Today is my birthday (and my husband’s birthday.)  With each passing year, things get a bit more stressful, and a little less… celebratory.  Perhaps I’m lacking in motivation, but I’d like to think that I just need a little inspiration.  Thank goodness for these truly amazing, delicious, and simple ways to celebrate all of life’s finer things – compliments of experts from all over the web!  (Now I have no excuses.) 

Like Merchant Ships took party planning to a whole new level with her entire series of photo posts and commentary on how to pull off the best (and most budget-friendly) Lego Birthday Party.  My favorite tip? “Use what you have.”  Bless this woman. 

How to Make LEGO Birthday Party Invitations

LEGO Birthday Decorations from Board Game

LEGO Birthday Parties: Use What You Have

Ultimate LEGO Birthday Party: Cost and Resources 

Amy at Mom Advice not only shares what there is to love about The World’s Greatest Homemade Slushies, but also how they can’t be done without indulging in a bit of sugar.  (Any excuse to make things sweeter is a good one, in my opinion.) 

Cookie monsters and cranberry fans will totally dig this recipe for Red, White, and Blueberry Cookies from Stop and Smell the Chocolate.  What’s really cool about this recipe is that it can be given as a gift, via dry ingredients layered into a pretty glass jar.  (You can even omit the blueberries if you’re feeling extra frugal.) 

How could I even discuss celebrations without mentioning my favorite holiday (Independence Day) and my favorite party food (cake)?  This last link is a selection of 4th of July cakes gone horribly wrong from Cake Wrecks – in full patriotic color!  If you thought your last party cake was a bit off kilter, you have to see these! 

When Moms and Dads stop celebrating because it’s too much of a burden, then we need to stop and examine how things ever got so complicated.  Take some advice from those who seem to have a grasp of simplicity, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.  Parents are a pretty supportive and fun bunch, you know!