Teenage Birthday Party Ideas Indianapolis: Tweens Too!

Birthday Party Ideas  for Teens in Indy

Planning a unique birthday party for a tween (soon to be teen) or teenager is difficult. When they're younger, there are so many options- plus they don't even remember most of them! By the time they become teenagers, you're running on empty. Here's a list of Teenage Birthday Party Ideas in Indianapolis, your tween will love them too. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links.

Things to do in Indiana: Old-fashioned Candy Store in Martinsville

The Martinsville Candy Kitchen is a fun thing to do in Indiana with your kids...

During the holidays, the Candy Kitchen in Martinsville, Indiana is filled with enticing aromas and beautiful, delectable candies. Remember the little, old Wonka candy store in original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Toot Sweets from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang?  Yeah... it's a lot like that, and it is only a hop, skip, and 30 minutes - ish from downtown Indy. So, treat your kids to some old-fashion nostalgia.

Hand pulled candy canes from the Martinsville Candy Kitchen.

Fudge, candies, desserts- oh my. This is truly eye candy. There are several restaurants in downtown Martinsville, and on Saturdays catch a Farmer's Market around the court house just in front of the Candy Kitchen. If your kids are into antiquing, the downtown square offers many shops for browsing. 

Martinsville Candy Kitchen.

We visited in the Spring. They were busy making fudge in the back, and the counters were showcasing old-fashion Easter candy. It brought back candy memories from childhood. I remember getting white chocolate little lambs from my grandmother one year. They had a basket full of those cute little lambs! The chocolate covered Peeps were a nice surprise too. I am going to give that a try with the kids.

Hand-dipped Ice Cream.

The little red and white shop matches the hand-pulled candy canes they make each holiday season. Treat your kids to a trip. Sometimes, a man in a matching red and white suit stops in for a visit. Hmm... I wonder if he gets the candy for our stockings there?

Recommended Reading:

Copycat Candy Bars

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Snowman Activities for Preschoolers

These Snowman Activities will fill your Preschooler with Joy

Snow is beautiful, but some never get it and others get far too much! Whether you have none or tons, stay inside with your preschooler and make your own snowman projects. We've linked several snow ideas and activities from our site as well as a few of our favorites from Pinterest. Enjoy being warm while you build a snowman. Enjoy!

• How to make a snowman from a peanut.

Mini Peanut Snowman from Kids Creative Chaos.

• Make ice cream snowballs and build a yummy, cute snowman.

Edible Snowman from Kids Creative Chaos.

• Make your own Snowman Soup Recipe From 3rd Grade Thoughts.

Snowman Soup Recipe from Third Grade Thoughts.

• Make a snowman in a jar and keep him forever - no melting ;)

Snowman in a jar from Kids Creative Chaos.

• Printable Snowman Activity

Snowman Valentine Activity.

• Easy Snowflake Snowman 

Easy Preschool Snowflake Snowman.

Looking for Snowman Ideas for Winter Activities for the classroom? How about a companion snowman story by Mercer Mayer.



Recommended Reading:

Snowman Classroom Door Decoration

The Snowman Children's Book*

The Biggest Snowman Ever story*









ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

10 Paper Bag Thanksgiving Crafts: Turkey

Easy Paper Bag Turkey Craft and More

These paper bag Thanksgiving crafts are easy to make. Whether you make a cute turkey with preschoolers or carve up a roast turkey paper bag, you'll find a simple turkey craft to decorate your holiday table or use as an invitation to craft at the kids' table. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

10 Paper Bag Thanksgiving Crafts: Turkey.

Breast Milk or Formula? What Challenges Defined your Choice?

Which Infant Formula is Best?

Here at Kids Creative Chaos, the mommies have nursed over 20 babies. Whenever possible we encourage breastfeeding, but that isn't always the reality of life. Some of us adopted our children as infants, others faced milk allergies, and some just couldn't produce enough milk.

Walmart infant formula.

