A Snowed-In Birthday Party
Last weekend was my daughter's 12th birthday. We had grand plans that involved a day out with our family eating, drinking (soda of course), and being merry. Unfortunately Mother Nature had other plans for us. A couple days before my daughter's birthday we had received almost 20 inches of snowfall, and there was no chance of us going anywhere (or me buying any of the gifts I'd planned on purchasing for her). In a rather panicked frenzy I tweeted about my predicament: "What do I do...help me?", and got a bunch of wonderful responses.
The top suggestion was to create a scavenger hunt, which was perfect (thank you so much everyone)! Then I thought I could take full advantage of the snow by surprising her with a project of making our own (almost) natural snow cone syrup (she loves anything involving cooking, and snow for that matter). I made a secretive list and then we bundled up and trekked to our two local grocery stores with empty backpacks on our backs. At the first store I made her wait up near the front for a minute and ran down a couple isles where I was able to pick up candy (for the scavenger hunt), party streamers (they had all the colors she was wishing for - yay) some candles, and neon food coloring (she is a kid after all). At the next store I again ducked down the isles and picked up ice cream, cream soda (her favorite), natural drink mix (kind of like kool-aid, but without the chemicals), and then got some $5 bills to also hide in the scavenger hunt.
To make it feel more festive (and age appropriate) I decorated an aqua desk with streamers at both ends and then wrapped the top in some pretty wrapping paper. Streamers were hung above and one of my coffee filter pom poms hung down above the table for an added touch.
Fortunately my daughter already had two pink trays (I didn't think to pick up any festive paper plates), so I used them on the table as our dishes for breakfast.
Yum! Everything tastes better with striped paper straws!
The scavenger hunt began with a clue inside this striped box. Treat bags were filled with gum balls as party "favors."
Here's all the loot my daughter received from her scavenger hunt (the little boxes on the left held some of her prizes). She also found candy at every clue. Some of the prizes were $5 bills and others were "tickets" for larger gifts (the things I couldn't buy because of the storm).
A newly-minted 12 year old and one of our favorite party guests!
Thanks for taking a peek at our party...and a big huge hug to all of you on Twitter who helped me out with your brilliant ideas! xo Ez
30 Lovely Comments | Email Article | found in About Me / My Shops, D.I.Y. + Projects, Weddings + Events Print Article | Share This | 
| by Ez Friday, February 11, 2011 
Reader Comments (30)
For being stuck you did a great job. It all looks so pretty!
You two are SO fabulous! This is ridiculously cute. As a kid (& even now) I'd totally prefer a snowed in birthday party of your this magnitude to anything else...You are such a great mom!
xoxo
So sweet! I love the scavenger hunt idea... perfect!
ooh! how fun! what a lucky girl...a birthday party she'll never forget, im sure!
you're like, the coolest mom ever! you're daughter is so lucky to have someone like you. happy birthday to her!
Looking gorgeous, birthday girl! So glad I got to meet you while you were here! (and hi Ez!)
I absolutely LOVE this idea and the way you shared it with us. Sometimes it's really fun to work with what we have "on hand." The universe truly is abundant and we have so much. A little intervention on the part of Mother Nature can help us connect with that. Congrats on your daughter's 12th. Next year she's a TEENAGER. EEEK! My granddaughter becomes one of those in just a couple of months!
good job momma!
the party turned out so well! i loved all the little details you did. what a way to make a party out of being snowed it. you're an awesome mom. :)
tiffany {SMM}
Wow...congratulations! the birthday sounds and looks great, you did such a great job very creative but that's no suprise!
You're a wonderful mother!
LOVED THIS!!!!!
....i knew you would do something FABULOUS!!! YAY!!!
You are such an amazing Mom, Ez! Your sweet daughter is going to have so many fun and special memories to recall when she grows up. :0) xoxo
Oh thank you so much everyone! You all are the sweetest! Hope you guys have a fabulous weekend! xo Ez
So adorable! Glad it all turned out well. :)
Cutest party ever! And to think this was a back up plan! Looks perfect and I'm sure your daughter loved every minute of it!!!
oh you did such an awesome job! that scavenger hunt looks amazing. happy birthday to your young lady :D
Ez, this is the best birthday EVER! I can't believe it was an impromptu plan. Your daughter is so lucky to have you as a mom. I want this party and I'm almost three times her age!!
You're a sweet and wonderful mother! You're daughter is going to remember this birthday for a long time!
You are an amazing mother, and your daughter is beautiful! What a lovely birthday.. :)
Oh my goodness, you're awesome, Ez! xoxo
What a sweet and special party. I know you two created memories you'll treasure forever.
Happy, happy birthday to your sweet girl. You sure made it beautiful for her.
wow. this looks all sooooo beautiful. and the colors are all beautiful too. pink is my favorite color. and i guess you´re daughter was so happy about all those beautiful things you made for her... looks lovely. :)
have a lovely day! and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your daugther afterwards.
xoxo, pink lady <3
Awww, your daughter is very Fortunate indeed! to have such a loving and creative, fun mother!!!
<3