting, so maybe I am imagining the difference. Everyone else loved the pizzas, which is all that counts. Between the two, I like the baguette recipe a little better but DH likes the MB.

Kids at adult parties is an oxymoron. It's very simple really. An adult party is for ADULTS ONLY. No kids unless the hosts say to bring them during the invite. The host's kids are the only exception and the proper thing would be to have a sitter for them if they are young or pack them off somewhere for the night. Period. Weddings are are for the persons named on the invitations. NO one else is invited...not kids, not your sister, not grandma. If the name is not there then the person isn't invited. Period. Stores are business facilities. They are not playgrounds nor daycare centers. If your child must come with you then you must be in control of said child. When a child is in an adult environment for any reason it is up to the adult in charge of that child to be in charge. Period. I get really tired of all the posts trying to twist and turn things to suit their personal desires regarding their children. It's not about you or your kids...grow up. I had kids and I raised them to have respect for the environment they were in. Out in public or at someone's home they were to behave. If they didn't....we left. Yeah, I missed out on things but that's what parents do. My first had really bad colic and would start screaming at some of the most inopportune times. I've had to walk that mile. I never stayed where others had to be exposed to that. Even in a restaurants the food was packed to go while I waited outside. With the exception of a sick child waiting in line at the pharmacy their is no excuse what so ever to force other's to cope with your children being children. If you want them to be able to run around and be kids take them to the playground, a kid's pizza place or a playmate's home. When they are in a public or private space not specifically set up for the needs of children YOU deal with it or don't bring them in the first place.

Right here I am, black corset and pointy shoes on. I'd like to introduce you to a dear friend of mine; Lestat de Lioncourt, IÂd be a little careful with what you think while you are around him, his little Âdark gift can be a somewhat annoying on occasion. I myself will be entering as Alice Cullen, who can not only see the future and has a thirst for blood, but who is also an eternal teenager, I know I see you quiver in your boots and other such foot ware. IÂm so very sorry that I was not able to make an appearance earlier in the festivities but I was simply having some fun with my dear sister, donÂt worry she is still in one piece (of sorts). The festivities all seem to be in place and I do hope you donÂt lose (any part of) yourselves to early on in this fine dark evening.