Personally (Lora), faced a child with a rare true milk allergy- not lactose intolerant. What does that mean? Everytime, I had milk in my cereal, a glass of chocolate milk, or ice cream, Jake projectile vomited. At first, the doctor thought it was acid reflux, but we soon realized it was milk! During the time we thought it was acid reflux, we tried forumula. I used Enfamil. Eventually, we had to swtich back to mommy milk. Turns out, Jake was allergic to soy too, so I had to give up my indulegences. We breast fed until Jake was nearly two years old. Yep, I recently discovered there is a name for my parenting style. I practice attachment parenting.

Anyway, I just went to the Wal-mart website and wow! Look what I could have saved if I had used Parent's Choice formula.

My Savings with Parent's Choice

Another one of our mommies, Jessica, used Parent's Choice™ Formula. Here's what she had to say about it:

"I was determined to breastfeed, however (long story), I had to begin supplementing with formula beginning at 8 wks old. We used Parents Choice™formula from 2 mos to 1 year. We even used Parents Choice™toddler formula for about a month. We were always very happy with it - no issues. AND, because we DID supplement, we were able to continue a successful nursing relationship well into toddlerhood!"

Photo of a happy formula baby.

Turns out, Parent’s Choice Formulas are clinically proven to be as well tolerated as the national brands.

It contains DHA and ARA which may support brain and eye development - Just like Enfamil®. It is milk-based which is good for most babies! It also contains prebiotics which support your babies' immune systems. Go check it out so you can give your baby the best and save money too!  Parent's Choice™

We'd love to hear about your challenges. It is always nice to know you aren't alone.

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Throw a Backyard Party Tips and Ideas

Throwing a Child’s Party in Your Yard: A Guide 

Planning a birthday party? Are you tired of indoor bouncy play areas? How about mini golf or pizza arcades? Do you never want to see a ball pit ever again for as long as you live? If so, do something different for your child’s next birthday party. Throwing a backyard party is easier than you think! Here's a guide to help you prep for the best garden yard party ever!

This post contains affiliate links.

Sure, you could invite your child’s friends over to a party inside your home, but that always results in a big mess to clean after the party. No doubt something will end up broken. Who wants to deal with all that after entertaining a house full of kids all day?

When you host an outdoor yard party for your child, you don’t have to worry about fingerprints on your door, dirt tracked in your kitchen, or things getting broken. Especially, if you rent a port-a potty! You can finally sit back, relax, and actually have a good time.

Just add a portable camping toilet. Get Pod tent on Amazon.

Always expect the unexpected! To ensure that your guests have a good time at the party, prepare in advance to avoid last minute hassles. Make sure the yard is safe place for the kiddos to run around. Things happen, these yard party tips and ideas will help you avoid mishaps and unhappy guests!

3 Things to Do to Host a Fun and Safe Child’s Backyard Party

Rid your Yard of Pests

Before throwing a party, most people don't consider all of the creatures that run a muck in their yard. The last thing you want at an outdoor yard party is a swarm of nasty wasps or an infestation of ants taking up residence and ruining the party. Most kids are afraid of insects and rodents, which is why you should rid your yard of pests before your guests arrive and the party starts.

When you take on the all-important challenge of banishing pests from your yard, it’s essential that you enlist the help of a professional pest service such as Moxie Pest Control. They'll have the tools, the all-important know-how, and the experience needed to ensure that your pest problem is dealt with in the most effective manner possible. 

Once the pests are under control, you can begin the fun tasks of setting up and decorating for the party.

Set up Food and Drink Stations

Want to be really fancy? If you’ve got plenty of space in your yard, consider setting up different food and drink stations. Galvanized buckets are perfect for serving up treats and even party games. This gives your birthday party guests something to pick at or indulge in while waiting for the cake. Nobody will get hungry, thirsty, or bored at your party. So it will reduce the number of fussy kids and party-goers.

Are you stuck for inspiration when it comes to deciding what food and drink stations to set up in the backyard? Consider the ideas below for party food and drink stations for a crowd.

A galvanized cart with wheels is perfect for toting
around beverages at a garden party.

For the kids:

Ice-cream stations

Candy stations, get bulk candy at OrientalTrading.

Smoothie stations

Chip and Dip station, plastic beach pails also make a fun, decorative way to serve snacks.

For the adults:

Espresso stations

Cheese stations

Pimms stations

Always Consider the Weather

Even if you plan your child’s yard party in the midst of the summer, you can never be quite sure that it won’t rain on the day of the party. To ensure that your shindig isn’t ruined by the weather, check your weather app often. Prepare for the worst, but hope for the best! Be sure to have a backup plan, such as, a wet weather tent on hand just in case the heavens do decide to open and rain on your party.

Follow the tips mentioned, and you’ll be sure to host a stress free backyard party for kids!

Recommended:

Party Games and Ideas for Kids

Party Ideas for Kids of all Ages

Get Kids Garden Party Decorations on Amazon

Pin it to Remember it!

When Kids Say I Know or I am Quote: Lora's Law #14

I know! I am! Parenting Quotes about Kids

Parenting is hard! Whenever I am in the middle of telling my kids to do something, they cut me off with a loud, harsh, infuriating, "I know." How can they know? I haven't even finished my thought! Well, it seems, they THINK they've heard it all before. They know what I am about to say. Sometimes they do; sometimes, they don't. Lora's Law #14, is a quote post or meme to share about when kids say, "I know!" Enjoy!

A BMI Calculator Can Give You the Motivation to Lose Weight

Online BMI Calculator

Been indoors packing on the pounds? It's time to shed the layers of clothing and get outside and play. Growing up, I was chronically skinny except for a brief time in 5th and 6th grade. Due to health issues and medication, as I got older, the weight crept up every couple of years. When motivated, it's easy to get the weight off and drop pounds. Now, as the aging mommy of two kids, the motivation rarely comes and the weight sticks around. I did find a little motivation by plugging my numbers into a BMI calculator. Scroll down to use it, the first BMI Calculator picture is a just pinnable image for Pinterest.  Enjoy! 

This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.

Pin this image to save to Pinterest.

Below is the actual, interactive, online BMI CALCULATOR.

The Food Pyramid

 
Free Online BMI Calculator.

Online Weight Loss Tracker

Ditch the The Food Pyramid?

Motivation. I've worked on upping my food intake. Yes, upping. I never ate more than once a day. Now, I try to eat three times a day with snacks. I've reinvented meals. I rarely sit down to eat, and I don't fill my plate in a food pyramid with one "meal." For me, that means a yogurt here, a banana there, a peanut butter sandwich, or veggies with dip spread throughout the day. I do eat everything in the food pyramid, but not in one sitting.  Should you eat dairy? at 45, I found out I was allergic to milk (not lactose intolerant.) I ditched milk and rarely eat ice cream. Yogurt and cheese don't cause me problems, so I'm able to fulfill my dairy needs. I also discovered a had hyperparathyroidism, so now I take vitamin D softgels every day.

I tried to ditch the pop, but that didn't work. However, I've made little changes. Food before pop in the morning. One soda or less per day. You'd think I'd gain weight, but I didn't gain a pound. In fact, I lost a few. I tried to find a picture to share, but I run from the camera.  Below, is the best I can do for a before picture. On the positive side, the weight always seemed to keep me looking younger. These days, aside from being old, I'm fairly healthy. Unfortunately, the BMI calculator doesn't agree. Another option is to find a good Weight Tracker App. With an app on your phone, you can track everything on the go.

**UPDATE (2016) 
I've lost over 30 lbs. and kept it off. My biggest tip is to stop eating bread (any sort of gluten). Also, take a daily probiotic. I've ditched the pop! Started by swapping Mountain Dew for Sierra Mist (natural sugars and sweeteners) and then I switched to Coca-Cola Zero. I'm working on swapping this for Propel. I drink a lot of Propel, but I want my caffeine. My go to snack is Vanilla Oikos Triple Zero try it in a Strawberry Smoothie. In the past, I was too sick to exercise. The weight loss was all diet related. Bread, cereal, cake, cupcakes, doughnuts, bagels, pizza, pasta- all gone from my diet during the weight loss. Since I've been able to exercise, I do eat them occasionally. I plan to lose 20 more lbs. this year, by adding exercise.

*I'm not a doctor. These are what worked for me. No health advice is implied.

2010

2016

What do you wish you could do differently to improve your health?

Positive Weight Loss Goals

**UPDATE (2019)

I'm 50 now and look better than I've looked in years! Still eating while on the move and using resistance bands for stretching every day. Working on losing 10 more pounds. I'm able to walk, do squats, bike ride, etc. I've even started kayaking! If you told me 10 years ago that I'd be kayaking, I would've laughed in your face! Getting fit allowed me to get healthy. So many health issues have disappeared. I'm thinking about running marathons. Not sure my knees can take it. We'll see.

What are you waiting for?

2019

2019

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Best Daily Probiotic

Healthier Recipes that helped me. 

Get Resistance Bands to Workout

Keep up with me on Instagram.

How to make washing soap or safe homemade dish detergent recipe

Make Homemade Dishwasher Detergent at Home

It seems like everyone has a recipe for how to make washing soap or homemade dish detergent. Everyday, at least one pops op on Pinterest. I'm a little concerned by the ingredient list. Almost every recipe calls for Borax. Borax is toxic, it's bad enough we use it on our clothes or to make putty for a kid's craft. 

Yikes! I don't want that on my dishes (especially on those plastic items your aren't supposed to be washing due to chemicals being released at high temps). I imagine some toxins leach in too. What's a poor, stressed mommy to do? Make your own safe green detergent recipe. Enjoy!

Washed with homemade dish detergent we made.

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Recipe

1 Tbs. Table Salt, 1 Tbs. Ice Cream Salt, 1 Tsp. (capful) Lemon Juice, 1 Tsp. Hydrogen Peroxide, 1 Tbs. Vinegar

I premix the salts and store them in an airtight container near the dishwasher and then scoop them out as needed into the dishwasher tray. 

Then, I pour in a capful of lemon juice, add the hydrogen peroxide to the prewash container and the vinegar to the rinse compartment. 

I have also added a Tsp. baking soda which helps keep your dishwasher clean and fresh, but sometimes it leaves a residue on the dishes. So, if you want to clean your dishwasher, add baking soda and run it without any dishes inside. 

Tip: (From Dishwasher Repairman) If you run the hot water in the sink before and a minute or two after you start the cycle it helps prevent soap and lime build up on the coils of your dishwasher. Also, I like to keep a spray bottle of equal parts vinegar and water handy to spray on dishes with dried on food. It seems to help. Now your safe. As for your dishwasher, IDK- read the manual. Not using regular store bought soap could void your warranty.

Recommended:

Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent*

Make Your Own Juice Packs, sort of*

ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

The Benefits of Box Tops for Homeschool

 Box Tops for Homeschool?

Can I use Box Tops for homeschool? Wouldn't that be awesome? The answer is yes, but probably not in the way you hope. Homeschoolers can use Box Tops for Education, but the homeschool has to be registered as a 501-C3 organization. So, perhaps a co-op you use, an online academy, or a homeschool that is registered with the state. Click this link to learn more about Box Tops for Homeschoolers. Scroll down for more info on Box Tops for Education. Enjoy!

When shopping at Sam's Club you must try all the samples, and eat in the cafe!

If you aren't familiar with Box Tops, when you see that pink logo on your food, you might wonder, "What is Box Tops for Education?".  As homeschoolers, we participate in Box Tops for Education. The kids love to cut out and collect the little pink logos.

In the past, we sent them to our online homeschool teacher for Connections Academy. This is a great way for schools to earn money to purchase items for the classroom. This year, we'll log into eBoxTops and choose our favorite school.

How to redeem Box Tops for Education for homeschool.

To earn greater rewards quicker, we shop at Sam's Club. Sam's Club offers an online portal to redeem the Box Tops. The eBoxTops redemption is easy, and many of the Box Tops found on the items at Sam's Club are worth more than items that don't come in bulk!

Even better, the kids actually like to shop at Sam's Club. They get to taste samples, and if they behave, I reward them with pizza or ice cream from the Cafe. Jake asked if we could come back once a week!

Want to earn cash for your children’s school? It’s easy!  Over 80,000 participating schools are eligible to receive donations from General Mills® through Box Tops for Education™ (BTFE).  Shop the participating products below at Sam’s Club, and redeem them for your school. Your school earns 10¢ for each Box Top redeemed!

Our favorite brands offer Box Tops for Education.

We get a great value on all of the kids' favorite foods when shopping at Sam's Club. We bought Betty Crocker™ Hershey’s Ultimate Chocolate Brownie Mix, General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Betty Crocker™ Fruit Roll-Ups, Totino’s™ Pizza Rolls (Pepperoni), and Pillsbury™ Mini Pancakes. There are many other options including Yoplait® Original Variety Pack.

Box Tops for education homeschool groups.

Bed head, but happy to eat his favorite breakfast
 of Cinnamon Toast Crunch™ outdoors before school starts.

 #boxtops4education

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of General Mills® . The opinions and text are all mine.

How To Be a Cool Aunt or Uncle

Are you a cool uncle or aunt?

Whether or not you have your own children, being an uncle or aunt is a different experience. Because the parenting duties don’t fall on you, you get to be the cool relative! Here are some tips so your nephews will be in awe of you, and you'll know how to be a cool uncle or aunt!

Gift buying

Gift buying can be difficult, but with the guide on Wicked Uncle, you can find fun toys for your nephew. They simplify gift buying for all age groups. For 0-3, they have suggestions such as the Pull Back Town Vehicles or the Amphibious Remote-Control Car. For older children, their suggestions include Interactive Glow T-shirts and the Bean Boozled Jellybean Challenge. Whatever you decide on is almost certain to gain you the title of favorite aunt or uncle.

Give your Nephew experiences he will cherish

Although many adults look back fondly at memories of their childhood toys, experiences can create happy memories too.

These could be anything from fun days out, such as a local farm or a theme park, a visit to their favorite park with ice cream afterward, an activity such as Segway, or you could join the family on their next vacation. This lets you spend time with your nephew and your sibling and their family while being part of memories your nephew will have when he looks back on family vacations.

Act like a kid sometimes

As an aunt or uncle, you can be relaxed. So, you get to be a little childish sometimes. If your nephew is having a fun dress up party, you can dress in a silly outfit, and perhaps even save money for his parents by being a clown or magician. You don’t need any special skills, and if you get everything wrong, that could be part of your act. Remember, you're the cool uncle!

Alternatively, something simple like a trip to the park could make you more popular with your nephew. You can make playing on the slide or swinging from a climbing frame more fun by joining in. You get to have fun and be a big kid, and he'll think you’re a fun uncle = cool uncle!

Stay up to date with trends

By keeping up to date with the latest trends for boys his age, you will be able to talk about things he enjoys. This could be anything from the latest TV show, band or singer, or a recent video game that everyone his age is talking about. If your nephew is into video games, you could ask to play against him on one of his favorite games. If you’re not great at these games, it doesn’t matter, because he'll be happy to win against you.

Also, just by talking to him, you can find out what he’s interested in, then either ask him more about it or research it later and be able to talk about his interests in detail. He'll like that you understand him.

Being a cool aunt or uncle doesn’t have to be difficult. It can be lots of fun and help you recapture some of your own childhood. So, get out the and be the fun uncle!

 

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